Kaieteur News

Appeal Court

Second

Demerara Bank loses appeal against closure of WIN party members account ‘Guyana’s EITI in trouble’ ...miningsecrecy,governance chaosstallingtransparencydrive -RoutledgetellsInt'lconference Guyana oil boom drives SBM billion-dollar surge ...company'srevenuetripledtoUS$3.49billion

Justice of Appeal Nareshwar Harnanan

Justice Sandil Kissoon

Justice of Appeal Priya Sewnarine- Beharry

Justice of Appeal Dawn Gregory

Guyana oil boom drives SBM billion-dollar surge

(REUTERS) Dutch floating production specialist SBMOffshore(SBM),raised its 2026 revenue guidance on ​Thursday after first-quarter directionalrevenuemorethan tripled, driven mainly its turnkey business and the sale ofOneGuyana.

The company sold One Guyana, a floating production, storage and offloading vessel (FPSO), to ExxonMobil in February for US$2.3billion.

The Amsterdam-listed company said year-to-date directional revenue rose 216% to $3.49 billion ​from US$1.10billionayearearlier, and lifted its full-year directionalrevenueoutlookto above $6 9 billion from aroundUS$6.5billion.

It maintained its 2026 ​directional EBITDA baseline guidance at around $1 8 billionandsaiddirectionalnet debt​fell43%to$3.2billionat end-March. SBM said the increased revenue outlook reflected the Longtail FEED award, an early-stage engineering contract for a potentialnewFPSOvesselin Guyana,andadditionalscope ofworksecuredintheperiod.

Its turnkey division

revenue rose 359% to $2.88 billion, while lease and operate revenue increased 28%to$610million."There's upside" to SBM's six-year, $2.1 billion shareholder return plan, CFO Douglas Wood told Reuters, citing backlog upside and potential vesseladditions.

SBM, which joined the AEX (.AEX), opens new tab index in March 2026, said it had ordered two additional Fast4Ward hulls to support tendering activity, citing a strongoutlookforthefloating production storage and offloading market CEO Øivind Tangen said SBM Offshore did not currently expect geopolitical tensions, including in the Middle East, to have a material impact on its operations, projects or financial position "If anything, the situation in the Middle East has proven the need for a well-diversified source of oil," Tangen said, adding that this underscored the​importanceoftheAtlantic basindeep-watermarket.The company uses directional reporting, which books revenue from constructionphasepaymentsbeforeleases begin.

Appeal Court overturns Justice Kissoon’s ruling on unlimited parent company guarantee for oil spill

Justice Sandil Kissoon's 2023 ruling ordering

American oil giant ExxonMobil to provide Guyana with an unlimited parent guarantee for oil spills, was on Thursday unanimously overturned by the justices at the Guyana CourtofAppeal.

T h e C o u r t a l s o overturnedJusticeKissoon's

O r d e r t h a t t h e Environmental Permit

issued to Exxon be suspendeduntilthecompany provided the unlimited guarantee.

The landmark ruling by Justice Kissoon was issued on May 3, 2023. Citizens, Frederick Collins and Godfrey Whyte had taken

the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) to court to enforce a critical clauseintheLizaPhaseOne renewed environmental permit issued to Exxon subsidiary, ExxonMobil Guyana Limited (EMGL). They were successful in getting the court to declare that EMGL was not in

compliance with the insurance provisions of its Liza Phase One Permit, which requires an unlimited parentguaranteeforoilspills intheStabroekBlock.

However, the Court of Appeal, comprising Justices of Appeal Dawn Gregory, Nareshwar Harnanan and Priya Sewnarine- Beharry, heldthatJusticeKissoonfell into error when he held that Exxon's liability under the Environmental Permit was unlimitedinnature.

Thejusticesfurtherruled t h a t n e i t h e r t h e Environmental Permit nor the Environmental ProtectionAgencyActmade any provision or referred to an unlimited guarantee and thatJusticeKissoonerredin seekingtosubstitutehisown discretion and decision for thatoftheEPA.

A stay of Justice Kissoon'srulingwasgranted by the Court ofAppeal after EPA and Exxon approached the court. Earlier this year, the Court heard arguments from the applicants and the respondentsinthecase.

Collins and Whyte were represented by a team of lawyers including Trinidadian born Senior Counsel,SeenathJairamand attorneys Melinda Janki and

Abiola Wong-Inniss as well as British-born King's Counsel, Tim Prudhoe who joined the appeal The respondents lawyer had contendedthatEMGLasthe permitholdermustbeableto meet its liabilities. In the likelihoodofanoilspill,the responsibilitiesofExxonare uncapped. Notwithstanding the Act requires financial assurance in the Exxon permit,theattorneysbelieve that the core of the issue is for the corporation to provide unlimited guarantee for all costs related to cleanup, restoration, and compensation for damages caused by any discharge of contaminants, including investigations into pollution incidents.

Meanwhile, lawyers for the EPA, Mr Sanjeev Datadin and Ms. Mohanie Anganoo raised contention over the legitimacy of the claimsofanunlimitedparent company guarantee EPA lawyers advanced that the term was introduced at the level of The High Court when the trial judge sought to give legal effect to the

term “unlimited guarantee”. They submitted that Section 31 of the EPA Act requires financial assurance to be provided in a specified sum. Condition 14 3 sets the formula to calculate the amount.

The lawyers contended

mandamus to compel the appellant to issue an enforcement notice within days of its decision directed toExxontoprovidethesaid unlimitedassurances,which, ifnotproducedwithinthirty days would result in the

environmentalpermit.

Notably, Exxon was represented by Mr Edward Luckhoo, S.C; Mr Andrew Pollard, S C and Ms EleanorLuckhoo.

Attorney General and Minister of Legal Affairs, Anil Nan

C

Government of Guyana was represented by Mr Darshan Ramdhani, K.C.; Mr Nigel Hawke, Solicitor General; Mr Arudranauth Gossai; Ms Shoshanna V Lall,

Deputy Solicitor General and Ms. Raeanna Clarke, SeniorLegalAdvisor

In this Appeal, the Attorney General sought to interveneinordertoadvance thelegalpositionoftheState inclusive of the State's contractual obligations under the Agreement with Exxon but the Court of Appeal refused the application to intervene which resulted in an appeal to the Caribbean Court of Justice.TheCCJagreedwith thepositionthattheAttorney General is the protector of the public's interest and therefore must be heard for andonbehalfoftheStateina matter of such national importance.

As a result, theAttorney Generalwasaddedasaparty to the proceedings in the CourtofAppeal.

At the Court of Appeal theAttorneyGeneralargued that Parliament is the entity towhichfinancialassurance ismadeandthattherefore,it wasfortheGovernment,and not the Court, to determine what assurance, if any, was required, its terms and

conditions, and the effect of failure to provide such assurance. Furthertothat,it was outlined that the quantum, circumstances when necessary, and terms and conditions, are matters whichParliamenthasvested exclusively within the functional domain of the EPA, the Government and the Permit Holder to determine.

In the High Court, EPA hadarguedthatthecountryis poised to receive a US$2B parent guarantee from Exxon. But Justice Kissoon had said that even then, EMGL would still be in breach of its permit obligations.

Justice Kissoon had categorically stated that the Liza Phase One Permit carries a confluence of measures, specifically at Condition 14 which stipulates and imposes full, complete and unlimited liability upon the Permit Holder for any discharge of any contaminant into the environmentandforallcosts of clean up, restoration and any damages all of which cons

liabilitiesunderthePermit. He reasoned that the norm or standard in relation toactivitiesofthisnaturehas beenandcontinuestobethat the Permit Holder is exclusively and solely responsible for all such liabilities arising from its op

limitationorexception.

Justice Kissoon cited Condition 14 of the permit titled Financial Assurance and Liability for Pollution Damage provides at: 14:1, outlining that the Permit Holder is liable for all costs associated with clean up,

compensation for any damages caused by a

a n y contaminant including the costofallinvestigationsinto pollution incidents or discharge of contaminants conducted at the instance of theAgency

“Condition 14:01 does notcontainanywordorterm of limitation upon liability, quantum of costs, quantum of damages nor restrictions on the circumstances of release or discharge nor on containment nor restriction on the sphere of adverse effects caused directly or indirectly,” the judge ruled, adding that the unlimited liabilitywhichisexclusively that of EMGL, is by no meansunusualinanysense.

Justice of Appeal Nareshwar Harnanan

Justice Sandil Kissoon

Justice of Appeal Priya Sewnarine- Beharry

Justice of Appeal Dawn Gregory

KaieteurNews

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EDITORIAL

Liza 1 & 2

Guyana’sfirsttwooilprojectscouldbeoutofoilbefore Guyaneseknowit. Consideringthatrecentfiguresindicate dailyoilproductionhasacceleratedto900,000barrels,the reservesinLizaOneandLizaTwocouldbedrainedoutby theendofthisdecade. ItinformsaboutwhyExxonMobilis rushing a steady stream of new oil projects to keep its earningsoutofGuyanaflowing. LizaOneandTwohavea limited field life left, and it is good business, planning for thefuture,tohavetheirreplacementslinedupandreadyto go. InthePPPCGovernment,ExxonMobilcouldnothave askedforabetterpartner,onethatispassiveandwillingto greenlightwhateverispushedinfrontofittosign.

After over six years of oil production that netted US$39 5B, Guyana’s share amounted to US$5 9B ExxonMobiltookits75%ofcostrecoveryrightfromthetop ofoilrevenues,leavingGuyanatosplitwithitwhatwasleft. In a secretive, uncertain oil environment, as fostered by a governmentthathoardsneed-to-knowinformation,leaving thenationinthedark,eventhatsupposed50-50split,after 75% cost recovery, suffers from a lack of credibility, with few Guyanese relying on what both ExxonMobil and the PPPCGovernmentsharewiththenation.

WhatisclearisthatGuyanahaspaidback,wipedoff,its obligations to the ExxonMobil-led consortium, for its investment in Liza One and Liza Two and two more. However, Guyana is still not enjoying its full and proper shareofprofitsfromthosefourprojectsthatarenowfreeof their original debt. Why that is so, is what neither ExxonMobil nor the Guyana Government have been interestedinaddressing,orwhensothatacleanandcredible representationhasbeenmade.

Meanwhile,LizaOneandTwoarepumpingoilatfaster andfasterratesdaily. Thedownsideofthatisthereservesof bothprojectshavedroppedsharply,andbothcouldbeoutof action in a few years. To the end of April, Liza One’s productiontotaled277.46Mbarrelsoutof452Minreserves. Insixyears,61%ofLizaOne’sreservehastakenoutfrom under the seabed, with approximately 174, 540M barrels left. Giventheaverageannualrateofproduction,LizaOne hasanotherfouryearsofproductionleft. Thisisrevealing foranoilprojectthathadanestimatedproductionlifeof20 years,butisnowseeminglyhalved. Increasedproduction, increased oil revenues, faster depletion of reserves, and Guyanastillcountingpenniesforitsshareinwhatissoldto citizensasstraightdealing.

ThesituationwithLizaTwoisalmostamirrorofwhat hasoccurredatLizaOne. TotalproductionfromLizaTwo stood at 286.95M barrels at the end of Aril 2026. This meansthatslightlyoverhalfofLizaTwo’sreservesof570M barrelshasbeenproducedandshippedout. Itstaresatthe samefateasLizaOne,withitslastbarrelsofreservesetto runoutshortlyafterLizaOneisoutofoil. Governmenthas said that there will be a slower rate of production implemented,tofacilitatetheproductionlifespanofthetwo projects extend to their full 20-year estimate. Whoever believes that, also believes that the cow jumped over the moon.

Wasn’t it the PPPC itself that once promised to upturn the2016oilcontractandreplaceitwithonemorefavorable to Guyana? It was, and Guyana’s profit share is all the evidence needed of how the PPPC Government deceived citizens,trickedthemintotrustingitsleaders.

Projectspaidoff,lackofringfencing,andnomovesby thegovernmenttochangewhathemorrhagesGuyanafrom getting fairness for its oil, Now Guyana’s country’s oil moneyisnotusedtopay-offinvestmentdebt. Butfinancing newprojectsthatExxonMobildreamsuptokeepitsrecord profitsrolling,whilekeepingGuyanatrappedhelplessly Two projects milked of their reserves, stunted national leaders,andanoilcompanythatwrotethebookonoilisthe perfectformula. Excepttheoilbookleftouthowcountries likeGuyanaaredisadvantaged. Acustomizeddisaster,with Guyana’sLizaOneandTwoasproof.

Guyana’s Opening Rounds at the ICJ: Brilliant and Thoughtful

DEAREDITOR,

The case concerning the validity of the 1899 Arbitral Award between Guyana and Venezuela is one of the most consequential territorial disputes presentlybeforetheInternationalCourt of Justice.At the center ofVenezuela’s historical argument lies the famous “Mallet-Prevost Memorandum” oftencalledthe“SeveroMallet-Prevost Letter.” Guyana’s legal team, led by distinguished international counsel includingBritishjurists,systematically attacked the credibility, evidentiary value, and legal implications of that documentbeforetheCourt.TheBritish jurist eviscerated the foundational legs of the Venezuelan case. He was on target, hurling deadly Yorkers after YorkersinthelikesoftheJamaicanduo, PatrickPatersonandMichaelHolding.

Background:

The1899ArbitralAward

ThedisputeconcernstheEssequibo region, approximately two-thirds of Guyana’snationalterritory In1899,an international arbitral tribunal sitting in Paris issued an award delineating the boundarybetweenVenezuelaandthenUnited Kingdom Guiana. The tribunal consistedof:

· TwoBritisharbitrators, Two American arbitrators representingVenezuela, A Russian jurist, Friedrich

Martens,servingasPresident.

The Award overwhelmingly favoured British Guiana, though Venezuela did receive some territory near the Orinoco River For over 60 years,VenezuelaacceptedtheAwardas legally binding and official maps reflected the boundary Guyana’s lawyersrepeatedlyemphasizethispoint beforetheICJ.

WhoWasSeveroMallet-Prevost?

Severo Mallet-Prevost was one of the junior American lawyers representingVenezueladuringtheParis arbitration. In 1949 — fifty years after the Award and after his death — a memorandum written by him was published posthumously In it, he allegedthat:Thetribunal’sdecisionwas the product of political compromise, that the Russian arbitrator Friedrich Martens pressured the American arbitrators, that there may have been improper behind-the-scenes dealings, and more importantly, that the Award wasnotpurelyjudicial.

This memorandum became the intellectualfoundationofVenezuela’s later claim that the 1899 Award was fraudulent or legally null and void. Venezuela relied heavily upon this memorandum when it revived its territorial claim in the 1960s, leading eventuallytotheGenevaAgreementof 1960.

TheCoreArgumentAdvancedby Guyana’sBritishCounsel: Guyana’s legal team before the ICJ essentially “destroyed” the evidentiary weight of the Mallet-Prevost Memorandum using several major arguments: The Memorandum Is Hearsay and Not Contemporaneous. Thisisperhapsthestrongestlegalpoint. Further,Guyana’scounselargued: that the memorandum was written decades after the arbitration; that it was not sworn testimony; that it was not produced during the arbitration; that it contains recollections rather than documentary proof, and that it was published only after Mallet-Prevost’s deathinkeepingwithhiswish.

International courts generally treat such evidence cautiously Guyana’s lawyers emphasized that no contemporaneous diplomatic records, tribunal minutes, or correspondence corroborate the alleged conspiracy What is the Legal Significance? Under international law, overturning a century-old arbitral award requires extremelycompellingproofoffraudor corruption Mere suspicions or

insufficient to nullify a previous judgment.

Guyana’slawyersalsozeroedinon theConductofVenezuelaAfter1899, Continued on page 5

GUYANA AT SIXTY: PERSPECTIVES, PITFALLS, AND PROMISES

DEAREDITOR,

ThesixtiethanniversaryofGuyana, being commemorated in May, 2026, finds Guyana with burgeoning resources from oil and gas, the highest rateofeconomicgrowthintheworld,a government with a comfortable majority in Parliament, massive infrastructural projects underway, a strident entrepreneurial class getting rich, and many people not yet seeing a difference in their daily lives. The governmenthasbeengivingoccasional hand-outstohelpinthisregard.

Historically a land of six peoples, Guyana, is now numerically a land of four main groups: Indigenous,African, Indian and Mixed, listed in order of ‘arrival’.Noneofthesefourgroupshas anoverallmajorityandpoliticalparties must appeal for support across the groups – which they do, with varying degreesofsuccess.

All three of the main parties in Parliament profess to be national parties, with the governing party claimingthatithasatrackrecordinthis regard. The principal opposition party, formed shortly before the last general elections, drew support across the groupsandtheoreticallycarriespromise of building on this accomplishment in thefuture.Butitsleaderisentangledin legal battles, and it remains unclear whether, or how, it might capitalize on its achievements The second opposition party, which has been in governmentinthepast,nowseemstobe

inarebuildingphasewhoseresults mustbeawaited.

Prior to, as well as after independence, Guyana has seen periods of crises and violence, and all four population groups have memories ofsuchviolence. Memoriesofviolence lie mainly within older generations of Guyaneseandyoungpeoplearefreeof the animus of those memories. Given fairgovernanceandlevelplayingfields theyaremostlikelytogetonwiththeir educationandtobuildmeaningfullives.

It is possible that a HistoricalTruth and Reconciliation Commission might help to foster inter-group peace and harmonyinGuyana,buttherehassofar been little or no interest in this on the part of any of the major parties.This is somethingthatthemainpoliticalparties mightwishtoreflectupon.

Emphasis on the dignity and equalityofeveryGuyanesewouldbea good approach to building a new Guyana.Unfortunately,Guyana’srights bodiesdonotyetseemtohaveinspired confidence among the public, and the overarching Human Rights Commission envisaged in the Constitution has never been established.

If, from the foregoing perspectives, onemightthinkthattherearepromises tobecapitalisedupon,therearepitfalls tobeconsidered.First,thereistheissue of a lack of consensus on the governance system, particularly the continuance of the Executive Presidency This is something that might be tackled in the Constitutional Commission which was established

during the last Parliament but has not yetmet.

Second, there is the issue of deep distrust among the three main parties represented in Parliament. To put it simply,thereislittle,ifany¸interaction among them. This has resulted in little faith in the Government’s professed ‘One Nation’ policy Theoretically, a PresidentwhoisviewedasStatesperson of the nation might facilitate communications among the parties represented in Parliament. But where a President is at the heart of the political fray the possibilities of this happening arenegated.

Third, one has the impression that the government of the day unnecessarilystumpsitsowntoes.Ithas a comfortable majority, a vision, a mandate, and policies, but its tone and practices could be softer The government gives the impression of being in permanent campaign mode. The utterances of its leaders are unnecessarilyshrillandcombative. There is no distinction between campaign activists of the governing party and the senior leaders of the Government. Parliament rarely meets and Parliamentary Committees are largely non-functioning. History will probably judge that the government is unnecessarily self-branding itself in an unfavourable light due to the practices and utterances of Goebbelsian acolytes of the Government, including in the government media All of this is unnecessaryandself-harming,andthey donotcontributetoconfidence-

Continued on page 5

Guyana’s Opening Rounds at the ICJ: Brilliant...

Frompage4 saying that such conduct Contradicts Its Current Claim They argued that Venezuela’s own conduct after theAward is fatal to its presentposition.Fordecades

Venezuela officially

accepted the Award, participated in boundary commissions, published maps recognizing the boundary, and conducted diplomatic relations with Guyana consistent with the Award These arguments invokethelegaldoctrinesof: Acquiescence, Estoppel, Recognition,andStabilityof boundaries. These doctrines are extremely powerful in international law because courts prioritize certainty andterritorialstability.

Guyana’sKeyPoint

If Venezuela truly believed the Award was fraudulent in 1899, why did it behave for decades as though it were valid? That question was pressed repeatedly before the ICJ. Was there any Evidence of Actual Fraud and did such evidence exists? Guyana’s British counsel carefully distinguished: Political compromise, from Legal fraud.

Even if arbitrators engaged in compromise — common in diplomacy and arbitrationatthetime—that does not automatically invalidateanaward.Guyana argues Venezuela has failed to prove bribery, forged evidence, coercion, procedural illegality, and corruption sufficient to nullify the Award This distinction is central to the Case: International tribunals historically tolerate a degree of diplomatic bargaining within arbitral processes, especially in the 19th century Contemporary Reaction of Venezuela’s Own Lawyers Contradicts Mallet-Prevost And one devastating point repeatedly highlighted is that immediately after the 1899 Award:

Venezuela’sownlegal representativespublicly celebratedtheoutcomeas amajorvictory.

Historicalaccountsshow Venezuela retained control over the strategically vital

Orinoco access area

Guyana’s counsel argued that if the tribunal had truly committed blatant fraud, why did Venezuela’s delegationpraisetheresultat thetime?Thisinconsistency

s e v e r e l y w e a k e n s

Venezuela’s reliance on the Memorandum. The broader jurisprudential argument requires “finality” as a condition for continuous International Stability. In this regard, Guyana’s counsel warned the ICJ that reopening century-old, settled borders based on posthumous allegations would destabilize the international system. Why? Because International law strongly protects finality of arbitral awards, territorial integrity, and stability of borders.

This principle is tied to thedoctrineof uti possidetis

juris maintaining inherited colonial boundaries to prevent endless territorial conflict. The ICJ is very sensitive to this issue because many modern States depend on colonial-era boundary settlements.

But why is the MalletPrevost Memorandum so important to Venezuela and its claim? The answer is straightforward.Itisbecause Venezuela’s modern legal position depends heavily upon portraying the 1899 Awardas:tainted,politically m a n i p u l a t e d , a n d fundamentally unjust. With out the memorandum, Venezuela’s legal case weakens considerably because the Award was internationally recognized, implemented for decades, and accepted by States’ practice The Letter or Memorandum therefore, functions as Venezuela’s

“foundational text” for reopeningthedispute.Andit is against this backdrop that G u y a n a ’s l a w y e r s appropriately targeted it directly and aggressively withvim,vigor,andvitality WhatoftheStrategic ToneofGuyana’s LegalTeam?

Observers noted that Guyana’s counsel did not merely defend the Award technically; they portrayed Venezuela’s case as: historically revisionist, unsupported by evidence, legally incoherent, and dangerous to international order. Some members of G

Venezuela’s submissions as “ c o n f u s i n

contemporaneous records And that rhetorical strategy matters greatly before the ICJ because judges tend to

y continuity,statepractice,and l

y,

speculative historical reconstruction.

TheLikelyLegalReality

presentlyappearstoholdthe stronger legal position because of the existence of the 1899 Award, its

’s l o n g acquiescence, the evidentiarybasisforfraudis terribly weak, and the practice of international courts strongly favouring territorial stability The M a l l e t - P r e v o s t Memorandum may have political and historical significance, but Guyana’s counsel is attempting to ensurethattheICJtreatsitas legally insufficient to overturn a binding arbitral settlement. And that is the essence of the British lawyer’s strategy before the International Court of Justice.

Prof.DanielK.Gibran

PAHO and France strengthen partnership to advance malaria elimination in the Guiana Shield

Director of the Pan

American Health Organization (PAHO), Dr JarbasBarbosa,has signed an agreement with Celine Giusi, Permanent Observer of F r a n c e t o t h e

Organization of AmericanStates(OAS) to support malaria elimination efforts in the Guiana Shield, whichisoneofthemost challengingsettingsfor malaria control in the Americas.

The agreement will support a 12-month project focused on strengthening surveillance,prevention,and coordinated response efforts across border areas The initiative promotes a transnational approach,

recognizing shared epidemiological dynamics across borders, including those affecting indigenous communities, and the high mobility of populations, particularly those linked to goldminingactivities.

We l c o m i n g t h e agreement, the PAHO Director thanked France for this contribution, “which will strengthen surveillance and support coordinated action”inborderareas.“This partnership brings us closer to our shared goal of eliminating malaria in the subregion and across the Americas,”headded.

The Guiana Shield presents unique and persistent challenges for malaria elimination in the region,includingremoteand

hard-to-reach territories, limited access to health services,andthepresenceof highly mobile and often underserved populations Informal and illegal gold mining remains a key driver oftransmission,contributing toincreasedriskofinfection, barriers to diagnosis and treatment. The risk of antimalarial drug resistance isalsoachallengeinthearea duetopracticessuchasselfmedication, incomplete treatment,andcirculationof

Continued on page 6

GUYANA AT SIXTY: PERSPECTIVES, PITFALLS...

Frompage4 buildinginthebodypolitic–inastillfragilenation. Pitfalls, thus¸ there are. But promises too With abundantresources,somuch could be done for the bettermentofthelivesofthe Guyanesepeopleandforthe world at large. Respectable economistshavecomeoutin supportoftheGovernment’s economic policies, but there is still a palpable lack of public confidence in the Government’s approach to deploying the resources of the nation in a manner that balances growth and caring forpeopleinneed.Anational dialogue on this issue, carriedoutingoodfaithand with mutual respect, could surely be helpful. All three parties have within their midst talented people who

could engage in such a conversation, together with theGuyanesepeople.

A national vision statement for Guyana could help foster confidence and faith in the future of the nation, one people, one nation,onedestiny

And Guyana must establish arrangements for detecting and responding to theplightoftheneediestofits people, the plight of the poorest. Establishing such arrangements will give heart to the needy and will inspire confidence in the system of governance Former French President Francois Mitterand soughttorallyhisnationwith the call, ‘Nous avons tant a faire ensemble’: ‘We have much to do together’ Yes, Guyana,wehavemuchtodo together as we mark the sixtieth anniversary of Guyana’sindependence D r B e r t r a n d Ramcharan Seventh Chancellor of theUniversityofGuyana

PAHO Director, Dr. Jarbas Barbosa Celine Giusi, Permanent Observer of France to the OAS

Guyana-Brazil trade surge creating new investment opportunities

Guyana and Brazil’s

trade relations have expanded significantly in recent years, creating new opportunitiesforinvestment, private sector growth, and regional economic integration.

ChiefInvestmentOfficer at the Guyana Office for Investment, Dr Peter

Ramsaroop, said on Thursday that Guyana’s rapidly expanding trade relationship with Brazil reflects the strengthening partnership between the two countries under the leadership of President MohamedIrfaanAli.

His comments follow on the heels of Brazil’s Ambassador to Guyana, Maria Cristina de Castro Martins,whoconfirmedthat bilateral trade between the two countries has increased from approximately US$58 million in 2020 to US$1 billion in 2026. Speaking during an interview on a local radio programme on

Wednesday, the Brazilian ambassador described the

expansion in economic cooperation driven by growing demand in sectors such as energy, mining, in

cture and construction. She explained that Guyana’s exports to Brazil are largely concentrated in crude oil, accounting for approximately98percentof shipments, while Brazil’s exports to Guyana mainly consist of machinery and industrialequipmentusedin construction, mining, extractive industries and oil production. Responding to her remarks, Dr Ramsaroop said her statement “reflects the significant expansion in engagementandcooperation betweenourtwocountriesin recent years, particularly in trade,

agriculture, logistics and p r i v a t

collaboration.”

He noted that several

initiatives are positioning Guyana as a strategic commerciallinkbetweenthe Caribbean and South America. These include the upgraded road connection

northern Brazil, expansion of port facilities such as the Tristar terminal, plans for a deepwater port in Berbice,

infrastructure and the government’s plans to transformtheLethemairport intoaninternationalhub.

developments are expected to create new opportunities

manufacturingandindustrial development “We are seeing increasing interest from companies in sectors such as large-scale agriculture,agro-processing, logistics, construction, manufacturing, energy s

infrastructure development. Guyana is strategically positioned between the Caribbean and South

A

ic

creating opportunities for regional expansion and integration,” hestated.

The chief investment officer stated that local businesses, particularly those in Lethem and Region Nine,areexpectedtobenefit from stronger commercial ties with Brazil through increased economic activity and improved connectivity “Expanded port capacity, improved transportation corridors and enhanced c

Guyana and Brazil will create new opportunities for our local private sector in transportation, logistics, hospitality, cargo handling,

, warehousing, retail and

Investment Officer at the Guyana Office for Investment, Dr. Peter Ramsaroop

explained.

Further, he noted that G

g agriculture sector is also opening doors for joint ventures and regional partnerships.Hespokeabout future opportunities in fertiliser production and industrial processing as G u y a n

u e s expanding its energy and

logistics capabilities Dr R a m s

i d strengthening GuyanaBrazil partnership aligns with President Ali’s Vision 2030 agenda, which focuses on regional integration, economic diversification, foodsecurity,andbuildinga globally competitive economy under the One Guyanainitiative.(DPI)

PAHO and France strengthen partnership...

Frompage5 substandardmedicines.

“MalariaeliminationintheGuianaShield requiressustained,coordinatedactionamong countries,” said Dr Sylvain Aldighieri, PAHO’s Director of Communicable Disease Prevention, Control, and Elimination. “This new agreement will help strengthen joint efforts to expand access to diagnosis and treatment, reinforce surveillance with rapid response, and accelerate progress against bothP falciparumandP vivaxmalaria.”

Expandingtimelydiagnosisandeffective treatment remains the most critical interventiontoaddressmalariaintheregion, particularly for mobile and hard-to-reach populations. This includes scaling up rapid diagnostic testing, leveraging all available

providers, and intensifying community engagement—especiallyinminingareasand indigenous communities —to ensure early detectionandcompletetreatment.

This collaboration between the Government of France and PAHO supports coordinated and synchronized action toward malaria elimination in the Guiana Shield. It aligns with the Malaria Elimination Plan for the Americas 2026–2030 and reinforces partnerships with national authorities and other strategic actors working to accelerate progresstowardamalaria-freeRegionofthe Americas. PAHO’s Disease Elimination Initiativesupportseffortstoendmalaria,and more than 30 communicable diseases and related conditions, in theAmericas by 2030. (PAHO)

Chief

‘Guyana’s EITI in trouble’

...mining secrecy, governance chaos stalling transparency drive

W h i l e G u y a n a successfully published its

seventh Extractive Industries Transparency Initiative (EITI) report on the final day of 2025, the annual review reveals a programme struggling with deep-seated institutional friction, security fears in the mining sector, and a governance structure that remainspartiallyparalysed.

The 2025 Annual Progress Review paints a

pictureofaninitiativethatis technically compliant with reporting deadlines but operationally strained by vacancies and data resistance.

SecurityFearsand the"MiningGap"

The most persistent hurdle for the GYEITI Secretariat remains the mining sector Despite mining'smassivefootprintin the Guyanese interior, stakeholders continue to

show a "reluctance" to submit detailed reporting templates.

According to the report, “M

stakeholders reluctant to submit templates due to security concerns, resulting in aggregated data.” The report notes that many operators cite security concerns as a reason for

financial data. As a result, much of the mining data for 2025 remains aggregated, preventing the kind of granular transparency required to fully map revenues from gold and other minerals. This lack of detaileddisclosurecontinues to be a "red flag" for international observers tracking the industry's supplychainintegrity

GovernanceinGridlock

The reconstitution of the

The cover page of the EITI report

Multi-Stakeholder Group (MSG), the body that oversees the EITI process, has been mired in controversy InAugust2025, a new board was installed, but the process was immediately challenged by major civil society groups. Concerns over the selection processledtoamediator-led intervention in late 2025. While five new civil society members were eventually selected in November, groups like Policy Forum Guyana (PFG) and the Guyana Human Rights

Association (GHRA) boycotted the proceedings. As of December 31, 2025, full civil society membership had still not been achieved These vacancies have forced existing members to double up on committees, slowing down critical work on legal andcommunicationreforms.

“In October 2025, a new convenor was appointed following a widely publicized recruitment process. During the civic caucusing in November 2025,participantsagreedon rules and guidelines for the selection of new members. Five new civil society members were selected, namely:

Ÿ Mr Balraj Budwah (Guyana Hindu DharmicSabha)

Ÿ Mr. Derrick John (National Toshaos Council)

Ÿ M r S h a n e Cornelius (National ToshaosCouncil)

Ÿ Ms Madhavi Indarjeet (Guyana Youth Environment Network)

Ÿ Mr Aslim Singh

(Guyana Agricultural and General Workers Union)

However, PFG and GHRA boycotted the selection process, and by 31 December2025,thefullcivil society membership had not been appointed This affected the functioning of certain committees, including Communications andLegalandRegulatory,as members were required to serve on multiple committees,” the report stated.

TheUnfinished Businessof2025

Several high-priority transparency projects have hit significant roadblocks suchaseffortstounmaskthe true owners of extractive companies were effectively puton"hold"duetoalackof technical staff, “However, due to capacity constraints within the Secretariat, including insufficient technical staff, BO data collectionandfollow-upwas temporarily put on hold to prioritize higher-demand tasks, including, completion of validation templates; and support for the Independent Administrator's FY 2023 report.”

Thereportstatedtoothat the “Implementation of the BO recommendations remains essential for compliance with the 2023 EITI Standard, and the preparatory steps in 2025 ensured that the Secretariat wasreadytoresumeBOdata collection once resources wereavailable.”

While a roadmap exists, the actual verification of owner data has been sidelined to prioritize basic (Continuedonpage22)

Guyana must not become the dumping ground of the digital age

Everybody is now coming to Guyana with investment proposals. And our leaders, drunk on neoliberal medicine are welcoming them with open arms.

One man is promising a luxury resort Another promisinganindustrialpark. Othersarepromisingasmart city

And now the newest fashion in development madnessisthedatacenter— giant warehouses full of humming computers sucking up electricity like a whirlpoolintheocean.

Already,countriesacross the world are beginning to resist these facilities

CommunitiesinAmericaare protesting them because of noisepollution,airpollution, water consumption and soaring energy demand. Yet inGuyana,whereweimport ideas every few years and then call it “visionary development,” some of our leaders are behaving as though data centers are the eighthwonderoftheworld.

But Guyanese had better wake up before we trade a w a y o u r p e a c e , environment and public health for a few temporary construction jobs and somethingtouseupthevast utilized energy that will comewithnaturalgas.

Adatacenterisnotsome

harmless office building where people are sitting quietlytypingonlaptopsand drinkingcoffee.Thesethings are industrial operations

Massive industrial operations.

Thousands upon thousandsofserversrunning day and night, producing heat nonstop, requiring giganticcoolingsystemsand backup generators powerful enoughtolightentiretowns.

And those generators do not run on power from solar farms.Theyrunonpowerful generatorspoweredbyfossil fuelsandnaturalgas.

In the United States, persons living near some of these facilities are already complaining about a constant humming sound, dayandnight.

Imagine trying to sleep while an industrial machine groaning twenty-four hours adaynearby Guyanese know already how stressful constant noise can be. One wedding house withfourboxspeakerscould traumatize an entire community till Monday morning. Now imagine an endless mechanical roar everydayoftheyear

Then comes the air pollution.Backupgenerators emitting fumes Cooling systems consuming enormous energy More pressure on electricity

Dem Boys Seh...

production.Morenaturalgas cleaner but not clean, being burned And this is happening at the same time the world supposedly trying toreduceemissionsandsave the planet from climate catastrophe.

For years, developed countries polluted the earth. Now, they are preaching sustainability to everybody else.Yetmanyofthesesame countries now trying to offload energy-hungry data infrastructure into rural and developing regions where land is cheaper, regulations weaker and governments easier to dazzle with investment brochures. It is imperialist exploitation in a newguise.

Remember when they wanted to dump industrial waste in Guyana. We must not become the dumping ground for the digital age. And what exactly are we gettinginreturn?

The sales pitch always s o u n d s g l o r i o u s “Technology hub.” “Digital t r a n s f o r m a t i o n ” “Innovationecosystem.”But when you scrape off the corporate perfume, the truth is that data centers generate relatively few permanent jobs After construction finish, you might have a handful of technicians and security guards overseeing acres of computers serving

Crossing like dem own de road

Dem boys seh some people does really testyuhfaith.Becauseifpatienceisavirtue, thendrivinginGuyanaisspiritualtraining.

Nowimaginethis.Yuhdrivingpeaceful, minding yuh business, listening a lil soft music,tryingnottohitpotholesordemdogs andcowsandcatswahdoesbepunderoad. Suddenly,yuhseesomebodystandingbythe roadside looking like them ready to cross. Being the decent, law-abiding citizen yuh mother raise yuh to be, yuh stop and wave themacross.

And that is where yuh make yuh first mistake.

The minute yuh stop, the person does start off like them competing in Olympics. One quick step, two quick step, and then without warning them suddenly transformintoSundayafternoonsloth.

Demboyssehitislikecrossingtheroad doesactivatesomehiddenrelaxationmode. The same person who look in a desperate hurry when yuh approaching now walking slower than tax reform. Halfway across the road, them suddenly remember them left stoveon.Themstop.Themlookeast.Them lookwest.Themsquintintothedistancelike themsearchingformeaninginlife.

customersoverseas.

development That is glorifiedelectronicstorage.

Meanwhile, ordinary citizenscouldenduppaying therealpricethroughhigher electric

y demand, environmental degradation, p

ssure on public infrastructureandtheeffects ontheirmentalhealth.

Guyana should instead beinvestinginindustriesthat actuallyenrichcommunities.

Agricultur

Agroprocessing Ecotourism

R

n

w

ble energy Fisheries Manufacturing Industries where human beings — not machines — remain at the center of economiclife.

Whatdoyouthinkwould make more sense for Guyana: preserving thousands of acres of biodiversity and creating sustainable jobs connected to our forests and rivers, or bulldozing land so foreign corporations can store videos, AI prompts and cryptocurrencydata?

And there is another uncomfortable question

nobody wants to ask loudly What exactly are these data centershelpingtopower?

Artificial intelligence systems Surveillance s y s t e m s M i l i t a r y technologies Consumer manipulation algorithms Endless social media addictionmachines.

Around the world, AI is increasingly tied to warfare, propaganda and mass surveillance The same technological infrastructure being marketed as progress is also becoming part of a machinerythatmanypeople fear is eroding privacy, destabilizing societies and removing human judgment fromdangerousdecisions.

Guyana should think carefully before rushing headlong into becoming a fuelingstationforthatglobal system.

Guyanaisalreadyfacing enough developmental p r e s s u r e s R i s i n g temperatures Flooding Strained infrastructure Electricity challenges. We should not now volunteer to host giant energyconsuming facilities that primarily benefit foreign

corporations while local people absorb the environmental and social costs.

Not every investment is good investment Some investments enrich a country. Others merely occupyit.

Guyana’s future cannot simply become a contest to see how many foreign industries we can cram onto the coastline before we run out of land, power and patience.Developmentmust improve human life, not surround people with noise, pollution and industrial machinery disguised as progress.

The world already has enough giant warehouses full of computers. What it desperately needs now are countries wise enough to protect their people, their peaceandtheirenvironment beforeitistoolate.

(The views expressed in this article are those of the author and do not necessarily reflect the opinionsofthisnewspaper.)

Meanwhile, traffic backing up behind yuh till people three villages away blowing horn.

Some pedestrians does even get extra bold.Onemanstopinthemiddleoftheroad to adjust he slippers. Another one pause to greet somebody on the pavement. One old auntieactuallywavetosomebody,continue a whole conversation, then proceed across theroadlikeshepayingrentfortheasphalt. And heaven help yuh if yuh show even the slightest impatience. The pedestrian suddenlybecomeoffended.Themdoeslook at yuh like you interrupting them One lady even had the audacity to slow down more after seeing a driver tapping he steering wheel.

Dem boys seh somehow pedestrians got aspecialradar Ifyuhdon’tstop,themdoes sprint across the road like cat running from dog.Buttheverysecondyuhactcourteous, themdoesdecidethisistheperfecttimefor meditation,reflectionandsightseeing. By the time them finally reach the other side,yuhpatiencedonetested,yuhfueldone burning,andyuhspirithalfwaypreparedfor sainthood.

Talkhalf.Leffhalf.

H@RD TRUTHS

Around the world every 80 days, Guyana's

Three parliamentary sessionsineightmonths;one forthebudget,theothertwo ceremonials. But Pres. Ali propagandizes transparency. When Guyana's most exalted house is for all practicalpurposesshuttered, then whither this transparency about which Dr Aliswears? Perhaps,it's his imitation of Phineas Fogg from Jules Verne's Around the World in 80 Days Themathisflawless: Guyana's parliamentary world opens its doors, embarks on motions of discussion, and drifts through the turbulences of dissection and debate Fitting for a democracy, and

doneonceevery80days. A medal for Excellency Ali, who has outdone himself as Dr. Transparency, guarantor ofparliamentarydemocracy, and keeper of the flame re accountability. How can one hold a president who has done so little, despite having so much?

W h i t h e r t h e accountability on which Ali cut his eyetooth? Whither when the vaunted Audit Office struggles with its management circle, with its relationships,withdoingthe bestjobforGuyana,givenits skills, and the layers that its people have to peel back, peer under? Whither

accountability when Audit Office work is blander than white bread, looks mildewed, smells rancid? Explains why parliamentary oversight committees are held in a state of prolonged suspension.

Thus, the nation is not informedofthequalityofthe work coming out of their AuditOffice.

Whatwaslookedat,how muchenergywasputin,how deep the probing, and how many public service scoundrels feasted on Guyanesetaxpayers'billions during the 2020-2025 period. I congratulate the PPP Govt for having governance down to a scientific formula: keep parliament's door closed Keep the Audit Office properly peopled. Keep guaranteeing sensitive jobs done a particular way (Or notatall).

Keep the committees (public accounts one stands out)hanging. So,there'sthe stagnating of its work, and Guyanese uniformed about how their money has been usedormisused,whodidthe

inexplicable, and who is gettingawaywithmurdering taxpayers. And who is coveringforwhom.

Meanwhile, Pres. Ali delights himself with readying to take control of the capital city His government made it into garbagecityanddistresscity through several crippling measures, while shouting c o r r u p t i o n a n d incompetence.

Therearenationalissues involving national budget billions and national standardsthatthePPPGovt. cannot (or refuses to) get done. But Pres. Ali is prioritizingtakingcontrolof G

i s government's ambition for total control. Democracy and transparency hollered, on the one hand; with secrets, camouflages, and subterfuges dominating, on theother

The president has gotten better at deflecting A neighbor'sbroochcaughthis eye, and it provided the perfect opportunity to distract the nation from the

rottenness of PPP governance. He has done enough to earn the twin distinctions of M

d MasterDistractor L

u r D a provided an opening the president to cavort with handpicked workers, and chortle about how much the PPPcaresforthem.

His government has a supply of soothing stats about how much has been given,doledout,andhanded over to Guyanese workers. But there are no stats from himonhowmanyGuyanese are hungry and exist around thepovertyline.

Pres. Ali keeps a safe distance from the US$2 b

Surprising from a man who neversawacircusactthathe didn'tliketopractice.

He washes his hands, and holds his nose, when gushing about transparency, while there is negligible accesstoinformation;andof accountabilitythereareonly bells that toll its death. It

calls for a special leader to stand in a disaster zone and say all is well. This is normal What's the problem? Attorney and accountant, Chris Ram highlighted resource curse and Dutch Disease. I focus on governance curse and what's now the Guyana Disease.

Thosewhoneverheard of it, just did. Leadership sickness. Instead of a onetrackeconomy,there'saonetrack mind (control and shutdown or shutout). If there's no other evidence of transparency of intentions, ofeffort,thatis.

(The views expressed in this article are those of the author and do not necessarily reflect the opinionsofthisnewspaper.)

GTUC launches digital worker platform

...says move aimed at strengthening communication, member support

The Guyana Trades Union Congress (GTUC) said it is advancing a new digital platform designed to modernise how unions organise, communicate with members, respond to grievances and deliver servicesacrossGuyana.

T h e p l a t f o r mhttps://gtuc.work/- creates a practical digital home for union workers, leaders, and administrators,GTUCsaidin a press release on Thursday “It is intended to improve day-to-day coordination between members and their unions,makeiteasiertoraise workplaceconcerns,andhelp ensurethatissuesaretracked, assigned, and resolved with greater speed, transparency, andaccountability.”

Accordingtotheunion,at itscore,theplatformsupports the work of organising. It gives workers and union representatives a more direct way to stay connected, share updates, access information, and participate in the life of their union, whether they are in Georgetown or in communities across the regions. GTUC's digital platform includes functions that support both member

services and union administration,including: - union-based member registration and approval workflows

- dedicated union portals for members and union leaders - issue and grievance reporting with tracking and administrativefollow-up -nationalandunion-level dashboardsforoversightand response - event and training management

- community news and publicupdates

- a member marketplace to support worker enterprise andeconomicactivity

- digital member identificationsupport

According to GTUC, by bringing these services into one system, the platform is expected to reduce delays, improvecommunication,and strengthen the relationship between union members and their leadership Members can raise concerns more easily and receive clearer follow-up, while union

leaders can review submiss

activities, and monitor mattersrequiringaction.

The platform also supports stronger problemsolving Workplace issues

often become more difficult whencommunicationisslow, records are scattered, or follow-up is inconsistent With a structured digital process, unions can better document complaints, route matters to the appropriate representatives, monitor progress, and maintain visibility over unresolved cases This strengthens representation and helps move matters toward resolution. In addition, the platform is a tool for empowerment It expands access to union information and services, helps workers stay informed about events and training opportunities, and supports wider participation in the movement In a modern labour environment, digital accessisnolongeraluxury;it is part of building stronger, more responsive institutions forworkers.

Theinitiativealsoreflects the long tradition of organised labour in Guyana. GTUC traces its institutional history to 1941, when it was founded as the **British Guiana Trades Union Council, and it stands within a broader labour tradition shaped by figures such as Hubert Nathaniel Critchlow, whose work remains foundational to worker organisation in Guyana.This platform is therefore not a breakfromthathistory,butan extension of it: applying modern tools to the enduring mission of protecting workers, defending rights, andbuildingsolidarity As labour relations and member needs continue to evolve, GTUC believes unionsmustbeequippedwith tools that match the times. This platform is intended to help unions become more accessible, more organised, andmoreeffectiveinserving workers throughout the country

GTUC sees the platform as part of a broader effort to strengthen worker representation, improve responsiveness,andsupporta culture of engagement, accountability, and solidarity throughout the labour movement. “This platform is about bringing union service closer to the worker It will help us organise better, communicate faster, track issues more responsibly, and strengthen the ability of unions to represent and empower workers across Guyana.”

GAWU announces appointment of new officers

The Guyana Agricultural and General Workers Union (GAWU) has announced the appointment of new officers, following the resignation of GeneralSecretaryAslimSingh.

The General Council, which comprises representatives from among the union's bargaining units anditsleadership,wasconsultedand has approved the following appointments: General SecretaryPorandatt Narine; Assistant General Secretary - Harvey Tambron; and VicePresident-JuliusNurse.

According to a statement from GAWU, the appointments are effectiveMay1,2026.

“The Council expressed its full confidenceinthenewofficers,noting that they have been diligent in their duties and have led the Union properly in their previous capacities. Members of the Council, in expressing congratulations, pledged to work alongside the new officers to further strengthen GAWU and seeitgrowfromstrengthtostrength,” thestatementshared.

BLUNT...BLUNT

Truckdriversprotest

BLUNT...BLUNT...BLUNT

Truck drivers across the country are voicing growing frustration over what they describe as the increasing domination of foreign companies and a shrinking share of local work opportunities. They argue that contracts are being awarded to overseas operators at the expense of domestic workers, leaving many truck operators struggling to pay their mortgage and secure steady income.

The drivers insist that local content policies are not being enforced effectively and have called on government authorities to strengthen regulations, ensure fair competition, and prioritise employment for nationals in the transport sector.

The protesting drivers warn that without intervention, the livelihoods of many families dependent on trucking could be further undermined, potentially triggering wider industrial unrest and economic strain.

BLUNT BLUNT BLUNT BLUNT

Guyana N0.3 in global rankings for Chinese investment

SAO PAULO, May 7

(Reuters) - Brazil reclaimed top spot globally for Chinese investment in 2025, attracting 10.9% of total outbound capital, followed by the U.S. and Guyana, with 6.8% and 5.7%, respectively, according to data released on Thursday by the Brazil-China BusinessCouncil(CEBC).

Brazil received $6.1 billion in Chinese investment across dozens of projects, a 45% increase in capital compared to 2024, as Chinese companies worked to diversify their presence in Latin America's largest economy and increase their footholds in the country's clean energy and mining sectors.

Overthepastfiveyears,Brazil has alternated between first and fifth place among the world's top destinations for Chinese investment,havingclaimedthetop spotin2021,CEBCsaid.Brazilhas a weaker currency, a large consumermarket,abundantnatural resources, and clean energy, all featuresthatChineseinvestorsfind attractive. "There are only a few countries in the world today that haveallthesecharacteristics,"said Tulio Cariello, content and researchdirectoratCEBC.

FROMELECTRICITY TOFASTFOOD

While the electricity sector continued to lead Chinese capital

flows into Brazil, mining saw a surge of renewed interest, with investmentstriplingin2025.

The automotive sector also stood out, ranking third overall in 2025 and accounting for 15.8% of total investment by Chinese corporations in Brazil. In years, both GWM and BYD have bought factories previously owned by Western automakers, converting them into production hubs for electric and hybrid vehicles. Both companies saw explosive sales growthinBrazil.

Chinese capital has also expanded into information technology, logistics, electronics manufacturing, digital economy services, and fast food The productionofelectronicappliances attracted fresh Chinese investment

inBrazilin2025,​forexample,with Vivo Mobile launching its Jovi smartphonebrand.

"Brazil is a long-term strategic priorityforJovi,"saidAndreVarga, Jovi's product director, in an interview in March. "It is a market with great potential, still concentratedamongafewplayers, which offers us ​an opportunity to createdifferentiationandaddvalue totheconsumer."

Chinese investments in Brazil willlikelycontinuetobeshapedby domestic policies, particularly regarding the energy transition, as well as external forces, including geopoliticaltensionsandtheglobal push for decarbonization, according to CEBC. "We will see the continuation of these projects, and perhaps I would bet on an

intensificationintheminingsector, intheareaofnewenergies,andalso in the ​industrial sector in general, where we have seen considerable growth,"Cariellosaid.

With bilateral trade surging to nearly US$2.9 billion in 2025, more than doubling within a year and cementing China's position as one of Guyana's major trading partners, Chinese Ambassador to Guyana, Yang Yang, back in

diplomatic ties between the two countries. Speakingatareception hosted by the Chinese Embassy, AmbassadorYangoutlinedChina's recent economic achievements, stating that despite global economic challenges, the country recorded a 5 percent GDP growth

rate in 2025, with total output surpassing140trillionyuanforthe first time. She said China now contributes roughly 30 percent of globaleconomicgrowth,providing stability to the international economy

She further disclosed that China's total imports and exports exceeded45trillionyuanlastyear, reflecting continued economic openness. Yang also referenced President Xi Jinping's Global Governance Initiative launched in September 2025, which she said contributes to reforming and strengthening international cooperation frameworks. Turning to Guyana-China relations, the Ambassador said the partnership between the two countries has (Continuedonpage22)

Chinese nationals and other officials at a reception back in February

Broomes says worker abuse has become 'normalised' in Guyana

Leader of the Assembly for Liberty and Prosperity (ALP)partySimonaBroomes has called attention to the “inhumane” treatment of some workers in the country, detailing her experience recently with two female police officers in Linden who just after covering a 24-hour shifthadtostartanother

In a Facebook video post, Broomes shared how the two officers, wearing brown and black uniforms, stopped her van without knowing it was her to ask for money to buy foodandwater

They were pleasantly surprised, and possibly quite relieved when they realised it washer,shenoted.

Theofficersexplainedthat they were short of staff and had just completed a 24-hour shift but no one came to relieve them, so that they had to pick up another 12-hour shift having no food and water

Broomes was concerned that the women had no choice buttostoparandomvehicleto askforhelp.

“It's inhumane. I was to s p e a k t o t h e p o l i c e , government, private sector and everybody You cannot usepeopletoworklikethat.If people are working through

their lunch break, they should be paid for it. Workers out there are going through so manythings,yetwenormalise these things,” she expressed.

“ T h e s e a r e p o l i c e officers…nothingtoeat.

Howcanyoubesocruel?

It's horrible, it's cruel, it's inhumane. These days, there is no respect for workers These are men and women in uniform You have to treat thembetter.”

Apart from providing the women the money they needed on the spot, Broomes shared that she also took food for them later in the day as theycoveredthesecondshift.

ALP leader Simona Broomes during the video

Second pipeline to hit Berbice before

Pres. Ali demits office ....RoutledgetellsInt'lconference

Foroveroneyear,agaspipeline from the Liza Fields offshore Guyana to Wales, West Bank Demerara has been completed and remains inactive, yet a second pipeline that is expected to cost Guyana double the cost is being planned for Berbice- a piece of infrastructurethatshouldbelanded before President Irfaan Ali completeshissecondtermin2030. This ambitious agenda was announcednotbytheHeadofState butbythePresidentofExxonMobil Guyana Limited (EMGL),Alistair Routledge during the United States-Guyana Business Exchange Reception in Houston Texas this week.

About200personscongregated in the room, comprising a private sector and government-mixed delegation from Georgetown and anxiousforeigninvestors.

Routledgeinremarksrevealed, “We have now landed a pipeline and we are ready to deliver gas to the Wales Development Zone in Region Three but the vision of his excellencyandthechallengehehas set us on timeline is by the end of his presidency, we will have also the Berbice Region supported gas flow and a whole new set of industries.”

The EMGL President added, “So we are excited, in fact more than excited, very, very excited about what has happened in

Guyana so far ExxonMobil is honoured to be a part of this. Yes, we are making huge investments, over US$65B committed to the countrybutwhatwehavebeenable

to do in the partnerships and with thepeopleofGuyanagivesus that confidence to continue on that journey.” He noted that the company is

moving onto more complex resourcesasitpursuestheLongtail project, its eight proposed development, but it has also set (Continuedonpage22)

Map showing the location of the first pipeline constructed by ExxonMobil and the second proposed structure to land in Berbice.

26youngadultsgraduatefromRepublicBank'sapprenticeshipprogramme

Republic Bank ( G u y a n a )

L i m i t e d o n

Wednesday celebrated the graduation of twenty-six youngprofessionals,fromits Apprenticeship Programme at a ceremony held at the Guyana Marriott Hotel. This event, now in its fifteenth year, marked the completion of a seven-month journey of growth, learning and transformation, as these young men and women prepare to take the next step intheirprofessionalcareers.

According to a press release by the bank, after months of dedication, hard work, and invaluable learning experiences, the fifteenthbatchofYouthLink Apprentices, each received a Caribbean Vocational Qualification Banking

Operations Level 1 Certificate. This Certificate is approved by the Council for Human and Social Development of CARICOM through the Council for Technical and Vocational Education and Training (CTVET) With this q u a l i f i c a t i o n , t h e Apprentices will be eligible for jobs within the CARICOMRegion.

T h r o u g h o u t t h e programme,eachApprentice w a s e x p o s e d t o a combination of classroom instruction, on-the-job training and self-directed learning.

Under the guidance of CTVETcertifiedtrainersand assessors, these young professionals improved their skills and knowledge in various areas essential for successintheworldofwork.

The Apprentices were assigned to various branches across the Bank's network from October 2025 to April 2026, where they gained exposure to the day-to-day operations of the banking sector During this period, they also enhanced their communication skills, i m p r o v e d t h e i r understanding of office procedures and

s

her developed their confidence through public speaking presentationsessions.

Keoma Griffith, Minister of Labour and Manpower Planning delivered the Motivational Address at the ceremony inspiring the audience with his personal story of resilience and determination in spite of obstacles in his journey to attaininghisLegalEducation Certificate(LEC).

Minister Griffith also encouraged the graduates to maximize every opportunity afforded them especially

transformation.

Managing Director of Republic Bank (Guyana) Limited,Dr ToussantBoyce, commendedthegraduateson their dedication and growth throughout the programme. "The Republic Bank Youth Link Apprenticeship programme,isaboutsomuch morethanbanking.It'sabout, building confidence, resilience and the ability to think, adapt and grow With thisgraduatingclass,thetotal number of young Guyanese who have benefitted from this unique programme, now reaches three hundred and fifty (350). That's not just a statistic That's 350 young lives changed, 350 futures strengthened and 350 reminders that investing in young people is always a gooddecision."

In addition to formal training, participants were also exposed to purposeful activities designed to broaden their perspectives and enhance their personal development They interactedwithchildrenfrom t h e P t o l e m y R e i d Rehabilitation Centre, received First Aid training facilitated by Cerulean Inc., andenjoyedamemorabletrip to a local resort, allowing them to deepen their appreciation for our nation's history and n

al splendour In keeping with t h

p

o g r a m m e ' s commitment to recognizing excellence and fostering a culture of achievement, special awards were presented to commend outstanding performances in various categories,including Best All Rounder, Best Business Proposal, Most Effective Presentation, Most Disciplined Apprentice, Most Improved Apprentice and Most Congenial Apprentice.

The 2025/2026 Youth Link Apprenticeship Programme graduation ceremony served as a key reminder of the power of education, mentorship, and opportunity to transform lives and shape futures. As w e c e l e b r a t e t h e accomplishments of this latest cohort, we look forward to witnessing the positive impact they will undoubtedly have on our communitiesandtheworldat large.

The Youth Link Apprenticeship Programme was first introduced in Guyana in 2008 primarily to bridge the gap between the end of the participants' school life and the start of theircareers.

Graduates from Republic Bank Apprenticeship programme

Demerara Bank loses appeal against closure of WIN party members account

The Full Court of the High Court on Thursday dismissed appeals brought by Demerara Bank Limited, upholding a previous ruling that candidates of the We Invest in Nationhood (WIN) party have a valid legal standing to challenge the abrupt closure of their bank accounts.

The ruling by Chief Justice Navindra Singh, Justice Deborah KumarChetty, and Justice Nigel Niles marks a victory for the f l e d g l i n g p o l i t i c a l movement. WIN has alleged that its members are victims ofacoordinatedcampaignof "political discrimination and financial intimidation" orchestrated to undermine a party viewed as a threat to the PPP The appeal was dismissed in the decisions of Justices Niles and Kumar Chetty, while a dissenting ruling was offered by the ActingChiefJustice.

The case arose after several WIN candidates, including Dexter George, Joel Ramesh, Lester Benjamin, Denitta Parkes, Gobin Harbhajan, and Denodra Park, were notified by Demerara Bank Limited that all banking services would be discontinued. The bank cited "internal banking policies and regulatory requirements"butreportedly provided no specific details regardinganybreaches.

Thebankmovedtostrike out the candidates' Fixed Date Applications (FDAs), arguing they were "frivolous andvexatious"anddisclosed no viable cause of action. However, the Full Court today affirmed the position of the initial Trial Judge, Justice Nicole Pierre, who h a d f o u n d t h a t t h e allegations were capable of constituting a claim for breachofcontract.

In his ruling, Chief Justice Singh noted "This Court finds that this is an acknowledgement that there was a banker-customer relationship which by nature, is fundamentally contractual... the Court finds that the FDA discloses an arguablecauseofaction."

Following the ruling, the WIN Political Party issued a s c a t h i n g s t a t e m e n t , welcoming the decision as a vindication of their longheldstance.Thepartyasserts that directives were issued from within the PPP Government, resulting in local banks "arbitrarily targeting"theircandidates.

"Our candidates were

unfairly and politically discriminated against in an orchestrated effort to intimidate and undermine a rapidly growing political movement," the party stated.

"At a time when the PPP speaks about democracy and inclusion, our candidates were being financially targeted, humiliated, and denied fair treatment simply for offering themselves to servethepeopleofGuyana."

WIN maintains that the closures were a direct response to the party's "influence, popularity, and nationwide support," which they claim has unsettled the current administration. The Full Court's decision effectively ends the bank's attempt to dismiss the cases prematurely The court has issued the following orders the Appellant (Demerara Bank) must file an Affidavit in Defence on or before May 21, 2026 The Bank is ordered to pay costs to each Respondent in the sum of $100,000 by June 1, 2026. The substantive issues, including whether the bank complied with statutory obligations under the AntiMoney Laundering and Countering the Financing of Terrorism Act, will now be dealt with on their merits.

The ruling emphasizes that while private financial institutions have the right to determine their clientele, those powers are not absolute and cannot be exercisedinbadfaith.

High Court Judge, Nicola Pierre previously ruled that the Guyana Bank of Trade and Industry (GBTI) breached its duty to act in good faith when it closed the bank accounts of members of the We Invest in Nationhood(WIN)party

Members of the main opposition party, WIN had taken GBTI to court over the bank's decision to terminate their accounts owing to their affiliation with USsanctioned businessman Azruddin Mohamed The members had made a number of claims against the bank including that of u n l a w f u l n e s s a n d discrimination In separate claims members of the party who were affected by the closure sought declaratory and monetary remedies arisingoutofthetermination of her banking relationship with GBTI These include declarations that the WIN party is a distinct legal entity separate from its members, that no sanctions have been

imposed on the party or its candidates (save for its leader), that the bank's actions were unlawful, i m p r o p e r a n d discriminatory, and that GBTI breached duties of good faith and mutual trust andconfidence.

Further, the WIN members held that their accounts were in good standing and that all transactions were conducted in accordance with the correct banking policies. In her decision delivered on Monday, presiding Justice Pierre noted that while the matter is not explicitly dealt with in common law, Guyana's apex court, the Caribbean Court of Justice ( C C J ) p r o v i d e s t h e authoritative framework for it in a recent ruling. In its decision of Cara Investment Limited versus Christopher Ram et al, the CCJ made it clearthatthecommonlawof contractinthisjurisdictionis evolving toward recognition o f g o o d f a i t h a s a foundational organising principle.

“In particular, the Court affirmed that contractual performance requires that parties act honestly, reasonably, and fairly, and n o t c a p r i c i o u s l y o r arbitrarily That articulation represents the starting point for any development of the law in Guyana,” the judge pointed out in her decision. Beyond the CCJ, Justice Pierre noted that the Court has considered a range of E n g l i s h a n d w i d e r Commonwealth authorities.

“While these are not binding,”shesaid,“Theyare persuasive and demonstrate a consistent and incremental development of the common law.”

“Thoseauthoritiesreveal a more structured and disciplinedapproachtogood faith, not as a free-standing, open-ended duty of fairness, but as a constraint operating through implied terms controlling the exercise of contractual discretions,” the judgesaid.

S h e c o n t i n u e d ,

that power That duty requires that the bank acts honestly and in good faiththat is, without dishonesty, bad faith, or knowing misrepresentation…”

“synthesizing the CCJ's jurisprudence with these persuasive authorities, this Court considers that, in Guyana,theproperapproach is as follows. Where a bank exercises a contractual power to terminate a customer relationshipparticularly where that power involves evaluative judgment such as risk assessment-thelawimpliesa minimum duty of good faith governing the exercise of

The bank noted that the Courtdismissedthemajority oftheclaimsbroughtagainst it, including allegations of u n l a w f u l n e s s , discrimination, breach of statutory obligations under anti-money laundering legislation, and claims for substantialdamages.

“These findings affirm the bank's adherence to its regulatory responsibilities and its commitment to oper

framework of Guyana's

n

international compliance standards,”GBTIsaid.

However, the bank pointed out that the Court determined that the Bank b

contractual duty of good faith” in its handling of the termination of certain banking relationships, and awarded nominal damages andcostsineachmatter GBTI said while it respectfully noted the Court's findings it has taken the decision to appeal some of those findings, remaining u n w a v e r i n g i n i t s commitment to upholding the highest standards of regulatory compliance and risk management, acting responsibly and prudently in protecting the financial system and continuously strengthening its policies, procedures, and decisionmakingframeworks.

In the case the WIN members were represented by attorney, Darren Wade. GBTI was represented by Stephen Fraser, SC, Shontel Scott, Sydney Fraser, and ShakisaHarvey

The Guyana Bank of Trade and Industry.

Hantavirus outbreak on cruise ship not start of pandemic, UN health agency says

BBC - An outbreak of hantavirus on board a cruise ship is not the start of a pandemic, the UN health agencyhassaid.

Maria van Kerkhove, an infectious d

e epidemiologist at the World

(WHO),toldanewsbriefing that it was not the same situation as six years ago with Covid-19, because hantavirus spreads through “close,intimatecontact”.

Health authorities are racing to trace dozens of people who have recently disembarkedfromtheDutch vesselMVHondius.

On Thursday, the WHO saidthatoverall,fiveofeight suspected cases of han

us had been confirmed Three people have died, including a 69year-oldDutchwoman,who had the virus. Her Dutch husband and a German woman also died, and their casesarebeinginvestigated.

Hantavirus typically spreadsfromrodents-butin the latest outbreak the transmissionbetweenpeople wasdocumentedforthefirst time,theWHOsaid.

The luxury cruise, operated by Oceanwide Expeditions, began its journey on 1 April in Ushuaia, Argentina, and is expectedtoarriveinSpain’s CanaryIslandson10May

About 150 passengers and crew from 28 countries are reported to have initially been aboard the vessel, but dozens disembarked on the island of St Helena on 24 April.

At Thursday’s news briefing, van Kerkhove said “thisisnotCovid,thisisnot influenza, it spreads very, verydifferently”.

She said authorities had asked “everyone to wear a mask” on board the MV Hondius. Those in contact with or caring for suspected cases, she added, should “wear a higher level of personal protective equipment”.

At the same briefing, WHO Director General TedrosGhebreyesussaidhis organisation “assesses the publichealthriskaslow”.

He said the first two people with the confirmed virus had “travelled through Argentina, Chile and Uruguay on a bird-watching trip which included visits to siteswherethespeciesofrat knowntocarrytheviruswas present”.

DrTedrossaidtheWHO

Aljazeera-TheIranianmilitaryhassaidit retaliated against United States Navy ships afterUSforcestargetedanoiltankerinIran’s territorialwaters,amajorescalationthatputs further strain on the fragile truce between WashingtonandTehran.

Iran’s Khatam al-Anbiya Central HeadquartersaddedonThursdaythattheUS alsoviolatedtheceasefirebycarryingoutair strikes on civilian areas, including Qeshm Island, “in cooperation with some regional countries”,withoutidentifyingthem.

“The American aggressor, terrorist and banditarmy,violatingtheceasefire,targeted anIranianoiltanker,”thestatementsaid.

The statement also claimed that the

At least 29 passengers disembarked the ship at St Helena island in the South Atlantic Ocean last month. (Getty Images)

wasawareofreportsofother people with symptoms who may have had contact with passengers, adding that officials were in touch with therelevantauthorities.

Given the incubation periodofthisdisease-which can be up to six weeks - it waspossiblemorecasesmay bereported,hesaid.

Also on Thursday, Oceanwide Expedition said 29 passengers, of at least 12 different nationalities, had left the MV Hondius in St Helena,theBritishOverseas Territory It said that the bodyofonedeceasedperson - who is now known to be a Dutch man - was also taken offthevessel.Sevenofthose wholeftthecruiselinerwere Britishnationals.

“ T w o o f t h e s e individuals are now selfisolatingintheUKwhilethe others have not yet returned,” an update from

the UK Health Security Agency (UKHSA) said FourremainedinStHelenaand “tracing efforts are ongoing for the seventh individual,whoweknowhas not yet returned to the UK”, thestatementsaid.

On Thursday, Spain said discussions with the UK were “very advanced” for Londontosendarepatriation flightforBritishnationalsto Tenerife after the vessel’s arrivaltotheCanaryIslands.

Virginia Barcones, head of Spain’s civil protection and emergencies, said there were 19 British passengers and four crew members currentlyonboardtheship.

She said there were also four Americans on the MV Hondius, adding that “the United States has shown its willingness to send a plane that will collect its citizens directly”.

Oceanwide Expeditions

said the first confirmed case of hantavirus was not reporteduntil4Mayandthat all guests who disembarked theshiphadbeencontacted.

The operator said it remained in “close and continual discussion with relevant authorities regarding our exact point of arrival, quarantine and screening procedures for all guests” The Dutch government said the ship stopped in St Helena on its way to Cape Verde, an archipelago nation off the WestAfricancoast.

It said the Dutch woman who left the cruise on 24 April travelled to South Africa, where she died two dayslater Herhusbanddied onboardtheshipon11April butisnotaconfirmedcaseof hantavirus.

The update said the woman had boarded a KLM flight heading from

Johannesburg to the Netherlands but became ill beforeitsdeparture.

Authorities in the Netherlands are sending letters to passengers who were on the flight, asking themtoremain“availablefor monitoring”.

At least 29 passengers disembarked the ship at St Helena Island in the South AtlanticOceanlastmonth

The third fatality - a German woman - died on board the MV Hondius on 2 May and is not a confirmed case either Her body remainsontheship.

Three other peopleBritish, Dutch and German nationals - were evacuated from the vessel on Wednesday Singapore’s Communicable Diseases Agency said it was isolating and testing two men - a 67year-old Singaporean and a 65-year-old permanent resident - who disembarked theshipinStHelena.

It added that they had takenthesameflightfromSt Helena to Johannesburg in SouthAfrica as the 69-yearold woman who died. Their hantavirus test results are stillpending.

Two US states - Georgia and Arizona - confirmed to the BBC that they were monitoring three passengers whoreturnedtotheUSafter disembarking. None were displaying symptoms. The USDepartmentofStatesaid it was in “direct contact” withaffectedpassengers.

Argentina’s health ministry has said officials willtestrodentsinUshuaia.

Iranian response caused “significant damage”toUSships.

“ThecriminalandaggressorAmericaand itssupportingcountriesshouldknowthatthe IslamicRepublicofIran,aspowerfullyasin thepast,willgiveacrushingresponsetoany aggression without the slightest hesitation,” the Iranian military said The Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps (IRGC) Navy said Iranian forces used “various types of ballistic and antiship cruise missiles and destructive drones with high-explosive warheads”inresponsetotheUSviolationsof the truce But the Central Command (CENTCOM) of the US military said it “interceptedunprovokedIranianattacks”and

U.S. military says it intercepted and responded to ‘unprovoked’ Iranian attack, stressing that it doesn’t seek escalation.

respondedwith“self-defencestrikes”.

“NoUSassetswerestruck,”itsaid.

CENTCOM added that it “does not seek escalation but remains positioned and ready to protect American forces”. The clashes representthefirstmilitaryIranianresponseto theUSblockadeofthecountry’sports.Over the past weeks, the US military has seized several Iranian vessels and ordered dozens moretoturnaround.Thenavalsiegehasbeen thespearheadofTrump’spressurecampaign against Iran since the ceasefire came into effectlastmonth.

Several Iranian state-affiliated news outlets reported that blasts were heard at the portsofQeshmIsland,BandarAbbasandthe

southerncoastalcityofMinab. Iran’s semiofficial news agency Tasnim alsocitedaseniorsourceassayingthatthree US Navy destroyers came under Iranian fire andfledtowardstheGulfofOman.

The skirmishes come amid reports that WashingtonandTehranareinadvancedtalks toendthewar

Earlier this week, US President Donald Trump ordered an operation to break Iran’s blockade on Hormuz, leading to heightened tensionsthatpushedtheceasefiretothebrink.

On Monday, the US said it shot down sevensmallIraniandrones,andIranrenewed its drone and missile attacks against the UnitedArabEmirates.

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U.S.issuesnewCubasanctionsas UNexpertswarnof‘energystarvation’

Aljazeera - The United States has imposed a host of new sanctions related to Cuba, amid a months-long pressure campaign against the island nation.

The sanctions on Thursday were announced hours after United Nations experts decried Washington’s effective fuel blockade of the islandastantamountto“energy starvation”.

The measures target Grupo de Administracion Empresarial SA (GAESA), a conglomerate by the country’smilitarywithtiesto nearly all segments of its economy

They also targeted Ania Guillermina Lastres Morera, the executive president of GAESA and Moa Nickel SA (MNSA), a joint venture betweenToronto-basedSherritt ‘International Corp and Cuba’s state-owned ‘nickel company

Sherritt said in a statementonitswebsiteonThursday that it had its direct participation in joint venture activitiesinCubafollowingthe sanctions.

In a statement posted on X, US Secretary of State Marco Rubio said the sanctions “demonstrate that the TrumpAdministrationwillnot

A man

stand by while Cuba’s communist regime threatens our nationalsecurityinourhemisphere”.

“We will continue to take action until the regime takes all necessary political and economicreforms,”hesaid. Cuba’s government did not immediately reply to the latest round of sanctions, but condemned an earlier round announcedthisweekas“unilateral coercive measures” and “collective punishment

on the Cuban people”.

The Trump administration has heaped increasing pressure on Cuba’s communistgovernmentfollowingthe January 3 abduction of Venezuelan leader Nicolas Maduro.

Washington has since staunchedVenezuelanoildeliveriestoCuba,longconsideredalifeline.Trumpalsoissued an executive order creating a path to sanction any country that delivers fuel to

theisland,effectivelyimposing a blockade. Trump has also repeatedly threatened military action to topple the country’s government.

On Thursday, three UN special rapporteurs condemnedwhatthey called the “unlawful blockade”, which they said “is not only disrupting daily life but also undermining the enjoyment of a wide range of human rights”.

They defined “energy starvation”as“aconditionin whichthelackoffuelcripples the functioning of essential services required for a dignifiedlife”.

Alltold,onlyoneRussian oil tanker has reached Cuba inrecentmonths,compounding an energy crisis already driven by economic stagnation.

The experts pointed to reports that fuel scarcity was preventingpeoplefromreaching hospitals and children from attending school, adding that the country’s health system is reportedly facing a backlog of more than 96,000 surgeries,including11,000for children.

“Energy starvation as a coercivetoolisincompatible with international human rights norms,” they said.

Guyana at N0. 3 on global rankings for...

From page 14 entered a “fast track” of development under the strategic leadership of Presidents Mohamed Irfaan Ali and Xi Jinping. According to Yang, bilateral trade between Guyana and China reached nearlyUS$2.9billionin2025, more than double the figure recorded the previous year She highlighted the completion of the Bharrat Jagdeo Demerara River Bridge by a

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Chinesecompany,describing it as a “Bridge of Friendship andDevelopment”thatisimproving transportation, easing daily commutes and stimulatingregionaleconomic activity

Yang also pointed to the six regional hospitals constructed by Chinese firms, which she said have become aflagshipsymbolofcooperation under the “Health Silk Road” initiative. She praised the work of Chinese medical teams stationed in Guyana, noting their life-saving contributions and the positive receptionfromGuyaneseciti-

zens.

The Ambassador reported increased people-topeople exchanges between the two countries, revealing thatmorethan200Guyanese professionals from government, healthcare, business and other sectors traveled to China in 2025 for training programmes.

She said the skills and knowledge gained have already begun contributing to Guyana’s national development agenda.

Lookingahead,Yangsaid Guyana stands to benefit fromChina’slong-termdevel-

‘Guyana’s EITI

From page 8 reporting. The initiative continues to be haunted by a “Fairly Low” international scoreof52/100fromits2021 Validation.Progressonthe14 correctiveactionsrequiredto fix this score has been hampered by audit backlogs in state entities, forcing the use of “interim” data measures rather than finalized, audited figures. The Secretariat, currently supported by World Bank-fundedconsultants,admitted that it lacks the specializedtechnicalstaffneeded tomovebeyondclericalfunctions and into deep data analysis.

opment planning under the FourthPlenarySessionofthe 20th Communist Party of ChinaCentralCommittee.She reaffirmed China’s commitmenttoworkingwithGuyana toimplementbilateralagreements and expand cooperation across infrastructure, trade,healthcareandcultural exchange.

She noted that future collaboration will focus on strengthening both “hard connectivity”throughphysical infrastructure projects and “soft connectivity” by deepeningculturalandsocial ties between citizens.

in trouble’

Despite these “institutional bottlenecks,” the GYEITIdidmanagetoexpand its digital footprint. The launch of a new Facebook page in early 2025 and a series of “EITI Clubs” in Georgetown secondary schools represent a move toward building a “transparency culture” among the youth, “From January 28, 2025, the Secretariat conducted a series of student engagement sessions across several secondary schools in Georgetown,includingChrist Church Secondary School, Cyril Potter College of Education, Saint Stanislaus Col-

lege,NorthRuimveldtMultilateralSchool,St.Rose’sHigh School, The Bishops’ High School, Queen’s College, President’s College, and St. Joseph High School.” Furthermore, systematic disclosures saw modest wins with the Guyana Gold Board andEPAimprovingtheonline availability of permits and payment records.

However, with the next majorinternationalvalidation exercise looming in early 2026, the GYEITI remains in a race against time to bridge its data gaps and resolve its internal leadership disputes.

transports raw materials on a cart along a street in Havana, Cuba. [AFP]

Mark Austin & Mark Gonsalves hit centuries as Reliance Hustlers end Trinidad and Tobago tour

Mark Austin and Mark Gonsalves hit stroked-filled centuriestohelpRelianceHustlers Sports Club beat Cosmos Cricket Club by a resounding, 158-run margin on Monday at the Brian LaraCricketAcademy

It was Hustlers third and final match on their maiden trip to TrinidadandTobago.

Austin, the former Essequibo Inter-County opening batsman struck 102 retired-hurt while Gonsalves also retired-hurt after making 101. The Essequibo-based teamRelianceHustlersgallopedto a massive 279-3 at the end of the 30-overs while Cosmos Cricket Clubboyswerealloutfor121inthe final over Hustlers had won the tossandoptedtotakefirstknock.

Austin and Vice-captain Narendra Madholall shared a steady 55-run opening stand Madholall made 18 before Austin and Gonsalves put on a pulsating, 193-run second-wicket partnership.

Nathan Persaud contributed 21 notoutforthevisitors.

When the Trinidadians batted, Dave Mohamed scored 20 as offspinner and skipper Trevis Simon

grabbed2-1offoneover

Therewasonewicketapiecefor Bheesham Seepersaud, Austin, Eknauth Persaud, Zachariah Madholall and Mark Gonsalves SeniorsupportingSimon.

Austin was named player-ofthe-match.

Meanwhile, this was the only 30-over fixture. In the two T20 matches,HustlersdefeatedMunroe

Cricket Club by 1 run and then TransbrokerageX1by5wickets.

Simon took the opportunity to thank his fellow players for their commitment to travel to Trinidad and Tobago and hailed their effort on-field as well, winning all three games.

He was grateful to the organizers in Trinidad and Tobago especially Beesham Sagar and

similar sentiments were echoed to thepeoplebackinGuyanafortheir supporttomakethishistoricaltripa success.

President of Cricket West Indies and President of the Trinidad and TobagoCricketBoard,metthetwo teams before the encounter He congratulatedthemforhavingsuch a wonderful initiative and

encouraged Reliance Hustlers to visit and play cricket on an annual basis.

Sports Journalist, Analyst and Commentator Brij Parasnath was alsoatBrianLaraCricketAcademy and told the players to enjoy the game and stay in Trinidad and Tobago. Parasnath is a TrinidadbasedGuyaneseandhasbeeninthe Mediasince1985.

Registration opens today for One Guyana T10 Tapeball Blast IV

The hunt for the

Caribbean’s most prestigious Tapeball titleofficiallybeginstoday,Friday, May8,asregistrationopensforthe 2026 One Guyana T10 Tapeball Blast.

Organisershaveconfirmedthat the tournament will feature a strict 80-team cap in a high-stakes, straight-knockout format. Given the unprecedented interest in this season’s expanded prize structure, officials are urging all interested squads across every zone to move quicklytosecuretheirspot.

Tournament Director John Ramsingh emphasised the importance of early action, noting that previous editions saw numerous teams left on the sidelines due to delayed entry To facilitate a smoother process, Ramsingh clarified that teams are not required to submit their finalised player rosters at the time ofregistration.

Instead, squad submission will follow a phased approach aligned with each zone’s specific playing dates, allowing captains to lock in

t

immediately and finalise their talent pool as their scheduled start dateapproaches.Theentryfeeisset atG$35,000perteam.

Registra

on forms are accessible starting today via the tournament’s official social media platforms or by contacting organisers directly through WhatsAppat+5926352235.

The 2026 edition includes a stronger financial incentive package to reward performance at everymajormilestone.

Every team that reaches the quarter-final stage of their respective zone is guaranteed a cashprize.Financialrewardsbegin with $25,000 for losing quarterfinalists and $50,000 for losing semi-finalists at the zonal level.

Zonal finalists will earn $200,000, whilethewinnersofeachzonewill pocket$500,000andadvancetothe National Finals to compete for the $2,000,000grandprize.

The national runner-up will receive an additional $1,000,000, and the two losing national semifinalists will each take home

To streamline the process, teams are not required to submit their finalised player rosters at the time of registration.

$500,000.

Thestakesextendbeyondlocal bragging rights, as the four teams qualifying for the national finals will also earn the prestigious opportunitytorepresentGuyanaat theupcomingGlobalT10Tapeball Blast.Individualexcellencewillbe equally celebrated, with the tournament MVP set to receive $150,000andamotorbike.

The competition then moves to theEastBank/WestDemerarazone onAugust 15–16, followed by the EssequibozoneonAugust22–23.

The tournament will pause to accommodate the Caribbean PremierLeague(CPL)festivitiesin

Furthermore, the leading runscorer and the top wicket-taker of the tournament will each be awarded $100,000 and a new television. The road to the finals begins on the weekend of August 8–9 in Berbice, which will host a 16-teamopeningleg.

GuyanaandthefinalsinBarbados, ensuringtheTapeballBlastremains visibleandengagingforfans.

Followingtheconclusionofthe CPL, action resumes with an extended Georgetown/East Coast Demerara leg spanning four dates, culminating in the zone finals on October3–4.Thisregionalbuildup culminates in the historic national grand finale on October 11, hosted forthefirsttimeattheAnnaRegina NationalStadiuminRegionTwo.

Reliance Hustlers Sports Club team strikes a pose at the Brian Lara Academy ground.

Ricardo Adams (85) leads Zeelandia to WCC Trophy Stall T20 championship

National player Ricardo Adams slammed a brilliant 85toinspireZeelandiatoan exciting, 17-run win against Maria’sPleasureinthe2026

Wakenaam Cricket Committee/ Trophy Stall T20 championship last SundayinWakenaam.

Adams struck six sixes and four fours as his team reached a competitive 182-8 fromtheallotted20-overs.

HostMaria’sPleasure,in reply,werealloutfor165in

thepenultimateover Adams received good support from Joshua Williams who made 30 as Bernard Lewis and Kennard Lewis (brothers) grabbed two wickets for 36 and 45 respectively.

For Maria’s Pleasure, BernardLewisreturnedwith thebattoprovehisall-round capability hitting 42 while Leoryan Ramlakhan also battedwelltomake42.

The victorious Zealandia team strikes a pose after the game with their Trophy Stall-sponsored trophy.

Everest secure 36-run win...

Frompage31

ChrisPersaud(28),playedgoodhandsalongsideKalpu. NCYC spinner Jaffar Samad (2-41) was the pick of the bowlers,whotoiledbeforehereturnedtoleadwithasolid64 off 68 (7x4) alongside teammate Moksh Patel (43) who punchedfourfoursandasixduringtheircenturystand.

But a few late strikes from Samuel Ally (3-26) kept Everestinthematch,astheCanadianswereeventuallykept to134-6attheendofthe30allottedovers.

In the first game at Bourda, NCYC managed just 56-8 from 20 overs after toiling against an experienced GCC attack.

Only skipper Jatan Mehta got a start, hitting 12 off 19 ballswithasolitaryfourashisteamcollapsedaroundhim.

Left-arm spinners Arun Gainda picked up 3-11 and Nathaniel Sukhnandan (1-9) tied the batting down as captain, Dhanesh Persaud (1-10) and Balashankar Narine (1-11)keptthepressuremounting.

Friday May 08, 2026

ARIES(Mar.21–Apr.19)

Today you should abandon any intellectual pursuits and concentrate on practical problems related to goal setting. You're likely to find perfect solutions within an hourofstarting.

TAURUS(Apr.20–May20)

You're a great creator of systems, Taurus You can tinker with every sort of construction, from theories and computer programs to scientific experiments and strategicevaluations.

GEMINI(May21–June20)

Whowouldhaveguessedthat you have an ability to understand subjects as irrational as human passions? You'regettingdownanddirty withthesticky,trivialrealities of day-to-day life that never interestedyoubefore.

CANCER(June21–July22)

Until now, you didn't know you were capable of managing people with problems But the so-called poeticuniverseyouinhabitis actually much more realistic thanitseemsatfirstglance

LEO(July23–Aug.22)

The flow of communication facilitates personal and professional projects. Now is the time to listen to your partner or other family members about the material aspectsofthefuture.

VIRGO(Aug 23–Sept 22)

You're well aware that your happiness in love doesn't dependonemotionalpromises alone In order to attract your attention, anyone new in your lifehastomakesomematerial offeringaswell

LIBRA(Sept.23–Oct.22)

The mood is one of bustle and change,Libra.It'sagooddayto clear out your wardrobe or other belongings. Out with the old, in with the new!You may consign the old stuff to the basementorgiveittocharity

SCORPIO(Oct.23–Nov 21)

Todayisagooddaytoorganize professional or personal meetings They will be productive. It's an auspicious time for efficient, serious communication, realistic plans,andgroupharmony

SAGIT(Nov 22–Dec.21)

It isn't always easy to win the admiration you expect from your partner But in this area today seems to be better than most You're likely to be brimming with ideas for ways to enhance your most appealingqualities.

CAPRI(Dec.22–Jan.19)

No one dislikes red tape and bureaucracy more than you. But take advantage of the atmosphere today If you have any applications to submit or formalities to complete, you'll find the process much easier thanusual.

AQUARIUS(Jan.20–Feb.18)

Some people tend to make mountains out of molehills. Currently, you're likely to feel asthoughyou'resurroundedby people who exaggerate problems.

PISCES(Feb.19–Mar.20)

You're visionary and progressive today, Pisces, despite what people may say about your tendency to be conservative.You could easily comeupwithaneffectiveway tohelppeople.

Rambarran was the most outstanding bowler for Zeelandia grabbing 4-30 from his maximum four oversonaresponsivepitch.

Mohindra Jadookol also played an instrumental role with the ball by claiming 232toassistRambarran.

Maria’s Pleasure had won the toss but elected to fieldfirst.

Adams was named player-of-the-match for his effortless innings He received a trophy while one trophyeachwasgiventothe winningcombinationandthe runners-upside.

The Sport Fraternity...

Frompage30

young people particularly Sports Enthusiasts. At the Inter-Guiana Games, the GuyanaGamesandotherbig eventsCarmensupportedthe athletesinallthedisciplines. She was a disciplinarian and person that insist on Fair Play She was a vociferous person against Crime and Drugs.

Carmen achieved what all Sports personality endeavour and dream of. She was present at the Sydney Olympics Games, Australia.

Hervaluablecontribution to the development of sports promptthecallatherfuneral for the recognition of our most valuable Sports

Personality

RestinPeaceCarmen!

NeilKumar

Former Director of Sports

Man-of-the-match and opener ShilohAdams cracked 4 foursinhis27-ball28,whilehispartnerinnationalyouthallrounderShahidRamzanchippedinwith14notout,missing ahalf-centurystandby3runs.

A spirited spell from Bhumesh Ramkissoon (1-6) saw himendasthelonewicket-takerforNCYC.

NCYC is a powerhouse across the Canadian Commonwealth Cricket First Division League, winning back-to-backchampionshipsin2024and2025.

Meanwhile, the 6-match developmental tour wraps up onMay11.(CliftonRoss)

Cheddi and

Janet Jagan Windball Cricket competitions

Hope Secondary wins East Coast female Competition

City Regionals… North Georgetown

Secondary moves in on the rim frequently against St Joseph High.

Hope Secondary School players & Teachers.

The 11th edition of the

N a t i o n a l S p o r t s Commission Ministry of Culture,Youth&SportJanet&Cheddi JaganWindballCricketcompetitionsis continuing.

Thecompetitionsareorganisedand coordinated by Senior Sport Office AllisterMunroe.

TheboysareplayingfortheCheddi

Jagan trophy while the females are playingintheJanetJaganedition.

Hope Secondary captured the Janet JaganGirlsFinal.

OnegamewasplayedintheRegion 4EastCoastzoneandHopeSecondary School defeated Buxton Secondary to comeoutaschampion.

In a low scoring affair, Hope Secondary batted first and made 33-1

offtheirallottedfiveovers.

Hope Secondary did not give up “hope” as their bowlers put in a good effort with the ball to restrict Buxton Secondaryto27-4offtheirallotmentof overs.ShakiraStJuleswasthegametop scorerwith15(3sx4).

Hope Secondary will now play the winner of the East Bank Demerara Zone. (SamuelWhyte)

Teachers from the West Demerara Secondary continued their coaching/training yesterday ahead of the upcoming CSEC exams.

Teachers from West Dem. Sec.

ramp up Golf Training for CSEC

With CSEC season upon us, teachers from the West DemeraraSecondarySchool visited the Westside Golf Course yesterday for their firstofficialgolftrainingand practice session as part of a developing initiative aimed at introducing golf as a structured sport programme for secondary school students, with the long-term goalofofferingthesportasa CSEC-related activity and educationalopportunity.

Theteachersparticipated in hands-on instruction and practical training sessions conducted by Westside Golf

Charles catches fire as Tutorial High cruise

to victory

-YBG-CityRegionalheatsupatSportsHall

A lights-out shooting display from Julian Charles headlined day six of the Youth Basketball Guyana Georgetown-City Regional Basketball Conference on Wednesday evening at the Cliff Anderson Sports Hall, as Tutorial High School stormed ahead with a commanding victoryoverChristChurchSecondary

Charles put on an offensive clinic, pouring in a gamehigh 20 points as Tutorial High ran away with a dominant 32-8 win in the second matchup of the double-header The sharpshooter was unstoppable in transition and aggressive inthepaint,repeatedlyfinishingattherimwhilecontrolling thetempoonbothendsofthehardwood.

Tutorial High came out pressing from the opening tip andnevertooktheirfootoffthegas,forcingturnoversand converting fast-break opportunities into easy buckets. Charles accounted for the bulk of the scoring, while also pulling down three rebounds in an impressive all-round performance.

Support came from Andrew Yhap, who added eight pointsandthreestealsasTutorialHighexecutedafull-court pressthatleftChristChurchstrugglingtobreakthroughthe defence.

Course Master Instructor and GGA president Aleem Hussain Students who choosethesportfortheirPE CSEC exams this year, will continue to fine-tune their skills across the respective learninginstitutionsaheadof crunch time which is set for sometimelaterthismonth.

P a r t i c i p a n t s o n Wednesday expressed excitement and satisfaction withtheexperience,praising thequalityoftrainingandthe welcoming atmosphere providedatthefacility.

Following the session, the teachers confirmed their

commitment to returning every Wednesday for continued practice and development as it further enhances the quality of learningwithinschoolsfrom acoachingperspective.

Educatorsalsostatedthat they fully endorse the initiative and believe the programme can provide tremendous benefits for students through discipline, focus, networking opportunities, physical activity, and personal development.

The initiative forms part ofongoingeffortstoexpand

the reach of golf among Guyana’s youth and educational institutions whilemakingthesportmore accessibletothepublic.

Hussain said this year’s preparations have been exceptionalasitrelatestothe studentsgettingthere.

The Westside Golf Course is now fully open to the general public and proudly stands as Guyana’s onlypublicgolfcourse.

The facility welcomes families, professionals, students, and visitors to enjoy golf in a relaxed and scenicenvironment.

The emphatic 24-point blowout ensured Tutorial High advanced comfortably in the Georgetown-City Regional competition.

Earlier in the evening, North Georgetown Secondary produced another solid team effort to overpower St Joseph High30-12intheopeningclash.

Lamount Hamer controlled the floor with a game-high eight points while stuffing the stat sheet with six rebounds and three steals. Hamer’s hustle on defence disrupted St Joseph’soffensiverhythmthroughoutallfourquarters.

Teammates Alex Peniston and Omari Barrington each chippedinsixpointsandcombinedfor12reboundsasNorth Georgetown dominated the boards and maintained a comfortablecushionfromstarttofinish.

Despite the loss, Adoniah Langhorne showed determination for St Joseph High, finishing with seven pointsandthreereboundsinaspiritedeffort.

The Regional Conference is sponsored by Edward B. Beharry Ltd., G-Boats Inc, National Sports Commission, MinistryofEducationandBanksDIHLtd.

GPF congratulates Sergeant Sampson, as Amazon Warriors retain power-hitter ahead of 2026 season

Guyana Amazon Warriors breakout player and Sergeant within the Guyana Police Force (GPF), Quentin Sampson, earned praises from his fellow lawmen following yesterday’s official announcement.

With the 2026 CPL season fast approaching,franchisescontinueto put their final pieces together as they prepare for what could be the hottestseasonyet.

On Thursday, CPLreleased the officiallistof retainedplayerswho have been kept by their respective franchises ahead of summer’s biggest party, naming the West Indies T20 batsman as an official member of the Guyana Amazon Warriorsteam.

Following the news, via their Facebook GPF Cricket page, a heartfelt congratulatory message was issued on behalf of CommissionerofPoliceMr Clifton Hicken, Deputy Commissioner “Administration” and Chairman of Police Cricket Mr Ravindradat

Budhram along with all senior Officers, Inspectors, fellow ranks and staff of the Guyana Police Force.

The statement lauded Sampson whose discipline on the field is a keen reflection of his Police Sergeantrank,onbeingretainedas the Guyana Amazon Warriors as their Breakout Player for the CPL 2026 season, a title he earned after turning heads last season with his immense talent and effortlessly boundary-hittingabilities.

The 25 year-old Sampson, who joined the GPF at the age of 19 before carving out a career as a successfulathletewhileperforming duties of a serving member of the GPF,couldfurtherapplythemental aspect of his Police Training to his on-field game approach; with discipline and efficiency being a key part of his overall approach to cricket.

Havingalreadyworkedhisway intotheWestIndiesseniorteam,the batting all-rounder could use this

year’s CPL to further establish himselfasaT20gun-for-hireonthe more bigger, lucrative franchise cricketmarketsacrosstheglobe.

Sampson made his West Indies debut during the bilateral series against the Afghans which was a warm-up to the ICC Men’s T20 WorldCup,playinginall3matches before being named as part of the squad for series against South Africa.

Following the South African series,whichwasthelastT20battle beforetheWorldCup,Sampsonyet againfoundfavorfromtheselectors who opted to name him as part of Windies squad where he gained tons of experience being a part of which could likely be his first of many ICC Men’s T20 World Cup tournaments.

In closing, the GPF statement sent well wishes for future endeavorswhilelaudingSampson’s outstanding achievements; further wishing for his overall continued success.(CliftonRoss)

Defending champions Covent Garden Secondary adds yet another Jagan Windball title to collection

National Sports

Commission

Ministry of

Culture,Youth & Sport 11th editionJanet&CheddiJagan Windball Cricket champion trophy Region 4, East Bank Demerarazoneorganisedby Sport Officer A. Munroe, played at the Gymnasium saw Covent Garden adding another title to their collection.

The Cheddi Jagan boys section saw, defending champions Covent Garden

Secondary add yet another title to their basket, when they defeated Yarrowkabra Secondaryinthezonefinals.

Yarrowkabra Secondary won the toss and invited CoventGardenSecondaryto bat, they put up a target of 121-1,VineshCalcoo63(6s x5)andOrwinJordan29as Orlando Hendricks took 115.

Yarrwokabra Secondary intheirchasewererestricted to 106-4, Twain Arggle was not out on 50 (6s x7) after

needing28offthefinalover only to manage ten runs, thanks to Covent Garden skipper Orwin Jordan, Nazeem Khan 3-16, Vinesh Calcoo1-12.

Camille’sAcademysend intobatscored108-2,Akash Khiemraj 57 (6s x 7)Adrian Peteus25.

Yarrowkabra Secondary 110-3,AjuyGorrdai53(6sx 8),TwainArggle30bothleft notout.

C o v e n t G a r d e n Secondary will play either Hope,LaBonneIntention,or Annandale Secondary in the Region4finals.

In the Janet Jagan girls department, Camille’s Academywereinvitedtobat made 87-0, Samera

Mohamed 41, Arianna Brown22.

Defending national champions Yarrwokabra Secondaryreach89-2off4.2 overs,VianneyJaudoomade 58. Samera Mohamed took 1-1.

In the Final, Covent GardenSecondaryinvitedto batmade72-2,ToleeaYaree 34,SusanPettersontook1-0 andVianneyJandoo1-12. Yarrwokabra Secondary replied with 74-1, off 4 overs, Makayla Mendonza 27,VianneyJandoo24,both leftnotout.

Yarrowkabra Secondary will now meet Hope Secondary in the Region 4 final for a place in the nationaleight.

Yarrowkabra Secondary School with manager pose for a photo in front of the banner.

Covent Garden Secondary along with the Coach & Manager

WIFBSC 2026 Championship – Antigua and Barbuda

Guyana cops silver in Team event; Kyle Ronaldo takes gold; Braithwaite and Fields earn Individual silver and bronze

Guyana’s Lennox

Braithwaite placed second overall and captured the Bermuda Shield, while the Guyana National Rifle Association (GuyanaNRA) NationalRifleTeamfinished second in the Short Range Team standings at the recently concluded West Indies Full Bore Shooting Championship, contested over three days in Antigua andBarbuda.

The 11-man squad, led byCaptainDylanFieldsand Vice-Captain Leo Romalho, with Chief Wind Coach

Mahendra Persaud, navigatedtrickydailywinds to post solid scores against competition from the home team, Barbados, Bermuda, England, Grenada, Jamaica, TrinidadandTobago.

Thehostnation’sLaurne

Benjamin took full advantage of familiar conditions to emerge as the top West Indian Individual shooter by the slimmest of margins, tallying 461 points and 31 V-Bulls, one point

aheadofBraithwaite.

Fullbore Captain Dylan Fields claimed the bronze medal close behind in second; Fields (452.32) finished third and Roberto Tewari(450.32)placedfifth.

Sherwin Felicien ended 16th, Peter Persaud 20th, Leo Romalho 21st, Ryan Sampson 31st, the returning Mahendra Persaud after eight years 44th, Kayann

Ghanie 47th (lone female competitorforGuyana)of52 WestIndiancompetitors.

USA based Sigmund Douglas did not compete after the first day of the individual competition after sustainingashoulderinjury

A huge achievement for theshootersfromtheLandof Many waters was the performance of 22-year-old Kyle Romalho, son of

Fullbore Vice Captain Leo who won the Tyro category (and the coveted Wogart Cup). Such was his performancethatheendedin thetop15amongstthesenior marksmen and women, the youngesttoachievethisfeat. Kyle, who only began shooting three months ago warmed to his first international championship and collected gold medals acrossmostofhisrangesand daily aggregates Several competitors, including members of the visiting Englandteamcomplimented his steady composure and urged him to keep building onthispromisingstartinthe sport.

F ormer Captain MahendraPersaud,whowas amongst the best in the Caribbean, competed whilst still recovering from illness, displaying grit and determination Shooters from across the West Indies praised his fortitude and encouraged him to keep going.

In the West Indies Team

Match,AntiguaandBarbuda set the early pace at the opening range, but Guyana rallied at 500 yards to pull back some ground before ultimately falling short and endingwiththesilvermedal, the home nation won gold.

Jamaica and Barbados rounded out the leading positions.

The GuyanaNRA is expressing thanks to the sponsors who made the trip possible: Patron of the Association President Mohamed Irfaan Ali, the Ministry of Culture, Youth and Sport, National Sports Commission, the Guyana Olympic Association,

Crown Mining Supplies, Secure Innovation Concept Inc., Queensway Security, Industrial Safety Supplies Inc., Sterling Products Ltd., Citizens Bank and the Continental Group of Companies.

The Association is also extending thanks to GuyanaNRAPresidentBrig. OmarKhanforhiscontinued support and words of encouragement ahead of the squad’s departure Appreciation is also being expressed to LIAT for its service and support, and the Guyana Revenue Authority Customs Division for its assistance.

Kyle Romalho being presented the Wogart Cup by Rev, Olson Daniel.

Kyle Romalho (left) and Antigua’s Laurne Benjamin

Guinness ‘Greatest of the Streets’ ignites

Georgetown, East/West Bank, Berbice, Essequibo, Linden, Bartica contenders to battle for National glory today

The stage is set for what isanticipatedtobeoneofthe biggest nights in the history of the Guinness ‘Greatest of the Streets’ competition

when the National Championshipexplodesinto action tonight, Friday May 8th, at the National Cultural Centretarmac.

Featuring champion teams from Georgetown, Linden, Berbice, Essequibo, Bartica, and the East

Bank/We

c

y anticipated tournament will determinetheultimatestreet football king of Guyana in a winner-takes-all showdown packed with intensity, rivalry,andnationalpride.

W

$1,000,000 first prize on the line, teams are expected to leave everything on the asphaltinpursuitofnational supremacy The runner-up will pocket $400,000, while the third and fourth place

finishers will receive $200,000 and $100,000 respectively

The evening is expected to attract one of the largest crowdseverwitnessedatthe cha

hip

h supporters from across the country anticipated to descend on the venue for an unforgettable atmosphere synonymous with the Guinness brand of street football. T

commence with quarterfinal

clash

ginning at 19:00hrs Opening the tournament will be a compelling encounter

between Georgetown representative Bent Street B and Linden powerhouse Swag Entertainment. Bent StreetBwillenterthefixture aiming to use home support totheiradvantage,whilethe Linden unit is expected to bring its trademark physical andaggressivestyle.

The second quarterfinal at 19:45hrs pits Berbice champion Ballers United against the dangerous Supenaam All-Stars from Essequibo in what is anticipated to be one of the most technically gifted contests of the night. Both sides possess explosive attacking talent and have been among the standout teamsduringtheirrespective regionalchampionships.

At 20:30hrs, Ballers Empire from the East Bank/WestDemeraradistrict will oppose Georgetown outfit Island All-Stars

Ballers Empire has developed a reputation for disciplined defensive play coupled with rapid counterattacks, while Island All-Starsareknownforflair, creativity, and quick ball movement.

The final quarterfinal fixture at 21:15hrs will featureanotherheavyweight showdown as Georgetown giant Leopold Street battle Bartica champion Might Ruler. Leopold Street’s pedigree in the competition

is well documented, but Might Ruler has proven throughout the tournament circuit that it possesses the quality and resilience to upsetanyopponent.

F o l l o w i n g a n intermission, the semifinal round will commence at 22:00hrs with the winner of quarterfinal one facing the victor of quarterfinal three. The second semifinal at 22:45hrs will feature the winners of quarterfinals two andfour

Thetournamentwillthen move into the decisive stage with the third-place playoff scheduled for 23:30hrs, before the championship finalkicksoffat00:15hrsin what is expected to be a dramatic conclusion to the nationalcompetition.

Apart from the lucrative p r i z e p u r s e a n d championship bragging rights, the event represents the pinnacle of community street football in Guyana, showcasing the depth of talent that continues to emergefromeverycornerof thecountry.

The Sport Fraternity lost an Organiser and an Administrator – Carmen Pertab Letter to the Sports Editor

DEARSPORTSEDITOR,

CarmenAshlekhaSukhoo-PertabbornonApril9,1951 wasindeedaremarkablesoul.

Weextendsincerecondolencestothebereavedfamilyon herpeacefulpassingonApril30,2026. Shehailsfromthe beautifulvillageRichmond,inEssequiboCoastsurrounded bysixlovingsiblings. Carmenwasthedevotedmotherwho tookprideintoraisingandnurturingherChildren.

Her professional journey began in the early 1970s as a switchboard operator at Suddie Hospital perfectly suiting her naturalgiftfor connectingwith people. This ledher to Georgetown Public Hospital Corporation as confidential secretary to the Hospital Administrator and later to the Minister of Health. In the mid-1980s, she joined CARICOM, rising from the steno pool to the CommunicationsDepartmentovernearlytwodecades. She participatedinHeadsofgovernmentmeetingsandtraveled extensivelyacrosstheCaribbean,experiencesthatenriched herlovefortheregionshecalledhome.

Carmen was very active with the Amateur Athletic Association and Cycling Federation. Her commitment was recognizedwhensheproudlyattendedthe2000Olympicsin Sydney as part of the Guyanese Delegation, reflecting her lifelongdedicationtocommunityandCountry

She found her peace in gardening, nurturing plants, sewingandcrocheting. Carmenhadapassiontoworkwith Continued on page 27

Guyana Amazon Warriors breakout player Quentin Sampson suit up for the local franchise yet again in this year’s CPL.

Sampsonretainedby

GuyanaAmazonWarriors aheadof2026season

AheadofthehighlyanticipatedCaribbeanPremier

League Draft, all six franchises have confirmed their mandatory pre-draft Breakout Player retentions, locking in a group of emerging Caribbean stars who represent the next generation of regional cricket excellence.

Under the CPL’s player draft and acquisition regulations forthe2026season,eachfranchisewaspermittedtoretainone player ahead of the draft, with that player required to be selectedfromtheteam’sBreakoutPlayercategory

The retained players - Joshua James, Ramon Simmonds, Quentin Sampson, Navin Bidaisee, Ackeem Auguste, and Nathan Edward - have each earned recognition for their performances, potential, and growing impact across Caribbeancricket.

EachfranchisewillnameatotalofthreeBreakoutPlayers intheirfinalsquadforthe2026season,reinforcingtheCPL’s continued commitment to developing emerging Caribbean talentandprovidingyoungplayerswithopportunitiesonthe region’sbiggestcricketingstage.

Aspartofthetournamentregulations,everyteamwillalso berequiredtofieldatleastoneBreakoutPlayerineverymatch throughouttheseason.

With only one pre-draft retention allowed - and that retention reserved exclusively for a Breakout Player - the remainingsquadpositionsforallsixteamswillnowbefilled during the CPL Draft, setting the stage for one of the most competitiveandexcitingplayerselectionsinleaguehistory

The Caribbean Premier League continues to serve as the premier platform for Caribbean cricket, combining elite entertainmentwithaprovenpathwayforthenextgeneration ofplayerstodevelopandsucceedontheglobalstage.

ThesixretainedBreakoutPlayersare:

Antigua&BarbudaFalcons–JoshuaJames BarbadosRoyals–RamonSimmonds

GuyanaAmazonWarriors–QuentinSampson

StKitts&NevisPatriots–NavinBidaisee

SaintLuciaKings–AckeemAuguste

TrinbagoKnightRiders–NathanEdward

Everest secure 36-run win after hard-fought match

NoorCricketYouthClub(NCYC) of Canada continued their Under-19 tourofGuyanawithanotherloss,this time at the hands of Everest who handed them a 36-run defeat yesterday

Following a horrific loss a day prior at the hands of Georgetown Cricket Club (GCC) in a T20, the young Canadians played a better matchbutfacedsimilarresultstothat

oftheirfirstgameofthetour

Playing at home, Everest did well to recover from a few early losses to eventually post 170 for 5 from 30 overs, led by Vinesh Kalpu who finished the game unbeaten on 51 off 36balls(2x43x6).

OpenerArun Mangal (29) hit one four in a watchful innings while CaptainNityanandMathura(31)and Continued on page 27

Vinesh Kaplu scored a match-winning, 51* yesterday for Everest.

Team Guyana inAntigua.