Death toll from starvation in Gaza rises to 115 as Israeli attacks continue
WIN unveils manifesto
to seek fairer terms from oil deal; ringfence projects promises COI into police handling of probe into Adriana’s death 50% hike in public servants’ pay tax threshold to move to $200K $100K for old age pension
Trump quietly renews
Chevron’s licence in Venezuela...markingshiftinU.S.policy
Linden man charged, remanded for killing teacher
GECOM uncovers illegal registration, issuance of fraudulent ID card -police launchprobe VP Jagdeo backs non-sector to service Guyana’s ballooning debt if oil prices fall
Shaka Phillips
Death toll from starvation in Gaza rises to 115 as Israeli attacks continue
At least 62 Palestinians killed across enclave in Israeli attacks, as two more malnutrition deaths are recorded.
Aljazeera - At least 62 people havebeenkilled,including19who were seeking aid, in Israeli attacks across Gaza, hospital sources told Al Jazeera, and two people died from malnutrition amid growing international outrage over Israel's conductinthewar
Gaza's Health Ministry said on Thursday that at least 115 Palestinians have starved to death intheenclavesinceIsraellaunched its war on Gaza in October 2023. Most of the deaths, which include manychildren,havebeeninrecent weeks Israel imposed a total blockadeonGazainMarchandhas onlyallowedatrickleofaidintothe territory since late May, triggering a dire humanitarian crisis and warningsofmassstarvation.
InastatementonThursday,the United Nations agency for Palestinian refugees (UNRWA) warned that “families are breaking down”amidthehungercrisis.
“Parentsaretoohungry tocare for their children,” agency head PhilippeLazzarinisaidinaposton X. “Those who reach UNRWA clinics don't have the energy, food or means to follow medical
advice” The UN humanitarian agency, OCHA, added that Israel has been preventing it from verifyingaidwaitingatdistribution centres.
Reporting from Gaza City, Al Jazeera's Hani Mahmoud said the situation was deteriorating, with Palestiniansclamouringforanyaid theycanfind.“Enforcedstarvation, enforced dehydration, and hunger are gripping the Gaza Strip, with more people reported with malnutrition and a severe, acute shortageoffoodsuppliesandother basicnecessities,”hesaid.
“According to what we hear from health sources, people's immune systems are falling apart. They're unable to fight the many diseasesthatarespreadingbecause theirbodiesareunabletofight,”he said.With dire conditions on the ground largely unchanged, international condemnation has continuedtogrow
On Thursday, more than 60 members of the European Parliament (MEPs) demanded an emergencymeetingtopushactions against Israel in a letter sent to European Union foreign policy
chief Kaja Kallas.Speaking to Al Jazeera, Lynn Boylan, an Irish
Parliament, accused EU leaders of adoublestandardwhenitcomesto Palestinianlives.
“Clearly, Palestinian lives are not seen by the elite in the EU as equivalent to, for example, Ukrainian lives,” Boylan told Al Jazeera.
“There'sachillingeffect,thatif youdaretospeakupagainstIsrael, if you dare to call out the war crimesthatyou'rewitnessing,there is immediately a backlash and an attack,” she said.Outrage among
Displaced Palestinian mother Samah Matar holds her malnourished son, Ameer, who suffers from cerebral palsy, as her other son suf Youssef, also malnourished and suffering from cerebral palsy, lies on a mattress at a school in Gaza City [Mahmoud Issa/Reuters]
Europeanleadershasalsosoaredin recent days, with 28 countries earlier this week condemning the aid blockade, while calling for an immediateendtothefighting.
On Thursday, the United Kingdom'sgovernmentannounced PrimeMinisterKeirStarmerwould hold a call with his German and French counterparts, to “discuss whatwecandourgentlytostopthe killingandgetpeoplethefoodthey desperatelyneed”.
Breakdownintalks
Asthehumanitariansituationin Gaza continues to spiral, negotiations to end the war again
broke down, with US envoy Steve Witkoff announcing that his team was leaving negotiations in Qatar early.ThatcameshortlyafterIsrael announced it was withdrawing its delegationfromthetalks.
Inastatement,Witkoffaccused Hamasofshowing“alackofdesire toreachaceasefire”.
“We will now consider alternative options to bring the hostages home and try to create a more stable environment for the people of Gaza,” Witkoff said, without elaborating.Hamas, which has repeatedly accused Israel of (Continuedonpage9)
to seek fairer terms WIN
from oil contract
…plans to ring-fence oil projects
WeInvestinNationhood (WIN)onThursdayunveiled its 2025 election campaign manifesto, pledging to seek fairer terms from the 2016 Production Sharing Agreement (PSA), a deal that has long faced criticism for favouring the oil companiesoverthecountry
The party, launched just 59 days ago, hosted a press conference on Thursday to presentitsmanifesto.
Pressed on WIN's plans to review the oil and gas framework, the party's presidential candidate, United States-sanctioned businessman Azruddin Mohamed, said, “We will engage with ExxonMobil whenwetakeoffice,andwe willtrytoensurethatwecan ring- fence some of the projects, we'll discuss this withthem.”
The Stabroek Block, which spans 6 6 million acres and holds about 11.6 billion barrels of oil equivalent, is operated by ExxonMobil Guyana Limited (EMGL), which holds a 45% stake Its partners are Chevron (formerly Hess) with 30% andCNOOCwith25%.
Aring-fencing provision
WIN's presidential candidate,
wouldrequirethatonlycosts related to a specific development are recovered from that project once oil production begins This would prevent ExxonMobil from charging unrelated expensestothecostbankand help ensure a larger share of revenue is available for Guyana. Currently, the deal lacks such a provision and the Irfaan Ali led administration has approved new oil projects for Exxon without inserting a ringfencingprovision. Further, the current agreement governing the Stabroek Block offers favourable terms to the oil companies. Under the PSA,
the consortium can recover upto75%ofoilproducedto cover investment costs. The remaining 25% is split equallybetweenGuyanaand the consortium, with each receiving 12.5%. From that, the consortium pays a 2% royalty to Guyana Of Guyana's total 14.5% take, the government is also responsibleforpayingtheoil companies'taxes.
The deal also stipulates thattheamountequivalentto the taxes owed by the oil companies must be paid by the minister responsible for p e t r o l e u m t o t h e Commissioner General of t
Authority(GRA).
Oil production began in December 2019 and has grownto650,000barrelsper day (bpd) from three sanctioned projects: Liza Phase 1, Liza Phase 2, and Payara This output is expectedtoincreasewiththe upcoming start-up of Yellowtail, the fourth development, later this year Exxon has two other sanctionedprojectsunderits belt: Uaru and Whiptail. It has also submitted an Environmental Impact Assessment (EIA) for its s e v e n t h p r o j e
production targeted for 2029 Additionally, the company has filed an application for an eighth development,Longtail.
WIN's manifesto highlights that almost six years after first oil, significant gaps remain in areas such as environmental protection, climate resilience, local content, workforce development, revenue management, and thelegislativeframework.
It states, “These gaps demand urgent attention if wearetotrulysafeguardour people and environment from the risks associated
with a growing oil and gas sector.”
The party stresses the need for policies that prioritise building a capable workforce, ensuring that Guyaneseareequippedwith the necessary skills and are firstinlineforopportunities in the sector It states, “The waywemanageoilrevenues can no longer be a source of division or doubt. Strong, transparent systems must be put in place; systems that foster full public trust and reflect our shared c o m m i t m e n t t o accountability, equity, and nationaldevelopment.”
WINhaspromisedto: Engage ExxonMobil in
The Stabroek Block
negotiations for fairer terms on the 2016 Production SharingAgreement; Set and enforce internal deadlines aligned with the EITI reporting calendar to ensuretimelyreporting; Publish all extractive contracts in full, including annexes and fiscal terms, on a centralised, searchable portal; G u a r a n t e e t h e independent, protected, and active participation of civil society in the MultiStakeholderGroup(MSG); Monitorandpublishhow oil revenues are spent in all sectors; Applystrictring-fencing rulestoalloilblocks.
Jagdeo backs non-oil economy to service Guyana's ballooning debt if oil prices fall
Days after giving no assurance thatGuyanawillborrowlessinthe future,VicePresident(VP)Bharrat Jagdeosaidheisconfidentthatthe country'snon-oilsectorwillservice itsballooningdebtifoilpricesfall.
Responding to questions at his weekly party press conference on Thursday, Jagdeo said that Guyana's non-oil economy has beengrowingovertheyearsandhe isconfidentthatithasthecapacity to pay the country's revenue with the absence of an oil economy “The only difference is that our debt to GDP ratio will increase”, theVPsaid.
Jagdeo is also the People's Progressive Party/Civic's General Secretary and at his weekly party press conference Kaieteur News asked him some questions on his governmentdebtpolicy Oneofthe questions asked was, what explanation can he give to voters who are concerned that Guyana mightbeborrowingmorethanitis earningfromtheoilsector.
KaieteurNewspointedoutthat the country's debt (US$6B-of which US$4.2 billion was added since2019)isalmostequivalentto the amount (A little over US$6B from profit oil and royalties) it has earned to date from the oil sector and that the government is also using that money (oil revenues) in addition to the loans to fund it infrastructuralprojects.
Jagdeo'sfirstresponsewasthat he“didgetthepoint”thatthemedia was questioning him on but acknowledged that Guyana is funding its 2025 U$6.63 billion budget with a combination of oil revenues, non-oil revenues and loans. “Soifwesay37percentof the budget comes from oil money soclearlyitmeansthattheresthave to come from somewhere else, so we pointed out that about another 30 something percent comes from revenue that is non-oil revenue right, so the rest comes from loans everyyeartofundtheprojects”,the VPsaid.
He said that borrowing is intended to support economic growth.“…SoforexampletheGas toEnergy(project),the(US)EXIM bank (loan)” Jagdeo said while adding “Partofthebridge(thenew Demerara Harbour Bridge) is funded from a loan, part from the budget, about 100 million US
dollars from the budget (and ) and therestisfromaloansoit'stobuild thingsokay
Jagdeo then went on to defend his government's continuous borrowing by saying the oil revenues alone cannot support the country'sentirebudgetatthistime.
“When people make these wild promises like APNU (opposition) and the others like Glenn Lall say we have so much oil money…you have to say these people are crazy, becausethebudgetherewhichisto pay our public servants and do the capital works etc. even oil money can'tbeenoughtodothatmuchless fundthebigthings”,heargued.
Jagdeo continued: “They are promisingtogiveawaythismoney so that in itself should show how sterile and basically uneducated thosesuggestionsarebecausethey arenotsustainable.”
It should be noted that Businessman Glenn Lall's argument is that if the oil projects are ring-fenced or the lop-sided
Stabroek Block contract with ExxonMobil is renegotiated then Guyanawillearnenoughtopayoff itsdebtsandfundprojects.Jagdeo's government, however, has refused to renegotiate the contract or ringfence any of the projects. Shortchanged by the deal then the country will not be able to earn enoughtofundprojectsandreduce its ballooning debt. Nevertheless, Jagdeoandisregimeishopingthat with the approval of more oil projects,thecountrywillearnmore oil revenues in the future and only then Guyana might be able to stop borrowing.
In the second part of his response to Kaieteur News' question he said “So we had outlined clearly we would have to continue borrowing into the future…sowhenwefinishbuilding thebridgesaythebridgeacrossthe DemeraraRiverandallthebridges to Lethem and the one across the riverinLindenandallthehighways (Continuedonpage6)
Azruddin Mohamed
Guyana's Vice- president, Bharrat Jagdeo
PrintedandPublishedbyNationalMedia& PublishingCompanyLtd. 24SaffonStreet, Charlestown,Georgetown,Guyana.
Publisher:GLENNLALL-Tel:624-6456
Editor-in-Chief:NigelWilliams
Tel: 225-8465, 225-8491. Fax: 225-8473, 226-8210
EDITORIAL
Media and the elections
Inthiselectionseason,itishardtodistinguishwhether thestatemediaandsomeotherprivately-ownedentitiesare reallyarmsoftherulingandoppositionpartiesoraretruly independenttruthseekers.
At public rallies and even on social media state media operatives are seen dressed in party colours, cheering on leaders of various parties and even openly campaigning. Someofthemtheirfaces havegracedbillboardsendorsing candiatesintheelectionrace.
In any healthy democracy, the press must serve as a watchdog, bold, fair, and independent. But in Guyana today, an unsettling pattern has emerged, more and more journalistsarefindingthemselvesentangledinthewebsof political power Some willingly Others, perhaps, unconsciously The result: a slow erosion of public trust, truth,andtransparency.
Guyana's political landscape is deeply polarised, and themediahasnotbeenimmunetoitsgravitationalpull.In recent years. We have said here before that a troubling numberofjournalistsandmediahouseshavealigned,some overtly, others more subtly with the ruling political party. This alignment has created a dangerous feedback loop: party loyalty is rewarded with access and visibility, while therealpress,thecompanyofauthenticprofessionals,has been locked out, hidden from, treated to a different standard.
Allthisishappeningwhilethegovernmentboastsabout pressfreedom.Thebestthatcanbesaidofthisboast,isthat itisalower,moreworryingstandardofthepress;theworst is that it has been no standard at all, save for the unacceptable ugliness, for the obscene that exceeds civilizedlimits.
The PPPC Government is the leading culprit in the excesses meted out against the press and overt attempt in capturing willing reporters. We at this publication should know,forourpeoplehavefeltthebruntofthewickedness concocted, have been made special targets for what is grimy, what savages most claims of good governance, of ethicalpoliticalleadership.
What we are witnessing today is not just political favoritism;itisasubtlebuteffectivecaptureofthefourth estate.
This "capture" does not always involve overt censorship or bribes. Sometimes, it is far more insidious: jobspromisedingovernmentministries;strategiccontracts for media professionals; offers to host partisan radio or television programmes; quiet funding of newsrooms in exchangeforeditorialloyalty Theseactschipawayatthe veryfoundationofjournalisticintegrity
Thedangerliesinwhatislost:criticalvoices,unbiased reporting, meaningful investigation When reporters become mouthpieces or echo chambers for the party line, journalism ceases to be a public service, it becomes propaganda.
Worse still, the public loses its compass. In a country alreadyscarredbyethnicdivisionsandpoliticaltribalism, biased media deepens mistrust and disinformation. When citizens cannot rely on the press for fair reporting, they retreat into echo chambers, feeding cycles of suspicion, anger,anddivision.
Thelightoftruthisthebestdisinfectant,asithasbeen wiselysaid,anditstandsunbowedandunfazedbeforeany and all comers Unfortunately, this has been a conspicuously missing ingredient in some of our media housestoday
Ultimately, the freedom of the press is not just a journalisticconcern.Itisademocraticone.
Whenpressfreedoms,freedomofopinion,andfreedom towork,areallsubjecttoescalatingindignity,thenwhatis in motion is not democracy, but the stealthy march of heinoustyranny
Justice being compromised
DearEditor, It must be concerning to th
lamentations and criticisms levelled by theActing Chief Magistrate, regarding poor police work in several gun
DearEditor,
cases,whichcamebeforeher recently(INewsJuly24).
Chronicling several cases, as outlined in the article, which highlighted
extension prosecution, lacking answers to details, resulting in bail being granted to defendants. This does not speak well of those
prosecuting these cases, and
compromised.Thiswouldbe atravesty
Regards
ShamshunMohamed
What about Mae Thomas
In recent weeks, the name Azruddin Mohamed has dominated headlines, social media, and political commentary—often framed
ged corruption, and undue enrichment. His association with the ruling elite and his visible wealth have made him an easy target. But one cannot help but notice a troubling double standard in thenationaldiscourse.
Why is it that while Azruddin is relentlessly scrutinized, vilified, and held up as a symbol of excess, Mae Thomas, a
former Permanent Secretary and a senior public servant, whoisalsothesubjectofUS sanctions, continues to operate with seeming impunity and minimal scrutiny?
The United States DepartmentoftheTreasury's Office of Foreign Assets Control (OFAC) sanctioned both parties—yet only one has become the face of “corruption” in the public eye. Azruddin's family businesses have been sanctioned for suspected illicit gold trading and money laundering, while Mae Thomas is alleged to
have used her official position to improperly facilitate business transactions and obstruct legitimate processes Yet, whileAzruddinisparadedas the post
child of corruption, Ms. Thomas, a governmentinsider,isbarely mentioned.
The media, civil society, and even international observers seem disturbingly silent on her case. Shouldn't public servants who misuse stateofficebesubjecttoeven greater scrutiny than private businessmen?
This disparity suggests that political proximity may be offering protection to
some,whileothersarebeing used as convenient scapegoats to distract from deeperinstitutionalrot.Ifwe are serious about acc
governance, and restoring public trust, then we must apply the same standard acrosstheboard—regardless of whether the person is a businessmanorabureaucrat. Selective outrage only erodes the credibility of those who champion transparencywhileturninga blind eye to the failings within their own political or professionalcircles.
Sincerely,
H.Singh
Diaspora support group for WIN takes umbrage at US Ambassador's comments
DearEditor,
Diasporan supporters of the WIN campaign have notedtherecentstatementof the Honorable Ambassador of the United States of America outlining her concerns regarding the possible election of WIN l
e Azzurdin Mohammed and itsimpactonthedecisionsof American companies to investinGuyana.
Diasporan supporters of the WIN campaign acknowledge the historical role of the United States in
Guyana and recognize that the single most important investmentinGuyanatodate has been made by an American company, Exxon. Diasporan supporters of WIN want to make it clear that the candidacy of Azzurdin Mohammed is the result of a widespread collective outcry for a just society,ridofracismandthe endemic public corruption and theft that have become the norm during the rule of the PPP. Mr. Mohammed's decision to run for office is not one undergirded by self-
aggrandizement and a compelling criminal need to plunder the treasury and the natural resources of the country Wealsonotethatthe Ambassador has not expressed similar concerns regardingtheroleofanother sanctioned individual, Mae Thomas who has worked at the highest decision-making levels of the ruling PPP. Thesecommentsrepresenta rather presumptuous and dangerous interference into the domestic affairs of Guyana and its politics during our elections. The
USAistoutedasabastionof d e m o c r a c y a n d a constitutionalrepublic.Sois Guyana!
Guyana and Guyanese cannot arrogate to themselves the right to instruct American citizens who to elect as President even if persons were convictedincriminalorcivil courtsforwrongdoing. Itisappositetonotethat it would be the epitome of arrogance for Guyanese to suggest that because of the criminalconvictionofany (Continueonpage5)
The Campaign and Courting America
DearEditor,
At every national meeting during the hectic and intensive political campaign, only the PPP leadership has so far spoken aboutorpubliclyaddressthe significant importance of ties with USA. The other partiesmusthaverecognized the value of the relationship and the consequences of disruption in ties with Washington although it has not figured in their hustings as yet. PPP actively courts USAmuchtothechagrinofa few leftists and (fake) nationalists. Guyana cannot survive without American investment (read Exxon and other major companies) in energy and protection from thebigbrotherupnorth. Both President Irfaan
andVPBharrat Jagdeo have recognizedthevalueofUSA to Guyana and her assets (fossil energy, precious and rareearthminerals,location, etc ) as well as for the extended geo-strategic regionandhavebeenwisely and appropriately publicly playing up to (courting) Washingtontoensureitisin Guyana's corner especially when it comes to the threat posedbyVenezuela.Agroup with which this writer is associated has been championing closer links with USA, even of making Guyana an adjunct of USA. It is a strategic way of protecting Guyana from potential invaders Some leftists are opposed to the idea. They believe Guyana shouldbecloserwithChina;
the leftists can build a relationship with the Chinese and migrate to and settleinChina.
The government's positiononUSAisareversal from pre-2015 when antiAmericanism predominated politicsinGuyanaamongthe politicians of successive governments and official opposition and all left wing parties (not the people who historically have craved migrating to and settling in the great USA; some one million Guyanese including ofGuyaneseancestrylivein USA). Those of us who courted USA from 2970s onwards were referred to as imperialists Today, those who attacked us as imperialists are more proAmericanthanimagined.
Politicians of all parties, except the idiotic left and a few stupid columnists who have devalued the power of and perennially attack America,inGuyanaseemto have mastered 'geo-politics' and no longer adopt an antiAmerican attitude. In fact, they (except the handful of left wingers) go out of their waytopraiseUSA. Anyonewhostudiesgeopolitics and or the Foreign PolicyisUSAwillknowthat no small country can economically survive being anti-American as many, including Guyana, suffered periodicallyoverthelasttwo hundred years; all antiAmerican economies in USA backyard suffered Washingtondidnot,does (Continueonpage5)
In the final analysis, it all boils down to the question
DearEditor,
As someone with an interestinGuyana'spoliticoeconomic and social development over the several decades, I have had the opportunity to experience firsthand the ebb and flow of politics and governanceinthecountry.In all of this, there is only one politicalpartythathasstood the test of time, namely the People'sProgressiveParty
Under the PPP Guyana transitioned from colonial rule to internal selfgovernment and eventually tosovereignrule.
And while it is true that the country experienced dictatorial rule for nearly
three decades as a consequence of rigged
elections both under the Burnham and the Hoyte presidencies, the political landscape was changed for the better following the return to democratic rule on October 5, 1992 with the active support of the United States and other friendly nations.
As the country faces another General and Regionalelections,thereare some 'dark clouds' seeminglyhoveringoverthe distant horizons but as past experience has taught us those eventually failed to crystallize and disappear undertheblueskies.
How many Guyanese recall the several failed attempts of 'splinter' parties tounseatthePPPfromoffice
in the 1960s, most notably the Justice Party led by Balram Singh Rai and the Guyana United Muslim PartyledbyHosienGhanie?
Yet we can only neglect the lessons of our past history at our own peril as was the case when the PNC teamed up with the United Force in the 1964 elections to remove the PPP from office, with disastrous consequences.
A similar situation obtained in the 2015 elections when the PNC teamed up with the AFC to unseatthePPP/C.
Guyanese are generally very discerning politically anddonotallowthemselves to be influenced by politicianswhoseemtocare
The Campaign and Courting...
Frompage4 not, and will not allow any outside powers to dominate the region threatening American interests and security; both PPPand PNC governments suffered as a result of building or e s t a b l i s h i n g o r strengthening ties with USSRorRussia,China,and Middle Eastern nations tied to exporting terror Leaders who didn't understand or chose to ignore the role of geo-politics were removed from or undermined in office.
Georgetown has learned the concepts of geo-politics and geo-security, and no governmentwilldarepursue a policy that threatens American interests. Post 2015, President Irfaan and VP Jagdeo seemingly understand geo-politics and Washington's foreign policy in the region and the role of USA in protecting Guyana. The Foreign Minister Hugh Todd also masters geostrategyandsecurityandhas been actively championing
Guyana
governmentwillnotattempt any policy that jeopardizes tiesbetweenthetwonations.
The PPPduo understand the concern of USA of the presence of 'foreign' powers inthegreaterCaribbeanand Latin area toAmerican geosecurity Theyalsorecognize that Guyana will cease to exist as a current nation outside of Washington's orbit. Thus, over the last couple years, they have constantlystressedGuyana's invaluable relationship with America They regularly spoke at press conferences andcampaignmeetingsofan American partnership that must not be jeopardized and how the apple cart can be upset.
Guyana's very existence istiedtoacloserelationship with USA as is American companiesinvestmentinand drilling and production of fossil energy (oil and gas) and by extension the huge amount of revenues that have been flowing into the coffersoverthelastsixyears from Exxon's presence. So much investment is tied to Exxon; dozens of major investors have come to Guyana because of Exxon's investment. Exxon is tied to theveryeconomicalsurvival of Guyana, and its presence in Guyana must never be u
r
more about their own egos and self-interest rather than thenationalgood. This is why the PPP/C under the tried and tested leadership of President Dr Mohamed Irfaan Ali will
once again emerge victorious at the polls on
September 1, 2025 The writing is already written largeonthewall.
There is only one party thatcanbetrustedtoleadthis nation to higher levels of progress and prosperity and thatisthePPP/C.
Inthefinalanalysis,itall
of trust
boilsdowntothequestionof trust.Andtheonlypartythat has never betrayed the trust and confidence of the Guyanesepeopleintermsof deliverables on manifesto promisesisthePPP/C. Regards HydarAlly
Response to Azruddin's propagandist
DearEditor,
Only a few days ago propagandist Hareshwar Singhclaimedtobesoafraid that he singed only his last nametoaLettertotheEditor But when challenged, his f
resurfaced with a 536-word missive in which more wild and absurd claims are registered (Media 7/24/2025).
compromised or threatened. Besides, Washington will neverallowit.
Venezuela'sMadurowill neverbeallowedtothreaten Exxon or any American company American investorsmustbewelcomed to counter the threat posed by China. Americans must begivenpreferenceoverthe Chinese The partnership between Guyana and USA must be strengthened regardless of which party is in office and which party wins on September 1, and it isveryclearwhichpartywill hold the reins of government.
Because of its geostrategic value and new role as a petro state and its presence as a bulwark against Venezuela, nothing must come in between Guyana and USA to disrupt
Let us take note of the more egregious attempts by Hareshwar Singh to advocate for the OFAC sanctioned Azruddin Mohamed.
He has a problem with Mae Thomas. Fair enough, but she is not a presidential candidate, or any candidate forthatmatter Aswithmost spin doctors, Singh claims
that “This (his letter) isn't about defending [Azruddin] Mohamed.” Forgive me, but your letter is exactly about pushingthecandidacyofthe man sanctioned by the UnitedStatesgovernment.
Hareshwar Singh also wants to be a philosopher Note for instance this moral defence of Azruddin –“OFAC does not determine G u y a n a ' s m o r a l compass we the people do.”WellSir,ifyouare“the people,” then we are in trouble.
Why? Because you find it morally correct to defend someone who has been implicated in potentially serious criminal matters as pertheOFACdetermination.
Guyana was a left wing authoritarian state. All the parties must commit to retaining closer ties with USA regardless of wins or governs.
Bisram
Yourssincerely, Regards Vishnu
Frompage4
American elected official, foreign companies and investors must be dissuaded from investing in the United States or participating in the US bond market. Diasporan supporters of the WIN campaign believe that as Guyanese,itisoursovereign right to elect political actors and parties in furtherance of the national interest of Guyanese. The US Ambassador'scommentsare quite disturbing if not pregnantwithirony,because it is the same USA who recentlyrecognizedaformer sanctioned terrorist of Syria as the exalted president of Syria with accompanied bilateral agreements and privatesectorinvestments.
Mostnotably,neitherthe good Ambassador nor her
And according to the same source, “[b]etween 2019 and 2023, Mohamed's Enterprise omitted more t h a n 1 0 t h o u s a n d kilogrammes of gold from import-and-export declarations and avoided paying more than US$50 million in duty taxes to the Government of Guyana (Guyana Chronicle 7/14/2025).
Hareshwar Singh's poppycock defence of AzruddinMohamedhasnow beenexposed.
T h a t O F A C determination, in part, reads as follows – “Azruddin and Mohamed's Enterprise evadedGuyana'staxongold exports and defrauded the Guyanesegovernmentoftax revenuesbyunder-declaring their gold exports to Guyaneseauthorities(Ibid).
Sincerely Dr.RandyPersaud
Diaspora support group for WIN...
government expressed any concerns about the current InternationalCriminalCourt charged Prime Minister of Israelwhocontinuestoenjoy billionsofUStaxdollarsand support from Executive and Legislative branches of government Today, the Ambassador seeks to instructusonourdemocracy as we Guyanese are
someone's burden. In May 1966, Guyana asserted itself asasovereignnationwithits citizens the ultimate custodiansastowhotoelect to govern us Madam ambassador, we hold those truthstobeself-evident.
Sincerely
HectorStoute
DiasporanSupporter WIN
I remain steadfast in my hope for Guyana. Let us rise together!
DearEditor,
The year 2025 began with optimism and promise. However, as we move deeper into the election
season, the political landscape has taken a surprising turn, marked by public endorsements, the emergence of new political movements, and notable defections to rival parties. While these developments were perhaps foreshadowed by subtle shifts in behavior andrhetoric,fewanticipated
the extent of the realignments now taking place.
The Constitution of Guyana rightly guarantees every citizen the freedom of association and political expression.
Yet, what I find personallydifficulttoaccept
isnotthechoicesindividuals make, but the manner in which some of my former colleagues have chosen to operate Like any organization, political parties experience internal d y n a m i c s a n d disagreements However, maturity demands that we
r e s o l v e i s s u e s
constructively, not opportunistically
Thoughmyinvolvement with the People's National Congress Reform (PNCR) dates back to my youth, attending meetings with my mother and engaging in party-ledactivities,myadult convictions have only deepened my belief that the PNCR remains the only viable political movement capable of delivering meaningful, transformative
change to Guyana My research into our nation's history confirms this view Following the ideological splitbetweenLindenForbes Sampson Burnham and Dr Cheddi Jagan in the 1950s, Burnham recognized the urgent need to advocate for the poor, marginalized, and voiceless. He founded the PNC in 1957 to serve this purpose, a mission that, despite evolving times, remainsvitaltoday
The oft-repeated myth that “the party is bad” must be challenged Political parties are comprised of people, and it is people, not abstractinstitutions,whoare responsible for actions and decisions.
The focus of criticism, therefore, should be on conduct,nottheentityitself.
Government needs to setup employment workshops to help unemployed people back into work
DearEditor,
The remittances provided to some Guyanese byfriendsandfamiliesfrom abroad will not make ends meet for some Guyanese whoareunemployed.
Aswellas,ithascreated a dependency syndrome in thatsomeGuyanesewhocan work do not see the need to work.
The Democratically
Elected Government of Guyana needs to setup employment workshops to help unemployed people into work Such workshops need to assist financially as well as give people job skills
An intensive workshop of 2 hours per day, 5 days a week over 4 weeks can provide unemployed people withpracticalhelpinhowto
lookforjobs,howtowritea CV, how to apply for jobs, interview skills, etc. which willhelpinbuildingpeople's confidence.
S u c h t a r g e t e d intervention can reduce the unemployment rate over time if the workshops are national and not just in Georgetown.
Sincerely SeanOri
As members of political parties, our calling is to serve, not for selfaggrandizement; but to ensureequitabledistribution ofournation'sresourcesand the upliftment of every citizen, especially the most vulnerable. Yet it is both disappointing and disheartening to see former PNCR members—many of whomheldhighpositionsas G
Councillors, and board members, now turn around and criticize the very party theyoncepraised.Theseare individuals who once vocallyopposedthePPP/C's policies and actions. What, then, has changed? Has the PPP/C fundamentally improved governance, justice, and economic equity? Or is the motivation s i m p l y p o l i t i c a l convenience?
Sincereturningtooffice in August 2020, the PPP/C administration has presided over:
Rampant corruption in state agencies, including the Guyana Police Force (source: [Transparency Institute Guyana Inc reports,2023–2024]),
Discriminatory allocation of national resources,
Thecontinuedhighcost of living (supported by BureauofStatisticsinflation reports),
And ongoing failures to uphold constitutional provisions.
Despite these issues, we hear nothing from these former members, now speakingatPPP/Crallies;on matters such as the tragic deathofAdrianaYounge,the continuedmarginalizationof
Afro-Guyanese and
Indigenous communities, or the injustices suffered by families seeking justice
Instead, the focus is narrowly placed on criticizing the Coalition government's tenure, often ignoringthebroadercontext.
It must be reiterated that the Coalition Government (2015–2020) operated without oil revenue yet managed to implement several transformative programs,including:
initiative, which supported youth entrepreneurs across thecountry, T
Employment and Youth Service (HEYS) program, w
d Indigenous youth with trainingandstartupcapital, T h e R
o n a l Agriculture Investment Program, benefiting farmers in regions like Ithaca, West Coast Berbice through access to machinery and financialaid. These were real policies with real results. To claim that the Coalition did “nothing” is a disservice to thousands of Guyanese whose lives were positively impacted.What troubles me mostisthefalseequivalence often drawn between a government that served just under five years without oil wealthandonethatruledfor 23yearsprior,andnowonce again,withaccesstobillions in oil revenue, fails to demonstrate significant systemic improvement. Let us not forget; when the Coalition assumed office in 2015, we focused not on blaming the past, but on
f i x i n g t h e present repairing broken systems while laying the foundation for Guyana's future.
As we approach the September 1, 2025, General and Regional Elections, I pose this challenge to those who have recently defected tothePPP/C:
Whatpercentageofnew voterscanyoutrulybringto yournewpoliticalhome?
And before your departure, what value or support base did you meaningfully contribute to thePNCR?
To my fellow Guyanese, do not vote based on race. Vote based on policies and performance. Your decision in this election will determine the direction of Guyana for the next five years.Reflectonthereversal of numerous beneficial Coalition-led initiatives suchas:
Decentralization of passportoffices,
The 5B's initiative (Boats, Buses, Bicycles, Breakfast,Books), And youth housing eligibility beginning at age 18,nowrolledbackto21.
We are watching the erosion of progress, while a selectfewprofit,enabledby an increasingly self-serving administration In conclusion,Ileavethisverse for those who have shifted political allegiance in the final months before elections:
“The stone which the buildersrejectedhasbecome the cornerstone.” — Psalm 118:22
I remain steadfast in my hopeforGuyana.Letusrise together!
Yourssincerely, AnnetteFerguson
Jagdeo backs non-oil economy to service...
Frompage3 most of which are already awarded. We don't have to spend that money anymore right so then the capital budget shrinks, ” he explained. Jagdeo said it is anticipated by 2027 government would not have anyneedtoborrow“because wewillbeabletofundmore of our activities from the budget,maybe20272028or so around that level,” he added.
Back in January 2023, theIDBhadreleasedareport cautioning Latin America and Caribbean (LAC) countries against 'excessive' borrowing and urged governments to bring their debts down to more prudent
levels. In its report titled 'Dealing with Debt – Less RiskforMoreGrowthinthe Latin America and the Caribbean' , the IDB disclosed at that time that debt has risen and stands at some US$5.8 trillion, which is 117 percent of the Gross Domestic Product (GDP) in theregion.
“Given the dangers of excessive debt, the current situation in Latin America and the Caribbean is worrisome,” the IDB said. IDBsaidpublicdebtservesa critical role for countries to pursue public investment projects,implementcountercyclical policies, and provide support to economies in the face of
negative shocks. However, theIDBwarnedthatifpublic debt becomes too large or is not managed with sufficient caution, interest costs may balloon, growth prospects maysuffer,andinthelimit,a costly debt crisis may be provoked. According to the report, governments can bring down their debt levels by improving spending efficiency,expandingthetax base, and seeking wider reforms to enhance fiscal balances and boost growth. The IDB said that there are many reasons why public debt levels should be lower than they currently are, highlighting that there are several ways to reduce that debt.
BLUNT BLUNT
The ERC
The Ethnic Relations Commission (ERC) travels far to hold itself out as a peacemaker. It is, but to a point only, and even then, it is selective. So much of racial abuse is happening in our society and the ERC seems only content on going after one set of targets.
What the ERC does is make a mockery of its presence, and exposes how it can be one-sided, and two-faced. The ERC should and must stand as a respected peacemaker, and the best way for this crucial body to do so is by being an impartial referee.
What has to be called out, must be called out, without regard for who is involved. Whenever hostility rears its malevolent head, the ERC must be on the scene with its clear message of condemnation, and insisting that the authorities take up the baton from there. The ERC has manifested remarkable energy in coming out and being very clear when certain segments in Guyana's unending tug-of-wars are on the wrong end of its attentions.
It is commendable that someone from some group is specified and isolated, and then taken to task. This is what the ERC does best, when it is true to its existence, but only when it does so consistently
WIN unveils manifesto
…50% hike in public servants' pay … tax threshold to move to $200K …$100K for old age pension
ByAlliyahAllicock
Newly formed - We InvestinNationhood(WIN) party, who has been in existence for approximately 59 days, is the first political party which unveiled its election manifesto on Thursday
Launching the party's
manifesto at their Providence head office, was
WIN's party leader, Azruddin Mohamed, General Secretary, Odessa Primus,andpartycandidates Natasha Singh- Lewis, Dawn Hastings-Williams, andTabithaSarbo-Halley
Opening yesterday's proceedings was Primus whorelatedthismanifestois in presentation of a
collective vision to transform Guyana. “What you are about to hear is as a resultofsteadilylisteningto the people, we didn't sit in a room and create policies from top down, we built it fromthegroundupandwhat emerged are covered under three pillars: National Projects and Policies, Our WIN initiatives and our Regional Projects,” Primus explained.
Expounding a little on these pillars she disclosed that their national projects and policies are long-term transformative ideas that speaks to key sectors, and that it addresses what the problems are and provide solutions.
Relating to their WIN initiatives,shesaidtheseare immediate, actionable and people driven investment that will directly impact lives, while the regional development projects are tailored, targeted solutions designed specificallyfor the ten administrative regions, that are developed to foster economic growth and to empowereachother
The projects and policies,shementionedwere compiledanddevelopedbya team of young people who are experts in their fields, who came together in dialogues, consultation and inintenseresearchtocharta newcourseforGuyana.
Inhisopeningremarksat the launch, businessman MohamedsaidatWIN,they
envisionaGuyanawherethe blessings of the country's abundant resources uplift everyoneandwhereloveand harmony dispel hate and division Unveiling their manifesto under the theme: 'Re-building on the Foundation laid, for a Prosperous, Unified, and Safer Guyana', Mohamed noted that they are committed to working with everyone who is willing to putGuyanaaboveself,forit is only unity that all Guyanese can benefit equitably
“This manifesto is more thanwordsoradocument.It is our solemn oath to every Guyanese that your life will be improved through bold policies, projects, and sustainable programmes designed to provide better living standards, heal divisions and secure our communities,” the Party leadersaid.
He added that through thepagesoftheirmanifesto, onewillfindaveryclearand consistent vision of a government that works for the people, creating opportunities for every citizen to thrive. “In service to the nation, we present transformative plans to reduce the cost of living, increasing personal and household earnings, revitalize key sectors, and dependency on imports and modernize our production capabilities, ensuring that Guyana becomes an economicpowerhouseinthe region, ” Mohamed presented.
In unveiling his plans, Mohamedmentionedthathe has chosen not to accept a presidentialsalaryifelected, and noted that it will be redirected into a fund that will be used for projects to empower the people. The Presidential candidate in announcing incentives his partyintendstoimplementif elected, Mohamed stated that public assistance will increase from $22,000 to $50,000, public assistance for individuals living with HIVandcancerwillincrease from $14,000 to $30,000, old-age pension will increase from $41,000 to $100,000, the school cash
(from left to right) WIN party candidates Natasha Singh- Lewis, Dawn Hastings-Williams, General Secretary, Odessa Primus, Leader of the WIN party, Azruddin Mohamed and candidate Tabitha Sarbo-Halley presenting their party's manifesto on Thursday
grant will increase to $100,000, and the income tax threshold will increase from $130,000 to $200,000 per month. Mohamed also announced that they intend to reduce PAYE (pay as you earn)from25%to20%,and publicservantswillreceivea scaled salary increase of up to 50%, and plans to engage theprivatesectortoincrease the private sector minimum wage.
He mentioned also that WIN will implement an
Transfers, ensuring that the wealth generated from Guyana's natural resources is shared directly with the p
speaking on tax reform and incentivemeasures,henoted this is aimed at ensuring tax policies align with the country's broader economic vision,creatingafavourable environment for investment and better living conditions forallGuyanese.
Part of what they intend
to in relation to this, Mohamed highlighted will betoexpandthelistofzerorated items, reduce Value Added Tax from 14% to 10%, and introduce a guaranteed negative income tax top-up for poor households. In relation to vehicle taxes, he mentioned that used vehicles with 0-1499 CC,theflatratedutywillbe reduced from $800,000 to $700,000, for new vehicles with0-1499CC,thecustoms
duty will be reduced from 35%to20%+VAT
“All other classes of vehicles, including fourdoor pickups, will see sweeping reduction of up to 60%,ATVswillbedutyand VAT free, and outboard enginesof75HPorlesswill be VAT free,” Mohamed promised. The party noted thattheirmanifestostandsas a clear commitment to inclusive development and sustainable growth for all Guyana.
AFC promises $230k cash grant, free uniform yearly for school children
School-going children will benefit from $230,000 annually under an Alliance for Change (AFC) government, the party said onWednesday
According to a flyer releasedbytheparty'sleader N i g e l H u g h e s o n Wednesday via Facebook, the students are to receive “$75,000 per child at the startofeachschoolterm.”
This is $20,000 more thanwhatthegovernmentis currently giving in its 'Because We Care Cash Grant'annually
The AFC has been unveiling its plans for the educationsectorinpartsand intends to place the said promisesinitsmanifestofor the September 1, 2025 general and regional elections.
Further, the AFC is promising free school uniformsforschoolchildren atthestartofeachacademic year as well as free
transportation.Additionally, allschoolswillbefurnished with a cafeteria that provides free, nutritious meals for the students. The government of Guyana (GoG) has a National SchoolFeedingProgramme inplace,whichaccordingto the Ministry of Education's website targets all nursery schools and all Grades One and Two students of the PrimarySchools.
“The School Feeding P r o g r a m m e w a s implemented in Regions 1, 2 , 3 , 4 , 5 , 6 , 1 0 a n d Georgetown. (Regions 7, 8 and 9 are targeted separately).TheProgramme consists of biscuits and juices, both locally made,” the ministry said on its website.
There is also “the breakfast programme (which) ensures that nursery-level pupils and thosefromGradesOne,Two and Six are provided with a
nutritious morning meal daily
The programme is in addition to the Hot Meal Programme which serves foodtoprimaryandprimary toplearnersinRegionsOne (Barima-Waini), Two (Pomeroon-Supenaam), Three (Essequibo IslandsWest Demerara), Five (Mahaica-Berbice), Seven (Cuyuni-Mazaruni), Eight (Potaro Siparuni), Nine (Upper Takutu-Upper Essequibo),andTen(Upper Demerara-Berbice),” the websitesaid.
Overthelastfewweeks, theAFC has been releasing its plans and proposed policies to the public for scrutiny
On July 21, Kaieteur Newsreportedthattheparty unveiled its 100-day plan, outlining milestones it hopes to achieve should it
assume office come September
Speaking on behalf of the party, new member,
Jaipaul Sharma told reportersthatwhiletheparty will not be able to “right all the wrong the PPPdid over thelastfiveyears”,itwillfix as much as it can within those100days.
Sharma said the plan “consists of a lot of measures for our senior citizens,personslivingwith disability and every citizen of Guyana 18 years and above, and I'm speaking aboutacashgrant.”
He noted that a grant of $100,000 will be made available to every citizen, with senior citizens and persons living with disabilities, including those currently on the public assistance programme, receiving$150,000each.
“…definitely we giving our senior citizen and persons receiving public assistancemoremoney This will be a feature going forwardwitheverycash
(Continueonpage17)
When America has a problem, it
doesn’t mean we must too
There’s a lot of noise these days about sanctions and politics, especially after the recent comments by the UnitedStatesAmbassadorto Guyana.
The Ambassador said that having a U Ssanctioned individual in government or parliament could be “problematic” for the U.S. government and U.S. private sector companies. While that may sound like a warning, what she really did was confirm something many of us have been saying all along: U.S. sanctions are about the United States and its interests—notours.
The United States can choose to sanction whomeveritwantsunderits laws. And when it does, it bars its own citizens, companies, and financial institutions from doing business with the targeted individuals or entities
That’s their business. But that doesn’t mean a sovereign country like Guyana is under any obligation to follow suit. It certainly doesn’t mean that Guyanese people or our government cannot do business with a fellow Guyanesewhoissanctioned bytheUnitedStates. Sowhythefear?Whyall the fuss? The answer lies in
the political games being played The PPP/C government, clearly shaken by the rising popularity of Azruddin Mohamed (AZMO)andhispartyWIN, is trying to use U S sanctions as a political hammer They want the publictobelievethatmerely being seen near AZMO or the Mohameds will get you in trouble, lose your visa, or even get you sanctioned yourself.
But that’s not how sanctions work. And interestingly, the U.S. Ambassador herself helped clear that up before. In an earlier comment, she explainedthattherevocation
DeathtollfromstarvationinGaza...
Frompage2 blocking a ceasefire agreement, said it was surprisedbyWitkoff’sremarks.
“The movement affirms its keenness to continuenegotiationsandengageinthemina manner that helps overcome obstacles and leads to a permanent ceasefire agreement,” said Hamas in a statement released late on Thursday US President Donald Trump, meanwhile,hascontinuedtopushforadeal, while simultaneously supporting the displacement of Palestinians from the enclave to nearby countries, in what would potentiallyconstituteethniccleansing.
FrancetorecognisePalestine
Late on Thursday, French President Emmanuel Macron announced he would officially recognise the State of Palestine at the United Nations General Assembly in September Macronsaidthedecisionwas“in
keepingwith[France’s]historiccommitment toajustandlastingpeaceintheMiddleEast”.
The move will make France the largest and arguably most influential country in EuropetorecogniseaPalestinianstate.
The move was hailed by the deputy of Palestinian Authority President Mahmoud Abbas, who said it showed France’s “commitment to international law and its support for the Palestinian people’s rights to self-determination and the establishment of ourindependentstate”.
Israeli officials swiftly condemned the move, with Defence Minister Israel Katz calling it a “disgrace and a surrender to terrorism” “We will not allow the establishment of a Palestinian entity that would harm our security, endanger our existence,andundermineourhistoricalright totheLandofIsrael,”hesaid.
DEM BOYS SEH
De bank want yuh loan money but nah yuh vote
Demboyssehdis country getting curiouser and curiouser like Alice in Wonderland.Butinsteadof a white rabbit, is a baldheaded eagle flying over andwhisperingsanctionsin peopleears.
Now hear dis one: a certain commercial bank seh it pulling de plug on accounts fuh candidates of de WIN party Why?
Because de leader,AZMO, get sanction by Uncle Sam and dem claim dem can’t take no risk wid de US correspondentbanks.
Butwaitnah!Demboys wan know: since when a man getting sanction mean everybody who know he, votefuhhe,orrunonaparty listwithhemustgetcutoff likebadWiFi?
Dem bank boys move
quick to close down de savings accounts of WIN candidates faster than dem does shut down yuh ATM card when yuh overdraft.
But dem boys seh if yuh owe de same bank loan money, dem nah seh dem cyan tek yuh repayment!
Oh no! Fuh dat, is “come rightin,wehappytoserve.”
De vault open wide like Sundaymarket!
So leh we get this straight: yuh can’t save money in de bank, but yuh can owe dem? Yuh money too radioactive to deposit, butnottoxicenoughtopay demback? Thatsoundlikedebank onlyallergictodeposits,not tointerest.
Dem boys seh this is selectivemorality—dekind that wear suit and tie and stillcan’tspell‘integrity.’
of U.S. visas is handled by theStateDepartment,notthe Treasury Department which imposedthesanctionsonthe Mohameds. That means the sanctions themselves don’t automatically lead to visa problems Yet, our local media never picked up on thisdistinctionorchallenged thegovernment’sspin.
And now again, the Ambassador’s more recent statement confirms that the “problems” from having a sanctioned individual in office would be U.S. problems problems for U S agencies and U S businesses, not necessarily Guyana’s problems But once more, the media let it slide.
If the government is so sure that association with AZMO and WIN can bring harm to the country, why hasn’t anyone in the press asked the U.S. Embassy a very basic question: Does OFAC’s sanctions on the Mohameds mean that the Guyana government and Guyanese people cannot do businesswiththem?
The answer, of course, would be no. There is no l a w U S o r
Guyanese that says Guyana must stop doing business with its own citizensbecauseWashington is upset with them. In fact, therearecountlessexamples from around the world
where individuals sanctioned by the U.S. have continued to play major rolesintheirowncountries.
Take Venezuela
Numerous government officials there, including President Nicolás Maduro, havebeensanctionedbythe United States. Yet Maduro remains in office, his government continues to function, and many countries including U S allies still engage with Venezuelaonvariouslevels. OrlookatRussia.Dozensof oligarchs and even state officials have been sanctioned by the U.S., yet the Russian government hasn’t banned them from publiclife.Theycontinueto hold positions, own assets, and influence policy The country has not collapsed undertheirweight.
Even in Africa, leaders and military officials in countries like Zimbabwe and Sudan have faced sanctions,yettheircountries make their own decisions about who gets to run for office or lead state enterprises. So why must Guyana be any different? Whymustweadoptthefears ofanothercountryasifthey areourown?
Let’snotconfuseforeign policy with national policy Guyana is not an outpost of Washington Our people havetherighttochoosetheir leaders. If the people of this country wantAZMO or any otherindividualtorepresent them, then that’s their sovereign right. The United States can decide how it wantstointeractwithusasa result, but we must not let thatdictateourchoices.
What’smoretroublingis
thesilenceofourmedia.Not one major outlet has taken the time to explore the legal implications of these sanctions, or what they actually mean for Guyanese citizens No one has followed up with the Embassy to ask the obvious and necessary questions Instead, we get shallow headlines and repeated talkingpoints.
The Fourth Estate is supposed to speak truth to power But these days in Guyana, too many in the mediaactlikethey’retaking orders from the First Estate—or whichever estate is currently in power And that is dangerous. Because when the media fails to ask the hard questions, the public is left confused, fearful, and vulnerable to politicalmanipulation.Inthe end, the U.S. can have its problems. But we must not blindly make them ours Sanctionsarenotareasonto suspend democracy They are not a reason to deny people the right to choose their leaders.And they most certainly are not a reason to silence legitimate political participation. Guyana must walkitsownroad,nottiptoe behind someone else’s shadow
(The views expressed in this article are those of the author and do not necessarily reflect the opinionsofthisnewspaper.)
Andifdisisdestandard, what gon happen next?
Dem gon tell people who vote fuh AZMO that dem cyan’t open a lil mortgage account? Or if yuh shake AZMO hand, yuh ATM cardgetfrozen?
Dem boys seh this is what happen when politics start run banking One minuteyuhacustomer,next minute yuh a national
because yuh run wid de wrongcrew
So tell we bank people dis: y’all refusing savings but accepting loan repayments? That mean y’all in love with debt? Or justdrunkonhypocrisy?
Dem boys seh, careful! Today is WIN candidates. Tomorrow is anybody who vexdebaldeagle. Talkhalf.Leffhalf
H@RD TRUTHS
Guyana elections: From no US to too much US
First, it was Exxon. Now itisAmerica. America had long been the versatile foreign magician working its magic tricks here. Elections. PPPout,PNCin;PNCout,PPP in. NowAmericaisbackagain,anduptoits old tricks. No Mohamed in the house. No chairforhimintheseatofgovernment,even if Guyanese say, he is the one for we. It's back to the future and Jagan again. Is this
what foreign help and foreign investment havecometoinGuyana? Moreunsparingly, isGuyanastillacountry? WasGuyanaevera country? Exxon says that whatever this sovereignty does, it can't make any law that causesiteconomicimpairment. Iftheseare theballsonwhichGuyana'sparliamentrolls, producesforthefuture,thenofwhatgoodis it? What necessity, vitality, it holds forth?
ExxonneuteredGuyana'sparliament,whenit cutoff a part of its anatomy, so there is that eunuchleftthatiscalledGuyana. GuyanesewhetherPPPorPNC-getsomedamnedselfrespect.
Scrape away some of that shame smearinganddrippingfromthefaceanddare to stand up and say F--- Y—(expletive deleted). And your mama, too. Exxon still has people like the nobleAlistair Routledge havingtheunmitigatedgalltofacetheworld and represent itself as a partner of the Guyanese people. The old American slave mastersusedtolovetotrotoutthatline. See howhappytheyare,howcivilizedtheslaves are! Goodtreatmentthatonlyacaringmaster andpartnercouldgive. Exxongives. Here's how Want a cricket bat? Have one. In search of a government that is democratic throughandthrough(JohnHess),thePPPis theone,andthePNCwouldalsobethesame anddeliver,ifgiventhechance. Wishingfor aleaderthatisaparrotandapawn,nowthat's a challenge, since the field is so rich, the pickings are so sweet. My Lord, my God! An oil company controlling a country Correction:anoilcompanythatisacountry An oil company's proconsul that is a commander-in-chief. Did somebody shout, that's Guyana? For those who have never heard of that before, get used to it, shut the faceandlivewithit.
Now up comesAmerica, another friend of Guyana, one that shares a special relationship. When a friend can determine and change every goddamned government that this country has had, then it is a special relationship, indeed. Exxon makes Guyana into an apology for a country America makes Guyana into an ass of a country Concern over Mohamed ascending into government. Concernwhenemployedinthe lingoofinternationalgangsterism(bigpower diplomacy)signalsthepursedlipspreparing for the kiss of death. Goodbye Mohamed. GonewiththeWind,Mohamed. Iheardthat it is the power of the ballot box that decides whoisgovernmentandwhoisloser Really?
S i n c e w h e n ?
When in
G u y a n a ?
W h e n I
laughed at that business (the people and the polls), I had to dodgesomekickstothefaceandspittleasa partinggift. WhatIhavebeensayingalong, insisting,isthatAmericahastakenuponitself the onerous task of who is winner and who belongs in Guyana's political wilderness. Recall Jagan. Remember Burnham; he was alwayssmart,hecheckedoutearly No!none ofthishasanythingtodowithoil. It is about what is free and fair Democracy NorthKorea'sKimshavemade that their manifesto for the last half century
Atleast,Igotthatoneright. Aboutballotbox impotency, and foreign helper power And real objectives, too The Greeks wanted to help the Trojans, so they built them a horse With friends like America, Guyana doesn't needtheMafia Ihaveheardaboutahungjury ThenIheardaboutahungparliament(Exxon's diabolicalslavecontract) Now,Guyaneseget the pride of ownership: a hung country A country hung on a tree with a rope around its neck. Thekneefirstasintroductionanddress rehearsal in 2020. Now there's the big orchestraandbigdance.
NotoMohamedingovernment. Concern isaeuphemism,aparable,forNO! Theman hasn'tsaidaruffwordaboutoil,anditisnoto his face being seen in parliament, in the corridors of government They say that America is about politics and Exxon is about business Well, there they are: the intermingling,theblendingofoilandpolitics Thosewhohaveeyesmuststoppretendingat blindnessandsee Thosewhoearsmusthear thisnote,andletitresoundintheheart Ifthere isstillaheartandaheadtothink Americaand Exxon, that's the real partnership, baby They'rethespecialrelationship,honey (The viewsexpressedinthisarticlearethoseofthe author and do not necessarily reflect the opinionsofthisnewspaper.)
Mohamed promises COI into police handling of probe into Adriana’s death …tobringinFBItoinvestigatecase
The We Invest in Nationhood (WIN) political party, led by businessman Azruddin Mohamed, has pledged to invite the U.S.
Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI) to investigate the death of 11year-old Adriana Younge, if elected to office. He also promisedthatwithinhisfirst 100 days he will establish a Commission of Inquiry into the handling of the Case by thepolice.
This announcement was
made during WIN's inaugural press conference and manifesto launch held on Thursday at the party's headquarters at 2702 Green Acres, Providence, East Bank Demerara Adriana Youngewentmissingduring afamilytriptoTuschen,East Bank Essequibo, and her body was discovered nearly 20 hours later on April 24, 2025, in the swimming pool
of the Double Day International Hotel. A postmortem conducted by international experts on April28confirmedthecause of death as drowning However, the circumstances
surrounding her death have sparked widespread public outrage and skepticism, particularly regarding the investigation conducted by theGuyanaPoliceForce. Since the incident, Adriana's family and members of the public have persistently called for the FBI to take over the investigation. Under WIN's manifesto for children, the party has outlined a child protection plan including a plan named after Adriana.
“Child Protection strengthening- Traumainformed training for teachers, police and
caregivers; duty to report legislation, nationalAdriana Alert System and stricter laws on abuse, ” the manifestostated.
Additionally,speakingat a public meeting in Parfaite Harmonie Region Three, Mohamed reiterated his stance,criticizingthecurrent government for what he described as five years of brokenpromises,corruption, and victimization. “We are tired of five years of corruption, five years of promises, five years of lies, five years of victimization and most importantly Adriana Younge is from Region Three. We all know what transpired that night,” he said, referring to the day Adriana went missing. “But rest assure come the 2 of September we will have a governmentthatcareforthe people,”hedeclared.
On several occasions Adriana's family has voiced disappointment with the government's decision to engage Leonard McCoshen, a retired Royal Canadian Mounted Police (RCMP) officer, to assist with the
case,arguingthatitfellshort oftheirrequestforaU.S.-led investigation. In May, U.S.
Ambassador to Guyana, Nicole Theriot, confirmed that the Government of Guyanahadmadenoformal request for assistance from theFBI.
Adriana Younge
Wendy's set for August opening in Guyana
Popular international quick-service restaurant brand, Wendy's, is set to enter the Guyanese market with the opening of its first location on Vlissengen Road,GeorgetowninAugust 2025. The expansion comes
through a franchise agreement with WenKai Inc., which plans to open three Wendy's restaurants acrossGuyanabytheendof 2025.Accordingtoarelease, the first Wendy's restaurant will offer a modern and convenient dining experience, featuring drivethruservice,dine-inseating, anddelivery Customerscan expecttoenjoyWendy'sfull menu of bold, signature flavors, from breakfast to dinner Iman KhanCummings, Founder and
Franchisee of WenKai Inc., expressed his excitement about the new development, stating, “This is a proud moment for us. We've long admired Wendy's for its commitment to quality, innovation, and hospitality Bringing this beloved brand to Guyana—our home—is incredibly exciting. We look forward to serving fresh, made-to-order meals and building strong community relationships through this newventure.”
Carlos Ribas, SVP and ManagingDirectorforLatin America&CaribbeanatThe Wendy's Company, added thatLatinAmericaremainsa key market for the brand.
“The opening of the first Wendy's restaurant in Guyana marks an exciting
milestone in our journey to bring our fresh, famous food to fans throughout Latin America It reflects our commitment to accelerate growth in high-potential markets while delivering exceptional hospitality to localconsumers,”hesaid.
The brand noted that Guyana'sincreasingdemand f o r h i g h - q u a l i t y international food options and fast, innovative service makes the country an ideal market for its continued global expansion This move, according to the release, also aligns with Wendy's broader strategy to strengthen its presence in Latin America and the Caribbean.
Additionally, Dawn Ng
See Quan, Head of
Operations at WenKai Inc., emphasized the company's commitment to high standards “At WenKai, we're committed to delivering excellence in everydetail—fromsourcing and operations to customer experience.
Wendy's is a perfect match for today's Guyanese consumer: fresh, flavorful, and fast but never ordinary,”shestated.
Stayingtruetoitsslogan, “Quality is Our Recipe”, Wendy's will bring its s i g n a t u r e s q u a r e hamburgers, Spicy Chicken Sandwiches, chicken nuggets, bone-in chicken, and creamy Frosty desserts totheGuyanesemarket.The restaurant promises a customizable menu served
willbedesignedinamodern setting with local tastes in mind Beyond food, the franchise said it will contribute to the local economy by creating jobs and raising foodservice standards across the region.
Khan-Cummings added, “Wendy's is entering a vibrant, fast-growing market, and we're proud to be leading the way With an experiencedteamandadeep appreciation for the brand,
we're confident in our ability tomakeWendy'sahousehold name across Guyana—and soon,Suriname.” Further announcements regarding grand opening events and additional locationsareexpectedinthe coming weeks. Founded in 1969, The Wendy's Companyanditsfranchisees operate more than 7,250 restaurants worldwide, with over1,350locatedoutsideof theUnitedStates.
Teen arrested for shooting death of 16-year-old girl
An 18-year-old man was arrested on Tuesday in connection with the tragic death of 16-year-old Reyna DePeazer, who was fatally struck by a stray bullet on Monday night on Mango Lane, East Ruimveldt, Georgetown.
The suspect has been identified as Travel Danies Hammer, of Trench Road, EastLaPenitence.According to a police statement issued on Thursday, the incident occurred around 23:20 hrs. while DePeazer and a friend weresittingonamotorcycle, liming near another parked motorcycle Hammer reportedly arrived at the scene in a white Fielder Wagon (registration number PYY2896).
“He then exited the car with a handgun in his hand, went up to the motorcyclist (next to the victim and her friend), and the two of them had a misunderstanding,” policesaid.”
In the heat of the argument, Hammer drew his gunandfired,withoneofthe bullets striking DePeazer in the neck and causing her to collapse. Hammer went into the car and fled the scene.
“Thevictimwaspickedupby Police ranks and escorted to the Georgetown Public Hospital, where she underwent surgery and later succumbed,”policesaid.She died while receiving treatment in the Intensive CareUnit.
Around 01:00 hrs. the following day, Hammer was arrested by police on MandelaAvenueinthesame
vehicle used during the incident. He was arrested, cautioned, and taken into custody Asearchofboththe suspect and the car was conducted, but no firearm wasfound.“Hewasescorted to CID Headquarters, where he was swabbed for gun powder residue, and the motorcarwaslodged.Hewas placed into custody as investigations continue,” policesaid.
Police have not yet released a photo of the suspect.Reportsindicatethat DePeazerhadbeenattending a birthday celebration at the East Ruimveldt Learning Centre when the shooting occurred.Avideocirculating on Facebook shows the teenager lying unconscious in a pool of blood, while bystanders attempted to assist her. One man is heard asking for phone credit, and others worked frantically to stop the bleeding Reyna DePeazer died the following day, leaving family, friends, and the community in mourning.
Dead; Reyna DePeazer
GECOM uncovers illegal registration, issuance
of fraudulent ID cards - police launch probe
The Guyana Elections Commission (GECOM) has beennotifiedofanunlawful registration and subsequent issuance of a fraudulent Identification (ID) card duringthepublicscrutinyof thevoter'slist.
The discrepancy was identifiedintheRevisedList of Electors (RLE) released by GECOM weeks before the General and Regional
to non-compliance with establishedproceduresatthe level of the concerned registrationoffices.
According to GECOM, the procedure involved accepting applications for a replacementIDcard,change of address, by a random personusingtheregistration particulars of a genuine registrantorelector
“Having recognised by
commissionnotedthataninperson discussion was held
registration officials and it was determined that there wasabreachofthestandard operating procedures by registration staff throughout thesystemandthestaffwho interacted with the person who visited the office to make the applications could
GECOM Headquarters in Kingston, Georgetown
elections are slated to happen In a release GECOM said that the commission welcomes the identificationofdiscrepancy in the RLE currently on displayacrossthecountry.
Immediately upon being notifiedoftheincorrectness, the GECOM said that it launched an internal investigationwhichrevealed that the occurrence was due
way of internal queries that registration records of a legitimate registrant or elector was altered with his involvement, the chief election officer instruction thattheunlawfultransaction be reversed. This is done. ThereplacementIDcardthat was prepared is still in the commission's possession Thecardwillbedestroyed.”
Further, the elections
explanationforhisactionsin thematter
Consequently, the police were invited to carry out investigations to determine whether action of the concerned registration official amounts to a criminal offence In the interim, GECOM has reminded the public of the RLE is still on display for scrutiny and urges all
concerned to check it to ensure that their particulars areaccurate.
“The RLE is currently being displayed at two prominentlocationsinevery registration division and sub divisions as well as on GECOM'swebsiteforpublic scrutiny until July 29, 2025, shouldtherebethediscovery ofanyconcern,areportmust be made forthwith to the respective, registration office.” GECOM said it is committed to a transparent registration process that adheres strictly to the legal provisions and one in which registrationtransactions (Continueonpage17)
Charlestown man on $300k bail for firearm, ammo charge
…Magistrate raises concerns over poor police investigations
A 34-year-old man was on Wednesday placed on $300,000 bail when he appeared before Acting Chief Magistrate Faith McGustyattheGeorgetown Magistrates'Courttoanswer a possession of firearm and ammunitioncharge.
The accused, Keith Collymore of Charlestown, Georgetown pleaded not guilty to the charges which allege that on July 21, 2025 atAlbouystownhehadinhis possessiona9mmpistoland five matching rounds in his possessionwithoutbeingthe holderofalicence.
Collymore's attorney told the court that the accused is not a flight risk whilearguingthatatthetime oftheincidentherclientwas inaclubwithotherpersons. The attorney said that Collymore has cooperated withthepolice.
H o w e v e r , t h e prosecution told the court
thatthefirearmwasfoundat theclubbuttheywereunable to confirm that it was in Collymore's possession. A search was done at the club andCollymorewasarrested. W h e n a s k e d b y Magistrate McGusty for additional information on how the firearm was found and how the accused was linked to its discovery, the prosecution was unable to state.
As a result, magistrate McGusty granted bail, and thematterwasadjournedfor August20,2025. The acting c
prosecution's inability to provide details on the case indicates poor investigation. She said that over the past week, she presided over several firearm offences w
carelessly done. Magistrate McGusty said too that the
matter is disturbing and cause for concern and reflects a worrying trend about how serious matters arehandled.
Linden man charged, remanded for killing teacher
Twenty-one-year-old Shaka Phillips was on Thursday remanded to prison for the murder of 26year-old Jenel Pollidore of Lower Kara Kara, Mackenzie, Linden last Saturday
The accused pleaded not guiltytothechargewhenhe appeared virtually at the Linden Magistrate's Court before Senior Magistrate RondelWeaver Phillipswas remandedandthematterwas adjourned to August 28, 2025. Pollydore, a nursery school teacher, was shot dead by Phillips during a wedding reception in Linden.Accordingtopolice, Phillips was arrested around 15:35 hrs. at SouthAmelia's Ward on July 20, 2025. The teacher had separated from Phillips because of abuse, and she had obtained a restraining order against
him, but her relatives said it wasnouse. They reportedly had to resorttochangingtheirlocks on the door to protect her from him. At around 21:30 hrs.lastSaturday,theirworst fearscametrueatawedding reception she was attending with her niece. The niece, Malika Pollydore recalled thatherauntwasstandingat the gate in front of the R&R Hotel when the suspect
reportedly asked why she was not answering the phone. An argument ensued betweenthem.Thingstooka deadly turn when he pulled outagunandshotather Pollydoreranforherlife, runningintothehotelbythe poolarea,butPhillipschased after her and fired two more shots before running away Pollydore was hit and fell to the ground where she remained motionless. Two 9MM spent shells were also recoveredfromthescene.
The accused Shaka Phillips
Dead Jenel Pollidore
Keith Collymore
WANTED VACANCY
Able-bodied Sales Rep needed, ages 18-30 years. Knowledge of vehicle model will be an asset. Contact: 6191237.
Job openings: Truck drivers, Excavator Operator and Skid Steer Operator. To apply send applications via Whatsapp: 689-1111 / 608-2114.
Wanted one Maid. Call: 6801282.
Cleaner needed Gizmos & Gadgets Contact 619-2473 for more info.
Wanted Urgently one cook to work 5 days per week for a family in Campbellville, G/ Town. $6000 daily. 624-7436.
Male Cook for Interior. Call: 695-6401.
One experienced nanny, Full time and part time options.Flexible working hours (Languages are a plus) Call : 744-9226.
One General Domestic needed. Contact : 223-0373 / 690-5434.
FOR SALE
T RUCK TIRES 295/ 75R22.5 $40K EACH. CALL/WHATSAPP: +592-688-3201.
Cement mixer trucks, Forklifts, skid steers, mini excavator, loaders, TM trucks, model M truck, BMW X3 series. Contact: 650-0402/6389929/652-0251.
Mixed German Shepherd pups for sale. Call/ WhatsApp: 648-0111.
SERVICES
Elevate your brand with our professional Graphic design services. For more information Call: 619-0007, 629-5526.
VISA Application for USA, Canada, UK, ETA, ETC. Natrualisation guidance + application filling, ECT. Tel: 626-7040.
PROPERTY FOR SALE
Double lot properties for business and residential at Lot 4 Station Street, Kitty Georgetown. Call/ WhatsApp: 332-250-9241.
: Independence
One night Watchman needed. For more infomation Call: 612-2125.
Experienced Salesman, knowlege in hardware & stock taking, etc at Keyfood Mc Doom next to the Post Office.
Vacancy for Manager to work on cruise boat. Experience in hotel industry. Send application to 757-8231.
General Domestic ,Apply at Keyfood Mc Doom village next to the post office. 4 day work
One clerk for TSI Eccles office English 1, Maths 2 call 615-9132 or email application to techserigy@yahoo.com
Driver must be able to assist in workshop at Eccles, age 23-50, Car/ Van licence Call 615-9132.
Maid for East Bank area call 615-9132.
One (1) Male cleaner for Eccles call 615-9132.
One (1) Painter call 615-9132
One (1) female cleaner for Eccles office call 645-8443
Vacancy exist at American Construction Inc - Canter driver to procure & purchase materials & Excavator Operator. Email amconguyana@gmail.com/ Call : 225-5818 / 656-0603.
LAND FOR SALE
Road Bourda, Carmichael Street, Bent Street, New Providence & Silver Hill Highway (20 acres road to river). Call: 627-9685.
VEHICLES FOR SALE
1 Honda CRV, includes TV, music system, alarm, reverse camera, spoiler, low mileage PTT Series (first owner). Call: 649-0956.
One Unregistered Nissan X-Trail 2016 model, Mode Premiere. For more information Call: 649-0956.
2008 Toyota Premio, fully loaded with dark interior. Excellent condition, 2.1 mil. For more information Contact: 670-1705.
One Volkswagen Tiguan 2014 model, PYY Series, Lady driven, excellnt condition. For more information. Contact : 644-4244.
Male
PAL
for serious relationship. Contact: 738-0764.
Trump quietly renews
Chevron’s license in Venezuela
...marking
shift in U.S. policy
.
(Miami Herald) - In a marked shift in U.S. policy toward Venezuela, the Trump administration has quietly approved a new license allowing oil giant Chevron to restart its operations in the South American nation, according to sources with direct knowledge of the negotiations.
The decision this week represents a departure from earlier hard-line measures and suggests a recalibration aimed at balancing energy interests with ongoing foreign policy challenges involving the Nicolás Maduro regime.
The new arrangement, described by sources as a “specific license” rather than a general one, allows Chevron to resume more regular activity with Venezuela’s state oil company, PDVSA. Under the framework, Chevron will reportedly pay the Maduro regime in barrels of oil rather than in cash — a shift that may give Caracas some latitude to commercialize its resources amid continued international sanctions.
Sources say that one significant distinction between a specific license and a general one is that the former can be issued privately while the latter is granted is such a way that it is there for the public to see. “They made it a specific license instead of a general license like the last one,” said a person briefed on the talks, speaking on condition of anonymity.
“Negotiations were held in Caracas yesterday negotiating some changes to the contract with PDVSA.”
Asked about the new license, the State Department said it was only issued for Chevron’s maintenance purposes and to create the conditions for the regime to repay the huge debt that it owes the Texas-based oil company, but that it would not aim to provide Maduro any type of financial relief.
“While we cannot speak to any specific licenses, the U.S. government will not allow the Maduro regime to profit from the sale of oil,” the State Department told the Miami Herald in an email. Experts, however, said it was hard to see how the Caracas regime would not benefit financially under the new arrangement. “This is hard to understand,” said Juan Fernández, a former PDVSA executive director of planning. “If they are saying that they are not going to give out cash but that they are going to pay them in [petroleum] this obviously will benefit Maduro, because once they receive the oil, they will turn around and sell it.”
Venezuela’s debt to Chevron had been estimated in around $3 billion before the amount was reduced following the Biden administration’s decision to grant the Texan oil company a license to operate in the country. That license was re-
voked by the Trump administration earlier this year in a move that took effect in May and that significantly disrupted the finances of the socialist regime. Chevron was responsible for roughly a quarter of Venezuela’s oil output, which earlier this year stood around 900,000 barrels per day.
Other international energy companies—Spain’s Repsol, Italy’s Eni, France’s Maurel & Prom, and India’s Reliance Industries—were also affected by the U.S. restrictions. Collectively, those firms accounted for another 230,000 barrels per day of production. Chevron and the other companies have played a central role in Venezuela’s efforts to recover from the near-collapse of its oil industry, which once produced 3.2 million barrels per day before declining to just 400,000 barrels per day in 2020.
Venezuela has the largest proven oil reserves in the world, just ahead of Saudi Arabia. Estimates from industry analysts prior to the license suspensions suggested that foreign companies were providing the Maduro government with an average of $700 million to $800 million per month. While official U.S. policy continues to call for democratic reforms in Venezuela, the quiet reauthorization of Chevron’s operations indicates a more pragmatic approach in dealings with Caracas. Sources say
U.S. officials have engaged in direct negotiations with highranking Venezuelan figures, including National Assembly President Jorge Rodríguez.
Back channel talks reportedly remain active, involving U.S. diplomats based in Bogotá and senior Venezuelan officials.
These conversations have included proposals to restore diplomatic presence by reopening embassies in Washington and Caracas, although no official announcements have been made.
The policy shift also reflects evolving dynamics within the Trump administration. Secretary of State Marco Rubio, a long-time critic of Maduro, is now seen as playing a central role in shaping the administration’s Venezuela strategy, while former special envoy Richard Grenell appears to have taken a back seat.
“The State Department or National Security Council is calling the shots now,” said the source, who asked to remain anonymous in order to speak freely.
While Rubio has historically supported a tough stance against authoritarian governments in the region, his involvement in the Chevron licensing process suggests that broader U.S. strategic interests—particularly energy security—are now taking precedence.
Industry observers note that despite efforts to keep the new license quiet, public disclosure may be inevitable as Chevron’s oil begins to reenter Gulf Coast refineries.
“You can’t keep it under wraps too long,” the source said.
“Eventually, the oil is going to look for passage through the Gulf to refineries in the U.S.” Chevron has operated in Venezuela for nearly a century and was the last major American energy firm to maintain a presence in the country amid sweeping sanctions. Its continued presence has long served as an indicator of U.S. policy direction.
While the license renewal may open the door for other companies to explore similar arrangements, it also raises questions among Venezuelan opposition leaders and human rights groups concerned that any form of normalization with Maduro could weaken efforts to restore democratic governance.
For now, the resumption of Chevron’s operations marks a potentially significant turning point in U.S.-Venezuela relations — one that could reshape diplomatic, economic and political dynamics in the region.
PEN
Indian
seeking female
North
Heads of foreign diplomatic missions engage GECOM on elections preparations
Th e G u y a n a
E l e c t i o n s
Commiss
(GECOM) met with the Heads of the Diplomatic
Missions of the USA Canada, EU and the UNDP, on Thursday, to discuss the Commission's state of readiness for the conduct of
theupcomingelections.
The delegation was welcomed by the GECOM. According to a release GECOM said, Chairperson,
AFCpromises$230kcashgrant...
Frompage8 grant, where we will treat them differently, and in addition to that, we also want to promote a 200 core homes for persons that living presently in dilapidated buildings, buildings that in need of serious repair, buildings that should have been torn
down.,”headded.
The politician appealed to thepublictofeelfreetosend pictures with a contact number to the party's WhatsApp number of these buildings so that it could have a record of what needs tobelookedatwheninoffice and also make contact with theaffectedpersons.
R e g a r d i n g infrastructure, the party plans to undertake a 200c o m m u n i t y r o a d programme in its first 100 days, and citizens are also asked to send pictures and locationoftheirdeplorable roads so that it could be addressed in a timely manner
GECOMuncoversillegalregistration...
Frompage17 conductedarescrutinizedby representatives in the parliamentary political parties.
Against this backdrop, thecommissionreassuredall stakeholders that there is robustmechanisminplaceto guard against errors and remains committed to ensuring that its operations are transparent credible, free, fair and upholds the tenets of integrity and democracy
With specific reference to the concern that has been raised in the public domain in relation to the regrettable existence of an irregular registration transaction, GECOMsaiditisthankfulto have the opportunity to take the remedial action which is statutorily permissible during prescribed 21 days period for the display of RLE.
“GECOM publicly acknowledges that two erroneous transactions were
conducted at one of its registration offices and in thesamebreathtoassureall stakeholder, especially the bona fide registrant who was affected that has to establish registration procedures been followed the incorrectness would not have occurred ” Insofar as the breach of procedures is concerned, the commission is currently conducting an internal investigation to ensure that there is no recurrence
Justice (ret'd) Claudette Singh used the opportunity tothankthediplomatsforthe assistance they have been providing for the upcoming electionsbywayoftechnical support through their individual and collective representation.
The Chairperson acknowledged that the contributionshavebolstered the efforts of the Elections
Commission in its commitment to conduct credible elections that meet
allinternationalstandards.
She also took the opportunity to express GECOM's appreciation for all international Observers and he expected benefits to be derived from their important contributions, especially their independent a n d c o l l e c t i v e pronouncement on the manner of conduct and the outcomeoftheelections.
The Deputy Chief Election Officer, Mr Aneal Giddingsprovidedanupdate
on the status of GECOM'S operational activities and its state of preparedness for the conduct of the elections. There was an interactive session during which the Diplomats sought and receivedclarityonarangeof pertinent issues much to their satisfaction The meeting concluded with the team being reassured that GECOM is adequately prepared to deliver, fair, credible and transparent elections.
CWI Congratulates Sir Clive Lloyd on Historic stand named in Honor at Old Trafford
Cricket West Indies (CWI) expressed immense pride and congratulations to Sir Clive Lloyd following the historic naming of a stand in his honour at Old Trafford Cricket Ground by Lancashire County Cricket Club The re-naming ceremony,heldonWednesday 23Julyaheadofthestartofthe fourth Test match between England and India, also honoured former Lancashire and India wicket-keeper
Farokh Engineer, Sir Clive’s teammateduringthe1970s,in recognition of both players’ exceptionalservicetotheclub andinternationalcricket
The stand next to the club’s media centre, known astheBStand,willnowbear Lloyd’s name on its upper tier and Engineer’s on the lower tier Sir Clive’s illustrious career included leading the West Indies to consecutive World Cup victories in 1975 and 1979,
during an international career which spanned 110 Test matches and 87 One DayInternationals.
His 20-year association with Lancashire, beginning in 1968, saw him become a central figure of the club’s golden era. Sir Clive scored 30 first-class centuries for Lancashire and amassed 12,764 runs in 219 matches across 18 seasons, which helped secure multiple trophies including three
successive Gillette Cup victoriesfrom1970to1972.
Thislatesthonourcomes a month after the legends of that famed first Cricket WorldCupwinin1975were celebrated and feted in Barbados by Cricket West Indiesincommemorationof the50thanniversaryoftheir victory
Cricket West Indies joins the global cricket community in congratulating Sir Clive Lloyd on this latest and welldeserved recognition and expressesdeepappreciationto theLancashireCountyCricket Club for honoring one of the game’struelegends
Friday July 25, 2025
ARIES(Mar.21–Apr.19)
A rise in your income could lead to a transformation in
your values, Aries, particularlywherebusinessis concerned You could be opening up to the vast potential for prosperity that existsnow
TAURUS(Apr 20–May20)
Stress, strain, and a little conflict within a business,
romantic, or creative partnership could have you toyingwiththeideaofending it, Taurus. Don't do anything rashrightnow
GEMINI(May21–June20)
Today, Gemini, you might feel a little insecure about your state of physical fitness. You could decide to make up for any lack of exercise over the past few weeks. This is fine,buttakeitslowly
CANCER(June21–July22)
A friend may be going through some pretty big changes,Cancer,andcometo youforasympatheticear The problemisthatyoumightbea littlestressedyourself.
LEO(July23–Aug.22)
Today you might have thoughts of expanding your horizons, perhaps on a monumentallevel,Virgo.You might consider traveling or even moving to a distant place.
VIRGO(Aug.23–Sept.22)
Today you might have thoughts of expanding your horizons, perhaps on a monumentallevel,Virgo.You might consider traveling or even moving to a distant place.
LIBRA(Sept.23–Oct.22)
Today you may receive some information about how to increaseyourincomeinashort periodoftime,Libra. This information may or may not be valid. Be cautious. Check out the facts before committing.
SCORPIO(Oct.23–Nov.21)
Relations with partners of all kinds - business, romantic, creative - might be somewhat strained today, Scorpio. You and the other parties involved may have been under a lot of stress.
SAGIT(Nov.22–Dec.21)
Stress due to overwork might becausingyourenergytoflag somewhat today, Sagittarius. You might even feel a little under the weather This is a great day to stay home and recover
CAPRI(Dec.22–Jan.19)
Todayyoucouldfeelarushof sensual passion and desire, Capricorn. You may want to gettogetherwithalovepartner intheevening,butnotbeable todoitrightnow.
AQUARIUS (Jan. 20–Feb. 18)Someproblemsmightarise withequipmentthatyouuseat home or with the structure of the house, Aquarius Appliances might go on the blink or the plumbing or electricity could require repairs.
PISCES(Feb.19–Mar 20)
Some disturbing news could come today, Pisces. This isn't likely to concern you directly It's apt to be something about the world situation that might eventuallyreflectindirectlyon you.
Mike’sPharmacysupports...
Frompage24
Thisnewplatformwillallow customers to conveniently shopforhealthandwellness products from anywheredelivered straight to their door in a fast, easy, and secure way Mike’s Pharmacyremainsdedicated to serving the community and promoting health through sports, honouring thevaluesofitsfounderand looking ahead to a future filled with opportunity and growth.
Aboutthetournament
Eightfirstdivisionteams fromthecountyofDemerara will compete for top honours, with the format beingaonegameknockout.
MCY&S and NSC launch Lifeguard...
Frompae22 within the growing hotel industry “If this was anywhere else in the Caribbean, you would’ve had to be paying to have a Lifeguard Certification. But the Ministry of Culture, Youth and Sport has removed that (paying registration), just like we removed registration for the ‘Teach Them Young’ programme,”henoted.
Hecontinued,“So,thisis partofbeingcaring,thisisus investing in our human capital and wanting to see betterment,andwehopethat you make sure that you becomesponges.”
Ninvalle also stated, “I am not the Minister, but I know how he thinks, and he will want to make this a continuousprogramme.”
Meanwhile, NSC Swim Coach Paul Mahaica highlighted the importance of having a structured and sustainable lifeguard programme He also underscored the need for coaches, especially those involved in swimming, to possess standard first aid certification “We have over 40peoplefromthedifferent clubs who are being trained currently in first aid and emergency first aid in swimming, and those persons are going to be added to those who were trained last year,” Mahaica explained.
The veteran coach also announced the relaunch of the National Lifeguard Association, an initiative aligned with the Ministry’s broader mission to enhance watersafetyacrossGuyana.
playersfromothercounties
The champion team is guaranteed G$250,000 cash plus trophy; the runners-up G$150,000 and trophy, while the losing semi-finalists will receiveG$50,000each Onthe individual side, Man-of-theMatch in the semi-finals and finalwillreceiveatrophy Action will bowl off at 10:00h and conclude under floodlights, with patrons payingG$1,000foradmission to the venue Apart from the on-field entertainment, fans cangetluckywithseveralgate prizestobewon
The teams are Better Hope,Enterprise,HelenaOne and Two, HerstellingA, LBI, Lusignan, Meten-Meer-Zorg East and Transport Sports Club Total cash prize of G$500,000andtrophieswill be up grabs at the one-day event.
While the teams will be represented by players within the respective associations, eachteamisallowedtwoguest
The tournament is sponsored by Ansa McAl Trading, Republic Bank, Mike’s Pharmacy, Ramchand Auto Spares, SurvivalGroupInc.,Rid-OPes, Petama Enteprise, Premier Insurance, CIC InsuranceBrokers(Guyana) Inc., L. Mahabeer and Son Cambio, Office Express, Regal Stationery and Computer Centre, Anil Beharry Real Estate, Construction and General Business Services and Naven’sConstruction.
Ministry of Culture, Youth and Sport and NationalSportsCommission have successfully launched the second edition of its Lifeguard Certification Programme The initiative commenced yesterday at the National Racquet Centre in Georgetown, where more than 40 participants, drawn from various swim clubs across Guyana, took part in the classroom segment of the week-long training The Canadian Lifesaving
Society has been contracted to conduct the programme.
The sessions are being conduc
d by Sarah Newton and Tamara Wood oftheCanadianLifesaving Society “Thisisapromise kept,” declared Director of
Sport, Steve Ninvalle, referencing a commitment made by Minister Charles Ramson Jr. last year to not o
programme but also expandparticipation.
“Wewanttomakesure that our waterways are saferinGuyana,andthatis what we want. We want to make sure that our human capital is safe,” Ninvalle added, as he commended NSC Swim Coach Paul Mahaica for spearheading the Lifeguard Certification Programme.
Ninvalle emphasized thatwithGuyana’songoing development,particularlyin the hospitality sector, th certification provides an
employment, especially (Continuedonpage21)
WIN promises “competitive salary” for athletes representing Guyana
The We Invest in
(WIN) political party officially rolled out its
y, unveiling an ambitious and wide-ranging vision for sports development in Guyana should they be electedtogovernment.
L
businessman Azruddin Mohamed,WINisoneofsix political parties contesting the upcoming September 1 GeneralElections.
In their manifesto presentation, the party outlinedseveralkeyareasof national development, and sports, they made clear, is a majorpriority
According to the WIN manifesto, they intend to
Programme (N-PAP) to provide structured financial support to the country’s National Athletes, which theysaywillhelptoprovide competitive salaries while training and representing Guyanaabroad.
The party’s plans for the s e c t o r i n c l u d e a
comprehensive, year-round initiative designed to scout, train, and support young Guyanese talent, not only in sports, but also in music, dance,andthearts.
As part of this initiative, talent hubs will be established in each region, serving as development centres for emerging creativesandathletes.
WINplanstocollaborate with schools and youth organizationstoidentifyand recommend promising individuals.
These partnerships will support the creation of regional incubator hubs outfitted with modern training spaces and resourcestonurturetalentat thegrassrootslevel.
According to the manifesto, the WIN party is
committed to providing structured coaching, mentorship, and clear pathways to scholarships a n d p r o f e s s i o n a l opportunities for young people.
The initiative will be supported by the hosting of annual national showcases and competitions, giving aspiringathletesandartistsa platform to demonstrate theirskillsandgainnational exposure.
With Mohamed’s wellknown background in sport and youth development, the WINpartybelievesthattheir manifesto signals a serious commitmenttotransforming Guyana’ssportinglandscape through investment in infrastructure, human capital, and long-term opportunity
Azruddin Mohamed
Future stars set to shine at GBA’s Andrew Lewis Novice Championship this Weekend
After months of intense training and preparation, scores of young, up-andcoming fighters will converge on the Cliff Anderson Sports Hall from today,astheGuyanaBoxing Association (GBA) stages its most crucial event, the Andrew Lewis Novice Championship.
The tournament, which runs until Sunday, is the official proving ground for newcomers to the sport, and this year, the GBA has placedastrongemphasison the development and exposureofitsyouthboxers.
According to GBA
PresidentSteveNinvalle,the Novice Championship is “one of the most important competitions on our calendar,” adding that he’s personally paying keen attention to the young athletes stepping into the ring.
“These are the boxers
Chess Grandmaster
Samy Shoker visits Guyana
Grandmaster
Samy Shoker is on a three-day visit to Guyana as part of a promotional tour from July 23rd to July 25th, 2025. He was hosted by the Guyana ChessFederation(GCF)and put his skills to the test in a Simultaneous Chess Exhibition against some of Guyana’s best and strongest players. This exciting event took place at the Giftland Mall yesterday, July 24th, 2025. GM Samy will also hold a lecture for registered participants today, Friday, July25th,2025.
Grandmaster Samy began his chess journey at the remarkable age of four BorninFrance,hehassince traveled extensively to promote the sport, even residinginEgyptforseveral
years. He has represented Egypt in numerous prestigious international events, including the Chess Olympiad He is widely respected for his dynamic playing style and his exceptional ability as a coach and educator, leveragingmoderntoolsand a charismatic personality to promotechessglobally
GM Samy holds a Master’s degree in French LiteraturefromLaSorbonne University (France) and is a Member of the Texas Tech University team: Chess Programme (US). He was a Primary school teacher in French Guiana, Egypt, and Uzbekistan, and taught History in High School in Noumea,NewCaledonia. He’salsoachessboxer,a true hybrid athlete
Chessboxing uniquely blends the intellectual strategy of chess with the physicalintensityofboxing. In this sport, competitors alternate between rounds of achessgameandroundsina boxingring.Awinnercanbe declared by checkmate or time forfeit in the chess portion, or by knockout in theboxingmatch.
The GCF welcomes Grandmaster Samy Shoker toGuyanaandwisheshiman excitingandenjoyablestay
Special thanks to the GiftlandMallforgraciously providing the venue for the SimulChessevent.
For more information, followtheGCFonFacebook andInstagram.Tobecomea member of the federation and learn more, visit our website,guyanachess.gy
who represent the very foundation of boxing in Guyana,” Ninvalle said “Their growth, their development, and their journey all begin here That’swhywecommendthe coaches and trainers who continue to nurture their talents and ensure the sport hasabrightfuture.”
The GBA is using the Andrew Lewis Novice Championship as a critical scoutingeventtoidentifythe next generation of national boxingtalent.
Last year, the Guyana Defence Force (GDF) Boxing Gym dominated the championship, claiming the BestOverallGymtitle,afeat built on disciplined
preparationanddepthacross divisions.
National Coach Lennox Daniels praised GDF’s efforts in 2024, noting their consistent display of elite p r e p a r a t i o n a n d performance.
However,Danielsisalso welcoming the competition fromotherboxinggymswho are eager to challenge the reigningchampions.
“GDFhassetahighbar, no question,” Daniels said. “But the Novices is about hunger, raw talent, and proving you belong. There are several gyms out there with real potential to upset the order and that’s the b e a u t y o f t h i s championship.”
Last year’s tournament saw standout performances thatsetthetoneforwhat’sto come.
JaqwanMiloemergedas Best Novice Boxer, Ryan Rogers of the Forgotten Youth Foundation Gym earned Best Schoolboy Boxer, and Kenisha Plass announcedherselfasaforce in the women’s division, walking away with the Best FemaleBoxertitle.
With clubs from across the country fielding young, hungry boxers, and with nationalprideontheline,the ring at the Cliff Anderson Sports Hall is sure to come alivewithintensity,passion, and the relentless pursuit of boxingglory.
Jaqwan Milo (right) throws a right jab to the head of Jeron McKenzie (Sean Devers photo)
Procurement Officer of Mike’s Pharmacy Sasha Arjuna (centre) presents the sponsorship to DCB representatives Davteerth Anandjit and Anil Beharry in the presence of Azeemul Haniff and Wayne Jones of Mike’s Pharmacy.
The Demerara Cricket Board is proud to host the Independence T10 Cup, a thrillingandimpactfulfund-
Mike’s Pharmacy supports Demerara Cricket Board’s ‘Independence T10 Cup’ fund-raiser
butalsoservesasaplatform to nurture the next generation of cricketing talentinGuyanaandbeyond.
Mike’s Pharmacy, foundedin1986,ishonoured to contribute to this important initiative, continuing its long-standing commitment to community development and youth empowerment The pharmaceutical company has donated G$100,000 and 15gateprizestotheone-day event.
continued support of sports, particularly cricket, which remainsdeeplyembeddedin thecompany’shistory.
In supporting this fundraiser, Mike’s Pharmacy reflects on the enduring principles of its founder and the powerful role that sports playinshapingyounglives.
Range, a specialised line of athletic support and protectionproductsdesigned to enhance performance and preventinjury
raising event onAugust 1 at theLBIGround,dedicatedto the development of young maleandfemalecricketersat theinter-associationlevel. Thisexcitingtournament not only promises entertaining cricket action,
Cricket holds a special place in the heart of the organisation, as the late founder Mr Lakhram Singh wasdeeplypassionateabout the sport and actively involved in the cricketing community
His legacy lives on through Mike’s Pharmacy’s
Thecompanyisproudto help create meaningful opportunities for youth and sees this contribution as a step toward strengthening the future of cricket in Guyana.
In addition to its community support, Mike’s Pharmacy is the sole distr
or of Tynor OrthopaedicsinGuyanaand theCaribbean.
The company is especially excited to spotlight the Tynor Sports
Thisrangeincludesknee, ankle, elbow and wrist supports- ideal for athletes and anyone with an active lifestyle. Mike’s Pharmacy, located at 1 Blygezight, Bel Air, and 147 Regent and Albert Street, Bourda, Georgetown, also offers a wide selection of pain relief medications and sports vitamins, providing comprehensive support for injury recovery and overall wellnessinsport.
Even more exciting, Mike’s Pharmacy will officially launch its online shopping platform on July 26,2025.
(Continuedonpage21)
Pomeroon X1 beat Mabarum X1 last Sunday as ECB scouts for talents in Region 1
Pomeroon X1
d e f e a t e d Mabaruma X1 by 45 runs last Sunday in Region 1 in a T20 friendly match.
This was part of the Essequibo Cricket Board (ECB) visit to Region 1 scouting for talented cricketers.
Afewothermatcheswere played as well including femaleparticipation
At Jungle ground, Pomeroon X1 rattled up a respectable 174-8 at the expiration of the 20-overs
while Mabaruma X1 responded with 129 all out in the penultimate over Corey Jabbar led the way for the winning combination with an impressive 53 while he received solid support from Harold Demattos and Wayne Holder with 26 and 25 respectively Chowtie and Shane, only names given, claimed two wickets apiece for Mabaruma X1. When MabarumaX1batted,Shane returned with the bat to prove his all-round capability by hitting 49 and Chowtiealsoofferingabrief fight with 21. Jabbar, a genuineall-rounder,grabbed 2-14 from four off-spin oversandskipperandformer Essequibo Inter-County Under-19 player Mukesh Singh also with two victims but he conceded 16 runs from his maximum four oversaswell.
Meanwhile, VicePresident of the ECB, Ernesto Demattos, stated that he was delighted to witness the action and also mentionedthattheRegion1 area is blessed with a large number of talented cricketers. He said that PresidentoftheECBDeleep Singh initiated the idea to search for these young, aspiring cricketers in the Interior Area and developmental plans are definitely on its way Demattos further declared
that he was impressed with the support and the players showed a great degree of eagerness to play cricket moreconsistently Demattos,whoisalsothe President of the Pomeroon C
d gratitudetotheleaderofthe Guyana Cricket Board, Bissoondyal Singh for donatingaquantityofgearto the various teams in Region 1(Barima-Waini).
He thanked Regional Executive Officer Mr Seewchan for his assistance inmakingthetriptoRegion 1 a success, too. Demattos outlined that the grounds there are in good shape but thereareloampitches.
OrisonSealy,theCaptain of Mabaruma was overwhelmed with the trip and thanked Demattos for bringing the teams and cricket gear A return trip is also promised by Sealy to Region2infewweeks’time.
Trophies for the games were donated by Urie Alphonso, a cricket fanatic andbusinessman.
Public Relations Officer of the ECB, Basil Persaud, was also delighted with the turnout and he echoed similar sentiments to the sponsors and the teams for theirparticipation.
Persaud, a West Indies Masters player earlier this year in Sri Lanka, commented that there is abundance of talented players in Region 1. He
promised to take cricket regularlythereandhelpwith t h e d e v e l o p m e n t Meanwhile, Minister of Housing and Water, Collin Croal, was in Region 1 and hepaidavisittothevenueto witnesstheaction. Croal expressed elation with the attendance as well and told the organizers and the players of his government’s support for sportsinRegion1.
The teams strike a pose after the game.
Director of Sport, Steve Ninvalle, along with some participants
Farokh Engineer (left) and Sir Clive Lloyd share a moment in front of the Stand.