Kaieteur News

An artist's impression of the Parika International Port Facility in Region Three.

Worksbeginon$4.3billion

ParikaPorttoboosttrade,tourism

DPI- Works on the first phase of the International Parika Port are progressing smoothly and will be heighted in the coming weeks as the project advances.

The $4 5 billion port facility will facilitate internationaltravelforcruise liners or cargo ships transporting produce to the Caribbean, and for persons seekingluxurytravel.

Importantly,thenewport will help modernise the Guyana'sexportprocessand significantly boost regional trade.

Minister of Public Works, Juan Edghill, recently led an inspection alongside the General Manager of the Transport and Harbours Department (T&HD) Yolanda Hughes, andengineersoverseeingthe

project to get a first-hand viewofimpendingworks.

He said that although works have begun on a minimal scale, it is time to increasethepace.

Man

Onethingthatwillnotbe tolerated, he emphasised, is theclosureofsectionsofthe wharf without active work takingplace.

“From the time that it is closed off, works have to be continuous. So, my instructions to the engineers are that the contractor is not to start until he has

(Continuedonpage39)

arrestedforpossessionof 1,182gramsofweedatBamboo

Landing

The cannabis

A29-year-oldmanwasarrestedon Friday after he was found with 1,182 grams of cannabis in his haversack at Bamboo Landing, North West District,RegionOne.

Police in a press release said that the cannabis was discovered during a police operationatthelocation.Ranksreportedthat the man was “acting in a suspicious manner

whilecarryingahaversack.”

Asearch was conducted during which a quantity of leaves, seeds, and stems suspectedtobecannabiswasfound.

“The suspect was arrested and taken to the Matthew's Ridge Police Station, where the suspected narcotics were weighed in his presence...Thesuspectremainsincustodyas investigationscontinue,”policesaid.

found in the man's haversack

Minister of Public Works, Bishop Juan Edghill viewing the boats parked at the Parika Stelling

Exxon provides ‘EMPTY’ answers to K/News questions

By DavinaBagot

“We’re sorry folks, we are out of time. Please feel free to send any additional questions you may have to ouremail.”

This has become a familiarlinetoreporterswho attend “press conferences” hosted by Guyana’s energy partner, ExxonMobil The company is responsible for the extraction of over 11 billionbarrelsofoilthatwas discovered in the Stabroek Block As the country’s partner in development, as the company usually refers to itself, one would expect openness to the public,

especially as it continues to face significant backlash for the lopsided oil contract it signed with the former Coalition government in 2016. Press conferences by the company have, however, become a mere routine process,afarce,assomemay even call it, as reporters are often sent away with vague or unanswered questions, although in some instances questions are submitted aheadoftheevent.

At its most recent media engagement on October 13, 2025 at Ogle, East Coast Demerara, the normal procedure took its course.

The media was welcomed, updates were shared and questions were later invited. The entire process, hosted every quarter, lasts only for abouttwohours;whilesome believe this period is merely sufficient for company updates on the massive development taking place offshore Afterall, the country deserves to be kept informedontheextractionof itsresources.

In light of the limited timeallottedtothequestion-

encouraged to send their remaining questions to the company. Kaieteur News

Lethem bus driver arrested after suspected mercury found in vehicle

Two of the cylinders police believe contain mercury

Police on Friday arrested the driver of a minibus at Corkwood Police Check Point, North Rupununi, Region

Nineforpossessionofwhattheybelievetobemercury

Inastatementtothemedia,theGuyanaPoliceForcesaid that the 47-year-old bus driver ofWindmill Road, Lethem, Central Rupununi was stopped during a routine stop-andsearchexercisewhenthediscoverywasmade.Atthetime, therewerefourpassengersonboard.

During the search a quantity of suspected mercury was discoveredconcealedinsidetwosolarbatteries.

“Whilenothingillegalwasfoundontheoccupantsorin theirluggage,asearchofthevehiclerevealedtwoblackand green solar batteries in the trunk area Upon closer examination, four grey cylinders suspected to contain mercurywerefoundconcealedinsidethebatteries,”police said. The suspected mercury and the vehicle have been lodgedasexhibits.Investigationsareongoing.

Meanwhile, the GPF is reminding that mercury is “a highlytoxicsubstanceanditspossession,transportoruseis restrictedunderGuyana’senvironmentalandmininglaws.”

“Unauthorizedhandlingofmercuryposesserioushealth and environmental risks The Guyana Police Force continues to work with relevant agencies to prevent the illegalmovementanduseofhazardousmaterialsacrossthe country,”thestatementsaid.

decided to finally take advantageoftheopportunity and promptly sent five questions to the company after the event closed. What it received were vague answers and not a single direct response to any of its queries.

Itisimportanttonotethat themediaplaysacrucialrole in ensuring citizens are kept informedbyholdingnotonly national lead

rs, but corporate giants, such as Exxon to account By

companiessuchasExxonare effectively communicating its lack of respect for the Guyanese people, and lack of accountability for the resources they are expected tomanage.Seebelowforthe ques

ions sent to the company and the responses subsequently provided KaieteurNewswillreporton these issues exclusively this week.

1. How much has been spent on the Ogle HQ to date?

“Weareintheprocessof finalizing the spend as we closeout the project, but the final number will not be available until early next year However, we expect that the final cost will be consistent with what we budgetedandcommunicated tothegovernment.”

2. How much has the company contributed as a majorsponsorofCPL,and could you shed some light on whether those are recoverable?

“Please note that any funds spent on our sponsorship of the Guyana Amazon Warriors—and by

President of ExxonMobil Guyana Limited, Alistair Routledge responding to questions at the company’s recent company’ press conference.

extension, CPL are not cost recoverable. This also applies to all sponsorships and community relations initiatives: none are eligible forcostrecovery.”

3. What percentage of Exxon’s total expenditure isspentlocally?

“In the first half of 2025 alone, GY$87 billion was spent directly with 1,800 local vendors, reinforcing the company’s dedication to local content development

through significant investments in local businesses, workforce training, and communitydevelopmentinitiatives.”

4 What is it costing Exxon to maintain the GTE pipeline monthly until the gas plants come online and could you kindly disaggregate the figure to indicate what specifically the funds are spenton?

“ExxonMobil Guyana is responsible for covering the costs associated with monitoring, preserving, providing surveillance, and

maintaining the pipeline until the integrated power plantisreadyforstartup.We are actively collaborating with the Government to support the commissioning of the joint pipeline and powerplantfacilities.”

5. Guyana is struggling with a chronic US dollar

barrels daily Currently, EMhastherighttokeepall of its earnings from Guyana outside of the country In the spirit of genuine partnership is Exxon willing to return and maintain a small fraction of its US dollar income from Guyana in Guyana?

“ExxonMobil Guyana m a k e s s u b s t a n

o

he Guyanese economy Our investments in Guyana will likelyexceedUSD60billion and have already led to the governmentreceivingUS$8 billionofcombinedprofitoil and royalties since productionbeganin2019.”

KaieteurNews

PrintedandPublishedbyNationalMedia& PublishingCompanyLtd. 24SaffonStreet, Charlestown,Georgetown,Guyana.

Publisher:GLENNLALL-Tel:624-6456

Editor-in-Chief:NigelWilliams

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

EDITORIAL

Oilproduction,localcondition

From the side of oil, the news is mostly exciting and hope-inducing. From painful reality, a large fraction of Guyana's population is forced to gritty endurance. Life isn'tabedofroses,farfromthekindofexistencethatevery Guyanese should now enjoy, as a matter of the birthright due.

In 2024, oil production topped out at 225.4M barrels. Anycountrythatproducesaquarterbillionbarrelsofoilin acalendaryearshouldbeaplacewhereallofitscitizensare doing well, share in a quality existence. When a country hasbeenproducingoilforoverfiveyearsinthevicinityof thatlevel,theneveryGuyaneseshouldalreadyknowwhat itistoliveatastandardthattheyhaveneverknownbefore. This is notwithstanding the paltry 2% royalty rate and suspecthalfandhalfprofit-sharingarrangementenshrined inthe2016ExxonMobiloilcontract. SomeGuyaneseare livinghigh,thoseinthecabalsoffamilyandfriendsofthe ruling PPPC Government and, who taken in aggregate, total less than one percent of Guyana's population. From thatsmallsegmentofextraordinarilyfortunateGuyanese, thereisthesuperrich. Rightbelowthemstandsthemerely regular rich, and from there on down, there is that other segment of Guyanese. They are those who have so little that they have almost nothing, and this in an oil-rich countrythatproduced225.4Mbarrelsofoilin2024,when oilpriceswereattherelativelyhighaverageofUS$80.7per barrel. Ifpoorandhard-hitGuyanesecan'tmakeendsmeet when such are the circumstances of oil, then when can they?

Inthis2025,overthree-quartersover,Guyanaispoised toexceedtotal2024productionwithapproximately246M barrelsestimatedgoingintotankers. Whenthereisa10% increase in the production of any commodity that is in demand, and still at a relatively high price, the people of thatcountryshoulddowell. HowmanyGuyanesecansay intruth,andwithconviction,thattheyareoutofthepoverty hole,orthattheynolongersitonthepovertyline? While there is considerable interest in a cash grant before the holidays,thereisthatcloudintheskythatgivesoffstrong warnings that oil prices could continue to go down. The projection for earnings in 2025 is US$2.2B for profit oil andUS$340.6Mforroyalties,whichisjustunderUS$60M lower than the US$2.6B total earned in 2024. What does thismeanforGuyanesewhodon'thaveenoughtoeat,who finditdifficulttomeettheirmonthlybills,andwholiveina constant state of anxieties when they think of their basic needs and their obligations? It means more struggle and hardship,despitetheoilrealitiesthattheylivewith. Though there is likely to be more production, there is the negative of lower oil prices, which should mean less earnings for Guyana, certain factors considered. This is dependent on the level of increased oil production in Guyana,thecompetingforcesintheworldmarketthrough moreoilsupplies,andtheimpactonoilprices. Wedonot think that the prospects are that inspiring for Guyanese foreverstuckonthelowerhalfofthelocaleconomicladder

During the elections' campaigns, many captivating promises were made by all the political parties. There is onlyonethatisleftstanding,onlyonethatisinapositionto deliveronthepromisesmade. ThePPPCGovernmenthas promised more money for a wide array of Guyanese, ranging from pensioners to school children to transportationtosocialservices,amongotherareas. Atthe same time, more infrastructural works have also been mentioned, which it must be said is where collusion and corruption flourish. If oil prices drop another 10%, and with increased spending promised on human infrastructure, then something will have to give, unless morebillionswillbeborrowed. WebelievethatthePPPC Governmentwillkeepsomeofitscampaignpromises,but how many of them remains to be seen. The concern, the irony,thatremainsisthatconditionofpoorGuyanesewill remain largely unchanged, while Guyana is producing so muchoil.

Kaieteur M@ilbox

Independence of the Judiciary

DearEditor, The forced departure of Ms. Yonette CummingsEdwards, Chancellor of the Judiciary (ag), on early retirement, represents a

judiciary in Guyana. It is

Guyanese to rise above partisanship and condemn the actions of the PPP government in driving Ms. Cummings-Edwards from office. ItisclearthatthePPP never forgave her for her decisioninthenoconfidence

case. Consequent to Ms. Cummings-Edwards' return from leave, Justices George and Singh should have reverted to their previous positions. It is alleged that Justice Singh was unwilling to do so, and a crisis was triggered. Thiscrisisshould havebeenswiftlybroughtto anendwiththerevocationof JusticeSingh'sappointment. Instead, the government applauded his apparent disrespect by forcing the

premature retirement. It is

my considered opinion that the actions of Justice Singh were premeditated and part of a wider conspiracy to remove the Chancellor (ag). I take this opportunity to condemn the actions of both the PPP government and JusticeSingh.

Justice Singh has had a chequeredhistoryinandout ofthecourtroom. Infact,he was once the subject of privatecriminalchargesfora road rage incident. The allegations in those charges were similar to other road rage incidents involving

Justice Singh, including one where I was forced to intervene. JusticeSinghwas also once accused of intimidating the Deputy Principal of Queen's College. Last, the Appeal Court has had cause to reduce,onseveraloccasions, excessivesentencesimposed by Justice Singh. I believe thatJusticeSinghwasnotfit for elevation to the office of Chief Justice (ag). The reports about his refusal to vacate the office of Chief Justiceonthereturnof

(Continuedonpage5)

Judicial independence on trial

Dear Editor,

The recent chain of events within Guyana's judiciary has sent shockwaves through the nation and raised profound concernsaboutthehealthof our constitutional democracy

The abrupt and unexplained exit of the Chancellor of the Judiciary (ag) a figurehead of impartiality and legal continuity — must not be viewed in isolation, but rather as part of a troubling pattern that suggests politicalinterferencemaybe seeping into the very bedrock of our justice system.

I n A u g u s t , t h e Chancellor proceeded on whatwaspubliclydescribed as accumulated leave. This seemingly routine process triggered a reshuffling, resulting in the temporary appointment of the Chief Justice (ag) to act as C h a n c e l l o r , a n d subsequently, an Appeal Court judge being elevated toactasChiefJustice.

While the judiciary functioned within its protocol during this time, speculation mounted that these maneuvers were politically motivated a calculated re-positioning intended to secure influence over judicial outcomes duringanelectionperiod.

Although no electionrelated cases emerged that demanded judicial scrutiny at that phase, the developments that followed have only deepened public

mistrust Upon the Chancellor's return to reassume her duties, an unprecedented standoff unfolded within the upper echelonsofthebench.

The acting Chief Justice, now required to

revert to her substantive post, reportedly found her chambers occupied and the returning Chancellor's authorityquestioned.

The refusal ofajuristto vacate his temporary position — citing ignorance ofproceduralobligations— was not merely a breach of decorum;itwasanaffrontto institutionalorder

At this juncture, intervention from the highest executive authority — the President — was sought.

T h e o u t c o m e , according to credible accounts, was the Chancellor'sabruptdecision

to proceed on early retirementleave.

The circumstances surrounding this decision remain murky, raising fundamental questions:Was her departure voluntary? Or was it coerced under subtle ordirectpressure?

More disquieting still is her silence The Chancellor's choice to depart without public

explanation deprives citizens of clarity and transparency at a moment when confidence in the justice system hangs by a thread.

I f p o l i t i c a l maneuvering indeed played a role, it signifies a dangerous erosion of the separation of powers and introduces the specter of executive overreach into judicialaffairs.

For more than a decade, Guyana has existed as what many called “a nation of actors” — with both the Chancellor and ChiefJusticeservingonlyin acting capacities due to the failure of the political leadership to make substantiveappointments. To now move hastilyto

confirm new appointees, in thewakeofthisturmoil,isa development that cannot escape scrutiny It raises the question: are these appointments being made out of constitutional necessity, or are they the culmination of a carefully stagedsequencedesignedto consolidate influence over thecourts?

The independence of the judiciary is not a ceremonial ideal; it is the citizen's last bastion of protection against the arbitrary excesses of power If politics is allowed to intrudeintothedispensation of justice, then the rule of law itself becomes negotiable — and with it, every guarantee of fairness, equity, and constitutional integrity

The people of Guyana deserveanswers.

The President must address the nation to dispel the mounting speculation a n d r e a f f i r m h i s commitmenttotheprinciple ofjudicialindependence.

The judiciary, in turn, must demonstrate that it remains a guardian of the Constitution, immune to intimidation or partisan manipulation.

If the chasm between politicsandjusticecontinues to narrow, then the promise of democracy itself is imperiled.

Guyana cannot claim tobegovernedbytheruleof law while the actors on the judicialstageperformunder the shadow of political scriptwriters. This moment demands transparency, accountability, and a reaffirmation of the values upon which our Republic stands—orrisklosingthem altogether

Sincerely,

Hemdutt Kumar

Independence of the Judiciary

From page 4

Justice CummingsEdwards reinforce my belief. Iamthereforecalling on the President to immediately revoke the appointmentofJusticeSingh as Chief Justice (ag). To retain him in this position wouldbeanendorsementof bullyism, an affront to all women and, indeed, all Guyanese.

President Irfaan and PM Kamla wisely support President Trump against Narco-traffickers

DearEditor,

Reference to your news reports, editorial, columnists' commentaries, andlettersverycriticalofthe support of governments of Guyana and Trinidad & Tobago for American military actions against narco-traffickers (and the Venezuelan dictatorship)

M o s t C A R I C O M governments and left-wing politicians, invoking violations in international lawandcitingclausesofUN Charter, are critical of and condemn American actions against the narco-traffickers andVenezuela.

They also argue that the American military actions againstdrugtraffickersarea threattopeaceintheregion. (Isn't narco-trafficking a threat to peace? CARICOM isn't going after the traffickers.) The critics and detractors seem to have a biased (one-sided) and antiWashington view of international rules and regulationsanddon'tseemto understand the concept of international political realism (realist theory in politicsasenunciatedbythe great German thinker Hans Morgenthau whose works

are mandatory reading for politicalsciencestudents).

In analyzing political situations and (military) actions,onemustunderstand the difference between international 'legal' matters and 'political disputes' betweennations.Atdifferent times, one of the two assumesgreaterimportance. Politics and realism assume greater significance (over unenforceable rules) now because of the state of political affairs in the USA andtheexerciseofpowerby President Trump The American President has been exercising power (at home and abroad) the way nopreviousPresidentdid;he knowshowtoeffectivelyuse power He falls under what political scientist call the imperial president. Foreign governments (especially third world leaders in Latin AmericaandtheCaribbean) are advised not to go up against the American President. They may lose their American visa (as happened to the Colombian President and others) and theircountrieswillfacetrade sanctionsashashappenedto somanycountries.TheUSA remains the sole dominant

global power Critics of President Ali and Prime Minister Kamla PersadBissessar are plain wrong in assailing them for supporting President Trump whose assistance they need nowmorethanever Aside from political realism (pragmatism), Guyana and T&T face serious threats from narcotraffickers and wisely suppor

Wa

military action. In addition, Ve

territorial sovereignty and oil (and gas) in Guyana waters Venezuela had threatened Exxon's right to drill in Guyana's waters. Guyana needs Exxon to continueoperations;Guyana has the largest FDI from Exxon and has been receiving huge amounts of revenues from this giant multi-national.

Without Exxon's continued operations, Guyana's economy will stagnate; oil investment and revenues will stop flowing. And there will be virtually no i

v

ments in infrastructure, no more bridgesliketheDr Bharrat (Continuedonpage6)

n g appointm

nts in the judiciary and elsewhere as a swordofDamoclestoensure decision-making favourable tothegovernment.

That sword was

For decades, many i n d i v i d u a l s a n d organizations, including the Caribbean Court of Justice (CCJ), have bemoaned the non-confirmation of the top judicialofficersinGuyana. Security of tenure for our judicial officers is critical to an independent judiciary The PPP administration h a s u s e d a c

dropped on Justice Cummings-Edwards, thus confirmingtheexactfearsof the CCJ and many lawabidingGuyanese. It is now entirelywithin the realm of possibility that Justice Roxane George might be next for the early retirement chopping block. It is time for this practice of acting appointments in the judiciary to come to a swift end.

Sincerely, Terrence Campbell

The Constitution

is not just a checklist of deadlines & technicalities, Mr. President!

DearEditor,

VPAC finds it necessary to comment publicly on the increasingly deliberate pattern by which President Irfaan Ali continues to observe the letter of the Constitution while steadily undermining its spirit and intent

H i s r e c e n t announcement that the 13th Parliamentwillbeconvened on Monday, November 3, 2025, epitomizes this approach. The Constitution allows a maximum of four m

dissolution of Parliament and its reconvening By choosing, however, to wait until the last possible day within that window, the P

m technical compliance with the law, but in effect has delayed the reactivation of parliamentary oversight a

d n a t i o n a l representation This approach, though lawful on its surface, runs counter to the very purpose

envisions the earliest possible return of the people's representatives to active duty in the service of accountability, debate, and governance.

Even as he prepares to convenethenewParliament, the President has also initiated requests for consultation and lists of nominees for substantive judicial appointments from the outgoing Leader of the Opposition, Mr Aubrey Norton, fully aware that

within days, that office will befilledbyanotherMember ofParliament.

WhiletheConstitutionis

consultationwiththeLeader

consultation is not meant to be a hollow ritual or a procedural box-ticking exercise

For more than fifteen years, the offices of Chance

or of the JudiciaryandChiefJustice havebeenfilledinanacting capacity, a condition that every Head-of-State has publicly promised to remedy

The present situation, in

which the President is suddenlymovingtofillthese posts substantively only days before the new Parliament and Opposition Leaderareswornin,creates

appointments are being managed for political advantage rather than institutionalstability

Such conduct, again, adheres strictly to the letter of the law but offends the

consultation and shared responsibility for the judiciary'sindependence.

VPAC acknowledges that the President has the right to act within the

framew

the Constitution,buttheframers of that document never intendedittobereducedtoa checklist of deadlines and technicalities.

While President Ali's government may be operatingwithinthenarrow confines of legality, it is clearly breaching the broader constitutional principleofgoodfaith It is not enough to obey the law in word; one must also honour its purpose Guyana's Constitution must never be reduced to a technical instrument of convenience.

Dorwain

Bess

ChairmanVPAC

Women of Guyana have earned the right to every high office

DearEditor,

This is a sad time for Guyanese women. Two of our eminently qualified, highly regarded women jurists find their careers stymied in a testosterone driven competition to see whohasthebiggerpair

ForyearsMadamJustice

Yonette CummingsEdwardsandMadamJustice Roxane George have held the positions of Acting ChancellorandActingChief Justicerespectively In these positions and prior, they served with the highestdistinction.

It could be said, figuratively,thattheMadam Justices clawed their way through the corridors of our legal system to reach the officestheyhold.

Havingworkedtheirway tothetop,theirconfirmation as Chancellor and Chief Justice is being determined not on merit, not on their professionalism, dedication or service. Instead, in this male-dominated society, the careers of these two women legal luminaries are determined in a male power play and political shenanigans.

Thishasdraggedonover successivegovernmentsand successive Opposition Leaders. It is shameful and disrespectfultoourwomen.

Asthecompetitorsinthe T zone try to out-maneuver eachother,weseetheholder of another pair being positioned to side step and

get ahead of another female whohasworkedherwayand givenheryearsofserviceto deservebeingahead.

These power plays by male decision makers must beexaminedthroughgender lenses.

There is absolutely no reason for Madam Justice Yonette CummingsEdwardstobenotappointed Chancellor of the Judiciary and for Madam Justice Roxane George to be not appointed Chief Justice Their careers are not pawns to any overload of T cells. Women of Guyana have earnedtherighttoeveryhigh office and male-decision makers must respect this right.

BeverleyAlert

President Irfaan and PM Kamla wisely support...

Frompage5

Jagdeo Bridge, rising income, growth, standard of living.TheUSAisproviding protection to Exxon and other investors and to Guyana itself for free Guyana needs America for protection against Venezuelan aggression. It is a no brainer that Guyana must team up with Washington for continued free security The same largely holds true for TrinidadandTobago.

Venezuelan criminal gangshavebeenoperatingin T&T (including in its waters) largely with impunity; the country lacks theresourcesandcapacityto

rein in the criminal gangs and drug trafficking. PM Kamla rightly needs

President Trump to go after the n

crossing over with their illegal substances into Trinidad. Also, Washington isallowingT&Ttopurchase Venezuelan gas in the Dragon deal to resurrect the T&Teconomy

The governments of GuyanaandT&TneedUSA t

international security They must continue to advance sharedgoalsonregionaland global security, economic prosperity, and growth that benefitthem.

President Ali, Vice President Jagdeo, and PM Kamla,althoughtheyarenot political scientists like those of us who study the subject and acquired degrees in it, seem to master the concepts of geo-political security and realism After years of government antipathy toward the US, they, unlike their other CARICOM colleagues and left-wing politicians, are on the right path in backing USA. It is a transformative opportunity to work on investment, immigration, security and other matters that will furthergrowth.

Yourssincerely, Dr.VishnuBisram

Exxon’s US$7.3 billion expense not thoroughly audited -

Former Auditor General

…DOUBTS LESS THAN 1% OF SUM WAS INELIGIBLE

Former Auditor General (AG)Anand Goolsarran has raised fresh concerns regardingtheUS$7.3Baudit of American oil giant, ExxonMobil.

In a recent Stabroek News column, he stated that theprocesswasnotthorough

conclusion on the fact that a prior audit of the company, conducted by a British firm, flagged a much higher percentage of questionable

costs.

Goolsarran noted, “The auditors’ report identified amounts totalling US$7.435 b i l l i o n a s “ G r o s s Recoverable Costs” for the period 2018 to 2020 However, there were two items: “Gross Exemptions” – US$64.790 million, and “Gross Exemptions Granted” – US$10 319 million, the nature of which aswellastheirimpactonthe recoverable costs have not beenexplained.Ineffect,the auditors found that an amount of US$54.471 million,oramere0.7percent ofthetotalrecoverablecosts, was ineligible, compared with 12.8 percent identified by IHS Markit in the first audit of the recoverable costs.”

To this end, he said, “In our view, not enough audit work was undertaken to enable the auditors to draw thisconclusion.”

Shifting his attention to the audit report, Goolsarran said the document was deficient in a number of ways, specifically as it lacked“basicstructure”.

He noted that the report features no table of contents to guide readers; no executive summary; no list of abbreviations; no definition of the technical terms used; and no sections dealing with the terms of referencefortheassignment, the scope and methodology used, the auditing standards that were followed in the conduct of the audit, and findings, conclusions, and recommendations, among others.

“In the circumstances,

one had to go through the meticulous and tedious task of sifting through the entire reporttoascertainwhatwere t h e f i n d i n g s a n d recommendations,” he added.

Additionally, the former AGberatedthedocumentfor s i g n i f i c a n t l y a n d unnecessarily quoting the 2016 Production Sharing

Agreement (PSA)

According to him, “…the report was badly in need of editingtoensureconciseness anduserfriendliness.”

G o o l s a r r a n w a s concerned that auditors

s t a t e d t h a t t h e documentation and process of transferring materials out of inventory could not be examined but gave no reasonswhythiswasso.

He described this a “major shortcoming of the audit” since the value of materials issued from inventorytoproductionover the period under review would have constituted a significant portion of the total amount shown in the CostRecoveryStatement.

Also concerning to the formerAGisthatauditors,in several parts of the report, statedthatsomeoftheissues would be further examined duringthenextaudit.Hesaid thisclearlyimpliedthatthere was an expectation that they would be re-appointed auditors Moreover, he noted, “These statements were also clearly an acknowledgement that the auditwasincompleteanddid not meet acceptable standards.”

VHE consulting was contracted by the

AuditorGeneral, Anand

Government of Guyana in May 2022 to conduct Guyana’s first cost oil audit fortheyears2018to2020.

They were later rehired for the third audit, this time to review a whopping US$19.6B spent by Exxon between 2021 and 2023. That report has been handed over to the government as reportedinMay2025.

The initial report has not been made public despite calls for transparency in the process.Thegovernmenthas said it will make the report public after the Guyana Revenue Authority (GRA) completesitsreview In the meantime, there has been no word regarding the disputed sum flagged by theauditors.

Previously, Goolsarran questioned the selection of the local consortium to conduct such an important taskonbehalfofGuyana.

Hestressedthatgiventhe financialimplicationsforthe nation, the audit required experienced professionals withprovenexpertiseincost verification.

On October 10, the National Procurement and Tender Administration Board (NPTAB) awarded VHE Consulting (which is a registered partnership between Ramdihal & Haynes Inc; Eclisar Financial; and Vitality Accounting & Consultancy Inc.),a$312millioncontract to conduct the third audit of ExxonMobil’s expenses for theperiod2021to2023.

TheformerAGreasoned that a thorough audit is crucial to ensure that only legitimate, reasonable expenses are recovered, which impacts Guyana’s profitshare.

Moreover, he recalled that government in its invitation for bids to audit thecompany’sexpensessaid a key requirement is for the bidding firm, along with its partners (local and foreign) combined, to have completed at least three similar assignments during the past seven years. He added that no auditing firm operating in Guyana at that time, includingVHE,would havemetthisrequirement.

Former

Goolsarran

The quiet revolution ignited by David Granger

Ihavetoadmit,I’vebeen thinkingalotaboutplantain chipslately Andnotbecause I have some exotic culinary fetish, though I wouldn’t rulethatoutentirely No,it’s because of this quiet revolutioninGuyana’ssmall business sector, which, ironically, has the country’s major political parties tangled up in a sort of delicious irony It’s like watching two neurotic siblings’ squabble over the same slice of cake, only to realizeoneofthembakedit, decadesago.

Former President David Granger, a man not usually associated with flamboyant entrepreneurship, once suggested that Guyanese citizenscouldmakeplantain chips. Yes, plantain chips. He proposed that ordinary people could not just survive,butthrive,bytaking a humble plantain, slicing it thin,fryingit,andpackaging itforsale.

Thesuggestionwasnot,I shouldstress,adesperateact of economic survival.There was no hint of panic. No tragicurgency Justasimple idea: empower people to be self-employed.

Grangerwasplantingthe seed of self-employment

This is what he said, “The possibilities of employment with the Government are limited but the possibilities of self-employment are unlimited. When you ask w h a t a r e t h e j o b opportunities and about the brain drain, I tell you that you don’t have to run and leavebecausethisistheland o f p r o m i s e a n d opportunities.Young people must learn to go out and

create jobs and there are so many possibilities...you see people with these big laundry baskets selling plantain chips That is business, don’t laugh at them,”

Naturally, this idea was met with laughter and ridiculebythePPPC,which seemed to regard the notion o f p l a n t a i n - c h i p entrepreneurship with the same skepticism one reserves for a street magicianpromisingtomake yourwalletdisappear

“Really?” they seemed to say One could almost hear the faint laughter echoing through the corridors of power, as if the concept were preposterous, avant-garde, or perhaps both.

But now, here is where the comedy of modern politics gets deliciously ironic. PPPC Ministers are touring small-scale plantain chip factories which the P P P C g o v e r n m e n t established The former critics have discovered, as all true sceptics eventually do, that sometimes the hare wins the race while the tortoise is still checking its sneakers.

What Granger initiated was more than just a single culinaryfad.Itwasasubtle, creeping revolution in small business development. All across Guyana, people are makingandsellingtamarind balls, plantain chips, beauty products, and food items so meticulously packaged you’d swear someone had taught them industrial design in a covert night class.

I know individuals with

entrepreneurs, peddling

workplaces, supplementing incomes, and quietly undermining the notion that financial stability requires a singlepaycheck.

And it doesn’t stop at food. The revolution has spilled into cosmetics, beverages, fragrances, candles, spices small-

conceivable corner Women sell juices and water coconuts in sealed bottles withlabelsthatwouldmake aboutiqueproud.

Food shops have mushroomed across towns, in neighbourhoods you would not expect, with pastriesandartisanalsnacks now occupying public squares once reserved for political rallies It’s like someone hit “upgrade” on thecountry’sentrepreneurial softw

th

politicians were busy arguing over whose idea it reallywas.

Yet here is the most amusing part. The PPPC’s idea of supporting small business seems to be to create a development bank. Yes, a bank Because obviously, the path to economic empowerment is through paperwork, not f r y i n g p l a n t a i n s Meanwhile, the small-scale food industry, the actual engine of self-reliance, is humming along, informal y e t i n c r e a s i n g l y sophisticated, quietly proving that Granger’s vision wasn’t naive. It was prophetic.Itwas,dareIsay, c

DEM BOYS SEH

TikTok mek dem

boys

tun beggar

Dem boys does watch Tik Tok. Nuff time dem does notice how strangers does go up to persons on the streets and especially in dem foreign supermarkets andaskpersonstobuysomethingforthem, payforaminorpurchaseorsimplyaskfor somethingtoeat.

Andwhensomekindpersonshelpout, it is then explained how it is only a social experiment.Thestrangerthenrewardsthe kind persons by either paying for their groceries or giving them a large sum of money The message of the social experimentisthatyourkindnesswillcome backtoyouinmultipletimes:themoreyou help,themoreyouwillreceive.

Since dem boys see dem social experiments on TikTok, dem boys decide fuh help anybody in Guyana wah ask fuh some help.And Guyana gat nuff beggars. Begging is one of de national pastimes. Deh gat people wah gat plenty but are impulsivelyaddictedtobegging. Soanybodycomeuptobeg,demboys doeshelp.Butdemboysdoeswaitfuhsee whetherdepersonwahbeggingganpayfor demboysgroceriesorleffafatwadofcash withdemboys.Demboysstillwaiting. Dem boys sharing out kindness. But dem boys nah receiving any in return. Is like Guyana nah gat dem kind of social experimentsyuhdoesseeponTikTok. Nowdemboysbrukanddemboysgat fuhjoindelonglineofbeggarswahasking peoplefuharaise. TalkHalf!LeffHalf!

e the politicians squabble, the people innovate. The tiny factories and home kitchens are incubators of hope and practicality, creating employment, generating income, and quietly transforming everyday Guyaneselives.

Ordinarycitizens,armed with a frying pan and some plastic packaging, are redefining opportunity And theoriginalinstigator,David Granger, is now watching fromafar,theironyassweet asthecaramelizededgesofa perfectlyfriedplantainchip.

It is, in a sense, a reminder that life, like

politics, is absurd But sometimes the absurdity works in your favour

Sometimes, the joke that everyone laughed at turns out to be the punchline that actuallyworks.

Andwhileministerstour facilities and nod politely at whatwasoncemockery,the real revolution quiet, p

, unbothered by political applauseorcritique. If nothing else, this teachesusavaluablelesson.

It tells us to never underestimatethepowerofa small idea, even one as seeminglytrivialasslicinga

plantain and frying it Because sometimes, small ideashaveawayofchanging the world. Or at least the localeconomy Andperhaps, in the end, that is the sweetestironyofall.

(Theviewsexpressedin thisarticlearethoseofthe

necessarily reflect the

newspaper.)

H@RD TRUTHS

Royalties to catch up

Royalties will c a t c h u p eventually with the multi-billion-dollar exploration costs that are o

ac

ng Guyana's collections of its 2 percent pittance. Igiveabighandof appreciation for the comforting words of Mr Alistair Routledge, Exxon Guyana'ssuperchief. Asthe

numbersstandnow,Exxon's exploration costs exceed Guyana's total royalty c o l l e c t i o n s b y approximately US$1 3 billion. Respectfully, Mr Routledge,that'salong,hard road to travel. Consider the numbers,otherfactors.

Royalties will make up for lost ground given time, said Mr Routledge When will that be, sir? In the last sixyears,Guyana'sroyalties totaled US$955 million. Or approximately US$160 million in royalties on averageperannum;butwith increasing production, more cominginrecentyears.

All things being equal, should that stand, then it would require about eight years for Guyana to come within reach of the US$1 3 billion gap between Exxon's exploration costs and Guyana's royalty take Productionissettoincrease, but what if oil prices don't cooperate? Theneteffecton royaltiescouldbeaminimal increase,atbest.

Also, while exploration costs have started to decline,thereshouldbenew oil projects between now andOctober2027,andwith their share of costs contributingtothecostpool. With significant oil infrastructure already in place in the Stabroek Block (technology, equipment, skills, environmental knowhow), new exploration costs should be less. Still, theyservetoslowdownthat catching up and exceeding explorationcosts.

I foresee a situation where the goalposts keep movingduringthegame

The probability of Exxon having a drought of projects, and the Guyana Government drawing a line in saying, not one more damn oil project (until and unless...) is not going to happen. And what, let that licence to operate in the Stabroek Block die on the vine? And what, let that

massive bonanza of 75 percent of expenses recoverable from the top (royalty treatment notwithstanding) go to waste? Ithinknot. Because it is only if there are no new oil projects in the next two years, that the 2 percent royalty could make some strides to ease the gap with exploration costs, while oil pricesholdsteady Istruggle tobelievethatExxonwillbe a standstill. Thus, catching up has, at best, some years to go There are dummies, andthentherearedummies Please leave me out of eithercategory

Separately, it's becoming increasingly difficult to determine from where the foundations of M r R o u t l e d g e ' s presentations, the logic of his thinking, come. New oil discoveriesstandasoneblot. Audit objections by the company doesn't leave it lookinggood. Thenthereis the riddle that is a mystery wrapped in an enigma; Guyana'sversion.

How about taxes, tax receipts,taxcertificates,tax credits,andtaxapplications to fit that Churchillian extravaganza? Frankly,and withallproperregardforMr Alistair Routledge, I am getting tired of all these gyrations, these Jamaican dancehall exhibitions by an AmericaninGuyana.

From one American to another, I extend this courtesy: stop the music, this kind of music that offends Offends the spirit Offends the intelligence Offends the vision of a different Guyana, and a different and better Americanoilpartner

Now, I cast my eyes in the direction of the Guyana Government I think that it

is time something is done about the Exxon Guyana Country Head. To my regret, I have watched him fall from the heights to the depths, a man in freefall descent, into what diminishes himself. I feel for him, for he has been given that big basket that doesn't hold liquids to do an impossiblejob.

Itmaybefineforhimto twisthimselfintoknotsdue to that dedication to duty that is of an exceptional American (and oil) standard. Butitisnotfineat allforMr Routledgetotake Guyanese for granted as he hasdone,andnotjustonce.

What do these investors cum partners believe of Guyanese? It could be that the owners of this immense patrimonyarestillstuckina Fred Flintstone state of mind;thatthat'stheextentof their thinking, will never go beyond.

Toputdifferently,throw them a pint of kerosene and they will be happy for the benevolence of their masters, the superior thinkers in their midst. I regard Mr Routledge well. From an Exxon perspective, he has held the line, no matter how sketchy and shaky From a Guyanese p e r s p e c t i v e , M r Routledge's lines are now crossinghimupandcausing him to trip To the distaste anddetrimentofGuyanese.

That'saproblemforme Royalties will catchup with exploration costs The questioniswhen

(The views expressed in this article are those of the author and do not necessarily reflect the o p i n i o n s o f t h i s newspaper.)

Earlymorningfiredestroys furniturestoreatBartica

Fire of unknown origin completely destroyed a three-storey building which housedafurniturestorebelongingtoRyanand Emily Mahadeo in Bartica, Region Seven earlySaturdaymorning.

TheGuyanaFireServicesaidthatreports of the fire were received by the Bartica Fire Stationatabout02:29hrs.WaterTender#126 and Water Carrier #24 were immediately deployedtothescene.

Upon arrival, firefighters saw the threestorey concrete and wooden structure fully engulfed.

“Despite the efforts of the responding team, the building and its contents were destroyed completely Four jets, operating in conjunctionwithbothrespondingappliances, were employed to bring the blaze under control. According to the Station Officer Johnson, firefighters were able to prevent the fire from spreading to nearby buildings, effectivelycontainingtheblazetotheaffected property,”thereleasestated.

Thecauseofthefireisbeinginvestigated.

Onearrested followingfireat SuddieHospital

Police have arrested one person in connection with a fire that occurred at the Suddie Public Hospital, Region Two early Saturday morning.In a statement, the GuyanaPoliceForcesaidthat ranksincollaborationwiththe Guyana Fire Service are investigating the fire that beganaround03:30h.

y extinguished by the Fire Service.

“Two (2) wheelchairs and

approximately $120,000Gyd weredestroyed.

Reports are that the fire started under a shed near the hospital'sboardroomandwas contained by on-site security

The Suddie Regional Hospital

Noinjurieswerereported, and hospital operations were not affected,” the Force was informed.

The

Guyana Pavilion captivated millions at World Expo in Japan

Law, Power, and the Caribbean's Test of Unity – in face of U.S. military action

Four days after the Caribbean Community (CARICOM) Heads of Government reaffirmed the Caribbean as a Zone of Peace, Prime Minister Kamla Persad-Bissessar of TrinidadandTobagostartled the region with a public statement that CARICOM should “get together” and take some of the “illegal Venezuelans” sheltering in her country, and that the Community should press Caracas to accept two hundredVenezuelansnowin Trinidad'sprisons.Shewent further, saying that if any CARICOM state withdrew support for Trinidad's foreign-policy ambitions because of her stance, “she didnotcare.”

The remark appeared to be an exasperated and sarcastic—response to the joint statement of her CARICOM colleagues: a perhaps intemperate reminder that Trinidad and Tobago bears one of the heaviest per-capita burdens

i n C A R I C O M o f Venezuelan migration and the trans-Caribbean narcotics trade. It was a sharp political riposte that unsettled the harmony of CARICOM's communiqué ofOctober18,whichsought to reaffirm the Caribbean as a Zone of Peace amid unilateral U.S. military actionagainstallegednarcotraffickers off the coasts of VenezuelaandColombia.

In the Caribbean, small states value regional unity, yet face national pressures thatmakecollaborationwith other powers tempting Many have done so from time to time Therefore, while the position and tone of Prime Minister PersadBissessar's statement are troubling,everygovernment in the region knows the regular calculus between adhering to regional positions and putting nationalinterestfirst.

But understanding cannot mean silence when theboundarylineiscrossed. If the Caribbean's response to migration, crime, and securitybecomesachorusof individual voices - each pitched to its own domestic concerns - then the collective shield that should define CARICOM will splinter Disunity weakens the strength of the regional collective. No CARICOM state benefits, for none has the capacity to cope in a worldwherethemightofthe

powerful is continuously imposed.

CARICOM's survival has always rested on the discipline of acting within international law, never outside it. Cooperation with larger democracies has servedtheregionwellwhen kept squarely within the framework of law When cooperation with larger partnersbeginstoplacetheir priorities over the region's, partnershipturnsintoproxy, andsovereigntyerodes.

The problem is not that Trinidad and Tobago drew attention to its burden; it is that the regional discourse slippedfromcoordinationto confrontation. The duty to readmitnationalsbelongsto the state of origin - in this case, Venezuela Burdensharing among CARICOM membersisapoliticalchoice, notalegalone,andcannotbe imposed by rhetoric To conflatethetwoistoreplace lawwithleverage

None of this denies the need for action Crime, trafficking,anduncontrolled migration are real threats. But security built outside of law inevitably turns inward; lawlessness cannot be disguised as necessity. The October 18 CARICOM statement warned against “security build-ups in the region” that could disturb peaceorsovereignty.Itwasa caution,notacommand The messagewasthatCARICOM states can cooperate with larger partners -indeed they must - but under clear agreements, transparent mandates, and regional consent That is how a Zone ofPeacebecomesmorethan aphraseonpaper

Properlyunderstood,the Zone of Peace limits the reachofpower,notthereach of justice It forbids aggression between states, not the pursuit of traffickers and lawbreakers. Yes, any external lunge at regime change in Venezuela would rippleacrosstheregion-law and prudence both counsel restraint. But restraint runs intwodirections:Venezuela must also meet its obligations - consular access, travel documents, and the readmission of its own nationals - while CARICOMholdsitslineon legality and consultation CARICOM's partnerships with all bigger countries endure best when they are squarely within law, and CARICOM unity holds when it tolerates legitimate

nationalconcerns.

CARICOM's cohesion has always contained diversity Geography, aid, and commerce dictate that some members will align more closely with some externalpowersthanothers. That diversity is not betrayal; it is reality But collective sovereignty - our abilityto actasonewhereit matters - requires tolerance of those national variations without permitting them to unravelthewhole.

As I wrote last week: “Governments will have to understandandtoleratewhy someamongstthem,intheir national interest, have to be more accommodating of largerpowers.Theywillalso h

'collective sovereignty' cannot be exercised if it

al punishment.” Trinidad and

Tobago's position embodies that tension. The test is whethertheCommunitycan absorb it without tearing itself apart. But a necessary condition is that leaders must keep the entrancement of local control at bay; it is unsustainable for small states.

L

CARICOM a “Community of Sovereign States”; too often,emphasishasfallenon Sovereignty at the expense ofCommunity,accentuating individual weaknesses and d

al dependence However, if CARICOM truly wants to keep the Caribbean a Zone of Peace - and it should, because its economies and the well-being of its people depend on it - its members must now commit, more than ever, to regular consultation and to regional

positions that account for each other's specific circumstances as well as theirregionalcommitments.

CARICOM'sstrengthliesin the willingness of its member states to speak in concertwhenitcounts—and tokeepthatconcertsquarely withinthelaw

If CARICOM leaders allow the region's security debates to become contests of loyalty - to any external country -theywillfindthat the Zone of Peace has been outsourced, and the rent is p

sovereignty

CARICOM states stand at a crossroads familiar to everysmallstateinapowerdriven world. They must cooperate with others in the international communitybut within the framework first of the CARICOM Treaty and the UN Charter,

and thereafter in the context of th

agreements to which they aresignatories,includingthe LawoftheSeaConvention. Accommodation may be necessary;abdicationisnot. CARICOM can cooperate w

surrendering agency And that is what, collectively, CARICOM states must strivetodo.

(The author is the Ambassador of Antigua and BarbudatotheUnitedStates and the OAS, and Dean of the OAS Ambassadors accredited to the OAS Responses and previous c o m m e n t a r i e s :

www.sirronaldsanders.com)

Sir Ronald Sanders

WEEK-IN-REVIEW

SUNDAY

RamaccusesExxon ofmostbrazen ‘accountingfiction’ incountry’shistory - says company’s claims on taxes an insult to every Guyanese

Attorney-at-Law and Chartered Accountant,

Christopher Ram has

accused ExxonMobil GuyanaLimited(EMGL)of making misleading and inaccurate statements to cover its tracks of what may be the most brazen accounting fiction in the country’shistory

In his weekly column, ‘Every Man, Woman and Child in Guyana Must Become Oil Minded, ’ publishedbyStabroekNews on Saturday, the Lawyer dissected comments made by the President of EMGL, Alistair Routledge on Monday The Exxon boss was asked whether the company will provide informationtolawmakersin theUnitedStates(U.S.)who have requested clarity on its taxarrangementsinGuyana.

For his part, Routledge told reporters that three US Senators may have been misled, as Exxon did not apply for any tax credits in theU.S.foritslocalStabroek Blockoperations.

He explained, “Exxon Mobil Corporation in its 23, 24 tax filings, there were no Guyanese tax credits that were included in either of those filings and you will recallthat,priorto2023,we werenotmakingprofitshere in Guyana, so there were no tax credits from that So, from this point up until this point, there have been no Guyanataxcreditsthathave beenusedbyExxon.”

He added, “As we focus on our business here, you know, we continue to be actually cash flow negative onacumulativebasis…there were no Guyana tax credits t h a t w e r e u s e d b y ExxonMobil in 2023 and 24 filings. So, 25 filings have nottakenplaceyetbutupto thispoint,no.”

When asked if the company received any tax certificates from the government, Routledge responded, “We haven’t applied any tax credits. We areworkingwiththeGRAon paperworkontaxes.”

According to Ram, this response, provided to the

President, ExxonMobil Guyana Limited, Alistair Routledge

localmediaisaninsulttothe intelligence of every Guyanese or person of any intellect The Attorney

argued, “That single sentence has opened a windowintowhatmaybethe most brazen accounting fiction in the country’s history…theclaimisneither accurate nor credible,”

referring to Exxon’s explanation on the tax certificates.

Inaccordancewithterms of the 2016 Production Sharing Agreement (PSA), Exxon and its Co-Venturers pay no taxes to the country Guyananonethelessissuesa tax receipt, indicating that those obligations were met locally

Misleading

In flagging a blatantly misleading statement provided by Routledge Ram pointed out that the branch distributed some $674,454 million and still ended the yearwithmorefundsthanat thebeginningof2024.

Paperwork

Ramshiftedhisattention tothetaxcertificates,legally required under the PSA, but somehow still not issued, accordingtotheExxonboss.

T h e C h a r t e r e d Accountant pointed out, “The Agreement could not be clearer. The Minister pays The GRA (Guyana Revenue Authority) issues thereceipt.Theobligationis discharged.Thatistheentire mechanism There is no “working on paperwork ” There is only doing it or concealing it. If, six years after first oil, the parties are still fumbling with “paperwork,”itmeanseither the Agreement has not been executed as written or it has been executed but hidden.” Either way, he views this as “anationalembarrassment”.

Faketax Ramexplainedthatwhile the EMGL President is

the tax body will issue a receipt and “proper tax certificates in the Contractor’sname”.

“Article15statesthatthe tax must be paid from the Government’s share of oil revenue. Where, then, is the evidence of that payment?

The Natural Resource Fund shows no deduction, no debit,nooutflow Butnoone – including the NRF investment committee and theauditors–seemtocarea hoot,”thelawyerargued.

Attorney-at-Law and CharteredAccountant, Christopher Ram

performingconfusiontactics openly, the financial statements of the three partners expose glaring misinformation.

He stated, “ExxonMobil Guyana Ltd. (2024) reports: “Revenue includes nonc

f G$260,155 7 million relatingtoArticle15.4ofthe Petroleum Agreement,” and recognises a matching income-tax expense. That is the classic gross-up accounting technique: recordfakerevenueandfake tax so the books look balanced.”

As for Hess Guyana Exploration Ltd. (2024), its financialstatementsdisclose that “A portion of gross production is used to satisfy the branch’s incometaxliabilityandisrecognised as sales revenue ” The Government’s oil becomes the company’s “revenue” and its “tax,” Ram pointed out.

Meanwhile,henotedthat CNOOC Petroleum Guyana Ltd ’s financial statements go even further, stating that “The Minister accepts the appropriate portion of the Government’sshareofprofit oil as payment in full of the Contractor’s income-tax liability.” Ram was keen to point out that such language doesnotreflectArticle15of the PSA, which requires the Ministertopaythetaxtothe Commissioner-General of the GRA – not merely to “accept”oil.

Inconclusion,thelawyer reasoned that the companies all report tax payments, recognize it as revenue and enjoythecredit.Hehowever questioned the lack of evidence for the tax payments since the contract clearly states that the minister must pay the GRA taxes owed by the oil companies out of Guyana’s shareofoil,followingwhich

Integrated Transport Corridors Project (ITCP) to boostthecountry’stransport infrastructuresector

In a statement, it was disclosedthattheagreement wassignedinWashingtonby SeniorMinisterintheOffice of the President with

Responsibility for Finance, Dr Ashni Singh, and World Bank Vice President for Latin America and the Caribbean, Susana Cordeiro Guerra, on the sidelines of the 2025 Wo

Ram was keen to note that to date, the Natural Resources minister has not published any tax receipts and neither is there any information from the GRA which suggests that it received the taxes “paid on behalf of the contractor”

ignored lawful requests for thesedisclosures.

“This is the contract that is so sacred that it even trumps the country’s sovereignty, publicofficials’ integrityand most of all,the President’s thundering commitment to review and renegotiate” Even a cake shop,runonabasicexercise book and a lead pencil, would manage its accounts with more care than this trillion-dollar industry The result is a charade: a government pretending to pay, companies pretending to be taxed, and auditors pretendingnottonotice,”the lawyerstated.

Govt.addsUS$156M WorldBankloanto growingdebtpile -anothermassive borrowingtofund infrastructurepush

The Government of GuyanahassignedaUS$156 million loan agreement with the World Bank under the

d Bank Group/IMF Annual Meetings,heldfromOctober 13to18.

Notably, the Bank had approved the project earlier this year with the aims of supporting Guyana in upgrading and rehabilitating itsroadinfrastructure.

The ITCP will focus on improving the country’s transport network across selected regions to build more resilient infrastructure capable of withstanding natural hazards, while providing safer and more reliabletransportation.

Dr Singh, in brief remarks before the signing, welcomed the partnership, outliningtheproject’srolein t h e g o v e r n m e n t ’s developmentagenda.

“This project has the potential to help unlock increased production and productivity in our non-oil economy, such as through farm to market roads which facilitate both production and trade, as well as to improve connectivity between communities,” the ministersaid.

According to the Ministry of Finance, the ITCP aligns with Guyana’s national development goals to:

Ÿ Boostagriculturalexports and food security by improvingmarketaccess

Ÿ Unlock housing and tourism potential through betterconnectivity

Ÿ Reduce traffic fatalities withimprovedroadsafety features

Ÿ Enhance economic growth by facilitating efficient movement of goodsandpeople

Ÿ Improve access to health andeducationservices

Ÿ Strengthen climate resilience th

ough dedicated infrastructure solutions

Further,itwasstatedthat the project supports the PPP/C Government’s 2025–2030Manifestogoals, whichfocusonmodernizing Guyana’s tr

n

port infrastructure to drive economic growth and improve citizens’ quality of life.

Over the past five years, theIrfaanAliadministration has rolled out several transformativeinfrastructure projects, including new highways,roads,andbridges that have significantly reshaped the national landscape.

Among its upcoming priorities are the continued u p g r a d e o f t h e Linden–Lethem Highway, construction of bridges at Kurukupari and Puruni, and completionoftheEastBank four-lane highway to the Cheddi Jagan International Airport (CJIA) The government also plans to begin work on a Berbice River Bridge linking RegionsFiveandSixandthe Corentyne River Bridge, to connect Guyana and Suriname, projects aimed at expandingtradeandregional integration.

MONDAY

‘ComemakeGuyanayour playground’– oil services company urges investors

In a move to encourage new investors to join the growing oil and gas sector, supply chain manager of Saipem Guyana Inc., Diego Vicke, underscored that the government here has been reinvesting heavily in infrastructure to support the country’s rapid industrial development- a major plus for companies to come to Guyana and make it their playground.

Vickemadethecomment while speaking as a panelist at the recently concluded International Business Conference (IBC), held at the Marriott Hotel in Georgetown.Thediscussion focusedon“Energy

Continued on page 17

Finance Minister Dr Ashni Singh with World Bank Vice President for LatinAmerica and the Caribbean, Susana Cordeiro Guerra.

Frompage16

Development to Strengthen National Industries, Build RegionalSupplyChains,and E x p a n d L o c a l Participation.”

“Go a little bit further than Georgetown, 15, 20 minutes, going to the other side,totheeastbank.Goand take a look at the roads, big roads, nice traffic lights. So,

t h e g o v e r n m e n t i s

reinvesting in all the infrastructureneededforyou guys to come and make this your playground,” Vicke toldthegathering.

He explained that the government has been activelyengagingtheprivate sector and international partners on how to better p l a n a n d e x e c u t e development projects, particularly as new infrastructure such as the recently commissioned Bharrat Jagdeo Demerara River Bridge and upgraded roads on the west bank continues to transform the country’slandscape.

Vickefurtherhighlighted Guyana’s rapid economic rise, describing it as one of the fastest-growing economiesgloballyinrecent years.

However, he reminded thatGuyanahastransformed fromaonceheavilyindebted poor country (HIPC) to having one of the fastest growing economies in the world.

H e e n c o u r a g e d b u s i n e s s e s a n d entrepreneurstoensuretheir o p e r a t i o n s m e e t international standards so they could effectively competeforopportunitiesin Guyana’s expanding energy industry

“So, we need to first of all, try to get all the quality controlandqualityassurance systems get the ISO, get certified, get international standards, get all the procedures, QA, QC, HSE, risk control, everything all the procedures in place Make your team because sometimes what is happening is that, of course, the country manager of all the companies manages everything perfectly, but the companystillneedstraining. They need to do the quality control, document control, everything Then, start participating, getting registered in vendor management systems,” he said.

Vicke continued, “Start

l o o k i n g f o r t h e opportunities, and then you

start participating, you will get better every single time. Requestfeedback:whatdidI do wrong? What is this? What is that? Focus, do not generalise. The people who do everything, do nothing. Youhavetoselecttwo,three, four niches Specialise in your subject, and like that, you’ll be able to raise the volume and see the opportunity that you have here.”

Vicke shared that when he is asked to point out Guyana on the map, he directs persons to the InternationalMonetaryFund (IMF’s) website, where he said they will get a better understanding of where is Guyanatoday

Moreover, the Saipem official stated that working in Guyana is not the end of the road and highlighted neighboring countries that Saipem is also operating in.

Vickie said, “Saipem is presentinSuriname,present i n G u y a n a We d o maintenance and vessel work in Trinidad We are workingregionallyhere…”

Saipem is an Italian multinational specialising in engineering, drilling, and construction oil services company. The company has been contracted by ExxonMobil Guyana Limited(EMGL)forseveral major offshore projects, i n c l u d i n g s u b s e a installations work for Exxon’s Stabroek Block developments.

Recently, the company announced it received authorisation to proceed with US$500 million work

for Exxon’s seventh

development offshore Guyana, the Hammerhead project.

The authorisation followed the government’s approval of a Petroleum Production Licence (PPL) for Exxon’s US$6.8 billion Hammerhead project In April, Saipem announced

that it had received Limited Notice To Proceed (LNTP) agreement for Engineering, Procurement, Construction, And Installation (EPCI) works for the Hammerhead project.

Whiletheprojectwasnot approved at that time, the LNTP allowed Saipem to commence activities like detailed engineering and the procurement of long-lead equipment.

Lowurgesshelving ofgasdevelopment projectatWales - says land should be repurposed for solar power generation

Economist,ElsonLowis u r g i n g G u y a n a ’ s government to urgently reconsider its onshore gas development plans pegged for the Wales, West Bank Demerara site, in light of a recent revelation that US$100 million has been spent to stabilise the soil for the Gas-to-Energy (GTE) project.

In an invited comment, Low said there can be no a rg u m e n t t h a t t h e administration failed to conductcrucialstudiesofthe location to ensure it was suitable for such a massive undertaking.

Heexplained,“Thisland is unlikely to be suitable for anyheavyindustryassimilar costly works will have to be done to stabilise any factories. This would mean theindustrialsiteatWalesis deadonarrival,withthejobs and economic growth promised a fiction of the PPP’simagination.”

The economist argued that the US$100 million figureismerelyafractionof the cost to taxpayers due to the poor site selection and government’s refusal to conduct comprehensive studies.

He pointed out, “The delays that are due to

remedying the soil have resulted in a string of blackouts, each costing the nation valuable productive hours. This, combined with the cost of two power ships and several used generators, all of which have remained in operation due to these delays, brings the annual cost to Guyana well above thecostofthefailedSkeldon sugarfactory.”

To this end, Low suggested that a thorough feasibility study be c o n d u c t e d b y t h e governmenttorepurposethe remaining land atWales. He urged, “The government should conduct a feasibility study to repurpose the remaining land at the Wales site for solar power generation, as that will require much lighter construction than a largescaleindustrialpark.”

Theeconomistcautioned that construction of any further gas projects on the site would require similar stabilisation efforts which couldamounttohundredsof US-millionsmore.

Low therefore proposed, “The government should instead reevaluate the cost e f f e c t i v e n e s s o f containerisation of gas versus a pipeline, which would provide more site flexibilityforanyfurthergas toenergyprojects.”

During the third installment of the International Business Conference(IBC)heldatthe Guyana Marriott in Georgetown, between October 14 and 16 this year, Chairman of Lindsayca, Nelson Drake disclosed that astaggeringUS$100million wasspenttostabilisethesoil at the Wales GTE project site—achallengethatsetthe massiveundertakingbackby 14months.

He went on to explain to delegates of the conference thattherewasliquefactionat the site which means that it was not fit for construction.

“The equipment that we’re putting on the site is basically a gas process facility, which is easily can becomeabombatanytimeif it’s not done properly,” Drakepointedout.

The Wales Development Zonehasbeenearmarkedfor a n u m b e r o f o t h e r “transformational” gas development initiatives, including phase two of the GTE

project which encompasses another power plant and a second Natural GasLiquids(NGL)facility

President Irfaan Ali

r e c e n t l y s a i d t h a t government is considering the on-site construction of a fertiliser plant. GTE project head, Winston Brassington said, “We have room for a fertiliser plant, a glass factory, data centres, a second substation to Kalpataru, an area for small industrialelectricityusers.”

TheGTEprojectaimsto reduce the cost of electricity inGuyanabyawhopping50 percent.Itisexpectedtoadd 300megawattsofelectricity initsinitialphase.Guyanais also poised to become a major producer of cooking gas, most of which will be exported. The first phase is expected to cost close to US$2 billion, the country’s single largest project ever pursued.

Government previously intended for the initiative to come on stream in 2025 but construction delays not only pushedthetimelineback,but resultedinadisputebetween the government and the contractor

Since its inception, opposition members have beenpressinggovernmentto release key documents and agreements for the project whichcontinuetobehidden.

TUESDAY

GECOMDEADLOCKED

…chairawaits Azruddin’spickstofill oppositionseats -Alexandercontends PNCcommissioners thereforlife

However, lead PNCR commissioner Vincent Alexander, is pushing back, a s s e r t i n g t h a t h i s appointment is for life and does not require removal despite the shift in Parliament, further entrenchingthestalemate.

The September 1, general and regional electionsforthefirsttimein history of Guyana’s politics resulted in the emergence of a new main opposition. The Azruddin Mohamed-led We InvestinNationhood(WIN) partyhaswon16seatsinthe National Assembly while A Partnership for National Unity(APNU)hasbecomea minoritywith12seats.

As such, Chairperson of the GECOM, Justice Singh told this publication any business of the commission will have to be conducted after the convening of Parliament. The GECOM Chair sought to clear the air on recent allegations made A P N U a p p o i n t e d commissioners APNU commissioners had raised concerns over her refusal to accede to their request for a meeting.

APNU commissioner, Vincent Alexander had explained in a letter that the chairman had denied a request to meet with commissioners on issues relatedtothedeclarationsof the results of the recent national polls The opposition commissioners are of the view that declarations were not made in accordance with the established procedures of GECOM and the laws of Guyana.

However, Justice Singh said that her stance is in keeping with the provision found in Article 161(3) (B) of the Constitution. “We have had new elections and remember there is a new opposition.It’snotAPNU

cle 161 3B

The Guyana Elections Commission (GECOM) is paralysedinabitterdeadlock as Chairman, Justice Rtd, Claudette Singh refuses to convene meetings, insisting that the commission cannot functionuntilanewleaderof the opposition is appointed and submits three nominees under Ar

Continued on page 18

Supply Chain Manager of Saipem Guyana Inc., Diego Vicke Economist, Elson Low

GECOM Chair Justice (ret’d), Claudette Singh

OppositionCommissioner, VincentAlexander

Frompage17 anymore in power, there is another opposition in place; WINwhichhasthemajority of 16 seats,” Justice Singh

said alluding to the

Constitution The Chair

c o n t i n u e d : “ W h e n Parliament has convened then the Opposition Leader willhaveachancetochoose who his commissioners are that’sallIsaidandtheydon’t wanttoacceptthat.Iamonly actinginaccordancewiththe constitution.”

Article161(3)(B)ofthe Constitution in relation to GECOM states: “Three members to be appointed by the President in accordance with the advice of the opposition leader tendered a f t e r m e a n i n g f u l consultation with nongovernmental political parties represented in the NationalAssembly.”“So,we have to be careful and act in accordance with what the constitution says,” the GECOMchairstressed.

Further, Justice Singh debunked claims made by APNU commissioners that

their appointments have no term limit She clarified there in no such thing as a lifetime appointment for GECOM commissioners. “I don’t know where they got that from because when you read Article 161 (3) (B) I don’t believe you get that? Sotheyneedtosaywhere they got that from…” she posited, adding that she is very aware of what the constitution states in regard to this subject ” “I know aboutthisconstitution,Iwas in theAG’S chambers and I w o r k e d w i t h D r [ M o h a m m e d ] Shahabuddeen with that Constitution so I’m fully aware of it Maybe somebodytoldthemthat,but i t ’ s n o t i n t h e

Constitution…As you know the constitution is Supreme law, so no other law overridesthatanylawwould be inconsistent, ” the GECOMChairmanasserted. Notwithstanding the constitutional reference, Alexander is adamant that while he can’t deny that the elections resulted in some

unprecedented changes to Guyana’s political structure: “when she says she has to wait on Parliament she is inferring that commission is not presently constituted becausethereisanewleader of the opposition and the leader of opposition accordingtotheconstitution isthepersonwhonominates the persons for appointment bythePresident…evenifshe is right, but she cannot take actionontheassumptionthat therewillbeanewleaderof opposition. The fact of the matter is there is no new leaderoftheopposition.”

Alexander is of the view that GECOM chair contention should apply to the entire commission. He contended “If she is saying that there is a new leader of the opposition and therefore GECOM is not properly constituted, she herself is a nomineeofthatleaderandso if she is saying that we call for meetings because GECOM is not properly constituted Then, she herself cannot act in any capacity because her

appointment takes a similar a p p r o a c h t o o u r appointment. So that is the issue.”

Alexander is of the view thatonlyachangeinthelaws can rectify the situation at GECOM He posited that constitutional provision on the appointment of commissioners cannot be read in isolation. “It has to read with articles 226 and 225whichindicatethatthere is no term limit for commissioners ”Alexande rargued.

He noted in order for changes to take place in the appointment, the laws will havetobeamended.“Ihave no problem with this. I was saying they will have to amendthelaw Thelawasit is presently read does not provide for us to step down that’showIpresentlyseeit.I have said in the past, I think thewayhowourcommission is constituted is not good…I agree that there should be a changebutnottojustremove commissioners but it should provide for commissioners that are more unbiased,” Alexandercontended.

Meanwhile when contacted, Government appointed GECOM Commissioner Sase Gunraj declined to make any comment on the issue. He said “I have not read any of the correspondence in detailedsoIwillnotbeable to comment on the matter at thistime…”

Womanshotdead - as bandits target brother’s bike, gold chains

A 24-year-old woman wasshotdeadonSundayby two biker bandits who were trying to rob her brother outsideoftheirhomeinWest Ruimveldt,Georgetown. Police identified the woman as Faynel Brewster

demise.

Her mother, during an interview with another media entity said she cannot come to grips with her daughter’sdeath.“Ithinkit’s timethatsomethingneedsto be done to these young people who coming fuh do people thing for their own thing.”

Brewster’s sister recounted that she, along with Faynel and Faynel’s boyfriend were together in the yard when her brother pulleduponhisbike.

who was shot twice around 23:00hrs,whileherbrother, a businessman and ex-cop was involved in a scuffle withthegunmen.Atthetime oftheattack,thewomanwas in the yard speaking to her boyfriend,KarlSmart.

Police reported that while her brother, Moses Brewster,31wasfightingoff the bandits she exited the yard to see what was happening. Two shots went off and Faynel fell to the ground.

The bandits fled on their bikes and Brewster was rushed to the Georgetown Public Hospital Corporation where she was pronounced dead on arrival. One of the bullets, according to police, struck her to the right upper hand and the other entered herleftlowerchest.

Police have since launchedaninvestigation.

It is believed that the bandits might have trailed her brother Moses from the Kitty Seawall to rob him of his brand-new Honda XR motorcycle.

He was liming at the seawall with the bike which still had the trade-plates on. Moses also had two gold chains around his neck. At around 22: 45 hrs. he reportedlyleftforhome.

Moses arrived safely at h i s h o u s e a n d h a d dismounted his bike to push itintotheyardwhenthetwo banditsonablackHondaXR motorcyclepulledupfroma northerndirection.

The rider reportedly had on a ski mask while the pillionriderhadnone.Oneof themheldMosesatgunpoint and demanded that he hand over his gold chains and the bike Moses, however, refused and chose to fight themoff.

As police track the gunmen, Brewster’s family is mourning her tragic

Shesaidthatanotherbike pulledupbehindatthesame time and one of the men dressed in a white jersey, snatched her brother from behind.

“He snatch he by he chain here and he pull out a gun and me brother push he offandwhenmebrotherrun inside,hefirethegun.When hefiretheguntheshotketch me sister and then he bend down and pick up the bag andthenhefireofftheother shot again”, she told Big SmithNewsWatch.

Moses recalled that he lefttheseawallaround22:42 hrs, and did not see anyone following him. It was when hewasalmosthomewhenhe noticedthebandits.

“He come off the motorcycle, his word was to me don’t run and go nowhere. So, me ain’t run andgonowhere,causeIdon waitingfuhhecomecloseto seehowIcouldgettoattack hebecauseifIrunIaintwant heshoot”,hesaid.

The brother then recounted scuffling with the men until the man fired the shotandhepulledtotheside. At the time he didn’t know hissisterhadbeenhit.

Moses said that he tried chasing the bandits but they vanished.

Meanwhile, the A Partnership for National Unity (APNU) condemned thetragickilling.

“This heart-wrenching act of violence has once again shaken our nation and broughtimmensegrieftoyet another Guyanese family” theAPNUstated.

After extending condolences to the dead woman’s relatives, the APNU urged the authorities to conduct a full and transparent investigation to ensurethatthoseresponsible are swiftly brought before thelaw

“This latest tragedy underscores the growing threatofcrimethatcontinues Continued on page 28

Across Guyana, a quiet revolution in education is unfolding, one that is capturing the attention of expertsacrosstheCaribbean and the United States. A local organization has developed an AI-integrated learning platform that delivers Math, English, Science, and Social Studies lessons from Grades 1 through 10, while also preparing early school leavers to pass at least 5 of the following 6 CSEC subjects, Mathematics, English, Integrated Science, Social Studies, EDPM, and Biology

The lessons were designed by some of the nation's top academic performersandreviewedby experienced master teachers The program functions as an after-school learning platform, the only one of its kind not only in Guyana, but in the entire

region In a strong

d e m o n s t r a t i o n o f commitment to educational equity, the organizers have pledged to provide free access toanystudentunable toattendschoolduetofires, f l o o d s , o r o t h e r environmental disruptions, ensuring that no child is left behind in their learning journey

Pathway Online Academy is a locally designed, AI-powered learningplatformthatrivals, andinmanywayssurpasses, those built in far wealthier

Advancing Education, Technology & Innovation in Guyana…

Why Pathway Online Academy Is Redefining Learning — Even by U.S. Standards

nations. From its earliest version, Pathway was built to solve a very Guyanese problem, how to help children learn effectively, even with limited teacher availability, unreliable internet, and inconsistent school attendance. But after its initial launch, the team did something most developers don't, they rebuiltit.

After studying how studentsandparentsactually used the system, Pathway was completely revamped, essentially redesigned to be more innovative, more stable, and more responsive to real learning behavior This is the heart of true innovation Innovation is morethanbuildingonceand declaringsuccess,itisabout iteration, testing, listening, andimproving. Everycycle of feedback from parents, teachers, and students has helped make Pathway stronger NewAItutorswere introduced to personalize lessons; assessments were improved to give clearer feedback; and navigation was simplified so even young learners could move confidently through their lessons.

ThePathwayteamdidn't stop at technology, they went deeper into research, asking; Does the platform really cont

outcomes? Does overall time spent on the system i

outcomes? If yes, which features of the system actually contribute significantly to learning outcomes? The answers to thesequestionsarepartofan international empirical study and results are expected during the first quarter of 2026, but preliminary results already point to a greater than 30% improvement in assessment scores for more advanced learners.

Most of what we know about AI and education comes from studies in the United States, Europe, and Asia. But the realities of developing countries are very different; from blackouts and limited devices, to low literacy and parentalworkschedulesthat make supervision difficult. That's why the Pathway research is so important, it will build a much-needed bodyofevidenceabouthow AI impacts learning in developing countries, something that has been largely missing from global educationresearch.

The Pathway platform's design is guided by SelfDetermination Theory (SDT), a globally recognized framework that explains how motivation drives learning SDT identifies three essential ingredients for sustained engagement; Autonomy, defined as the freedom to make choices and learn at o n e ' s o w n p a c e ,

C o m p e t e n c e , t h e satisfaction of mastering new skills and seeing i m p r o v e m e n t a n d Relatedness, the sense of c

m teachers, parents, or peers.

The Pathway platform supports all three. Its selfpaced lessons and AI feedback nurture autonomy Its instant scoring and progress dashboards help students feel competent And when parents or mentors stay involved, relatedness completes the loop. Theresearchsaysthat when these needs are met, motivationandachievement grow, and so does confidence.

Although preliminary resultsshowprogress,italso revealed a crucial truth; the biggestimprovementscome

when an adult is engaged. Whether it's a parent, an older sibling, or a mentor, children perform best when someone checks in, asks questions, and helps them stay on task. AI amplifies learning, but human guidanceactivatesit.

Another preliminary finding stands out across every dataset, our students avoidreading.

They jump to videos but skip text, even when comprehension depends on it. This is a serious issue because reading remains the foundation of learning Children who read regularly build richer vocabularies, better memory, and stronger reasoning skills Reading also develops empathy, imagination, and focus, qualities that AI cannot teach. In fact, reading is the superpowerofthefuture. In

theageofautomation,those who read will guide the machines; those who don't willbeguidedbythem.

Pathway's mission is to make world-class, AIpow

n accessible, affordable, and resilient for every Guyanese child but the program requires an adult to sit in the same room with children as they learn; encouraging readingandcelebratingsmall wins Themorechildrenfeel s

motivatedtheybecome.

Pathway On

e Academy is a national innovation for which every Guyanese should be proud It is a movement of learning and research, powered by local innovation and global insight It proves that when technology, motivation, and care intersect, our children rise.

ATowards a better life with your psychologist

Improving your mental health and success with a healthy self-esteem

ccepting defeat

i s a b o u t

hopelessness and helplessness. Refusing to give up and accept defeat isabouthealthyself-esteem, self-confidence and selfvalue. Healthy self-esteem breathesresilience.

Healthy self-esteem boost self-confidence and good self confidence boost self-value.

And yes, being successful and having good mental health is dependent on healthy self-esteem, as it influences your outlook, motivation, and ability to copewithchallenges.

Healthy self-esteem is a protective factor against mental health issues like depression and anxiety, and it fosters resilience and a more positive approach to life and work. Self-esteem significantly impacts both mental health and success.

Healthy self-esteem is linked to better mental health, resilience, and the ability to achieve goals, while low self-esteem is associated with mental health challenges like depressionandanxiety

In simple words healthy selfesteemishavingagood opinion of yourself helps you to not get discouraged by small failures, keeping you on the path to success andgivesyouthestrengthto deal with bigger challenges

andrecovery

The "birth" of selfesteemistiedtosuccessfully navigating the second psychosocial stage, Autonomy vs. Shame and Doubt (18 months to three years).

Toddlersarelearningnew skills, like walking, talking, andtoilettraining,andassert their will to be independent Whenchildrenaresupported in developing these skills, theygainasenseofautonomy andbuildself-esteem,feeling capable and in control. If children are overly controlledorcriticized,they may feel ashamed of their independence and develop self-doubt and low selfesteem.

Bytheageof5ifwehave not successful growing our self-esteem, we tend to struggle through the other developmental stages as we s e e n t o d e v e l o p psychologically in to adults withunwavering

Healthy self-esteem is need in Initiative vs Guilt developmental stages (Preschool) is when children developasenseofpurposeby exploring and doing things independently (School-age, 5 to 12 years) is when we develop pride in our work

and accomplishments throughsocialandacademic endeavors.

Then in adolescence is when adolescents explore

their independence and develop their own sense of selfbyquestioning"Whoam I?" Successfully achieving this with encouragement and support during this exploration lead to a strong sense of identity, and the adolescent develops their ownbeliefsandvalues.This strengthenstheirself-esteem foradulthood.

Prevents negative outcomes: Healthy selfesteem can help prevent mentalhealthchallengesand makes it easier to manage stress

Promotes resilience: It helps you face challenges, cope with setbacks, and maintain a more positive outlookonlife

Links to specific conditions: Low self-esteem is specifically linked to a higherriskofdepressionand anxiety.

I n f l u e n c e s relationships:Itaffectsyour ability to build and maintain healthy relationships and

expressyourneeds

Increases motivation: A strongsenseofself-worthcan providethemotivationtotake onnewchallenges

Boosts performance: High self-esteem is associated with better performance at school and work

Encourages goalsetting: It can lead to setting and pursuing personal and professional goals more effectively

Facilitates problemsolving: It helps you feel confident to face and learn from mistakes, rather than viewing them as a threat to yourself-worth

Self-esteemandSuccess

Motivation and risktaking: Healthy self-esteem provides the confidence to pursuegoalsandtakeonnew challenges. It helps individuals learn from setbacks and persist through o b s t a c l e s Ca r e e r advancement: People with healthyself-esteemaremore

l i k e l y t o s e e k promotions, take on greater responsibilities, andperformwithhigher q u a l i t y a n d productivity In contrast, low selfesteem can lead to selfsabotage and the avoidance of opportunities due to fear of failure

Communication: Selfconfidence enhances communication skills, allowing individuals to articulate their thoughts and asserttheirneedseffectively in both professional and personalsettings.

Resilience: A strong sense of self-worth builds resilience, which is the abilitytocopewithstressful situations and bounce back fromfailureorcriticism.

Self-esteem and mental health; individuals with health self-esteem experiencethefollowing Emotional regulation: H

promotes emotional balance

and happiness while acting asabufferagainststress.

Protects against psychiatric problems; low self-esteem is a significant risk factor for mental health issues, including anxiety, depression, and eating disorders. A positive selfconcept can protect against theirdevelopment.

Healthy relationships: When you value yourself, youarebetterequippedtoset boundaries and build relationships based on mutualrespect.

Low self-esteem can lead to unhealthy relationship dynamics, loneliness, and social withdrawal. In Part 2 we will deal with how to build self-esteem.

By Dr. Telford Layne Jr. PsyD, MSc. Postgrad, BSc. Clinical and Developmental Psychologist - Psychoanalyst Unwrapping Gift -Clinic

Sheniza

Meet Sheniza Browne Walters, a young Guyanese entrepreneur who loves God and aspires to become the best version of herself Sheniza hopes to continue to grow in her faith and purpose; developing herself as an independent and successful career woman. This beauty loves to engage in activities that foster self improvement, beauty care, and fashion. She also loves spending quality time with her family Sheniza said "If you believe, if you put positivity first and trust God, everything will be possible."

Guyana Pavilion captivated millions at World Expo in Japan

TheWorldExpo,heldeveryfiveyears, took place this year in Osaka, Japan, from April 13 to October 13, 2025. Under the theme“SustainabilitythroughInnovation–Guyana’s Low Carbon Journey”, Guyana proudly participated, transforming its 53square-metre space into a breathtaking display of the nation’s natural beauty, and sustainabledevelopmentpath.A17square metrespacewasalsograntedtoGuyanato display local products that are manufacturedinGuyana.

The Guyana Pavilion captivated millions with lifelike rainforest scenery, movable animals with sound effects, an intricate Silica City model, and other creative exhibits that showcased the country’s commitment to a green and innovative future. Over the six-month period, 4,642,000 visitors explored Guyana’spavilion,manyintriguedtolearn aboutthecountry’slocation,culture,travel routes, and growing investment opportunities.

Staff from the Ministry of Tourism, Industry and Commerce, GuyanaTourism Authority (GTA), National Exhibition

Centre, and the Guyana Office for Investment (GO-Invest) worked tirelessly throughout the Expo, engaging daily with visitors and partners from around the world.

More than 25 million visitors attended Expo Japan 2025 overall, making it very successful. A total of 158 countries and 7 international organizations participated in theexpo.

Guyana’sNationalDay:

ACulturalShowcase

OnApril 27, 2025, Guyana celebrated its National Day at the Expo featuring Guyana–HomeofEldorado’sGold,Land ofOpportunity Staffproudlydonnedattire representingthesixethnicracesofGuyana, while a spectacular cultural performance, curated by Mr Andrew Tyndall and Ms. Alana Seebaran from the Ministry of Culture, Youth and Sports which brought

thevibrantrhythmsandartistryofGuyana toOsakastage.Artistestraveledthousands ofmilestosharethenation’smusic,dance, andculturewithaninternationalaudience, leavingspectatorsmesmerized.

Guyana’s delegation was led by Oneidge Walrond, former Minister of Tourism,IndustryandCommerce,andMr Kamrul Baksh, Director of the Guyana Tourism Authority Throughout the Expo, brandedsouveniritemsfromGuyanawere distributedandwarmlyreceivedbyvisitors fromacrosstheglobe.

CelebratingNationalPride andGlobalRecognition

During the six-month event, the Guyana Pavilion also commemorated several national observances including Emancipation Day (August 1st), Amerindian Heritage Month (September), and Breast Cancer Awareness Month

(October).Staffalsoproudlysupportedthe GuyanaAmazon Warriors during the CPL gamesplayedinGuyana.

AttheExpo’sclosingceremony,hosted by the Bureau International des Expositions (BIE), Guyana’s efforts were rewarded with the Bronze Award for Exhibition Design under the “Connecting Lives” category, an extraordinary recognition of the team’s creativity, innovation,anddedication.

Thismilestoneachievementwasledby Ms. Liloutie Mangra, Deputy Director of the Guyana Tourism Authority and Commissioner General for Expo Japan 2025, and Ms. Abigail Mohabir, Senior ProjectOfficerattheMinistryofTourism, Industry and Commerce and Deputy Commissioner General of Expo Japan 2025, along with a dedicated team of supportstaff.

BuildingonSuccess–Strengthening Guyana–JapanRelations

Guyana’s participation in Expo 2025 sparked significant interest from Japanese stakeholders, leading to strengthened bilateral engagement Representatives from Japan External Trade Organization (JETRO)conductedanexploratoryvisitto Guyana from July 1–4, 2025, to hold discussions and conduct preliminary research ahead of an official business mission to Guyana in October 2025. Currentlyapproximatelytwentythree(23) companies and nine Secretariats are in Guyanacarryingoutthebusinessmission. This mission aims to deepen trade relations, attract Japanese investment, and promote sustainable economic partnerships between the two nations. (Ministry of Tourism, Industry and Commerce)

Guyana Pavilion captivated millions at World Expo in Japan

Business networking event marks five years “Brunch with Bosses”

Gl o - S e e

Marketing and PR is proudly marking five years of hosting the signature

Networking Brunch; “Brunch with Bosses.” The hallmarkeventhasbecomea catalyst for entrepreneurs andprofessionalsinGuyana.

Founded by Sophia

Dolphin, a popular

Guyanese mompreneur, woman of faith, and brand ambassador for Sterling Products—one of Guyana's leading manufacturers

Brunch with Bosses has grown beyond a simple gathering to become a vibrant platform for networking,mentorship,and businessdevelopment.

She told this magazine that this year's celebration, themed Celebrating Progress with Courage and Confidence, is set for today at Parc Rayne, starting at 11 a.m.

Attendees will hear inspiring success stories

from past attendees who credit the event for significant personal and professionalbreakthroughs. The event promises a dynamic experience packed with great food, engaging entertainment, a Q&A session, and exciting giveaways.

As a special highlight, guests will receive free professional headshots to polish their profiles and elevate their presence in the businessworld.

Dolphin told The Waterfalls she gives all

supporting local businesses.

praise to God for this milestone. “This milestone celebrationismorethanjust a party—it's a testament to Glo-See's dedication to community, resilience, and shared achievement,” she said.

Over the past five years, through her flagship marketing agency, she said she was given the opportunity to represent various brands and companies, further exemplifyingherpassionfor

This year, Dolphin became anacclaimedrecipientofthe Brand Youth Global Award and was honored as one of Guyana's 25 Influential WomenLeaders2025. She extends heartfelt thanks to her loyal radio supporters of 'The Say It Loud with Sophia Show,' produced by Glo-See and hostedonRGI89.5FM. The show inspires listeners on wellness, personal growth, and community positivity Dolphin is an active supporter of several NGOs and a proud member of various organizations and chambers of commerce, always embracing continuous growth and learning.

She said one of her favoritequotesthatdriveher forwardis,“Ifyoudon'tdoit now,youwillneverdoit.” Reflecting on her journey, Dolphin expressed deep gratitude to all her clients, friends, and family whose unwavering support hasbeencentraltoGlo-See's success.

She noted that Glo-See hascarvedauniquenicheas a dedicated advertising and publicrelationsagency,with her three children—Orion, E z e k i e l , a n d Emma actively involved in the business, a testament to the family's shared commitmentandpassion.

To connect with this Guyanese mompreneur, you can call 592-649-6100 for moreinformation.

OBSERVER) Rastafarian firebrand Chuck Fenda wowed a packed venue of cheering patrons during the Limon Carnival held at the JAPDEVAFair Ground inLimon,CostaRicaovertheweekend.

During his performance, the artiste, who is known as 'Di Living Fire', took the initiative to wade into the VIP area full of governmentofficialsandotherdignitaries,so thathecouldconnectwiththeaudiencewho hefeltwerelocatedtoofarfromthestage.

He deejayed I Swear to major forwards fromthelargecrowd.

“Good Over evil, tell dem a life over death…” he deejayed, as a man with a torch blazed an orange tongue of fire behind him

thatlitupthenightsky

Fendathenpausedtogivetheenthusiastic audience a brief history lesson, reminding them that Jamaicans were recruited to constructtheAtlanticrailroadin1871,which helped to connect the Costa Rican capital, SanJosé,withtheCaribbeancoastforcoffee exports.

This railroad led to the founding of Limón, Costa Rica and Jamaicans were essential to establishing the city and its economic activities, and their descendants haveshapedLimón'suniqueculturalidentity “I swear my foreparents, ah we build the railroad,allwholovetheCaribbean,mekmi hearoonu,”hewailed.

(JAMAICA

ChuckFenda lightsup CostaRica withhigh energyshowat LimonCarnival

Rastafarian firebrand Chuck Fenda

Sophia Dolphin and her children Orion, Ezekiel, and Emma during her signature radio show

Girl 13, battles against leukemia seeks financial help to save her life

Having already fought the disease once in her life, 13-year-old Davie Nirdhan,isbattlingleukemia a2ndtime.

The teen is once again reaching out to her supporters seeking financial help for further specialized treatment.

According to a release from US-based Medical Charity, Saving Hands

EmergencyAid(SHEA)just months ago, the young girl battled leukemia with strength far beyond her years, enduring endless rounds of chemotherapy, sleepless nights in hospital rooms, nausea that stole her appetite, and pain that no childshouldeverknow SHEA stated that after monthsofsuffering,Nirdhan had gone into remission bringing hope and relief to

her loved ones. However, in what should have been her healing phase, the unthinkable had happened. During her maintenance treatment, SHEA explained thathercancerreturned,and this time, it's far more aggressive.

The young girl is currently in Guyana, where doctors are providing outstanding support care; however, she is in urgent

13-year-old Davie Nirdhan

n

d treatment to save her life which is simply is not availablehere.

“Her doctors have reached out to us at SHEA Charity,andweareworking incollaborationwiththemto seek international medical intervention to save this youngchild.

SHEA Charity is committed to doing everything possible to help Davie, but we cannot do it alone,” the organization expressed.

As they work to secure tre

transfer logistics, and immigration matters, SHEA

isaskingthepublictokindly help them in the process of bringinghopetothe13-yearold.

“Davie'smother(asingle mom)isdoingeverythingin herpowertostaystrong,but thecostofhopeisfarbeyond what any family in their positioncanbear

Thislittlegirlhasalready proven she's a fighter Now, she needs her community to fightwithher

From your heart, please give whatever you can today,”SHEArelated.

Additionally, SHEA noted that help is needed to cover the girl's life-saving treatment, along with travel,

housing, meals, and basic living essentials while she's awayfromhome.

To donate and help us save Davie, the public can giveto:

G o F u n d M e : https://wwwgofundme com /f/Hope-for-Davie, or Local Bank: Demerara BankName:LoriNarineAccount: 2041325,ForWireTransfers Account Type: Savings, Branch:LeRessouvenir,or Mobile Money Guyana (MMG): 603-3105 (No phone calls to this number, please.

This line is only for MMG. If you need to reach us,call929-888-7432)

FromwhereIstand...

the ERC must evolve from crisis responder to Trust beyond statements and summonses;

Didyouknowthe E t h n i c R e l a t i o n s Commission is currently runninganationalcampaign called Countering Hate Speech? That it's being executedinpartnershipwith the United Nations? That there's even a jingle competitiontiedtoit?

No?NeitherdidI,thatis untilIwentlooking.

Arecentvideo,produced in collaboration with the University of Guyana Student Society, features four young women denouncing hate speech. It ends with #NoHateGuyana On Facebook, the post has just eight reactions; three of which are laugh emojis Elsewhere, comments call for the ERC to “do more”, “at this point you should be defunded”.Thecampaignis happeningbutthecountry,it seems,barelyknows.

This raises a deeper question:whydoestheERC feelinvisibleunlessthere'sa fire? Why is it that most citizens associate the Commission with either

online statements or

moments of racial controversy and not with long-termnation-building?

The Ethnic Relations Commissionwasnotcreated tobearefereeinmomentsof racial flare-up It was createdtopreventthem.And now that the government is preparingtooperationalizea One Guyana Commission underthebannerofnational unity, we must ask: is that a sign of vision or an admission of failure? Is this new commission meant to complement the ERC and what does that interaction look like? And if the ERC had been fully visible, empowered,andeffectivein its mandate, would we even be contemplating yet another state body to do what already exists on paper?

And more importantly, whatistheactualmandateof this new commission? How will it differ from the ERC?

How do we ensure

complementarily, not confusion?

T h e E R C i s a constitutional body with a clear legal framework. It is responsible for promoting harmony, investigating c o m p l a i n t s , a n d recommending policies to improve ethnic relations. Its powers,however,arelargely suggestive, not judicial. It cannotarrestorprosecute;it cannot impose penalties. Its strength lies in moral authority, education, and

publictrust.

So, if the One Guyana Commission is being established to help bridge societal divides, perhaps it could function as a truthand-reconciliation-style body, tasked with assessing the realities on the ground, auditing public institutions for bias, and recommending structural reforms where needed. Perhaps it could take on inequality, a deeper sourceofsocialfracturethat transcends race and touches class, geography, and opportunity?

If so, then it should be positioned as a nonperformativecomplementto the ERC that is strategic, intentional, and policydriven.BecauseI'msurewe can all agree that we don't need another body with superficial solutions We need institutions that do the deep, structural work of stitching the country together

Collaboration requires clarity of mandate and clarity of vision. We should already be articulating what thatsharedvisionlookslike, how these two bodies can mutually reinforce each other Perhaps the ERC remains the driver of n a t i o n a l h a r m o n y campaigns, while the One Guyana Commission digs into systems reform in education,lawenforcement, hiring practices, and more. PerhapstheERCfocuseson mediation and outreach, while the new body drives policy audits and makes l e g i s l a t i v e recommendations. But that conversation muststartnow

The ERC comes into focus once again following the recent uproar around social media personality

Jennifer Ally's racial comments and what has it done? Issued a statement; summonedheragain.

But what does that actuallymean?

What happens after a summons? What is the outcome of an investigation by the ERC? And more fundamentally, what is this body empowered to do beyond issuing statements andcallingforunity?

When “Baby Skello” wasarrestedafterreleasinga song viewed as offensive to Hindu religious sentiments, some assumed that the ERC hadorchestratedthearrest.It hadn't That action was executed under laws related to blasphemy But in a society where mistrust and ethnic insecurity run deep,

perception often matters morethanfact.Theopticsof a Black man being arrested, following outrage from an ethnically different community and the ERC's presence somewhere in the narrative, was enough to stoketension.

Thisispreciselywhythe ERC's work cannot be reactive or episodic. If your onlyvisibilitycomesduring moments of ethnic conflict, youbecomeasymbolofthat conflict, not a solution to it. And in a country where political identity and race r e m a i n s o d e e p l y intertwined, the ERC must domorethanshowupwhen things go wrong. It must be visible, consistent, and deliberate in building the kind of society where its existence becomes less about crisis response and more about preemptive trust-building.

Tobeclear,it'sgoodthat the ERC reacts to incidents. Wewantinstitutionsthatare responsive when tensions rise. But we also need an ERC that is meaningfully proactive.

What would a proactive ERClooklike?

Imagine a Commission that isn't waiting for slurs to trendbeforevisitingschools or convening community dialogues One that commission,thereshouldbe regular campaigns explaining the difference between hate speech and free speech, grievance and i n c i t e m e n t T h e Commission must work with faith leaders, youth groups,teachers,andprivate sector allies to build a foundation of mutual respect.Onethathelpsshape anationalcurriculumrooted in shared history and truth. That kind of work doesn't makeheadlines.Butitbuilds something more enduring: socialimmunity

To be fair, some of this work m a y w e l l b e happening Thecurrentantihate-speech campaign, though poorly circulated, signals effort. Perhaps there arequietschoolvisits,faithbased partnerships, and community interventions that never make it to the public eye Maybe their Facebookpageissimplynot reflective of the work being donebehindthescenes.And maybe,justmaybe,thekind o f p r e v e n t a t i v e , unglamorous work I'm calling for is precisely the kind of work that doesn't makeheadlines.Butifthat's the case, then it only reinforces the need for

strongervisibilityandpublic engagement, because trust isn't built solely on intentions;itisbuiltonwhat peoplesee,feel,andknow This is hard work. It requires human, financial, and political resources. A Commissionwithaskeleton staff and shoestring budget willstruggletohavenational impact. So if we want a stronger ERC, we must investinit.However,money alone won't fix the credibility problem That requires consistent, visible public engagement and a leadership posture that feels neutral, trustworthy, and committed to country over camp.

The path to national unity is not paved by

reactionary PR or symbolic institutions It requires structure, strategy, and sustained effort. Until then, we risk having many commissions but little transformation. From where Istand,therealworkstilllies ahead.

JanelleA.N. Persaud is a j o u r n a l i s t a n d

By Janelle Persaud

communications strategist with over two decades of experience across media, public affairs, and development. She holds a Bachelor of Science in InternationalRelationsanda Master of Science in Strategic Development Studies from the University ofGuyana.

Frompage18 to plague our communities” the coalition stated before callingonthegovernmentto take stronger and more decisive action to tackle the surge in criminal activity acrossthecountry

A c c o r d i n g t o APNU/PNCR “It is time for meaningful measures to be implemented to get illegal guns off our streets, strengthenlawenforcement, andrestorepublicsafetyand trust”,continuedtheparties’. Thepartiesfurtherstated that the PNCR/APNU remains committed to working toward a safer Guyanawhereeverycitizen, especially women and children, can live without fear

WEDNESDAY

Exxondodgesquestion onbillionsrecovered fromGuyana’soil - claims “negative cash flow” but refuses to reveal cost recovery total

ExxonMobil Guyana PresidentAlistair Routledge has refused to disclose how muchmoneytheoilgianthas recoveredfromGuyana’soil revenues to date, despite repeated requests from the media.

When pressed by Kaieteur News for a cost recovery update during a press conference at Exxon’s Ogle headquarters on October 13, Routledge said: “I don’t have in front of me, the cumulative, figure we can follow up on some of those numbers As I said, we’re probably still around about US$6B on a negative cash flow As we look at the cumulativeexpendituresand thecumulativerevenuesthat we’ve seen from the StabroekBlock.”

Prior to the event, the company’s Public Relations department contacted media personnel requesting information on topics they would like to have addressed Notably, this newspapershareditsinterest in receiving a cost recovery update,amongothers.

Instead, Routledge said there was approximately US$6B in the cost bank still to be recovered, as at September 2025 He informed another reporter, “Yes. It is, that is the net difference on a cumulative basis up until about a monthago,whenit’sthelast timeIsawthefinancials.”It would be important to point

out that over the last month government granted the company approval for its seventh project, therefore adding more expenditure to the cost bank. It is unclear whether the US$6B referenced by Routledge includes the cost of the new project.

Guyanese have been left in the dark regarding the utilisationofitsoilwealthby both Exxon and the government of Guyana (GoG). This is particularly the case since a whopping 75%isdeductedmonthlyby the oil company for expenses The remaining 25% is split between the GoG and Exxon as “profit oil” in keeping with the termsofthe2016Production SharingAgreement(PSA).

Notably,thecontractalso provides for quarterly cost recovery statements to be suppliedtogovernmentfrom the operator The agreement stipulates that the statement m u s t i n c l u d e : ( a ) recoverable contract costs carried forward from the previous calendar quarter, if any;(b)recoverablecontract costsforthecalendarquarter

in question; (c) total recoverable contract costs; (d)quantityandvalueofcost oil taken and disposed of by the contractor for the calendarquarterinquestion; (e) contract costs recovered for the calendar quarter in question and (f) total cumulative amount of contract costs to be carried forward into the next calendarquarter

The cost recovery statement for each quarter is required to be submitted no later than 30 days after the

end of each quarter At the beginning of this year, Vice President Bharrat Jagdeo told Reuters that some US$33.9Bwasrecoveredby the Stabroek Block partners as at the end of January, 2025. Since then there has been no update on the billions recovered by ExxonMobil, using Guyana’soil.

Former Executive

D i r e c t o r o f t h e Environmental Protection Agency (EPA), Dr Vincent Adamspreviouslycalledfor the cost recovery statements prepared by Exxon, to be madepublicashepointedto the lack of transparency in the billions of US-dollars being recovered by the oil giant.

Hesaid,“Wedonotseea breakdown in those numbers. We are not even getting in the audit as to what’s coming out for operations and what’s comingoutforcapital”.

Even in the case of a house mortgage, he said, a schedule is provided with howthemoneyispaidoff.

Moreover,thenPresident of Transparency Institute

Guyana Inc (TIGI), Frederick Collins had made it clear that Guyanese deserve to know what their resources are being used to fund and that government mustrememberthattheyare merelythemanagersandnot the owners of the country’s wealth.

“It is not just that we deservetoknowwhatouroil isbeingusedtopayforbutit is our resources and it is our business. All a government is,isacaretaker Theyarethe managers of our affairs, the

Constitution says that,” Collinsurged.

The former TIGI

President added that while the People’s Progressive Party (PPP) committed to greater transparency in the managementoftheoilsector in its 2020 Elections Manifesto,therehasbeenno evidenceofthistodate.

He said, “There is no g r e a t e r transparency between the governmentandExxon,they seemtobeplayingagameof hide and seek with the people the constitution says very clearly that all thoseaffairsarethepeopleof Guyana affairs and all the government is doing is managing it for us. There is no reason why they should be keeping those things secret.”

Ex-MPDevin Searsnabbedin policedrugbust - 310 kilos of ganja seized

Former Alliance For

Change, Member of Parliament,DevinSearsand another man were on Monday morning nabbed

suspiciousmanner(sweating profusely). One of the ranks askedthedriverwhathewas transporting, to which he replied, “I am transporting tourism plants ” The rank then instructed the driver to pull to the side of the road and informed him that a search would be conducted on the vehicle. The driver acknowledged.

Police discovered twenty-two bulky black plastic bags and four large browncanvasbagsinsidethe vehicle containing leaves, seeds, and stems suspected to be cannabis Both men were told of the offence, arrested,andcautioned.

Sears, police said remainedsilent,whileSandy admitted ownership, stating thatthenarcoticsbelongedto him and that he had paid Sears to transport him to Parika Both men were arrested and escorted to the Mackenzie Police Station along with the suspected cannabis, which was weighed in their presence and amounted to 310 71 kilograms.

with a quantity of ganja during a police stop and search operation at Bamia, Region10.

Inastatementpolicesaid that at about 20:41hrs on Monday a police team was onmobilepatroldutiesinthe vicinity of the Old Bamia PoliceCheckpointinLinden whentheyarrestedSearsand Albert Sandy, a 69-year-old farmer of Tacama, Upper Berbice River who were found to be in possession of 310 71 kilograms of Cannabis.

According to the police, while on patrol duties, the ranks were conducting random ‘stop and search’, when they stopped a dark blue Toyota Hiace minibus, bearing registration number BAJ 4486, property of Region #10 Tourism Committee Inc. The vehicle was driven by Sears, a 39year-old educator and political activist from Mackenzie, Linden and he was accompanied by Sandy who was seated in the front passengerseat.

Police said upon stopping the vehicle, the driver began acting in a

Meanwhile, in a statement, the AFC said it has noted reports in the mediaregardingthearrestof Sears,andanotherindividual in connection with the discovery of a quantity of suspected marijuana “We note that another individual who was in the vehicle with Mr Sears has taken ownership of the suspected marijuana, even as Sears remains in police custody While Mr Sears is an active member of the AFC, the party emphasises that all persons are entitled to the presumption of innocence untilprovenguiltyinacourt of law. The AFC firmly believes in upholding the rule of law and due process and trusts that the relevant authorities will conduct a fair, transparent, and impartial investigation into thematter,”thestatementby thepartyread.

“The Alliance For Change reiterates its unwavering commitment to integrity,accountability,and lawful conduct among all those who serve or have served under its banner The Party does not condone any actthatcontravenesthelaws of Guyana or undermines public trust We urge the publicandthemediatoallow thejudicialprocesstotakeits course and refrain from speculation that could prejudicetheoutcomeof Continued on page 29

The ganja that was seized by police

Former Member of Parliament, Devin Sears

Tacama farmer, Albert Sandy

Frompage28 ongoing investigations. The AFC extends its support to Sears as he faces the challenges before him,” the statementconcluded.

THURSDAY

Onedead,anothercritical afterbeesattackroad workersatTriumph

Chaos erupted at Surat Drive, Triumph, East Coast Demerara, on Wednesday when a swarm of bees descendedonagroupofroad workers,killingonemanand leaving another fighting for hislife.

Dead is 29-year-old

Winston Semple, a contractorofPrinceWilliam Street, Plaisance, while 40year-old Glendon Simpson of Non Pareil remains hospitalised in critical condition.

According to police, Semple, Simpson, and other workmen were engaged in road construction when the bees attacked without warning, stinging the men repeatedly Public-spirited residents rushed to their aid and transported them to the Enmore Regional Hospital, where Semple was pronounceddeadonarrival. Hisbodywastakentothe Memorial Gardens Funeral Home, where it awaits a post-mortem examination Police investigators have since processed the scene as inquiries continue into the tragicincident.

‘Takeittocourt’ –AGtellswarring oppositionfactions overGECOMseats - says dispute a legal matter as GECOM Chair holds firm

Attorney General and Minister of Legal Affairs

AnilNandlall,SC.hasmade it clear that opposition

parties battling over appointments to the Guyana Elections Commission (GECOM)willhavetosettle the matter in court if they cannot agree among themselves.

His comments come

amid rising tension following GECOM

Chairperson, Justice (Ret’d) Claudette Singh’s decision to pause all election-related meetings until the new Parliament is convened and the Opposition benches are formallyconstituted.

JusticeSinghhassaidshe anticipates changes in the

Opposition’s representatives on the Commission, given thattheAzruddinMohamedledWeInvestinNationhood (WIN) has replaced the A Partnership for National Unity (APNU) as the new main opposition She said theConstitutionprovidesfor this transition But the position has sparked pushb

APNU Commissioner Vincent

interpretation.

Weighing in during his weeklyprogrammeIssuesin the News, Nandlall asserted that the Opposition can choosetotrashoutthematter or let the court decides “…Thosewhoareaggrieved obviously must know that they have recourse to the courtbecauseitalegalissue andtheycanhavethematter ventilated there.” Nandlall refrained from expressing his views on the matter noting that as Attorney General he will be required tobeapartytothecase,once it reaches the court “My views will be expressed at that forum…. I don’t think it’s necessary for me to be dragged in an opposition dispute or comment on the independent exercise of GECOM’s prerogative on a matter that concerns GECOM.”

Nandlall continued “I havemyviewsobviouslybut GECOM is an autonomous bodyandthechairpersonhas taken a position This obviously is a legal issue involvingtheoppositionand theyhavetoresolveit…Itis obviously a constitutional controversy and if it reaches the court in any event, I will havetobeapartybecauseall constitutional matters requiretheAttorneyGeneral to be named as a respondent so I would not be speaking onthismatter.”

Commenting on the matter, chartered accountant and lawyer, Christopher Ram noted better judgment should prevail among the opposition parties when selecting its representatives. Ram asserted that “If the chairperson’s logic applies, then it means that the tenure of every one of the commissionersincludingthe chairperson,hasexpired. He clarified that on the other h a n d t h e l e v e l o f presumption by Alexander of lifetime appointments could never have been the case. “Mr Alexanderknows as well as anyone else that the Carter formula should

have applied for the 1992 elections only In any case, particularlyinrelationtoday ap

, I would’ve thought their own better judgment would prevailoverself-interestand s

arguments,”Ramsaid.

Senior Counsel Ralph R

Speaker of the National Assembly held that it would take agreement among the Opposition parties and their appointeestohavethematter resolved. He opined that the GECOM chairperson is

being cautious in her approach to the situation. “I think the chair is looking at the possibility that with the opposition composition is differently constituted from the last time and that the opposition parties may well cometotheconclusionasto who their representatives on the commission should be and if, they come to such a conclusion, maybe the commissioners representing the opposition will resign and make way for new appointees,iftheyagreethat there should be new commissioners,”hesaid.

Ramkarran noted that as it stands, there is no provisionintheConstitution f o r t h e c u r r e

c

removed. Hesaidthereused

to be a provis

n for removal,butitwasremoved. “Up to 1973, the life of the commissionendedattheend of every election and new commissioners were a p p o i n t e d b y t h e government and by the opposition,”hesaid.

L e a d e r o f n e w opposition party, Forward Guyana Movement (FGM), Amanza Walton-Desir also addedhervoicetotheissue.

In a statement to the press Walton-Desir pointed out that the current impasse at GECOM is not primarily about personalities She asserted that “The real

election demand,” WaltonDesircontinued.

As such, the politician noted that there must be a complete transformation of the Guyana E

Attorney General and Minister of LegalAffairs,

problem is that the Commission is politicised, and structured in a way that entrenches the two-party system ” “It was never designed to function as an impartial, professional institution serving all Guyanese Guyana is no longeratwo-partysociety,as the presence of three opposition parties in Parliament shows Yet GECOM’s current design locks the system into old divides, undermining the fairness, credibility, and independence that every

ns Commission into a professional, independent, and politically neutral body She emphasised that “The administration of elections must not depend on the whims of politicians or the arithmetic of parliamentary seats. It should be entrusted toacommissionofqualified professionals chosen for integrity, competence, and commitment to public service and to Guyana, not loyalty to any leader or party.”

FRIDAY

Pres.AlisetsNov3 foropeningof13th Parliament - critics say government “ran the clock” on constitutional deadline

President Dr Irfaan Ali has officially issued the Proclamation for the opening of the 13th Parliament of Guyana, scheduled for Monday, November 3, 2025, at 14:00 hrs.

“We have seen this model succeed elsewhere in the Caribbean Jamaica’s electoral Commission of Jamaica for instance, is consideredtheregionalgold standard. It is a system that has earned the trust of citizensandtherespectofthe international community Guyana deserves the same, wecanhavenicethingstoo, but we the Guyanese people must insist,” the lawyer said She stressed therefore that “The next Parliament mustprioritiseconstitutional reform to establish a genuinely independent GECOM,oneinsulatedfrom party politics, operating transparently, and accountable only to the peopleofGuyana.“Wehave to end this cycle of political captureandbuildinstitutions worthyofpublic,”shesaid.

Inalivebroadcaston Continued on page 30

Anil Nandlall SC

President, Dr IrfaanAli

Frompage28 Thursday, President Ali announced that the Arthur Chung Conference Centre (ACCC) will serve as the venue for both the opening c e r e m o n y a n d t h e subsequent sittings of the National Assembly. The President’s proclamation marksakeystepinGuyana’s post-election transition following the dissolution of the 12th Parliament on July 3, 2025, which paved the way for the General and Regional Elections held on September 1, 2025 The People’s Progressive Party Civic,PPP/Csecuredvictory at the polls and Ali was electedforasecondterm.He was sworn in on September 7, followed by the appointmentofhiscabinetin the days after The ceremonial opening of Parliament is expected to feature traditional proceedings, including an address by President Ali outlining his government’s legislative and development

agenda for the new parliamentaryterm.

Under Article 69 (1) of the Constitution of Guyana, Parliament must meet no later than four months after dissolution The provision states: “Each session of Parliament shall be held at such place within Guyana and shall begin at such time (not being later than six months from the end of the preceding session if Parliament has been

prorogued or four months fromtheendofthatsessionif Parliament has been dissolved) as the President s h a l l a p p o i n t b y proclamation.”

Theoppositionandother s t a k e h o l d e r s h a d complained about the delay in in the summoning of Parliament The Guyana Trades Union Congress (GTUC) last Thursday demanded the immediate summoning of the 13th Parliament In a press release, the union said that Guyana’s “urgent business cannotwaitanylonger.”“As Guyana faces mounting c h a l l e n g e s t h e management of our crucial oil and gas resources, a soaring cost of living, deepening poverty, and escalating tensions between the United States (U.S.) and Venezuela placing our country at risk swift parliamentary action is imperative,”theGTUCsaid. Additionally, the GTUC

reiterated its call for inclusive democracy as m a n d a t e d b y t h e Constitution of Guyana “Effective governance requiresthefullparticipation of all Guyanese, united underthemotto:OnePeople, One Nation, One Destiny This shared responsibility must be embraced without delay The immediate convening of the 13th Parliament is not only necessary—it is essential to safeguard our nation’s

future.”

The opposition in criticising the delay had argued that urgent national matters remain unattended.

Businessman Terrence Campbell,whoissettolead A Partnership for National Unity (APNU) in the 13th Parliament, had expressed frustration, saying his parliamentary team is already prepared “My parliamentary team is ready for parliament to be convened. We at this point have no idea why the President seems to be delaying by using up the entire timeframe of four months for the conveningof Parliament,butweareready for parliament to be convenedtomorrow,“hehad saidbackthen. Campbell emphasised thatseveralpressingnational issues must be urgently addressed,particularlythose relating to the electoral

system.Asthenewlyelected leader,heexpressedcautious optimismabouttakinguphis role in Parliament, while emphasising the need for immediate action on these matters “I am cautiously optimistic about taking up my leadership role in Parliament. There are many matters of national interest that must be addressed. For example, I believe Parliament ought to address the issue of elections in Guyana, including making budgetary provisions for biometricsgoingforward,as well as addressing the state ofthevoters’list,”hestated. He further stressed that no future elections, whether national or local, should be heldwithoutfirstcleaningup the voters’ list and implementing biometric systems “I am looking forward to the president calling parliament in short order, I don’t believe that there is a need to delay parliament any further,”

C a m p b e l l s t a t e d

Meanwhile, Azruddin Mohamed,LeaderoftheWe InvestinNationhood(WIN) party and a soon-to-be member of Parliament had affirmed his party’s readinesstotakeupitsrolein the National Assembly. “WINstandsreadyandfully prepared to take our seats in the 13th Parliament wheneveritisconvened.Our focus is to represent the peopleandbeavoiceforall Guyanese in the highest office,”Mohamedstated.He further emphasised that the party will abide by the law and respect the decisions maderegardingthetimingof Parliament’sconvening.

In earlier comments, President Ali had assured that his government is committed to operating within the Constitution “You can always count on thePPP/Cgovernmenttodo everything within the constitution, and I would

s u s p e c t ’s s h o p o n Wednesday to enquire about purchasing cellphones and leftshortlyafter

never ever do anything outside of it. Article 69 (1) speaks on this matter The president will reconvene parliament, we have until four months after the parliament was dissolved,” hesaid.

The President added at thetimethathesawnoneed to rush the process. “I still have a lot of time under the constitution to reconvene parliament. It will take me sometime in November that iswithintheconstitution.So, I think Guyana can trust the PPP/C government and we will operate within the c o n s t i t u t i o n T h e constitution gives me a time frame and I was elected President and what I can assure you that it will be convened within the constitutional timeframe,” thePresidenthadsaid.

Businessman gunsdowncop -claimsself-defence afterbeingattacked withheatergun

A policeman was on Thursday shot and killed

d u r i n g a n a l l e g e d

confrontation with a businessman at Vreed-enHoop,WestCoastDemerara. Dead is Lance Corporal Richard Marvin Hayes, 35, of Lot 13 School Street, Vreed-en-Hoop, West Coast Demerara. He was allegedly shot and killed by a businessman at the Vreeden-Hoop Stelling Road around 09:00 hrs on Thursday, police said in a pressrelease.

The 37-year-old businessman of Crane Housing Scheme, who operates a cellular phone stallattheStelling,hassince been arrested He is a licensed firearm holder of a .32Taurus pistol.According topolicereports,Hayeswho was attached to the Impact Base at Brickdam Police Station, had visited the

However, around 09:00hrs on Thursday, Hayesreportedlyreturnedto the stall, indicating he had come to buy a phone. The suspecttoldpolicethatwhile hewaspackingboxes,Hayes became“hostile”,prompting him to ask the officer to leave The businessman alleged that Hayes instead pickedupacellphoneheater gunfromthedisplaycounter and threw it at him, striking himinthechest.Inresponse, the suspect reportedly drew his firearm and discharged one round, hitting Hayes in hisrightchest.

RonHayes,whooperates anearbybarbershop,saidhe rushedoverafterhearingthe gunshot and found his brother bleeding, police reported He immediately transported him to the West Demerara Regional Hospital, where the officer succumbed to his injuries whilereceivingtreatment.

“I went and get me car and spectators around help put he in me car and when I reach to the hospital, the hospital emergency come out and they come with the stretcher…when I park the carandgobackin,thesame one that de rolling the stretcher come out back the emergencyroomandsayyou brother gone, he dead,” Haynes said during an interviewwithreporters.

Doctors confirmed that Hayes sustained a single gunshot wound to the chest. Police have since seized the suspect’s firearm and license, and he has been processed for gunshot residuetesting.Investigators from Regional Division Three and the Major Crimes Unit are continuing their probe. Authorities have classified the matter as murder, pending legal advice.

Hayesalsotoldreporters that when he arrived at the scene, the businessman was opening his establishment right in front of his brother, who was in a pool of blood. “When I go there and say who shoot me brother, who shoot me brother, nobody ain’t saying anything,” Hayesrecounted.

He further disclosed that his brother had been a memberoftheGPFforabout 14 years Outside of his police duties, his brother supportedhisfamilywhich Continued on page 31

Lance Corporal

Richard Marvin Hayes Arrested, Robert Hoosein

Brother of Richard Hayes, Ron Hayes

Frompage30 included his wife, son, and stepson and also ran a chicken and chipsbusinessafterwork.

Hayes said he cannot understand why the businessman wouldshoothisbrother,especially over a confrontation that stemmed from a customer having an issue withanitemtheypurchased.

“I feel that these bannaz with their money, they getting too twisted. They tell themselves they got their money and they feel like they running this world,” the man said.

Haynes continued, “Me ain’t seenoreasonwhyalicensefire0 dersupposedtotakeouthegun knowingthatthisispolice.Evenif he was a normal person, he ain’t supposedtopullhestrap,becauseit nah nothing serious like nobody come for rob you It’s a confrontation whereby you spend your money and if something wrongwithyouritem,Igottabring itbacksoyoucanknowsomething wrong.”

The grieving brother said his family is hoping that justice will prevail for the policeman whose life was snuffed out over a cellular phone.

SATURDAY

JusticeYonette Cummings-Edwards onearlyretirement

- Justices Roxane George, Navindra Singh to act as Chancellor, Chief Justice

Amid reports of confusion in thejudiciaryfollowingthereturnof Justice Yonette CummingsEdwards CCH, OR, from annual leave, President Irfaan Ali on Friday announced that she will be proceedingonearlyretirementand that Justices Roxane GeorgeWiltshire and Navindra Singh will continue to perform the duties of Acting Chancellor of the Judiciary and Acting Chief Justice, respectively

During a live broadcast, President Ali said that Justice Cummings-Edwards has requested to proceed on pre-retirement leave beginning Monday, October 27, 2025. “I take this opportunity to thank Madam Justice CummingsEdwardsforherlongservicetothe judiciaryandthepeopleofGuyana. Iexpressmypersonalappreciation for her many years of public service,”PresidentAlisaid.

Thepresidentalsodisclosedvia a Facebook post that he administered the oath of office to Justice Singh as a member of the JudicialServiceCommission(JSC) at State House. Justice Singh will serve a three-year term on the Commission, which was reconstituted in July 2023 after a six-yearhiatus.

On Friday afternoon, News Source Guyana reported that

president Irfaan Ali has written to outgoing Opposition Leader Aubrey Norton seeking his consensus on the substantive appointment of Justice George as Chancellor and Justice Singh as ChiefJustice.

“Mr Norton received the letter from the Government this afternoon,” the news agency said. However, when Kaieteur News contacted Norton, he said he is traveling to Kwakwani and he would check when he receives internetconnection.

It is important to note that in 2022 Norton had informed PresidentAli that he agreed to the confirmationofJusticeCummingsEdwards and Justice George as Chancellor and Chief Justice, respectively

Kaieteur News reported then that Norton through the People’s National Congress Reform (PNC/R) member and attorney-atlaw, Roysdale Forde, presented a letter to Minister of Parliamentary Affairs and Governance, Gail Teixeira, informing the government of the Opposition’s support for the appointment of the ChancellorandChiefJustice.

IntheletterdatedJune7,2022, Forde told the Minister that: “This servestoinformyouthattheLeader of the Opposition Mr Aubrey C. NortonisinagreementthatJustice Yonette Cummings-Edwards be appointed Chancellor of the Judiciary and Justice Roxane George-Wiltshire be appointed Chief Justice in keeping with Article 127 (1) of the Constitution which states that ‘The Chancellor and the Chief Justice shall each be appointed by the President, acting afterobtainingtheagreementofthe LeaderoftheOpposition’.”

To this end, Norton told membersofthemediathatsincethe Opposition Leader has already fulfilled his constitutional responsibility,thePresidentisnow charged with making the appointment.

However, no action was taken bythepresident.

Notwithstanding, Kaieteur News reported in Friday’s publication that when Justice Cummings-Edwards resumed duties and returned to her chambers, Justice GeorgeWiltshire had reportedly been unable to access her office, which was occupied by Justice ofAppeal Navindra Singh, who substituted for her while she performed the functionsofActingChancellor

Earlier on Friday, before the president’s announcement, Opposition Leader Aubrey Norton hadaddressedthematteratapress conference Norton said he expected Justice CummingsEdwards to resume her duties as Acting Chancellor based on the president’s earlier correspondence.

Quoting from President Ali’s July 10, 2025 letter, Norton noted that

the president had granted Justice Cummings-Edwards three months’ leave until October 15, 2025, and appointedJusticeGeorge-Wiltshire to act as Chancellor during that period.

“Consequently, it follows that on the resumption of duty by Justice Cummings, she will be the acting Chancellor and that Justice George will revert to being the acting Chief Justice. This is the APNUunderstandingofthepresent situation,”Nortonsaid.

However, by Friday evening, President Ali announced that Justice Cummings-Edwards had opted for pre-retirement leave, clearing the way for Justice George-WiltshireandJusticeSingh tocontinueintheiractingroles.

Justices George-Wiltshire and Singh were sworn in by President Ali on August 4th, when Justice Cummings-Edwards commenced her vacation leave. Justice George was appointed acting chancellor, whileJusticeSinghwaselevatedto actaschiefjustice.

Duringtheactingappointments inAugust, PresidentAli had stated thatthedecisionsweremadeinthe interest of maintaining continuity and ensuring the efficient functioning of the judiciary in the offices of chancellor and chief justice. The president also said the temporary filling of the chancellor’s post in the absence of Justice Cummings-Edwards, “reflects the administration’s commitmenttojustice,fairnessand the rule of law, which are essential to the country’s democratic framework.”

Despite this move, the top two spots in Guyana’s judiciary have substantivelyremainedvacant,due to the requirement in the constitution that both the leader of the opposition and the president must agree on the persons before they can be appointed. Although therehavebeennumerouscallsbya number of political parties and organisations to substantively appoint the acting persons to the posts, the spots have remained substantively vacant for over 20 years, with attempts to break the ‘deadlock’goingtonoavail.

In May of this year, President Alisaidthathewasstillexamining the issue of appointing the substantive holders to the office of chancellorandchiefjustice.

RamcallsfordismissalofExxon GuyanaPresidentover inaccurateprofitreporting

Attorney-at-Law and chartered accountant, Christopher Ram has called for the dismissal of the president of ExxonMobil Guyana Limited (EMGL), Alistair Routledge over his serial misrepresentations to the media and lack of transparency under his tenure.

Ram in his weekly column, published on Friday by Stabroek News, exposed Routledge’s attemptatmisleadingthenationon thecompany’searningsinGuyana.

At a recent press conference, Routledge claimed, “…prior to 2023, we were not making profits here in Guyana, so there were no taxcreditsfromthat.”

The chartered accountant however demonstrated, using Exxon’s audited financial statement, that Routledge manufactured those inaccurate remarks. Ram pointed out, “In truth, Exxon recorded profits of G$132 billion (2021) and G$637 billion(2022).”Heevenattacheda screenshot of the company’s income statement to support his argument.

Consequently, the lawyer reasoned, “For his serial misrepresentations to the Fourth Estate, Mr Routledge has lost the confidenceandrespectofhishosts. Under his watch, ExxonMobil Guyana has resisted transparency, delayed relinquishment, and overseentheimproperreductionof US $214 million in disallowed auditcosts.”

Ram was keen to note that an executive with such a pattern of mistrustintheUnitedStates(U.S.) wouldhavebeensummonedbefore Congress or shown the door, whereas in Guyana, he remains a “guest of honour”. Ram therefore madeitclearthatRoutledgeshould be dismissed for his inexplicable

behaviourinGuyana.

The lawyer also fired at Exxon’s Vice President and Business Services Manager, John Colling for what he described as repeated distortions and evasions, especially on the company’s financialreporting.

Only on Friday it was reported that the Oil and Gas Governance Network (OGGN) demanded an apology and correction to the misleading statements made by Routledge with regard to the company’sprofits.

Inalettertothisnewspaper,Dr Kenrick Hunte and other OGGN members highlighted, using the company’s financial statements that Exxon recorded profits during theperiodRoutledgeclaimeditdid not.

OGGN pointed out, “Financial filings in Guyana by ESSO Exploration and Production Guyana Limited (now EMGL) show income of GY$132 billion (US$681 million) and GY$578 billion (US$2.98 billion) for fiscal years2021and2022,respectively.”

The body therefore called on Routledgetocorrecthiscomments and clarify these discrepancies in the profit reporting and sharing. “TheGuyanesepeoplemustnotbe misled,”theNetworkargued.

The President of ExxonMobil Guyana made the inaccurate statements while explaining that the company did not seek any tax credits in the U.S., since it did not registeraprofitduringthatspecific period.

He explained, “Exxon Mobil Corporationinits23,24taxfilings, therewerenoGuyanesetaxcredits thatwereincludedineitherofthose filingsandyouwillrecallthat,prior to2023,wewerenotmakingprofits here in Guyana, so there were no tax credits from that. So, from this pointupuntilthispoint,therehave been no Guyana tax credits that havebeenusedbyExxon.”

ItwasreportedthatDr Kenrick HunteandMikePersaudofOGGN met with Senators in the U.S. earlier this year to highlight the questionable tax practices the companyisengagedinlocally The 2016 Production Sharing Agreement(PSA)statesthatExxon and its Co-Venturers shall not pay taxes to the country Guyana nonetheless issues a tax receipt, indicating that those obligations weremetlocally

TheU.S.wasthereforealarmed over the possibility of Exxon seeking huge tax credits, resulting in Americans subsidizing the company’s operations. Three U.S. Senatorsthereforerequestedclarity on Exxon’s Stabroek Block tax arrangementswiththeGoG. ExxonMobil was given an October 23, 2025 deadline to respond to several questions EMGL did not respond to this newspaper’s request for an update onthatmatter

President IrfaanAli

Retired JusticeYonette Cummings-Edwards

TheHauntedIceCreamTruck

It w a s a c o o l

October evening, just a few nights beforeHalloween.Thesun was setting behind the trees, painting the sky orange and purple. Danny and his two best friends, Emily and Max, were riding their bikes down MapleStreet.“Raceyouto the end!” Max shouted, pedalingfast.

Butbeforetheyreached thecorner,theyallstopped.

“Do you hear that?”

Emilyasked,hereyeswide. At first, it was quiet.Then, slowly, a sound drifted through the air — plinkyplinky-plonk It was the tune every kid in town knewbyheart.

The ice cream truck song.

B u t t h a t w a s impossible.Thetown’sold ice cream truck hadn’t run in years. Everyone said it brokedownandwasleftin the junkyard at the edge of town.

D a n n y ’ s h e a r t thumped. “It can’t be the icecreamtruck…canit?”

Themusicplayedagain

—faint,butreal.Thesound was coming from the old park down the road. “Let’s go!”Dannysaid.

The Park and the Truck The park was empty, covered in crunchy leaves.

The swings creaked gently in the wind And there, under the big oak tree, stoodtheicecreamtruck. Its white paint was faded, the pictures of popsicles and sundaes peeling away A soft light glowedfrominside,andthe oldsongplayedonaloop.

Emily gulped. “This is creepy.”

Maxgrinnednervously “Creepybutcool!”

Danny took a deep breath.“Comeon.Let’ssee what’sgoingon.”

They walked slowly toward the truck. The door was half open. Inside, they could see dusty shelves, a crackedfreezer,andasmall counterwithanoldbell.

“Hello?” Danny called out.Thebellonthecounter rangallbyitself—ding!

The freezer door creaked open Cold mist

My Friends

ByUncleRoy

ThebestpeopleIknowbesidesmyfamily

Arethefriendsthatmakemefeelsogood; Theyarethechildrenwhohelpmeout, AndkeepmeashappyasIcould.

MyfriendsandIliketobetogether, Whetherinschoolworkorplay: Ifeelthatthesespecialpeople Arewhatmakesmylifeokay

MyfatherisgladIhavesuchnicefriends, Heoftenletsmebringthemalong, ButhesaysIshouldbecareful Thattheydonotmakemedowrong.

Whenwetrytokeepeachotherhappy, Andhelponeanothertoalwaysdoright, ThenIknowwewouldalwaysbefriends, Andneverhavetoquarrelandfight.

spilled out, curling across the floor And then somethingfloatedup.

TheGhost’sStory

It wasn’t a scary ghost. It was a short, round ghost with kind eyes and a soft smile. He wore a paper ice cream hat and held an ice cream scoop in his hand.

“Welcome,kids!”theghost said cheerfully “Would youlikeascoop?”

The kids froze. Emily squeaked, “Y-you’re a ghost!”

The ghost chuckled “Yes, but not a scary one! I’m Mr Frosty, the Ice Cream Man. I used to give out cones and popsicles righthereinthisparkevery summer.”

Danny lowered his flashlight “So what happened?”

Mr Frosty sighed softly “One day, my truck broke down for good It made me so sad to stop serving ice cream that I stayed behind — just for onelastscoop.”

The kids looked around The truck didn’t feel scary anymore It felt…magical.

M a x s m i l e d

“Wait can ghosts even makeicecream?”

Mr Frosty winked “Onlythebestkind!Watch this.”

He waved his scoop in the air, and suddenly, colorful lights sparkled around the freezer. Out floated glowing scoops of ice cream blueberry s t a r l i g h t , m i n t y moonbeam,andstrawberry sunset Emily clapped “They’rebeautiful!”

Dannytookabiteofthe strawberryone.Itwascold but tasted like the best ice c r e a m h e ’ d e v e r had sweet and creamy withalittlesparkle.

TheLastScoop

Mr Frosty floated closer,smiling.“ButIhave one last job before I can rest. My final scoop was nevergivenaway.”“What

(Continued on page 40)

MaterialsNeeded

·Aluminumfoil

·Bottle,suchasasmall saladdressingbottle,ora plasticcup

·Cheesecloth(seenote*)

·Whiteschoolglue,such asElmer’s

·Smallscrapofblackfelt

·Sharpscissors

·Smallbowlformixing glue

·Largeplasticbagor plasticwraptoprotect worksurface

·Bambooskeweror toothpick

Instructions

Make the Mold: Cut a square of foil Fashion the head of the ghost by scrunching up the middle of thefoil,soyouhaveaballwith excess foil around it. Smooth theexcessfoilaroundtheneck ofthebottletoformshoulders andsotheballcanrestonyour bottle.Thiswillmakeasimple ghostshape.Ifyouwanthands reachingout,shapetheexcess foil into two arms facing forward.

MaketheGhost:Drapethe cheesecloth over the mold, covering it completely, allowing extra cheesecloth to cascadebeyondthebaseofthe mold.The excess fabric at the base will enable the ghost to stand.

Drape cheesecloth over mold,thencutexcess,leaving enough cheesecloth to drape well beyond the base of the mold.Cutawayanyremaining cheesecloth beyond what you need to form the base. Repeat to cut another layer of

cheesecloth Submerge cheesecloth in glue mixture andsqueezeoutexcess.

In a small bowl, mix glue withanequalamountofwater Here’s where it gets messy: Dip cheesecloth into the mixture and squeeze out

excess Do not wring completelytoensureyouhave enough glue to shape the ghosts.

Lay down a plastic bag or plastic wrap to protect the work surface and drape the cheeseclothoverthemold.

Lay down a plastic bag to protect your work surface

Now drape the damp cheeseclothoverthemoldand

shape it around the mold. Dip thesecondlayerofcheesecloth in the glue mixture and repeat so you have two layers. Set asidetodry—itwilltakeabout halfadayorovernight. When dry, remove ghost from mold. Cut eyes from felt and using a skewer or toothpick, spread some white glue on the felt and adhere to theghost.

"Complete the railroad track that connects the entrance and exit pieces. The finished track can’t fork nor cross itself. The digits show the number of track pieces in each row or column.There is a unique solution that can be found without guessing."

Development of Interpersonal Relationships is all-important to Success

The time and energyyouspend in develop the relationships with those closetoyou,andwithwhom you have to interact in one way or another is crucial to your progress, either at home, at school or workplace, or where you havetogotoobtainservices in your everyday activities. Spending time alone with a brother or sister, a father or mother,oraclosefriend,and really exploring your thoughts and feelings with them, can lead to great benefit to both of you, and give you a clear insight in how to live a better life. Take the time to celebrate with them anything they havebeensuccessfulin,and theywillsurelydothesame foryou.

Onwayinwhichyou can build your relationships is by adopting the habit of

being courteous to everyone. One of the main reasons why some people fail in their relationships with others, whether it is with parents, teachers, managers, or others with whom they associate, is because they do not pay enough attention to being

The more you try to be a friend to others, the deeper will your relationship with them.

politetothesepersons. The result is that they fail to impress them, even though theymaybeotherwisegood enough in other areas of their behaviour or have the abilitiestosucceed. This is always surprising when we know that courtesy costs nothing, and does not take much energyandtimetomaintain in any situation. On the other hand, people who are mannerlywillmoreoftenbe successfulintheirworkand social activities, although

they may not measure up in other aspects. Be kindheartedandattentiveenough toothersandmakeapointof being extraordinarily polite, and you will find that doors will open to you that were closedbefore.

In fact, because discourtesy has become so common in today’s world, you will be judged to be exceptionalwhenyouadopt thisqualityinyourlife-style and, of course, reap the benefits of this in your relationships.

A Friend

Afriendisonewhoreachesforyourhand, Onewhoshareshisideasandtogetheryouexpand, Whenyouareintroubleorpain, Onewholendsassistanceandtogetheryougain.

Afriendisnotselfish,cruelorheartless, Heisnotunmindfulorhelpless; Afrienddoesnotignoreanotherinsorrow, Butisalwaystheretodayandtomorrow

Afriendiscaring,lovingandkind, Heistherewithawiseandpuremind, Heisnotvulgar,rudeorimmature, Butistheretosolve,assistandcure.

Afriendisalwaystheretolendahand, Heisnotvain,proudorplayinggrand, Heistheretoeverofferasmile, Andkeepyouhappythroughalllife’strials.

Sotakethetimetobeafriend, Andtherewardswillflowwithoutend; Yourlifewillbecomericherthanever, Asyoujoinhandsandsucceedineveryendeavour

Iamagaininvitingourreaderstowritetome aboutanyproblemtheyarefacing,oranything thattheywouldliketosharewithothersonthis page. Pleasebeadvisedthatyourmessageswill betreatedrespectfullyandconfidentially,andany responseImakewillnotmentionyourname. As ateacherandcounsellorformanyyears,Ican assureyouthatIwillbeabletoprovidesolutions tomostofyourproblems.

Myemailaddressisuncleroy1992@yahoo.com

GNBS IN FOCUS

WHAT’S IN YOUR GLASS OR BOTTLE? – NATIONAL STANDARD

OUTLINES REQUIREMENTS FOR LOCAL JUICES AND NECTARS

Fresh, healthy, and refreshing, fruit

j u i c e s a n d

drinks are

consumed daily by most Guyanese, from the glass of passion fruit nectar on a hot day to a chilled bottle of

guavajuiceonthego.

The Guyana National Bureau of Standards (GNBS) has a National

Standard which outlines requirements that can be applied to ensure every sip you take is authentic, tasty,

safe,andofquality

As the GNBS continues to promote available agriculture-relatedstandards during Agriculture month, lets us delve into the details of the GYS 494:2010 –Specification for Fruit and VegetableJuicesandDrinks andFruitNectars.

This standard is also a CARICOM Regional Standard developed to guarantee the safety and consistency of products traded and consumed across theregion.

Thisstandardestablishes requirementsforfruitjuices, nectars, and non-carbonated fruit and vegetable drinks, while excluding syrups, cordials with excess sweeteners, and juices intended solely for further processing.

The standard outlines detailed requirements for product designations, which define the type of mixtures such as juices, concentrated juices, purees, and waterextracted juices It establishes Quality Criteria covering verification of authenticity,useofadditives and processing aids, and limits for pesticide residues andcontaminants.

The document also provides requirements for processingandpreservation, andpackagingandlabelling.

For processing and prevention, it includes a s e p t i c p a c k i n g , pasteurization, and freezing to maintain freshness. For packaging, it stipulates that containers shall be of nontoxic materials which will not contaminate the product

or affect its colour, aroma, flavor or consistency Meanwhile, for labelling, it requires retail containers to have clearly stated names (for example, Guava Juice), ingredients, and essential details in the official language of the country of sale.

By complying with this standard, manufacturers reassure consumers that everybottleofjuiceornectar is pure, safe, and reliable, free from contamination, andpreparedunderhygienic conditions.

It also supports export readiness, as these requirements align with international best practices, helping Guyana’s agroprocessors compete in regionalandglobalmarkets.

During Agriculture Month2025andbeyond,the GNBS will continue to highlight the details and importance of such standards in strengthening food safety, protecting consumers, and building trust in Guyana’s rapidly expanding agro-processing industry Whether it is a single fruit juice, blended nectar, or a refreshing vegetable drink, standards ensure every pour reflects quality, authenticity, and nationalpride.

GNBS encourages local juice manufacturers to acquire a copy of the GYS 494:2010.

Formoreinformationon this and other agriculturerelatedstandards,contactthe GNBS at 219-0062-66, WhatsApp 692-4627, or visitwww.gnbsgy.org.

THAG hosts

2

TheGuyanaMarriottHotelBallroom

foranightofgastronomicdelight featuringonlythebestinfood,rum &wineonSundaylastastheTourismand HospitalityAssociationofGuyana(THAG) hostedthesecondeditionofTapas,Rum& Wine.

THAGisbriefdescribedtheeventasatrue reflectionofartistry,creativity,andcelebration withinthelocalfoodandbeverageindustry AccordingtotheAssociation,Tapas,Rum& Winewascarefullycuratedtoshowcasethe skillsandtalentsofsomeofGuyana'sbest chefs,bartenders,andmixologists.(Source: THAG Facebook)

Kim

Kardashian

Kim Kardashian

reveals she had an aneurysm in the new season of 'The Kardashians'

(CNN) Kim Kardashian at the "All's Fair" London Premiere at Odeon Luxe Leicester Square on October 22,2025inLondon,England.

Kim Kardashian at the "All'sFair"LondonPremiere at Odeon Luxe Leicester Square on October 22, 2025

in London, England

Between a high-profile divorce, finishing up her law school studies and having to testify during the trial of the burglars who robbed her years ago in Paris, Kim Kardashian has had a lot goingon.

But things have been even more intense than peopleknow Thepreviewof Season 7 of Hulu's “The Kardashians” revealed that Kim Kardashian suffered what she called “a little aneurysm” in recent months.

Teasingthenewseasonatthe beginningofthefirstepisode, which dropped on Thursday, the entrepreneur and reality starisseengoingintoanMRI scanner with her head appearingtobebandaged.

Inavoiceover,shecanbe heard telling her family, “There was like a little aneurysm,” before the camera pans to her concerned-looking sister Kourtney saying “Whoa ” “Theywerelike,'Juststress,” and I'm like ” Kim Kardashianthensays.

According to the AmericanHeartAssociation, “An aneurysm occurs when part of an artery wall

weakens, allowing it to abnormally balloon out or widen.”Laterintheclip,Kim Kardashian says, “People think I have the luxury of walking away,” before referring to her ex-husband, Kanye West, who now goes byYe.

“Myexwillbeinmylife no matter what,” Kim Kardashian says. “We have four kids together.” She is also seen in the preview studying intensely for a law exam, and becoming emotional about whether or not she succeeded on it. Part o f t h e f i r s t n e w “Kardashians” episode includes her latest acting stint, starring as a lawyer in the new Hulu series “All's Fair”withNiecyNash,Glenn CloseandSarahPaulson.

During a break from filming, Kim Kardashian says,“Ihaven'thadpsoriasis since I've gotten a divorce and it just started coming back.” A producer then asks herwhatshethinkswhenshe sees her ex-husband's behavior sometimes “My poor kids,” she says “Everyonearoundcanhandle it but like protect my babies.”

Westhascourtedmultiple controversies in the recent past, including erratic behavior and public displays of antisemitism. The couple marriedin2014anddivorced in 2021. They share four children: North, 12, Saint, 9, Chicago,7,andPsalm,6.

Scenes from Tapas, Rum & Wine event

Sheniza

Meet Sheniza Browne Walters, a young Guyanese entrepreneur who loves God and aspires to become the best version of herself Sheniza hopes to continue to grow in her faith and purpose; developing herself as an independent and successful career woman. This beauty loves to engage in activities that foster self improvement, beauty care, and fashion. She also loves spending quality time with her family Sheniza said "If you believe, if you put positivity first and trust God, everything will be possible."

Queen’s College Queen’s College

marks 50 years of welcoming girls years welcoming girls

Qthe school first welcomed its first batch

of female students To commemorate the momentous occasion,theschool'sOldStudents Association (OSA) hosted a series ofeventtohighlighttheresilience, legacy and quiet triumphs. QCOSA Executive Member and Immediate Past President, Pauline Chase said events include exhibitions, flashback-themed activities,avirtualpaneldiscussion and a grand tea party at Austin Houseforthewomen.

The events kicked as OSA and Queen's College led the celebrations in grand style with their opening ceremony and exhibition at the college's campus offonOctober17,last.Theopening ceremony saw a powerful march past by fifty girls presently attending Queen's College, representing the fifty years of girls in the college. Musical, dance and spoken word performances were also delivered by students and teachers.

The event was aimed at displaying the rich legacy and contribution of the women of Queen'sCollege.

Theceremonyfocusedheavily onrecognizingandcelebratingthe first cohort of girls, the opening ceremony saw in attendance six womenfromtheclassof1975,the first girls of Queen's College: Yvonne Nelson, Kathleen Henriquo, Margot Forde, Rosel Menezes, Susan Blair and Christine Thompson, who were symbolically presented with bouquetofflowers.

The programme which was chaired by Alumna, Ms. Ambika Ramraj, and opened by Deputy Headmistress of Queen's College Ms. Candaice Cave-Stephen saw in attendance Minister of Home Affairs, Oneidge Waldron,

Vasini Persaud, all alumnae of Queen's College in addition to Junior Minister of Labour Mr KeomaD.Griffith.

MinisterofLocalGovernment and Regional Development and alumna of Queen's College, Priya Manickchanddeliveredthefeature address highlighting the importanceofthecelebrations.

ShenotedthatQueen'sCollege women have spread their wings globally, dismantling the stereotypestraditionallyassociated with women and the curriculum which sought to reinforce their stereotypes.

She asserted the fact that the entry of girls in Queen's College

created increased the competitiveness in the school, postulating it to greater heights

both in academics and extracurricular

Mr Devindra Kissoon, President of QC-OSA delivered remarks on behalf of QC-OSA, while Ms. Donna Isles-Lewis, Principal of Queen's College deliveredremarks.

Ms. Chase, Immediate Past President of QC-OSA, highlighted the contributions of the sponsors

Minister of HomeAffairs, Oneidge Walrond, Minister of Local Government and Regional Development, Priya Manickchand and Minister of Human Services and Social Security, Dr. Vindhya Persaud were joined by other alumnae for the commencement of the 50 years of Girls at QC celebrations.

andthankedthem.Shealsostressed the importance of record keeping, which she stated is of grave importance,nottobeboastfulbutto beinspirational.

As part of its ongoing celebrationoffiftyyearsofgirlsat Queen's College, QC-OSA on the 17th October 2025, unveiled a commemorative plaque at Queen's College, which bears the names of the1975cohortofQueen'sCollege girls.

Christopher Belfield, VicePresident of The Queen's College Old Students' Association highlighted the importance of the first cohort of girls of 1975, alluding to the fact that they shattered the glass ceiling, while

paving the way for future generations of women in Queen's College.

He noted that the entrance of girlsinQueen'sCollegepostulated the college's culture, leading to increased competitiveness and historic achievements in both academicsandextracurricular

Towitnessthishistoricgesture, Dr Ruth Bernard-Quaicoe, Ms. MargotFord,Ms.SusanBlair,and Ms.RoselMezes,allalumnaofthe 1975 first cohort of girls were present. Ms. Chase, in addition to Ms. Larissa Wiltshire, Executive Member of QC-OSA was also present.AlumnaYvonneNelsonof the 1975 class also visited the plaqueaftertheunveiling.

On October 18, 2025, the Queen's College Old Students' Association together with the women of Queen's College hosted an enlightening online panel discussion in celebration of 50 years of co-education at the College The session brought together alumni who shared vivid recollections of the transformative years that marked the introduction ofgirlstoQueen'sCollege.

Ms.MichelleFostergraciously opened the evening by welcoming participants and introducing the theme “HERSTORY,” which highlightedthecourage,resilience, andachievementsofthepioneering girls who entered an environment onceunfamiliartothem.

Former Headmaster, Mr Clarence Trotz, delivered opening remarks that reflected on the privilege and honour of being part of the College's enduring legacy and acknowledged the lasting impact of co-education on its growth.

The first panel discussion commenced with moderator Ms. Karen Wharton, who welcomed panelists Ms. Shondel Nero, Ms. Murphy Newton, Ms Corinne Locke,andMs.NadiaRamdin. Together,theysharedengaging stories of their earliestexperiences at Queen's College, recalling moments of challenge, discovery, (Continuedonpage40)

QC's girls honoured for being first in their respective fields

Some of the attendees at the Queen's College Royal tea event to mark 50 years of welcoming girls

ALLIED HEALTH PARTNERS WITH GNBS THROUGH CERTIFICATION TO DELIVER

WORLD-CLASS LABORATORY SERVICES

Haveyoueverwondered what it takes to deliver healthcare that patients can truly depend on? For Allied Health Medical Center, the answer lies in a steadfast commitment to quality, innovation,andcompassion. Since its establishment in 2014byDr AfzalMohamed and Dr Angelina Dhani, Allied Health has grown from a small clinic in Annandale, East Coast Demerara, to a modern

facility in Lusignan, expanding its services to meetthegrowinghealthcare needsofitscommunity.

Amajormilestoneinthis j o u r n e y w a s t h e establishment of the Allied Health Medical Laboratory Created several years after the center first opened, the lab was built to provide patients with more comprehensive, in-house diagnostic services, offering everythingfromhematology

and biochemistry to immunology, serology, and urine tests. Accessible to boththeclinic’spatientsand referrals from external physicians, the lab was a natural extension of Allied Health’s philosophy, Exceptional Care Without Exception.

ButAlliedHealthdidnot stop at expansion; in 2023, the lab began the rigorous process of pursuing certification through the Guyana National Bureau of Standards (GNBS) Two years later, in 2025, Certification was achieved, validating Allied Health’s dedication to meeting national and international standards for quality and reliability

The road to certification was no easy feat. It required t h o r o u g h i n t e r n a l adjustments, staff training, and close collaboration with theGNBSteam,whoguided the process with technical expertise and support. For AlliedHealth,theeffortwas worth it. Certification is not justabadge,itisproofofthe l a b ’s u n w a v e r i n g commitment to quality, accuracy,andpatienttrust.

“Being certified aligns with our mission to provide exceptional care and reinforces our reputation as a trustworthy healthcare provider,” noted Dr Afzal Mohamed With this milestone, Allied Health expects to deepen client confidence, attract new

partnerships, and position itself as a leader in medical diagnostics.

Looking ahead, Allied Health is focused on continuous improvement Regular internal audits, ongoing staff development, strict adherence to GNBS standards, and patient feedback, which will ensure that the lab not only maintains but raises its qualitybenchmarks.

The broader impact of certification is beyond one facility. By adopting standards like GYS 170 –General Requirements for the Operation of a Laboratory, Allied Health contributes to stronger healthcare nationwide. Such standards ensure accuracy, promote accountability, and provide reliable data to support public health initiatives.

Asaresult,AlliedHealth isnotjustservingpatients,it issettingthestageforamore dependableandprofessional healthcare system in Guyana.

Andtootherlaboratories considering the step toward certification,AlliedHealth’s advice is clear, “do it” Certification is not simply a

Works begin on $4.3B Parika Port...

Frompage2

his materials, equipment, andeverything on site,”heemphasised.

Thepublicworksministerexplainedthat in the first phase, Guyanese can expect extensive land reclamation and the implementationofnewsystems.

Executing the first phase of works are contractors Gaico Construction, Toolsie Persaud Limited, and A&S General Contractors. Before the project design was greenlighted, consultations were held with allstakeholders,includingfarmers,minibus drivers, taxi drivers, boat operators, and businesses, essentially all agencies that currentlyoperatefromthearea.

The minister pledged that engagement will continue with stakeholders as works accelerate.

Further, he stated that three major adjustments will have to be made.These includetherelocationofspeedboatsthatare often parked or left at the wharf for days. “That whole section will be developed, so the speedboats will have to move further back,”hesaid.

The wooden section that facilitates the operationoftheMVSabantoandKanawan, roll-on and roll-off ferries and other vessels will remain in place while works are ongoing.

Hesaidtheseadjustmentswillfollowor mimic the construction processes

requirement, it is an investment in the future of healthcare, one that improves outcomes, builds

credibility,andinspirestrust acrossthenation. For further information, please contact GNBS on telephone numbers: 2190064-66orWhatsApp:6924627orvisitGNBSwebsite: www.gnbsgy.org

undertaken during the Bartica Stelling project.

Lastly, the old dilapidated building will be demolished and replaced with a modern terminalfeaturingwaitingareas,andoffices fortheTransportandHarboursDepartment, Police,Immigration,Customs,andCANU.

In addition, Minister Edghill revealed that the Central Housing and Planning Authority (CH&PA) has already engaged residents living on the sea dam within the project'salignmentforrelocation.

“Inanotheryearandsixmonthsorso18 months,peoplewillbehappywithwhatthey are seeing out here at Parika, and that is phase one. And then we will come to you withphasetwo,”hesaid.

In phase two, a marina, for yachts arriving from the Caribbean and elsewhere, willbeestablished.

The entire waterfront will also be developedforentertainmentandrestaurants, providingtouristsaccesstoEssequibo'srich, untappedbeautyandbiodiversity

“This whole area will come alive,” MinisterEdghillstatedecstatically.

Moreover, this mega project complements other developments such as the transformative Gas-to-Energy project, Vreed-en-Hoop Shorebase, housing, road, drainage and irrigation infrastructure designedtobringimmenseopportunitiesfor allGuyanese.

WANTED

Wanted one Maid.Call: 6801282.

Job opening: Truck Driver, AC Technicians, Excavator and Skid Steer Operator. To apply send application via WhatsApp: 689-1111/ 6082114.

Urgently wanted able bodied Security, attractive benefits and salary. Apply@ 21 Seaforth Street, Campbellville. Call: 621-5140.

FOR SALE

T RUCK TIRES 295/ 75R22.5 $40K EACH. FOR MORE INFORMATION CALL/WHATSAPP: +592-688-3201.

Three AB Dick Offset printing press, model 360, 370 and 9810 in good working condition. Prices from 300,000 to 500,000. Call: 6247436/ 621-5140.

VEHICLES FOR SALE

1 Honda CRV, includes TV, music system, alarm, reverse camera, spoiler, low mileage PTT Series (first owner). Call: 649-0956.

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Queen’s College marks 50 years of welcoming girls...

From page 38 and triumph as they paved the way for future generations. Ms. Wharton later welcomed male panelists Mr. Dr. Ronald Chase, Mr. Tony Harris, and Mr. Hugh Hamilton, who offered thoughtful perspectives on the inclusion of girls and the ways it reshaped the culture and camaraderie of the school.

The event was further enriched by a powerful spoken-

word performance by alumni

Ms. Akeelha Harding and Ms. Suriya Walcott, whose artistry captured the essence of strength and unity that defines the Queen’s College spirit.

The second panel discussion featured Ms. Sheridan Dyal, Ms. Alissa Trotz, Ms. Desa Philadelphia, Ms. Nikita La Cruz, and Ms. Latchmie Rahamat, who reflected on what it means to be a girl at

Queen’s College today, strong in intellect, steadfast in purpose, and inspired by those who came before.

The evening concluded with an interactive question and answer segment and closing remarks by alumna Ms. Larissa Wiltshire, who expressed gratitude to all participants and attendees.

The panel served as a commemoration of history and as a reminder of the re-

The Haunted Ice Cream Truck...

From page 32 do you mean?” asked Danny.

The ghost pointed to a single silver cone sitting on the counter. It shimmered like frost. “This scoop is special. It’s meant for the child who shows kindness—even in the face of fear.” Emily looked around. “You mean… us?”

Mr. Frosty nodded. “You came here even though you were scared. You didn’t run away. That’s real bravery.”

He handed the silver cone to Danny. It glowed softly in his hands. “Share it,” Mr. Frosty said. “Because the best ice cream is shared with friends.”

The three friends each took a bite. It tasted like every flavor they loved mixed into one—chocolate, caramel, vanilla, and even cotton candy. When they

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looked up, the truck’s lights began to fade. The music slowed. “Goodbye, kids,” Mr. Frosty said with a smile. “Thanks for helping me give away my last scoop.”

And then, just like that, the ghost and the truck slowly vanished into the night, leaving behind a few sparkles of frost in the air.

The Next Morning

The next day at school, Danny couldn’t stop thinking about what had happened. “Do you think anyone will believe us?” Emily asked. Max laughed. “Not a chance!” But when they passed the park that after-

noon, they saw something strange. Right under the big oak tree, where the truck had been, stood an ice cream cart—bright, shiny, and brand new. On top of it was a sign that read: “Mr. Frosty’s Ice Cream — One Last Scoop for Everyone.” The freezer was full of cones, and no one knew where it had come from. The kids smiled at each other. Danny whispered, “Maybe Mr. Frosty’s spirit is still spreading sweetness.” They each grabbed a cone and laughed as the familiar tune began to play once again—soft, cheerful, and a little magical.

markable progress achieved through perseverance, collaboration, and the pursuit of excellence, qualities that continue to define the Queen’s College community.

On August 5, 1844, Queen’s College was established as a grammar school for boys.

The college survived as a ‘boys’ only institution for more than one hundred and thirty years. That is, until

September 15, 1975 when more than one hundred and forty girls entered the hallowed halls as part of the implementation of co-education in Guyana.

Since then, Queen’s College girls have gone on to inextricably weave themselves into the fabric of the college, enhancing its tradition, legacy and unparalleled record of excellence. (Source: QC OSA Facebook page)

Mother to sue Diamond...

From page 7

Ministry of Health on Saturday said that an external investigation will be launched into the circumstances surrounding the newborn’s death. “While the internal investigation has been completed, the Ministry of Health has also commissioned an external investigation to ensure an independent and thorough review of all clinical and procedural aspects related to this tragic event,” the ministry said in a statement while expressing its condolence to Wharton and her family.

“The Ministry joins the hospital community in mourning this loss and reaffirms its

commitment to a transparent and comprehensive review of the circumstances surrounding the incident,” the ministry expressed.

The Health Ministry stated that immediately following the event, the hospital initiated an internal clinical investigation led by the attending medical officers, midwifery, and nursing teams. The review they said was conducted under the supervision of the Hospital Quality and Patient Safety Department, in keeping with the Ministry of Health’s established standards for the reporting and assessment of critical incidents.

“The investigation confirmed that the infant was born at 38 weeks and 2 days gestation via spontaneous vaginal delivery on October 10, 2025.Apgar scores were recorded at 9, 10, and 10, indicating healthy postnatal adaptation. The infant remained clinically stable and was discharged in good condition on October 11, 2025, continuing to room-in with her mother,” the ministry detailed. The ministry reported that on October 12, at approximately 5:34 a.m., the infant was discovered unresponsive. The ministry claimed that nursing and medical staff immediately commenced resuscitative efforts, including full advanced neonatal life support, in accordance with established protocols. They noted that oxygen was available and adequately supplied throughout the procedure. They disclosed in the release, “During this period, the hospital experienced a brief power outage; however, the backup generator was activated immediately, and the ongoing resuscitation efforts were not affected in any way. Despite sustained and comprehensive intervention, the infant was pronounced deceased at 7:51 a.m.”

The Health Ministry shared that a post-mortem examination was conducted and it revealed evidence of “bronchoaspiration of gastric contents (material from the stomach that was inhaled into the bronchi and lungs), which may have contributed to the infant’s sudden collapse.”

The ministry said that together with the Diamond Regional Hospital, it remains steadfast in its commitment to continuous improvement of healthcare systems and protocols to ensure that all citizens receive the highest quality of care.

VACANCY

Government strengthens capacity to make decisions in the petroleum sector

DPI - The government, through the Ministry of Natural Resources, has continued to strengthen Guyana's capacity for informed decision-making in the rapidly expanding petroleumsector

On

Resources, Ministry of Finance, Guyana Revenue

Authority (GRA), and the BureauofStatistics.

received practical sessions on Platts Connect, Vantage, Que$tor, and S&P Connect to allow the government to better understand market analytics, cost estimation, andscenariomodelingskills

Jamaica braces as rapidly intensifying Hurricane Melissa creeps toward island

KINGSTON, Jamaica, Oct 25 (Reuters) - Tropical Storm Melissa has become a hurricane and is expected to strengthen into at least Category 4 intensity, the U S National Hurricane CentersaidonSaturday

Therapidlyintensifying storm is expected to wreak havoc across the Caribbean with catastrophic floods, landslides and storm surges expected in Jamaica and southern Hispaniola into early next week, forcing authorities and residents to battendown.

Stay up to date on the key companies, data, and decisions in the ESG world

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Hurricane Melissa is located about 130 miles (210 km) southeast of Kingston and about 250 milessouthwestofPort-auPrince, Haiti, according to theNHCadvisory

Maximum sustained winds increased to near 90 mph(150km/h)

A hurricane warning is in place for Jamaica, and a hurricane watch for the southwestern peninsula of Haiti and parts of Cuba, including Granma, Santiago de Cuba, Guantanamo,andHolguin. "I would urge all my fellow citizens, now is the time to be prepared," Jamaican Prime Minister Andrew Holness said duringapressconferencein Kingston, adding that the

"entire Jamaica will be impacted"formultipledays.

Holness advised people in low-lying areas like Port Royal in Kingston to evacuate but did not issue a mandatory evacuation order

Item 1 of 10 Fishermen lift and secure a small boat along the shoreline as they prepare for the arrival of Tropical Storm Melissa, which is forecast to bring heavyrainandstrongwinds, in Kingston, Jamaica,

October 25, 2025 REUTERS/OctavioJones

[1/10] Fishermen lift and secure a small boat along the shoreline as they prepare for the arrival of Tropical Storm Melissa, which is forecast to bring heavyrainandstrongwinds, in Kingston, Jamaica,

October 25, 2025

REUTERS/Octavio Jones

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Evan Thompson, Jamaica's principal director at the Meteorological Service, said Melissa is expectedtomakelandfallin Jamaica as a Category 4 storm on Tuesday, and remain for five days Category 4 hurricanes have sustained winds of 130 to 156mph.

"Today is really the last day to do what you have to

do on the outside, " Thompsonsaid People around the country were rushing to gather supplies and secure their homes while

fishermen and vendors in Kingston raced to prepare their boats and sell their goodsbeforethestormhits.

“Whenit'smovingslow, it'stheworstbecausenoone knows what's next,” said Diane Thompson, a local herbseller “IaskedGodthis morningtoseeifhecanturn back the storm. Because no matter what, we cannot manageit.”

TheNHCsaidthestorm is currently moving west at 3mph(6km/h)andpredicts 15 to 30 inches (38 to 76 cm) of rainfall in Jamaica and southern Hispaniola with a possible local maximum of 40 inches. Eastern Cuba is expected to get6to12incheswithlocal amountsof18inches.

Jamaica's south coast is expected to see storm surgesofupto13feet(3 96 m) accompanied by large, destructive waves

Significantstormsurgesare expected on the southeast coast of Cuba early next week,theagencyadded.

C l i v e D a v i s , a fisherman from Kingston, prepared his boat “Prince Daniel” along the shoreline and said he feared Melissa will bring more damage than last year's devastating Hurricane Beryl, which passed just south of the island.

“Butthisnow,shewants to come stay, visit Jamaica for three days, why? It's gonna slow down business, butit'snature.Wecan'tfight againstnature,”hesaid

The sessions reaffirmed how reliable data and

governance.

training underscores the

government belief that knowledgeisthefoundation of sustainable resource management.

The insights gained will assist the government to

transparency, and enhance the value derived from Guyana's natural wealth for generationstocome.

Gaza children dying as they wait for Israel to enable evacuations

BBC - So many lives in Gaza still hang in the balance.

In different wards of Nasser Hospital lie two 10year-old boys, one shot by Israeli fire and paralysed fromtheneckdown,another withabraintumour

Now that a fragile ceasefireisinplace,theyare amongsome15,000patients who the World Health Organization (WHO) says areinneedofurgentmedical evacuations. Ola Abu Said sits gently stroking the hair ofherson,Amar Hisfamily says he was in their tent in southern Gaza when he was hit by a stray bullet fired by an Israeli drone. It is lodged between two of his vertebrae, leaving him paralysed.

“He needs surgery urgently,”Olasays,“butit’s complicated.Doctorstoldus it could cause his death, a strokeorbrainhaemorrhage. He needs surgery in a wellequippedplace.”

Right now, Gaza is anything but that.After two years of war, its hospitals have been left in a critical state.

Sitting by the bedside of heryoungerbrother,Ahmed al-Jadd,hissisterShahdsays her brother was a constant

comfort to her through two y e a r s o f w a r a n d displacement.

“He’sonly10and,when our situation got so bad, he usedtogooutandsellwater to help bring some money for us,” she says. A few months ago, he showed the firstsignsofillhealth.

“Ahmad’s mouth started droopingtooneside,”Shahd explains. “One time he kept telling me, ‘Shahd my head hurts’,andwejustgavehim paracetamol, but later, his righthandstoppedmoving.”

The one-time university student is desperate for her brother to travel abroad to havehistumourremoved.

“We can’t lose him. We already lost our father, our home and our dreams,” Shahd says “When the ceasefire happened it gave usabitofahopethatmaybe there was a 1% chance that Ahmed could travel and get treated.”

On Wednesday, the WHO co-ordinated the first medicalconvoytoexitGaza since the fragile ceasefire beganon10October Ittook 41patientsand145carersto hospitals abroad via Israel’s Kerem Shalom crossing, with ambulances and buses taking the group on to Jordan. Some have stayed

for care there The UN agency has called for numbers of medical evacuations to be rapidly increased to deal with the thousands of cases of sick andwounded.Itwantstobe able to bring out patients throughGaza’sRafahborder crossingwithEgyptasithas donepreviously

However, Israel has said it is keeping the crossing closed until Hamas “fulfils” its commitments under the terms of the Gaza ceasefire deal by returning the bodies of deceased hostages. Israel haskepttheGazasideofthe Egyptianborderclosedsince May 2024 when it took controlduringthewar.

Speaking at a news conferenceonThursday,the headoftheWHO,DrTedros AdhanomGhebreyesus,said “the most impactful measure” would be if Israel could allow Gazan patients tobetreatedintheoccupied West Bank, including East Jerusalem, as happened beforethewar

Top EU officials and foreign ministers of more than20countries-including the UK - have previously called for this, offering “financial contributions, provisionofmedicalstaffor equipmentneeded”.

“Hundreds of patients could be treated easily and efficiently in a short time if this route reopened to the East Jerusalem Hospital Networkandthehospitalsin theWestBank,”saysDrFadi Atrash, CEO of theAugusta Victoria Hospital on the MountofOlives.

“We can at least treat 50 patients per day for chemotherapy and radiation and even more than that. Other hospitals can do a lot ofsurgeries,”thedoctortold me.

“Referring them to East Jerusalem is the shortest distance, the most efficient way, because we have the mechanism. We speak the same language, we’re the same culture, in many cases we have medical files for Gazan patients They’ve been receiving treatment in East Jerusalem hospitals for more than a decade before thewar.”

The BBC asked Cogat, the Israeli defence body which controls Gaza’s crossings, why the medical route was not being approved.Cogatsaiditwasa decision by the political echelonandreferredqueries to the prime minister’s office, which did not offer furtherexplanation.

After the Hamas-led attacks of 7 October 2023, Israel cited security reasons for not allowing Gazan patients in other Palestinian territories.Italsopointedout that its main crossing point for people at Erez had been targeted by Hamas fighters duringtheassault.

The Hamas-run health ministryinGazasaysthatin the year to August 2025, at least 740 people, including nearly 140 children, died whileonwaitinglists.

At Nasser hospital, the director of paediatrics and maternity, Dr Ahmed al-

frustration.

“It’s the most difficult feeling for a doctor to be present, able to diagnose a conditionbutunabletocarry out essential tests and lacking the necessary treatments,” Dr al-Farra says. “This has happened in so many cases, and unfortunately, there’s daily lossoflifeduetoourlackof capabilities.”

Sincetheceasefire,hope has run out for more of his patients.

In the past week in the hospital grounds, a funeral took place for Saadi Abu Taha, aged eight, who died fromintestinalcancer

A day later, three-year old Zain Tafesh and Luay Dweik, aged eight, died fromhepatitis.

Withoutaction,thereare manymoreGazanswhowill not have a chance to live in peace.

Trump raises tariffs on Canadian goods in response to Reagan advert

BBC - US President Donald Trump has said he is increasing tariffs on goods imported from Canada after the province of Ontario aired an anti-tariff advertisement featuring former PresidentRonaldReagan.

In a post on social media on Saturday, Trump called the advert a “fraud” and lashed out at Canadian officials for not removing it ahead of the World Seriesbaseballchampionship.

“Because of their serious misrepresentationofthefacts,and hostile act, I am increasing the TariffonCanadaby10%overand above what they are paying now,” hewrote.

After Trump on Thursday withdrew from trade talks with Canada, the Ontario premier said hewouldtakedowntheadvert.

Ontario Premier Doug Ford saidonFridaythathewouldpause his p

’s

advertisementcampaignintheUS, telling reporters that he made the decision after discussions with Prime Minister Mark Carney “so thattradetalkscanresume”.

He also said it would still run over the weekend, including duringgamesfortheWorldSeries, which features the Toronto Blue Jays against the Los Angeles Dodgers.

CanadaistheonlyG7country thathasnotreachedadealwiththe US since Trump began seeking to chargesteeptariffsongoodsfrom majortradingpartners.

TheUShasalreadyimposeda 35% levy on all Canadian goodsthough most are exempt under an existing free trade agreement. It has also slapped sector-specific levies on Canadian goods, including a 50% levy on metals and25%onautomobiles.

In his post, sent while he was travelingtoAsia,Trumpseemedto

say he was adding 10 percentage pointstothosetaxes.

Three-quarters of Canadian exports are sold to the US, and Ontario is home to the bulk of C a n a d a ’s a u t o m o b i l e manufacturing.

The advert, which was sponsored by the Ontario government, quotes former US President Ronald Reagan, a Republican and icon of US conservatism, saying tariffs “hurt everyAmerican”.

The video takes excerpts from a 1987 national radio address that focused on foreign trade. The RonaldReaganFoundation,which is charged with preserving the former president’s legacy, had criticised the advert for using “selective” audio and video and said it misrepresented Reagan’s address. It also said the Ontario government had not sought permissiontouseit.

In his post on Truth Social on Saturday, Trump said that the advert should have been pulled downearlier

“Their Advertisement was to be taken down, IMMEDIATELY, buttheyletitrunlastnightduring the World Series, knowing that it was a FRAUD,” he wrote, while flyingtoMalaysia.

Fordhadpreviouslypledgedto run the Reagan advert in every Republican-leddistrictintheUS.

BothTrumpandCarneywillbe attending the Association of Southeast Asian Nations in Malaysia,butTrumptoldreporters accompanying him aboard Air Force One that he does not have any“intention”ofmeetingwithhis Canadian counterpart during the trip.

Inhispost,Trumpalsoaccused Can

of attempting to manipulate an upcoming US Supreme Court case which could

endhisentiretariffregime. The case, to be heard by the highest US court next month, will determine whether the tariffs are constitutional.

On Thursday, Trump posted that the advert was designed to “interfere” with “THE MOST IMPORTANTCASEEVER”.

RespondingtotheTrump’srate hike on Saturday, the Canadian Chamber of Commerce said it hoped“thisthreatofescalationcan be resolved through diplomatic channelsandfurthernegotiation”.

“Tariffs at any level remain a tax on America first, then North American competitiveness as a whole,” the organisation’s CEO, CandaceLaing,saidinastatement totheBBC.

The Reagan ad is not the only way that Ontario – home of the Toronto Blue Jays – is using the World Series as a platform to criticiseTrump’stariffs.

Ahmed al-Jadd and his sister Shahd lost their father in the war

BLUNTNESS ON INDECENCIES!

In case you haven’t heard, please be informed that as part of our continued effort to channel positive changes in our country, our publisher, Dr. Glenn Lall, has dedicated our Page Seven to be “BLUNT” about on-going indecencies in our land that should matter, not only to us at this publication, but the entire nation.

TUESDAY–

OCTOBER21,2025

Transparency shouldn'tgooffline

T

reportedmovetoshifttender

publication signals a worrying step backward for transparency and public access.

While digitisation is necessary in a modern state, it must not come at the expense of accessibility and accountability Many contractors, particularly those in rural and hinterland regions, rely on printed newspaperstostayinformed about bidding opportunities. The traditional press has

long served as a public record visible, verifiable, and difficult to quietly alter orerase.

Moving tender notices

solely online risks narrowing participation, empoweringonlythosewith constantinternetaccess,and weakening one of the few transparent windows into publicprocurement.

It also erodes the watchdog role of the media, which helps ensure that procurement remains open toscrutinyandnothiddenin bureaucraticcorners.

Modernisation should mean more openness, not less. The government can embrace digital systems while still maintaining public notice in print where citizensofeverybackground

can see, question, and hold power accountable Transparency must remain visible, tangible, and accessiblenotjustalinkona website.

WEDNESDAY–OCTOBER22,2025

Endthepolitical gamesinRegion10

It has now been more than a week since the Regional Democratic Council (RDC) election in Region 10 was stalled, and yet, Regional Executive Officer (REO) Dwight John continues to drag his feet in reconvening the meeting to completethelawfulelection of a Chairman and Vice Chairman. This delay is not only

unjustified, it is unlawful. The Local Democratic Organs Act clearly sets out theprocedureforbreakinga tie through second and third rounds of voting Even Attorney General Anil Nandlall and Vice President

Bharrat Jagdeo have publicly acknowledged that theelectionsarenotover So why the hesitation? Why should the We Invest in Nationhood (WIN) party be forced to go to court to compel an official to performhisbasiclegalduty? IsthebusinessofRegion 10 not important enough to warrant urgency? Residents

deserve functioning leadershipnotpoliticalchess games. If, as Jagdeo insists, his party has no interest in the region's leadership, then

he should ensure that the REO stops obstructing the process and allows democracy to prevail. The peopleofRegion10deserve governance, not gridlock Enough of the political delay—reconvene the RDC now

THURSDAY–OCTOBER23,2025

Exxondodging

E x x o n M o b i l

GuyanaLimited President

Alistair Routledge is ducking a question the Guyanese public has every right to ask: how much has his company actually recovered from our oil so far?

We know Guyana has been charged roughly

US$2 3 billion in exploration costs over the years. We also know the royalty take so far amounts to under US$1 billion since production started Yet when it comes to how much profit-oil and cost-recovery has been marked against those expenditures no answer Routledge's claim of “negative cash flow” and vaguefuturepromiseswon't cut it. Guyanese citizens deserve transparent figures now: how many billions has Exxon recovered, and how muchhasbeenleftforus?If companies can demand full cost-recoverybeforesharing profit,thenthepublichasthe right to know the accounting. Silence is not acceptable.

Mother to sue Diamond Hospital over baby’s death - MoH orders external probe

Thirty-eight-year-old

Wendy Wharton will be taking legal action against the Diamond Regional Hospital over the death of her newborn baby, Azeira Zoey Persaud, who died on October 12, 2025 at the hospital.

In an interview with Kaieteur News, Wharton said she is dissatisfied with the reports being made by the Ministry of Health and holds firm that her daughter diedduetonegligenceonthe part of the health workers at thefacility

Wharton explained that contrary to reports, she did not have a “spontaneous vaginal delivery” as stated bytheministry Shesaidshe had a “prolonged labour” which resulted in the nurses inducinglabour

“IsawthenewssaidIhad a spontaneous delivery that wasalie.Iwasscheduledfor an induction on Wednesday th the 8 of October but I went in on the Tuesday because I had some pain and my pressure was a little high so they kept me in,” she explained.

“Wednesday, they came to me and they tell me that they would not be able to induce labour because they have more serious cases, I thought I was the serious

case because they told me I am a serious case because I am high risk and because of myage,”sherecalled.

She noted that on Thursday morning, the nurses induced labour at approximately 6am

Wharton noted that after almost a whole day, she deliveredherbabyataround 12:30amonFriday

Despite the birth of the baby, there was no paediatrician to check the babyproperly

The woman disclosed that she has a 17-year-old sonandfromherexperience, a paediatrician has to be present shortly after birth to examine the baby Wharton said that a paediatrician arrived at about 12:30pm to checkthebaby

“This is how the negligence started all along and I kept observing them, andIkeptaskingwhereisthe doctor because everybody else would have already beenseen,”sherelated. Wharton said that when that doctor arrived, she realised that she was a Spanish speaking national. “She checked everything and I did not see she sound my baby which was wrong and she said the baby is ok and tomorrow I will come back.”

Wendy Wharton

Recalling a sequence of alleged misconduct by the health professionals from there on, Wharton related that her baby was deemed discharged by the doctor on Saturdaybutshewasnot,so theywerebothintheward.

She recounted that on Sunday around 1am, her baby began crying but fell asleep. The newborn woke againat3:00amcrying.This causedWhartontoworry “Nurse did not come to me.All she said to me was, 'mommy the next time baby cry, wipe baby'. I did not wipebabythatearly,Itryto breastfeed the baby but she did not want the breast, so I justchangeherpampersand rock her back to sleep,” she said, noting that at around 5am,thebabywokeupagain

cryingaggressively

Wharton said the baby then suddenly stopped crying. “Instantly, the baby stop crying and I called the nurse after I realised the baby looked like she was losing her breath, and I showed her that this baby was not breathing and she cameandturnedthebabyon herbellyandknockbabyon herbackonlytwotimes,”the motherexplained.

The aggrieved woman said that simple gesture could not have resuscitated her child, claiming that the nurse did not perform c a r d i o p u l m o n a r y resuscitation (CPR). This, she said, promoted other staff to respond to the situation. They then left the ward and went to the labour roomwhichshenotedwasa distance away to resuscitate thechild.

During that process, there was a power outage which did not last long.The nurses subsequently told Wharton that the infant would be transferred to the Georgetown Public Hospital.

“The room did not have nomachineinordertomake that baby come back, nothing There was an oxygen at the bedside but there was nothing plugged

The death registration form for the infant.

uptoit,”shereported.Itwas whenthepowerreturned,the staff informed her that her babypassedaway.

The grieving mother claimedthatifherbabywas examined properly and attended to from the inception, she would have known what was going on with her child. She also said that based on the postmortem

lts, she independently sought a better understanding from medical personnel about bronchoaspiration – the child'scauseofdeath. Wharton insists that the Ministry of Health is not presentingtheentirestoryto thepublic.

Notwithstanding,the (Continuedonpage40)

Kingtakes7-18asAustraliathrashSouthAfrica

(BBC Sport) - Alana King returned the best figures in Women’s World Cup history as Australia hammered South Africa by seven wickets to set up a semi-final meeting with India. The leg-spinner claimed 7-18 from seven overs as SouthAfrica collapsed from 32-0to97alloutin24overs, with Australia completing their chase with 199 balls to spare.

King became just the sixth woman and third Australian to take seven wickets in a women’s ODI and the first to do it at a Women’s World Cup, surpassing New Zealand bowler Jackie Lord’s record of6-10againstIndiain1982.

The victory in Indore secures top spot in the table forAustralia,whohavewon all six of their completed matches in the group stage, and means they will face

fourth-place India in Navi Mumbai on Thursday, 30 October

South Africa will play England,whocouldleapfrog them into second place with victoryoverNewZealandon Sunday, in the first semifinal in Guwahati on Wednesday,29October

Opening batter Laura Wolvaardt was one of only three SouthAfrica batters to reach double figures, smacking seven boundaries

Alana King took the best figures forAustralia in women’s ODIs (ICC/Getty Images)

Sunday October 26, 2025

ARIES(Mar 21–Apr 19)

Matters involving work and home should be going very well Physically, you're feeling well and strong in spite of your recent overindulgence News of success in things you've been workingon.

TAURUS(Apr 20–May20)

A passionate letter or call fromaromanticpartnercould have you longing for an encounter You're likely to makeanightofitthisevening. You're both feeling happy, glowing in each other's company

GEMINI(May21–June20)

Unexpected financial benefit could leave you speechless today It could be an unanticipated bonus, gift, or evenasmalllotterywin.

CANCER(June21–July22)

You're probably getting a lot ofgreatnewstoday Business and personal success are coming your way A project that you've hoped would turn aprofitmayfinallybemoving thatway

LEO(July23–Aug.22)

Special information that comes to you either from within-yourintuitiveinsights - or without - information received from books, TV, or the Internet - could pave the way for career advancement andfinancialgain.

VIRGO(Aug.23–Sept.22)

You should feel happy and enthusiastic today Whatever you strive for should be successful, whether it's job relatedorcreativeinspiration.

Your dedication and organizingtalent

LIBRA(Sept.23–Oct.22)

Yourpersonalandprofessional relationships should benefit fromtoday'senergies.Thisisa day to strengthen all your relationships, especially friendships. You may want to gather your closest pals and planaparty

SCORPIO(Oct.23–Nov 21)

A long journey to a distant place could be uppermost in your mind today You may be gettingreadytotakeoff,orthe trip might still be in the planning stages. Either way, this could be a very exciting day

SAGIT(Nov 22–Dec.21)

Alotofyourtimetodaycould be spent working on financial matters on the computer, phone, or other form of technology

CAPRI(Dec.22–Jan.19)

Abusinessorromanticpartner could either contact you or return from a long trip with great news Perhaps your friendhashadaluckybreakof some kind that betters life in generalforbothofyou.

AQUARIUS (Jan. 20–Feb. 18)Workthatneedstobedone could center on money, investments, and other financialmatters.Yourmindis especially quick, and you're likely to get everything done well.

PISCES(Feb.19–Mar.20)

Love and romance are very muchonyourmindtoday This is a perfect day to concentrate onthispartofyourlife,forall signs indicate that relations with romantic partners are goingtobehappy,

in the opening six overs to gift her side the perfect start beforebeingremovedfor31 by Megan Schutt, King taking the catch at midwicket.

Kim Garth then trapped TazminBritslbwinthefinal overofthepowerplaybefore King struck twice in five balls as South Africa collapsedfrom42-1to43-4. King took five of the remainingsixwicketstofall - Ash Gardner bowled Masabata Klaas - as South Africa were bowled out for under 100 for the second time in the tournament,

having previously been skittled for 69 by semi-final opponents England in their opener

champions briefly wobbled

intheirchase,slippingto112 inside six overs, before

and Georgia

not out) cametogethertoguidethem toaroutinewin.

10/25/2025

Beth Mooney (42)

Voll (38

Sinner reaches eighth final of season in Vienna

Jannik Sinner celebrates winning a

(BBC Sport) - The Italian world number two took his unbeaten record to 12 wins against the Australian third seed as he claimedafourthconsecutive straight sets victory at the ATP500tournament.

Sinner was twice broken - once in each setbutbattledhiswaythrough what he described as a “physical”encountertoset up a showdown against countryman Lorenzo Musetti or second seed

Alexander Zverev in Sunday’sfinal.

“I am happy how I handled it,” said the top seed, who is aiming to add a fourth title of the season afterwinsattheAustralian Open, Wimbledon and ChinaOpen

“I was a break up in the second and he broke me back I tried to stay strong mentally so I am very happy about today’s p e r f o r m a n c

a n d obviously to be in another final ”

Sinner retired from his previous tournament in Shanghaiwithseverecramp

andsaidhearrivedinAustria “quite late” as he bid to repeat his 2023 title success inVienna.

He extended his winning streak on indoor hard courts to 20 matches, equalling Sir Andy Murray’s best run on the surface but still well short of John McEnroe’s47

“I tried to take every day in the best possible way,” added Sinner, who became the first man since Novak Djokovic in 2015-16 to appear in eight finals in successive seasons

“It was not easy to [reach] the final here, so I’mveryhappy

“I was trying to play some good tennis, trying to serve very well The firstsetwasveryphysical, so I’m happy that I won in twosetstoday” In Basel, 19-year-old Brazilian Joao Fonseca reached the first ATP 500 finalofhiscareerwitha7-6 (7-4) 7-5 victory over unseeded Spanish player Jaume Munar at the Swiss Indoors.

Over $4M up for grabs...

Frompage49 Transportation Services, KTFabrication,N.Balgobin and Sons Contracting Service and Electrical Supplies, GMIN Ventures Guyana Inc , Bashir and Sons Construction Inc., and the Ministry of Culture, Youth and Sports already indicateditssupporttowards thetournamentunderitsOne Guyanabrand.

Interested teams across the country can register by contacting Brian (Region 2)

651-0358, Sedik (Region 3) 698-6406, Darmin (Region 4) 668-2783 & Fazal 6708114, Mahesh (Region 5)

668-9993, RS Sports (Region 6) 726-1386, Shavez Hendricks aka Apache (Region 9), Rastaff (Region 10) 658-7354, Ms. Akaze 717-5577 and WhatsApp726-1386. Registration for Regions 3, 4, and 10 closes on October 30th. While for the otherregionsitcloseson7th November

point in Vienna (Getty Images)

Softball players across Guyanaissettobeinaction in what is considered to be the country’s biggest open softball cricket tournament as plans are moving apace for the 2nd “One Guyana Inter-Region Ten10 Softball Cricket Cup”, which is slatedtotakeplacefrom2nd to 30th November 2025 at various venues across the regions with both male and female category with over 4 million dollars in cash and prizeswillbeupforgrabs.

T h e i n a u g u r a l tournament saw only male players in action, and the winner,HypeParkofParika in region 3, walked away with $300,000 and a trophy. The winner of this year’s tournament walked away with 1 million dollars and a trophy, the runner-up $250,000 and a trophy Prizeswillbeawardedtothe MVP, best bowler, best batsman, and man of the final.

In the female category, thewinningteamwillpocket $300,000 and a trophy, the runner-up $150,000 and a trophy, while prizes will be awarded to the MVP, best bowler, best batsman, and playerofthefinal.

Inbothcategories,prizes willbeawardedtotheplayer of the match in the semifinals.

According to the organisers in the regional games, the winning male team will be awarded $100,000andatrophy,while thefemalewinnerisgoingto be awarded $50,000 and a trophy while prizes will be giventotherunners-up,best

Over $4M up for grabs in 2025 One Guyana Guyana Inter-Region Ten10 Softball Cricket Cup

sports such as softball cricket.

She echoed the sentiments that softball cricketisavillagesportsthat see the young and old

batters, best bowlers, and playersofthefinals.

The winner of each regionwillthenbattleinthe nationalplayoffsonthe30th ofNovemberatavenuetobe named.

The tournament bowls off on the 2nd November in region 3 at the Zeeburg Ground, in region 4 at the Strathavon Ground in Cane Grove, Mahaica, and in region 10 at the Speighland SportsGround. Allmatches start at 9 am and its ten (10) oversperinnings.

The tournament will continue to use supreme balls, and it’s a one-game knockout competition that will use round-arm bowling withextrasinplace.

It’s the true belief of the organizers that the tournament once again will bring our people together

a c r o s s v a r i o u s villages/communities/regio ns in unity through sports and strengthen the game of softballcricketlocally

The organisers said that softball cricket is the grassroots of all forms of cricket, and it nurtures our youthstomoveoninplaying all forms of the game at the veryhighestlevel,anditalso brings families, friends, and communitiestogether

Coming on board in supporting the event is

Basheir and Sons Construction of East Coast Demerara. Director of the company Ms. Bibi Razifa Mohamed said that she is very pleased to be part of supporting the tournament which will be bringing our peopletogetherespeciallyin

coming together in playing foroneteamanditbringsthe communityout.

She went further to say that her company fully support the tournament

because it’s a countrywide games and also bring the femalesintoplay

Ms. Thompson of RS sports thank Ms. Mohamed for the support and wishes hercompanyallthebest. Supporting this second edition of the One Guyana Inter-Region Tournament areKhan’sConstructionand (Continuedonpage48)

Director of Basheir and Sons Construction (right), Bibi Razifa Mohamed, presents the sponsorship toAkaze Thompson of RS Sports

GGA Nexgen Golf Academy Becomes Guyana’s First LPGA/USGA

In a historic milestone for women’s sports in Guyana, Nexgen Golf Academyhasbeenofficially designated as the country’s

first and only LPGA/USGA Girl’sSite.

This prestigious recognition marks a major step forward in the

Girl’s Site

development of golf for young women, empowering them to use the sport as a platform to build courage, integrity, leadership, and

…Young players receive gifts from the LPGA

lifelong opportunities including pathways to college scholarships and even careers on the Ladies Professional Golf Association(LPGA)Tour

Assistant Director of Sports, Ms DowRichardson,praisedtherapid progress of the initiative, stating: “It pleases me to see the growth of this golf programme in such a short time, especially given that there was virtually no foundation to start with To see the expansion across regions in Guyana and more importantly, that over 60% of our 20,000+ new players are female is astounding I am proud to recognize the efforts of everyone involved and must give special credit to Mr Hussain for his exceptional d e d i c a t i o n a n d contributions”

Since 2023, the Guyana GolfAssociation(GGA)and NexgenGolfAcademyhave collaborated with several international organizations to expand and promote the sport locally, making golf one of the fastest-growing activities among youth in Guyana.Thelaunchfeatured students from Westminster SecondarySchool,Diamond Secondary and Westside High School along with fashion designer Ms. Sonia N o e l a n d O n e

Melissa Dow-Richardson with National Junior Player Hema Devi Lall (Westminster Secondary)

Communications Ms Andrea King. According to GGA President, Aleem

Hussain, “A chance conversation with Assistant Director of Sports, Melissa Dow-Richardson,in2019— when she informed me that golfwasanelectiveforPEin schools — was the catalyst for this amazing program we’vedevelopedtodate.”

Hussain expressed gratitude to the LPGA for welcoming Nexgen Golf Academy into its global family, Regional Director Cherise Irving’s Academy, local Site Director Philip Haynes, and acknowledged the several women who h e l p e d m a k e t h e achievementpossible—Ms. Dow-Richardson, the late Shafura BaghKhanHussain, Aleena Knight, Saleema Jack, and Azeema Budhram. He also extended

appreciation to the sponsors and supporters whose continued partnership made this accomplishment possible, including: Guyana TourismAuthority, Ministry ofCulture,YouthandSport, Ministry of Education, Sterling Products Ltd , Shangri-La Gardens, GNIC, ToolsiePersaudLtd,Trophy Stall, Guyana Beverages Inc., Praetorian Executive Security Services, Comfort Sleep, Fixit Hardware Depot,RegalStationeryand Computer Centre Centre, M o n n a f A r j u n e Construction, ER Small Engines, Pegasus Hotel and Suites, TriStone Auto, Sunshine Snacks, Darthan Investment Investments, ExxonMobil Guyana, Puran Bros, Roger Jiwanram, Steve Mohitram, Kevon Jawahir ,BillKnight,andAl JuniorWilson.

ADOS

St. John the Baptist and Leonora Primary advance to 2025 Courts Optical Pee Wee U-11 Final

St. John the Baptist

Primary and Leonora Primary have booked their spots in the 2025 Courts Optical Pee Wee Under-11 Football

Championship final, followingthrillingsemifinal victories on Saturday at the Ministry of Education ground.

The 12th Annual Schools’ Under-11 football championshipproducedtwo exhilarating semifinal clashes, setting the stage for what promises to be an exciting grand finale next weekend.

Leonora Primary advance into 2025 Pee Wee final with 1-0 win over West Ruimveldt

edged past an unblemished West Ruimveldt Primary with a hard-fought 1–0 victory to join St. John the Baptist in the final Leonora’s winner came courtesy of a brilliant 33rdminuteheaderfromChrison Austin, who connected perfectly with a cross from theleftflank.

Rising high above the defense,thetoweringcenterforwardnoddedtheballpast the West Ruimveldt goalkeeper to send the Region Three side into jubilation.

overcame Tucville Primary 3–1onpenaltiesfollowinga 2–2stalemate,whileSt.John the Baptist moved forward with a commanding 3–0 victory over St. Gabriel’s after a goalless draw in regulation time West Ruimveldt had booked their semifinal spot with a 2–0 win against Agatash Primary

Tournament leading goal-scorer Aaron Christian once again proved his class, sealingSt.JohntheBaptist’s 2–0 semifinal win over Redeemer Primary Christian’sdecisivestrikein the35thminute,anaccurate finish from just outside the boxsecuredanotherPeeWee final appearance for the Barticians.

Maintain

St. John’s had earlier taken the lead in the 17th minute through Alex Pearson, who converted neatly to put his side ahead.

strong possession throughout the second half, St John’s doubled their advantage when captain Neymar Edwards delivered a wellplaced assist to Christian.

National Draughts Championship commences today

The annual National Draughts Championship starts today and is scheduled to continue next Sunday,November2,attheTransportSports ClubPavillion,ThomasLands.

Today, the B-Competition commences with many of the junior players vying for supremacy

Based on the number of entries and the quality of the players, some of the top finishersareexpectedtoqualifyforaplacein theA-Division,nextSunday

Navin Meighbarran is the reigning champion; should Navin defend his title, he willgainpromotiontotheA-Division.

However, a tough challenge is expected fromEsanAnderson,whocanputablockto thatsincethesetwoplayershaverivaledeach

otheroverthelastcoupleofyears.

Veteran Aubrey Rowe is another competitortoreckonwithsincehisgamesis steppingupinthelastfewoutings.

The games start at 10:30 am and will be runonaround-robinsystem.

The tournament will be played on the local8x8boards.

Theentrancefeeis$1000perperson.All prizes for B and A competitions would be handed out after the completion of the tournament, next weekend since the Association is still awaiting some of its sponsors.

AllBplayersintheRegionsareinvitedto participate The tournament will be supervised by the President of the Association,Jiaram.

The forward calmly slotted home into the right corner, ensuring his team’s place in Saturday’s championship match.

In the day’s second semifinal, Leonora Primary

Despite late pressure, West Ruimveldt could not find an equalizer before the final whistle, suffering their first defeat of the tournament.

Earlierinthequarterfinal round, Redeemer advanced after Aaron Lall’s decisive strikeearneda1–0winover St. Pius Primary Leonora

The tournament is proudlysponsoredbyCourts Optical, with support from the Ministry of Culture, Youth and Sport, MVP Sports, Sky Tec Enterprise, Demerara Mutual, and SterlingProductsLimited.It is also sanctioned by the MinistryofEducation.

The grand finale is scheduled for Saturday, November 1, at the same venue, where the Petra Organisation will crown the 2025Boys’PeeWeeUnder11champions.

Petra-Republic Bank U-18 Football League continues today at MoE ground

The sixth annual Republic Bank School’s Under-18 Football League continues today at the Ministry of Education ground, Carifesta Avenue, with another action-packed round of matches as teams battle for a coveted spot in the upcoming KFC International Goodwill Series.

Afteranintenseopening round that saw Chase’s Academic Foundation, Three Mile Secondary, SouthRuimveldtSecondary, and Charlestown Secondary emerge victorious, the stage is now set for an even more competitivesecondround.

The day’s action kicks offat12:00noonwithThree Mile Secondary taking on Dolphin Secondary in what promises to be a fast-paced encounter Three Mile will look to build on their momentumfromlastweek’s win, while Dolphin will be eager to bounce back and keeptheirtournamenthopes alive.

Up next, Abram Zuil Secondary squares off against Charlestown Secondary in match #6. Charlestown impressed in their opening game and will

Part of the round one action between West Ruimveldt Secondary and Three Mile Secondary.

be hoping to extend their winningrun,butAbramZuil known for their resilience will look to upset the Georgetownside. In the third clash of the day, President’s College faces West Ruimveldt Secondary, a fixture expectedtodeliverplentyof excitement Both teams boast talented midfields and will be eyeing a crucial victory to stay in contention forthesemifinals.

The round concludes with a thrilling nightcap as South Ruimveldt Secondary meets the 2024 champions Chase’s Academic Foundationunderthelights.

Both teams were winners in their opening matches, making this a must-watch showdown between two of the tournament’s early frontrunners.

With only the top sides earning a shot at the KFC International Goodwill Series, every goal, tackle, andsavewillcount.

T h i s L e a g u e i s sponsoredbyRepublicBank (Guyana) Limited with support from ROnoca Concrete Inc., MVP Sports, Guyana Beverage Inc. through its Busta Brand, the Ministry of Culture, Youth andSports,andtheMinistry ofEducation.

Jiaram and Floyd Cumberbatch recently competed in Trinidad & Tobago

SJTB pushes through to the final, following pushes to Aaron Christian’s 35th minute strike

St. John the Baptist and Leonora and Primary advance to 2025 Courts Courts Optical Pee Wee U-11 Final

Site Director Philip Haynes presentsADOS Melissa Dow-Richardson with LPGAWelcome package

Chase’sAcademic hunts second win in RBLtoday against South Ruimveldt …Young players receive gifts from the LPGA