Kaieteur News

...photojournalistMahmoudWadialsoperished Israeli forces kill two Palestinian teenagers in occupied West Bank

-Mohameddemandsaction onOppositionLeadercrisis ‘CARICOMCalledOut’

Girl abducted,

by boyfriend

Leader of WIN, Azruddin Mohamed

CARICOM

Secretary General , Dr. Carla Barnett

OMAIracestoscaleupgoldproject

-CEOsays“evenifpricesfallwe’restillstrong”

capitalexpenditurechanges and mining method tradeoffs, was the right moment topursuescale.

She explained that Guyana’sprojectstandsout becauseofitsgradeprofile.

Wenot, she noted, “averages over one and a half grams, for an open pit mine, that’s quite, quite impressive.”

Canadian company, Omai Gold Mines has been pressingaheadwithplansto significantly scale up its Guyana gold project, with

thecompany’sPresidentand Chief Executive Officer (CEO) Elaine Ellingham is insisting the operation will remain strong even if global

pricesease.

In a Crux Investor interview recorded on November 25, Ellingham said the updated mining

concept now integrating the Wenot open pit with the nearby Gilt Creek undergroun

positions the company for a muchlargeroperation.

Omai holds a 100%

producing Omai gold project, which hosts two orogenic gold deposits: the shear-hosted Wenot Deposit and the adjacent intrusivehosted Gilt Creek Deposit. The project is located in Region Seven (CuyuniMazaruni).

With gold trading above US$4,000 per ounce, Ellingham was asked whether integrating the Wenot and Gilt Creek resources during a strong market,despitetheexpected

“So, yeah, I think the gold price environment, I didn’t plan that…It just happened, you know, but it was a great time for it to happen So, you know, regardlessofthegoldprice. I mean this project can handle a much lower gold price, just ends up that it’s goingtobeextremelyrobust economically in this environment,” Omai CEO said.

Ellingham noted that the company has already begun work toward its next Preliminary Assessment,

which will reflect a substantial jump in planned processingcapacity

“So, what we’re doing now is now it’s all about getting to the next Pa… we’re probably looking at something that’s maybe a 12,000 to 15,000 tonnes per day mill which is quite a large operation. Our old PA was only 9,000 tonnes per day and we knew that that was probably not the end of thestory,”Ellinghamsaid.

T h e C E O a l s o highlighted the drilling breakthroughs that drove

Police in Regional Division # 3 have charged three persons in connection with offences of Obtaining by False Pretense and ForgeryofanOfficialDocument.

TheaccusedarePaulWatson,49,adriver ofOldRoad,Zeelugt,EastBankEssequibo; Parbattie Sharma called ‘Paro’, 58, a selfemployedfemaleofIndependenceStreet,La Grange, West Bank Demerara and Omar Rudolph,55,adriverofIndependenceStreet, LaGrange,WestBankDemerara.

TheyarejointlychargedwithObtainingby FalsePretense,ContrarytoSection194ofthe Criminal Law (Offences) Act Chapter 8:01

President and Chief Executive Officer (CEO), Elaine Ellingham

Omai’s 51% resource expansion this year Earlier this year, Omai announced an updated combined Mineral Resources Estimate (MRE)of2.1millionounces of gold (indicated), a 7% increase, and 4.3 million ounces of gold (inferred), a 92% increase from the previousMRE.

She outlined that early 2025assayresultsforWenot revealed exceptionally strongintercepts. Ellingham said, “These are the widest, best intercepts ever for Wenot When you’re seeing things like that you canaddtheouncesquickly.” Those results prompted Omai to accelerate drilling. In November, the company announced it had added a fifth rig at Wenot, just two months after deploying a fourthriginSeptember

Trioonfraud,forgerycharges

alongwithfourcountsofforgeryofanofficial document, contrary to Section 245(a) of the Criminal Law Offences Act Chapter 8:01 committedona43-year-oldbusinessmanofLa Union Public Road, West Coast Demerara betweenSeptember2024andMay2025

The accused appeared before His Worship Magistrate Rabindranauth Singh at the Vreed-en-Hoop Magistrates’ Court, where the charges were read to them. They werenotrequiredtoplead.

They were each placed on $300,000 bail in relation to the offences. The matter was adjournedtoFebruary17,2026.

Paul Watson

Parbattie Sharma called ‘Paro’ Omar Rudolph

- Mohamed demands action on Opposition Leader crisis ‘CARICOMCalledOut’

Leader of the We Invest in Nationhood (WIN) party, Azruddin Mohamed, has formally appealed to the Caribbean Community (CARICOM) SecretaryGeneral Dr Carla Barnett to intervene in what he describes as Guyana’s “stalled and troubling” process to elect a Leader of theOpposition.

In a letter dispatched Tuesday evening to the CARICOM Secretariat and later released on WIN’s Facebook page, Mohamed urged the regional body to offer“directintercession”at what he says is a critical moment for Guyana’s democraticstability

Mohamed expressed hope that Dr Barnett would respond swiftly and meaningfullytotheconcerns raised. He noted that since Guyana has hosted the CARICOM Secretariat for nearly five decades, the organisation should be motivated to defend the democratic principles it promotes.

“It is my sincere hope that you, too, will wish to contribute meaningfully to

safeguarding constitutional governance in a member state that has hosted the CARICOM Secretariat and given you a place to call home…”

“Noting that the observations of your own countrywoman and distinguished envoy whom you selected to lead the CARICOM Election Observation Mission, highlighted the need for a levelplayingfield,inlightof those findings, it is reasonable to expect that CARICOMwouldbemoved

to act in defence of the very principles it champions,” he said.

Addressing recent political developments, Mohamed pointed to the aftermathoftheSeptember1 elections and to President Irfaan Ali’s announcement that Speaker of the National Assembly Manzoor Nadir is currently out of the country He argued that Deputy Speaker Dr Vishwa Mahadeo is constitutionally empoweredtopresideinthe Speaker’s absence, but that the government has ignored

this,resultinginthedelayof the constitutionally required meeting to elect the OppositionLeader

“This logic is clear, yet ignored by the sitting government. Because this constitutionally mandated process is being held in abeyance by the Speaker of the National Assembly, the people’s business of t r a n s p a r e n c y a n d accountability has been buried and undermined by the refusal to convene the meeting required for the election of the Leader of the Opposition,”Mohamedsaid.

Mohamed also criticised CARICOM’s failure to respond to earlier appeals, claiming that letters sent between August 20 and September 11 went unanswered. These letters highlighted the closure of more than 76 bank accounts belonging to WIN candidatesandmembers.

“It is troubling that, despite repeated appeals to the office of the SecretaryGeneral, and the extensive public coverage of these violations that no doubt reached your attention, CARICOM has taken no action in response to these instances of grave political persecution and injustices,” hesaid.

WIN’sappealsrequested CARICOM’sinterventionto engage the Bank of Guyana and commercial banks, to issueapubliccondemnation of what the party called politically motivated account closures, and to demand that all accounts be reinstated. Mohamed stated thatallWINcandidates’

Continuedonpage18

Leader of We Invest in Nationhood, Azruddin Mohamed

General Secretary of CARICOM, Dr. Carla Barnett

Kaieteur News

Printed and Published by National Media & Publishing Company Ltd. 24 Saffon Street, Charlestown, Georgetown, Guyana.

Publisher: GLENN LALL-TEL: 624-6456

Editor: NIGELWILLIAMS

Tel: 225-8465, 225-8491. Fax: 225-8473, 226-8210

EDITORIAL

Another no-no from the new Home Affairs Minister

New Minister of Home Affairs, Oneidge Walrond, is making her presence felt, coming down hard on the Guyana Police Force (GPF), and what has troubled the existence of Guyanesefordecades.

Demands for a bribe by members of the GPF patrolling thestreetsofGeorgetownanditsoutskirts,thoseoperatingin stationhousesacrossthelengthandbreadthofGuyana. Itis a breath of fresh air for long exploited Guyanese to hear Minister Walrond's tough, no-nonsense position. The GPF upholds the law, citizens go about their law-abiding business, without the anxieties of being victimised by a shakedown, often right under the public's gaze. Now, the new minister is going after another eyesore in Guyana, which are those deep, impenetrable tints on an endless caravanofvehicles.

There seems to be more tinted vehicles by far on the roadways than those without tints, or tints that can be seen through.Whataregularcitizensees,asamatterofroutine,a member of the GPF should have no problem seeing also, evenifheorsheishalfawakeandhalfwaythroughastinton the roads. There are just too many vehicles with too thick tintsthatareontheroads,andwhichrepresentaproblemfor boththeGPFandthepublic. Ifthereistheneedtoidentifya vehicle'soccupants,intheeventthatthereisadevelopment, such as a hit-and-run accident, or a crime committed, then that becomes a problem. Given the tints on countless vehicles that we at this paper have seen, those tints cannot havebeenapproved,ormeetlawfulrequirements. Theyare unsettling, and they are unacceptable, because they place law-abiding citizens at a huge disadvantage. While all of that is so, there is something else that stands out, there is no waythatthosetintscanmeasureuptowhatislawful.

This is where Minister Walrond is making her voice heard in the strongest terms. She started with ranks of the GPF,whomustsettheexamplebystrippingthetintsontheir private vehicles that don't meet current requirements. Furthermore, the minister's warning left little room for misinterpretation,ofindividualdiscretion. “Letitbeclearly understood that the law applies to everyone equally. Those empoweredtoenforcethelawmustbethefirsttoupholdit.” And clearly understood it must be, with GPF ranks immediately obeying the order of the minister. We believe that there are too many vehicles currently on the roads that havetints,whichpromptstwoquestions:whatdotheowners oroperatorsofthosevehicleshavetohide? Whyisitthatthe identityofdriversandpassengersofvehiclesusingGuyana's towns and villages need to be shielded behind tints that do notcomfortthoseontheoutside,normakeanysense.

We agree with Vice President and Guyana's chief policymaker, Bharrat Jagdeo, that some members of the securityforces,andmembersofthediplomaticcorps,should beapprovedforahigherstandardoftint. Weinterpretthatto mean,adeeper,thickertintstandard,andtowhichwewould recommend adding members of Guyana's judiciary Those are the only exemptions that should be considered for approval. Exemptions from tint standards should be the exception, and not allowed to become the norm, so that all citizens are subject to the same level operating field. Relative to parliamentarians, our thinking is that those who represent the people should be seen by the people, and not hiding themselves away behind highly tinted vehicles. The same tint standard must apply to senior public servants, unless there are sensitive security considerations that apply.Why should a minister be fielding requests for tint exemption permits on an ongoing basis? We support Vice President's Jagdeo stand that the minister's time is precious, and there are better uses for it. Minister Walrond has been setting some new standards in her new Home Affairs portfolio. Oncesheisaboutfollow-upaction,andnotwords thatarepleasingtohear,sheshoulddowell,betterthanmany of her predecessors, who warmed that seat. Minister Walrond should next set her sights on double parking that plaguesGeorgetown,clogsitup.

EP Enterprise Exposes the Consequences of “Allocation Without Infrastructure”

DearEditor, Avisit to the EP Enterprise housing development on the East Coast of Demerara on November 29, 2025, revealed a deeply troubling reality: hundreds of Guyanese families have been allocated house lots, but not the basic conditions necessary for safe and dignifiedliving.

Residents shared stories that should trouble the conscience of every policymaker in this country. Their experiences underscore a policy failure that can no longer be ignored: lots are being distributed without the infrastructure that transforms land into livablecommunities.

At EP Enterprise, there are no formal roads, only a long, muddy dams. There is no running water; residents must pay between $8,000 and $15,000 per truckload for water that is “not even clean,” plus an additional $5,000 or more each month for bottled water There is no electricity; GPL has not installed poles, and residents remain indefinitelyonawaitinglist.Asaresult, families are forced to build their own makeshift infrastructure - solar lights costing tens of thousands of dollars each, generators that consume up to $20,000 in fuel monthly, and expensive

camera systems to compensate for the lack of security These are not luxuries. They are the only way to survive in an unserviced housing scheme The absenceofinfrastructurehasproduceda parallel crisis: rampant crime

Residents spoke of repeated break-ins, some happening in broad daylight, othersintheearlyhoursofthemorning, where thieves carried off generators, pumps, appliances, cement, windows, toilet sets, and the savings of hardworking families. A teacher trying toraisetwochildrenalonehadherhome broken into twice in one day Another resident lost hundreds of thousands in materials and slipped into despair

Several families described hearing thieves in their yards at night and being terrifiedtoleavehomeduringtheday

Despite the presence of a police outpost nearby, patrols are sporadic and largely reactive. In the words of one resident: “They only come when the crimealreadydone.”

These conditions expose a national problemthatrequiresurgentcorrection.

Ahouse-lotallocationisnotthesameas housing. When citizens are given land without roads, water, drainage, electricity, garbage management, or safety, they are not being empowered,

they are being abandoned. We need a clear, enforceable policy: no new allocations should proceed unless basic infrastructure is in place. We also need transparent public reporting so that citizens can see, scheme by scheme, what has been allocated, what has been serviced, and what remains unfinished. And in communities like EPEnterprise, immediate intervention is required: clearing the overgrown bush, providing streetlights, installing water and electricityinfrastructure,anddeploying regularpolicepatrolstoprotectfamilies who are simply trying to build a better life.

Guyanesepeopledeservemorethan a paper allocation and political announcements They deserve communities they can live in safely, raise their children, and dream of a better future EP Enterprise is a reminder that development must be measured not by numbers handed out at press conferences, but by the lived reality of the people on the ground. I urge the relevant authorities to act with urgency. The families at EP Enterprise, and countless others across Guyana, cannotwaitanylonger

Sincerely,

Sherod Duncan, M.P

Looming storm on our Western

Frontier:

Guyana cannot face crisis in silence

DearEditor,

A growing crisis, a silentstate

“Amid escalating regional tensions—marked by a significant US military presence in the Caribbean Sea and looming conflict with Venezuela the contrast between the leadership of Guyana's President Irfaan Ali and the United States' President Donald Trump in managing the crisis could not be more stark.

While President Trump hasdemonstratedaproactive and decisive response to threats, including the recent tragic shooting of two NationalGuardmembers,by implementingstrict,national s e c u r i t y - f o c u s e d immigration measures, closing Venezuelan airspace in preparation for the inevitable.”

“In contrast, President Ali's government in Guyana has been characterised by a troubling silence and perceived complacency. Despite the continuous, unchecked influx of over 100,000 Venezuelan migrants in recent years, and a r e c e n t , v i o l e n t incident—the bombing of a gas station by a migrant resulting in a child's death the Guyanese government has failed to communicate clear security

policies, close porous borders, or take visible action, leaving its citizens to questionwhethertheirsafety and national security are truly the administration's priority This letter calls on policymakers to learn from theproactivemeasuresbeing t a k e n a b r o a d a n d immediately prioritize border security and citizen protectionoverwhatappears to be a disengaged, reactive governance approach at a critical moment in the nation'shistory.”

Editor, Guyana now faces an explosive mix of migrant flows, border tension, and proven terrorist activity, while its leaders remain disturbingly silent. The country is being quietly pulled toward the edge of an a v o i d a b l e n a t i o n a l emergency

This is a moment for urgent clarity and decisive action, not comforting platitudes and official silence.

Reports of increasing migrant arrivals from Venezuela tell a grim story: people are already fleeing what they believe to be an inevitable storm, and Guyana is the first piece of dry land they can reach. Communities along the frontier are straining under theweightofamigrantcrisis t h a t w a s a l r e a d y

overwhelming our limited services, long before this latest escalation. Yet, in the face of this mounting pressure,thegovernmenthas failed to address the nation with clear, detailed informationoravisibleplan. Instead, we are treated to celebratory satire from the President.

This silence is not neutral.Itdeepensfear,feeds rumour, and undermines public trust at the very moment when unity, calm, and confidence in leadership are most needed. We are insteadtreatedtocelebratory satire, fancy parties and luncheons from the government.

Security fears after terrorist attack

The recent terrorist attack carried out by Venezuelan nationals inside Guyana has fundamentally changed how citizens view this crisis. People are not simply worried about abstract border lines; they are worried about who and what is coming across those borders under cover of chaos. The combination of a fast-growing migrant inflow and proven security threats creates a combustible situationthatdemandsfrank, urgent communication from thoseincharge.

Instead, citizens are forced to speculate: Are our

borders being properly monitored? Are intelligence and law enforcement agencies resourced and coordinated to detect and neutralize threats? Are communities being briefed on what to watch for, and howtorespond?

Demand for transparency and readiness

This is not a time for vague assurances, photo opportunities, or diplomatic platitudes Guyanese citizens have a right to specific answers to specific questions:

What contingency plans exist for a sudden surge in refugeesandmigrants?

What measures are in place to screen entrants and protect communities from criminal and terrorist infiltration?

How will essential services, food supplies, fuel, and medical care be secured if airspaceor trade routes are disrupted?

What diplomatic and defense arrangements are being pursued with regional andinternationalpartners?

If these plans exist, they m u s t b e s h a r e d i n meaningful outline with the public. If they do not exist, the country has a right to know that too and to demand that such plans be urgently developed and (Continued on page 6)

Has any diplomat called for the Indigenous peoples of Canada to rise up?

DearEditor,

Allow me to comment on an 896word Letter to the Editor (LTE) by Citizen Audreyanna Thomas in the media(December2,2025).

Thomas criticises Dr. Walter Persaud who has aired some concerns about the undiplomatic conduct of the Canadian High Commissioner to Guyana. Dr 'Walter's' concern is that HC Sébastien Sigouin went beyond the boundaries of diplomatic protocol by effectively calling on the Guyanese people to rise up and demand electoral reform.

I agree with Dr Walter whose main point is that HC Sébastien Sigouin comment is a product of privileged cosmopolitanism and an uneven international order, one in which developing nations can be lectured to, but in return have little or no voice. Do you think a Caribbean diplomat in Canada can make a statement in the Globe and Mail or CBC on the horrific economic, cultural, and political marginalization of the Inuit, Métis and FirstNationspeoples?

The grounds for such 'intervention' are ripe. For instance, the Canadian Centre for Justice and Community Safety Statistics reported the following –(1) More than one-third of those who experienced sexual or physical

violence while under the legal responsibility of the [Canadian] government during their childhood wereIndigenous.

(2) For the period from 2015 to 2020, the average homicide rate involving Indigenous victims … was six times higher than the homicide rate involvingnon-Indigenousvictims…

(3) One-third of Indigenous people experienced discrimination in the five years preceding the survey[likely2019](S.Perreault,7/19/2022)

Thesamereportnotedthat“[d]ueto the historical and ongoing colonialism and related policies as well as individual and systemic racism, many Indigenous people today deal with intergenerational trauma, [and] socioeconomic marginalization (Ibid; emphasisadded).

No less a source than Canada's DepartmentofJusticerecentlyreported that“IndigenouspeopleinCanadahave a higher unemployment rate, and lower levels of educational attainment than non-Indigenouspeople.”

They [also] have disproportionately more inadequate housing and poorer healthoutcomes”

By now, you should get the point. There are numerous bases for CaribbeandiplomatstocallontheInuit, Métis and First Nations peoples to rise up and demand change, including

electoral reform, in Canada. But they haven't, and basically, they can't because it would be deemed a breach of protocol.

That is the point that Dr.Walter was making.

The truth of the matter is that all independent reports have noted that Guyana's 2025 General and Regional Electionswerefreeandfair

The EU Report itself, while agreeing with the determination of a free and fair election, was also excessive in its reach by stating that the pollwasdoneinthecontextofdivision. I ask, which country in Europe during an election don't you have “…deep politicalpolarisationandmistrust…”?

Europeisnowbeingrippedapartby neo-fascist parties, anti-immigrant hysteria, asylum, the Ukraine-Russia war, rampant racism, and a nearly unfathomable level of polarisation and distrust. In closing, let me insist that Canada has historically played an important and constructive role in Guyana, and especially so with respect toGeneralandNationalElections.

The intent of this LTE is to encourage the further development of an already productive relationship. I close with Good Greetings to His Excellency,SébastienSigouin.

S i n c e r e l y Dr Randy Persaud

It seems that GECOM is headed for déjà vu

DearEditor, GECOM has been in the news recently, but not of its own volition. The European Union Electoral Mission (EUEM) and the UNDP`s Electoral Support Team (UEST)haveissuedareport, a n d a s t a t e m e n t , respectively It is those releases that brought GECOM into the lime-light, even as the body itself remains comatose under the imposed care of the Chairperson, who, in her

own words, is “guided by Article 161 (3)(b) of the Constitution as to the composition of the Commission, which will be decided on the convening of Parliament.”

In other words, the Commission is dissolved u n t i l P a

m

n t reconstitutes it, and specifically the term of the Commissioners nominated by the Leader of the Oppositionhasended. The Parliament was

convened, but that guidance has apparently not been provided.

H o w e v e r , t h e circumstance, basis for, and timing of the guidance are shrouded, since Claudette and the convener of the Parliament have been patently silent in relation to the reconstituting of the Commission upon the convening of Parliament, which has already been convened.

In the meanwhile, the

The state of the two baby grand pianofortes

DearEditor, I spoke with the mayor after he announced that the restoration of City Hall would not be completed as promised by the end of this year, what I found troubling is that I couldn't obtain clear responses to some of my concerns, such as the state of the two baby grand pianofortes.

Fortunately, I understand that two piano tuners are available, Mr. Remington Alley came in from overseas and is doing some work for the government, also Mr Hall, an expert piano repair tunersonlivesinGuyanaand isavailable.

I recall as mayor having the one instrument at the eastern end of the stage completely restored and tuned.

report and statement, respectively have triggered public debate, which debate is diminished in value in the circumstance of an UEST statement which is selfserving, since they are essentiallyreporting on their own work, and an EUEM (Continued on page 6)

With great sadness, I learnt that neither pianoforte isingoodfunctioningorder Mr.Editorforgiveme,ifI recall that as a young student of the late music teacher Shirley Garraway, I was tasked to play the National Anthem on one of the pianofortes and hence my abidinginterestasapatriot.

I am further saddened that some folks who now hold high office at the municipal and national level seem not to appreciate the importance of preserving all ourhistoryandculture,letus, all of us correct this failure andfoible.

Sincerely

On a visit, I observed that someone had placed an empty drink bottle on this magnificent musical item, I immediately had a strong waterproof canvas covers made to protect the pianofortes.

Elder Hamilton Green

Questions for Pres. Ali, political parties on US military presence

DearEditor,

Would the President of G u y a n a a n d a l l parliamentary political parties including the ruling

PPPC party answer the followingquestions:

1. Do you believe that an announcement of the closure of Venezuelan air

space is an attack on Venezuelan sovereignty and territorialintegrity?

2. Do you believe that the killings of 83 persons

over the past two months on small boats in the Caribbean waters and international waters off the Caribbean and South America are justified

or do you believe that these are in fact extra judicial killings under international law?

3. If you believe that the killing of 83 persons by US military force is justified, would you agree that any other major military power be it from the United Kingdom or the EU, would also be justified in ordering military strikes on 'narcoterrorists' in Caribbean and SouthAmericanwaterssince theUnitedNationsOfficeon Drugs and Crime (UNDOC) data shows that most of the cocaine flows are in fact being routed to Europe and nottheUS?

4. Do you believe that regime change in Venezuela as being threatened by the President of the US is a violation of the sovereignty and territorial integrity of Venezuela?

5. Do you believe that the military presence in the Caribbean is the biggest threat to the Caribbean as a Zone of Peace or do you believe this enhances the Caribbean as a Zone of Peace?

6. Doyoubelievethat US military strikes on the Venezuelan mainland will or (Continued on page 21)

It seems that GECOM...

From page 5 reportwhichisbutoneofthe numerous reports of observers.

Not to mention their glaring differences on issues such as communications. The UEST p r a i s e d G E C O M ` s communication effort, much ofwhichwasinitiatedandor conducted by UEST, itself. While, the EUEM deemed it deficient.

The issue at hand is that all of the reports and statements should be inputs into an evaluation of the conduct of the elections, which evaluation GECOM should conduct, or outsource.

The conduct of the elections requires a holistic and structured evaluation. This is standard procedure, andabestpractice.

Alas, GECOM is in a state of Claudette`s imposed comatose and seems to be heading for the fate of 2020 thru 2025, when Claudette

along with the PPP nominated Commissioners refused to have GECOM conduct an evaluation; and to have any new measures initiated, except those legislated, but not inclusive of the supplementary measures for the removal of thedeadfromthevoters`list.

T h e l a c k o f parliamentary action, and GECOM`s suspension seem to be conflated actions that stymie the work of the

Commission, at a time when GECOM`s CEO`s elections report, which was due on October 31, and all other reports should be submitted to the Commission that superintended those elections, for the conduct of an evaluation as a form of i n t r o s p e c t i o n , accountability, gap analysis and ultimately guidance when conducting future elections.

Q u i t e a p p o s i t e , Claudette is unilaterally s u p e r i n t e n d i n g t h e preparation of GECOM`s 2026budget,inclusiveofthe preparations leading up to the 2026 local government elections.

A b u d g e t w h i c h according to the Senior Minister of Finance is to be prepared in keeping with the P P P / C s m a n i f e s t o promises,whichpromisesdo not address GECOM s p r o s p e c t i v e w o r k programme, and the myriad recommendations and unattended issues, a la the sanitation of the voters list and many more such matters. It seems that GECOM is headedfordejavuinrelation to all that has been called for b y t h e o b s e r v e r s , stakeholders and even the Commissioners.

Yours sincerely Commissioners Vincent Alexander and Desmond Trotman

Looming storm on our Western...

Frompage4

debated. A call to citizens andcivilsociety

Guyana cannot afford passiveacceptanceofofficial silence Citizens, civil society, the media, professionalbodies,andfaith leaders must insist on briefings, data, and clear protocols.

This is not partisan politics; it is about national

survival, human dignity, and basicaccountability

The storm gathering to our west may not be of Guyana's making, but how prepared we are—and how honestly our leaders deal with us will determine whether we weather it with resilience or stumble through chaosandregret.

Sincerely Hemdutt Kumar

...suspect attempts suicide, remains on the run

ByShermonHawker

An evening drive which beganwithhintsofromance between a couple quickly tookanightmarishdetourfor a young woman of Limlair Village,Corentyne,Berbice, who, having anticipated a coolunwinding,wasinstead treated to black-eyes, dragged by her hair, and confined against her will for two days with threats made onherlife,allbythehandsof herownboyfriend.

Oneeveningbackinlate October, Jumella Seline received a call from her boyfriend Leon Jeffrey, who informed her that he was outside her home, and wantedthemtotakeacasual drive. Notwithstanding the late hours, the unsuspecting 19-year-old readied herself, updated her mother, and boardedthevehicleoutfront which had an arranged driver

“Theafternoonhecome. He does normally bring moneyordropit.Hedropped $10,000 and said he’s going atthebankandcomeback.I said alright and then I come insidebackwithmycousin,” Jumella told Kaieteur News inanexclusiveinterview

Keeping his word, 27year-oldJeffreyreturnedjust after 10pm. He entered her room and told her to get dressed to go out. Initially, the young woman objected because of the time, but eventually gave in to Jeffrey’s promptings.With a few pieces of clothing stuffed into a small bag, and her mother being informed, the couple entered the car Shortlyafter,theordealtook form while at his friend’s place at No. 51 Village, Corentyne.

“Me and he had wrong for something and I got vex, andhecomeandheslapme,” shesaid,assherecountedthe

ordeal.

Shesaidthatwasthefirst time he was physical with her in their one-year relationship.Sherelayedthat she returned the slap twice, enforcingthatshewouldnot accept such treatment. This only served to fuel Jeffrey, who she said furiously scannedthearea,andfounda pieceofwoodwithwhichhe tackledher

“I started running down theroadandhestartrunning behind me. He run me with the stick and then a man come out and ask ‘wuh yuh runningduhgirlfuh?’andhe was like ‘nah man, is a lil misunderstanding and we goinghome’.Thenhefriend comeoutwiththecar.”

She reasoned with him thatashisfriendwascoming with the car, he could take her home. This was agreed to, and they returned to the vehicle,inwhichhetookher phone.

Jeffrey then instructed hisfriendtogoinsteadtohis brother’s house at No. 48 Village. According to her, her boyfriend promised that they will only dialogue and she will return home in the new day She was against this, and her refusal to exit the car when they arrived was responded to with several cuffs to her mouth andherbeingdraggedoutof thecar.

As she attempted to escape, he caught up to her, andreportedlybitheronher mouth The friend was ordered to leave, while they entered his brother’s premises, occupying one of thetwoproperties.

While there, Jeffrey allegedly approached her with a knife and a broken bottle, declaring that he will end her life and his subsequently In fear, she triedcallinghermotherand Continuedonpage14

Bourda Market needs more than cleaning

Bourda Market is

d y i n g N o t

slowly Not quietly It is dying in full view of the city The drains are fetid.The smell rises and clings to everything. The filth so fills the drain that people refuse to look at it for fearofvomiting.

Asection of the southern perimeter pavement is sinking. Every step on it is risky The market is hollowing out. Inside is like aghosttown.Buyershaveno reason to enter Why go inside when the outside is already full of goods. Most persons do their shopping from the vendors outside, leavingthoseinsidewhopay rent for their stalls, staved of customers.

The toilets are appalling. They are not fit for humans. Notfitforpigs.Thesituation is urgent Yet, the government believes that cleaning crews are the solution to the problems of Bourda Market. They are not.

The reason is simple. Cleaning alone cannot save

Bourda Market The problem is not just inside. It is outside too. Outside the market, vendors spill onto the streets around the market.

They line every street. Theytakeoverroads.

No amount of scrubbing can change that if the roads outside remain clogged and congested with vendors.The market must be cleared o u t s i d e i t s p r o p e r boundaries. Not all vendors.

The Greens Section is different.Thatsectionis part of the market proper It

should stay But everywhere e l s e m u s t b e f r e e Pavements, roadways, corners, and entrances need to be cleared, not just cleaned.

The City Council's sanitary department should have condemned the area as a public health threat. Yet it has not. The danger is real. People'slivesareatrisk.

The market is more than a place to sell goods. It is a heritage site. It is a hub for local commerce. It supports f a m i l i e s a n d s m a l l businesses But heritage means nothing if the market cannotfunctionproperly

The government cannot save Bourda by pouring money into cleaning crews alone. The solution must be permanent It must be structural It must be political.

The first step is obvious: remove the vendors outside the market proper Enforce the lines Protect the pavements. Keep the roads clear Thisisnotanattackon vendors.Itisaboutorderand fairness. Vendors inside the market cannot compete with thosespillingintothestreets. Customers gravitate to convenience A clear perimeter makes the market functionalagain.

Once the outside is cleared, real cleaning can happen Drains can be flushed Pavements repaired. Toilets upgraded. The inside of the market can breathe again. Shoppers will return. Sellers inside will thrive. The Greens Section can flourish. The market can reclaim its place at the heart ofGeorgetown.

This requires courage. It requires vision. It requires political will. So far, no one has it. The outside vendors continue to spread The market decays. Every day, Bourda slips further Half measureswillnotwork.

A different type of operation is. One that starts with the streets. One that respects the boundary of the market.Onethatensuresthat onlythosemeanttobeinside areinside.

Then, cleaning becomes effective. Then, the market can shine. Then, health risks drop Then, commerce grows.

Shoppers deserve safety Vendors deserve fairness The city deserves a market that works. Bourda can be saved. But only if the rules are clear and the perimeters respected Cleaning the inside is not enough. The pavementsandroadsoutside must be free. Only then will BourdaMarketriseagain. People ask, “What about those who will be affected?” The answer is simple. Those vendors should be relocated. New markets can be established to accommodate them. They can continue their trade without clogging Bourda's pavements and roads.

This is fair and practical. Everyone gets a chance to earn a living, but the historic marketisprotected. Bourda Market has no more space for expansion. It has reached its limits. The marketcannotgrowoutward or absorb more vendors.The only solution is to manage the boundaries. Clear the streets, protect the

DEM BOYS SEH

Trump watching Guyanese medical tricks

Dem boys seh, yuh know Trump ah watchin' we from over deh, and now he tinkin'heneedcheckoutyuhmedicalhistory before you tek a flight to Uncle Sam. And yuh know wah? Some of we can't blame he. Truth don't lie, some Guyanese got whole heapwaystobeatdesystemandmilkittoo.

Like how some of we go abroad fuh medical treatment, but when dem tell yuh de bill, yuh pocket doh have enough to pay. So wahyuhdo?

YuhrollupatdeEmergencyDepartment like yuh born dem side and hope dem treat yuhfirst,askquestionslater

Dem other clever ones, dem have friend or family with insurance coverage and dem just slip in de paperwork like nothing, get treatment, then disappear like yuh never see dembefore.

AnddemoneslivinghereinGuyana,doh think dem safe. Dem travel to de US for routine check-ups, surgery, de works. Some

come back here like nothing happen, all while Uncle Sam footing de bill. Dem boys seh,ifTrumpcouldseealldat,hewouldseh, “Ah, doh let dem Guyanese in unless ah see dem whole medical history from here to Timbuktu!”

We clever, yuh know Dem boys seh, if Guyana had one Olympic medal for how to beat and bend a system, we would win gold, silver, and bronze. Trump don't know it yet, buthimabouttolearn.

So next time yuh read bout Trump wanting to see yuh medical history before visa,justlaugh,yuhhear?Someofweputde idea in he head by being too clever for our owngood.

We tink we ah just tek advantage, but maybe we ah inspire whole new policy in America. Dem boys seh, “Watch yuhself, Guyana. Yuh trickin' can reach presidential level!” Talkhalf.Leffhalf

pavements, and respect the market's capacity That is howBourdacansurvive.

Butthechallengesfacing Bourda Market is not unique Illegal vending plagues markets across the country This is a national problem. This is why there needs to be a national approach towards enforcing laws against illegal vending,

redesigningmarketspacesto be more secure and shopperfriendly, and providing legitimate vendors with the support they need

Addressing the problem requires a comprehensive strategy that tackles the root causes of the disorder in and around our markets. The problem is that no political party wants to accept the problem.

Presidential talking up

Stabroek News can be nuanced A white glove smoothing the cheek “Ali

t a l k s u p l o g i s t i c s consortiums” (SN, Nov 30, 2025) Talks up is to sell, to market; no p-word in response to that Sunday caption WhatdoIhearhere?

I hear a president who loves to talk, fell in love with the sounds emerging Sounds I search through the sounds for the whole story, the unsaid real one What maybemaskedbehindthebig talk fest Pres Ali must be givenhisdue

He talks up a storm on mostthings,andthereafterhe starts to taper off A little substance would help I ease up, as there is another week, before his second hundred days are over But a little reminderortwomaybeofuse tothepresident,ifonlythere’s

listening Logistics consortiums, Guyana needs them

Progress Now, there is this great wealth that makes so much possible, including generating the interest of consortiums, and then luring them here They don’t need too much encouragement. Buttheoilwealthitselfisover our heads, out of our sights, andnotinourhands

Pres Ali and Vice Pres Jagdeo have acknowledged that on several occasions Exxon rules the oil waters, and dictates to those elected by Guyanese to speak for them

DepositsinthatNewYork bank is the reward Reminds me of bolts of cloth, and bottles of firewater, in exchange for millions of slaves Guyanahaslittletono control of its patrimony, the

inheritanceofitspeoples.

Guyana doesn’t even knowthefullextentofwhatit has out there But it sails merrily along in swooning step to such platitudes as ‘monetization’ and the flattery of being a great and willing partner in Exxon’s oil consortium

Now I hear Pres Ali talking up logistics consortium Goodontheface of it But what lies underneath? What about the downside, as represented by the fine print, and that which isnotprintedatall? Itiswhat Excellency Ali for all of his talking,andtalkingup,feigns not being too concerned about How about handing over another limb, or several moreofthem,tohelperswho flock here from all directions?

Logistics consortiums is

the comforting name that is fashionable nowadays I suppose that the Nina, Pinta, and Santa Maria would have sheltered under logistics consortiums, if they were so inclined, five hundred years ago Like the Romans of Caesar’s lore, consortiums come, see, conquer The story of time and of man Some see drug boats on the highseas Iseetheextending of power, and the loss of control.

Recall I said some sentencesagothatExxonand company control the oil Now the feeder systems are beingwelcomedtoerecttheir control towers in a prostrate Guyana that is open for any kindofbusinessthatprospers others, while leaving a bunch of citizens where they have always been trapped and locked Atthebottom Ontheouts Inthebarren wildernesses In the fastnesses of a country that has almost every

gift known to man, including nature’s generosityinthesparing of its worst wraths I ponder what will be left, is left, for this country to oversee Logistics like lice, but Guyana is in such a hobbledstatethatitcan’teven delivertheresultsofacensus, nowoverthreeyearsold.

More logistics, and the logisticsofthemindsstandas a stumbling block to accessing basic information abouthowthebusinessofthe peopleisbeingrunbythebig people that the small people put into office to deliver little things of that nature In a season of logistics consortiums, Guyanese somehow always end up the losers Still, Pres Ali talks up He has gotten so good at talking up, that he believes that the world revolves around what he says, and nothingelsematters I humbly recommend that he pauses with the talking up,

and listen to the echoes that deafenGuyanese Hemaynot like what he hears, nor like whatthoselogisticsultimately mean for Guyanese Guyana as a sovereign nation that is a servant nation, a subjugated polity

The British had their East India Company and viceroys in India Pres Ali celebrates their21stcenturyequivalents -logisticsconsortiums Since Guyanadoesn’tknowwhatto do with its newfound wealth, there are those only too glad to guide Guyanese on doing so Elections are left for Guyanesetoownandcontrol, in their efforts to make Guyanagreatagain

(The views expressed in this article are those of the a u t h o r a n d d o n o t necessarily reflect the opinions of this newspaper.)

BLUNT BLUNT

When slyness becomes a strategy

ExxonMobil's slyness did not begin yesterday; it took root the moment oil was discovered in Guyana. The 2016 Production Sharing Agreement remains the earliest, clearest proof of a company intent on exploiting every gap and weakness.

From withholding clarity on total reserves, to manoeuvring around taxes and issuing dubious receipts, ExxonMobil perfected the art of appearing cooperative while practising quiet manipulation. Many Guyanese remain unconvinced that the full extent of early discoveries was disclosed when the 2016 PSA was pushed onto the APNU+AFC Coalition.

Emboldened by a weak political environment, ExxonMobil miscalculated only one thing, the resilience of the independent press.

As discoveries multiplied, the once-forthcoming operator retreated into silence, spinning narratives that masked more than they revealed. The newest trend, failing to announce three 2025 discoveries, shows slyness now running unchecked.

From PSA negotiations to tax practices, the pattern is unmistakable. When slyness becomes a strategy, people eventually catch on. ExxonMobil may call it sophistication; Guyanese know better.

Govt. opts for monthly royalty payments in new oil deal

ByDavinaBagot

TheGovernmentofGuyana(GoG)initsrevisedProduction SharingAgreement(PSA)hasoptedforroyaltytobepaidinto theNaturalResourceFund(NRF)onamonthlybasis

According to the terms of the new oil deal, signed on November 11, 2025 with Total Energies, Qatar Energy and Petronas,thepaymentshallbemadeincashfollowingtheend of each month. The 10% royalty will be payable on all petroleumproducedandavailableforallocationanddoesnot includeoilusedbythecontractorforfuelandtransportation.

Article 372 of the Shallow water PSA states “ cash payment shall be due monthly, thirty (30) calendar days followingtheendofeachCalendarMonth.Uponpaymentof the royalties, either in kind or in cash, assessment receipts evidencing payment of the Contractor’s royalty shall be furnishedbytheMinistertotheContractorstatingtheamount and other particulars customary for such receipts within forty-five(45)calendardays...”

Notably, this provision varies from the 2016 Petroleum Agreement with ExxonMobil and partners. That contract requiresthecontractortopayameagre2%royaltytotheGoG attheendofeachcalendarquarterorthreemonths.

Further, the lopsided arrangement with Exxon in Article 157alsogives the minister powers to remit “in whole or in part” or defer the royalty payment owed to the county No such favours have been extended to Total Energies in the revisedPetroleumAgreement.

The agreement is the first to be signed since government introduced a revised PSA with greater fiscal benefits to the country Amidthepackageis10%royalty,10%taxesandcost recovery capped at 65% monthly with profits to be split 50/50.

Notably,theGoGsecuredaUS$15Msigningbonusaspart of the successful negotiations that were held with the consortium. Total Energies has been awarded block S4, located in shallow water, offshore Guyana. The French company leads the consortium with a 40% interest in the block,alongwithitspartners,QatarEnergyandPetronaswith 35% and 25% respectively Block S4 spans an area of approximately 1,788 square kilometres, located 50 to 100 kilometres off Guyana’s coast in water depths ranging between30and100metres.

The company said it is targeting the latter half of 2026 to commenceseismicacquisition.

Inthemeantime,itwasrevealedthatthreeothercontracts are also being negotiated to be signed for the blocks S5 –International Group Investment Inc.; S7 – Cybele Energy; and S10 – International Group Investment Inc. These contractsarelikelytomirrorthetermsoftheTotaldeal

PopeLeourges againstUSincursion ofVenezuela

...warnsWesterncountriesto be‘lessfearful’ofimmigrant

Pope Leo XIV

(CNN) Pope Leo has said he believes the United States needs to find “another way” in handling the situation in Venezuela,warningagainstanymilitaryincursionandsayingit wouldbebettertopursuedialogueorapplyeconomicpressure

“Itseemsthereisthepossibilitythattherebesomeactivity, even an operation to invade Venezuelan territory,” Leo, who spent several years as a missionary and bishop in Peru, told reporters on board the papal plane returning to Rome from Beirut onTuesday “I truly believe that it is better to look for ways of dialogue, maybe pressure, including economic pressure, but looking another way to change, if that is what theywanttodointheUnitedStates.”

The first American pope’s comments come at a time of heightenedtensionsbetweentheUnitedStatesandVenezuela, withLeosayingchurchleadersintheSouthAmericancountry werelookingfor“waystocalmthesituation”

He noted that US President Donald Trump and his Venezuelan counterpart Nicolás Maduro had spoken on the phone and that because “the voices that come from the US change,withsomefrequencysometimes,oneneedstosee”

During an in-flight press conference covering a range of topics,LeoalsocalledforEuropeandNorthAmericatobe“a little less fearful” when it comes to immigrants of different faiths Asked about Catholics who see Islam as a “threat” to ChristianityinEurope,Leosaidheisawareofpeople’sfears, butsaidtheyareoften“generatedbypeoplewhoareagainst immigrationandtryingtokeepoutpeoplewhomaybefrom anothercountry,anotherreligion,anotherrace.”

Instead, Leo said his visit to Turkey and Lebanon underlinedthat“dialogueandfriendshipbetweenMuslimsand Christians is possible” citing Lebanon as a country which teachesfriendshipbetweenChristiansandMuslims Hesaidthe lessons from Lebanon need to be “heard in Europe or North America, that we should perhaps be a little less fearful and lookforwaysofpromotingauthenticdialogueandrespect.”

His comments on migration come less than a week after Trump said he was considering permanently banning immigrationfromwhathecalled“thirdworldcountries”

ThepopealsostressedtheimportanceofEuropeinforginga peace plan for Ukraine, amid talks taking place between US envoys and Russian President Vladimir Putin in Moscow on Tuesday.“ItisclearthatononepartthepresidentoftheUnited Statesthinksthatapeaceplancanbepromotedthathewould like to do and that at least in a first moment was without Europe,butthepresenceofEuropeisimportantandthatfirst planwasmodifiedalsobecauseofwhatEuropewassaying.”

Leoalsospokeforthefirsttimeabouthowhefeltatthetime of his election as pope earlier this year, revealing that “just a yearortwoago”the70-year-oldhadthoughtaboutretiring

“Whatwasitlike?IresignedmyselftothefactwhenIsaw howthingsweregoingthatitcouldbeareality,”hesaid “Itook adeepbreath,Isaid‘herewegoLordyou’reincharge,youlead theway’”HealsosaidhehopedtovisitAlgeriasoontofollow in the footsteps of the fourth century Saint Augustine, the founder of his religious order, and to promote a message of dialoguebetweentheChristianandMuslimworld

On May 8, 2025, the cardinals of the Catholic Church electedCardinalRobertPrevost,thefirstUS-bornpopeinthe church’s 2,000-year history While he has adopted the same priorities as his predecessor, Leo has a more low-key, formal style, with some wondering how he will address the church’s majorchallenges

Girlabducted,brutalised

Frompage8

her aunt but did not immediately succeed. Her aunt who shortly after made contactwithher,urgedherto runoutoftheyard.

“I didn’t get to go far because I was running and talking (on the phone) at the same time and I get short breath.Hecatchupwithme, he cut off the phone, he draggedmebymyhair…he keepcuffingmeinmyback, in my eye, and then he go to stabmeandIblocked.”

He led her to an abandoned house nearby Asked why she was being subjected to the continual assault,shedisclosedthathe toldherhehadheardthatshe hadabortedthepregnancyof his child. She denied same, and fabricated on the spot that she was actually carrying his child, with the

hopethatthiswouldquellhis rage.

Somewhat softened, the man allowed her to sleep. Thenextday,sheupdatedher mother that she was ok, and pleaded with her boyfriendturned-abductor for her to return home, which he flatly refused,followedbyanother seasonofthreats.

His friend would be apprehended by police, which was confirmed after Jumella, per Jeffrey’s instructions, called him to pick them up later that evening.Apoliceofficerhad answeredthephone.

Whenquestionedontheir whereabouts,Jeffreytoldthe police they were fishing at No.51, and told the officers to allow him a next 20 minutes to wrap up, then set thephonetoairplanemode.

Aftertheyreturnedtohis

brother’splace,shemanaged to send her location to her aunt; The family had spent the evening in search of her, andtheycametoretrieveher thefollowingday

“Mommy said she’s on thewaycoming…assoonas I reach in the car, I told mommytolockallthedoors andletusgo,andthenherun and come in front, and after heseeusdriveaway,hewalk and go inside back, and that was the last time I see he,” shesaid.

The man would then reportedly consume a poisonous substance, for whichhewashospitalised He somehowsurvivedthesuicide attempt, and managed to escape Heremainsatlarge

Jumella is the eldest sister of Jodea Seline, who diednearlytwoweeksagoin ahorrificroadaccident.

‘$8Bingiftsunaccountedfor’ -AuditorGeneralflagsmajorlapsesinGovt.records

AuditorGeneral(AG)DeodatSharmain his2024reviewofpublicaccountsfoundthat over $8B in receipts were understated by an uncertainamount,stemmingfromthelackof adherence to legal requirements for the receiptofgifts.

Section34oftheStoresRegulations1993 states that“allgifts receivedshallbe subject to normal store-keeping and received stores accountingproceduresandtheprocedureset outintheRegulations16to19inclusiveshall apply A Gift Register in Form 18 shall be maintained by the Storekeeper, and the Permanent Secretary shall furnish the Secretary to the Treasury (now Finance Secretary), the Accountant General and the Auditor General information relating to all giftsreceivedfromtimetotime”.

The AG report however flagged that althoughtherewasevidenceofthereceiptsof numerousgiftsduringtheyear,therewasno evidence of adherence to these procedures. Tothisend,thereportstates,“Theamountof $8.392 billion representing Miscellaneous Receipts as at 31 December 2024 was understatedbyanundeterminedamount.”

Notably, the Ministry of Finance in

response indicated that the accounting for gifts in accordance with laid down procedures “shall continue to engage the attentionoftheMinistryofFinance”.Itadded that the Ministry intends to seek the interventionoftheInternalAuditDepartment in its interface with agencies to bring about enhancedcompliance.

Recently, President Irfaan Ali defended his administration’s fiscal management, pointingtowhathebelievedtobe“significant improvement” in transparency and accountability He noted that 81% of 2023 audit recommendations were fully or partially implemented, compared to the APNU/AFC’s2015-2019term,when83%of recommendationswentunimplemented.

PresidentAlipointedoutthataccounting officers have already begun implementing recommendationsinthe2024AGreport,but further to that, the government has made othernotableachievements.

The President boasted that although government’s spending increased rapidly, overpaymentswerelessthan3%in2023and 2024, reflective of the training provided to publicsectoremployees.

Local businesses scramble to keep up with oil boom

...financial institutions outline faster loan approvals, invoice-financing facilities for SMEs

As Guyana’s oil-driven economy surges, local small and medium-sized enterprises(SMEs)continue tostruggleforfinancingand market share while foreign companies flood in with deeper pockets and faster accesstocapital.

I n r e s p o n s e , GrowthCLUB on Saturday hosted its 42nd quarterly business-planningworkshop at the World Trade Centre Georgetown, drawing more than 100 business owners,

entrepreneurs,andmanagers de

y competitive.

Theeventwasorganized by ActionCOACH Guyana, the World Trade Centre Georgetown (WTCG), Demerara Bank Limited (DBL), and the Institute of

Development (IPED), alongside private-sector

institutions including Demerara Bank and IPED highlighted how they are stepping in to help SMEs compete in the growing economy, offering faster loan approvals, competitive rates, and innovative financingsolutions.

WTCG Executive Director Wesley Kirton urged participants to stay ambitious as Guyana’s fastmoving economy continues to evolve. “Entrepreneurs are the engines of every strong economy The fact thatyouchosetospendyour Saturday planning, learning and investing in your leadership tells us you are readytoplayabiggerrolein Guyana’s future,” he told attendees.

Dr Vishnu Doerga, Business Master Coach of ActionCOACH Guyana guided business owners through structured planning tools, including quarterly goal setting, financial focus, team alignment and time mastery. He challenged leaders to close the gap between what they say they value and what actually shows up in their calendars andbehaviours.

“It’s not enough to talk about vision and culture,”

Dr Doerga told the attendees. “Real leadership is when your daily actions, your team’s focus and your numbers all line up with the future you claim you want. That level of alignment is what separates busy owners fromtruebusinessleaders.” Moreover, key financial partnersusedtheplatformto

s

planning links directly to betteraccesstocapital.

Branch Manager at Demerara Bank Limited, FarahnazHosainhighlighted the bank’s ongoing drive to make financing more accessible and responsive to modern business needs. She pointed to competitive interest rates, low fees and faster processing times as deliberatechoicestosupport growingSMEs.

Hosain also spoke about DBL’s “Switch Your Mortgage” promotion and highlighted the bank’s ability to issue certain loan decisions within 24 hours, supported by upgraded systems such as Salesforce. “When business owners are organised, informed and clear on their numbers, we can respond faster and more effectively,”shenoted.

IPED’s representative B u s i n e s s Development/Marketing Manager, Robert Williams drew on the organisation’s four decades of work with entrepreneurs across Guyana.Heemphasisedthat while collateral and documentation matter, IPED’s real focus is on the personbehindthebusiness.

“Abouteightypercentof whatwedoisabouttrusting the individual their passion, their discipline and their willingness to grow,” he explained.

Williams outlined IPED’s new invoice financingfacility,whichcan provide GYD $20–35 millioninnon-collateralised funding to improve cash flow, especially for contractors and suppliers waitingonpayments.

“Too many good businesses stall because of cashflowgaps.Thisproduct is designed to keep work going and teams employed while you wait for your invoicestoclear,”headded.

Participants also heard a candidsuccessstoryfrom

Continuedonpage18

A section of the business owners and entrepreneurs who participated in the workshop on Saturday.

UK, Guyana, seal major forest partnership

The Ministry of Natural Resources (MNR), on

o f Understanding (MoU) with the United Kingdom to establish a strengthened framework for cooperation undertheForestGovernance,

Markets and Climate Programme(FGMC2)

TheUnitedKingdomwas represented by the Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Office (FCDO)

The MoU reinforces Guyana’sgloballeadershipin sustainable forest management, low-carbon development, and climate action

According to a statement issued by the Department of Public Information (DPI), “thesigningceremonymarks a significant milestone in the longstanding and trusted partnership between Guyana and the UK one grounded in shared values, mutual respect, and a joint commitment to safeguarding theworld’sforestsandforestdependentcommunities” Minister of Natural Resources Vickram Bharrat said that the agreement

‘CARICOMCalledOut’

Frompage3 accounts remain closed, which he argued violates their basichumanandpoliticalrights.

TheWIN leader further outlined what he described as political persecution targeting him, his family, party candidates,andsupporters.Amongtheallegationswerethe revocation of his firearm licences, raids on his property, attemptstorestricthistravel,alate-nightattemptedarrest, harassment during regional travel, disruptions of community meetings, cyberbullying and stalking, drone surveillance, vehicle tracking, and denial of access to public spaces for WIN meetings. He also claimed that supporters faced victimisation, including dismissals, forcedtransfers,cancelledcontracts,andharassment.

Mohamed urged CARICOM to take three specific actions:

• Request that Speaker Manzoor Nadir immediately conveneameetingtoelecttheLeaderoftheOpposition.

• Assist in strengthening Guyana’s institutional frameworks to ensure constitutional rights and responsibilitiesoftheOppositionarerespected.

• Support the adoption of a binding CARICOMbrokered Code of Ethical Political Conduct to promote respect, tolerance, and issue-based politics among Guyanesepoliticalparties.

Localbusinessesscramble...

Frompage16

Jason Bhaskaran, CEO of the JSB Group of Companies, whotracedhisjourneyfromasmallsoleproprietorshiptoa majorsupplierintheconstructionsector,nowemploying75 staffandengagingover100contractors.Hedescribedhow structuredcoachinghelpedhimshiftfrombeingthe“chief firefighter”inthebusinesstobuildingsystemsandleaders aroundhim.

“Working with ActionCOACH was one of the best decisionsI’vemade,”Bhaskaranshared.“Coachingforced metofacethenumbers,facemyhabitsandbuildateamthat can run the business without me hovering over every decision. Even if you take one solid idea from GrowthCLUB and apply it consistently for a year, the changeinyourbusinesscanbedramatic.”

Attendees left the workshop with written 90-day plans and defined key performance indicators, as well as direct access to coaches and financial institutions. Notably, the organisers said the collaborative effort among ActionCOACH Guyana, WTC Georgetown, Demerara Bank, IPED and private-sectorsponsors reflects the wider push to strengthen the capabilities of local businesses in Guyana’srapidlyexpandingeconomy

cooperation at a time of growing global focus on sustainable forestry He reaffirmed Guyana’s commitment to maintaining low deforestation and strengthening national forest governance systems The minister emphasised that the agreement directly supports the national priorities articulated by President Irfaan Ali under the Low Carbon Development Strategy2030(LCDS2030).

President Ali’s LCDS 2030setsoutatransformative pathway for Guyana one that harnesses the economic value of its forests, biodiversity, and ecosystem services while creating new o p p o r t u n i t i e s f o r communities and delivering globalclimatebenefits

The press release noted thatTuesday’s signing of the MoUwiththeUKcontributes to the president’s vision by

providingtargetedsupportto:

Support Guyana’s forest governance architecture; Expand sustainable market access for timber and other forest products; Enhance financial sustainability and economic opportunities for f o r e s t - d e p e n d e n t communities “The collaboration will also support the establishment of theGuyanaTimberLegality

Assurance System (GTLAS) that underpin credible, transparent, and internationally recognised forestmanagementsystems,” thereleasesaidnotingthatthe MoU reaffirms the UK’s confidenceinGuyana’sforest s t e w a r d s h i p a n d acknowledges Guyana’s exceptional record as one of the world’s most intact, sustainablymanagedtropical forestcountries

Through the FGMC2 programme, the UK will continuetoprovidetechnical,

Corrivertonman nabbedwithcocaine

PoliceinRegionalDivision#6areinvestigatingthediscovery ofsuspectedcocainefollowinganoperationonMondayaround 18:40hrsatScottsburgPublicRoad,Corriverton

Acting on intelligence, ranks stopped a motorcar and searched the 37-year-old driver, a resident of No 77 Housing Scheme,Corriverton Officersreportedlyfoundtwotransparent plastic bags containing a hard, rock-like creamy substance suspected to be cocaine in the man’s pants pocket, a police statementread.

HewasimmediatelyarrestedandtakentotheSpringlands PoliceStationalongwiththesuspectednarcotics

Thesubstancewasweighedinhispresenceandamountedto 631grams Ithassincebeenlodgedasinvestigationsproceed Thesuspectremainsinpolicecustodyastheprobecontinues

The cocaine that was seized

MoU.

support including through

Institute’s Rapid Response Programme and other collaborativemechanisms

Meanwhile, British High Commissioner Jane Miller OBE reiterated the UK’s strong commitment to workingalongsideGuyanato address global climate and biodiversity challenges She noted that Guyana’s leadership from the Glasgow Leaders’ Declaration on Forests to its

markets continues to set a powerful example for countriesworldwide

“The partnership will deliver real benefits for Guyanese communities and the national economy by reinforcingsustainableforest management practices, enhancing cross- sectoral

ion

making, and

ensuringthatforestscontinue to generate long-term economic value while protecting biodiversity and culturalheritage”

The DPI said the MoU further complements Guyana’s role in global initiatives such as the Forest and Climate Leaders Partnership, the Global BiodiversityAlliance,andthe Kunming Montreal Global BiodiversityFramework

“The Ministry of Natural Resources welcomes this renewed collaboration as a model of effective, modern climatediplomacy onethat aligns domestic priorities with international support to deliver shared global outcomes Guyana looks forward to continuing its strong partnership with the UK as both countries work together to safeguard forests, expand sustainable development pathways, and accelerateclimateambition”

Woman jailed for one year, fined $1M on cybercrime offence

Lorian Toney

A34-year-oldwomanofTabatinga,CentralRupununiwas jailed for one year and fined $1M on a cybercrime charge, policehaveconfirmed.

Lorian Toney, 34, an ambulance driver of Tabatinga, Central Rupununi was arrested on September 25, 2025 and was charged in connection with an offence under the CybercrimeAct2018.

The allegation is that Toney used a computer system to humiliate, harass and cause substantial emotional distress in contravention of Section 19(2)(a) of the Cybercrime Act 2018,contrarytoSection19(5)(a)ofthesaidAct,committed onMaxineHendricks.

On Tuesday, Toney appeared at the Lethem Magistrate’s Court before His Worship Omadatt Chandan where she pleadedGuiltyand was fined$1,000,000 GYD alongwith a sentenceofoneyearimprisonment.

Minister of Natural Resources Vickram Bharrat and British High Commissioner to Guyana, HE Jane Miller OBE shake hands as representatives of the Ministry of Natural Resources and the Government of the United Kingdom look on following Tuesdays signing of the

Thousands receive medical attention at new De Kinderen Hospital since August opening

More than 8,000 people have already accessed services at the newly commissioned De Kinderen Hospital, West Coast Demerara (WCD) The hospital has also recorded over 100 successful births sinceitsopening.

On Sunday, President Irfaan Ali during an impromptu visit to the Region Three facility was informed by a medial officer stationed at the facility that the hospital receives an average of 70 patients daily through its Emergency Department.

The official said that the hospital's Intensive Care Unit (ICU) has been

particularlybusy,largelydue toreferralsfromotherhealth facilities. “Since we opened, this is the first day (Sunday) we had one person because we have been taking referrals and we are always full to the max. We have had over 100 persons passing through the ICU,” he told PresidentAli.

Theupdatewasairedlive on the President's Facebook page. During the briefing, the officer told PresidentAli that of the 100 births recorded at the hospital, 11 occurredlastweekendalone.

The De Kinderen Regional Hospital was officially commissioned in August by President Ali and

De Kinderen Hospital

Minister of Health Dr Frank Anthony The state-of-theart facility, constructed at a cost of $6.6 billion, is one of six new regional hospitals developed across Regions Two, Three, Four, Five, and Six.

The modern hospital

Questions for Pres. Ali...

From page 6 will not destabilize Guyana and the Caribbean or will or will not jeopardize the safety and security of Guyanese and Caribbeanpeoples?

7. Have you asked for commitments from the relevant US military and political representatives to stop military strikes in or near to Caribbean waters, to refrain from directmilitaryattacksonVenezuelaandasto when US military presence intends to leave the southern Caribbean and Latin American region?

And final 2 questions for His Excellency PresidentAli

8. Do you believe, Your Excellency President Ali, as in your address to the 80th Session of the United Nations General

Assembly on 24 September that current US military actions like similar Venezuela's aggression towards Guyana are flagrant violation of international law, the UN Charter, and the very principles that sustain globalorder?

9. Do you believe Your Excellency President Ali, that the same applies to Venezuela currently as mentioned in your address at the 80th Session of the United Nations GeneralAssembly that “If the rights ofasmallStatecanbetrampledupon what protection remains for any nation under international law? as the principles of sovereignty, territorial integrity and noninterferencearenotnegotiable.”?

Sincerely ConcernedcitizensofGuyana

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NewGuyanaDigitalHealthTrainingInstitutelaunched

TheMinistryofHealthin partnershipwithMountSinai and the Greater Guyana Initiative on Tuesday launched the Guyana Digital Health Training Institute, which is aimed at building the workforceneededtomeetthe country's digital healthcare transformation.

The institute is being funded through the Greater GuyanaInitiative,aG$20billioninvestmentwhichisaimed at supporting the sustainable development of the country over a ten-year period. Through this partnership, approximately250studentsfrom all across Guyana will be trained over the next three years.

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“We are here today because Guyana has articulated aclearandcourageousvision, a digital health system that elevates the quality of care, that empowers every healthcare provider and ensures that every patient in every region of Guyana benefits from the highest quality, modern healthcare services,” she said.

Dr Vreeman stated that thethroughtheDigitalHealth TrainingInstitute,theyarenot simply offering technical skills, but are investing togetherinagenerationofleaders who are going to guide Guyana's healthcare system into a new era.

Speaking directly to the inaugural class of the Digital HealthTrainingInstitute,she told the students they are making history as being the “first chapter in a story that will be told and retold about howGuyanaisbuildinganew workforce, a new sector of expertise,andanewmodelfor digital health, not only for Guyana,butfortheCaribbean and for the rest of the world.”

“We already see your talent,yourcuriosity,yourdrive, and you represent the promise of what this institute will produce.You are already and are about to be even more so professionals who are going to strengthen health care, strengthen health care for yourselves and your families andforyourfellowcitizens,” she noted.

The Digital Health Training Institute which will serve asatruecenterofexcellence, theExecutiveDirectorrelated that in its first three years, it will train hundreds of professionalsinUsersupport,health

“This is a critical part of how Guyana will build a world class healthcare system. This is part of how every Guyanese person, will gain access to modern, highquality services, and this is how Guyana will deliver the future of healthcare with innovation,skillandexcellence at every level of the healthcare system,” she elaborated.

Commendingthenewinitiative, she noted that Guyana is building a health informationworkforcewhere none existed before and setting a standard for others to emulate.

“You are demonstrating how digital health can uplift communities, improve care andexpandopportunity And to the institute's students, when you go on to work in Guyana's hospitals and over time, in the health facilities across Guyana, you will not simply be putting into place these new digital tools, but you are strengthening the quality of health care for ev-

Minister of Health, Dr Frank Anthony in his address,acknowledgedthepartnershipwithMountSinaiand theGreaterGuyanaInitiative which brought the initiative tolife.

HesaidthattheMinistry's vision is to build a system whereallhealthcarefacilities are connected, are patient centered, are equitable, and are driven by data. With Guyana on the digital transformation train, Dr Anthony said his ministry is working on introducing several tools into the local healthcare system. Among them is telemedicine sites across the country, the rollout of the Health Records System, and the launch of the Electronic Appointment System.

Additionally,theminister of health said that efforts are being made to use artificial intelligence(AI)inhealthcare.

“I think as we move in these directions, we really need to have the services of atrainedworkforce.Someof youmightbewonderingwhy, andIthinkJebexplainssome ofit,whyweneedthisdigital health training institute. We need it because, while it's

easy to buy technology, to buy equipment, the transformation will not happen without getting people to run these systems, and that is whyitissoimportantthatwe invest in training persons, notonlyhereinRegionFour, but from all the different regions,”heexplained.

According to the minister, upon completion of the training programme, those trained are guaranteed a job with the Ministry of Health. Meanwhile,DirectorGlobal Health Informatics and AssistantProfessorofGlobal Health and Health System Design, Dr. Jeb Weisman said, “Today's launch is part of a broader government vision to expand and modernizehealthcareservicesacross the country. Central of this vision is the integration of digital technologies to enhance patient care, improve patient management, scientific research and innovation.”

Henotedthatnoneofthis is possible without a skilled digital workforce and this is where the Digital Health Training Institute comes in, whichwillprovidethemwith the tools, skills and knowledge necessary to succeed in thedigitalhealthfield.

Thousands receive medical attention at new ...

From page 21 instrument sterilization unit, and a water purification system.

However, despite these advancements, Kaieteur NewsreportedinOctoberthat many citizens prefer seeking medical attention at the Georgetown Public Hospital Corporation(GPHC).Thenational hospital still receives a highnumberoftransfersfrom regional facilities. GPHC's Chief Executive Officer, Robbie Rambarran, said the issuestemsmorefrompublic

perceptionthanfromstaffing limitations.

“Ithinkitisstillaculture that some people want to cometotheGeorgetownhospital than the bypass system.

I think people would go to these hospitals in the interim as a first stop and would request to be transferred to Georgetown public hospital. It will take some time for people to build the confidence, get good stories out of them,” he said.

The government is moving ahead with plans to con-

struct12newregionalhospitalsaspartofa$38billioninitiative aimed at improving healthcareaccessandservice quality Among the newly commissioned facilities are theDiamondRegionalHospital, Enmore Regional Hospital, De Kinderen Regional Hospital (commissionedAugust11,2025),LimaRegional Hospital (commissionedAugust22,2025),CorrivertonNo. 75 Regional Hospital (commissioned July 4, 2025), and BathRegionalHospital(commissionedJuly30,2025)

VACANCY

The Ministry of Health in partnership with Mount Sinai and the Greater Guyana Initiative on Tuesday launched the Guyana Digital Health Training Institute on Tuesday.

Govt. expands automated speed enforcement to Region 3

The Government of Guyana has rolled out a new wave of automated speed cameras and radar speed signs across Region 3 (Essequibo Islands–West Demerara), completing full coverage of the region under the Safe Road Intelligent System(SRIS).

The SRIS project is jointly managed by the National Data Management Authority (NDMA) and the Guyana Police Force (GPF). This expansion aims to strengthen road-safety enforcement, curb reckless

driving, and reduce accidents along one of the country's busiest traffic corridors.

Buildingonthelaunchof the automated speedticketing system earlier this year, the SRIS expansion introduces more radar speed

signs and high-definition cameras at strategic points across Region 3, including major intersections, hightraffic routes, and accidentproneareas.

Using a secure, cloudbased platform, the system

automa

y

speeding violations, issues tickets, and notifies drivers through the contact details registered with the Guyana

Additional speed cameras have been installed on Region Three

Registered motorists will receive notifications via SMS or email, while physical tickets will be mailed to those without digitalcontactinformation.

initiative is not about revenuegenerationbutabout creating safer roads and promoting behavioural

changeamongdrivers.“This system is designed to make our roads safer, smarter, and more secure for all Guyanese,” said President Dr Mohamed Irfaan Ali,

commitment to using technology to improve traffic management and accountability

A

Department of Public

elease, motorists in Region 3 are urged to observe posted speed limits, pay attention to newly installed radar signs, and drive with increased

caution, particularly in densely populated or hightraffic zones. Drivers can checkwhethertheyhaveany outstanding tickets by visiting the online portal at https://speed.gpf.gov.gy and ensu

information is up Immediate paymentofticketswillavoid anylegalproceedings. Offenders who fail to settle their fines promptly will face legal proceedings. If a motorist does not respond to a court summons issued in relation to an unpaid ticket, a magistrate may issue an arrest warrant for failure to appear A

warrant is a legal order authorising law enforcement to arrest the individual Continued non-compliance after a warrant is issued can result in further legal penalties.

The expansion of the SRIS in Region 3 marks another milestone in the government's push toward technology-driven law enforcement and data-based public-safety initiatives. By combining automation with transparency, the initiative aims to reduce collisions, save lives, and foster a culture of responsibility on Guyana'sroads.

Israeli forces kill two Palestinian teenagers in occupied West Bank

...photojournalist Mahmoud Wadi also perished

(AL-JAZEERA) Israeli forces have killed two Palestinian teenagers in separate incidents in Hebron and Ramallah in the occupiedWestBank.

The Israeli army said 17-yearold Muhannad al-Zughair was shot dead in the Abu Daajan area of Hebron after what it claimed was a ramming attack that injured two soldiers.

Al Jazeera's Nour Odeh, reportingfromRamallah,said,“We do not know whether that attack occurred because no investigation hasbeenlaunched.”

“The teenager was injured and fled towards Hebron. He was later found and killed inside a car The body is now being withheld by Israeli forces in what is now standardoperatingprocedure.”

Meanwhile, in the north of Ramallah,18-year-oldMuhammad Asmarwaskillednearthevillageof Umm Safa. Odeh added that the alleged assailant was “held by soldiersandwasthenshotwhileon the ground and left to bleed for hours”.

In a statement, the Israeli army said it had killed a Palestinian who “hadbeguntostabsoldiersnearthe settlement” According to the Magen David Adom ambulance service, two Israelis were lightly wounded.

Hamas praised what it called a “heroicstabbingoperation”,saying the attack “is a natural response to the crimes of the [Israeli] occupation, and a clear message that its attempts to break the will of our people through military operations, daily killings, arrests,

and field executions will not succeed”.AcrosstheoccupiedWest Bank,Israeliforceshavecontinued to carry out raids. Troops stormed the vicinity of three hospitals in Hebron and demolished two apartments in al-Walaja village, westofBethlehem.

Israeli settlers also attacked Burqa village northwest of Nablus, setting fire to a tractor and attempting to torch a vehicle, while others sprayed graffiti on a home Israeli settlements in the occupied West Bank and East Jerusalem are illegal under internationallaw TheInternational CourtofJusticereaffirmedlastyear that Israel's presence in the occupied Palestinian territory is unlawfulandmustend.

Journalist killed in Gaza dronestrike

Meanwhile, Israel has continued its attacks in Gaza, where an Israeli drone strike in central Khan Younis killed Palestinian photojournalist MahmoudWadi.

TheWafanewsagencyreported that journalist Muhammad Abdel Fattah Aslih was also wounded in thesameattack.

Aslih is the brother of Hassan Aslih, a photographer killed in a drone strike on Nasser Hospital in May

A video posted on Instagram and verified by Al Jazeera shows Wadi's body with a press vest laid ontop,surroundedbymourners.

More than 260 media workers have been killed in Gaza since October 2023, making it the deadliest conflict for journalists on

billows as Israeli forces demolish a house in the occupied West Bank city

record.Israel's war on Gaza has killed at least 70,100 Palestinians and wounded 170,965 since October 2023. A total of 1,139 people were killed in Israel during the October 7 attacks, and about 200weretakencaptive.

Israel has continued to attack Gaza despite a ceasefire, which began on October 10. More than 356Palestinianshavebeenkilledin Israeliattacksduringthatperiod. Healthsystemonthebrink

The Israeli prime minister's office said authorities have received “findings” from Gaza that could be the remains of two captives whose bodies have not yet

beenreturned.

Theofficesaidthematerialwas transferred via the Red Cross and would be received in a military ceremony before being taken to Israel'sforensicmedicinecentrefor identification.

Hamas had agreed to return the bodies of captives as part of the ceasefire agreement, but has said that widespread destruction across Gaza has made recovery efforts difficult.

Meanwhile, healthcareworkers in Gaza say they face critical shortages of medicines and equipment. The UN has described thesituationas“catastrophic”.

Man accused of stealing over $3M in fabrics granted

A 24-year-old canter driver, on Tuesday, was granted $800,000 bail when he appeared at the Georgetown Magistrates' Court on allegations of stealing more than $3 million in textile andconstructionfabrics.

Condell Padmore, of Lot 106 New Housing Scheme, Sparendaam, East Coast Demerara, is accused of committing two counts of simple larceny on November 26 and 28 on the East Bank of Demerara. The alleged victims are Shaheed Persaud and Gavin Jeffery.

Padmore appeared before acting Chief Magistrate, Faith McGusty, who readthechargestohim.Thecourtheard thatonNovember26,Padmorestoleten rolls of construction fabric valued at $1.5 million from Persaud at Plantation Road,EastBankDemerara.Thesecond charge alleges that on November 28, he stole a quantity of textile fabric worth $1.4 million from Jeffery at Houston, EBD. He pleaded not guilty to both charges.

Padmore's attorney, Melvin Duke, sought bail, arguing that his client was simply carrying out instructions related to his job. Duke told the court that Padmore received a call from someone he worked with, instructing him to pick up the materials and transport them to variouslocations.

The attorney maintained his client's innocence, noting that Padmore had no knowledge that he was stealing the items.

Duke acknowledged that Padmore had previously been charged with similar offences but emphasised that he “walked free with no pending matters,” addingthathisclientisnotaflightrisk.

However, the prosecution objected tobail,pointingoutthatPadmoreis“no strangertothelaw.”

Theprosecutorindicatedthathehad prior charges, including robbery, although they could not confirm whether he had been convicted in those cases.

The court was also informed that

bail

investigators have video footage showingPadmorecommittingthecrime on one of the occasions and that one of the victims confirmed he never gave anyonepermissiontoremovetheitems. Prosecution added that none of the stolenmaterialshavebeenrecovered.

Giventheopportunitytoaddressthe court, Padmore insisted that he was instructed by his employer to collect anddelivertheitems.

He claimed he was told to take one set of materials to an area “north-east, close to Cemetery Road,” and the other to a location “east,” claiming that he is u

Georgetown. He also claimed that after his arrest, he showed the police where theitemshadbeendelivered.

After considering the arguments, Magistrate McGusty granted Padmore $400,000 bail on each charge and ordered him to report to the Agricola Police Station every third Friday of the month. The matter was adjourned to January14forfurtherproceedings.

Forde

Less than half of Gaza's hospitals,andjustoverathirdofits clinics, are functioning at minimal capacity

Al-Ahli Hospital is treating morethanthreetimesthepatientsit wasbuiltfor,whileal-Shifa,Nasser and al-Rantisi hospitals are also overwhelmed. More than half of essential medicines and two-thirds ofmedicalsuppliesareoutofstock, theUNhassaid.

Monitoring groups say Israeli forces have killed about 1,000 healthcare workers since the war began. At least 25 medical staff from Gaza are being held in Israeli prisonswithoutcharge.

TelesForde,22ofSt.IgnatiusVillage,CentralRupununi, onTuesday,wasjailedforsixmonthsonachargeofassault. HeappearedattheLethemMagistrate'sCourtbeforeHis WorshipMagistrateOmadattChandan. He was charged with Assault Causing Actual Bodily Harm,contrarytoSection30(a)oftheSummaryJurisdiction (Offences)Act, Chapter 8:02. The defendant pleaded Guilty andwassentencedtosixmonths'imprisonment. Rupununi man jailed for assault

Smoke

of Nablus on Tuesday. [Jaafar Ashtiyeh/ AFP]

Teles

Millington (5-10 /21*) gives

Berbice 4-wicket win over Demerara

Tuesday's round in the GCB Senior Women's 50O v e r I n t e r - c o u n t y tournament featured big wins for Berbice and Essequibo thanks to some brilliantall-roundworkbya few of their in-form performersthisseason. BerbicebeatDemeraraby 4wickets

At LBI, Demerara were restricted from going past their final score of 72, thanks to brilliant work from Plaffianna Millington, who followed up a good game with a much better performance in both departments.

From page 32

g exhibition.

O n l y T i l l e y a Madramatoo (18) got going ormanagedtoreachdoubledigits following the assault with the ball led by Millington.

However, Demerara would find a way out of the hole which their batters dug them into, but only for a brief passage of the chase after leaving the Berbicians reeling at 8-4 following 3 oversofplay

Demerara captain

Kaysia Schultz ripped the Berbicians apart with figures of 6-30, her second 5 - w i c k e t h a u l t h

The seasoned spinner bagged 5-10 from 9 overs, while Devani Rickram supported with 2-0 to help c o m p l

i c h almost single-handedly won thegameforherteam. Her efforts were negated thanks to the resistance formed by the pair of veteran

Sheneta Grimmond, who punched 3

Wednesday December 03, 2025

ARIES(Mar.21–Apr.19

A group encounter, perhaps spiritual or metaphysical, could take place at your home tonight This group will probably manage to do whateveritaspirestodo.

TAURUS (Apr. 20–May 20)

Group activities concerning spiritual, metaphysical, or humanitarian interests could take place in your area today You'll meet some new friends.

GEMINI (May 21–June 20)

New business contacts could bringthepossibilityofpursuing a new career in the psychic, spiritual, or healing arts, or perhaps in painting, writing, oranotherofthefinearts.

CANCER (June 21–July 22)

Spiritual matters come to the forefront today You'll want to throw yourself into the study of a spiritual or metaphysical discipline that appealstoyouthemost.

LEO(July23–Aug.22)

You're a spiritually inclined person, but today your mind is on other planes. Insights and revelations could come thick and fast, and you might wanttoexpressthemthrough art.

VIRGO (Aug. 23–Sept. 22)

Other people take on special importance today. Romance is very much on your mind, whether in friendships, business partnerships, or relationships of all kinds.

LIBRA(Sept.23–Oct.22)

Today you might try to secure the perfect job, possibly in an artistic field or one connected with the healingarts.

SCORPIO (Oct. 23–Nov. 21)

A new or existing romance could take on a spiritual aspect that creates a strongerbondbetweenyou.

SAGIT(Nov.22–Dec.21)

Dreams and meditation could bring up deep-seated emotions from the past that have been blocking your growth without your realizingit.

CAPRI(Dec.22–Jan.19)

If you aren't romantically involved, don't be surprised if romance comes your way today, perhaps in your neighborhood. Even if you are involved, you'll make a newfriend.

AQUARIUS (Jan. 20–Feb. 18)

Yourvaluesystemmaytake on new spiritual and idealistic aspects today Mundane affairs could assume new meaning for you.

PISCES (Feb. 19–Mar. 20)

Other people are important to you. Today your relationships could take on even more significance than usual. You could meet some interesting people, and if you're not involved, you might even fallinlove.

fours as she raced to 24 off just 20 balls While Millingtonreturnedplayeda winning hand, as she showed her class by scoring watchful yet gritty 21 from 40 balls with three fours, as Berbice recovered to end on 73-6inthe18thover Essequibo beat Hinterland Women by 8 wickets Over at Lusignan, the Hinterland Women were mowed down for a paltry 50 all out in 22.5 overs with t o p - s c o r e r K e l s e y Couchman had 10 runs with a solitary 4, barely getting into double figures after scoring the only boundary forherteam'sinnings. Essequibo pounced on their inexperienced prey, as Kumarie Persaud (4-14) and

Annai Sec' roars into KFC Int'l ... - Essequibo dismantle Hinterland Women by 8-wickets

skipper Kaysia Schultz had another phenomenal bowling outing with 6 wickets despite her team's loss.

t h e in-form Tramaine Marks (3-14), leading a dominant display with the ball. The Cinderella County ladies were then gifted 15 Extras courtesy of the Hinterland's inexperienced bowling attack, eventually ending on 51-2 after 11.1 overs.

OpenerPersaudreturned with the bat to lead with 17 off 19 (2x4), as Laurene Williams (7*) and Navika Narine (9*) applied the finishing touches for the Essequibians. Only Tifeny LaRose (1-23) and Feona Benjamin (1-14) who lookedsolidinthelastgame, managed to make inroads during the Hinterland Women'sbowlinginnings.

The finals are set for Thursday December 4 (Clifton Ross)

League clubs and standout Regional Member Association (RMA) teams. The competition will feature a split, round-robin group phase that determines which eight lower-seeded teams advance to the quarterfinals.The top four finishers from the recently concluded EliteLeagueSeason7havebeen automatically seeded into the quarter-final stage, bypassing the early rounds. These Elite League giants were placed in separate groups to anchor the draw:Group A: Slingerz Football Club (Elite League Champions)

GroupB:WesternTigersFC

Group C: Guyana Police Force FC

Group D: Guyana Defence ForceFC

The remaining 12 clubs, featuring the 5th to 9th placed EliteLeaguefinishersandseven RMA squads, were drawn into three-team groups to battle for a spot against the seeded heavyweights.

Elite League Clubs (5th–9th) in

GroupPhase:

MonedderlustFC(GroupA)

DenAmstel(GroupB)

SantosFC(GroupC)

Ann'sGrove(GroupD)

FrutaConquerorsFC(GroupC)

Regional Member Association Teams:

GroupA:StrikersFC(Rupununi FA), Buxton Stars (East Coast FA)

Group B: Beacon FC (Georgetown FA), Zeelugt Defenders FC (West Demerara FA)

Group C: Camptown FC (GeorgetownFA)

G r o u p D : M a h a i c a Determinators (East Coast FA), Uitvlugt Warriors FC (West DemeraraFA)

The winners of these initial four groups will advance to the tournament semi-finals, set alongpredeterminedpaths,with Group A winner facing the Group C winner, while the Group B winner meets the Group D winner.According to the GFF, $2M awaits the champions, $1M for the runners-up, $750,000 for third place, and G$500,000 for fourth.

From page 30 matchup needing a statement, what they delivered was a warningtoeveryschoolthey'll meet in the Petra International Goodwill Series: they're arriving in top form and hungry for more From December 14-21, the Ministry of Education ground will be the battle field for the eight S e c o n d a r y S c h o o l ' s champions, as they seek to claim KFC Goodwill supremacy

Demerara

Berbice senior player

Plaffianna Millington (red) snared five wickets and scored an unbeaten 21.

Essequibo's Kumarie Persaud receiving her player of the match trophy from Cricket Operations Assistant Pooja Persaud.

West Indies quicks make merry but Williamson, Bracewell ensure even day

ESPNcricinfo - Michael Bracewell and Nathan Smith's 52-run stand for the seventh wicket ensured New Zealand ended the rainaffected opening day on an even keel. In seam-friendly conditions at the Hagley Oval, Kane Williamson had set the platform with a halfcenturybutoncehefell,New Zealand collapsed to 148 for 6. They looked in danger of being bowled out under 200 before the lower order steered them to 231 for 9 at stumps. After winning the toss,

West Indies captain Roston Chase had no hesitation in opting to bowl first. Apart from the overcast conditions andagreenpitch,Chasealso pointed to the venue's history Of the 15 Tests played here, including the current one, only once has a

team opted to bat after winning the toss, South Africain2022.

Kemar Roach, playing his first Test since January 2025,tookonlythreeballsto prove his captain right Bowling around the wicket, he pitched one up in the

channel Devon Conway hung his bat out, got a healthy outside edge, and Justin Greaves did the rest at secondslip.

But rain arrived after just 3.3 overs and halted play for 90 minutes. Another shower towards the end of the first session meant only 10 3 overs were possible before an early lunch was taken. New Zealand scored only 17 inthatperiod.

Williamson upped the scoring rate after lunch, hittingJohannLaynefortwo fours in three balls.While he wasnotalwaysincontrol,he played late and defended with soft hands, like he always does. That helped

Soonafter,JaydenSeales castled Rachin Ravindra with a full delivery from around the wicket Will Young made only 14 before Layne had him caught at second slip, leaving New Zealand 120 for 5. It was Layne's maiden Test wicket. Shields followed suit when Tom Blundell inside-edged oneontohisstumps.

Bracewell and Smith thengottogetherandrevived the innings. Bracewell was the aggressor in their stand, while Smith defended well. Chase eventually broke the stand when Smith flicked one uppishly to short midwicket.

Kane Williamson blocks a full delivery (MB Media/Getty Images)

him survive and also score runsonadifficultpitch.

Debutant Ojay Shields had a forgettable start. His first ball in Test cricket was short and wide and a frontfoot no-ball. Tom Latham, who was on 2 off 47 until then, cut it away for four. In hisnextover,Shieldsbowled Williamson through the gate but had once again overstepped.

That showed there was still help from the pitch but Layne and Shields were not disciplined enough to take advantage of it. But Greaves was In his back-to-back o v e r s , h e r e m o v e d Williamson and Latham Williamson was squared up and caught at second slip; L a t h a m n i c k e d a n overpitched delivery to the wicketkeeper

Bracewell realised there wasnotmuchbattingleftand started taking more risks. The strategy didn't work for long, though. On 47, he miscued a pull to give Shields his second wicket. Matt Henry also fell to the short ball, caught off Roach for 8. Two balls later, Roach hit Jacob Duffy on the helmetwithanotherbouncer As the physio came out for a concussion test, the umpires realised it had gotten too darktocontinue.

Asaresult,only70overs were possible in the day's play In those 70 overs, West Indies gave away 23 extras, which could prove to be decisiveintheseconditions.

Scores: New Zealand 231 for 9 (Williamson 52, Bracewell 47, Shields 2-34, Greaves 2-35) vs West Indies.

Jayden Seales castled Rachin Ravindra. (Getty Images)

Anand Persaud claims overall title at Romel Golf Tournament & BBQ

The Lusignan Golf Club came alive last Sunday as golfers competed in the Romel Golf Tournament & BBQ, an event that combined

growing support for the sport inGuyana.

Grove FC secured a commanding 3-0 victory over Buxton United FC.

JaipaulSuknanand

Most Honest Player –PhillipsHaynes

Best Dressed – Robin Tiwari

Delivering a strong and consistent performance, Anand Persaud secured the Overall Best Net title with a net score of 31, while Vishal Dhani took home the Overall BestGrossawardwithagross scoreof36.

Players were recognized acrossallflightsasfollows:

2nd – Chandra Lakhraj –Gross37|H/C4|Net33

The tournament was generously sponsored by Romel Bagwandin, who has been actively supporting the sport and encouraging the development of new and seasoned players alike During the awards

Anand Persaud was the overall winner.

remony, Bagwandin applauded the standard of play and the progress being madeattheclub.

“As golf continues to growinGuyana,Iamproudto contribute to an event that brings people together and strengthens our sporting community,” Bagwandin said “The Lusignan Golf Club has made tremendous strides in developing new talent, and I encourage corporate Guyana to join in supporting this growth Together, we can elevate the sport and provide even more opportunitiesforplayersofall ages.”

AcelebratoryBBQclosed out the day's activities, reinforcing camaraderie a m o n g g o l f e r s a n d supporters.

The Lusignan Golf Club extends sincere appreciation to Romel Bagwandin for his sponsorship and continued confidence in the game's future The Club looks forward to hosting more exciting tournaments as it works to expand awareness and participation in golf nationwide.

Ann's

The winners row displays their prizes.

Annai Sec' roars into KFC Int'l Goodwill Series with dominant home win

Annai Secondary lit up the Annai Community Centre ground on Saturday, November 29, delivering a commanding 4–0 victory over St Ignatius Secondary to punch their ticket to the Caribbean's premier youth football showcase—the KFC International Goodwill Football Series. It was a ruthless turnaround from the

pair's anticlimactic 2–2 draw just a week earlierinStIgnatius'backyard.Thistime, on home turf, Annai dialed up the intensityandneverlettheirrivalsbreathe.

Darius Wilson ignited the onslaught, netting a sharp brace in the 27th and 35th minutes to put Annai firmly in control.

Three minutes after Wilson's second, Joshua Glasgow added his name to the

scoresheet with a tidy 30th-minute finish thatsentthehomecrowdintoafrenzy

St Ignatius, chasing the game from early, couldn't keep up with Annai's pace and pressure Any hopes of a late comebackwereburiedinthe85thminute, when Santino Seorosentono sealed the resultwithacoolsecondhalfstrike.

With a win and a draw across the twoleg Region Nine playoff, Annai Secondary now advances to join the Republic Bank Under-18 Schools League champions and runners-up in the prestigious regional Football tournament. Annai came into the (Continued on page 27)

Annai's shooters Darius Wilson, Joshua Glasgow, and Santino Seorosentono.

GBTI pledges 1.5M to Petra's KFC Int'l Goodwill Football Series

TheGuyanaBankforTradeand Industry (GBTI) has strengthened its partnership with local youth football development, announcing a $1 5 million sponsorship in supportofthePetraOrganisationas they prepare to host the muchanticipated KFC International Goodwill Football Series, scheduled for December 14–21 at theMinistryofEducationGround.

This year's tournament will bring together eight top secondary school teams from across the region, including champions from Jamaica, Trinidad and Tobago, Suriname, Brazil, The Bahamas, and host nation Guyana. With the local Under-18 league wrapped up, Guyana has confirmed its three representatives: Chase's Academic Foundation, defending champions and 2025 RBL League champions, West Ruimveldt Secondary, RBL tournament runner-up and Annai Secondary, the Region Nine champions will be representing Guyanaatthisyear'schampions.

They will compete against Kingston College (Jamaica), St Benedict's College (Trinidad and Tobago), State School Monteiro Lobato (Brazil), the Anglican Central Education Authority (The Bahamas), and Suriname's secondary school champions (TBD).

During a simple handing-over ceremony, GBTI reaffirmed its c o m m i t m e n t t o y o u t h development, offering financial support to help offset logistical and accommodation expenses for the visiting teams. Petra Co-Director Troy Mendonca welcomed the partnership, noting that GBTI's investment goes far beyond the monetarycontribution.

“Today, as we move toward the 6th Annual KFC International GoodwillFootballTournament,we are pleased to welcome GBTI as one of our key sponsors,” Mendonca said. “This contribution is more than support for logistics—itisaninvestmentinour young athletes. Over the years,

Petra Organsation seals sponsorship from the GBTI. Sharing the moment were (L-R) Troy Peters Petra rep. Troy Mendonca Co-Director of Petra Org., Pernell Cummings GBTI Marketing Manager and CEO Shawn Gurcharran.

we've watched many of these players graduate from this tournament and transition into seniorfootball.”

Mendonca also highlighted the competitive balance of the

powerhouses such as Kingston College and St Benedict's College,

while celebrating the success of local teams. “Last year, we saw Chase's Academic Foundation lift the title, which speaks volumes aboutthegrowthofourprogramme and the quality of Guyanese youth football.”

GBTI's Senior Marketing Manager, Pernell Cummings, expressedprideinthebank'srolein

advancing sports and education in Guyana.

“GBTIisproudtobepartofthis initiative,” Cummings said. “We believe strongly in investment, not just in sports, but in the people of Guyana Congratulations to Chase's Academic Foundation on their recent league victory Our contribution is part of paying it forward to help these young athletes continue progressing into seniorfootball.”

He praised the Petra

Organisation for its consistent leadershipinfootballdevelopment, noting, “The Petra Organisation has long been a model football body in this country, and we are delighted to support your work and the growth of sports and education nationwide.”

The 2024 International Goodwill Football Series promises a high-level display of regional school football talent as teams battle for Caribbean supremacy whenactionkicksoffonDecember 14.

GFF Super-16 Cup begins Saturday

…tournament fixtures to be released tomorrow

The countdown to the year-end football spectacle is officially on, as the Guyana Football Federation (GFF) confirmed the draws for the eagerly anticipated Super-16 Cup, unveilingastructuredandstrategic format that promises intense competition at the National Training Centre (NTC) in Providence.

The tournament kicks off this

Saturday, December 6, with every match slated for the NTC, culminating on New Year's Day (January1)withthegrandfinale.

Opening weekend fixtures are expected to be released on tomorrow

According to the GFF, this year's Super-16 Cup brings together the nation's premier Elite (Continued on page 27)

GFF Elite League Champions,

will be hunting their second Year-End football title.

Slingerz FC,

French Guiana delegation arrives today for Inter Guiana Games

The French Guiana delegation issettoarriveinGeorgetowntoday as anticipation builds for the 2025 Inter Guiana Games (IGG), scheduledforDecember5–7.

They will join host nation Guyana and n

hbouring Suriname for one of the region's longest-running youth sports exchanges.

Over 130 student-athletes, ages 14 to 18, will compete in basketball,futsal,chess,volleyball, swimming, and track and field. With the exception of futsal, all disciplines will feature both male andfemaleathletes.

Director of Sport, Steve Ninvalle, said Guyana is fully prepared to welcome the visiting delegations, noting that all competit

undergone recent use through nationalandregionalevents.

“the IGG is a great learning experience for the children participating The whole experience is a learning process for them, and for us, that is very important.”

As the final preparations wrap up, Ninvalle reaffirmed Guyana's readiness to deliver a high-quality event.

The Director of Sport noted, “I'm happy that we can stage this year's IGG at a very high level. Everyone is pleased with what we have to offer, and now it's time to focus on having a competitive Games.”

Futsal and basketball will take centre stage at the Cliff Anderson Sports Hall, while the National Gymnasiumwillhostvolleyball.

“We're happy that our venues are all in competition shape,” Ninvalle stated “Guyana has hostedseveralmajoreventsatthese facilities, so we're confident that everythingisinplace.”

Swimmingeventsareslatedfor the National Aquatic Centre, with athleticsscheduledfortheNational Track and Field Centre, which will also host the Opening Ceremony at 9:30 am on December 5

Meanwhile, the National Racquet

battlegroundforchess.

Ninvalle emphasised that the IGG provides more than just athletic competition, adding that

Ninvalle pointed out that the National Sports Commission (NSC) has been working closely with local sport federations to ensure Guyanese athletes are wellpreparedtodefendhomesoil.

First held in 1967, the Inter G

a cornerstone of youth development and cooperation among Guyana, Suriname,andFrenchGuiana.

Former National basketball Coach Bernard Daniels has died

Barbados with Lugard Mohan as theteam'scaptain.

Daniels was coach of Globetrotters Basketball team and was instrumental in the development of players like Dr Lancelot Loncke and Remmington Ram.

The late Coach migrated to the US and returned to Guyana last year after spending over 25 years there. Walker tells that, Daniels was the brother-in-law of former Guyana captain and Caricom allstarcentreHewleyHarry.

The 2000 National Basketball team that the late Bernard Daniels coached to the bronze medal at the

Ram (Globetrotters), Lorenzo Withrite (Colts), Steven Nurse (DC Jammers), Dexter Martin (DC Jammers), Darren Ainsworth (DC Jammers), Sherwin Devonish (DC Jammers), Andrew Ifill (Colts –deceased), Deryck Boyd (DC Jammers – deceased) and Steve Neilsjr (Kings).

Coach Bernard Daniels was assisted by Robert Cadogan AssistantCoach.

Walker notes that DC Jammers' Wayne Bristol was originally selected but was replaced by Steve Neilsjr.inthatteam. Condolences is extended to his family and friends.

OmariGlasgowfeaturesas'guestplayer' forSlingerzFCinSuper-16

Guyana's all-time leading goalscorer, Omari Glasgow, will spearhead Slingerz FC's starstudded squad as a guest player for the GFF Year-End Super-16 Tournament, which kicks off on December 6 and concludes on January1.

Glasgow, who has netted 23 goals in 35 international appearances, recently added to his tally in Guyana's friendly matches against Bonaire and Antigua & Barbuda.

His inclusion marks a major boost for the GFF Elite League Champions as they prepare for the knockoutcompetition.

According to Slingerz FC Head Coach Jamaal Shabazz, the 22year-old forward received full approval from his Major League Soccer (MLS) club, Chicago Fire, tofeatureinthetournament.

Itwillbethefirsttimelocalfans witness Glasgow in domestic action since his departure from Western Tigers to the MLS, where he initially featured with the club's NextPro side before permanently joiningthefirstteam.

Slingerz FC will also be bolstered by two international additions, Jamaican winger Carden Benbow and St Lucian forward JevicMacFarlane.

Shabazz noted that Benbow, a former Reggae Boyz attacker, was brought in to fill a tactical void within the team. The 30-year-old hasrepresentedJamaicaattheU15, U17, and senior levels, and brings professional experience from the USL,aswellasstandoutstintswith MountPleasantandWaterhouseFC intheJamaicanPremierLeague.

Meanwhile, Mac Farlane, a

Omari Glasgow training with Slingerz FC at the GFF's National Training Centre, Providence, ahead of the Super-16 tournament. (Slingerz FC photo)

Tournament

As one of the top four finishers in this year's GFF Elite League, Slingerz FC earned an automatic bye to the Quarter-Finals, along with the Guyana Defence Force, Guyana Police Force, and Western Tigers.

Omari Glasgow

member of St Lucia's senior national team and a native ofVieux Fort, adds further firepower to SlingerzFC'sfrontline.Hisrésumé includes spells with Portmore United in Jamaica and Morvant Caledonia United in the Trinidad andTobagoProLeague.

Shabazz, assessing the competitive landscape, added, “I see in Guyana's football, we have four and a half Elite teams (Slingerz, Western Tigers, Police, and GDF FC) and I expect these fourteamswillmeetintheend.But youknowfootball.Attheendofthe day, we're very serious in our approach and we want to guard againstcomplacency.”

Slingerz FC will meet the winner of the matchup involving Buxton Stars, Monedderlust, and Potaro in the Quarter-Finals, as the club begins its charge toward the covetedSuper-16title.

Lugard

Officials from Guyana, French Guiana and Suriname met ahead of the IGG.

The late Bernard Daniels and Statistician Charwayne Walker at the recently concluded Caribbean Women's Basketball Championship at the Cliff Anderson Sports Hall.

Annai Secondary (in photo) will join Chase's Academic Foundation and West Ruimveldt Secondary in the upcoming

KFC International Goodwill Football Series featuring schools from Brazil, Trinidad, Jamaica, Suriname and The Bahamas.

Ojay Shields celebrates his maiden Test wicket. (AFP/Getty Images)