K
Tuesday Edition At least 111 killed AIETEUR NEWS after powerful earthquake hits western Colombia 18 August 11, 2026 - Vol. 19 No. 32
Online: www.kaieteurnews.com Online Price $200 readership
Guyana’s largest selling daily & New York’s most popular weekly
PAGE
yesterday, 53,716
Former Guyanese should be Finance Minister: outraged over Govt’s
silence on 50% profits
now due to country
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8
...urges opposition to press for answers
Friends killed in Eversham smash-up PAGE
12
Daniel Vanek Singh
Woman found dead at Tuschen home Murdered: Sonia Wilson Calls mount in Trinidad for probe into CCJ ...lawyers demand urgent investigation into allegations surrounding court's administration
The vehicle involved in the fatal accident
Admeer Pooran
Australian firm begins drilling at massive Reg. 7 gold project
Guyana’s oil take could ...as ExxonMobil recovered its triple full investment - opposition leader
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Australian firm begins drilling at massive Reg. 7 gold project Australian firm, Altair Minerals Limited has commenced drilling at one of the four targets at its massive gold project located in Region Seven (CuyuniMazaruni). The announcement made on Monday outlines that diamond drilling commenced at the North Peters (NP) target, following the launch of the company's fully funded 75,000 metre exploration programme for the Greater Oko Gold Project which spans approximately 428 square kilometres (km²) of contiguous mining lands. Greater Oko is twice the
Tuesday August 11, 2026
Kaieteur News
combined size of every active gold project in Guyana. The Greater Oko has positioned Altair as the “most dominant explorer” in Guyana. The project area consists of four advanced targets: South Oko (SOKO), North Peters (NP), Old Granny (OG) and Kmung (KM). Altair's initial exploration work is focusing on North Peters and SOKO. The company disclosed that Reverse Circulation (RC) drilling at North Peters is expected to commence next week, while RC drilling at SOKO is expected to commence later this month.
A third drill rig expected to commence RC drilling at SOKO this month. Altair said its robust cash balance, expansion of camps, logistics and personnel across Greater Oko has allowed the company to retain the flexibility to introduce two additional drill rigs during the fourth quarter of 2026. According to Altair, Phase1 at North Peters is focused on validating the known mineralisation, improving the geological and structural model. The company noted that subject to the results from Phase 1, the second drill phase will
focus on scalability, through expanding the mineralised footprint and testing larger extensional targets. It explained that Phase 1 drilling will encapsulate approximately 22,600 metre of diamond drilling and Reverse Circulation drilling and will consists of 5,600 metre diamond and 2,000 metre RC drilling at North Peters, along with 15,000 metre s RC drilling at SOKO. Moreover, Altair noted that historic diamond drilling at North Peters has identified broad and locally high-grade mineralisation over approximately 650 metre of strike, but has not adequately resolved the continuity, geometry, or structural controls of the system. As such, the 5,600 metre Phase 1 diamond programme at North Peters is designed to test the continuity and geometry of the broad historic mineralisation; validate historic mineralised zones, test the interpreted relationship between mineralisation, the sheared intrusive contact and also establish an updated geological and structural model to guide extensional drilling. Further, new diamond core and assay information will be integrated with the Altair's ongoing relogging, remapping, and remodelling of the historic dataset. The commencement of diamond drilling at North Peters marks the first active drilling stage of an aggressive and continual drill programme Altair will embark on over the next 18 months. Altair said this represents a significant milestone in its execution of the fully funded 75,000 metre exploration programme. Altair Chief Executive Officer (CEO) Faheem Ahmed described the commencement of drilling as a major milestone for the company. “It is my pleasure to report that Altair has
Diamond Drill Rig and Dozer arrival at North Peters
Altair Chief Executive Officer (CEO) Faheem Ahmed commenced its maiden diamond drilling program at Greater Oko, marking the first active drilling stage of our fully funded continuous 75,000 metre exploration campaign over the next 18 months,” Ahmed said. He said despite a challenging and extended wet season, the company had continued to advance access, logistics and exploration preparation to allow for the execution of a large-scale drilling programme. Ahmed said the drilling programme would help define the high-grade structural controls and geological features at North Peters, which could then be used to identify similar features elsewhere across the project. “Although NP already presents an exceptional high-grade footprint in itself, we believe what we are currently looking at within North Peters, is a satellite to a larger host,” he said. “With drilling underway at North Peters and SOKO expected to follow shortly, in parallel with regional target generation, Altair is entering a sustained period of drilling, results, and high-impact catalysts across Greater Oko. This is a major turning point in Altair's exploration journey, and we believe the next 18-months will become a defining moment for the Company,” Ahmed said Kaieteur News reported that the Australian explorer entered into an agreement with Guyanese company Adamantium Exploration Inc. that allows it to expand
its landholdings in the Oko district to 3,500 square kilometres. Last year, the company acquired the right to earn-in up to 70% interest in the Greater Oko Project. After nine months of negotiations, Altair was able to enter into a binding heads of agreement in August 2025 with Adamantium, a company that is owned by the Alphonso family. Altair is the third explorer to enter the Oko corridor, following Canadian mining firms G Mining Ventures (GMIN) and G2 Goldfields. South Oko is positioned 1.5 km south of Oko West project which is owned by GMIN. Altair had outlined that GMIN and G2's exploration success has already validated the untapped potential, establishing multiple tier-1 discoveries made from grassroot exploration campaigns. It added that GMIN's and G2's results achieved within a small fraction of the project area validate the potential for multi-million-ounce discoveries. Altair has previously described Greater Oko as having the potential to become its “company maker” and one of the largest gold exploration projects in both Guyana and the wider Guiana Shield. This publication also reported that Altair on its website, painted Guyana as the “last truly pro-mining” and politically stable country within the Guiana Shield. It also highlighted that Guyana mining areas host geology similar that of West African countries. Altair explained that Guyana's mining lands consists of the same Birimian Greenstone Belt that has underpinned worldclass gold discoveries across West Africa, including in Ghana, Ivory Coast, and Burkina Faso. Altair noted however, that unlike extensive exploration in the African nations, Guyana remains significantly underexplored.
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Tuesday August 11, 2026
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Guyana’s oil take could ...as ExxonMobil recovered its triple full investment - opposition leader Leader of the Opposition, Azruddin Mohamed is pressing the Government of Guyana (GoG) on the US$55B in costs recovered by ExxonMobil which he says is likely to increase Guyana's 12.5% profit share by at least three times. In a video statement, leader of the We Invest in Nationhood (WIN) party, argued that the announcement made on July 31 by ExxonMobil is tantamount to a significant turning point for Guyana where 58% of the population lives in poverty. Mohamed explained that the recovery of costs by the American oil major means the country should now enjoy a larger share of profit generated by the consortium. He however noted that Guyanese learned of this information through a private company rather than its government as he questioned the reason for silence by Vice President Bharrat Jagdeo who is tasked
with managing the petroleum sector. Mohamed called for a clear explanation by the GoG on what the recovery of costs mean for Guyana. He questioned, “What percentage of our oil production will now go towards cost recovery? What costs remain recoverable? How much additional profit will Guyana receive from oil? What are the government's revenue projections for the remainder of 2026, 2027, and beyond? And as new projects and new costs are added, how will those costs affect Guyana's share?” The opposition leader informed the nation that sources within the Ministry of Natural Resources have explained that Guyana's profit share will move from 12.5% to three times the value. The businessman said, “Let me give you an example. Let's say we are producing 920,000 barrels of oil per day; that means in a month we will be producing
Leader of the Opposition, Azruddin Mohamed 27,600,000 barrels per month. And before, we would receive 12.5% profit oil and 2% in royalties from that amount, giving us 4,002,000 barrels multiplied by the average of 80 USD, that's 320,160,000 USD per month. Now, if we receive three times more we could receive 12,006,000 barrels. At an average of 80 USD per barrel, that equates to 960,480,000 USD (per month).”
Over $23 million in credits awarded for 2025 - PUC Report The Public Utilities Commission 2025 Report revealed that a total of $23,359,258 in credit was awarded to consumers in 2025, following complaints to the commission. The amount covered adjustments to bills, penalties for breach of service standards and reimbursement for undelivered services. “Credits were applied to the accounts of 13 consumers who had filed their complaints in the previous year and had their matters resolved in 2025. This brought the total credits applied to consumer accounts in 2025 to $23,359,258,” the report said. Giving a break down by utility companies, GPL dished out $9,391,779, while GWI $135,240. One Communications returned $678,209 to customers, taking that total to $10,205,22. Meanwhile the 2024 report showed the total awarded for that year was
$13, 810,338 benefitting 111 consumers. “In 2024, a total of $7,523,891 was awarded to consumers who filed complaints with the commission for compensation for damages, billing adjustments, penalties for breach of service standards and reimbursements for undelivered services,” it said. There were also additional credit
adjustments and compensation which were awarded to cases prior which were resolved in 2024. In addition, credit adjustments and compensation were awarded to prior cases resolved in 2024. This brought the total credit awarded for the year to $13, 810,338. By company, GPL took the lead with $ 5,998,986, GWI with $730,225 and OneComm with $794,680.
Although billions are currently flowing into the Natural Resource Fund (NRF), the leader questioned whether Guyanese are becoming wealthier. “What does US$4 billion sitting in the Natural Resource Fund mean to a single mother who cannot afford groceries? What does record oil production mean to a public servant whose salary cannot keep pace with the cost of living? What does one of the fastest-growing economies in the world mean to a family without reliable electricity, potable water, or a proper road? This is the contradiction we must confront,” he urged. F u r t h e r, M o h a m e d pointed out available statistics show 58% of the country lives in poverty as he questioned whether the oil boom was improving the lives of citizens. He argued, “A country can become extraordinarily wealthy while its citizens remain poor. GDP can rise. Oil production can rise. Government revenues can rise. The Natural Resource Fund can rise. But if household incomes, living standards, and access to basic services do not rise with them, then we cannot call that development.”
The opposition leader noted that the MV Barima tragedy exposed this contradiction in the most painful way- a country earning billions of USdollars from oil yet when confronted with a national tragedy, no emergency preparedness response could be activated, as families still search for their loved ones, while others were denied a proper burial. Mohamed stressed that this is precisely why Guyana must guard against the resource curse. “Oil wealth cannot simply produce impressive economic statistics, bigger government budgets, massive contracts, and greater wealth for the PPP. It must improve the lives of ordinary Guyanese,” he insisted. The WIN leader said this means better wages, roads, healthcare and education, reliable electricity, clean water, affordable housing, properly equipped emergency services and opportunities for young people. Mohamed argued, “The oil is the people's resource, and the government is merely its custodian. We must be able to trace the transformation from oil wealth to household wealth. If billions are entering the
country while ordinary people continue struggling to afford basic necessities, then something is fundamentally wrong with the distribution of our national wealth.” He concluded that Guyana's success must not be measured by how rich the country looks on paper but by how well Guyanese are living. As such, he called on VP Jagdeo to address the nation on the country's wealth. In a previous interview w i t h t h i s n e w s p a p e r, Mohamed said government must inform the nation what percent of oil revenue will now flow into NRF. On Friday, Kaieteur News reported that the operator confirmed US$55B in costs have been paid off using Guyana's oil. In keeping with the 2016 Production Sharing Agreement (PSA), Exxon was allowed to take out 75% of oil produced monthly to cover its expenses. The remaining 25% was shared with Guyana as profits. Now that the oil companies have recovered its investments, Guyana is now expected to enjoy 50% of the oil produced in the Stabroek Block, after operational expenses are met.
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Tuesday August 11, 2026
Kaieteur News Printed and Published by National Media & Publishing Company Ltd. 24 Saffon Street, Charlestown, Georgetown, Guyana. Publisher: DR. GLENN LALL - TEL: 624-6456 Editor-In-Chief: NIGEL WILLIAMS Tel: 225-8465, 225-8491. Fax: 225-8473, 226-8210
EDITORIAL
CCJ — Gate
If this is where the Caribbean Court of Justice (CCJ) is, where is the region? In the context of explosive disclosures, particularly one that relates to an attempt to influence a decision that could have far-reaching implications at the national level here, where does that leave Guyana? The CCJ is seen as the last fortress, inside of which justice could be found. Considering the damaging nature of those leaked emails, Guyanese may be left wondering if the CCJ is now an avenue that is so irreparably tainted that it cannot be looked upon as a trusted partner in the search for justice. Despite an expression from the Court itself about a commitment to judicial independence and integrity, there is no way that public confidence has not been injured. We at this publication do not condone “dictatorial leadership”, but can make allowance for it in the context of high-pressure environments. However, that allegation pales in significance before claims of ‘panel manipulation’ and efforts to ‘influence judicial opinions.’ Those are allegations that would stop most reasonable citizens dead in their tracks, because the consequences of both can lead to much uncertainty at best, and an irrecoverable loss of confidence in the regional apex court. Notwithstanding the quick reassurances of the Court itself in the Trinidad Express and Sunday Express, about adherence to the United Nations Bangalore Principles of Judicial Conduct, the region finds itself in the worst of places: a situation where every ruling of the CCJ comes under the sharpest scrutiny and second-guessing. In other words, was this or that decision of the CCJ based on the facts and the law, as honestly interpreted, or was there more to it? We note with alarm the allegation about ‘panel manipulation’ and ask with what outcome in mind. To take that risk among learned colleagues, and at that elevation, speaks of an arrogance that borders on matchless. What could be involved that such a move was allegedly made, with the expectation that it would not be detected? We could not help but seeing a connection between “dictatorial leadership” and panel manipulation, as alleged. It has to be this way, and when rebuffed, the pressure to fall in line only grew in intensity. What gives these allegations a distinctive coloring is that five of six sitting judges of the CCJ had made clear their objections to what they regarded as improper and unacceptable. Five of six carries a huge amount of heft, as opposed to one or two out of six. It is either they are all given to overreaction, or they are calling out an environment as it stood, one that became intolerable. How does the Court tell five of six of its own judges that they have all got it wrong? There is appreciation for the Court’s representations, as expressed in the Trinidad media, relative to context, the nature of judicial deliberations, and collegial discussions, among other helpful points. However, it stretches belief that five of six sitting judges could be so ignorant of context, or thin-skinned, that they wrote those emails, with one judge describing the environment as “toxic.” In the corporate world that is a strong word. In the world of jurisprudence, it is more than dangerous. Reference was made in the emails to attempts to influence the outcome of Guyana’s Opposition Leader, Azruddin Mohamed’s extradition matter. We find this to be most troubling, for it can go deep and far. If accurate, it has the potential to impact, if not dramatically change, the history of this country. Quite reasonably, different groups in Guyana’s political opposition have reacted with outrage, with each delivering their own verbal broadsides in condemnation. Which political group stands to benefit when Opposition Leader Mohamed does not enjoy the best of fairness before the CCJ’s Bar? To this end, the manner of the departure of Guyana’s former acting chancellor of the judiciary, with a CCJ presence in Guyana, now does more than raise questions. It reopens concerns about interference in Guyana’s processes, and leaves a bad odor both here and at the CCJ itself, given the one common denominator. We believe that an independent and credible investigation is vital. We cannot believe that this has happened.
We need officials who prefer making an honest living DEAR EDITOR, The longer the delay and the more extensive the charade, our people will raise new questions concerning the Mahdia tragedy. Numerous warning signs, inspector reports ignored by officials, an account of the concerns laying on a minister’s desk, a completed CoI, and no official charged with criminal negligence nor manslaughter. Only a minister transferred to a new post for what many see as a move to help remove the shame of incompetence and mismanagement while a teenager bears the brunt of the punishment. This all seems far too familiar, and the inaction seen today with yet another major tragedy leaves the public extremely skeptical that justice will be served. The opposition has been sidelined in the process, and honest public servants are being tarnished due to their association with those who have gained a reputation for dishonest business dealings. The public outcry for justice increases and those in a position to
appease the calls for justice continue with business as usual as though nothing wrong has happened or is happening within their party. We need those who want to make an honest living in government to retake the helm of leadership. When it becomes easy to do wrong without fear of consequences many bad things happen across the land. The weak and the poor suffer, and those who were supposed to protect the poor become their enemies and oppressors. We must return to the party of Dr. Jagan. We must return to the purpose laid out by the good doctor. Those that are committed to his purpose must speak up and not let the those who seek only wealth for themselves destroy a party that was built upon good morals, good principles, and good values. It is time for us to shift back to what had made the party of the workers great. We must put the wellbeing of our people and our nation at the forefront of our efforts and
actions. We must value the lives of our citizens above all other considerations. The Chinese ambassador said it well when she spoke of the Communist Party of China (CPC). She said, “The CPC fights corruption with a zero-tolerance attitude. The CPC stresses that Party discipline is no small matter. Party members and officials must not only set an example in obeying national laws. They must also strictly follow Party discipline”. Whether we are communist, socialist, or capitalist, we must fight corruption and ensure that all officials obey the law. The practice of avoiding holding those within the party or political class who break the law accountable must come to an end. If accountability remains lacking lawlessness, violence, corruption, and tragedy will become more prevalent across the land. The PPP needs new leadership. Guyana needs new leadership. Sincerely, Mr. Jamil Changlee
The opposition has become background noise DEAR EDITOR, An opposition that mistakes constant reaction for strategy is not preparing to govern. It is performing. If your politics consists mainly of bad-talking the PPP, repeating “corruption” until it loses meaning, and hoping public frustration somehow converts itself into votes, then you do not have a serious political program. You have background noise. That is the problem. The Opposition rarely presents a coherent alternative, a disciplined policy agenda, or visible long-term organising in communities, among workers, farmers, youth, Indigenous peoples, or vulnerable groups. Where are the counterbudgets, the serious policy papers, the sustained civic projects, the investigations, the shadow planning, and the evidence of readiness to govern? Criticism alone is
not strategy. It appears they have learned nothing from the massive infiltration and every level and poor management that lead to the demise of the PNC. Or maybe is it that the same Russian they blamed in 2020 for stealing the elections has stolen the credibility of the opposition too. Noise may attract attention, but it does not build confidence, inspire a country, or persuade people that a serious alternative exists. Even more puzzling is the constant tagging of the ABCEU countries in social media posts, as though diplomacy is a schoolyard exercise and foreign missions are waiting to descend and rescue the political opposition from its own political weakness. What is the strategy here? Does the leader of the
Beyond the noise DEAR EDITOR, Whenever a regional ferry suffers an engine failure or a close call at sea, a predictable public spectacle follows. Town hall meetings grow heated, headlines splash warnings across local front pages, and political officials issue urgent press statements. For a few weeks, public discourse is dominated by the issue. Yet when the media
attention dies down, a dangerous misconception often lingers: that raising a loud alarm is the same as solving the problem. In maritime transit, demanding safety is far more than making noise—it requires the quiet, unglamorous, and expensive work of structural accountability. Sincerely, Daniel Singh
opposition believe these countries do not already u n d e r s t a n d G u y a n a ’s politics, power networks, and strategic importance? Or is this simply another performance for supporters? He may be surprised that they know more than he thinks they know and certainly more than he knows. Meaningful political relationships are built through seriousness, consistency, credibility, and long-term engagement, not by digital grandstanding. An opposition leader that cannot distinguish between diplomacy and public pleading reveals political immaturity, weak instincts, and a troubling lack of
strategic depth. Guyana needs more than anti-PPP rhetoric. We’ve heard it all and today the PPP still stands, perhaps stronger and more united than it has ever been. The opposition is just about attacking, criticising and “bad talking” it is about doing real political work, including working with government agencies and leaders. An opposition without a vision, discipline, o rg a n i s a t i o n , a n d t h e maturity to offer the country something other than paid protestors, criticism and allegations of corruption is background noise. Sincerely, Rawle A. Small
Mings & Tings DEAR EDITOR, Congratulations to Stanley and Michelle Ming on 35+ years of running a successful and inspirational business ... you both have so much to be proud of. Starting any business in Guyana in the early 90s was bold and challenging. You successfully persevered and diversified into the illustrious “institution” MPS is today. I started a fire and safety equipment business in early 1994, operating out of my car and my small flat. Stanley was kind enough to rent me a container in his Urquhart St. premises. This was my 1st storage and service center. We later moved to a larger location, and I will always be eternally grateful for his interest and accommodation in our formative days. I fondly remember Stanley, Mr. Ming (Cyril), Mr. Sulieman, Michelle and Audrey being so supportive even after we moved. Calvin and John, best wishes in your new positions. I’m sure you will be expertly guided and supported. Always remember to keep the ‘bulb burning brightly. Sincerely, Mark da Silva
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Tuesday August 11, 2026
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Building communities that are mentally well, resilient and environmentally responsible DEAR EDITOR, Mindful Guyana Inc. welcomes the Government of Guyana’s publicly announced initiative concerning the development of “model communities” and, of course, the ongoing consultations taking place across the country’s regions. We believe that any initiative that seeks to improve the quality of life of Guyanese citizens deserves serious consideration and meaningful public discussion. We also welcome the decision to engage communities through consultations. Listening to citizens before designing programmes that affect their communities is an important principle of good governance. At the same time, as an organisation concerned with mental wellness, community wellbeing and environmental stewardship, we believe there is an important question that should be placed squarely on the national agenda: Can Guyana, with its extraordinary cultural, geographical, environmental and social diversity, realistically define a single concept of a “model community”? We respectfully suggest that this question deserves careful consideration before the government settles on a framework for assessing communities. Guyana’s communities are shaped by very different circumstances.
A densely populated urban community has challenges that are different from those of a coastal agricultural village. A riverine community faces different realities from a mining settlement. An Indigenous community has cultural, historical and environmental considerations that cannot necessarily be applied to a suburban community on the coast. Also, our communities differ in their social structures, traditions, economic activities, environmental vulnerabilities, access to public services and relationships with the natural environment. Consequently, what constitutes a successful and healthy community in one location may not necessarily be the appropriate measure for another. This raises an important question: What exactly would make a community a “model” community, and who determines the model? If the answer is based primarily on a set of centrally determined indicators, then, there is a risk that communities will be judged according to their conformity to a predetermined standard rather than their ability to respond effectively to their own circumstances. And that would be unfortunate. We hold the view, that, the objective of community development should not be to make every community look and function alike. It should be to
ensure that every community has the opportunity, resources and institutional support to provide its residents with a safe, healthy, dignified and sustainable quality of life. Again, from the perspective of Mindful Guyana Inc., there is another dimension that deserves much greater attention that it is presently accorded: mental wellness. A community is more than its roads, drains, buildings and physical infrastructure. A community is also the environment in which people experience belonging, safety, connection, dignity, opportunity and hope. We should therefore be cautious about defining a successful community solely by its physical appearance or infrastructure. It is practically true that a community can have beautifully maintained streets and public spaces while residents experience social isolation, unemployment, insecurity, family stress, substance misuse, violence or a lack of meaningful opportunities for young people. Conversely, communities with limited physical resources may possess strong social networks, cultural traditions, community leadership and a remarkable capacity for mutual support. A genuinely healthy community must address both the physical and
psychosocial environment. Government’s community development framework should therefore consider issues such as social connectedness, opportunities for recreation, safe spaces for children and young people, community participation, inclusion of older persons and vulnerable groups, access to mental-health and psychosocial support, and opportunities for residents to contribute meaningfully to decisions affecting their lives. Again, these are not luxuries; they are essential components of community wellbeing. Also, mental wellness is closely connected to the physical environment in which people live. The quality of our surroundings can influence stress, safety, social interaction, physical activity and our sense of pride and belonging. Poor drainage, unmanaged garbage, polluted waterways, abandoned spaces, excessive noise, inadequate recreational areas and unsafe public spaces can contribute to an environment in which people feel neglected and disconnected. On the other hand, clean and accessible public spaces, trees and greenery, recreational areas, safe walking routes, healthy waterways and well-maintained neighbourhoods can encourage physical activity, social interaction and a greater sense of connection to place.
This is why environmental stewardship should not be treated as a separate issue from mental wellness. A healthy environment and a mentally healthy community reinforce each other. The environmental dimension is particularly important in Guyana. Our communities exist within very different ecological settings. Coastal communities face flooding, drainage and sea-level-related vulnerabilities. Hinterland communities may have different challenges involving forests, rivers, mining, transportation and access to services. Communities also have different relationships with land and natural resources. An environmental standard therefore needs to be national in its ambition but sufficiently flexible to reflect local realities. Rather than asking whether a community looks like a “model community,” government could ask whether the community is becoming more environmentally responsible and resilient. Are residents participating in keeping their surroundings clean? Are waterways being protected? Is waste being properly managed? Are public spaces being maintained? Are communities prepared for flooding and other environmental hazards? Continued on page 6
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Tuesday August 11, 2026
Building communities that are... From page 5 Are young people being engaged in environmental education? Are development decisions taking the long-term health of the community and its environment into account? These are more meaningful questions. Mindful Guyana Inc. therefore respectfully recommends that the Government reconsider the concept of a “Model Community Programme” and instead establish a Healthy, Resilient and Sustainable Communities Framework. Under such a framework, government would establish broad national objectives while allowing communities to determine their own priorities. The framework could be built around several interconnected pillars: 1. Physical wellbeing Safe water, sanitation, housing, roads, drainage, healthcare, recreation and other essential services. 2. Mental and social wellbeing Social connection, community safety, youth engagement, inclusion, psychosocial support, meaningful participation and opportunities for residents to develop a sense of belonging. 3. Environmental stewardship Waste management, protection of waterways and natural areas, green spaces, climate resilience, disaster preparedness and responsible use of natural resources. 4. Economic wellbeing Employment, entrepreneurship, skills development and opportunities for sustainable livelihoods. 5. Community participation and governance Residents should have a meaningful role in determining priorities, implementing initiatives and evaluating progress. Most importantly, communities should establish their own locally appropriate development targets within national standards. There is nothing wrong with government identifying successful practices and sharing them across the country. For example, if one
community develops an excellent wastemanagement programme, another establishes an effective youth initiative, another creates a successful community garden, and another develops a strong flood-resilience programme, those experiences should be documented and shared. But we should distinguish between a model practice and a model community. A successful initiative in one community can inspire another without suggesting that the entire community itself is a template that everyone else must follow. The measure should be progress. Government could establish baseline indicators and then assess whether each community is improving against its own circumstances and agreed priorities. This would allow us to celebrate communities for the progress they make rather than ranking them according to how closely they resemble a centrally determined ideal. The ongoing regional consultations provide an excellent opportunity to have this conversation. However, Mindful Guyana Inc. encourages the Government to use these consultations not merely to determine which communities should become “models,” but to ask a deeper question: What does a healthy, resilient and sustainable community look like from the perspective of the people who live there? The answers will undoubtedly differ. And that is precisely the point. Guyana’s diversity is not a problem to be standardised away. It is one of our country’s greatest strengths. Therefore, our goal should not be to create communities that are identical. Our goal should be to create communities where people can live safely, connect with one another, maintain their mental and physical wellbeing, preserve their cultural identity, participate in decisions affecting their lives, and live in harmony with their environment. That is a much more ambitious, and ultimately more meaningful, vision than the creation of “model communities.” Mindful Guyana Inc. therefore encourages the Government, civil society, community organisations, environmental groups, mental-health professionals and, most importantly, residents themselves to broaden the national conversation. Let us move from model communities to healthy communities; from standardisation to local empowerment; from measuring appearance to measuring wellbeing; and from development alone to sustainable human and environmental development. If we get this right, we will not have a handful of “model communities.” We will have a Guyana in which every community is supported to become healthier, more resilient, more inclusive and more sustainable on its own terms. Yours faithfully, Royston King Chairman Mindful Guyana Inc.
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Tuesday August 11, 2026
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Calls mount in Trinidad for probe ...lawyers demand urgent investigation into into CCJ allegations surrounding court's administration T
he Assembly of Central Legal Practitioners (ACLP) is calling for an immediate investigation into concerns surrounding the administration of the Caribbean Court of Justice (CCJ), warning that the matter could undermine public confidence in the regional court if it is not addressed quickly and thoroughly. ACLP chairman Kiel Taklalsingh made the call after reading a communication among CCJ judges reported in the Sunday Express, which he said raised serious concerns about the administration of the court and possible attempts to influence judicial decisions. Taklalsingh said he was left with “a sense of foreboding concern” after
reading the communication, which he said appeared to raise questions about the manner in which the court was being administered. “The communication tends to demonstrate the potential for dictatorial administration of the court,” Taklalsingh said. He added that it “perhaps demonstrates improper attempts to influence the decisions of certain judges”. Taklalsingh said the concerns were particularly troubling because of the importance of judicial independence to the functioning of the CCJ and the wider Caribbean legal system. “Anyone who has practised law in Trinidad and Tobago will know that Justice Jamadar is a fiercely independent judge. He is intellectually sound and, in
ACLP Chairman Kiel Taklalsingh
his own right, a champion of t h e r u l e o f l a w, ” ” Taklalsingh said. He said the concerns raised in the reported communication could not simply be allowed to remain
unresolved. Taklalsingh called on Caribbean prime ministers and the Caribbean
Community (Caricom) to initiate an investigation into the matters raised. “Having seen and read what has been written, I have to call upon the Prime Ministers of the Caribbean and Caricom as a whole to launch an immediate investigation into these matters,” he said. He said any investigation should be conducted promptly, thoroughly and transparently to help restore confidence in the court. Taklalsingh said the CCJ had worked over the years to build public trust and had the potential to become the final or apex court for Caribbean territories. He warned that the concerns now being raised could undermine that
progress if they were not properly addressed. “The unfortunate thing is that the Caribbean Court of Justice has been doing good work to inspire trust and confidence among Caribbean people in the court, to eventually become the final or apex court for all Caribbean territories,” he said. Ta k l a l s i n g h s a i d allowing the matter to remain unresolved could have consequences beyond the immediate concerns involving the court. “If this problem is not dealt with thoroughly, if it is allowed to fester, unfortunately all of the hard work that the CCJ has done in the past will go to waste,” he said. (Trinidad Express)
Op-Ed: Reject the expansion
U.S. tightens visa scrutiny of a government monopoly over unpaid medical bills By Rawle Lucas
The United States Embassy in Guyana on Monday issued an advisory warning persons reapplying for visitor's visas that they must provide proof that any medical bills incurred during previous treatment in the United States have been paid in full.The embassy said applicants must submit evidence that “all medical bills from your treatment have been paid in full” and that they did not use U.S. public insurance programmes, such as Medicaid, to cover the cost of their care.“Make sure to gather these documents ahead of time to help ensure a smooth visa application process,” the embassy advised.Providing further clarity in response to questions in the comments section of its post, the embassy explained t h a t U . S . immigration laws consider whether an applicant is likely to become a “public charge,” meaning primarily dependent on the U.S. government for support. “As a visitor, you're expected to have sufficient funds to cover your trip, including any medical care you may need. If you rely on U.S. public benefits for long-term subsistence or institutional care, this could affect future visa applications if it suggests you lacked the resources to support your stay as represented,” the embassy said.The embassy is also encouraging travellers to purchase travel insurance before visiting the United States to ensure that they are covered in the event of a medical emergency. Going further, the embassy clarified that emergency medical treatment would still be provided to persons whose lives are at risk.
“To be clear: the U.S. government will always ensure emergency medical care is provided to someone whose life is at risk. That is a matter of law and basic human decency,” it said. However, the embassy stressed that Medicaid is not an entitlement for visitors. “Medicaid eligibility is generally limited to U.S. citizens and certain qualified categories of immigrants; nonimmigrant visitors are not eligible for standard Medicaid coverage,” it explained. The embassy noted that visitors experiencing a true medical emergency may receive stabilising treatment under federal law, which requires emergency rooms to treat lifethreatening conditions regardless of a patient's ability to pay. It stressed, however, that such emergency treatment is separate from standard Medicaid benefits intended for eligible U.S. residents and is not meant to cover ongoing or non-emergency care.The embassy warned that if a visa holder travels to the United States without adequate funds or insurance and relies on the U.S. healthcare safety net to cover medical bills, that pattern could be considered in future visa applications. This could be particularly relevant to travellers who “habitually depend on U.S. public resources rather than their own means,” the embassy said. “Purchasing travel insurance before your trip is the responsible way to ensure you're covered without relying on U.S. taxpayers,” it added.
I
learnt that the government plans to start selling bottled water through Guyana Water Inc (GWI). This might look like a good idea to some, but it comes as nothing more than a contradiction to good governance and economic reasoning and should be rejected outright. Government monopolies have always been inefficient, and this will not change just because GWI wants to cover for something it should already be doing. This position is encouraged by evidence that already exists from experience of dealing with government owned monopolies, and particularly GWI's demonstrated poor performance. The experience of GUYSUCO stands out as a reason not to encourage the expansion of a government monopoly. Contrary to the claims of the government, GUYSUCO has made no contribution to the GDP of this country since 2011. It is not surprising that the independent auditors cannot describe the company as a going concern. Yet, the government persists in its delusions. It might be paying out money to workers and others, but it gets nothing in return. Using labour cost as a
Rawle Lucas
guide, GUYSUCO lost 51 cents on every dollar it spent on its workers in 2024. To rub salt on the wound, by selling sugar overseas, it is subsidizing foreign consumers. Guyanese should not think for a minute that GWI would be any better. It is a government monopoly that supplies water to the nation through pipelines. Neighbourhoods across this country can attest to the contention that GWI has not discharged its responsibility well. Its service is poor and ineffective. Just like GUYSUCO, GWI lost 27 cents on every dollar it spent on labour cost last year. Why should Guyanese believe that it would do better at a second line of business? Splitting focus like this will only make things worse with the first line of business. Then, there is GPL. It is
another government monopoly that is still unable to get things right as is the case with Georgetown Public Hospital Corporation. Transport and Harbours Department also operates a monopoly water transport service on behalf of the government. Despite having access to billions of dollars like the others, that entity had to wait for a tragedy to understand how serious its transport business was and for the powers that be to distance themselves from accountability. In the face of the failures of all its monopolies, Guyanese should discourage the government from going ahead with the investment plan. Silence will only embolden the government. If the government felt it needed money, it should have left the G$200 charge to use the harbour bridge.
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Tuesday August 11, 2026
Guyanese should be outraged over Govt., Opposition silence on 50% profits now due to country - Former Finance Minister G
uyana is now entitled to a larger share of the resources being generated offshore but instead of government providing full disclosure on what the recovery of Exxon's investments means for the nation, citizens continue to be left in the dark while the opposition appears caught up in other matters. This is the view of former Minister of Finance, Winston Jordan who told this newspaper in an exclusive interview on Monday that the provisions of the 2016 Production Sharing Agreement (PSA) should now take effect, allowing Guyana's profit share to increase. On 31 s t July, Chief Executive Officer (CEO) and Chairman of ExxonMobil, Darren Woods revealed that the company has recovered all of its
investments made in Guyana to date. As a result, he told shareholders that the company's earnings from the country will be reduced. To this end, the former finance minister explained, “...in accordance with the PSA, profit should now be calculated in the usual manner, that is revenue minus all eligible expenditure, and shared in the same 50:50 split.” Jordan continued, “I've seen calculations where expenditure could go down to about 37% of revenues, which would leave 63% as profit to be shared equally between. That means GoG would be entitled to 31.5%+2% royalty = 33.5%.” He pointed out that this would be more than double the 14.5% Guyana currently receives in profit along with the 2% royalty. M o r e o v e r, h e
highlighted that this could result in the Natural Resource Fund (NRF) receiving between US$8-10 billion annually at current oil prices- up from the average US$2.7 billion. In the same breath, the former Member of Parliament (MP) cautioned that there is a dangerous obstacle that can cause further delays, the lack of ring-fencing. If implemented, a ring-fencing provision would block ExxonMobil from using profits generated today to invest in upcoming projects. Future developments will be paid off once production commences at the specific project if government applies ring-fencing. Due to the lack of this provision, the former minister explained, “The cost bank is never really repaid in full. And that implies that Exxon can still
take up to 75% of revenues as cost oil. So, the expectation by GoG of higher profit share could be illusory, as Exxon ramps up exploratory activities and brings more fields into production (adding cost for more FPSOs).” Jordan pointed out that Exxon has already set its eyes on the 8th and 9th projects for Stabroek. As the news of this major development in the country's petroleum sector continues to be ignored by the government, Jordan said it demonstrates a troubling pattern and is indicative of the administration's callous disregard for citizens. According to him, “It is not the first time that critical information in the sector has either been withheld or obfuscated or met with stony silence. It is symptomatic of the wider malaise that has enveloped the society, in the absence of strong, independent and autonomous institutions and weak oversight of the sector.” While calling out the government for failing to keep its promise to ringfence the Stabroek Block projects, Jordan turned to the opposition. “The current opposition
appeared to be energised after the MV Barima tragedy. It shouldn't be long before they turn their attention fully to this situation,” he urged. Jordan told this newspaper that the political opposition should be equally or perhaps even more outraged over the fact that the GoG has been silent for days on the massive revenues that now flow to the country.
Exxon's announcement During Exxon's earnings call on 31st July, 2026 the CEO described Guyana's progress as a success story that has set a new standard for the industry, exceeding even the company's expectations. Exxon said it expected the cost bank to be cleared in another two years. Wo o d s h o w e v e r s a i d , “Delivering on tight schedules, at industryleading cost – with strong reliability and optimised production – has resulted in recovering our capital and cost nearly two years earlier than anticipated, increasing NPV, and desaturating the cost bank.” Senior Vice President and Chief Financial Officer of Exxon, Neil Hansen offered clarity, “…as we mentioned, at this point, we've fully recovered the $55
Former Finance Minister, Winston Jordan billion of investment, along with all the operating costs and the way the contractor agreement works is we can recover that investment up to 75%. After that, the remaining production is shared 50/50 between us and the government of Guyana.” Govt. silence Following the announcement by Exxon, questions were sent to the Minister of Natural Resources, Vickram Bharrat on 31st July requesting a cost recovery update to no avail. Subsequent messages sent to the minister as recent as Monday, on the issue, were also unanswered. Similarly, Vice President and Chief Policymaker for the oil and gas sector, Dr. Bharrat Jagdeo has not offered any statements or public comment on the development. Kaieteur News did not receive any response to questions sent to him up to press time on Monday.
Kaieteur News
Tuesday August 11, 2026
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Persuading without interfering There is an important distinction in the way judges deliberate that appears to have become blurred in the present controversy now engulfing the Caribbean Court of Justice (CCJ). That distinction is between judicial persuasion and judicial interference. The history of the United States Supreme Court provides a useful illustration of this distinction. In 1954, the court delivered one of the most consequential judgments in American constitutional history in Brown v. Board of Education It unanimously declared that racial segregation in public schools was unconstitutional. The decision overturned the constitutional foundation of the “separate but equal” doctrine, and in so doing helped change the course of American history. But the unanimity that emerged on 17th May, 1954, did not simply happen. The court had initially been divided. When the case was being deliberated, there were significant differences among the Justices about the precise course the court should take. It was Chief Justice Earl Warren, newly appointed to the court, who recognised the extraordinary importance of producing a unanimous judgment. He worked privately with his colleagues, discussed their concerns and sought to persuade those who
remained hesitant to join a single opinion. Eventually, he succeeded. The court spoke with one voice: 9–0. The lesson from that episode is not merely about racial segregation or American constitutional history. It is about how collegiate courts actually function. Judges are human beings. They possess strong intellects, firmly held legal philosophies, different experiences and, inevitably, different views about the meaning and application of the law. A judicial panel is therefore not a collection of automatons who independently produce opinions and happen, by coincidence, to reach the same conclusion. It is a deliberative body. And deliberation necessarily involves a rg u m e n t , p e r s u a s i o n , disagreement, negotiation and, sometimes, a vigorous attempt by one judge to persuade the others that his or her interpretation of the law is the correct one. Strong personalities are hardly unusual on appellate courts. Indeed, some of the most influential judges in legal history have been formidable personalities who exercised considerable influence over their colleagues. A chief justice or president of a court, by virtue of experience, intellect,
authority or sheer force of personality, may naturally become a particularly influential voice in the deliberations. There is nothing inherently improper about that. A judge who strongly advances a legal position, challenges the reasoning of colleagues, points out weaknesses in their arguments and seeks to bring them around to his or her interpretation is participating in the judicial process. That is not, by itself, dictatorial behaviour. It is not necessarily domineering. And it should certainly not automatically be characterised as judicial interference. Indeed, if judges were forbidden from trying to persuade one another, the very concept of a collegiate court would become meaningless. The objective should be rigorous and vigorous debate. The ideal outcome, of course, is a meeting of minds. There is considerable value in a court speaking unanimously where unanimity can legitimately be achieved. A unanimous judgment carries institutional weight and can provide greater clarity and certainty in the development of the law. But unanimity is not compulsory. If, after full and frank deliberation, a judge remains unconvinced, that judge is perfectly entitled to
Dem Boys Seh...
When accident become crime before court seh so Dem boys seh in Guyana, if yuh unfortunate enough to be involved in a fatal accident, the accident does not end when the ambulance leave. Oh no! That is when the second accident start — this time between you and the police station bench. Apparently, once somebody dead in a road accident, the driver must spend the night — and sometimes several nights — behind the station door. Whether the driver reckless, negligent, careless, simply unlucky, or nat at fault at all, apparently the first order of business is: “Bring he in and lock he up!” Dem boys seh, whatever happen to Notice of Intended Prosecution? Whatever happen to placing the driver on station bail? Because there is a big difference between being investigated for an offence and being treated as though the court already find yuh guilty. Imagine a driver involved in a terrible accident. Somebody dead. The driver may be shaken, traumatised, confused and wondering how his life could change in one terrible second. Instead of getting the opportunity to contact his family and lawyer, he gets a mattress made from two
chairs and a police station fluorescent light for company. A fatal accident can be caused by negligence, recklessness, mechanical failure, road conditions, weather, visibility or the conduct of another road user. Sometimes the driver locked up is not at fault al . That is why investigation is important. Evidence must come before judgment. If the police have reasonable grounds to believe an offence was committed, prosecute the person. If the law permits bail, let bail be the norm rather than the exception. If there are circumstances requiring detention, explain and justify it according to law. Dem boys seh justice supposed to be blind — not because it can't see, but because it should not prejudge. We must never allow the understandable emotion surrounding a fatal accident to turn investigation into punishment. Because when the police station bench becomes the first courtroom, dem boys seh Guyana got more than a traffic problem. We got a justice problem. Talk half. Leff half.
disagree. He or she may write a separate judgment, a concurring judgment or a dissenting judgment. Indeed, the history of common-law jurisprudence is filled with dissents that eventually became the law. That freedom is fundamental to judicial independence. The important question, therefore, is not whether one judge is forceful, vocal or persuasive. The important question is whether the other judges remain free to exercise their own independent judgment. This distinction is particularly relevant to the controversy now surrounding the CCJ. It is unfortunate that developments within the court should be interpreted by some as necessarily constituting “judicial interference” – or as one local politician bizarrely said, as “political interference” – simply because a particular judge may have expressed strong views or sought to persuade colleagues about the proper legal approach. That is not, without more evidence, judicial interference. The more serious concern arises when there is allegation of interference
with the composition or integrity of the judicial panel itself—for example, the improper manipulation or “tampering” with which judges are assigned to hear a particular matter, or the removal or substitution of judges for reasons designed to influence the outcome. That is fundamentally different from a judge saying, in effect: “I have considered this matter and I believe this is the correct interpretation of the law, and I intend to persuade my colleagues to accept it.” The former potentially compromises the integrity of the judicial process. The latter is an ordinary feature of judicial deliberation. There must, of course, be boundaries. Judges must never coerce their colleagues, threaten them, improperly influence them or compromise their independence. But we should be careful not to confuse strong advocacy within a judicial conference with interference in the judicial process itself. Chief Justice Earl Warren’s experience in Brown is instructive. He wanted his colleagues to come around to his position because he believed
unanimity was important given the public importance of the case. He engaged them. He persuaded them. He did not deprive them of their right to disagree. And that is precisely how collegiate judging is supposed to work. A strong chief justice should be capable of leading. A strong judge should be capable of persuading. Other judges should be capable of resisting persuasion when they believe their colleagues are wrong. And, ultimately, each judge must remain free to write what he or she believes the law requires. The strength of a judicial panel is not measured by the absence of disagreement. It is measured by the freedom within the panel to disagree—and by the integrity of the process through which judges attempt to persuade one another. The views expressed in this article are those of the author and do not necessarily reflect the opinions of this newspaper.
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Tuesday August 11, 2026
H@RD TRUTHS Moon duz run til day ketch am UTHS
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HAR
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BY G
LALL
Great and commendable stuff, on the face of it. If one was uninformed, that would be the conclusion. A PPP Govt caravan rolling into the village. Village after village from Region One to the next, until all are given a taste of
this magical mystery tour that is not such a mystery. From seniors to juniors, it seems as the whole government is on the move. Is there anyone left to mind the store in town? I'm afraid that some ruff stuff will now
have to be dragged into the picture. This whole, big, government circus should not be on the dead bodies and unclosed wounds of those grieving over a hundred lost. Simple citizens are given the joys of 2030 in 2026. Would
have been wonderful, applauded from this corner, but only if so many were not dead, so many questions still unanswered. From town to country, and all over in a dazzling circle, there was and is the PPP Govt in motion. No one was so vulgar as to wear red. Since the occasion called for white, then white was the costume that had to be. I see men and women with their hair and pants on fire. Many would call that damage control. I call it dancing on the dead. Want a model city? Say hello to the right people. Been wanting a full-service government facility? It will be a reality before anyone can count to twenty. And, so the music played, as if in atonement for 100 dead. Sad sweet music that savages the dead. I look at them and the revulsion rises. I stifle the reflex to vomit. When from top to bottom was warned that the people are hurting, they are struggling, there was laughter. Then slander. Call for a conversation and there was cursing, if one was lucky (or not seen as too much of problem). If one was seen as a parasite, then it was attack and abuse, and those were just the start. The PPP as government or party has neither morals nor ethics
BY GHK LALL
nor standards. I behold a bunch of dirty, nauseating people, almost without exception. To coverup the wholesale corruption, from intellectual to riffraff was let loose to shut down those found offensive. The deceptions had to be concealed. The overnight wealth made into the imaginary, or the result of honest labour. Indeed, that Guyanese truism has come to pass. Moon duz run till day ketch am. The PPP Govt run out of both moon and day. A boat not fit for a crabdog, a floating coffin that led to over a hundred dead. What is most obscene about all of the tanks and turnkeys is that it's just another show for the showmen and showgirls in the PPP Govt. Predators playing on the minds of vulnerable citizens. Politicians low enough to convert a time of mystery (that boat), and a time of mourning (families and communities) into an opportunity to deflect further, mislead further, and one more. Seize an opportunity to rob the living and the dead. In words that many favour, depraved indifference. The thoughtful should see a sly exercise
moving from place to place: distract the people. Overpower them. Make them forget boat and that farm. Oh yes, that farm. Instead of bring out the support and vote, there's the spectacle of bring out government and bulldoze the people with big speeches involving big deals. The government knows that it dares not walk back any commitments made. It could be fatal, even with fickleness of voters considered. For this is what this rolling circus cum caravan of the PPP Govt is all about: 1) drown the Guyanese people with goodness, so they forget MV Barima horror; 2) sell the government as caring, visionary; and 3) bring out government and make it as if for the people. The PPP Govt had six years of oil to improve the lot of Guyanese. The MV Barima catastrophe exposed all the lies and holes in how good this government and its leadership have been. So, there's rushing to plug the breaches. A government racing to outrun its dark, disfigured shadow. The views expressed in this article are those of the author and do not necessarily reflect the opinions of this newspaper
Tuesday August 11, 2026
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Tuesday August 11, 2026
Friends killed in Eversham smash-up The West Bank Berbice community of Rosignol is mourning the tragic loss of two close friends who died in an early morning accident at E v e r s h a m Vi l l a g e , Corentyne, on Monday. Admeer Pooran, 19, of McKenzie Street, Rosignol, and his friend Daniel Vanek Singh, 26, of Murphy Dam, Rosignol, died after the vehicle in which they were travelling crashed into a koker at Eversham. Kaieteur News understands that the two men were travelling in a rented vehicle, which had two other occupants at the time. According to police in Region Six, the accident occurred at approximately 03:30. At the home of Pooran's family at Lot 163 Murphy Dam, Ally Street, Rosignol, his mother, Devi Anthony, struggled to come to terms with the sudden loss of her only son. Pooran, also known as Isaiah, was the third of four children. Anthony said she knew very little about what had happened, as she was asleep when the tragedy occurred.“I can't say nothing much about last night. I don't
were later taken to Anthony's Funeral Home. Still trying to understand what had happened, Anthony said her last conversation with her son was on Sunday afternoon. “I don't know how come the accident happen, where he was going, where he went. Only this morning I got the call that my son in accident. Sunday, I called
The vehicle involved in the fatal accident
Daniel Vanek Singh, 26 know where he went. Only this morning I got a call about quarter to six time. My daughter-in-law called me and tell me that how he got in an accident, and then I call for my husband and then I prepared to go bathe,” she recalled. Moments later, Pooran's wife called again with the devastating news that he had succumbed. Anthony and other relatives then hurried to the No. 75 Village Hospital, Corentyne, where she identified the bodies of her son and Singh. The bodies
2:00 I talk to my son on the phone. That was the last,” she said. Pooran, a construction worker, was the father of a oney e a r - o l d daughter. He and Singh were Admeer Pooran 19, and his described as one-year-old daughter close friends who were him from phone and I tell he frequently seen together. At Singh's Murphy Dam must come at me when I come from market. About residence, his father, Ian
Jainarine Singh, 58, told Kaieteur News that his son and Pooran had left home on Sunday night to attend a wake in Cumberland, East Canje Berbice. According to the senior Singh, Pooran was driving. “He said he going to wake. He left home after 9. They went to the wake house first, in Cumberland, and after the wake, he tell he friend let them go home, but he friend insist that they go on a drive,” he recounted. Singh's father said he received word of the accident shortly after 07:00
on Monday and immediately rushed to the No. 75 Village Hospital. However, by the time he arrived, his son's body had already been taken to the funeral parlour. Singh was a mason who worked alongside his uncle, his father said. He was the eldest of four children. The two other occupants of the vehicle sustained injuries and were taken to hospital for medical treatment. Police are continuing investigations into the circumstances surrounding the fatal crash.
Tuesday August 11, 2026
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Tuesday August 11, 2026
Canadian firm eyes multimillion funding to advance uranium project in Guyana …eyes EPA approval this month
C
anada-based U92 Energy Corp. is set to raise up to C$7 million in public offerings and C$1.5 million in non-brokered private placement, to advance its Kurupung Uranium Project located in Region Seven (Cuyuni-Mazaruni), as the company anticipates the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) will approve its drill programme this month. For those unfamiliar, a public offering is when a company sells stocks or bonds to the general public to raise money and a nonbrokered private placement is a method where a company sells stocks, bonds, or units directly to selected private or institutional investors without hiring an investment bank or broker to manage the offering. T h e To r o n t o - b a s e d uranium explorer listed on the TSX Venture Exchange announced on 7th August that it had filed its final short form prospectus in connection with the public offering announced last month. U92 has entered into an agency agreement with Haywood Securities Inc. and Jett Capital Advisors, LLC, as co-lead agents, and Ventum Financial Corp. (collectively agents) in respect to the public offering. The Final Prospectus qualifies the distribution of a minimum of 10,000,000 Units and a maximum of 17,500,000 Units at a price of $0.40 per Unit for gross proceeds between $4,000,000 and $7,000,000, and up to an additional 3,750,000 Units at the offering Price pursuant to the o v e r- a l l o t m e n t o p t i o n g r a n t e d t o t h e aforementioned agents. In addition, the company also increased its previously announced non-brokered private placement to up to 3,750,000 Units from 2,500,000 Units at the offering Price for to raise an
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Map showing the location of the boundary of the two PLs that constitute the Project shown on a digital elevation model of topography
Olive Creek Aricheng Camp
additional $1,500,000 nonBrokered Offering. “The net proceeds from the offering will be used to advance U92's Kurupung uranium project in Guyana, for payment of deferred cash consideration for the Guyana projects and for general working capital and corporate purposes, as disclosed in the Final Prospectus,” U92 said. The Kurupung Uranium Project spans approximately 92.2 square kilometres and carries a historical resource estimate of 20.6 million pounds of uranium. U92 Energy acquired the project earlier this year through the acquisition of LIA Industries Pte. Ltd., a Singaporean company. In a recent corporate update, U92 said it had subsequent correspondence with the EPA and submitted an environmental management plan as requested by the agency. “The company has determined to proceed with completing the site
infrastructure and anticipates that the phase one drill program will commence during the month of August, 2026 following receipt of the EPA's approval of the environmental
management plan,” U92 said. Since taking control of the asset, U92 has finalised a commercial agreement with Orbit Garant for a phase one 5,000-metre diamond
drilling programme and acquired the project's historical exploration data. The diamond drill rig assigned to U92 is already in Guyana to commence phase one drilling on high-priority
targets at the project. The company has also already sourced key machineries to support access road upgrades and drill pad construction. Kaieteur News reported that LIA Industries local subsidiary, LIA (Guyana) Inc. was incorporated in Guyana on 20th March, 2023, and holds exclusive rights to occupy and explore the property under two Prospecting Licenses issued by the Guyana Geology & Mines Commission (GGMC) on 19th April,2024. The licences permit exploration of uranium, other radioactive minerals, and rare earth elements for three years, ending 18 th April, 2027, with an option to extend for up to two additional one-year periods through 18th April, 2029. Moreover, there have been concerns over the proposed uranium project from civil society and politicians. In fact, the Amerindian People's Association (APA) has called for the project to be halted, citing the absence of public and community-level consultations and a lack of information about the project.
Govt. eyes transforming New Amsterdam Stelling to waterfront boardwalk
The nonoperational New Amsterdam Stelling President Irfaan Ali has proposed transforming New Amsterdam's old Stelling into a modern waterfront boardwalk, featuring restaurants and entertainment options to draw evening and nightlife activity into the township. “That is the type of opportunities we can create. And already, there is critical infrastructure that we built around New Amsterdam: the Palmyra Stadium, the Athletic Track – all of these things will bring people to New Amsterdam,” President Ali said. The president shared the idea during a Model Village Initiative consultation at the Berbice High School in Region Six on Saturday. He pointed out that this will help position the town as a tourism destination. The initiative is part of a holistic
President Irfaan Ali
plan to make New Amsterdam a “walking community,” with green spaces, parks and health infrastructure designed to encourage residents to be
more active. Under the proposals, the community would get a “health box,” a walk-in unit where residents can check their blood pressure and blood sugar, with results linked directly to the local clinic's database. Plans also include quality recreational spaces and play parks, along with reserves to relocate heavy traffic out of residential areas and free land for parking. President Ali linked the proposals to a broader safety agenda for the township, saying safety must extend beyond policing to include fire protection, flood resilience, and secure spaces where children and elderly residents can use parks without concern.(DPI)
Kaieteur News
Tuesday August 11, 2026
GPL plans massive five-year expansion, upgrade with US$4.8 billion grid overhaul The Guyana Power and Light Inc. (GPL) will over the next five years spend approximately US$4.8 billion to expand and upgrade its transmission and distribution network, also known as the national grid. According to its Development and Expansion Programme 2026–2030, the company has outlined a strategic blueprint to transform the electricity sector within the DemeraraBerbice Interconnected System (DBIS) and Linden, while meeting surging electricity demand and a d v a n c i n g r e l i a b i l i t y, affordability and sustainability. “Over the next five years, the Guyana Power and Light Inc. (GPL), together with government's assistance, plans to undertake an ambitious capital programme, amounting to US$4.869 billion to further expand power generation capacity, modernise and reinforce the transmission & distribution (T&D) system, implement smart grid technologies, reduce total system losses, and strengthen institutional capabilities. This executive summary highlights the Programme's key technical and financial plans, aligned with the national goals under the Low Carbon Development Strategy 2030 (LCDS 2030) and SDG 7 (Affordable and Clean Energy),” the document stated. The plan is organised around the major sections of the programme, which include its technical mandates and planning criteria, demand forecasts and generation expansion. It also includes the smart grid transition, transmission and distribution expansion, system losses, sales and revenue, capital investments and financing, corporate enabling initiatives, costbenefit analysis, environmental and social frameworks, risk management, and divisional implementation plans. The five-year programme is grounded in the national energy policy and GPL's mandate to deliver reliable, sustainable and affordable electricity. “The Engineering Services Division leads capacity expansion and network development using an Integrated Resource and Resilience Planning (IRRP) framework to meet projected
demand while strengthening system resilience,” the document added. Ongoing projects and contracts signed Since last year, GPL has signed several contracts worth millions of US dollars with companies to facilitate its grid expansion programme, while several projects are already underway. In April 2025, GPL signed contracts worth approximately US$422 million with PowerChina and Kalpataru for the extension of transmission lines across the eastern corridor of the DBIS. PowerChina was awarded Lot One, valued at US$256.7 million, while Kalpataru secured the remaining two lots for a combined US$156.5 million. The scope of the contracts includes 155 kilometres of 230kV doublecircuit transmission lines, 167 kilometres of 69kV double-circuit lines, five new substations and the upgrade of the existing Kingston substation. The 230kV line will interconnect with the Goedverwagting substation, currently under construction as part of the Gas-to-Energy project, and extend to a new substation in Williamsburg, East Berbice. In October last year, GPL inked a US$15.6 million contract with 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 develop a smarter, more reliable grid. The two-year agreement, which followed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) signed in January 2024, is designed to accelerate the country's energy transition, improve grid reliability and strengthen technical capacity within GPL. In November 2025, GPL signed an additional US$235 million in contracts, including a US$199 million agreement with KPIL covering new substations and transmission lines at Kuru Kururu, Soesdyke; Williamsburg, East Berbice; Hydronie, East Bank Essequibo; and Princes Street, Georgetown. The company also signed a US$35.93 million contract with China National
Machinery Import and Export Corporation. In June this year, this publication reported that GPL had begun construction of a new 69kV substation at Colombia, East Coast Demerara, marking the latest milestone in a multi-billiondollar overhaul of the country's electricity transmission network. A groundbreaking ceremony was held on 20th June , 2026, led by contractor Kalpataru Projects International Limited (KPIL), the Indian firm that has emerged as a central player in GPL's grid modernisation programme. Construction is currently in its first major civil works phase, with pile-driving operations underway to establish the structural foundation on which the substation will be built. The Colombia facility forms part of Lot 2 of GPL's Project 053 and has been designed specifically to improve voltage stability and distribution reliability within the DBIS. Once completed, it will reinforce transmission capacity and support load growth in rapidly developing areas connected to the DBIS, a system already under significant strain as Guyana's economy continues to expand.Another ongoing project is the excavation of a riverbed tunnel, or “bore,” for the network expansion project, which this publication reported on 16th July. A “bore” is a tunnel drilled beneath a riverbed using a guided, trenchless method. The technique allows pipelines or conduits to pass beneath a waterway without the need for opentrench excavation or disruption to the river. In a statement, GPL said significant progress was made on the Horizontal Directional Drilling (HDD) River Crossing Project. On the West Bank, the company said the HDD equipment setup, along with the pipe-stringing and welding area, had been completed. On the East Bank, mobilisation of HDD equipment began on 12th July, while the first shipment of polyethylene (PE) pipes had already arrived. Welding of the PE ducts is expected to begin this week, with the first HDD bore scheduled to commence in approximately 14 days.
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Tuesday August 11, 2026
Trump demands Iran pay compensation for deaths as Hormuz deal hopes fade
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(Reuters) - U.S. President Donald Trump on Monday demanded Iran pay compensation for the people he said it had killed in wars, attacks and protests, raising the rhetorical stakes with Tehran as hopes faded for an imminent deal to reopen the Strait of Hormuz. Trump said he was to Iran’s earlier call for Washington to meet conditions, including recompensing Tehran for the damage caused since the U.S. and Israel launched strikes on its territory more than five months ago. “I am likewise demanding compensation from Iran, for all of the people that they have killed and gravely wounded with their roadside bombs and many conflicts, for which they are famous,” Trump wrote on his Truth Social service. Oil prices, which had risen earlier on the Iranian comments, extended gains after Trump’s post, with Brent crude up 4.25% at 1720 GMT. TRUMPCITES ATTACK BLAMED ON ALQAEDA, NOT IRAN Trump’s demand had not previously been raised by the U.S. in talks or statements. The president said it would be part of all future negotiations with the Iranian leadership, and would include calls for payments to the families of hundreds ‘of thousands of protesters
whom he said Iran had killed. Rights groups say the Iranian government has continued to crack down on opponents during the war. Trump also said Iran should compensate “families of those killed on the USS Cole”, a reference to the 12th October , 2000, attack on that naval vessel in Yemen which killed 17 U.S. sailors, and has been blamed on al Qaeda, not Iran. “Also, with respect to the Iran negotiations, Iran should be responsible for the damages and death caused to the people of Lebanon, Syria, Yemen, and Gaza!” Trump wrote in a second post. Iran had earlier said it was nearing a final pact with Oman defining new shipping lanes between them through the Strait of Hormuz but repeated that the U.S. must meet conditions, including compensation and an end to sanctions and military threats before the key waterway is reopened. The strait, through which about a fifth of global oil and liquefied natural gas flowed prior to the conflict, has been effectively blocked since the U.S.-Israeli attacks on Iran on 28th February, pushing up oil prices and inflation. Trump, who has said the attacks on Iran were aimed at keeping the Islamic Republic from developing nuclear weapons and degrading its ability to threaten the region,
is under pressure to end a war that is deeply unpopular at ahead ‘of midterm elections in November. The tit-for-tat U.S. and Iranian calls for compensation were the latest jolt in a rhetorical rollercoaster that has regularly seen Trump threaten imminent attacks on Iran or hail breakthroughs in talks, only for neither to emerge. Earlier on Monday, Iranian Foreign Ministry spokesman Esmaeil Baghaei said talks with Oman on arrangements for navigation through the strait were “progressing smoothly and constructively”, with an agreement reached on a shipping route map, while some technical issues on a joint statement remained unresolved. He said during a weekly press conference in Tehran that the discussions also covered mechanisms for safe navigation, environmental protection, maritime services and combating crime, adding that such services would normally entail receiving payment in return. U.S. officials have repeatedly said ‘they would not accept any deal under which Tehran controlled or charged fees for access to the strait. But months of U.S. military efforts, including a two-week campaign of strikes in July, have not broken Iran’s grip on the strait. Washington and Tehran
agreed to a ceasefire in June, but the U.S. reimposed a blockade on Iranian shipping in the Gulf in July, a move that Tehran said violated the truce, which by then had already broken down. Iran has been striking back with ‘missiles and drones against Washington’s allies in the region, while also targeting commercial ships transiting the strait without its permission. ANOTHER HOUTHI ATTACK REPORTED Iran’s Yemen-based allies, the Houthi rebels, have also targeted ships at another oil chokepoint on the other side of the Arabian Peninsula between the Red Sea and Gulf of Aden. The Houthis also declared a naval blockade against Saudi Arabia in the Red Sea last month in response to what they said ‘was a Saudi siege on them in Yemen, an allegation denied by Riyadh, which backs Yemen’s internationally recognised government. Fighting has escalated between the Houthis and government forces in Yemen, with the Yemeni military on Monday saying seven people including military personnel and civilians were killed in a Houthi attack on the Red Sea port city of Mocha. Air defences intercepted and shot down 11 Houthi drones that participated in the attack, the military said.
Tuesday August 11, 2026
Kaieteur News
MURDERED: Sonia Wilson
Woman found dead at Tuschen home A 45-year-old.woman was on Monday found dead in her Tuschen, East Bank Essequibo home, police have confirmed. Dead, Sonia Wilson. The circumstances surrounding her death are unclear at this time but sleuths believe that she was stabbed to death. Police are currently seeking her reputed husband to question him in connection with her death. Investigations continue.
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Tuesday August 11, 2026
At least 111 killed after powerful earthquake hits western Colombia (Reuters) At least 111 people were killed after a powerful earthquake struck western Colombia on Monday, toppling buildings across several cities, damaging hospitals and infrastructure and trapping people beneath the rubble in what authorities called the ‘s strongest earthquake of the century. The quake struck just days after Abelardo De La Espriella was sworn in as president, thrusting the new administration into its first major crisis, with memories still fresh of devastating twin earthquakes in neighbouring Venezuela in June. “The national government has all of its capabilities deployed to protect lives, assist affected communities and deliver aid wherever it is needed,” he said in a national address around 1 p.m. local time, upon declaring a national state of emergency. “The first priority is
Residents dig through the debris of a collapsed building after an earthquake, in Cali, Colombia August 10, 2026. REUTERS/Juan Pablo Arbelaez rescuing the people trapped under the rubble.” De La Espriella said preliminary reports indicated 111 dead and 87 injured, along with dozens of collapsed buildings ‘and damaged homes. The U.S. Geological Survey said the 7.4 magnitude quake struck at a depth of 107 km (66 miles). Colombia’s geological service said it was the strongest earthquake recorded in the country in the 21st century. Reports from Choco, near the epicenter, were slowed by communications outages, with some areas still lacking cellphone service hours after the earthquake. Governor Nubia Carolina Cordoba said 12 people had been killed and 84 injured in the largely rural area. The heaviest casualties appeared concentrated in Risaralda, part of Colombia’s coffee-growing region. Pereira, the department’s capital, suffered extensive damage, with rescue workers continuing to search collapsed buildings for survivors. BUILDINGS CRUMBLE, AIRPORTS FORCED TO CLOSE A four-story building crumbled in Pereira during the quake, according to Reutersverified video, while footage from Manizales showed one of the side towers of the city’s landmark neo-Gothic
cathedral collapsing and scattering debris onto nearby streets. Reuters footage showed rescue workers, police and volunteers shovelling debris by hand and loading rubble into trucks as they searched for survivors trapped beneath collapsed buildings. Other footage damage ‘to residential towers and emergency-service facilities, with debris crashing onto ambulances parked below. Mauricio Andrade, a firefighter in Cali, said his team had rescued two adult women and two children from a collapsed building. As he spoke to Reuters, his team was preparing to rescue more people from the rubble. “They are alive,” he said. “We are making space so we can free them and get them out.” Juan Carlos Osorio told Caracol Television that the collapse of one building “sounded like a bomb,” as he helped remove debris from a collapsed structure in Cali. “All of us neighbours `are working together, forming human chains. We need heavy equipment. There are many people trapped.” Colombia’s civil aviation authority suspended operations at several airports in the country’s west, including Pereira, Manizales, Quibdo, Armenia, Cartago a n d Buenaventura, while engineers carried out structural inspections. RING OF FIRE Colombia sits along the seismically active Pacific Ring of Fire and records thousands of mostly minor earthquakes each month. Northwestern University seismologist Suzan ‘van der Lee said the quake’s powerful magnitude, inland location and strike-slip motion may have amplified damage in populated valleys despite its considerable depth. “This one was far below the crust, and in theory it shouldn’t cause as much shaking. At this magnitude, it did actually cause a lot of shaking,” she said. The Colombian Geological Service said 21 ‘aftershocks had been recorded by late Monday and warned that additional tremors were likely. Colombia’s coffee region was devastated by a magnitude 6.2 earthquake in 1999 that killed more than 1,000 people, particularly around Armenia and Pereira.
Tuesday August 11, 2026
Kaieteur News
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Tuesday August 11, 2026
Kaieteur News
Tuesday Thursday August November 11, 2026 24, 2022
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Berger Paints named official Paint of the CPL
Berger Paints – Made for the Caribbean
Cricket fever is about to take over Guyana, and Berger Paints is bringing even more excitement to the season as the Official Paint of the Caribbean Premier League (CPL). The three-year partnership brings together two brands with a strong connection to Caribbean culture, communities and pride. For Berger, the partnership provides an opportunity to celebrate the sport that holds a special place in the hearts of Guyanese while connecting
Tuesday August 11, 2026 ARIES (Mar. 21–Apr. 19) Sports and games are perfect for you today, as you've got competitive energy that needs cooperative friends to bring out. You may find that you're perfectly well balanced socially too.
LIBRA (Sept. 23–Oct. 22) The details are unimportant. You need to just focus on getting it all done (and on deadline). Your energy is great for teamwork and making sure that everyone is doing their part.
TAURUS (Apr. 20–May 20) Try not to show off too much today. People are definitely watching out for signs of pomposity and self-centered behavior. You ought to be able to take care of life without making a big show out of it.
SCORPIO (Oct. 23–Nov. 21) Watch out for others in a position to make your life difficult. They are everywhere, of course, and you might find that your energy isn't enough to hold them off if need be. Things are getting better, though!
GEMINI (May 21–June 20) Your big brain is the center of attention today, no matter where you are. It could be that you've got someone new to impress, or that you're trying to make a splash before starting somewhere new. CANCER (June 21–July 22) You need to spend some extra time looking at prices and values, then make sure that you know what you're getting. At least one person is sure to find you more alluring if you know what you're doing.
SAGIT (Nov. 22–Dec. 21) You need to try something new and dangerous—in a lowkey way—to keep your position where you want it to be. The gains you make today are sure to push you forward in the near future! CAPRI (Dec. 22–Jan. 19) You feel the urge to split today, no matter where you are. It may be a case of the grass looking greener, but you can't know that until you try. If you keep feeling restless, you may as well sit still and deal with it.
LEO (July 23–Aug. 22) Your brightness is a beacon to almost everyone nearby. And those who aren't drawn in should find that your great energy is still welcome. Use this great social arrangement to better life for all!
AQUARIUS (Jan. 20–Feb. 18) Watch out for people today. They are likely to make life difficult for you if they get their way. You should be able to get them to chill out, but it might be hard and take some time.
VIRGO (Aug. 23–Sept. 22) Work with your people to come up with a new plan. It could be related to work, play, or family, but revision is key to success for now. Your energy is right for settling things.
PISCES (Feb. 19–Mar. 20) Keep your eyes on your own paper today. Other people just aren't into sharing much, and that could mean they perceive almost anything as snooping. You can check back with them in a day or two.
with fans across the country. As the CPL returns to P ro v i d e n c e S t a d i u m , Berger will bring the excitement closer to cricket fans through promotions and opportunities to win tickets to CPL matches. From August 17 to September 9, 2026, customers shopping at participating National Hardware locations will have the opportunity to enter B e rg e r ’s s p e c i a l C P L promotion and stand a chance to experience the action live. Berger’s involvement will also be visible on the field, with Berger Grass Marking Paint being used
on cricket pitches t h ro u g h o u t t h e C P L tournament, helping to maintain the vibrant, professional playing surfaces fans will see across the competition. The partnership comes at an exciting time for Berger in Guyana. As the country continues to experience significant growth in residential, commercial and infrastructure development, Berger remains committed to providing quality coating solutions designed for Caribbean conditions, while expanding its presence and accessibility to customers across the country.
For more than six decades, Berger has been a trusted name in Caribbean homes and communities, offering quality paints and coatings that deliver lasting beauty and protection. Today, the brand continues to build on that heritage while celebrating the colours, people and experiences that make the Caribbean unique. With the CPL season set to get underway, Berger Paints Guyana looks forward to sharing in the excitement, celebrating with cricket fans and bringing the Berger brand even closer to the communities it serves.
Russian federation files fresh CAS challenge against World Athletics sanctions (Reuters) - Russian Athletics has lodged a new claim with the Court of Arbitration for Sport challenging sanctions imposed by World Athletics as the federation seeks to restore the participation of Russian athletes in international competition. The federation said on that the latest appeal targets restrictions it argues infringe its rights and prevent it from fully representing Russian athletes internationally. Russian athletes have been excluded from international competition under World Athletics since Russia’s invasion of Ukraine in 2022. The world governing body for the sport has repeatedly maintained sanctions against Russian and Belarusian athletes, citing the war and broader
Gous steers Kings past... From page 25 with two balls remaining. That brought Springer to the crease, and he immediately smashed a boundary straight back over Forde’s head to take the match to the final delivery, with the Falcons needing five runs for victory. Forde held his nerve. Springer top-edged the final delivery high into the air, and Darren Nedd completed the catch to seal a dramatic fourrun victory for the Kings. The two teams will meet again on Friday in Saint Lucia, with the Falcons looking to turn the tables. (CPL)
concerns about the integrity of ‘international sport. Russian Athletics said the measures have left it unable to participate in World Athletics decisionmaking processes, including council meetings and votes, and have prevented Russian officials and specialists from taking part in coaching conferences, seminars and professional development programmes. The federation said it
would ‘pursuing legal action aimed at lifting the sanctions and was already preparing further steps. The latest filing comes after Russian Athletics lodged a separate appeal on ‘July 9 challenging a World Athletics Council decision to extend the suspension of Russian athletes from international competition. The council reaffirmed the exclusion of Russian and Belarusian athletes on July 3.
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Tuesday August 11, 2026
Albert returns after break to win ENet Golf Tournament opportunities and strengthening community ties. We are delighted to reward excellence, and today’s first-place winner will receive a Unnecto phone, courtesy of ENet.” The celebration was further enhanced by ANSA McAL, who sponsored hampers for the first and second place winners, adding a special touch to the prize ceremony. Lusignan Golf Club expressed heartfelt appreciation to ENet for their partnership, noting that such sponsorships are vital in advancing the sport locally and creating
memorable experiences for players and fans alike. The club looks forward to continued collaboration with ENet and other valued sponsors in promoting golf across Guyana. Enet is Guyana’s leading telecommunications provider, delivering fibre internet, mobile c o n n e c t i v i t y, a n d entertainment solutions. Its support for community events like the Lusignan Golf Club Tournament reflects its commitment to innovation, development, and the promotion of sports nationwide.
The winners row share a moment in this photo. Lusignan Golf Club was the stage for an exhilarating showdown on Sunday, August 9, 2026, as 49 golfers competed in the ENet Golf Tournament. Under brilliant sunshine, the course offered contrasting challenges: the front nine played relatively easy, allowing players to settle into rhythm, while the
Rajendra Dilraj took 5-18.
back nine proved far more demanding, testing stamina and precision. These conditions set the stage for a thrilling contest that kept spectators engaged throughout the day. In a remarkable comeback, Rohan Albert, who had not played competitive golf for three months, delivered a composed performance to
claim victory with a Gross 90, Handicap 19, and Net 71. The top finishers were: 1st Place: Rohan Albert – Gross 90, HC 19, Net 71 2nd Place: Richard Hanif – Gross 84, HC 12, Net 72 3rd Place: Mike Mangal – Gross 84, HC 11, Net 73 Special awards included: Best Gross: Avinash
Persaud – 78 Nearest to Pin: Feroze Barkat Longest Drive: Richard Hanif Enet Trade marketer Safraz Mohamed highlighted the company’s pride in supporting the tournament: “Sponsoring this event reflects ENet’s vision of expanding
West Indies beat India by 4 wickets at IMC Over-60 World Cup in Canada West Indies secured an easy, 4-wicket win against India on the opening day of the 2026 International Masters Cricket (IMC) Over-60 45-over World Cup on Sunday at Paul Coffey Park, Mississauga, Ontario, Canada. After winning the toss and opted bowl first, legspinner Rajendra Dilraj tore through the India’s batting lineup by claiming 5-18 to help bowl them out for 151 in the 44th over. The West Indians then reached the target with 22 balls remaining. Dilraj delivered 8.4 overs and got excellent support from Rajendrasammy Chetana, who collected 3-28 from his maximum 9 overs. Hyder Ali top-scored for India with an impressive 52. When West Indies successfully chased down the target, opener Deonarine Deyal led the way with an unbeaten 60 (3x4, 139 balls). Skipper Zamin Amin contributed a pivotal 37 as KR Kishore grabbed 3-17 off 9 frugal overs. Dilraj was adjudged the player-of-the-match for his brilliant, bowling effort. Meanwhile, the 14-team round-robin tournament will continue on Tuesday with a number of matches across the Greater Toronto Area. But West Indies have a rest day (bye). India will come up against USA. The tournament concludes August 23rd.
Rohan Albert copped first place and also walked away with a brand new Unnecto phone compliments of Enet.
Ansa Mcal provided hampers for the players.
Tuesday August 11, 2026
Kaieteur News
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D-Up Academy takes Region Three/ DCB U13 Tournament to Essequibo basketball to the Caribbean Strengthen Youth Cricket D-Up Basketball Academy Head Coach, Anthony Kandar (left) with Team captain, Aliandro Wickham.
The D-Up Basketball Academy is steadily carving out a name for itself on the local basketball landscape, and despite operating without major financial backing, the academy continues to make strides under the leadership of Chairman and Head Coach Anthony Kandar. Kandar, who has been exploring every avenue to raise the standard of basketball in Region Three and Essequibo, believes the development of young players requires more than just local competition. His vision is to create opportunities for youngsters to test their skills against international opposition while balancing their academic and athletic development. That vision will receive another major boost later this month when D-Up makes its international debut at the 2026 Invitational Aloysius Daniel Basketball Youth Classic in Castries, St Lucia, from August 17-22. The trip follows the academy’s successful Youth Basketball Jamboree in May and represents another significant step in its development programme. For Kandar, the mission goes beyond winning basketball games. “My duty/sole purpose is to create a space for youth(s) to thrive both academically and athletically,” Kandar said. “Much appreciation goes out to all the persons and entities that would have contributed to making this a reality. A special thank you to all who supported and understood the journey.” The Aloysius Daniel Basketball Youth Classic, now in its fifth year, has developed into a regional attraction, drawing participation from several Caribbean territories. This year’s competition has also expanded its international reach, with England among the countries confirmed for the 2026 tournament. At least 11 countries have indicated their participation, with teams from Guyana, Antigua and Barbuda, Dominica, Trinidad and Tobago, host St Lucia and England expected to feature. For D-Up, however, the
focus is on using the opportunity as a developmental platform. Kandar is elated to lead a 10-member squad to St Lucia, believing the experience will expose his players to a higher standard of competition and ultimately raise their level of play. “Though it has been a tough process in selecting players, these players would have been selected from our two-month School Basketball Jamboree programme where several schools would have competed,” he explained. The academy officially announced its squad on Monday, with Aliandro Wickham of Vergenoegen Secondary School named captain. He will be joined by schoolmate Sam Persaud, Desson Benjamin and Marvin Marks. Bishop’s High School will be represented by Kemol Pickering, Ethan Blair, John Nazier, Brentnol Archer and Taishen Chung, while Namit Persaud of Queens, New York, completes the 10-member contingent. Kandar will serve as head coach, with Bishop’s High School’s Debbie Solomon named assistant coach and Kamala Rameshwar appointed team manager. As preparations intensify, Kandar said the academy remains committed to its core objectives of developing fundamentals, teamwork and competitive confidence while exposing its players to basketball beyond Guyana’s shores. “We at D-Up Basketball are continuing to build fundamental skills, teamwork, having fun and giving our players international exposure,” Kandar said. “It’s been a busy month for our players. We had our summer camp with a few international players from Washington, D.C.” The academy has also extended appreciation to the individuals and entities that have assisted in making the St Lucia venture possible, including Coach Kala, President of the St Lucia Basketball Association; Coach Andy of St Lucia; Mikey Burnett; Greg George, Principal of Vergenoegen Secondary School; Two Brothers Enterprises; and Javid Khan Auto Sales.
Development in Demerara - Round 1 bowls off Wednesday
Caleb Bastian The Demerara Cricket Board (DCB) will commence its 2026 Under-13 Cricket Tournament on Wednesday, August 12, 2026, at the LBI Cricket Ground, as part of its continued programme to develop and identify young cricketing talent across Demerara. The tournament will feature three teams — DCB Hawks, DCB Falcons and DCB Crows — comprising promising Under-13 players selected from across the county. The competition is designed to provide young cricketers with meaningful match experience in a structured and competitive environment while allowing coaches and selectors to assess their technical development, temperament, discipline and overall understanding of the game. Importantly, the tournament will also provide the DCB Selectors with the opportunity to assess the participating players and select the Demerara Under-13 squad for participation in the upcoming Guyana Cricket Board (GCB) Inter-County Under-13 Tournament. The DCB views cricket at the Under-13 level as an important foundation in the development pathway, providing players with the opportunity to strengthen their skills and prepare for progression into the Under15, Under-17 and Under-19 levels. Following the preliminary matches, players will be assessed for selection to the two DCB Select teams, providing another opportunity for the more promising performers to compete and further demonstrate their development. The tournament forms part of the DCB’s broader commitment to creating a clear and sustainable pathway for young cricketers, with emphasis on coaching, competitive Fixtures Date August 12, 2026 August 13, 2026 August 15, 2026 August 16, 2026
Time 10:00 a.m. 10:00 a.m. 10:00 a.m. 10:00 a.m.
opportunities, talent identification and preparation for higher levels of cricket. The Demerara Cricket Board remains committed to investing in grassroots and youth cricket and providing young players throughout Demerara with opportunities to develop their abilities in a structured environment. The DCB encourages parents, clubs and cricket supporters to attend the matches and support the continued development of Demerara’s young cricketers. All matches will begin at 10:00 a.m. at the LBI Cricket Ground. DCB Falcons Coach: Kevin Ross Elijah Mohamed (Captain), Rites Deonarine (Vice-Captain), Trevor Burnett, Delon Perreira, Monesh Latif, Abel Bess, Anthony Bacchus, Toshan Ramchurejee, Nathan Persaud, Hamza Shadir, Aryan Atkinson, Amar Ramascindo, Darrel Bell, Aaron Perkins. DCB Hawks Coach: Latchman Yadram Caleb Bastian (Captain), Hemesh Latif, Karan Khemraj, Xavier Dodson (Wicketkeeper), Nateniel Narain (ViceCaptain), Darian Bollers, Rakeeb Latif, Naresh Jaigopaul, Neymar Kissoon, Aiyan Persaud, Naren Misir, Seren Wills, Jaden Khan. DCB Crows Coaches: Kumar Bishundial /Y. Khemraj Sanjay Suman (Captain), Huzaifah Shadir (Vice-Captain), Kyle Dodson (Wicketkeeper), Adit Persaud, Issac Hussian, Joshua Johnson, Vickash Khemraj, Jared Kadir, Nikolai Clarke, Vaarun Gangnam, Jaden Khan, Jason Moonsammy, Sudesh Chandra.
Elijah Mohamed Match DCB Hawks vs DCB Falcons DCB Crows vs DCB Hawks DCB Falcons vs DCB Crows DCB Select 1 vs DCB Select 2
Venue LBI LBI LBI LBI
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Kaieteur News
Sip N Play in Lotto/Lets’ Bet T10 Tapeball tournament...
Tuesday August 11, 2026
2026 CWI Rising Stars Women’s U19 T20 tournament…
Hetmyer rolls back the years with Guyana aiming to regroup today 52* to seal thrilling title win for following tough weekend loss Grillmaster Sip N Play All-Stars
Former Guyana youth batsman Seon Hetmyer rolled back the years with a classy half-century to win the Reboot Sports Drink Man-of-the-match award. Led by an unbeaten fifty from Seon Hetmyer, Grillmaster Sip N Play All-Stars were crowned the new champions of the Berbice Zone in the Lotto/Let’s Bet One Guyana T10 Tapeball Blast after pulling off a nail-biting 4-run victory over powerhouse Lusignan Bulls, at the Albion Sports Complex under lights on Sunday. The triumph was engineered by Hetmyer, who showed his immense pedigree with the bat. The elder brother of Shimron Hetmyer, he anchored the innings from start to finish, carrying his bat for a classy 52* off 28 balls. Punctuated by four boundaries and three towering sixes, Hetmyer’s knock propelled Sip N Play to a total of 116 for 5 in their 10 overs. He was ably assisted by the in-form Zeynul Ramsammy, who smashed a brisk 22 off 12 balls, while Ricardo Ramdeholl added 11 as Parmesh Parsotam (1-23) and Nigel Deodat
(1-27) bowled well for Bulls. In reply, the Bulls made a strong push through contributions from Akshaya Persaud (22), Myhiem Khan (18), Chandrapaul Hemraj (17*) and Ricardo Adams (16). However, Ramsammy transformed his batting momentum into a match-turning spell with the ball, strangling the Bulls’ chase with exceptional figures of 2 for 8 off his two overs. With 24 runs needed off the final over, Zameer Nazeer was handed the ball for Sip N Play. The tension spiked when Nazeer conceded two maximums in his first three deliveries, leaving the contest on a knifeedge. Showing remarkable composure under pressure, Nazeer held his nerve across the final three balls to finish with 1 for 18 and restrict the Bulls to 112 for 5. The New Amsterdam-based champions pocketed $500,000 compliments of Sawa Investment and became the first team to secure a place in the National Finals, scheduled for Sunday, October 11, at the Anna Regina National Stadium. The runner-up Bulls were awarded $200,000 from Guyana Cup, while losing semi-finalists Grillmaster Avengers and The Mavericks each received $50,000. In the female exhibition match, Team Lotto secured victory over Team Let’s Bet on the back of unbeaten efforts from Realenna Grimmond (26*) and Shenta Grimmond (16*). Sip N Play will meet the winner of the East Bank/West Demerara Zone, which takes place on August 15 and 16 with matches across Farm Ground, Goed Fortuin, Meten-Meer-Zorg, and Uitvlugt, culminating in the zone final at Meten-Meer-Zorg on August 16 from 10:00h. The Essequibo Zone follows on August 2223, with the Zone finals set for the Anna Regina National Stadium on Sunday, August 23. SUMMARY: Grillmaster Sip N Play AllStars 116-5 from 10 overs (Seon Hetmyer 52*, Zeynul Ramsammy 22, Ricardo Ramdeholl 11; Parmesh Parsotam 1-23, Nigel Deodat 1-27) beat Lusignan Bulls DTP I 112-5 (Akshaya Persaud 22, Myhiem Khan 18, Chandrapaul Hemraj 17*, Ricardo Adams 16; Zeynul Ramsammy 2-8, Zameer Nazeer 1-18) by four runs.
T&T pulled off a tense win on Sunday over Guyana to gain additional momentum heading into today’s round. Women’s Regional Under-19 cricket continues today with Guyana looking to rebound following a tough defeat at the hands of Trinidad and Tobago on Sunday, as they face Jamaica at the Coolidge Cricket Ground in Antigua. It was a tough pill to swallow for the talented Guyana U-19 Women who fell to arch-rivals Trinidad & Tobago by 3-wickets as part of Sunday’s round of action. Guyana were kept to a paltry 79-7 after 20 overs, with Allia Henry (22) the top scorer, as experienced youth spinner Samara Ramnauth bagged 3-20 for the Twin Island Republic ladies. Jessica Davis (19) and Brianna Harricharan (17) took Trinidad & Tobago to 80-7 by the end of 16.1 overs. Barbados beat Windward Islands by 9 wickets after the latter managed 67 all out
batting first, to which the Bajans ended on 681 in reply to seal an easy win. Jamaica, meanwhile, beat Leeward Islands by 6 wickets in another low-scoring match after successfully chasing the 90-4 made by their opponents, cruising to 92-4 with 2 balls to spare. Today’s round will see Barbados looking to continue their win streak against Leewards at Coolidge, from 10:00h. Over at the Liberta Sports Club, Trinidad and Tobago fresh off their win over the Guyanese will also want to maintain their form against a wounded Windwards unit; with their encounter getting underway from 10:00h. Meanwhile, a desperate Guyana team could be equally dangerous today as they seek to make amends come today when they face the upbeat Jamaicans from 14:00h. (Clifton Ross)
Somali referee Artan urges officials to dream big ahead of UEFA Super Cup (Reuters) - Somali referee Omar Artan urged aspiring officials to “never stop dreaming” ahead of making history as the first non-European to referee the UEFA Super Cup on Wednesday in Salzburg. The 34-year-old has emerged as one of African football’s leading referees, becoming the first Somali to officiate a Confederation of African Football (CAF) Champions League final and being named CAF Men’s Referee of the Year. UEFA said Artan’s appointment was made under a cooperation agreement signed with CAF ‘this year aimed at strengthening collaboration. Artan was selected for this year’s World Cup but was barred from entering the United States by U.S. Customs and Border Protection despite having a valid visa. “It was a very tough period,” Artan said.
“A lot of people have sympathy for me, because when someone has been `a lot of years and is supposed to do something, and then can’t do it, it’s very challenging.” U.S. President Donald Trump’s strict immigration policies were a point of concern at the World Cup, with Washington imposing a sweeping travel ‘ban last year on citizens of 12 countries, including Somalia. An administration official said that Artan was denied entry because of his links to “suspected members of terror organizations”. Added ‘to FIFA’s international list of referees in 2018, Artan became the first Somali official at the Africa Cup of Nations in 2024. Wednesday’s match in Salzburg pits Champions League winners Paris St Germain against Europa League holders Aston Villa.
Guyana will need to regroup quickly with today’s match being a must-win situation for the under-pressure young women.
Kaieteur News
Tuesday August 11, 2026
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Republic Bank lauds investment in Mills Girls Camp
Some of the participants and sponsors of Republic Bank/Vurlon Mills Football Academy All-Girls camp. (Rawle Toney photo) By Rawle Toney Republic Bank has reaffirmed its commitment to the development of women’s and girls’ football, describing its sponsorship of the Vurlon Mills All-Girls Football Summer Camp as a worthwhile investment in the future of the sport. The Republic Bank-sponsored camp got underway on Monday at the Saints Ground on Carifesta Avenue and will run until August 14, bringing together girls between the ages of six and 16 for five days of football training, personal development and education. Jonelle Dummett, Republic B a n k ’s M a r k e t i n g a n d Communications Manager, said the institution’s support is aimed at helping create a safe and comfortable environment where young girls can develop their football skills and build confidence through participation in the sport. The bank’s investment has also provided an opportunity to broaden the camp’s impact beyond football. Participants between the ages of 14 and 16 will benefit from financial literacy sessions conducted by Republic Bank staff, equipping them with practical knowledge
The Republic Bank/Vurlon Mills Football Academy All-Girls camp js officially on the way at Saints Ground. about managing money and making sound financial decisions. Dummett also pointed to the progress of several girls who have participated in the programme and subsequently advanced to Guyana’s national youth teams, highlighting the camp’s growing importance as a development platform. The initiative has received the endorsement of the Guyana
Women’s Football Association (WFA), with president Andrea Johnson identifying the camp as an important pathway for young girls into organised football, club competition and, ultimately, the national team. Johnson said the programme complements the WFA’s broader strategy for developing women’s football, particularly by introducing girls to organised
football at an early age. The Guyana Football Federation’s investment in coach education has further strengthened the camp, with several qualified coaches involved in the programme. Their participation ensures that the young players are exposed to structured training delivered by coaches with recognised qualifications. For former Guyana
international Vurlon Mills, who turned to youth development after retiring from club and international football, the All-Girls Camp remains one of the most important programmes on the academy’s annual calendar. Held during the August school holidays, the camp seeks to address the need for greater opportunities for girls to become involved in football while providing a structured environment for them to develop technically and personally. Mills has consistently stressed the importance of increased investment in girls’ football, particularly at the grassroots level, and views Republic Bank’s support as significant because it targets an area of the sport that has traditionally attracted less investment. According to Mills, the partnership with Republic Bank therefore extends beyond the delivery of a football camp, stating that it represents an investment in creating opportunities for young girls, strengthening the pathway into organised football and equipping participants with skills that can benefit them both on and off the field.
Gous steers Kings past Falcons in nail-biter Saint Lucia Kings got their CPL 2026 campaign off to a thrilling start, edging the Antigua & Barbuda Falcons by four runs in a dramatic contest at Arnos Vale. Andries Gous’ superb 82 powered the Kings to a competitive total before captain Roston Chase produced a crucial spell in the middle overs to halt what had looked like a comfortable Falcons chase. Jahmar Hamilton, in particular, struggled to find his rhythm, managing just 10 from 20 deliveries as the pressure mounted. The Kings were the most aggressive team during the powerplay in last year’s tournament, and they once again came out firing, reaching 53/1 from the first six overs. Gous led the charge, continuing to push the tempo while wickets fell regularly around him. Ackeem Auguste, Roston Chase and Matthew Forde could only manage cameos, but Gous seemed to have an
answer for everything the Falcons attack threw at him. Just as the Kings were building momentum, rain brought a delay of approximately 40 minutes with three overs remaining in their innings. Gous eventually fell for a brilliant 82, caught superbly by Evin Lewis, before McKenny Clarke and Shadley van Schalkwyk combined for 25 valuable unbeaten runs to take the Kings to a competitive total. The Falcons were outstanding in the field, taking five excellent catches throughout the innings. Alzarri Joseph was the pick of the bowlers with 3/32, while Shamar Springer claimed the key wicket of Gous, as well as Joshua Bishop three balls later, finishing with 2/39. Rakeem Cornwall also celebrated his 50th CPL wicket when he bowled Ackeem Auguste, smashing into the stumps. Cornwall then got the Falcons’
chase off to a flying start, smashing five boundaries from just 13 deliveries before his assault was brought to an end by Maheesh Theekshana. Evin Lewis and Tim Robinson continued to put the Falcons firmly in control, combining for a 56-run partnership. At the halfway stage, the Falcons were cruising at 109/2 and appeared to be on course for victory. However, the dismissal of Tajinder Singh and Karima Gore triggered a collapse in momentum. Hamilton struggled to find the middle of the bat with any regularity, slowing the scoring rate despite Fabian Allen’s best efforts at the other end. The match went down to the final over, with the Falcons needing 13 runs for victory. Matthew Forde, despite an expensive spell, was entrusted with the crucial over and responded with a series of singles before Hamilton was run out Continued on page 21
Andries Gous punched a strong fifty to lead the Kings home on Sunday night.
s t r o Sp
Jonelle Dummett, Republic Bank’s Marketing and Communications Manager, during the ceremonial kick-off of the Camp. (Rawle Toney photo)
Republic Bank lauds investment in Mills Girls Camp
New champions Grillmaster Sip N Play All-Stars celebrate pose alongside sponsors from Lotto/Let’s Bet among others following their victory on Sunday.
Sip N Play in Lotto/Lets’ Bet T10 Tapeball tournament...
Hetmyer rolls back the years with 52* to seal thrilling title win for Grillmaster Sip N Play All-Stars Printed and published by National Media & Publishing Company Ltd., 24 Saffon Street, Charlestown, Georgetown. Tel: 225-8458, 225-8465, 225-8491 or Fax: 225-8473/226-8210.