Kaieteur News

Pres.Ali:

Teacher shot dead at wedding reception in Linden

Womanrapedbytrio atRaghoo’sbarsays shewasdrugged

…bartender,othersincustody

…APAcallsforbartobepermanentlyshut

…saysadministrationhasoverseen tangibleprogressinseveralsectors

Chevron sees 2025 cash flow boost after synergies, 4th FPSO comes on stream in Guyana

Jenel Pollydore

Woman raped by trio at Raghoo’s bar says she was drugged

…bartender, others in custody

…APA calls for bar to be permanently shut

The young Amerindian woman who was sexually assaulted at Raghoo Bar on the Soesdyke- Linden Highway was reportedly drugged and raped, the Guyana Police Force (GPF) saidonSaturday

In a short statement, Police said that Technical Advisor in the Amerindian Affairs Ministry Laura George took a 20-year-old female of Amerindian descenttotheTimehriPolice Station on Friday night where an official report was made.

The young woman lives on the Soesdyke- Linden Highway

“The 20-year-old was interviewed by ranks and allegedthatshewasdrugged and raped by three males at Raghoo's Sports Bar located at Soesdyke. The bartender andotherpersonsofinterest were arrested. Efforts are being made to contact other suspects and witnesses who were seen in the videos,” policesaid.

On Friday, videos and photographs were circulated onsocialmediaoftheyoung woman being sexually assaulted in the bar and persons cheering and recordingthesituation.

The bar, which has been identified by police as Raghoo's bar and is located at Soesdyke Junction, East Bank Demerara (EBD) has sincebeenshutdown.

The GPF on Friday said thattheownerofthebar“Mr Omesh Raghoo has been called in and is assisting investigators with their inquiries.

The bar has been closed indefinitely pending the o u t c o m e o f t h e investigations.”

On Saturday, the

Amerindian Peoples Association (APA) said it is “outragedanddeeplyshaken by the horrific video currently circulating on social media, which depicts the brutal rape of a young Indigenous woman inside a public bar.”“This act is not onlyavilecrimebutablatant violation of human dignity and a chilling reminder of the systemic violence faced by Indigenous women in Guyana,”TheAPAsaid in a statement.The body which

representstheinterestsofthe Amerindian Peoples “ demandthattheperpetrators of this abhorrent crime face the full extent of the law without any delay or leniency Justice must be swift, uncompromising, and complete.”

Further,theAPAsaidthat it is equally disturbing “the reprehensible behaviour of the bar's patrons, who, instead of intervening and rendering assistance, chose tofilmthisviolentassault.”

“Their actions constitute active participation in a violentcrime,andwecallfor criminal charges to be brought against every individual who enabled or recordedthisatrocity.”

The APA acknowledged the immediate response by theGuyanaPoliceForce,the Ministry of Home Affairs, and the Ministry of Human ServicesandSocialSecurity

“We commend their swift action However, accountability must not stop with the individuals directly involvedintheassault.”

Permanently shutdownbar

The APA called on the Government to permanently close Raghoo's bar while calling on the Guyana Revenue Authority (GRA) “to immediately revoke all licensesheldbytheowner.”

“Such an establishment has no place in our society, and allowing it to continue operations would be an insult to all women across thecountry.”

Additionally, the APA called on every branch of governmentandcivilsociety to treat this case with the gravity it demands and to ensure justice is delivered fully, swiftly, and without exception.

M e a n w h i l e , A Partnership for National Unity (APNU) and Forward Guyana Movement (FGM) strongly condemned the heinouscrime.

APNU called on the Police Force to conduct a thorough investigation and “todoallthatisnecessaryto end the massive public distributionofthevideo.”

“We also call on all Guyanese to treat this with dignity and refrain from sharing such videos, in

public or private, so safeguard our children and thefabricofoursociety.”

For its part, FGM condemns the sexual assault and violation of the young woman.

“This sickening act has been reported by several sources on social media platforms, because the perpetratorsbrazenlycarried out their criminal act on a drugged or unconscious victim in the full glare of patrons, many of whom recorded the crime on their mobile phones, and none of whom attempted to stop the criminal act, preferring instead to be gleeful spectators titillated by the defilement of a fellow human being, who could well have been their sibling, daughter, friend or family

member.”

The political party said that “this level of uncaring insensitivity reflects a deeprootedmalaisethathasbeen allowed to fester in Guyanese society: The devaluation of human life and dehumanisation of women and children in particular

The longer this is allowed to go unaddressed by all responsible actors –the government, civil society, religious leaders, educationists, professional associationsandparents,the further our nation risks falling in relation to the quality of life meant to be enjoyed by each and every one of us, regardless of our stationinlife.”

The party headed by Attorney Amanza Walton-

Desirsaidthattheproprietor, management,andstaffofthe establishment cannot claim that they had no say or that they were not aware of the incident.

“They took no action, a n d a l l o w e d t h e establishmenttobecomethe scene of a crime, and worse yet, themselves to be complicit in the sexual assault by failing to act.

Forward Guyana Movement expects that the full weight of legal options available to the issuers of licenses covering the premises will be examined and utilised so as to deter any other establishments from permitting/encouraging suchvilebehaviour.”

The party said that each of the patrons who was presentandfailedtoact,has

shownGuyanaandtheworld what kind of person he is –never to be entrusted with responsibilityforthecareof women, minors, or vulnerablepersonsrequiring specialcareandprotection.

“Theyarejustasguiltyof the rapists, and equally a stain on the name and reputation of our country,”

Theparty'sstatementsaid.

FGM called on all rightthinking and respectable persons to condemn the dastardly act while calling on the GPF to “investigate and prosecute all persons involved in this shameful and disgraceful crime to the fullestextentofthelaw.”

“Our thoughts at this time, are with the victim, whose only mistake was trusting the wrong people,” Thepartystated.

KaieteurNews

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

EDITORIAL

Suriname puts Guyana to shame

“Ideclareandpromisethis…sohelpmeGodAlmighty.” With those 10 words, Excellency Jennifer Geerlingsth Simons completed the oath of office and is now the 10 President of the Republic of Suriname. The first female headofstateofthatsmallstate,nowpoisedtojointheranks of oil-producing countries. It was a festive occasion in Suriname, this changing of the guard, with the principal participantsallrisingtothemomentandfulfillingtheirroles withSwissclockprecision.

Outgoing president Chan Santokhi signed the proclamation of transfer, the incoming president-elect Geerlings-Simons affixed her signature to the document, and the chair of the proceedings, Speaker Ashwin Adhin declared Excellency Simons the new Suriname president. We congratulate the people and leaders of the Republic of Suriname for their maturity, their sense of duty to country, andthesimplegrandeurwithwhichtheyshiftedthereinsof government from one group and leader to another Thisis thewaythatdevelopmentsofthisnature,thathighmattersof state,shouldbedealtwith,celebrated,concluded.

WelookatourownRepublicofGuyana,andthereisa senseofshame,adarksorrow

Electionsandtransitionofpowerhavehistoricallybeen among the worst times for this country There is palpable tension in the air in Guyana during elections. The better angelsinthissocietyrushfortheexits,disappearasfastas theycan. Anotherpainfulwound,anothergrimchapter,in the annals of Guyana is lived by its peoples. The finger pointing has been endless, the shirking of responsibility almostapartofthenationalleadershipfabric.

This country and its peoples are wound up, like some dangerous spring, with societal pressures growing to the breakingpoint,untilaclusterofoutsidersrushhereandhelp separate Guyanese from destroying each other What Surinamecanseeminglyaccomplishasamatterofroutine; Guyanacanonlydreamofachievingsomedistanceintothe future. Yet the leaders of Guyana, and some in their supportingcliques,holdtheviewthattheyarethesmartest peopletobefoundanywhere.

Guyaneseleadersknoweverythingthatthereistoknow about Guyana and governance, only for them to prove that whattheyknowamountstoanembarrassingabundanceof ignorance.

How often hasn't it been that leaders and officials from the region, from the hemisphere, and from the great caretakerofGuyana,America,areallcompelledtoracehere to help us find our feet, and discover a way forward, howevertemporary? Theroleofbeingahelplessdependent ofothercountriesisonenowproudlyembraced,acceptedas the norm by local leaders and people. Still, Guyanese leaders fool themselves into claiming that this country is a healthydemocracy,onestandingonitsownfeet,chartingits owndestiny

The Republic of Suriname experienced a development thathasnevervisitedGuyana. In1980,Guyana'sneighbors to the East reeled from a violent army coup, the so-called Sergeants' coup. Murders and massacre followed, and yet Suriname has advanced far ahead of Guyana in governing itself. Itcouldelectitsfirstfemalepresident,a71-year-old physician. In Guyana, it is part of the culture of the sophisticates in power to mock those older It provides an explanation, perhaps, why Surinam is where it is, and Guyana is stuck at being how it is. Guyana's environment speaksforitself,anditisnotinspiring.

In Guyana, the bickering over elections processes and results is nonstop, almost at the level of a cottage industry Those who lose cannot find it in themselves to do the gracious thing and concede. The stakes are too high, the prizes too much to forego. If leaders have to besmirch themselvesbyallegingtheiropponentscheated,whenthey themselves may have done their own cheating, they do so. Thentheysticktothatlikealiontoanantelope. Thingshave

Kaieteur M@ilbox

Playing with House Money: How Oil Companies Are Using Profits to Fund "Investments”

DearEditor,

Imagine you're at a casinoandtake$8fromyour wallet and make a bet that resultsinwinningsof$300.

You then decide not to risk any of your original capital (the cash from your wallet) and only bet your $300 in winnings going forward.

At that point, you are playingwithhousemoneyor "freemoney."

Thus,youarenotrisking any of your original $8 that youspeculatedatthestartin a random game of chance where the casino odds are

againstyou.

In a recent letter responding to Chris Ram's questions about whether the oilcompany'sannualreports comply with accounting standards, ExxonMobil Guyana CFO John A Colling stated that "the Contractor Group needs to recover its up-front investment in developing Guyana's oil resources, an investmentthatnowexceeds US$40billion."

Theuseoftheword"upfront" seems to imply that Exxon and its partners invested US$40 billion of

theirownmoneyupfront.

H o w e v e r , a n examination of the oil companies' financials since oil production began reveals that the money actually invested by the companies themselvesintoExxonMobil Guyana and HESS Guyana totaled approximately US$8.1billion.

Additionally, examining theliabilitiessectionoftheir balancesheetsshowstheydo notcomeclosetoaccounting for the more than US$32 billion(US$40B–US$8.1B) investmentgap.

Therefore,itislikelythat

the majority of this more than US$32 billion difference is being made up with the US$29 billion in pre-tax profits that the oil companieshaveearnedsince oil extraction began in December2019.

Furthermore, in the ExxonMobil Guyana financials,thereisalineitem called"Distributionstohead office" in other words, ExxonMobil Guyana making payments to its parent company In 2024, ExxonMobilGuyanamadea distributionofUS$3.2

(Continueonpage5)

deteriorated to such low levels that politicians in competing campsrefusetoshakehands. Politicalleadersnotonlydon't concede,theyrefusetoattendswearing-inceremonies. Such

istheintensityofthepoliticalrancorinGuyana. Surinamese can enjoy a peaceful transition of power, while Guyanese bracethemselvesfortheusual.

Kaieteur M@ilbox

Kaieteur M@ilbox

Where are we heading?

DearEditor,

Recently there was a video circulating a WIN party supporter brandishing agunandassaultinganother supporter of the same party. Subsequently, police issued a wanted bulletin which circulated amongst the various news outlet saying the individual in question is notalicensedfirearmholder Thereafter, it is alleged that the wanted man turned himself into police custody, was promptly charged and appeared in court and interestingly was placed on bail. Immediately, it arises suspicionastowhysomeone with so many serious allegations was placed on bail, when there are many people with way less offenses being remanded, like Charles Rawlins who was remanded to prison for

narcotics possession on the sameday

After the secret recordings surfaced, it only tells me that the system is very corrupt and your fate lies in the hands of corruptioninGuyana.

Editor, over the past few days, Guyana witnessed the assassination of two men in Buxton, another in Linden, thebrutalsexualassaultona youngladyatabar,senseless murder of a clothes vendor and quite a few other issues that have caused concern. Interestingly, the various political leaders seem to ignoretheseissues,usingthe press time to desecrate one another and making vile promises should they be elected.

Their actions seem to motivateculpritstocontinue committing heinous acts on

Guyanese, because they are not interested in making life better for Guyanese but to retain power and squander the money out. The PPPC being in power for so many years, choose not to review the Laws of Guyana to give the citizens adequate protection, especially the women. In more than one incident,I'veheardthePPPC government complaining about the Laws of Guyana, butonlywhenit'snotintheir favour Finally, in 2013 allegations surfaced that the then Minister of Transport and Hydraulics Robson Benn invaded the NCN studioafterhearingthelyrics

Professor' Charles' winning rendition,“GodDon'tSleep” and banned it from playing

ontheair

Now,we'vealotoflocal so-called 'influencers' carrying on with a lot of vulgarity on social media, some even singing songs using the most disgusting expletivesandnoonesaying anything and the Guyana Police Force is allowing them to perform at shows/dances etc The popularityoftheseatrocious songs reached the smallest child'searsandtheycouldbe heard singing along loudly when these songs are being played or singing independently Quite a few people are disgusted at this new trend and wondering why it hasn't interest government's concern? Are they comfortable with the lawlessnessthat'shappening insocietytoday?

SahadeoBates

Playing with House Money: How Oil Companies...

Frompage4 billion to its parent, which reduced its remaining original investment to US$2 billion at the end of 2024.

HESS Guyana has distributed almost all of its US$2.9 billion investment back to its parent company, leaving only US$304

million If the same

distribution pattern continuesinto2025,thenitis likely that by now the original US$8.1 billion that was invested has been fully recovered by the parent oil companies.

We must do better as a society

DearEditor,

The recent incident at Raghoo's Bar, where a woman was publicly humiliated and physically violated, is deeply troubling and as such exposes the urgent need for societal change.

The fact that this disturbing act was not only carried out but brazenly recorded by multiple bystanders—including other women and a disc jockey who shamefully encouraged the act—should alarm every Guyanesecitizen.

Theroleofthelawinthis matter cannot be overstated. Justice must not be delayed. Thoseresponsible—boththe directperpetratorsand those who actively abetted the a t t a c k m u s t b e apprehendedandprosecuted to the fullest extent of the law Thereisnoplaceinour communities for such lawlessness and moral decay Equally important is the message this sends to women and young girls across Guyana. We must be more vigilant. We must be more united. And we must continue to call out and confront behavior that endangers or disrespects w o m e n i n a n y setting—publicorprivate.

At the end of his letter, the ExxonMobil Guyana CFO stated that he is committed to transparency and fact-based discussions.

Editor, through your

In other words, the oil companies are now playing with"freemoney"—justlike the casino example But unlike gambling at a casino where the odds are against you,thereisverylittleriskof theoilcompanieslosingany of this "free money" as they keepre-investingtheseprofits to the tune of billions of US dollarsinnewprojectstoward their goal of extracting 13 million barrels of oil per day

newspaper, we ask Mr Colling to answer the followingquestions:

1.AtthetimeofhisJuly 2, 2025 letter, how much of the US$40 billion in investment mentioned were funds injected into ExxonMobil Guyana by its parentcompany,Exxon?

2. For the three projects that are online Liza 1 (US$3.5Bcapitalcost),Liza 2 (US$6B capital cost), and Payara(US$9billioncapital cost) how much of the capitalcostsforeachofthese projects have been paid off fromcostoil?

3. For the 6 approved projects,howmuchhasbeen paid for, and how much is stillowing?

4. For the 6 approved projects, please disclose the schedule of payments –which of the capital costs havebeenpaidoff,andhow muchisstilloutstanding?

AlfredBhulai

AndreBrandli

JanetteBulkan

KenrickHunte

DarshKhusial

MikePersaud

O n b e h a l f o f www oggn org/about a 501(c)(3)

It is disheartening to witnessaculturewheresuch inhumanity is met with amusement or apathy rather than swift intervention. Our society must reflect on what we have become: when filming and sharing cruelty takes precedence over protecting a fellow human being As women, as citizens, and as human beings, we must hold ourselves to a higher standard.

Letthisincidentnotfade as another fleeting viral video, but be the wake-up callweallneed.Asapeople, we must do better Our silence or inaction only empowersthosewhochoose toharm.

Sincerely,

AtikaStephens

Kaieteur M@ilbox

GPSU responds to 35% wage increase

DearEditor,

The Guyana Public

S e r v i c e U n i o n unequivocally rejects the notionthata35%increasein wages is unsustainable Further,itistheUnion'sfirm convictionthatmuchmoreis necessaryinordertoachieve a living wage which was calculatedatGYD$215,000. The current minimum wage stands at $102,346 in the Public Sector which is substantially less than what the average worker requires tohaveadignifiedexistence in Guyana. The plight of Public Workers is compoundedbythefactthat some are made to work

without the benefit of gratuity or pension even whilethecountryisboasting the highest GDP per capita globally Additionally, hundreds are unfairly worked over their 40 hours per week and are not compensated at an overtime rate.

A government who is genuinely interested in poverty alleviation must earnestlyworktorelievethe working poor of their economic oppression as a main and urgent objective. Continued stifling of wages in light of astronomical inflationinfoodandhousing willleadtocontinuedexodus

of the professionals needed to sustain Guyana's development trajectory and ultimatelyleadtoafailureof the vision of any Government. Consequently, thesuccessofthemissionof anygovernmentisintricately tied to the motivation of its Public Sector Workers whose stability and contentment are heavily dependent on earning a livingwage. The Union is proposing the joint development of a wage policy which definitively addresses mainly the condition of the workingpoorwiththeaimof actualizing their economic

upliftment through the implementation of a living wage. Additionally, wage increases are paramount to one off handouts as it contributes to the worker's deserved dignified retirement.

Proposals of paltry increases in the setting of highcostoflivingaswellas other factors such as disrespect for the Laws governing Collective

Bargainingiswhatledtothe 1999 strike and the unstable industrial relations and nationalclimateatthattime. These are historical lessons betterlearntthanforgotten.

GPSU

Azruddin Mohamed must remain vigilant

DearEditor,

I found Tacuma's letter from July 18, 2025, quite compelling. Contrary to his perspective,Azruddin must remain vigilant towards the PPP, especially considering their treatment ofhimandhisfather

Thealarmingpresenceof over six armed police officers at his home on July 16raisesseriousconcerns;in weak democracies, political rivals are often eliminated. Azruddin has considerable publicsupport,and manyGuyanesetrusthim and his team to represent

theminParliament.

The recent White House statement indicates that the USischoosingtowaitforthe upcomingelectionoutcomes before taking any action. Maintaining interest in Guyana, particularly due to itsoilpotential,isclear

The political landscape today is markedly different from 2006, with Azruddin standing out as a candidate unencumbered by past allegiances Moreover, Azruddin is perceived as a leader for all Guyanese,

historically divided our politics. His legal team has noted the relentless attacks from the incumbent regime, but these tactics have failed formonths,placingpressure onthecurrentgovernment. Giventhepotentialthreat to his safety, Azruddin shouldprioritizesecurityand remain cautious during his campaign.

Looking ahead, ongoing political factionalism may lead to another election by August2027,where leaders like Norton, Mohamed, and Hughes could unite for a majority

governmentthatstrengthens Parliament. Our nation's diversity necessitates collaboration and unity; withoutit,meaningful

projectionssuggestnosingle party will have

movingforward.Theideaof "One Guyana" remains a distantgoal;wemustaddress our fragmentation to build a cohesivefuture.

BestRegards, M.ShabeerZafar, OntarianLawyer.

Guyana will have two of the largest gold mines in South America by 2027 – Pres. Ali

President Irfaan Ali recently outlined that Guyana is on track to become home to two of the largest gold mines in South America by 2027. He made theannouncementduringthe unveiling of the People's Progressive Party/ Civic (PPP/C)'s 2025 Manifesto Highlights.

“By 2027 we will have two of the largest mining productions, operational here in Guyana, outside oil and gas, where we'll have more FPSOs are coming on board, by 2027 two of the largest mines in South America will be operational hereinGuyana,”Alistated.

President Ali said that work on both projects has already commenced, with one of the companies moving aggressively into its developmentphase.

“This is right now; they'realreadytogether One has already started a group method. They're looking for over1,200workersnow,and theycan'tfindthoseworkers here, and that's the issue,” Ali disclosed. He said the government is aware of concerns regarding the availability of labour, and steps are being taken to addressthematter

This publication reported that five Canadian mining companies are collectively controlling an estimated 15 5 million ounces of gold across various stages of development. These projects, spanning across Guyana's mining regions, are progressing through exploration, feasibility studies,andpermits.

Many of the companies have boasted of Guyana's mining-friendlypoliciesand bankontheprojectstodrive substantial growth for their companies.

Omai Gold Mines Corp. – Omai Project

Omai Gold Mines Corp. has full ownership of the historic Omai gold project, situatedinGuyana'sinterior Once a prolific gold producerfrom1993to2005, themineyielded3.8million ounces of gold during a period when gold traded below US$400/oz The company has revitalised the property, which benefits

from much-existing infrastructure and will soon be connected to the two largest cities in Guyana, GeorgetownandLinden,via paved roads Omai is focused on rapidly expanding the two orogenic gold deposits at its 100%-

ownedOmaiGoldProjectin “mining-friendly” Guyana. Thecompanyisalsolooking to reclaim its position as a top gold producer in South America.

Since2021,thecompany has established the Omai Gold Project as one of the fastest-growing and wellendowed gold camps in the prolific Guiana Shield greenstone belt. In February 2024, Omai announced an updated Mineral Resource Estimate (MRE) of 2 0 million ounces of gold indicated and 2.3 million ounces inferred, comprising both the Wenot open pit depositandtheadjacentGilt Creek underground deposit. This was followed by an initial baseline Preliminary Economic Assessment (PEA) inApril 2024, which contemplated an open-pit only development scenario andincludedonly45%ofthe OmaiGoldProjectMRE.

The PEAfor the Wenot deposit outlines an open-pit operation producing 1 84 million ounces over a 13year mine life Annual production is projected to average 142,000 ounces, peakingat184,000ouncesin thebestyear

Subsequent to the 2024 MRE, Omai has been aggressively drilling to expandgoldresourcesatthe Wenot deposit and has identified additional wide zones of high-grade gold mineralization. Over25,000 metres of additional drilling on the Wenot deposit have beencompletedsincethelast resource estimate in February 2024. This year, Omai plans to continue its drill programs, announce an updatedandexpandedMRE, and complete an updated PEA, which would include anexpandedWenotopen-pit deposit and an underground mining scenario at Gilt Creek.

Aris Mining –Toroparu Project

ArisMiningisadvancing its Toroparu project, a s i g n i f i c a n t g o l d developmentwithbothopen pit and underground potential.The projectboasts indicated resources of 5.4 million ounces of gold, placing it among the largest undevelopedgoldprojectsin theregion.

Situated in the CuyuniMazaruni district, Toroparu includes an established exploration camp, airstrip, and road infrastructure.Aris is currently in the project optimization phase, focused on enhancing access and

preparing for development. The company holds 100% ownership of the project. According to the company, extensive exploration and drilling programmes have already been carried out at Toroparu, revealing the potential for a long-life, large-scale open-pit mining operation.

With key infrastructure for the project, including a camp,airstrip,andsiteroads, alreadyinplace,ArisMining is now reviewing its development strategy,

hinting at possible shifts in how it will advance the site amid intensifying activities inGuyana'sgoldsector The company highlighted that Guyana has recently seen increased investments and merger and acquisition (M&A) activity in gold mining, driven by the country'sgrowingreputation asaminingfrontier

The Toroparu Gold Project and its adjacent properties, collectively known as the Upper Puruni Concessions, consist of two

gold deposits; the Toroparu deposit and the Sona Hill deposit,whichliesaboutfive kilometers southeast of the main site The company noted that the Toroparu project is a gold exploration and development project w

resources.

G Mining Ventures (GMIN) – Oko West Gold Project

Following a business combination with Reunion Gold in 2024, GMIN has takenfullcontroloftheOko WestGoldProject,locatedin (Continueonpage14)

President Irfaan Ali

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.

MONDAY–JULY14,2025

Lyingtothemasses

In this season when politicians lie to the masses, the PPP Government was at it again yesterday at their election campaign launch.

The party's Vice President, Bharrat Jagdeo has tried at

hoodwink citizens about the management of the oil sector- painting a picture of an administration in control and when this fails, blames the APNU+AFC Coalition for signing the lopsided

contract, notwithstanding, while in opposition, it had fiercelyopposedthedealand promised the electorate that itwillchangeitonceelected.

Today,oneofthebiggest

ExxonMobil contract is the PPP/C led by Jagdeo. As Vice President, Jagdeo has walkedbackonhisdeclared

ntention, when in opposition, to renegotiate the Production Sharing Agreement. Instead, he has attachednewtermstoanew contract, but as we have pointed out before, no production is taking place outside of the Stabroek Block, so his new PSAdoes not alter the balance in Guyana's sovereign wealth fund.

Guyanese must continue to demand a change to this exploitativeoilcontract.Itis time we ensure that our oil wealth benefits us, the peopleofGuyanatoday,and not just ExxonMobil, their shareholdersandaselectfew in the political arena. Let's not wait until it's too late. Thetimetoactisnow

TUESDAY–JULY15,2025

Notawaranymore

Waging war is an expensive proposition, and thelongerthatthebattlesand bombardments go on betweenIsraelandPalestine, the more costly the effort becomes.

Thoughnotdirtpoor,the strength of Israel has one primary source It is America, with American money and the wealth of American arms poured into thereadyhandsofIsraelthat go far in perpetuating this conflict that is now so onesided that what happens has gone past heinous and grotesque.

By any measurement, what the Israeli forces are delivering on the largely defenseless Palestinians is vengeance multiplied several times over To be clear, this is not war anymore, so programmed

and bloodcurdling it has become This is man's inhumanity against his fellow human beings taken to places never seen before, andintheopen.

WEDNESDAY–JULY16,2025

Electionsandoil

The elections have not even moved into high gear, and many citizens are already suffering from burnout.

The energy that they should have to focus constantlyonoil,andkeepit percolating at that state is either drowned out by the rhetoric of elections or drained away by superior competinginterests.

We are right back at elections, which is now seeminglysuperiortoallelse that is happening in this country The cunning politicians know how to keep the voters occupied. Feed the people a steady dose of all the wrongs that the other side did over the years when they were in government, and then sit back and enjoy watching how voters tear into each other, like ferocious dogs over a bone. Aspectacle is always guaranteed, and this yearisalreadyshapingupto followthesamescript.

Who has the time, who cares,totalkaboutoil? Why wasteenergyonoil,andlose anopportunitytoprovehow loyal one is to a leader or group?

THURSDAY–JULY17,2025

Theweeklypresser

Every Thursday is designated National Press Circus Day in Guyana. It is the day when a two-term former president and now the defacto chief executive of Guyana, holds an afternoon 'cuss down' session at his party's headquarters.Themediaget an invitation saying it is a press conference They know better, so most of the seasonedjournalistsavoidit

likethesevenplagues. Today will be another round of the circus, starring Bharrat Jagdeo He was handed an honorary doctorate and he insists that he be addressed as doctor So, the invitation comes out with Dr Bharrat Jagdeo and the State media operatives and the privately-owned State media all fall in line…Dr Jagdeo, they call him.

He does not address serious issues at the press conference - he does not touch the oil and gas sector unlessheisaskedaquestion. His focus, in addition to finding faults in everyone elseexcepthisparty,ison'he seh, dem seh and dem boys seh.'

Look out for it at 2PM today

FRIDAY–JULY18,2025

CivilityintheElections

Over the years, we have had occasion to remind our fellow Guyanese as to the importance of civility–especially in a society with the fissures and cleavages such as ours. As we canter alonginthiselectionperiod, tempers are already becoming frayed and intemperatewordsarebeing hurled. We must not let this getoutofhand.

Whileweappreciatethat the candidates and their supporters must distinguish themselves from each other we must keep the rivalries withintheboundsofcivility

While most persons believethatcivilityhastodo with politeness or good manners, in truth the value goesmuchdeeper Thereare actually three facets to civility: civility as respect for others, civility as public behaviour and civility as self-regulation.

If in a democratic polity we are all supposed to be equal–atleastbeforethelaw –thenwehavetorespectthe right of others to hold opinions that may differ from our own: we must respect, and even protect theirrighttodifferfromus.

Todaythereisanelement of sententiousness and dogmatism creeping into public discourse, now exacerbated from the political platforms. This is especially troubling: let us remindourselvesofourduty of civility as respect for others

Rallies Are Spectacle, Not Substance

Political rallies are not campaign strategy; they are campaign theatre. They are notabouteducation;theyare about excitation The mistake we make is in assuming that the size of a crowd at a rally is a reliable indicator of electoral support.Itisnot.Crowdsare bused in, promises are shouted out, and the energy is manufactured like a well-rehearsed stage play where the audience is also partofthecast.

Consider the 2015 elections in Guyana. The PPPCdrewmassivecrowds, far larger than their competitors, yet they lost—narrowly,butlostthey did.Thelesson?Arallydoes notequalvotes.

The 2023 local government elections reinforced this truth. The PNCRdidnotrelyongrand rallies, yet they held onto k e y municipalities Georgetow n,Linden,NewAmsterdam. Their campaign was lean, targeted, and effective at mobilizing their base. But here’s the catch: holding your base is one thing; expanding it is another And expansion requires more than just spectacle It requirespersuasion.

Political rallies are, at their core, entertainment They are designed to make supporters feel powerful, to give them a sense of momentum, to convince them—and the media—that theirsideiswinningbeforea single vote is cast The

louder the cheers, the brighterthecolors,themore it seems inevitable But inevitabilityisatrick.

Parties transport supporters from all over to create the illusion of local dominance A rally in Region Four may feature crowdsfromRegionsThree, Five, and Six. The people waving flags and chanting slogans are not always the people who live there. They are performers in a political drama,extrasinaproduction meantfortelevisioncameras and social media clips. The real work the quiet, unglamorous labor of changing minds happens elsewhere.

Oneofthemosteffective waystocampaignisalsothe least flashy: door-to-door outreach It is personal, direct, and allows for real persuasion. But in Guyana, eventhishasbeenreducedto ahollowritual.ThePPP,for instance, often sends teams to distribute flyers—printed matter dropped into hands with little explanation, little e n g a g e m e n t T h e distributors themselves, in many cases, cannot articulatetheparty’spolicies beyondrehearsedslogans.It is campaigning by leaflet, notbyconversation.

This is a missed opportunity A rally stirs emotion, but a genuine house-to-house campaign can change minds The problem is that changing minds is hard work It requires listening, not just talking. It requires patience,

not just passion. And in an era where politics is increasingly polarized, where tribal loyalties often override policy debates, the incentive to persuade is weakerthantheincentiveto perform.

Hereistheopensecretof thenextelection:theracefor firstplaceisalreadydecided. The real contest is for second. And that is where things become fascinating, becausethereisnoclearheir. The traditional opposition forces are fractured, new players are testing the waters, and the electorate is restless. In such an environment,ralliesbecome even more of a show—an attempt to project strength w

e uncertainty

But history tells us that rallies do not win elections.

Organization does Discipline does. A clear, compelling message does. ThePNCR’ssuccessinlocal government was not due to raucous gatherings but to a focused, low-budget operation that turned out their base The PPP’s challengeisnottofillstreets with supporters but to convince those beyond their core that they deserve another term And the smallerparties?Theirtaskis even harder: to prove that they are more than just spoilers, that they can convertrallycheersintoreal votes.

T h e d a n g e r i n overestimatingralliesisthat it leads to complacency A

DEM BOYS SEH

Sponge-worthySecurity

Ifyuheverpassasecurityguardpost inthedeadofnightandseetheman look like he auditioning fuh Sleeping Beauty: The Remix, doan be surprised.Butwhatreallymekwelaughtill we belly hurt is spotting one bright-eyed (well,half-eyed)guardmarchingintowork lastnightwithabig,fluffyspongeunderhe arm.Notagun,notaflashlight—no,bai—a sponge. Well more a large piece of foam, longerthanheistall.

Now,weain’tsayingheplanningtouse itfuhcrimeprevention,butlet’sbereal:that sponge ain’t fuh no dog or cat to sleep on. That is a full-fledged human mattress upgrade. Guyana security guards don’t sleeponthejob—theysleepincomfortand style. Why rest yuh head on a hard desk when yuh could sink into the luxurious embrace of a sponge that probably cost morethanhedailypay?

Is like we witnessing the evolution of guard-nappingtechnology.First,itwasthe classic “head-on-desk, snoring-like-achain-saw technique”. Then came the

party that believes its own hype that mistakes a p p l a u s e f o r allegiance—mayneglectthe harder, quieter work of governance and grassroots engagement. Elections are notwonbythosewhoshout theloudestbutbythosewho listentheclosest.

In the end, political rallies are like fireworks: dazzling, noisy, and over quickly The real campaign

is the slow burn the conversations in rum shops, the debates in markets, the quiet decisions made in living rooms. The parties that understand this will thrive. The ones that don’t will keep playing to packed crowds and wondering why, on election day, the numbersdon’taddup.

“lean-‘gainst-the-wall-and-pretend-to-bechecking-ID” move. But now? Now we reach the “bring-yuh-own-bedding” era. Next thing yuh know, guards gon start showing up with pillowcases, nightcaps, andmaybeevenalil’bedtimestorybook. And before anybody get offended, leh weclearonething:wesalutetheingenuity Ifyuhgonsleeponthejob,atleastdoitin comfort.Whysuffer?

Themanprobablywakeupfresherthan theCEOwhopayinghesalary Plus,ifthief come,hecouldalwaysthrowthespongeat themandhopefuhthebest.

So here’s to you, Sponge Guard. Yuh might not stop a single crime, but yuh definitely raising the standards of workplacenapping.Justremembertosetan alarm—preferably one loud enough to wake the dead, because we know it gon needto.

Dem Boys Seh… if yuh see a security guard with a sponge, just tiptoe past. He busyrechargingfuh…uh…vigilance. Talkhalf,leffhalf

The stage is set. The audience is waiting But remember: politics is not a show. It is a count. And the only crowd that matters is theoneattheballotbox.

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

H@RD TRUTHS

Profiles in Leadership – VP Jagdeo

ItisBharratJagdeo'sturn tobeprofiled. Hefitsevery CIA profile. A national leader fooling himself into thinking he is the smartest man in the room (possibly universe). Now he runs out of moon, day stand in front ah hee. It's a grim one; one long overdue. As with Aubrey Norton, there's regard for Bharrat Jagdeo. The difference is in how I react to a scorpion. If anyone wanted a picture paintedinred,Ijustdid.

FromStatePlanningman to Moneyman to headman and now to another caricature of headman, Dr Jagdeo has run the gamut, run his riots (aka rick-aticks, which reminds of rackets). Helovesthepower of being a maximum leader When oil came, he became impotent Whatever the PNC failed at, he trebled.

When Exxon lifted one finger, Guyanese got one kickafteranotherfromtheir oil leader Local oil leadership 101, a primer for beginners. He put himself near the oil money, then proudly told Exxon, Guyanese don't need any. Kind and caring, isn't he! Somekindofpatrioticleader is this character, national leader, Jagdeo! The fashionable phrase for that nomasdineropositiontaken with Exxon is sanctity of contract Sanctity of contract for Exxon is an economic obscenity for Guyanese. Icallitthework of commercial and political pornographers. Jagdeo is a leader who gets things done. Guyana Police Force demolished Guyana's Environmental Protection Agency reduced to a dummy Guyana's

AccesstoInformationoffice now a place of desolation. Guyana'sjudiciaryisawork inprogress-headingintothe gutter Guyana'sstatemedia reforged into a hatchet to decapitate objectionable citizens. The rest of the press is the problem press. Come September, the problempresscouldceaseto be a problem, unless the distressed and disgruntled electorate register their distaste.

Dr Jagdeo the leader claims to be a leading economist. He went from being a socialist economist to a supply side one, a la MiltonFreidmanandRonnie Reagan. TheGuyanesewho used to be Russian in the genesisnowmoreAmerican than Donald Trump. It should be obvious why Exxon's Woods and Routledgelovehimlikeapet

poodle,onewithwhomthey can canoodle. Per Jagdeo, Guyanese will be in money heaven in 2027. Should the Iranians go crazy and shut the Straits of Hormuz, oil prices will skyrocket, but who will have money in the pocket to buy? Anything. From anyone. From anywhere. Poor Guyanese were already fighting a losing war with cost-ofliving, only for Trump and Netanyahu to deliver their death blows. I warned all who would listen. The Persians have a martyr's complex about them. My concern is that Bharrat JagdeolefttheOilFundlow, and with demand for oil likely lower, Guyana's peoplecouldsinkthelowest. Now OPEC is flooding the tankers.

Dr Jagdeo as a leader is nothing if not uncanny Translation: tricky, slippery, rickety Whenever there is an issue with danger attached,themanhasanose longer than a giraffe's neck. He smells personal political dangerthatwell,sendsinhis enslaved brigade to face the fire. BobbyGopinath(sorry, doctor) surfaced for the miraculous US$214 million

reductiontoUS$3million. Alistair Routledge said he is a good Marine. Khemraj Parsram stood by while Guyana's EPA mutated into the Exxon Perversity Association. JohnHesssaid that is the best kind of governance. Relative to Guyana's most expensive project, the US$2 billion Wales Gas-to-GPL project, Jagdeo has poor Winston Brassington putting out PowerPointsthatprofanethe mind and the environment. One more for the road. On the issue of Exxon's US$10.4 billion half profit andGuyana'sUS$2.6billion (supposedly the other half) for2024,therestofJagdeo's lackey legion laid low, so that dead dog became the property of Vickram Bharrat's ministry When a ministercanturnhisbackon his portfolio, what is that: inspiring governance or a descent into ghastliness?

When Big Kahuna Jagdeo has to face front, he turns sideways. When he should advance, he puts on his best running shoes to help him backpedal.

Using those live grenadesonly,isDr Bharrat Jagdeo a leader, a plotter, a

collaborator,amanufacturer, a snake charmer, a quack doctor, or all six heroic figures under one potholed dome? Jagdeo would do anything to be anAmerican, even give up his crown jewels to make that come true. When that proved out of reach, he remade himself into the next best thing: a Guyanese Benedict I understand Exxon is sponsoring him as an honorary citizen. Proof of how much he surrendered, how he kowtows. There's a flyintheointment:peoplein Washington don't agree Theirfilesprovokedisbelief, anger, scorn, and calculations. So, Guyana's Jagdeositsuneasily,aleader that's a seller, prevaricator, long-distance runner He runs. His shadows run alongside, condemn, haunt. The electorate awaits. Judgment Day, Jagdeo, has cometoGuyana.

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

Workers will not be displaced due to agreement with InterEnergy Group - GPL

The Guyana Power and Light Incorporated (GPL) has assured that its workers will not be adversely affected by its agreement with Dominican Republic's InterEnergy Group (IEG), noemployeeofthecompany will be displaced or replaced.

The company in a statement to the media on Friday made it clear that it has the workers' interest at heart and that they will benefitfromtraining,handson experience and exposure alongside the international experts, thereby ensuring l o c a l c a p a c i t y i s strengthened and long term sustainability of Guyana's energysector

“TheGuyanaPowerand Light Inc. (GPL) wishes to address recent unauthorized publications and misleading materials circulating in the public domain regarding its collaboration with InterEnergy Group (IEG). These materials falsely claim that the partnership will result in job losses for GPL employees. GPL categorically states that these claims are inaccurate and misleading,” the statementsaid.

GPL's statement followed statements made by executive member of the People's National Congress Reform (PNCR) Ganesh MahipaulatanAPartnerhsip for National Unity (APNU) pressconferenceonFriday

On July 19, Kaieteur

News reported that A Partnership for National Unity(APNU)cautionedthe governmentagainsttheGPL signing an agreement with the Dominican Republic's Company That company hasbeenearmarkedtoassist GPL in stabilizing power generationanddelivery APNU made the call on Friday noting that should a deal be struck with LEG there would be severe implications for the hundreds of staff employed byGPL.

Mahipaulsaidthat,“The APNU Coalition has noted withdeepconcernandalarm the circulation of a draft Public-Private Partnership Agreement between the Guyana Power and Light Inc. (GPL) and InterEnergy Group Limited (IEG), dated June 26, 2025 This Agreement is reportedly awaiting signatures of the ChairmanoftheGPLBoard, and Mr. Rolando GonzalezBunster, Chairman of InterEnergy Group,” the politiciansaid.

Mahipaularguedthatthe government's agreement to sign the agreement raises “profound and troubling concerns”forGuyana,citing that the deal is shrouded in secrecy and lacks transparency as it was not the subject of public consultationsandscrutiny

“ S u c h s e c r e c y undermines democratic governance and public accountabilityandisclearly

another PPP corrupt deal aimed at benefiting PPP family, friends and favourites,” Mahipaul stated.

The coalition member said the way the agreement appearstobestructureditis likely that hundreds of workersattachedtoGPLand Power Producers and Distributors Inc (PPDI) will lose their jobs. This he said will result in the workers beingpaidseveranceandthe restructuring costs unfairly landing on the taxpayers of thecountry

A move he believes would be “corrupt, unacceptableandunjust.”

Mahipaul told reporters that there will be “foreign control and limited oversight as InterEnergy Group, based on its prior record of accomplishment, has had significant operationalissues,notablya reported 300% increase in power outages under its watchinJamaicaandserious allegations of fraud previously directed against its chairman. It is alarming that such a company would be granted broad control over Guyana's critical n a t i o n a l e n e r g y infrastructure, particularly procurement and contractor selection This is unacceptable and must be broughttoanendatonce.”

Given these concerns, the APNU is asking the government to urgently bringthe“corruptdeal”toan

end and to not take any furtheractioninregardstoit as elections are scheduled

forSeptember1,2025.

The party is also demanding the government makespublicthefulltextof the agreement and provide the independent technical and financial assessment that was done and the name of the company that did the studies. Notwithstanding the statements by Mahipaul, GPL said that in January 2 0 2 4 i t s i g n e d a M e m o r a n d u m o f Understanding (MoU) with InterEnergyGroupto (Continueonpage14)

Figueira endorses Pres. Ali for second term

- says administration has overseen tangible progress in several sectors

Former member of the People's National Congress

Reform (PNCR) and Chairman of the Public Accounts Committee (PAC)

Jermaine Figueira on SaturdayendorsedPresident Irfaan for a second term in office.

In a statement issued on Saturday Figueira said that come September 1 the country will once again be standingatthecrossroadsof history, as the citizens preparetoparticipateinwhat he termed as, “one of the mostconsequentialelections in recent memory”, saying thatitbecomesnecessarynot just to vote but to vote wisely

The politician warned that this moment is not one that should be guided by loyalty to name, race, religion, or popularity, but by reason, evidence and visionbythemoralaswellas t h e i n t e l l e c t u a l responsibility to be able to choose a leader based on their service to the people andtheircapacitytoleadthe nation in a rapidly evolving globallandscape.

“In this regard, and after deep personal reflection, analysis and consideration

of Guyana's current trajectory, I, Jermaine Figueira, offer my full endorsement and active support to His Excellency, President Irfaan Ali, in his bidforre-election,”Figueria said.

He highlighted that in every election cycle promises are abundant as candidates are eloquent in what he calls “sweet sugarcoated language” with words of hope, care and prosperity that especially appeal to the poor, vulnerable and the working class.

He said they are not unimportant and provide a window into intention

Nevertheless in maturing and mature democracies, these words must be tested against action, with voters evaluating candidates who are vying to be Head-ofState and lead the country based on what they have doneandnotwhattheyclaim theywilldo.

“Itisinthisevaluationof

action, delivery, and competence that President Ali stands above the rest. TheNeedforExperienceina Complex Time demands tested experience. Among the political formations contesting this election, it is clear to me, that only three parties will be seriously considered by the electorate come September 1st 2025: the People's Progressive Party Civic (PPPC), A Partnership for National Unity (APNU), and the emergentWinParty(WIN),” Figueirasaid.

He noted that the two major parties have varying degrees of governance experienceofthecountry,as well as share differing visionsandpolicyproposals, while the newcomer is saying to the electorate be patientandwait.

“When it comes to the actual practice of governance formulating national policy, overseeing large-scale development, nego

partnerships, and executing social transformation, only one of these candidates has

domestic and international realitieswithcompetence,as experience is not optional but an essential in the transforming and new Guyana.

Former member of the People's National Congress Reform (PNCR) and Chairman of the Public Accounts Committee (PAC) Jermaine Figueira

the tested and proven experience necessary and that is President IrfaanAli,” headded.

The politician reminded the electorate that now they existinaglobalcontextthat i s i n c r e a s i n g l y interconnected,andwhether it be the managing of trade and foreign investments or ensure that there is food security and energy sovereignty, the leader chosen, must be able to navigate the multi layered

“From the outset, let me be unequivocally clear. None of the candidates are perfect President Ali is human, and like all leaders, he has made decisions that may not have satisfied all expectations and some lapses in judgments that should not have happened. Yet, in my judgment, the totalityofhisleadership,his focus on national unity, economic g

transformation, and foreign diplomacyfaroutweighshis imp

His administration has overseen tangible progress in health, housing, education, and job creation.

Thesearenottheoretical gains,theyarelivedrealities for many Guyanese today andequallyhardtruthsmany may want to deny but the evidence and the facts are visibleforallwhowanttobe honesttosee,”Figueirasaid.

Figueira stated that he is conscious that thousands of citizensmayaskwhyhim,a man who was long associated with a different political formation which is known for “offering opposing, constructive, and at times independent perspectives,wouldendorse PresidentAli.”

“The answer is simple: thecountrycomesfirst.”

He continued: “My commitment, political maturity, and growth through the years have transcended beyond the organization I serve to a greater calling to that of the people of my town, my region, and to Guyana as a whole.

That commitment has not changed What has c h a n g e d i s m y understanding of the leadershiprequiredtosecure Guyana'scontinuedprogress inthiscriticalperiodandthe progress that must be experienced on a more equitable scale for all communities and people of Guyana.”

The Lindener said he is not merely endorsing President Irfaan Ali and the PPP for a second term but will actively work towards ensuring the president and partyarere-elected.

“I will go beyond the mere act of endorsement. Beyond the rhetoric, I commit to supporting President Ali actively in his campaign. I do so with the full intention of working to ensure that my region, Linden and Region Ten, b e n e f i t s i n m o r e transformative ways from the national agenda My voicewillcontinuetobeone that advocates for inclusive development, unity of our people especially the next generation in our youth throughthepowerofsports, cultural and music, and through economic empowerment, and longterm prosperity for all Guyanese, regardless of political affiliation, ethnicity, religion or geographic location,” Figueiraadded.

He stressed that he remains unwavering in his beliefthatthatadiversityof views along with a leader who is willing to listen and flexible enough to change hismindandhisdecisions,is strengthening to democracy and to the betterment of the country and its people However,heisstressingthat incriticaltimesunityisalso

(Continueonpage43)

IDPADA-G renews call for Ethnic Disparity Audit, citing international obligations and

The International

DecadeforPeopleofAfrican Descent Assembly–Guyana (IDPADA-G) has renewed its call for the Ethnic Relations Commission

(ERC) to initiate a comprehensive Ethnic

Disparity Audit and Rectificationprocess.

The organization emphasized that such an

audit is critical for collecting, analyzing, and publishing disaggregated data across sectors such as employment, land access, education, healthcare, contracting, and the justice system The initiative, IDPADA-G says, aims to support evidence-based policy reform and address persistent inequality faced by Afro-Guyanese communities.

In a statement issued on Friday, IDPADA-G stressed thattheproposedauditisnot about assigning blame but aboutseekingtruth,fairness, and measurable facts “Without disaggregated data, policy remains blind andjusticeremainsdelayed.

- The ERC is mandated to ensure ethnic fairness—this auditisitstestofleadership.

- The time is now:

Emancipation must be matched by action, not just c o m m e m o r a t i o n , ” IDPADA-Gstated. Additionally, surveys c o n d u c t e d b y t h e organization have revealed, “widespreadexperiencesof marginalizationandunequal a c c e s s t o p u b l i c opportunitiesamongAfrican Guyanese, “ the statement read. The concerns the organization highlighted i n c l u d e s underrepresentation in publicsectorjobs,exclusion from land and housing allocations,limitedaccessto financing, and unfair t r e a t m e n t b y l a w enforcement “This audit wouldprovideconcretedata to investigate and address t h e s e p a t t e r n s systematically,”IDPADA-G noted.

The organization is urging the ERC and the government , civil society, and international partners to publicly support the audit. “Public support is key The time for inaction has passed,”thestatementread,. IDPADA-G also outlined the government of

Guyana's obligations under several international treaties andframeworksthatsupport thecallforanaudit.

These include the UN International Decade for People of African Descent ( 2 0 1 5 – 2 0 2 4 ) , t h e International Convention on theEliminationofAllForms of Racial Discrimination (CERD), and the Universal Periodic Review (UPR) process under the UN Human Rights Council.The organization warned that failure to act could damage Guyana's international reputation, reduce donor confidence, and invite externalscrutiny

AsasignatorytotheUN Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), Guyana is also required to reduce inequality (Goal 10), ensure inclusive decision-making (Goal16.7),andimproveits capacity to collect data disaggregated by ethnicity (Target 17.18). IDPADA-G statedthatanethnicdisparity audit would align the country with SDG targets and meet growing donor expectations for data-driven developmentmetrics.

Furthermore, the

organization pointed to Guyana's commitments under the Inter-American Convention against Racism, which calls for the development of ethnic indicators and policies to ensure equal access to services Continued inaction,theywarned,could limit Guyana's influence in regional partnerships under

American States (OAS) and potentially lead to petitions before the Inter-American Commission on Human Rights.

equity gaps

International donors includingtheUnitedNations Development Programme (UNDP), Inter-American Development Bank (IDB), Caribbean Development Bank (CDB), European Union (EU), and the United

International Development (USAID) are increasingly

discrimination reporting, and inclusive development practices as conditions for funding.

“Without proactive data

collection and reform, G

international development

and

organizationcautioned.

“Non-participationinthe EthnicDisparityAuditisnot justamissedopportunityfor fairness—it is a breach of international norms, a reputationalrisktoGuyana's humanrightsstanding,anda red flag for responsible donors and partners,” IDPADA-Gconcluded.

Chevron sees 2025 cash flow boost after synergies, fourth FPSO comes on stream in Guyana

American oil major

Chevron Corporation expects to see a rise in its cash flow per share starting in 2025, driven by postacquisitionsynergiesandthe anticipated start-up of a fourth floating production storage and offloading (FPSO) vessel offshore Guyana. Chevron is now a 30 per cent shareholder in Guyana's Stabroek Block after completing the US$53 billion acquisition of Hess Corporation, following a

favorable arbitration outcome regarding Hess' Guyanaasset.

In late 2023, the acquisition of Hess was announced. The deal gave Chevron access to Hess' mostvaluableasset,a30per cent stake in the Stabroek Block,whichisestimatedto hold 11.6 billion barrels of oilequivalent.However,the move prompted the other partners in the Stabroek

Block, ExxonMobil Corporation and China National Offshore Oil Corporation (CNOOC) to approach the Paris-based International Chamber of Commerce(ICC)toexamine their preemption rights over Hess'share.

On Friday, it was announcedthatChevronhad completed the acquisition. Notably, had the arbitrator ruledinfavourofExxonand CNOOC, Chevron was prepared to walk away from the deal entirely Chevron said the transaction is

expected to be accretive to cash flow per share in 2025. A key contributor to this forecast is the integration of Hess' 30% stake in the prolific Stabroek Block, operated by ExxonMobil.

The company said, “Expected to be accretive to cash flow per share in 2025 after achieving synergies and start-up of the fourth floating production storage and offloading vessel in Guyana.”

Notably, Chevron outlined that the addition of Hess' assets will not only bolster its near-term financials but will also extend its growth trajectory well into the 2030s. The company noted that the deal increases its estimated fiveyear production and free cashflowgrowthratesandis poised to support sustained growthoverthenextdecade. The Stabroek Block located about 120 miles offshore Guyana, spans 6.6 millionacres.Oilproduction beganinDecember2019and hasgrownto650,000barrels per day (bpd) from three sanctioned projects: Liza Phase 1, Liza Phase 2, and Payara This output is expectedtoincreasewiththe upcoming start-up of Yellowtail, the fourth development,laterthisyear

ExxonMobil Guyana holds a 45% interest, Hess Guyana holds 30%, and CNOOC Petroleum Guyana Limitedholdstheremaining 25%. Exxon has two other

sanctionedprojectsunderits belt: Uaru and Whiptail. It has also submitted an Environmental Impact Assessment (EIA) for its s

production targeted for 2029 Additionally, the company has filed an application for an eighth development,Longtail.

Guyanawillhavetwoofthe...

Frompage7

Region Seven The Oko Westproject,fullyownedby GMIN, is positioned to becomethenextmajorphase ofgrowthforthecompany

The 71 square-kilometer

project is currently considered an “advancedstage exploration project”, and is expected to produce 350,000 ounces of gold annually from both open pit and underground mining over 12.3 years at an all-in sustaining cost (AISC) of US$1,123/oz A recently published feasibility study shows that the project is poised to deliver strong financial returns, thanks to low production costs. The OkoWest project stands out for its scale and high-grade resource. ThelatestMineral Resource Estimate includes

5 4 million ounces (Indicated) and 0.4 million ounces(Inferred). The estimate reflects

extensivedrillingwork over 505diamonddrillholes,366 reverse circulation holes, and 59 trenches conducted betweenDecember2020and

September 2024 A construction decision is anticipatedinthesecondhalf of 2025. Earlier this year, GMIN received an Interim Environmental Permit for the project, paving the way for early construction activities and the company has advanced permitting efforts toward securing the full Environmental Licence from the Environmental ProtectionAgency(EPA). Mako Mining – Eagle Mountain Gold Project Mako Mining is pushing ahead with its Eagle MountainGoldProjectinthe Mahdiadistrict,roughly200 km south-southwest of Georgetown. Acquiring the project through its 2024 takeover of Goldsource MinesInc.,Makoinheriteda

resource base of nearly 1.2 million ounces (indicated) and 582,000 ounces (inferred) The company plans to submit an Environmental Impact Assessment (EIA) and mininglicenceapplicationto Guyana's Environmental Protection Agency by late 2025. Pending approvals, Mako intends to start construction in 2026, with first gold production from Phase1targetedfor2027.A feasibilitystudyforPhase2, which will target deeper fresh rock resources, is also planned.

Projectupdateshighlight high recovery rates from shallowdrillingandnotethe significant potential for deepermineralization.Mako

considers Guyana an emerging gold mining jurisdiction,citingaminingfriendly permitting environment and growing foreigninvestment.

Venezuelan teen remanded for cocaine possession

An 18-year-old

construction worker from

Helena #2 Mahaica, East

Coast Demerara, and Barrancas Del Orinoco, Venezuela, was on Friday remanded to prison for possessionofcocaineforthe purposeoftrafficking.

Jaiver Vasquez was arrestedonJuly16byarank fromMahaicaPoliceStation and charged on Friday with the offence of Possession of

Narcotics for the Purpose of Trafficking (to wit 14 grams ofCocaine).

According to a release from the Guyana Police Force (GPF) the charge was laid under Section 5(1)(a)(i) of the Narcotic Drugs and Psychotropic Substances (Control) Act, Chapter 10:10.

Vasquez appeared at the Mahaicony Magistrates' Court before Magistrate Allan Wilson, where the chargewasreadtohim. He pleaded not guilty and was remanded to prison untilAugust29,2025.

Vasquez was nabbed by Police ranks on motorcycle patrol duty at Helena #2, Mahaica,wherehewasseen standing on a bridge with a blackone-strapbaghanging aroundhisneck.Asearchon his person and bag was conducted by ranks and 11 grams of cocaine was found inhisbag.

Workerswillnotbedisplaceddueto...

Frompage11 explore opportunities for collaboration The MoU enables the power company tobenefitfromtheextensive technical expertise of the IEG via knowledge sharing aswellasconsultations.

GPL said that since the signing of the MoU both companies have had discussions focused on the IEG providing technical assistance to support GPL's ongoing and future infrastructure development projects.

“As GPL undertakes major infrastruc

upgrades to modernize and e

electricity grid, the need for specialized expertise is critical. InterEnergy Group, with its proven track record in building and managing successful electricity networks across the region, iswell-positionedtoprovide valuable support,” the statement added. GPL said too that the collaboration is not intended “to displace or replace GPLemployees. On thecontrary,itisdesignedto enhance the capabilities of ourworkforce.”

Additionally the company assured that it remains “committed to transparency, employee development, and national

progress.Weurgethepublic to rely on official GPL communications for accurate information and to disregard unauthorized and speculativecontent.”

KeyFocus:Workerswill not be displaced due to agreement with InterEnergy Group-GPL Lede: The Guyana P o w e r a n d L i g h t Incorporated (GPL) has assured that its workers will not be adversely affected by its agreement with Dominican Republic's InterEnergy Group (IEG), noemployeeofthecompany will be displaced or replaced.

Roraima Airways commissions 2 new Technam P2012 aircraft

Roraima Airways on Saturday commissioned two new twinengine Technam P2012 aircraft, whichitacquiredfromItaly

The Technam P2012 aircraft was commissioned at the Roraima Airways Hangar at the Ogle Airport, East Coast Demerara (ECD). Attending the simple, yet significant,ceremonywasMinister of PublicWorks, Juan Edghill, EU Ambassador to Guyana, René Van Nes, Director General of the Guyana Civil Aviation Authority (GCAA), Lt. Col. Egbert Field, Chief Investment Officer at the Guyana Office for Investment (GO-Invest),Dr PeterRamsaroop, Captain Gerry Gouveia Jr and Captain Gerry Gouveia, to name a few

According to information provided by the Public Works Ministry, Minister Edghill who delivered the feature address,

on, emphasizing that it aligns with President Irfaan Ali's goal of ensuring Guyana's aviation capacity is the best within the region,whilepromotingsafetyand m

competitivenessincomfort.

Headdedthatthegovernmentis simultaneously building out the

necessary infrastructure within the hinterland to accommodate more aircraft like the Technam P2012 and helicopters. This expansion alsoincludesimprovedpolicies.

“So it's legislation, capacity building,itistheacquisitionofnew aircraft, and it is advancing safety and security,” he said This publication understands that the new WiFi and air-conditioned aircraft, has been dubbed as the beginning of the advancement of

One of the two new twin-engine Technam P2012 aircraft which Roraima Airways commissioned on Saturday

thelocalaviationlandscape.

According to the ministry, the minister informed also that since January 2021 to date, the aviation industryandregistryhaverecorded theadditionof13newaircraft.The ministry added that the new Technam P2012 aircraft's navigational systems and highspeedtwinenginesallowittopilot the various terrains and conditions inthehinterland.

Meanwhile, providing brief remarks was Captain Gouveia Jr whosaidwiththeacquisitionofthe (Continuedonpage48)

Meet thisweek’s beautyandMiss UniverseGuyanahopeful, MalikaAllicock.Malika hailsfromSandhillsintheUpper DemeraraRiver.Sheisacoffee lover,entrepreneur,aninternational relationsstudentandapassionateroad safetyadvocate.Herhobbiesarelawn tennis,reading,travelingandbeingin nature.Malika’splatform“SaferRoads, StrongerFutures”isrootedinpersonal tragedy,havinglosthermomtoavehicular accidentinvolvingadrunkdriver.She hopestouseherplatformtobringlightto thispressingissue,ensuringthatRoad Safetybecomesanationalconversation. SheintendstopartnerwithRoad Safetycouncils, engagedecisionmakerswithinthePrivatesector, andempowercommunities throughawarenessand educationcampaigns.

Malika

A Stinging Slap: Did It Hurt Political Power

When it occurred, in the early 1970s in Guyana, it caused a serious period of apprehension. In what was seenasanabuseofpower,a politicianinGuyanaslapped Rickey Singh, an intrepid journalist, because he was displeased with the content of a newspaper report. The incident was a watershed moment, and the resulting

c o n c e r n o c c u p i e d politicians, journalists and the general public. Did this slap signal the end of free media and the beginning of political dictation or even tyranny?

T h e q u e s t i o n reverberated around the region.Mediaorganisations, liberal academics, and politicians were all alarmed. At that moment, Rickey

Singh embodied the aspirations and rights of freedom of speech. For his part, the politician represented the coercive force of political power, suggesting that violent measures, instantly and unilaterally applied, would silencecriticisminanyform.

F o r t u n a t e l y , t h e overwhelming response of every sector of Caribbean society was revulsion at the incident. In that moment, any worse explicit abuse of power retreated into the

shadows, not to fade but to assume less vulgar forms. And legitimate media freedom breathed a sigh of relief. This conflict between freedom of the press and political power existed beforethestingingslap. It continues to be manifest today in many societies, including those that claim to be bastions of democracy

The problem has not disappeared, but in Guyana in the 1970s, a line was drawn, however faintly The slap did not seal his lips—it magnified his message. It unveiledthefragileveneerof power impervious to principle and showcased the unyielding spirit of a journalist who refused to bow

The region owed Rickey Singh a debt of gratitude for his courage in standing up for freedom, even, quite literally,inthefaceofabuse.

Inthatspirit,Ireproduce belowtheeulogyIdelivered atRickeySingh’sfuneralon Wednesday,July16,2025,at the People’s Cathedral in Barbados.

Iamhonouredtojoinyou today to celebrate the life of RickeySingh—amanwhose pen bore the weight of our region’s hopes, whose voice daredtoconfrontpower,and

or

Press Freedom?

whose spirit embodied the Caribbean’spursuitofunity, justice,andtrueinclusion.

Rickey wielded truth as bothashieldandasword.In oursmallstates,hereminded us that words based in truth could confront wrong and demandjustice.

His fearless journalism came at a cost: his self-exile from his native Guyana, threats of deportation in Trinidad,andthewithdrawal of his work permit in Barbados.

All of these forced painful separations from his beloved wife, Dolly, and fromtheirchildren,whomhe supported with unwavering devotion.Hisloveforfamily and duty to them remained unshaken, a testament to his enduringintegrity

Yet, hardship only steeled his resolve. Despite the indignities he endured including the sting of a slap from a politician Rickey never failed to be generous to the very leaders whose actions hecriticised.

The question continues to haunt politics and journalism: Who was harmed by that slap? – the perpetrator and political power, or the victim and the right of free speech? One answer is that Rickey was

upstanding in his conduct and outstanding in his quiet and dignified response. So much so that many leaders honoured him with their friendship and sought political differentiation by theirassociationwithhim.

Since the birth of CARIFTA in 1968 and the signing of the Treaty of Chaguaramas in 1973, the dream of “One Caribbean” has moved too slowly Institutions have been formed, and committees havemet,yetunityremained elusive. Rickey would not accepttimidprogress.

Through incisive columns and commanding commentary, he held successive leaders accountable for the promise of regional integration, urgingthemtodismantlethe invisible walls between our countries and see our destinies as interwoven. His unfaltering advocacy ensuredthatthedreamofan integrated Caribbean stayed alive.

In his native Guyana, detractors sought to tarnish Rickey’s reputation,

branding him “racist ” Nothing could be further fromthetruth.Hislifelong devotion to his wife, Dolly, of African heritage, and his deep brotherhood with Hubert Williams—also of G u y a n e s e A f r i c a n heritage stood as living refutationsofthoseslanders. Rickey yearned for the day when politically manipulated racism in Guyana would yield to a onesociety nation, where every citizen stood equal in dignity and opportunity His pen battled the bigotry of division,alwayssummoning the people of his native countrytobenefitfromtheir sharedhumanity IcountRickeyamongthe people I respect most in my life.Hisreadysmileandeasy laughterwereabalm,andhis counsel a guiding light. He called on us to embody his principles: courage in the face of intimidation, integrity when capitulation would have been the easier path, and an unshakeable belief in social justice and therightsofallpeople.

Though Rickey’s voice

was stilled on July 5, his words still resonate His example will ignite the passions of younger generations.

Leaders will remember his unyielding defence of right and rights and know that power divorced from principleishollow

And we, the peoples of this region, will hear his clarion call in the echoes of ourminds:tobindourselves closer, not by convenience, but by conviction; and that our strength lies in unity, justice,anddignityforall.

(The author is the Ambassador of Antigua and Barbuda to the United States and the OAS, and Dean of the OAS Ambassadors accredited to the OAS. Responses and previous commentaries: www.sirronald sanders.com)

Sir Ronald Sanders

WEEK-IN-REVIEW

SUNDAY

Foodpricessoartorecordlevels …chicken, beef, vegetables ranked among priciest food items

Consumers who visited the BourdaandStabroekmarketsearly this month paid significantly more for common food items than they did just three years ago, as prices for meats, vegetables, and seasoningscontinuetorise.

An analysis of the July 3, 2025 price list from the Guyana Marketing Corporation (GMC) showswidespreadincreasesinboth wholesale and retail prices for key commodities.

Among the steepest climbs are seen in the meat category, where local chicken, which retailed for $381.55 per pound in 2020 and $488.33in2022,isnowsellingfor up to $560 per pound at Stabroek Market and $520 per pound at Bourda. Beef, priced at $430.37 per pound in 2020, had reached $659.74in2022,andnowstandsat $950 per pound, more than doubling its 2020 cost. Pork has alsoseenasustainedincrease,now retailingat$750perpound,upfrom $585.46 in 2022 and $417.17 in 2020.

As it relates to, vegetables and seasonings,thesefooditemsareno exception to the trend. Bora which was selling at $348.19 per pounds in2020,surgedtoanextraordinary $6,915.31by2022.The2025price has stabilized somewhat to about $2,100perbundle.

Other vegetables have continued their upward trend: ochro has climbed from $107.83 per pound in 2020, to $171.93 in 2022, and now to $360 per pound. Cabbage, once sold at $228.99 per pound, now retails at $400–$480, dependingonthemarket.Pumpkin, previously $61 50 per pound, is nowconsistentlypricedat$140per pound and corilla went from $136 20 in 2020, to $251 20 in 2022, and now retails at $360 per pound.

In terms of seasoning, celery nowsellsforasmuchas$4,250per pound at Bourda and $3,500 at Stabroek,whileeschallotretailsfor $1,000 and $950 per pound Ginger, previously available at more modest prices, has risen to $900 to $1,000 per pound Similarly, Sweet peppers are among the highest-priced seasoningitems,nowat$1,500per pound.

Among ground provisions, sweet potatoes and eddoes have remained fairly stable since 2022, still priced at $200 per pound

Cassava, which had increased to $224.28 per pound in 2022, has now dropped slightly to $160 per pound.Plantains,onceretailingfor over $206 per pound, have also seenamodestdecreaseto$160.

Asitrelatestoeggs,whichhad previously surged due to supply chain issues and demand spikes.

Data shows that local white eggs, sold by the unit, are now priced at $60 each, compared to $50 wholesale, placing the retail tray price at roughly $1,800. In 2022, thattraypricepeakedat$1,350.

The Guyana Marketing

Corporation notes that the figures represent average wholesale and retail prices recorded at Bourda, and Stabroek markets, and are not setorregulatedbytheState.

Moreover, earlier this month Vice President, Bharrat Jagdeo acknowledged that food prices have been climbing. However, he assured that the government is working on long-term solutions to easetheburdenoncitizens.

Firstly, the Vice President pointed to a combination of global factors behind the increase in food costs, including the lingering effectsoftheCOVID-19pandemic, and the surge in international freightcharges.

“So, we’ve been challenged with food prices but a lot of it is because freight went up, there is importshockandweimportalotof the food,” he noted added that sometimes prices fluctuate on the market.

Despitethesepressures,Jagdeo said the government has taken proactive steps to cushion the impact, including subsidies and efforts to keep electricity and fuel prices steady Looking ahead, Jagdeo said local production is central to the administration’s response to external price shocks. TheVicePresidentnotedthatplans are underway to scale up cultivation of onions and legumes, which are typically imported in largequantities.

Privateinternational investigativeteam reviewingAdrianaYounge’s case – Dr. Dexter Todd

A private international investigative team is actively reviewing the circumstances surrounding the death of 11-yearold Adriana Younge, attorney Dr. DextorToddhasrevealed.

Dr. Todd in an interview with Kaieteur News on Friday said that the team is currently analyzing surveillance footage, interviewing witnesses, and speaking with personsofinterestconnectedtothe case. The team’s aim is to conduct an independent, thorough investigation and compare the findings with those of the Guyana Police Force (GPF). The team is headed by a digital forensic expert fromtheUnitedKingdom.

“There’s an international investigative team which was pulled together Because of the need to protect the identity of the investigators, they are basically walking through back a number of things and they have started. The digital forensic expert is basically analyzing now all video, because sincethisincident,Iwasabletopull allthevideos.Ihadaseparateteam working on that on the ground, I would never have left that to the police,”hesaid.

Dr Todd emphasized that the team is not interfering with the official investigation or witnesses butisinsteadfocusedongathering evidence independently to verify whether the narrative presented by the police aligns with theirs. He further stated that the information gathered by the private investigative team may also serve toholdtheGPFaccountableshould there be any misrepresentation or omissionintheirfindings.

“We’rewaitingonthepoliceto see at some point in time, what investigation they did, because if theythinkthattheyaregoingtojust glideovercertainimportantaspects of this, of what transpired, they have another thing coming,” he warned.

Once the private team’s report is complete, Dr Todd plans to submitittoboththepoliceandthe Director of Public Prosecutions (DPP) with the hope that it will eitherconfirmorpromptexpansion ofthepoliceinvestigation.

“There was a lot of things happeningontheground,whichof course can be very vital to an investigation So, we will know whether someone is trying to concoct a different narrative or to put together a different narrative than actually what happened. I do plan to submit that report to the police and with an aim of asking them to compare what they have doneandwhethertheyhavemissed anything, with an aim as well for themtoexpandtheirinvestigations so that it can be a lot more thorough,”Dr Toddexplained.

Regarding funding, Dr Todd shared that while the team is not formally funded, it is being financiallysupportedbybothlocal and international organizations.

“There are a number of organizations,whichhaveaskedto remain anonymous, that have pledged their support to the investigativeteam,”hedisclosed.

The team has ten persons of interestonitsradar,includinghotel staff and some of Adriana’s relatives. Dr Todd confirmed that new eyewitness statements continue to emerge, and the team has been able to trace the movements of certain individuals based on timestamps in surveillance footage. “They are all personsofinterest.Nooneisruled outherebecauseaninvestigationof this magnitude, you cannot have a situation where it’s narrowed and once you narrow the investigation, you’re likely to overlook things. So,youhavetokeeptheassessment as wide as possible, and then you eliminate as you do not find the evidenceinrelationtopersons.”

TheGPF,whichhadpreviously statedthatitsinvestigationintothe death of Adriana Younge was concludedandthatthecasefilehad been submitted to the Director of Public Prosecutions, has now declared that the investigation remains active. This update was provided by Crime Chief Wendell Blanhum The original case file included an investigative report compiled by retired Royal CanadianMountedPolice(RCMP) officer Leonard McCoshen, who was hired by the government and spent a few days in Guyana before presenting his findings to the police.

Addressing the matter on an episode of the GPF’s podcast Safeguarding Our Nation, Blanhum stated, “In the interest of full transparency, the Guyana Police Force, contrary to Standard Operating Procedures, shared Adriana Younge’s autopsy report withherfamily’sattorney.”

In response, Dr Todd questioned the credibility and finality of the police’s earlier conclusion.“Thepolicecrimechief indicated that the investigation is active. Now, if the investigation is active, I can only interpret that in two ways. You had a Canadian expert investigator… [he] came and reviewed this case and

presented a report.Are you saying that the report presented was not a conclusive report?We don’t know So,whenIsawthatthecrimechief is saying that the investigation is active,Iwasabitsurprisedbecause what happened to this report that this investigator came to Guyana and presented to them and what happened to the report and pronouncement the president said inrelationtotheconclusionofthis investigator that there was excellent work done in relation to the investigation and there was excellent handling of the body and all of that Then why is the investigationactive?”hesaid. Dr Toddexpressedconcernthat the police is yet to disclose who is leading the investigation in Guyana. “We don’t know who are the investigators in this matter in Guyana.Thepolicecontinuedtobe silent on that.And because of that, we don’t even know who would have been the IR that we can write to,thatwecancommunicatewithto say, well, okay, there is a witness who wants to say something, nothingatall.”

From the announcement of Adriana’s disappearance, the family has expressed a lack of confidence in the GPF due to severalissues,includinginaccurate initial statements regarding Adriana’s whereabouts, lack of communication with the family, and initial refusal to release the autopsyreport.

In response, the family took independent steps to uncover the truth. They retained legal counsel, transported Adriana’s body to the UnitedStatesforasecondautopsy, and now rely on a team of private international investigators to reexaminethecasefromallangles.

Adriana Younge was reported missing during a family trip to Tuschen,EastBankEssequibo,and her body was discovered on April 24, 2025, in the swimming pool of the Double Day International Hotel—just20hoursaftershe Continued on page 21

AdrianaYounge

Attorney Dr. Dexter Todd

Frompage20 disappeared. A post-mortem examination was performed on April 28 by the team of international experts who concluded that the cause of death wasdrowning.

MONDAY

‘PPPeyesbigwin’ …aspartykicksoffelection campaignwithpromisesof: – higher salaries and pensions – more opportunities in oil sector – bigger incentives for miners

Presidential candidate for the People’s Progressive Party/ Civic (PPP/C) President Irfaan Ali on Sunday evening kicked off the party’s 2025 election campaign, reminding supporters of his administration’s achievements over the past five years and urged them not to sell their dignities (votes)tootherpoliticalparties.

Delivering his address to thousandsofsupportersgatheredat the Kitty Market Square Ali said, “So let me thank all of you for coming out in such massive numbers, massive, massive numbers.Youdidnotjustshowup. You showed the whole country today that PPPis ready, Guyana is readytodeliverthebiggestvictory ever for the People’s Progressive Party/Civic.”

He added, “We are not getting weaker We are getting stronger, bigger, louder, and come September 1, we will sweep the polls like never before in the history.”

For the PPP next term, Ali promised higher salaries, pension, more cash grants and reforms in housing, finance, technology, and also traditional sectors like agricultureandmining.Heoutlined the party’s plan to expand wealth creation opportunities for citizens.

“Webuildschools,hospitals,roads, jobs and homes We don’t say things to win elections We say things, we do what we say and the lastfiveyears,wehaveproventhat we are the party that delivers, the party that performs, the party that you can trust every single day you’ll see the work of your government,”Alisaid.

Notably, he also stated that the PPP will create opportunities for small investors in the oil and gas sector He noted too that oil brings revenue and that wealth is created by the policies the government pursues by using those revenues.

“People don’t invest in a sinking ship. People invest in a rising tide. People don’t take risk with their money if they don’t see a future, if they don’t see profitability, if they don’tseesuccess.Andtheworld,is converging on Guyana today to invest here because they see a strong, stable government…,” Ali said.

Among the key initiatives

announcedwasaplantoguarantee home ownership for every Guyanese family, with continued support through steel and cement initiative, tax rebate, and new incentives to reduce construction costs and lower interest rates on housingloans.Hesaidthegoalwas toensurenocitizenisleftrentingin thefuture.

Ali added: “Over the next five years, we will reform and modernise our financial sector so that you can have greater ease at doing businesses in the banks and across this country, we have to remove the burden that you go through ” He also pledged to introduce a National Development Bank, and provide zero-interest loans for small and medium enterprises.

Further,Ali also spoke about a portal giving citizens real-time access to bank accounts and transactions from the comfort of their homes He noted that his administration will continue the pushforadigitaleconomy Healso outlined plans for further integrationofartificialintelligence (AI) in the various sectors and government entities Ali said, “Artificial intelligence is an important part of the development strategyofanynation.”

In relation to income generation,Ali said the PPP is not onlyfocusedonincreasedsalaries. “We want to widen the stream of income for every single family, because you can’t grow prosperity only on salaries,” he said.Ali said PPP plans to create additional forms of income. He committed to creating co-investment opportunities between citizens and the state, explaining that government will create financial

vehiclesofferingreturnsof10%to 12%, and expanding the income basebeyondtraditionalsalaries.

Moreover, Ali said in his next term his administration will also invest to create an ecosystem for sports and entertainment. He also disclosed that the PPP plans training for coaches and the construction of the best facilities for athletes to excel. He said the investments will ensure that the athletes and entertainers have the necessaryfacilitiestogrow “That iswhywewillbuildanindoorarena that can host any international event, MMA, boxing, fitness, Brittany Spears, Rihanna, because thatisthefuturethatwillcreatethe next wave of excitement,” Ali noted.

Miningandagriculture

Moreover, Ali outlined plans for the mining and agriculture sectors. He said that small miners will benefit from more access to lands, incentives, and capital support. “Over the next five years, we’llpositiontheminingsectorfor long term success and unlock its potential and increase small scale miners participation in the sector We want our small-scale miners to grow faster and better by making more lands available, by giving them more incentive and by supporting them and getting their capitalsotheycaninvest.”

As it relates to the agriculture sector, Ali said the PPP intends to openhundredsofthousandsofnew acres of farmland, construct cold storage facilities in every region, and develop a world-class food terminal to export local produce globally.Hesaid,“Wewillexpand value creation in agriculture, specificallytargetingyoungpeople andwomen,becausewewantmore

on optimising development plans, the cost of building a processing plantwillbeamajordeterminantin thescaleofoperations.

“I think the key thing is you havetobuildamillthere,rightyou have to build a process plant and the,Ithinkthebigquestionishow big is that plant, because a big percentageofthecostofabiglarge scale mine is the processing plant, so I think that’s going to drive the overallcost,”shesaid.

Despite these considerations, the CEO noted the site’s historic production figure remains the benchmark “Just remember [Omai]produced300,000ouncesa year average before and I think that’sagoodaspirationalgoaltohit again,”shestated.

ofouryoungpeopleandwomento beinvolvedinfoodproductionand intheagriculturalsector.”

Further, he reminded citizens that their vote is their dignity and not to sell that dignity “When you vote, you’re voting for your children,future,yourfamilyfuture, your community, future, your country, future, and anyone who believes that they can pay you for that dignity is someone who is classless, someone who has no dignity,”hesaid. “Wewillnotjust win, we will make history, but for that to happen…come out to the pollsandyoumarkyourxinabox nexttothecup,”Alisaid.

Omaiaimstoreturntoannual goldoutputof300,000ounces …says even if gold prices fall, producers will still be happy

President and Chief Executive Officer(CEO)ofOmaiGoldMines Corp., Elaine Ellingham, says the company is aiming to return to an annual gold output of 300,000 ounces as it charts a path toward productionatitsbrownfieldproject inGuyana.

Omai, a Canadian gold company, holds a 100% interest in the past-producing Omai gold project in Guyana, located in Region Seven (Cuyuni-Mazaruni). The project encompasses two orogenic gold deposits: the shearhosted Wenot Deposit and the adjacent intrusive-hosted Gilt Creek Deposit A 2024 Mineral Resource Estimate (MRE) for the gold project outlined 2.0 million ounces of gold indicated and 2.3 millionouncesinferred.

Speaking in a recent interview withCruxInvestor,Ellinghamsaid that while the company is focused

Once a prolific gold producer from 1993 to 2005, the mine yielded3.8millionouncesofgold, producinganaverageofmorethan 300,000 ounces of gold per year during a period when gold traded belowUS$400perounce.Sinceits return to “mining-friendly” Guyana, Omai has revitalised the property,whichbenefitsfrommuch existing infrastructure. Of the two gold deposits located on the property, Omai has been more focusedontheWenot“superpit”.

Notably, gold prices are currently high, fetching a price of $3,100 per ounce Ellingham added, “You’re well aware the inflationhasnotreallykeptupwith thegoldprice,likesometimesinthe past when the gold price came up thecostcameupproportionally,not so much yet…and I mean the gold pricenowit’sfarbeyondwhatmost ofus,we’rehappy Ifitcomesdown quite substantially, we’ll still be happyasproducers.”

Ellingham said the company is advancingwellwithenvironmental and permitting requirements. She shared that an environmental permit had already been secured and that Omai is working closely with Guyana’s Environmental ProtectionAgency(EPA).

“We actually received an environmental permit, it’s an interimonefortwoyearsbutIthink it was a great milestone especially compared with some of the other projects in country We just recently engaged ERM, which is a large international firm specializing in environmental studies…and we’re working with the EPA in Guyana, the Environmental Protection Agency, andthey’reveryknowledgeableon Omaiforsure,”shesaid.

Ellingham also highlighted the benefits of Omai being a brownfield project. She said that since the site was already cleared and does not fall within a regenerated natural environment, thepermittinghurdlesarerelatively lower.

“There’s no endangered species there and it’s not a natural environmentwhichthey Continued on page 22

Frompage21 recognize… Even in Guyana the permitting process is fairly quick but I would expect us to be on the leading edge of that timeline,” she said.

TUESDAY

Mohameddrawsmassivecrowd …as seven parties submit lists of candidates

Contesting for the first time in theGeneralandRegionalElections scheduled for September 1, 2025, the ‘We Invest in Nationhood’ (WIN) party headed by businessman Azruddin Mohamed on Monday drew thousands of supporters on the ground at the UmanaYana,asitsubmitteditslist of candidates for the upcoming polls.

Thepartywasoneofseventhat successfully submitted their lists. Hailing from all walks of life and ethnicities, the wave of supporters who braved the sun and rain, assembledattheKittyRoundabout, Georgetown decked in the party’s blue colour as they prepared with party officials to head over to the UmanaYana.

Among the massive crowd which rivaled that of the PPP/C’s party support on nomination day, majority of Mohamed’s supporters wereyoungmen,womenandeven children While on the ground, KaieteurNewsobservedsupporters arriving in vehicles from as far as Berbice,WestCoast,EastBankand East Coast Demerara, among others.Thepartyalsohadscoresof supporters traveling from Linden, but was reportedly stopped by traffic ranks on the East Bank of Demeraracorridor

D e p a r t i n g t h e K i t t y Roundabout around 11:00hrs, a fleetofmotorcyclesandtruckswith music set traversed alongside the thousandsofsupporters,whowere led down the Seawall Road to the nomination site by some of the

party’s candidates – Dawn Hastings-Williams,NatashaSinghLewis,andOdessaPrimus.

Upon arrival at the Umana Yana, supporters gathered both at theSeawallRoadandYoungStreet to show solidarity as the party leader and candidates made their way inside the UmanaYana benab to submit their list to the Guyana ElectionsCommission(GECOM).

After submitting his list of candidates, Mohamed when approached by media operatives outsidethebenab,informedthathis party is competing in all the regions.

Askedaboutsomeofhisparty’s policiestheyplannedtoimplement ifelectedtooffice,thepresidential hopeful said, “I traveled the length and breadth of this country and I listened to concerns from tens of thousands of my fellow Guyanese brothers and sisters. So based on that is how we will put the policiesoutthereveryshortly…ina timely manner, just be patient, we wanttogetoverwiththisfirst.”

Whilenotsharingexactlywhat the policies are, Mohamed assured theywillbebetterthananythingthe government has put out. He was asked to share his areas of priorities, he pointed out investment in human resources, to uplift the lives of the people becauseeverysectorinthecountry is rotten. The businessman, who wassanctionedbytheUnitedStates government,wasaskedwhyshould Guyanese vote for him, given that the sanction could bring implications for the country

According to Mohamed, “Well remember, at the end of the day, I am the only one looking out for Guyanese I am the only one representing… the Guyanese, they believe in me, they trust me to be the leader for them.” When grilled about when he would officially launchhispartycampaignorholda press conference, Mohamed responded“verysoon.”

The U.S. Treasury’s Office of

Foreign Assets Control (OFAC) last year sanctioned Mohamed and his father Nazar Mohamed as well as PPP member and former PermanentSecretary,MaeThomas over allegations of tax evasion, corruption, and gold smuggling. Thomas was accused of misusing her position to grant government contracts and other benefits to the businessmen. Since the sanctions, the Guyanese government has sought information from U S authoritiesandcommittedtotaking appropriate action once enough evidencewasavailable.

14partiesdropout ofelectionsrace …as supporters of ‘big three’ put on colourful showcase on Nomination Day

Fourteen political parties on Monday failed to file nomination papers, thus dropping out of the September1elections.

The Guyana Elections Commission (GECOM) had initially approved the symbols of 19 political parties that expressed aninterestincontestingtheGeneral and Regional elections. However, only seven of these parties were counted at the Umana Yana in Kingston, Georgetown on NominationDay

The contingents that were notably absent included: Unity Movement(UM), Guyanese for Accountability, Meritocracy, Equality, Reform, Inclusion and collaboration with America (GAMERICA) , A Guyana National Service Party(AGNSP) , UNITY ONE (U1), Democratic People Party(DPP), All America Alliance For Guyana(AAA4G), Unity Guyana Democratic Party (UGDP), United Workers Party(UWP), Destiny to Oneness (DTO), The Republic Party of Guyana (RPG), Guyana United Party (GUP), People Republic Front(PRF), Citizen’s Unity(CU) and the Unified People of Guyana

(UPP).

Nomination Day activities nevertheless proved to be a colourful showcase by supporters of the main political bases in Guyana Notably, the People’s ProgressiveParty/Civic(PPP/C),A Partnership of National Unity (APNU),We Invest in Nationhood (WIN),drewmassivecrowdsfrom their support bases as they submitted their lists of candidates.

The Alliance For Change (AFC), The Forward Guyana Movement (FGM), the Assembly for Liberty and Prosperity (ALP) and the Horizon and Star party, were among the groups with smaller supportbases.

The submission of each party’s candidate list was slated to take place between 10:00 am and 2:00 pm on Monday The parties were rightontimewiththeirsubmissionsomeevenarrivingearlierthanthe scheduled time. Supporters from the APNU camp were the first to arrive They began assembling along Main Street Avenue enroute totheUmanaYana,atleastanhour beforetheactivitieswerescheduled tostart.

It’sNorton

Fully decked in their green tshirts bearing the faces of their Presidential Candidate Aubrey Norton and his running mate,

Juretha Fernandes, APNU supporters gathered along the route; they beamed with pride as theyspokeoftheprospectsoftheir partyobtainingvictoryandseizing the reins of power When it drew closer to starting time, the crowd began to swell; more supporters turned up sporting party paraphernalia and waving their flagsinsupportofAPNU.By9:45 am, a notable crowd of supporters had made their way down to the barricade placed on the southern end of the road outside the Umana Yana.Thesupportersaccompanied by a truck blaring music and the party’s theme songs chanted phrases in support of their party

“The PPP must go!” “The cup is cursed!”

Theirchantswereaccompanied by a truck playing loud music and political commentary by a DJ Ranks of the Guyana Police Force (GPF), media personnel and international observers stood beyond the barricade as the crowd grew bigger and louder as drones hovered over the crowds and surroundingenvironsoftheUmana Yana APNU’s Presidential C a n d i d a t e a n d o t h e r representatives of the list emerged shortlyfromamongsupporters.His appearance was met with chants and cheers. “Norton! Norton!” the crowdshouted.

AFCandPPPatthegate

As APNU representatives completed the process of submittingthelist,asmallgroupof persons decked in bright yellow emerged at the northern security barricade outside the Uman Yana. The group represented the AFC contingent.Theystoodoutsidefora whileasswarmsofpersonsdecked in red flooded the southern barricade on the opposite end.The ruling PPP/C had arrived and they weremakingtheirpresenceknown. Theparty’sthemesong–aremixof A l l i s o n p o p u l a r t u n e “togetherness” blared from loud speakers on a big truck. The large crowd of supporters for the PPP/C momentarily stole spotlight from the smaller party contingents that were popping up at the opposite sideofthebarricades.

The PPP/C’s team was led by Vice President Bharrat Jagdeo and President Irfaan Ali The PPP/C oozed confidence as they entered the compound of the UmanaYana. “Weareheretosubmitthewinning list,” someone from their camp shouted as they made their way inside. The PPP/C submission of the list was apparently smooth as their representatives were ushered out of the building into the compoundshortlyafter The

Continued on page 32

In today’s economic climate, the harsh reality is that many must extend their working hours to meet increasing demands This often leads to less sleep, but thecriticalquestionremains: are we truly achieving more by sacrificing our rest?

Schools have altered their schedules, with children attending from 8:30 AM to 3:30 PM and often adding extra lessons during the weekandweekends.

Henry Ford introduced the 40-hour workweek, intended as a revolutionary step away from the 60-hour weeks of the early 20th century His reasoning was straightforward: provide workers with more leisure and recovery time, which would enhance their quality of life and, in turn, improve productivity and sales.

Whilethetraditional40-hour workweek isn’t a universal remedy—it’s important to

a c k n o w l e d g e t h a t alternatives like four-day workweeks and flexible schedules are increasingly popular it remains an essential structure for many i n d i v i d u a l s a n d organizations.

W h e n e x e c u t e d

correctly, a 40-hour workweek reaps multiple

benefits, including a consistentroutine,improved work-life balance, and decreasedburnout.

TheAdvantages ofaBalanced40-Hour Workweek:

1. Predictable Routine and Work-Life Balance: A consistent schedule allows for effective planning of personal appointments, social activities, and family bonding fundamental for

nurturing children’s d e v e l o p m e n t a n d strengthening parent-child relationships Establishing clear boundaries between work and home life is essential;workshouldnever intrude into personal time. Post-work hours must be dedicated to self-care and m e a n i n g f u l interactions—these are vital for good mental health, physical vitality, and resilience.

2 Reduced Burnout and Fatigue: Limiting weekly work hours protects

employees parents, caregivers,andprofessionals alike—from the depths of burnout and mental exhaustion.Adequate rest is non-negotiable for

The Cost of Working and Studying Over 40 Hours per Week Towards a better life with your psychologist

sustainingbothphysicaland mental health. Lower stress levelscorrelatedirectlywith heightened productivity and jobsatisfaction.

3 Salaried Pay and Budgeting: Companies that embrace a traditional 40hour workweek frequently offer salaried positions, which provide stability for employees who prefer structured incomes Predictable pay simplifies budgeting and financial management.

4. Enhanced Synergy and Collaboration:*

Establishingastandardwork sched

d teamwork, allowing for more efficient collaboration and easier meeting arrangements, since core hoursarealignedforall.

5. Opportunities for G r o w t h a n d

Development:* The 40hour workweek allows sufficient time for professional development, trainin

,

nd skill enhancement Employees can utilize their free time to pursuepersonalinterestsand hobbies, fueling creativity and overall well-being Conversely,workingover40 hours per week results in

severe psychological repercussions, including elevated stress, anxiety, depression, and diminished well-being. These adverse effects arise from burnout, sleep deprivation, and the inability to segregate work frompersonallife.

ThePsychological Impact:Burnout: Extended work hours lead directly to emotionalfatigue,cynicism, and a waning sense of personal achievement, hallmarks of burnout. The relentless push to always be productiveonlyworsensthis state.–

StressandAnxiety:The ceaseless demands of a heavy work schedule amplify stress and foster anxiety The inability to disconnect from work creates an environment where relaxation becomes nearlyimpossible,leadingto overwhelminganxiety –

Depression: Prolonged working hours significantly heighten the risk of depression, stemming from cumulative stress, burnout, and the erosion of a healthy work-lifebalance.–Reduced Well-being: Excessive working hours

fundamentally undermine overall well-being by inducing fatigue, limiting personal time, and straining healthyrelationships.–

Difficulty Separating Work and Life: When the boundaries between work and personal life blur, individuals face significant challenges, hindering their abilitytoenjoylifeoutsideof work. It’s essential that we re-evaluate our working hours and educational demandstoprioritizemental health and well-being, both forourselvesandforthenext generation Working smarter, not harder, should beourgoal.

Our children are not e x e m p t f r o m t h e consequences of excessive studying. In fact, studying morethan40hoursperweek d

nd physical health. This relentless pressure leads to increasedstress,anxiety,and depression, as well as sleep disruptions, weakened immune systems, and a higher risk of substance abuse These issues are critical as they adversely affect both academic performance and overall well-being. When children study for more than 7 hours each day, they are subjected to a severe psychological imbalance that renders them unfit,unproductive,andless creative adults in the w o r k f o r c e T h e consequencesareclear:

Increased Stress and Anxiety: Extended study hoursresultinchronicstress, which can trigger serious anxiety disorders and depressivesymptoms.

Depression: Both children and adults who engage in prolonged study hours face an alarming increase in depression, alongside mood swings and pooremotionalregulation.

C o g n i t i v e

Impairments: Chronic stress severely impairs crucial cognitive functions

l i k e m e m o r y a n d concentration, hindering effective learning and academic success. I have observed that young people burdenedwithahighnumber of CXC subjects struggle profoundly in adulthood, unable to cope with burnout or manage life’s daily challenges, including university-leveldemands.

Burnout: The relentless pressure from long study

hours inevitably leads to burnout, characterized by exhaustion, cynicism, and diminished professional efficacy

PhysicalCosts:Sleep Disruptions:*

Intense study schedules disrupt sleep patterns, causinginsomnia,poorsleep quality,anddaytimefatigue.

Physical Health

Problems: Chronic stress is a precursor to serious physical health issues, including high blood pressure,heartdisease,anda weakenedimmunesystem.–

Weakened Immune System: Sleep deprivation and stress compromise the immune system, making students vulnerable to illnesses.

SubstanceAbuse:Many studentsunfortunatelyresort to substances like alcohol or d

addiction.

Academic Costs: -

deprivation and cognitive impairments have a direct negative impact on learning andacademicoutcomes.–

Concentration: Chronic stress and insufficient sleep destroy students’ ability to focusandretaininformation.

Reduced Ability to

Cope with Stress: High stress levels hinder students from managing academic expectations,causingfurther d

n performance.

Social Life: Prolonged study hours severely limit students’ opportunities for social interaction and relationships,oftenresulting insocialisolation.

Work-Life Balance:

By Dr.

Students face immense challenges in balancing academic workloads with other life responsibilities, making time and task management increasingly difficult.

From an institutional perspective, longer working hours yield diminishing returns; they stifle creativity a

Transitioning to a four-day workweekat9hoursperday can deliver a far more productive contribution from staff. Similarly, a fourday school week is demonstrablymoreeffective forchildren,particularlyina climate where anxiety, depression, and PTSD are emergingasearlyas4and5 years old. It is critical to acknowledge that children from single-parent homes often find themselves paren

wn childhood, which only ex acer b ates th es e challenges.

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

GNBS IN FOCUS

CALIBRATIONANDVERIFICATION-2DISTINCTPROCESSES FORENSURINGMEASUREMENTACCURACYINGUYANA

How often do you wonder if you are getting the correct amounts of what you pay for? Whether it’s fuel at the pump by litres, plantains from the market by kilograms, or fabricfromthestorebymetres,theprocessof determining the accuracy of measuring instrumentsusedinthesetradetransactionsis verification.

Meanwhile, for those non-trade transactionsconductedduringmanufacturing and laboratory testing for quality assurance and safety, calibration is conducted to determine the accuracy of measuring instruments used It is important for stakeholders involved in measurements to understand which of these measurement services is relevant to the activities of their businesses.

The Guyana National Bureau of Standards (GNBS), as the National Measurement Institute (NMI) provides

verification and calibration services Through its Legal Metrology Department, GNBS plays a crucial role in providing verificationservices.Bylaw,underthe1981 Weights and Measures Act, all measuring instrumentsusedintrademustbeverifiedby GNBS. These include scales, petrol pumps, flowmeters,electricitymeters,fueltanksand measuring rules. Verification is carried out twice annually at GNBS Offices countrywide, and at offsite locations including markets and supermarkets, manufacturing plants, hospitals, shipping companies,andonfuelvessels.

Verification ensures that these instruments are accurate, approved for trade andfitforuse.Onceverified,approvalseals and stamps are affixed to instruments to provecompliance.Theprocessprotectsboth consumers who expect to receive what they pay for and businesses, which could suffer

lossesfromfaultyorinaccurateinstruments.

Calibration, on the other hand, is a more technical process that ensures precision of measurements in industrial and scientific settings.Theprocessinvolvescomparingthe readings of a measuring instrument with a known, traceable standard. Environmental controls during calibration are considerably morestringentthanduringverification.

GNBS offers accredited calibration services to sectors such as healthcare, manufacturing,construction,andoilandgas. Instruments such as thermometers, pipettes, balances, pressure gauges and calipers are routinely calibrated to ensure accurate, repeatableresults.TheBureauusesstandards traceable to highly respected international institutions, such as NIST (USA) and PTB (Germany).

Inaccuratemeasurements,whetherdueto unverified or uncalibrated instruments, can

lead to significant consequences including customerdissatisfaction,safetyhazards,loss of revenue, and damaged reputations

Verification helps keep retail transactions honest, while calibration helps industries maintain product quality, meet regulatory requirements,andensureoperationalsafety

Whether you’re running a corner shop, a hospital laboratory, or a production facility, accurate measurements are essential; and so isknowingthedifferencebetweencalibration andverification.

With its nationwide services and commitment to international standards, GNBS continues to be a reliable partner in ensuring accuracy, fairness, and trust in Guyaneseproductsandservices.

For further information on this subject, contact GNBS on telephone numbers: 2190064 or 219-0065, WhatsApp us on 6924627orvisitourwebsitewww.gnbsgy.org

ByShermonHawker

Evenbeforetheveryfirst hint of the July-August Summer holidays, lads and lassies would already weave a thousand ideas about what they would lavish their youthful vigor on,asschoolwouldbeout.

Selvin Semple

The Mechanical Maestro

Decades later, the once curious 10-year-old whose eyes and mind were enchanted by anything mechanicalandtheiroperations,is now the proprietor of his own workshop, and a reputable one at that.

Origins

Selvin, a young man rarely referred to as on account of multiplenicknames,isaresidentof the storied community ofAngoy’s Avenue in New Amsterdam, Berbice.

Byvirtueofhisinventiveskills and high level of efficiency as a mechanic, his name seeps beyond the crevices of the community and into the broader town, where he is esteemed among the most proficient motor vehicle repair mechanics in Berbice, and one of the most sought after in his line of work.

bicyclefromscrap. The Inspiration Factors On his journey, he recalled the many afternoons after formal sessions at the New Amsterdam Primary where he would take indirect lessons from a renowned bicyclerepairtechnician,‘Kutchu’. Whilethere,hewouldalsofrequent the scrap piles for anything he can salvage,andwithhisdetermination and creativity, put together his bicycle.

His breakthrough came when, through his grandmother’s friendship with a recognised mec

Selvin Semple, however, crafted other plans, all of which wouldchiselthefootpathofhislife, and which to this day remains essential to him. As his peers frolicked in fields or invaded trenches, Semple, at just about 10 and in Grade 5, resigned himself dutifullytoaworkshop.

Modest in his assessment of self,butinactualityamagicianfor anything with an internal combustionengine,the29-year-old shared the pieces that eventually becameawhole.

“As a child growing up, for some reason or the other, I always found myself loosing and fitting things like silver torch lights. I wouldlooseitup,fititupback.”

For him, it was more than curiosity It was an adventurous mind gamed to take on the fascinating challenge of seeing the inner constructions of any mechanicalobject,dismantlingand thereafter repairing same. Many clocks,torchlightsandradioswere fiddled with as Semple strove to gain experience, backdropped by trial and error Success eventually came, and of his little accomplishmentshesaid,

“After a time of doing that, I recognised that God blessed me withaspecialskill.”

His most impressive feat as a young man was that of building a

Bowman,hewaspromptedtovisit Bowman’s workshop, despite his youngage.

“The boy wants to be a mechanic so you have to send the boy to the workshop,” he recalled asadvicegiventohisgrandmother, who initially was hesitant Bowman would then bequeath his vast knowledge of all things mechanic on the eager and receptiveyoungman.

SemplewouldalsocreditDavid Lambert for showering upon him insights, tips, guidance and opportunities that would for years aheadaffirmhispostasamechanic

Continued on page 31

Selvin Semple, the Mechanical Maestro

Selvin Semple doing what he was born to do.

Selvin Semple...

Frompage27 of merit. Lambert himself carries weight as an established motor vehiclemechanic.

Candid Assessment

Any spontaneous stop-by wouldfindSelvinheavilyengaged in his craft, donning his overalls, and partially hidden by a stack of vehicles randomly arranged and awaitingservice.

Asonecouldimagine,itisone of the most physically demanding jobs.Itcomesasveryrewardingall thesamefortheyounghusbandand father of one, and while upholding the importance of academics, he also carries equal respect for the positive socio-economic impact of

manual and mechanical skills or trade.“Everyonecannotbelawyers ordoctors.”

Evenwithexperiencespanning almost two decades, Selvin's personal philosophy encapsulates humility and an ever-abiding willingness to learn regardless of ageandskills.

“You need to keep your mind open to learn new things. The minute you tell yourself you know everything, that's the minute your brain shuts down and stops taking inthings.”

Life of a Motor Vehicle Mechanic

Itisawell-respectedtrade,and forhim,itteachesalotofpatience.

The mechanic flicked a soft dismissal to any opinion which casts contempt on the literal smudges and smears of such a course of work His own upbringings in the workshop, he disclosed, left his wardrobe challenged as he toiled in greasy undertakings as an underling to whom was handed down all the messytasksbyhisseniors.

“They (people) often say that you have to deal with a lot of grease, your skin is always black, you're always looking unkempt. But I am a product of success that would'veconqueredthatstage.”

Creating Opportunities

The many years of engaging

with his accumulated thousands of customershavebeensatisfying,but another source of fulfillment is beinginapositiontoinfluencethe youngerones.Todate,Semplehold two young men under his employ, impartinghisexpansiveknowledge inthisfield.

Additionally, owing directly to his official recommendations, many youths have gone on to gain employment at major international companies.

“It really pleased my heart to see that they would've come to a workshop in Angoy's Avenue wherepersonsthinkthatthereisno goodthingthatcancomeout…”

The'skillsman'seekstoexpand

inallaspects,goadedbythedesire tohavehisworkshopattainrenown or national proportions, in that persons from all sections of Guyana would want to employ his services.

Beyond the Grease and Smudges When not mixed into the clanging or buzzing of machinery, Selvin enjoys a refreshing motorcycle ride, which features occasionally in his life as a rider, and in a modern era where entertainment and leisure are primarily hinged on social media and the broader internet, he still holds the radio in good regard, particularly tuning in to Voice of Guyana(VoG).

Frompage22 PPP/C leaders briefly spoke to the media before leaving the compound as their supporters shouted “PPP/C all the way to victory!”

Thenexttosubmittheirlistwas the AFC; the small group of representatives led by their leader, Nigel Hughes who walked confidentlyintotheUmanaYanato submit the list. Shortly after The Better Must Come team exited the building, the Forward Guyana Movement led by its leader Amanza Walton-Desir, a former executiveonthePNCRmadetheir wayintothecompound.Supporters ofthisgroupweredeckedinpurple t-shirts.

Of note, the Forward Guyana Movement candidate, 22-year-old Bibi Feroze said she wants to represent differently-abled persons likeherself.Ferozehasalwaysbeen a strong advocate for disabled personsinGuyanabutshebelieves thatthereismorethatcanbedone. Outsideasmallgroupoftheparty’s supporters echoed a familiar chant of victory The supporters of the Walton-Desir camp appeared adamant in their stance of a successful elections campaign Accompanied by a loud speaker, they bellowed a tune about being readytotakeGuyanaforward.

Broomes

Leader of the ALP, Simona Broomes was heralded by her supporters who were decked navy blue t-shirts. And though her support base was small, they created a stir as they entered the compound.Shewascarriedinarms of one of representatives into the UmanaYanatosubmitherlist.“We are very confident. We are very confident. We are fully confident because we’ve made the list. We came through the process and we will be contesting in six regions, regional and geographical,” she told the media as she exited the building. She vowed that her party will be the voice of the voiceless. As Broomes left, a massive crowd ofpeopleinskybluet-shirtsstarted showing up These were the supporters of Azruddin Mohamed’s-ledWINparty Bluewave

The massive crowd of possibly thousands more to rival the PPP/C contingent marched from Kitty Seawallalongaroutethatledtothe Umana Yana in Kingston The crowd descended on the location from the northern, southern and eastern sides of the Umana Yana. Thecrowdblewhornsandshouted

chants in support of the businessmanandhisteam.Several supporters on motorcycles converged beyond the security

barricades as the party’s presidential candidate emerged with his team. Though, he did not givemuchdetailontheparty’splan and policies, Mohamed told media

that WIN is a party formed for the people of Guyana. “We are here because of the people of Guyana, “he said confidently WIN was followed by the final candidate to submit.Mr HubertMaloneyofthe Horizon and Star party arrived as thesolepresenterofhisparty’slist of candidates. He is hoping that it will be approved to contest in the September1polls.

WEDNESDAY

CJrulesHicken’sappointment asTopCopafterage55legal

Thehighcourthasruledthatthe appointment of Clifton Hicken as topcoppasttheretirementageof55 islegal.

Thedecisionwashandeddown by Chief Justice (ag), Roxane George on Tuesday While the judgereservedherreasoningforthe decision for a later date, she awardedthe$500,000tobepaidby the applicant,Troy Garraway, who challenged the appointment. The cost is to be paid by August 29, 2025 Mr Garraway had questionedthelegalityofHicken’s substantive appointment after he reached the retirement age for publicservantsin2023.

President Irfaan Ali had relied on the Constitution (prescribed matters) Act to appoint Hicken substantively on December 19, 2024,butGarraway,ofthePeople’s NationalCongressReform(PNCR) said “this provision relates to the extension of a Commissioner of Policealreadyinoffice”.Garraway had argued that the president confirmed Hicken as a substantive topcopafterheturned55.

Attorney General and Minister ofLegalAffairs,AnilNandlall,SC had argued on behalf of the state thatthesubstantiveappointmentof Hicken as police commissioner afterreachingtheretirementageof 55 is possible, although the law is silentonwhetherornotthatcanbe done.

Nandlall had maintained that the Constitution (Prescribed Matters) Act allows for the

Top Cop: Clifton Hicken

CommissionerofPolicebeyondthe ageof55upto60years.Heargued that nothing in the law prohibits a confirmation after the age of 55, and the president’s actions were thereforevalid.

He stated “Mr Hicken was by law, permitted to serve as acting commissioner until he attained such later age, not exceeding sixty years Logically, if an acting commissioner can lawfully serve beyond the age of retirement, he may certainly, if there is no provision within any written law prohibiting same, be substantively appointed during his lawful extensioninoffice,beforeattaining the age of 60 in accordance with section 2 (b) of the Constitutional (PrescribedMatters)Act”.

Dr DexterTodd, lawyer for the applicant, had accepted that an actingappointmentbeyondtheage of 55 was permissible, but contended that Hicken’s confirmationshouldhaveoccurred beforeheturned55,astherewasno legal provision allowing for a substantive appointment at that age.

He noted that Mr Garraway’s contentionisthatnolawpermitted the appointment of Mr Hicken as police commissioner after he became 55 years old. He however did not point to any law that prohibitedthisfromhappening.

U.Ssenatorpresents Billtostrengthensecurity cooperationwithGuyana, deterVenezuelanaggression …says Guyana is a key partner in advancing regional security, democracy, and stability, burgeoning oil exporter

United States Senator, Michael Bennet (D-Colo.) a member of the Senate Select Committee on Intelligence, has introduced legislation to strengthen U S security cooperation with Guyana and deter Venezuelan aggression againstthecountry

In a statement on Monday, it was outlined that Guyana is a key

partner in advancing regional security, democracy, and stability, and a burgeoning oil exporter that suppliescrudetoEurope–helping thecontinentreduceitsrelianceon Russian crude amid Russia’s unprovokedandunjustifiedwaron Ukraine.

Senator Bennet said, “As Venezuelan dictator Nicolás Maduro continues to threaten Guyana, the United States must work with Guyana to deter such aggression.”

He added, “This bill will force the pentagon to evaluate current cooperation and determine where improvementscanbemade.”

It was explained that Bennet’s legislation would require the Secretary of Defense to provide a report to Congress on the state of the current security cooperation between the United States and Guyana and whether additional U.S.assistanceisnecessarytodeter a potential Venezuelan attack on G u y a n a ”Since taking office in 2013, Maduro has ramped up threats against Guyana, claiming the country’s Essequibo region as part of Venezuela despite international lawaffirmingtheregion’sstatusas part of Guyana. Maduro’s regime hasflownVenezuelanairforcejets over Guyanese territory and threatenedoilfacilitiesinGuyana’s

d maritime territory, among other malicious actions,” the statement said.

Further, it was noted that both t h e B i d e n a n d T r u m p administrations have bolstered security cooperation with Guyana and promised to impose costs on Venezuela if Caracas attacks Guyana. The Bill would augment thesebipartisanefforts.

Venezuelahaslonglaidclaimto more than two-thirds of Guyana’s territory, the resource-rich Essequibo region The GuyanaVenezuela border controversy is currently before the International Court of Justice (ICJ). Despite a

Venezuelan President Nicolas

Maduro committing to regional peace, on March 1, 2025, a Venezuelan naval vessel entered Guyana’s waters and approached ExxonMobil’s Prosperity Floating ProductionStorageandOffloading (FPSO)vesseloperatingintheoilrich Stabroek Block and radioed that the FPSO was operating in disputedterritory

TheStabroekBlockisoperated b

ExxonMobil, which holds a 45 percent interest, Hess with 30 percent, and China National O

(CNOOC), a Chinese state-owned entity,witha25percentstake.

TheGovernmentofGuyanahas insisted on the ICJ’s role in providing a conclusive judgment on the matter, noting that it has no intention of having direct dialogue with the Nicolas Maduro regime regardingthebordercontroversy

THURSDAY

2shotdead,6injured inBuxtonshooting …as gunmen opened fire on limers as Buxton linetop …police suspect gang warfare involving Team Diamond

A 16-year-old boy and a 38year-old businessman were shot deadonTuesdayeveningwhilesix others sustained injuries during a shootout in Buxton, East coast Demerara(ECD).

DeadisLeonMcFarleneofLot 71MiddleWalk,Buxton,ECDand Mark Anthony Correia of Lot 75 Republic Drive, Beterverwagting, ECD.

The six injured men have been identified as 60-year-old Linden AdamsofSideLineDam,Buxton, 54-year-old Alwin Fiffee, of Middle Walk, Buxton, 26-year-old DavelTalbott,SpecialConstableof Middle Walk, Buxton, 18-year-old AkeemTuman,fromMiddleWalk, Buxton,35-year-oldSherwinNero from Friendship, ECD and a 17year-old un-named male from MiddleWalk,Buxton.

Itwasreportedthattheincident Continued on page 33

Dead: Leon McFarlene

Dead: MarkAnthony Correia

Frompage32

occurred at approximately 23:47hrs.

According to a statement from theGuyanaPoliceForce(GPF),the eight men were playing cards and dominoesatAshaRobinsonshopin Buxton. Around 23:00hrs, the 41year-old businesswoman went to bedleavingthemeninhershop.

“The businesswoman said that atabout23:47hrs,sheheardseveral loud explosions (sounding like gunshots) and she went outside where she saw Mark Correia in a slumped position at the table with whatappearstobebloodoozingout fromhismouth,noseandback.She raisedanalarm,andpublic-spirited persons responded and assisted in taking the other injured males mentioned to the Georgetown Public Hospital Corporation (GPHC), where Leon McFarlene was pronounced dead on arrival,” policesaid.

The report added that

McFarlene was examined and suspected gunshot wounds were seen on his right hand, chest, face, forearm, and right foot. The body was escorted to the GPHC’s mortuary for storage and postmortem examination. Meanwhile, Correia’s body was escorted to the EnmoreRegionalHospitalandwas pronounced dead on arrival. His body was examined and suspected gunshot injuries were seen on his back, left ears, left shoulder, chest, right palm, left jaw and one above the right eye. The body was later taken to the Memorial Gardens FuneralHomeforstorageandpostmortem examination. The others who sustained suspected gunshot injurieswereadmittedattoGPHC.

Itwasnotedthat40spentshells (comprising one .40, twenty-nine 5.56×45,ten7.62×39)werefound. Fourprojectilesandtwofragments were found on the ground in the shop; which were photographed, packagedandlodged.

“Based on additional information received, a silvercolored motorcar bearing registration number PVV 7616 or 7661 was seen circling the area. This was the car that the suspects reportedly used to carry out the attack,afterwhichtheyrejoinedthe car and made good their escape,” policementioned.

Several persons were questionedwhichrevealedthatone of the injured men has an ongoing problem with a gang referred to as ‘Team Diamond’, he is currently underPoliceguard.

This publication understands thatthe threemaskedmenexiteda carandstartedshooting.

KaieteurNewsvisitedthescene where the mother of McFarlane, Alexis Gill said she was at home whenshegotthenewsthatherson was shot. She said she left home and when she arrived at the scene, saw persons putting her son into a

cartotakehimtothehospital.

“My son is 16 years old and he isaverygoodboy,agood,brilliant, lovingchild,”Gillsaid.

She noted that it is hard for the family and others because he was loved by many because he showed love to everybody he came into contactwithandcouldbedepended onforanything.

The distressed mother said the suspects came in search for someone (name not mentioned) however, because her son shared a resemblance to the unnamed person,thesuspectskilledhim.

Meanwhile, Correia’s mother, who spoke with leader of the AssemblyofLibertyforProsperity, said her son tended to life-stock. She said she received a call from him on Tuesday asking her if she had money to pay child support.A few minutes after, she received anothercallfromhimtellingherhe was stopping in Buxton to make a purchase.

The weeping mother said that wasthelastsheheardfromherson. Sheaddedthatwhenshearrivedat theshop,hersonwaslyinglifeless onthetablewherehewasshot.

Meanwhile, Minister of Home Affairs, Robeson Benn along with Regional Commander 4C, Assistant Commissioner, Khali Pareshram and team, visited the families and relatives of the eight men. Minister Benn in a Facebook post assured the community that a fullandthoroughinvestigationwill bedonetoensurejusticeisserved. Law enforcement authorities are actively pursuing leads, including the involvement of the motorcar reportedlyusedbythesuspects.

TheMinistryofHomeAffairsis also urging anyone with information to come forward as policecontinuetheirinvestigation.

FRIDAY

PPP-Govt.aimingfor secondoilblockauction nextyear – Jagdeo

If the People’s Progressive Party/Civic(PPP/C)issuccessfulat t

Regional Elections, the party will launchasecondoilblockauctionin 2026 This is according to the party’s General Secretary, Bharrat Jagdeo.

Recently,VicePresidentJagdeo announced that the PPP governmentwillfinalisenonewoil deals from the inaugural oil block auctionlaunchedin2023untilafter the elections slated for September 1.

At his Thursday press conference, Jagdeo said, “We are aimingforanauctionnextyearbut itdependsonthecompletionofthe seismic.” Following the first auction, the government issued a tender for a firm to conduct 3D multi-client seismic survey offshore Guyana The aim is to acquire, process, and interpret high-quality seismic data to facilitate exploration and the potential development of hydrocarbon resources. This effort alsoseekstoensurethatbetterdata is available for evaluation during future bidding and licensing rounds.

Jagdeoexplained,“Soifwecan complete the seismic, because we don’twanttogobacktoanauction withoutgooddatanow.”

He disclosed that several companies were assigned to carry outthesurvey “Becauseit’salarge volumeofworkwewantedandwe wantedtomoveswiftlytocomplete theseismicbeforewegotothenext auction,”henoted.Jagdeosaidheis not aware of the current progress, notingthatheisfullyfocusedonthe PPP’s elections campaign However, he believes that with the data from the seismic survey, the new Production Sharing Agreement (PSA), and an updated petroleum law, the second auction willgeneratestrongerinterest.

Headded,“Inthepastwewent to the first auction but as I explained, there were several things not settled at that time, we hadn’t settled a new PSA, we had notsettledanewlaw,sothepeople bidding did not know what sort of environmenttheywerebiddinginto andthentheyhadtousetheolddata that was there, and some of it was 2Ddataanditwasspottynotforall of the blocks. And now if we can remedy that, we expect that you have some really serious bids for

thenewblocks.”

Back in June Jagdeo said no prospectinglicenceswillbesigned for the oil blocks awarded in Guyana’s inaugural competitive licensing round at least for the remainder of this government’s term.

In 2023, six companies were awarded offshore oil blocks and four companies had accepted the termsofthenewPSA.

The government had awarded eight oil blocks: Sispro Inc, Total Energies Consortium with Qatar Energy and Petronas, Liberty Petroleum Corporation, Cybele Energy Limited, International Group Investment Inc , ExxonMobil Guyana Limited, HessandCNOOCandDelcorpInc, whichcomprisesWatadEnergyand Communications Limited and ArabianDrillingCompany

The four companies that accepted the new PSA are Cybele Energy Limited, Delcorp Inc , TotalEnergies Consortium, and International Group Investment Inc.

The oil companies will be expected to pay a 10 per cent royaltyanda10percentcorporate tax to the government In the meantime,thecostrecoverywillbe capped at 65 per cent in a given year, while profits will be shared 50/50betweentheparties.

The government has since passed the Petroleum Activities Law and has finalised the new model PSAthat will govern future awards of deep water and shallow waterconcessions.

Notably,elevenoftheoilblocks on auction are located in the shallow area and three are in the deepwater zone. Importantly, each areaisgovernedbyseparatePSAs. They range between 1000 square kilometres to 3000 square kilometres with the majority of them being close to 2000 square kilometres.

ColwynKinggets19-years forraping6-yr-oldgirl

Weeksafterhewasconvictedof raping a six-year-old girl, former President of the Guyana Teachers’ Union(GTU),ColwynKingwason Thursday sentenced to 19 years in prisonforthecrime.

Hissentencewashandeddown

in the Georgetown High Court by Justice Simone Morris. King, 61 who opted to represent himself at the sentencing hearing, was found guilty on two counts of rape of a childundertheageof16yearsold. The incidents occurred in April 2021.Thefirstassaulttookplaceat nightwhennooneelsewaspresent, while the second occurred in the afternoon, again in isolation. The virtual complainant is identified as a female who was six-years-old at thetimeoftheincident.

The prosecution was led by State Counsel: Muntaz Ali and Geneva Wills King was represented by Attorney-at-Law, Tonza Sarrabo. The former GTU headhadbeenoutonbailduringthe proceedings but was immediately remanded to prison following the jury’sverdict.

Kingpreviouslyfacedasimilar rape charge in 2009, but was acquitted by a jury in 2016 followingatrialattheHighCourt. TheGTUpresidentwasarrestedon October14,2009andwasreleased on$100,000bailafterateenagegirl leveled charges of being sexually involved with him at a Princess Street hotel. Six years after being charged for statutory rape the formerGTUPresidentwasfreedof thecharge.

The allegations which first surfaced in October 2009 are that theteenwastakentopurchasefood andthentakentoahotelonPrinces Street, where there was allegedly some sexual activity The girl was picked up by a police patrol on Sheriff Street while wandering. It was established that she was sexuallyactive.

King’sprevioustrialbeforethe juryintheGeorgetownHighCourt endedinanotguiltyverdict.Tenof the12jurorspresentedanotguilty verdict while the other two voted guilty Kingwhoservedforseveral yearsastheheadoftheGTUcrossexamined a number of the witnessescalledtothestandbythe prosecution.

The matter then was presided over by Justice Priya SewnarineBeharry Sources from inside the Courtroom said when Justice Sewnarine-Beharrydeclaredthe10 to 2 not guilty judgment she also told King that he may have gotten away from man but he cannot get awayfromGod.

SATURDAY

AmericanoilgiantChevron gainsaccesstoGuyana’s StabroekBlockthrough US$53Bbuy-outofHess …Exxon welcomes company after losing arbitration but says had to consider value of the successful venture

American oil giant, Chevron Corporation, is now a 30 per cent shareholderinGuyana’sStabroek Continued on page 34

Vice President Bharrat Jagdeo

Former President of the Guyana Teachers’ Union (GTU), Colwyn King

Frompage33 Block after completing the US$53 billion acquisition of Hess Corporation,followingafavorable arbitration outcome regarding Hess’Guyanaasset.

In late 2023, the acquisition of Hesswasannounced.Thedealgave Chevron access to Hess’ most valuableasset,a30percentstakein the Stabroek Block, which is estimated to hold 11 6 billion barrels of oil equivalent. However, the move prompted the other partners in the Stabroek Block, ExxonMobil Corporation and China National Offshore Oil Corporation(CNOOC)toapproach the Paris-based International Chamber of Commerce (ICC) to examine their preemption rights overHess’share.

InMay2025,theoilcompanies, through their lawyers, faced off before a three-member arbitration tribunal. Exxon had argued that it wanted its right of first refusal recognised before deciding on its strategy for the Stabroek Block. Chevron, however, contended that it had conducted extensive due diligence on the operating agreement between Exxon and HessinGuyanaandhadsignificant experiencewithsimilaragreements worldwide.

On Friday, it was announced that Chevron had completed the acquisition Notably, had the arbitrator ruled in favor of Exxon and CNOOC, Chevron was prepared to walk away from the dealentirely

In a statement, Chevron said, “thecombinedcompanyhasoneof the most advantaged and differentiated portfolios in the industry, with leading positions in critical energy markets around the world and a high cash margin productionprofile.”

The oil major highlighted that the acquisition adds world-class assets, including Guyana and the U S Bakken, to its diversified globalportfolio.

It was stated, “Chevron now owns a 30 per cent position in the GuyanaStabroekBlock,whichhas more than 11 billion barrels of oil equivalent discovered recoverable resource;463thousandnetacresof high-quality inventory in the Bakken; complementary assets in the Gulf of America with 31 thousand barrels of oil equivalent per day; and natural gas assets in Southeast Asia with 57 thousand barrelsofoilequivalentperday.”

On July 17, the Federal Trade Commission(FTC)lifteditsearlier

restriction, clearing the way for JohnHesstojoinChevron’sBoard of Directors, subject to board approval.

For its part, Exxon said it disagrees with the ICC panel’s interpretation but respects the arbitration and dispute resolution process The company reiterated that ExxonMobil and CNOOC are aligned and had a duty to ensure contract terms are always adhered to and not set a bad precedent for themselvesandtheindustry

Exxon said too, “Given the significant value we’ve created in the development of the Guyana resource, we believed we had a clear duty to our investors to consider our preemption rights to protect the value we created through our innovation and hard work at a time when no one knew just how successful this venture wouldbecome.”

However, Exxon welcomed Chevron to the venture and said it lookforwardtocontinuedindustryleading performance and value creation in Guyana for all parties involved.

StabroekBlock

The Stabroek Block located about 120 miles offshore Guyana, spans 6 6 million acres Oil production began in December 2019 and has grown to 650,000 barrels per day (bpd) from three sanctioned projects: Liza Phase 1,

Liza Phase 2, and Payara This output is expected to increase with the upcoming st

p of Yellowtail,thefourthdevelopment, laterthisyear

ExxonMobil Guyana holds a 45% interest, Hess Guyana holds 30%, and CNOOC Petroleum

Guyana Limited holds the remaining 25% Exxon has two other sanctioned projects under its belt:UaruandWhiptail.Ithasalso submitted an Environmental Impact Assessment (EIA) for its seventhproject,Hammerhead,with production targeted for 2029 Additionally,thecompanyhasfiled an application for an eighth development,Longtail.

StabroekBlockAgreement

The agreement governing the Stabroek Block extends favorable terms to the oil companies According to the agreement, Stabroek Block partners can recover75percentofoilproduced tocoverinvestmentcosts.

The remaining 25 per cent is considered profit and is split equally between Guyana and the consortium, giving each 12.5 per cent.

However,theconsortiumpaysa 2 per cent royalty from its share to Guyana. From Guyana’s 14.5 per cent total take, the government mustpaytheoilcompanies’taxes.

Thedealstipulatesthatthesum equivalenttothetaxesowedbythe companies must be paid by the minister responsible for petroleum to the commissioner general of the GuyanaRevenueAuthority(GRA).

GECOMapproves sixpartiestocontestgeneral andregionalelections

T

Commission (GECOM) on Friday announcedthatithasapprovedthe ListsofCandidatesforsixpolitical parties to contest the September 1 GeneralandRegionalElections.

Seven political parties submitted lists of candidates to contest the upcoming elections on Monday

Those approved are A Partnership for National Unity (APNU) headed by Aubrey Norton, Alliance for Change (AFC) led by Nigel Hughes, Assembly of Liberty and Prosperity (ALP) led Simona Broomes, Forward Guyana Movement (FGM) headed by Amanza Walton-Desir, Peoples Progressive Party / Civic (PPP/C) led by Bharrat Jagdeo and We Invest in Nationhood (WIN) headedbyAzruddinMohamed.

The approval follows the submissionoflistsofcandidateson Nomination Day held on Monday, July14attheUmanaYana.

However, GECOM said after carefulexaminationandprocessing oftherespectiveliststoensurethat they confirm to the legal requirements, the six parties were approved by the Commission During the processing of the lists, political parties whose lists containeddefectswereinformedon July15andaskedtocorrectandresubmitbyJuly17.

The re-submissions were received within the required timelineandprocessed.

GECOM said the decision to approvesixofthepartieswastaken at a special meeting of the Commission held on Friday in keepingwiththelegalrequirements and within the statutory timelines postNominationDay While all

aforementioned parties were approved to contest the General Elections, only four have submitted lists to contest in all 10 electoral districts in the Regional Elections.

Those parties areAPNU,AFC, PPP/C and WIN. Notably, lists of candidatesforALPandFGMwere approved by the Commission to contest several regions. ALP will only be contesting in districts 3, 4, 5, 6, 7 and 10 in the Regional Elections while FGM will be contesting in the Regional Electionsindistricts1,2,3,4,5,6 and10.

Notwithstanding these approvals, GECOM urged the Representatives and Deputy Representatives of Lists to notify the CEO in writing of joinder of lists. Parties have until the July 21 todothis.Thereafter,theCEOwill gazette and publish the approved listsofcandidatesonJuly23.

During an interview outside of GECOM’s High Street, Georgetown office on Friday afternoon, opposition-nominated GECOM Commissioner Vincent Alexander disclosed that the Horizon and Star party’s list, headedbyHubertMaloney,wasnot approvedbythecommissiondueto insufficient documentation He noted that, like other parties, Maloney was written to and informed of the issues with his list and was given a chance to make changes.However,accordingtothe commissioner,Maloney’sresponse wasstillinsufficient.

When asked about the commission’s agenda for the upcoming week, Alexander said templatesfortheballotshavetobe approved.However,hepointedout that there are several other outstanding matters that require attention.

He said, “We have got some outstandingmatters,likewhatright wehaveneverreallyconcludedon thequestionoftheincarcerated,the question of the overseas ballots, how that will be counted, is still to beconcluded.Thequestionofhow wedealwiththelocaldeadwhoare not submitted by the Registrar of courtsanddeathsisstilltobetobe dealtwith.Thequestionofflagging namesofoverseasGuyaneseonthe votersliststilltobedealtwith.”

For his part, governmentn o m i n a t e d G E C O M commissioner Sase Gunraj that aside from the approval of the political parties’ lists of candidates, the Commission discussed a few matters, while others were deferred to the next statutorymeetingonTuesday

“The other issue is, now that thoselistshavebeenapproved,the facilityofjoinderoflistsnowarise and obviously, if your list is not approved, you can’t join. So now thatyouapprovedlists,thatissueof joinercanbeconsideredandthere’s alsoatimeline,”henoted.

The six political parties that were approved by GECOM to contest the 2025 General and Regional Elections.

THE LOST HUG

Every night, after the stars twinkledtolifeandthemoonrose high, a magical creature named Snuzzle made his rounds across the world. Snuzzlewassmallandfluffy,withearslike cottoncandyandfurthatglowedsoftlyinthe dark. He wore a little satchel filled with warm, cozy hugs—one for every child who neededcomfortbeforebedtime.

Snuzzledidn'tneedamap.Thehugstold him where to go They wriggled and shimmered inside his satchel, guiding him fromonesleepytowntoanother

Each night, Snuzzle tiptoed into bedrooms, floated through windows, and even slid down chimneys when needed. He wouldplaceahuggentlyonachild'spillow or tuck it into their dreams with a whisper: “Youareloved.Youaresafe.Sleeptight.”

But one chilly winter night, something strange happened Snuzzle was halfway through his deliveries when he opened his satchelandfroze.“Onehugismissing!”he gasped.“Ohno,ohno,ohno!”

He counted again. “One, two, three… twenty-eight.Thereshouldbetwenty-nine!”

Snuzzle'sheartflutteredlikeamoth.He hadneverlostahugbefore.

“I must find it,” he said bravely “No child should go to sleep without their bedtimehug.”

Hecheckedthelasthomehevisited.He peeredunderabed,behindanightstand,and eveninsideasockdrawer Nohug.

“Maybeitbouncedawayonthebreeze?” hewondered,sniffingtheair Snuzzle'snose

Friends

byUncleRoy

The best people I know besides my family Are the friends that make me feel so good; They are the children who help me out, And keep me as happy as I could.

My friends and I love to be together, Whether at school, work or play; I feel that these special people Are what make my life okay.

couldsmelllosthugsthewaydogssmell treats.

Suddenly, he caught a faint

scent like warm cookies and soft blankets.Thehugwasnearby!

Hezippedthroughcloudsandfloated over rooftops, following the smell to a quietstreetlinedwithglowinglampposts. That's when he spotted something peculiar near a park bench: a tiny, shimmering light hopping like a grasshopper

SUMMERMAGNETSDRINK

What you'll need:

RainbowColoursWashiTape

Snuzzledovecloser “Thereyouare!”

The hug shimmered nervously “I'm sorry,Snuzzle!Ididn'tmeantorunaway.”

Snuzzletiltedhishead.“Whydidyou leavethesatchel?”

The hug sighed. “You were going to sendmetoagirlnamedLila.ButIheard people say she doesn't deserve hugs. That she'smean.Igotscared.”

Snuzzle sat down beside the hug. “Oh, littleone.Hugsaren'tjustforperfectpeople. They'reforeveryone—especiallythosewho feelunloved.”

Thehug'sglowdimmed.“Butwhatifshe throwsmeaway?”

“Shewon't,”saidSnuzzlegently.“Lila's hadahardtimelately.Herparentsarebusy, hercatranaway,andshedoesn'tknowhow toaskforhelp.Sometimes,whenpeoplehurt inside, it comes out as grumpiness on the outside.”

Thehugblinked.“Really?”

Snuzzle nodded. “Your job isn't to fix everything.It'storemindhershematters.”

Thehughesitated…thenslowlyfloated backtowardthesatchel.“Okay I'lltry.”

Snuzzlesmiled,scoopedthehugup,and zippedacrossthetowntowardLila'shouse. He slipped through her window, which was slightlyopen,andtiptoedintoherroom.

Lila lay curled in bed; her face turned toward the wall. Even in sleep, she looked sad.

Snuzzlereachedintohissatchelandgave the hug a gentle nudge “Go on,” he whispered.

The hug hovered over Lila and settled gentlyontoherchest.Awarmglowfilledthe room,andLila'sfrownslowlysoftenedinto thetiniestsmile.

“See?”Snuzzlewhispered.“Youbelong rightthere.”

The hug glowed brighter thanever

The next morning, Lila wokeupandfeltsomethingshe hadn't felt in weeks a little lighter Alittlewarmer

She couldn't explain why, but that day at school, she let someone borrow her coloured pencils. She even said “thank you” to the bus driver on the wayhome.

Andthatnight,Snuzzleflew acrossthestarsagainwithafull satchel of hugs, ready to share comfort where it was needed most.

PaperCraftStraws

KaleidoscopeofColoursCard/Papers

SuperTackyGlue120ml

LargeSelf-AdhesiveMagneticDiscs

PrimaryColoursAcrylicPaints

Scissors

Step 1 Start by cutting out the cups from coloured card and the drinks from coloured paper Cups and drinks template can be drawn or printed.

Step 2 To make the ice, cut a 1-inch cube out of the dish sponge, dip this into the white paint and print onto the drinks paper cut outs.

Step 3 For the orange & lime slices, cut out large and small circles. Cut the small circles into 6 segments or semi circles for slices. Glue these segments onto the large circles.

Step 4 To decorate the straws, cut a long piece of washi tape in half lengthways. Wrap this around your straw at an angle, to create a striped effect!

Step 5 Once everything is dry glue the straws to the cups. Next, glue the ice printed drinks on top Add the finishing touch, by gluing the fruit slices onto your drinks!

Step 6 To turn your summer drinks into magnets by gluing two magnets to the back!

My father is glad I have such nice friends; He often lets me bring them along, But he says that I should be careful That they do not make me do wrong.

When we try to keep each other happy, And help one another to always do right, Then I know we would always be friends, And never have to quarrel or fight.

But he smiled extra wide… because even when things go missing, a little love always findsitsway

Follow-UpQuestions: Why did the magical hug run away from Snuzzle's satchel?

WhatdidSnuzzleteachthe hug about people who seem meanorgrumpy?

HowdidLilaactdifferently thedayafterreceivingthehug?

We always need to cooperate with those with whom we interact at the various levels of our lives so as to get the most out of our relationships with them,aswellasintheeffortswemake everydaytomoveforwardefficiently

Simply put, we need to strive always to be a great teammate Whetheryouareinteractingwithothers at home, at school or at a workplace, you should always see that it is importantforyoutorealisethatyouare partofateam.

Make sure you do your part of the work at home, which includes keeping theplacecleanandingoodorder,along withalltheotherthingsthatareneeded.

Improveyourinteraction withallotherstoensure propercooperation

In your class, you should cooperate with your teacher and classmates so that everyone gets the mostoutofthetimespentthere.

If you are working, it would be much appreciated by your employer if youcanseeyourselfaspartofthewhole group, and work with all others to get the goods and services you deal with producedanddeliveredefficiently

Abasic part of this interaction is in our communication with others. One wayofbeingefficientinthisistorealise that we need to speak less and listen more. People have a natural habit of wanting others to listen to and accept theirownviews,andsotheylistenless towhatothershavetosay

In fact, many times people are so anxious to get their own perspective

Make cooperation as the basis of your life, and you will reap tremendous benefits from this practice.

across to others that they hardly ever listen. This of course lessens their chancesoflearningfromothers,which can serve to keep them from much information and opinion that would have enriched their own fund of knowledge.

Form a habit of really listening to others,andyouwillbesurprisedathow much you can learn, by which you can help yourself as well as see the opportunity to help others. In this effort,itistruethattherearetimeswhen youcanhelppeoplewithsomeproblem simplybylisteningtothem.

This happens because people can find their own solutions when they get theopportunitytoreallyexpresswhatis in their minds. Also, when they have someone who is willing to listen to them,theyfeelworthyandappreciated, which helps them in this search for the solutionstotheirproblems.

We all should be aware, by its very name that our country has been founded on principles that embrace cooperation,andweasapeopleshould beexamplesofthismodeofbehaviour

KROPKI

"Each number from 1 to 6 occurs once within each row and column. Digits in squares separated by white circles are always consecutive Digits in squares separated by black circles have a 2:1 relationship. All other pairs have neither attribute There is only one solution."

A Friend

A friend is one who reaches for your hand, One who shares his ideas and together you expand, When you are in trouble or pain, One who lends assistance and together you gain.

A friend is not selfish, cruel or heartless, He is not unmindful or helpless; A friend does not watch another in sorrow, But is always there today and tomorrow

A friend is caring, loving and kind, He is there with a wise and pure mind, He is not vulgar, rude or immature, But is there to solve, assist and cure.

A friend is always there to land a hand, He is not vain, proud or playing grand, He is there to ever offer a smile, And keep you happy through all life's trials.

So, just as you value a good friend, Be there for others with a helping hand to lend; Always be known for the good you do, And you will benefit from friendship too.

“If

Last week, while

watching my daily tech podcast, I heard four investors from a top Silicon Valley venture capital firm saysomethingthatmademe pause the video “We’re investing heavily in AI to replace all the low-wage jobs currently outsourced to developing countries,” one explained. “If the work can be done remotely, AI will eventually do it better and cheaper.”

Iimmediatelythoughtof Guyana, where many young people have found jobs in call centers and other outsourced services once seenassteppingstones,jobs that offered the promise of skilldevelopmentandsteady income But now, that promise is under serious threat.Arecentarticlein The Economist describedhowAI is already managing

Advancing Education, Technology & Innovation in Guyana…

theJobCanBeOutsourced,AICanDoIt”

– What Those Words Mean for Guyana’s Youth

customer service for major global firms, with one company replacing 90% of its overseas call center staff with AI chatbots operating 24/7,nobreaks,nosickdays, nocomplaints. This shift is not some distant possibility It’s happening right now It threatensentirejobsectorsin Guyana and the wider Caribbean, industries young people rely on today At the same time, it opens the door to remarkable opportunities for transformation in nearly every sector in Guyana Whether in education, healthcare, mining, agriculture, public safety, law, infrastructure, or manufacturing,AIoffersthe potential for increased operational efficiency, greater transparency, and improvedprofitability But to benefit, we must

have a capable population. And that brings us face-tofacewithoneofourgreatest national challenges, school dropouts.These are the very young people we need to train,empower,andretainif Guyana is to meet its developmentgoals.

Just last month, I spoke with a 19-year-old who told me, “Miss Karen, I didn’t like school, it was a waste of time, so I decided to help my family by going to work construction. The work is hard but my family depends onthemoneyIbringin.”His words stayed with me.They reveal a painful truth: when young people can’t see how education leads to real opportunity, they make choices that trap them in short-term survival rather thanlong-termgrowth.

EricSchmidt,theformer Google CEO who helped

build much of the digital infrastructure we use today, issued a stark warning in a recentinterview; “Nations that fail to produce enough engineers, computer scientists, and data-literate workers will become economically irrelevant.”

His words should shake us. Guyana is a nation of fewer than one million people, sitting on vast oil wealth. Yet over half of our workforce hasn’t completed secondary school. If we are not intentional, we will find ourselves rich in resources but poor in capacity, unable tomanageorinnovatewithin the very economy we’re building.

Otherdevelopingnations are moving with urgency Rwanda, despite its difficult past, has established a network of national

technology academies and AI research centers. India produces over 1 million engineering graduates every year, more than our entire population Singapore transformed itself from a resource-poor trading post into a global hub for technology and finance by aggressively investing in education and workforce development. These nations understand what Schmidt emphasized;intheageofAI, education is no longer just a b o u t p e r s o n a l advancement,itisamatterof nationalsurvival.

But education today must go beyond classrooms and textbooks It must prepare young people to be intellectually curious, resilient, and ready to pivot across careers throughout their lifetimes Literacy, numeracy, digital fluency, and problem-solving skills arethenewnon-negotiables. We must develop lifelong learners, young people capable of adapting to a rapidlyevolvingworld.

HereinGuyana,wehave a narrow window to act. Oil revenues give us the resources that others only dreamof,butthoseresources willbesquanderedifwefail to invest in human capital. Everybusinessleadershould beaskinghowtoupskilltheir employees Every school

shouldbeembeddingdigital literacy and project-based learning into its curriculum. Every parent must understandthattheirchildis growing up in a world completely unlike the one they knew, and must encourage exploration, reading, and learning far beyond the traditional classroom.

The investors I listened to made one thing clear, AI will not wait for us to catch up.Butunlikemanynations, Guyanahastheadvantageof size,youth,andcapital.

We are small enough to be agile, young enough to learn quickly, and wealthy enough, at least for now, to investboldlyinourfuture.

So the question is not whetherwecanprepare.The questioniswhetherwewill.

To the young people reading this, your future is notpredetermined. That phone in your hand is more powerful than the computers that sent humans to the moon. Use it to learn. Use it to build. Use it to mastertheskillsthatAIcan’t replicate, creativity, empathy, leadership, ethics. The world is changing fast, and Guyana needs your brilliancetohelpshapewhat comesnext.

The next decade will define us. Let’s not miss the moment.

Unique Art Dance School celebrates 16 years in dance

By Francwa Fortune

UCompany celebrates its 16 years of movement, memories, and meaningfulimpact

ThegroupbeganinJuly2009, small and passionate while under the leadership of the director KeltonJennings Todate,theonce small group has seen tremendous growth with over 100 students stretching across the Caribbean and schools in Guyana including Queen’sCollege.

When the group is scheduled to have major performances outside of Guyana, they include other dance instructors from GuyanaandJamaciatohelpshare their knowledge and experience, whichcontributestothegrowthof thestudentsinthedanceuniverse.

Jennings during an interview with The Waterfalls said that starting off with a humble beginning,thedanceschool/group danced their way into hearts, communities, and classrooms across the length and breadth of

thecountry,whiletakingthebeauty ofAfricandanceandthestrengthof theirroots.

He noted that while the group would present other dances at events,theirfocusandbaseisAfro

dance because “ It’s just what I have been good at naturally from the beginning so it was easier to guide the young ones with what camefromwithin.”

Over the years, the Unique Arts Dance School has been more than just a training ground; it has been a family, a platform, and a vessel for cultural expression With Jennings’ exceptional leadership,theschoolhasnurtured and mentored countless students, using dance as a transformative tooltoinspirediscipline,creativity, and pride in identity Their footprintsstretchbeyondGuyana’s borders.

“We’ve proudly performed and shared our culture in Suriname, Jamaica, and the United States, with hopes of

Some members of UniqueArt Dance School and Entertainment Company

reaching even more international stages in the years to come From competitions to community outreach, school programmes to national events, Mashramani celebrations, cultural showcases, and charity performances, Unique Arts has shown up and stood out,” Jenningssaid.

The school would host their annual productions called ‘Kaya Home in Africa’ on August 10 while they remain dedicated to preserving and promoting the art of traditional African dance, all while embracing other genres to showcase their versatility and evolution.

The school would also collaborate with government agenciesandkeystakeholders.

“This anniversary is not just

about years for us; it’s about lives we were able to change, barriers we broke, and a legacy built on love, resilience, and rhythm We’ve faced challenges, but together, we conquered them all,” hetoldTheWaterfalls Jennings expressed thanks to all parents, students/ dancers who passed through their studio He mentioned that their trust, cheers, presence, and support from the beginning have played a major roleinthegroups’movement.

He further shared that as they look to the future, the group remains rooted in their purpose and passionate about their mission

“The stage is far from empty UniqueArts is still dancing,” said thedirector

Director, Kelton Jennings

ByShaniaWilliams

If you've ever found

yourself cheating on your diet for something

irresistibly indulgent, then Dane Kennedy's desserts might be to blame His business, cheekily named 'Sweet Man,' is winning hearts and palates with delicious treats designed to make you surrender to your cravings without regret.

Kennedy, 35, has been baking for over a decade, but his love for foodstartedlongbeforehebecame

A craving you can't resist

acertifiedpastrychef.Growingup in a home where his mothe regularly baked, Kennedy developedanearlyappreciationfor sweetsandthecomforttheybring.

“Baking helps me to be regulated with everything going on around theworld,”hesays.

Though initially pursuing computerscienceattheUniversity ofGuyana,itwasapart-timejobas akitchenassistantatNightCapthat reroutedhiscareer “Iwashalfway throughmy[studies],”herecalls.

What started as a side hustle quickly became a passion

Upon returning to Guyana, KennedyworkedattheItalianGrill and then spent six years at Bistro Café&Bar Buthewantedmore.A year ago, he launched his own dessert business under the bold name Sweet Man—a nod to the Guyanese term for someone who might tempt you into sweet “trouble ” He explains, “It's

Rising to the occassion: Darshanie Tickapersaud's

journey from Lusignan to the world stage

Born and raised in Lusignan—a place not oftenseeninheadlines, the reigning Miss Teen India Guyana Darshanie Tickapersaud carries a heritage enriched by resilience and heart. Her earliest memories are rooted in warm family evenings, schoolbooks filledwithquestions,andaspiritof curiosity that never settled for silence. She was that child who alwaysasked“why?”andbelieved in“whatif?”

FromLaBonneIntention(LBI) Nursery to Annandale Secondary School, Darshanie's path was paved with quiet determination. She didn't just study hard—she soared. Graduating as the thirdhighest performer in her school, shecarriedwithhernotjustawards for science and excellence, but the unwavering belief that brilliance canbloomeveninthemosthumble places.

Yetwhatsetherapartaren'tjust her academic achievements—it's the balance she fought to hold between her intellect and her imagination.Inthesamebreathshe spoke of chemical reactions and molecular bonds, she sketched dresses in her notebooks and twirled to Bollywood melodies in her bedroom. Creativity wasn't a

distraction—itwasherlifeline. “While creativity keeps my soulalive,myheartisfirmlyseton a future in medicine,” Darshanie shared.Andthatfuturehasalready begun.At just 17, she works parttime at the Lusignan Diabetes

C o m p r e h e n s i v e C a r e Center filing patient charts, assisting medical staff, and absorbing every moment like a sponge. Each task, no matter how small, is a building block in her mission to become a doctor—not

organically sweet. Without paid promotions,SweetMangrewfrom under 100 to over 700 loyal followersinjustayear Attheheart of the brand is Kennedy's mission: todeliverdessertssosatisfyingthat customersfeelnothingbutjoyafter indulging.

Among the most talked-about items on the menu is the Guinness

recipes are his own, but he also draws inspiration from cooking showsandonlinevideos.

Customer feedback plays a major role in shaping his menu.

One memorable moment came during a pop-up event last Christmas A woman skeptical about the hype returned within 30 (Continuedonpage48)

just to treat, but to care, to serve, andtouplift.

But no part of her story is as powerful as the bond she shared

with her Nani, her grandmother, who remains the heartbeat of Darshanie's journey In high school's most overwhelming moments, when expectations threatenedtodrownher,Darshanie foundherselfreturningtoonequiet memory—her Nani's voice on the phone, gently reminding her, “Don't stress too much, Misho. Keep praying prayers move mountains.”

Her grandmother, a chef by trade and a giver by nature, didn't leave behind wealth—but she left behind something richer: a legacy ofcompassion.Herfood,herlove, her laughter these became Darshanie's safe place. And when Nani passed, that memory became alifeline.

So when Darshanie stepped on stage for the talent segment of the Miss Teen India Guyana competition, it was more than a performance—it was a promise. She danced to her Nani's favorite songsfromDevdas,channelingher love, her memory, her magic into everymovement.Itwasatribute,a farewell, and a vow to carry that spirit of selfless giving into everythingshedoes.

But even beauty queens have battles,youdon'talwayssee.

Beneath the smile and the sparkle, Darshanie has faced her own shadows anxiety, selfdoubt, and sadness that crept in quietly during high school. “Some days,” she says, “just showing up (Continuedonpage48)

From left to right: Mrs India Guyana - Malini Persaud, Miss India GuyanaRameshwarie Jairam, Miss Teen India Guyana - Darshanie Tickapersaud

Darshanie Tickapersaud's beloved Grandma who serves as her inspiration

A younger Darshanie Tickapersaud during an agricultural project at school

Some of chef Kennedy delicious treats and deserts

ByAllyiahAllicock

Havingyou feeli

, empow

and uniquely beautiful for just about any occasion, is the talented andcreativeJohannCrandon.

Thirty-year-old Crandon, is a professionalmakeupartistandhair stylist,andistheproudfounderand owner of 'Empress Glam Beauty Bar'.

Many of you may be familiar with Ms. Crandon because of the amazing work she has been doing in the local beauty industry, but today we will share with you scoopofwhatledherthere.

Just to give you an idea of who Ms. Crandon is, she is the holder of a Biology Degree and enjoys singing in live bands or doing backup singing for Mashramani competitions. She also has been playing steel-pan since the age of 12 and is currently playing with the reigning Panorama Champs, theKunjazSteelEnsemble.

Outside of that, she has

been a passionate and creative professional makeup artist and hair stylistwitheightyearsof experience in the field.

Speaking with The Waterfalls about her business which first started in 2017, Crandon recalleditallbegan“inmy mom'slivingroom.”

She shared that what sparked her interest was that she had always been passionate about the beauty industry,andbecauseofthat

sheisdedicatedtoenhancingone's natural beauty and bringing their unique personalities to life. “My goalisalwaystomakeeveryclient feel confident, empowered and uniquelybeautiful,”shesaid. Being initially self taught, Crandon related that in further developing and enhancing her skills she ultimately took a class with Senita Rodrigues from Trop BelleMakeupandthenOnicaNaar ofAuroraRushMakeupStudio. Having a knack for it, throughoutheryearsofexperience, (Continuedonpage48)

Tony's Auto Spares

to host inaugural Auto Financing and Insurance Expo

With34yearsintheautomotive industry Tony's Auto Spares has announced its inaugural Auto Financing and Insurance Expo, taking place at its newest outdoor showroomlocatedatLot1AreaD, Success&ChateauMargot,Public Road, E C D Over the three decades, Tony's Auto Spares has grownfromasmallautopartsstore intothelargestsupplierofvehicles, tyres,andautopartsinGuyana.

With three locations now operating across the country, including our head office at 72 Light Street, Alberttown, the East Coast branch at Le Ressouvenir, E C D, and the new Success location, the company remains committed to providing customers with convenience, value, and expertservice.

In a release, the company said “WealsohaveourDiamondbranch whichwillbeopeningverysoonon the EBD ” According to the

deals and advise.“In true Tony's style, we're making this more than just a transaction, it's an experience. Expo prices will be heavily discounted, and we'll have refreshments and live entertainment to keep the energy high,includingperformancesfrom DJ Static and Michael Ignatius… Our knowledgeable and friendly TeamTony's will also be available throughout the day to help guide customers toward the best vehicle, tyre,andautopartsoptionsfortheir individual needs and budget,” the releasestatedThecompanygavean open invitation to consumers whether they're looking to drive awaywithanewvehicle,orexplore financing options, or simply enjoy theday

“We invite everyone to come outandtakefulladvantageofwhat promises to be a truly exciting and valuable event,” the statement added.

Have a look at some of the clients Johann Crandon has provided her services to in the past.

Six contractors bid to construct Chenapou Health Centre

Six contractors have submitted bids to Region

Eight's Regional Democratic Council (RDC) to constructahealthcentreatChenapouVillage.

KaieteurNewsunderstandsfromthebidssubmittedtothe National Procurement and Tender Administration Board (NPTAB) office, all six contractors have bid below the engineer's estimate for the project. In its advertisement for bids,theRDCstatedthattheprojectisestimatedtocost$63 million. Anobservationofthebidssubmittedrevealedthat thecontractorsbidbetween$23millionand$61millionfor theproject.

MinistryofPublicWorks

Expressionofinterestforconsultingservices toconductStaffNeedsAssessment.

Bidder AmountTendered

PricewaterhouseCoopersAdvisoryServicesLimited -

Ernst&YoungServicesInc.(Guyana)

RegionalDemocraticCouncilofRegionEight ConstructionofHealthCentreatChenapouVillage.

Bidder AmountTendered

Jeeto’sConstruction

Forde’sConstruction&BusinessEnterprise

TrimGuyImporters&ExportersInc.

K&DContractingServices

$57,179,200

$55,204,200

$54,770,700

$61,641,400

$23,760,000

Expressionofinterestforconsultingservices forComprehensiveRoadSafetyAssessments StudiesandCapacityBuilding.

Bidder

FREDEngineeringS.r.I(Italy),SizweJackson ConsultancyService(Guyana/)

EXPServicesInc.(Canada),CB& AssociatesInc. (Guyana)

VielcaIngenieros(Spain),ARXGroupS.A (Switzerland),GREngineeringCompanyInc.(Guyana)

LTTransportLimited(UK),SRKN’gineering& AssociatesLimited(Guyana)

RITESLimited(India)

IMSEngineersInc.(USA),E&AConsultantsInc. (Guyana),VisionConsultLimited(Ghana)

AmountTendered

Thispublicationunderstandsthattheprojectformspartof the region's $1.1 billion budgetary allocation for health delivery It was reported that on numerous occasions, Minister of Health Dr Frank Anthony said that the government is constructing health centres and posts across thecountrytocomplementtheregionalhospitalsandensure modernfacilitiesforhealthcareworkersacrossthecountry

This is aimed at decentralizing and expanding the range of public healthcare services provided to citizens and enhancingaccessibilityforcommunitiesnationwide.

Since assuming office, the government said it has

GastoEnergyTaskForce

Independentengineeringconsultants(IEC)toprovide engineeringandoperationmonitoringservices fortheGas-to-EnergyProject.

Bidder AmountTendered

WorleyConsulting(UK) -

Sargent& LundeyLLC(USA) -

Independentconsultantstocarryoutindependent environmentalmonitoringservicesforthe government'sGas-to-EnergyProject.

Bidder AmountTendered

RambollIntegratedSolutionsInc.(USA)

AcornInternationalLLC&Environment ManagementConsultant(USA)

GuyanaLandsandSurveysCommission Deliveryoflightdetectionandranging (LIDAR)surveyforRegionOne.

Bidder AmountTendered

MediciLandGovernanceInc.(USA) (baselineprice)

$695,515 (contingencyprice)$800,515

Hexagon(USA) (contingencyprice)US$159,978

MahaiconyAbary-Agricultural DevelopmentAuthority Supplyanddeliveryofhigh-density polyethylenepipes.

Bidder AmountTendered

A&KConstruction&MaintenanceServices

DBLGroupInc.

N&KGeneralConstruction

HDInvestment

Wazeer

Teacher shot dead at wedding reception in Linden

enhanced healthcare access through the construction of 25 new health centres and health posts across the country Notably, close to 380 health facilities are operating in the country

KaieteurNewsunderstandsthatthehealthcentresthatare being constructed offer a wide range of services, including maternal and child healthcare, family planning, general outpatient services, chronic disease management, school health programmes, pharmacy services, and home visits, ensuringcomprehensivehealthsupportforallresidents.

Belowarethecompaniesandthebids:

Expressionofinterestforconsultingservicesforthe Assessmentofexistingstrategies,guidanceandstandards usedroaddesign,constructionandmaintenancefollowed bythedevelopmentorupdateortechnicalstandardsor otherdocumentsfortheroadtransportsectorinGuyana.

AmountTendered

Bidder

Vielca Ingenieros (Spain),ARX Group S.A (Switxerland), GR Engineering Company Inc. (Guyana)

EXPServices Inc. (Canada), CB &Associates Inc. (Guyana)

I.TTransport Limited (UK), SRKN’gineering & Associates Limited (Guyana)

SATRAServices & Solutions Private Limited (India), CaribbeanTransportation Consultancy Services Company Limited (T&T)

IMS Engineers Inc. (USA) E&AConsultants Inc. (Guyana),Vision Consult Limited (Guyana)

Frompage12 a form of leadership

“Today,Ichoosetostandin unity with the vision and imperfections of President IrfaanAli,notforapartybut for progress This election is notaboutnostalgiaorprotest It is about leadership It is aboutwhoisbestpositioned to navigate Guyana through the next phase of d e v e l o p m e n t a n d transformation We are a young nation with u

p

e c e d e n t e d opportunities, but also new vulnerabilities We must choose with discernment,”

$47,777,772

$45,558,397

$47,016,637

Figueira declared The former PNCR member praisedPresidentAli,saying that in him he sees a leader who understands the stakes, andthoughimperfectaman that is proven, and the vision of a united Guyana, prosperous and respected on the world stage aligns

withhisown. He assured that the timing of his statement is no accident, but he chose to wait until the party's list of candidates was presented because his decision was made purely as a service to hiscommunityandpeople.

“Iaskednofavorsformy decision to support the reelection of President IrfaanAlitotheofficeofthe president.

Iofferonlyservicetohis new government when reelected and to my community and country to which I am totally committed,”herevealed.

Figueira is urging the electorate to vote on substancenotsentiment

“LetusvoteforGuyana Let us vote for President Irfaan Ali, with enduring respect and solemn duty to the Cooperative Republic ofGuyana.”

FigueiraendorsesPres.Alifor...

Jenel Pollydore

Several injured in stampede at Reggae Sumfest, organisers enhance safety measures

Jamaica Observer — Reggae Sumfest organiser Downsound Entertainment says it is immediately implementing additional crowd control and safety measures after several patrons were injured in a stampede at the event on Saturdaymorning.

In a release, the organisers said Festival Night 1 of Reggae Sumfest 2025 drew what is arguably the largest turnout in the festival’s history, as fans from across the globe descended on Catherine Halltowitnessthecrowning of superstar Vybz Kartel as ‘KingofDancehall’.

Thesafetyandwellbeing of our patrons remain our highest priority We are undertaking a full review of the incident alongside security consultants and law enforcement, and we will be implementing additional crowd control and safety m

immediately,” the organisers

Entertainment said it extends “heartfelt concern for all those who were

unfortunateincident.

“Reggae Sumfest, in

Enforcement and Fire Brigade,remainscommitted to delivering a safe, worldclass experience to the people of Jamaica and our international guests tonight for Reggae Sumfest, Night II,”thereleaseconcluded.

“However, amidst the overwhelming excitement, the event experienced an incident during the early hours of Saturday morning thatresultedinastampede,” Downsound Entertainment said,adding“Unfortunately, the incident led to injuries among several of our patrons.” The release noted that “emergency response protocols were activated without delay, allowing our teams to quickly and effectively stabilize the situation.

Asection of the audience during Festival Night 1 at Reggae Sumfest on Saturday, July 19, 2025. (Photo: Karl McLarty)

WANTED VACANCY

Able-bodied Sales Rep needed, ages 18-30 years. Knowledgeofvehiclemodel willbeanasset.Contact:6191237.

Jobopenings:Truckdrivers, ExcavatorOperatorandSkid SteerOperator Toapplysend applications via Whatsapp: 689-1111/608-2114.

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FOR SALE

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For Sale 6 used American madeDentalchairsexcellent condition contact Mr Vino on661-3030or626-8918

Cementmixertrucks,Forklifts, skid steers, mini excavator, loaders, TM trucks, modelMtruck,BMWX3series.Contact:650-0402/6389929/652-0251.

Mixed German Shepherd pups for sale. Call/ WhatsApp:648-0111.

SERVICES

Elevate your brand with our professional Graphic design services. For more informationCall:619-0007, 629-5526.

VISAApplicationforUSA, Canada, UK, ETA, ETC. Natrualisation guidance + applicationfilling,ECT Tel: 626-7040.

PROPERTYFORSALE

Double lot properties for business and residential at Lot 4 Station Street, Kitty Georgetown. Call/ WhatsApp:332-250-9241.

One night Watchman needed.Formoreinfomation Call:612-2125.

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Experienced Salesman, knowlege in hardware & stocktaking,etcatKeyfood Mc Doom next to the Post Office.

Vacancy for Manager to workoncruiseboat.Experience in hotel industry. Send applicationto757-8231.

GeneralDomestic,Applyat Keyfood Mc Doom village nexttothepostoffice.4day work

LANDFORSALE

Primeland@AgricolaPublicroad.275x25,fence,sand filled, steel gate, etc. For moreinformationCall:6297426.

VEHICLES FOR SALE

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One Unregistered Nissan X-Trail2016model,Mode Premiere.FormoreinformationCall:649-0956.

2008ToyotaPremio,fully loadedwithdarkinterior. Excellent condition, 2.1 mil.Formoreinformation Contact:670-1705.

LANDFORSALE

North Road Bourda, Carmichael Street, Bent Street, New Providence & SilverHillHighway(20acres roadtoriver).Call:627-9685.

‘Empress Glam Beauty Bar’ for all...

From page 42 Crandon has been able to work in pageants, runway shows and behind the schemes for culture events in the country. “But I must say working with the young and up-coming artistes such as OmaiahHallandFaithCorrica as their hair stylist and makeup artist has got to be one of my proudest moments,” she added.

Speaking on her support over the years, the young woman described that it has been “remarkable and unwavering.” Crandon went on to share that what got her to the place she is in now, in terms of growth and development, was not any easy ride.

She recalled that along this journey there were challenging times. When questionedwhatthosemighthave been, she said, “first challenge was definitely fear of failure and self-doubt, but that quickly was put back on track by the support and encouragementofmyfamilyand friends.” Second, she noted

was balancing and pursuing adegreeandanewsmallBusiness. Noting it was pressure, she noted that it all came down to delegating her time and being disciplined.

After that, she recalled thentherewastheCOVID-19 pandemic,whichforcedalot of things to shutdown. At that time she was deciding to open her own salon, but had a few financial constraints. Lastly,shementioned“Burnout and Mental Health. Listen, working long hours, being on my feet did not work well with my body. I had to learn to rest, because a broken body can’t function, and thenpressuretoprovemyself or achieve fast success lead to so much stress. I had to learn to give myself grace.”

Nevertheless, she noted shewasabletoovercomethe challengesmainlywithperseverance,theloveandsupport from her mother and her strong faith and trust in the Lord. Crandonsaidthereisa lotmoreshewantstoachieve with ‘Empress Glam Beauty

Bar’. According to her, her long-term goal is to expand her salon into a true beauty barwherealltypesofbeauty serviceswouldbeofferedall in one space. “Rent stations and units to up and coming hair stylists and makeup artists to create a shared beauty space, so when people think ofaplacewheretheycanjust go for the day, relax and get all their services done, they think of Empress Glam Beauty Bar. I also aspire to onedaytravelinternationally to work as a makeup artist,” sheexplained.

Speaking of creating a spacetoincludeotherartists, Crandon is of the view that young entrepreneurs are somewhat an inspiration to others in our society, and are as beacons to simply help witheliminationofself-doubt and a huge reminder that “YouCanDoIt!”

She said, “I feel that in society today young entrepreneurs inspire not just the younger folk but even the olderfolkwiththeirdriveand

their work ethic by showing that success isn’t limited by age. They encourage peer leadership,collaboration,and often reinvest in their communities through mentorship, partnerships, or socialventures.”Meanwhile, whenaskedwhatmorecanbe done locally to boost small businesses in our country, she noted that more emphasis should be placed on media and awareness. “Local businesses should be featured on radio, newspapers, blogs, or social media. Success stories should be highlighted to inspire others to start or support local businesses,” she elaborated. Also, she suggested that services can be offered to businesses to create websites or social media pages to boost online visibility and digital marketing workshops. Want to hear more of Johann Crandon or connect with her business,youcanfindheron Instagram and Facebook or contact telephone number (592)626-1605.

RoraimaAirways commissions...

From page 15 aircraftwillallowRoraimaAirwaystoinnovateandredefine what is possible in the Caribbean and domestic aviation.

He told the gathering that Roraima Airways has never beencontentjusttofollowand by heritage him and his brother are pacesetters and are always looking for ways to innovate and raise the bar

Herecalledthattheywere the first in Guyana to introduceGPSnavigationsystems in the aviation environment, and were the first to implement spot tracker technology

which is a GPS technology that tracks aircraft minute by minutetherebyincreasingthe safetyandoperationalvisibilityforboththeteamandpassengers.

“And today we are building on that legacy by offeringGuyana’sfirstStarlinkintegrated aircraft so that our clientscansurfthewebwhich the clients were doing on the aircraft minutes ago, so that this cutting edge system we can have 100% internet connectivitywhetheryouareflying along the coast or in our hinterland or across to our

Caribbean destinations,” he related. AccordingtoCaptain GouveiaJr,thisinvestmentis aleapforwardinhowtheywill define the passenger’s experience in an era where connection is everything.

“A purpose built for regional travel and design for fuel efficiency, operational versatility and modern comfort, this aircraft will not just serve our hinterland communities we are also looking to expand in our Caribbean region, we are looking to connect Guyana being a centre of excellence and a hub of

aviationinnovationandhave that expand to our Caribbean brothers and sisters,” he noted.

Additionally,thiswillact as connection for increased trade,agriculture,tourismand cultural connection in the region.

Attheevent,theDirector GeneralofGCAAandGO-Investhead,Dr.Ramsaroopprovided brief remarks where they applauded the Roraima family on the acquisition of two new aircraft and noted it willplayanimportantrolein the country’s aviation sector

Risingtotheoccassion:Darshanie...

From page 41 feltlikeasilentvictory.”Itwas in those still moments, when her voice felt buried under pressure, that she learned the importance of self-love—not the kind that’s loud or performative, but the kind that’s soft, steady, and real.

Thatjourneyledhertoher purpose:tobecomeavoicefor others who are still learning how to love themselves. Through small acts—checkinginonfriends,speakingup

about mental health, and using her creativity to tell stories words can’t—Darshanie has become an advocate for those still finding their footing.

Her cause is simple but powerful: help others feel seen, believed in, and never alone.

Now, as Miss Teen India Guyana2025,Darshaniecarries more than a crown. She carries her culture, her struggles, her triumphs, and

her dreams—all the way to India.It’snotjustatrip;it’sa full-circle moment. The land of her ancestors now becomes the stage where she stands—no longer the little girldreaminginLusignan,but a young woman rising with purpose.

She’s not going to India just as a contestant. She’s goingasastoryteller Abridge betweentwocultures.Asymbol of what it means to rise, notinperfection,butintruth.

Darshanie Tickapersaud is ready to represent not just a nation—but every girl who’s ever felt small, every teen who’s ever struggled quietly, every young person who’s still learning that their voice matters.

According to her, this journey isn’t about being flawless.It’saboutbeingreal. Andinherauthenticity,inher heart, and in her hope— Darshanie is not just a queen; she’s a light.

‘SweetMan’desserts–acraving...

From page 41 minutes for more, and later called to reserve five slices. “She’s been a loyal customer ever since,” Kennedy says.

Despite the ups and downsofrunningabusiness, Kennedy sees ‘Sweet Man’ as just the beginning. “We would like to open our first

location and be more accessible.Fromtherewe’dliketo have several locations and become a household name,” he said. With passion, origi-

nality, and a whole lot of flavour,‘SweetMan’isquickly becoming more than a dessert brand; it’s an experience, one deliciousbiteatatime.

Israel slaughters another 116 in Gaza as starvation continues

Atleast116Palestinians, including 38 people near foodaidsitesinRafah,killed inIsraeliattacksacrossGaza onSaturday

Two more Palestinians, including a weeks-old baby, have succumbed to starvation, director of alShifa Hospital tells Al Jazeera, as UN says thousands in Gaza on the “verge of catastrophic hunger”.

Reuters reported that at least 36 people were killed by Israeli fire while they were on their way to an aid distribution site in Gaza at dawnonSaturday,according to the Gaza Health Ministry andNasserHospitalinKhan Younis. The Israeli military said it had fired warning shots at suspects who approached its troops after they did not heed calls to stop,aboutakilometreaway from an aid distribution site that was not active at the time.

G a z a r e s i d e n t Mohammed al-Khalidi said he was in the group approaching the site and heardnowarningsbeforethe firing began. “We thought theycameouttoorganiseus

so we can get aid, suddenly (I) saw the jeeps coming fromoneside,andthetanks from the other and started shootingatus,”hesaid.

The Gaza Humanitarian Foundation, a U.S.-backed group which runs the aid site, said there were no incidents or fatalities there on Saturday and that it has repeatedly warned people not to travel to its distribution points in the dark.

“The reported IDF (Israel Defence Forces) activityresultinginfatalities occurred hours before our sites opened and our understandingismostofthe casualties occurred several kilometres away from the nearestGHFsite,”itsaid.

The Israeli military said it was reviewing the incident.

“NOMORETIME” GHF uses private U.S. security and logistics companies to get supplies intoGaza,largelybypassing aU.N.-ledsystemthatIsrael alleges has let Hamas-led militants loot aid shipments intended for civilians.

Hamas denies the accusation. The U.N. has

Amourner reacts next to bodies of Palestinians killed in an early morning Israeli strike, according to medics, during their funeral at Al-Shifa Hospital in Gaza City, July 19, 2025. REUTERS/Mahmoud Issa

called the GHF’s model unsafe and a breach of humanitarian impartiality standards, which GHF denies.

On Tuesday, the U.N. rights office in Geneva said it had recorded at least 875 killings within the past six weeks in the vicinity of aid sites and food convoys in Gaza–themajorityofthem close to GHF distribution points. Most of those deaths were caused by gunfire that

locals have blamed on the Israelimilitary Themilitary has acknowledged that civilians were harmed, sayingthatIsraeliforceshad beenissuednewinstructions with“lessonslearned”.

At least 50 more people were killed in other Israeli attacks across Gaza on Saturday, health officials said, including one strike that killed the head of the Hamas-run police force in NuseiratincentralGazaand

11ofhisfamilymembers.

The Israeli military said that it had struck militants’ weapon depots and sniping postsinafewlocationsinthe enclave.

The war began when Hamas-led militants stormed into Israel on October 7, 2023, killing 1,200 people, mostly civilians and taking 251 hostagesbacktoGaza.

The Israeli military campaign against Hamas in

Gazahassincekilledaround 58,000Palestinians,mostof them civilians according to health officials, displaced almost the entire population andplungedtheenclaveinto a humanitarian crisis, leavingmuchoftheterritory inruins.

Israel and Hamas are engaged in indirect talks in Doha aimed at reaching a U S -proposed 60-day ceasefire and a hostage deal mediated by Egypt and Qatar,thoughtherehasbeen no sign of any imminent breakthrough.

At least 20 of the remaining 50 hostages in Gaza are believed to still be alive Einav Zangauker, whose son Matan was kidnapped from his kibbutz homeandisheldbyHamas, urged Israel’s leaders to makeadealwiththemilitant group “An entire people wants to bring all 50 hostages home and end the war,” Zangauker said in a statement outside Israel’s defence headquarters in Tel Aviv “MyMatanisalonein the tunnels,” she said, “He hasnomoretime.”

(Report taken from AljazeeraandReuters)

US restricts visas for Brazilian officials over Bolsonaro

‘witch-hunt’

Brazilian President Lula sharply criticizes the US move, calling it ‘arbitrary’ and ‘baseless’.

Aljazeera - Washington will restrict travel visas for Brazilian judicial officials and their immediate family members, United States Secretary of State Marco Rubio has announced, over what he called a “political witch-hunt” against former Brazilian President Jair Bolsonaro.

Announcingthemoveon Friday, Rubio accused Brazilian Supreme Federal Court Justice Alexandre de Moraes of creating a sweeping “persecution and censorship complex” that not only “violates basic rightsofBrazilians,butalso extends beyond Brazil’s shorestotargetAmericans”.

Current Brazilian

President Luiz Inacio Lula da Silva sharply criticized the US move on Saturday, calling it “arbitrary” and “baseless”, adding that the action violated fundamental principles of respect and sovereignty between nations.

“I am certain that no form of intimidation or threat, from anyone, will compromise the most important mission of Brazil’s powers and institutions, which is to permanently defend and uphold the democratic rule of law,” he said in a statement.

Brazilian newspaper O Globo also reported on

“Ihavethereforeordered visa revocations for Moraes andhisalliesonthecourt,as well as their immediate family members, effective immediately,” he said, without providing further details on who would be subjecttothemeasures.

Friday, without citing its source, that the US has revoked visas from seven more justices of Brazil’s Supreme Court. If accurate, the only Supreme Court judges not impacted would be Bolsonaro-appointed justices Andre Mendonca and Nunes Marques, and JudgeLuizFux.

The move by the US comes after Brazil’s SupremeCourtissuedsearch warrants and restraining orders against Bolsonaro on Friday, banning him from contacting foreign officials amid allegations he courted US President Donald Trump’s interference in courtcasesagainsthim.

Explaining his decision, MoraesaccusedBolsonaro–who was president from 2019 to 2023 – of attacking Brazil’s sovereignty by

encouragingtheinterference of the “head of state of a foreignnation”initscourts.

Bolsonaro’s ongoing trial relates to charges he attemptedtocarryoutacoup and overturn current Lula’s election victory in January 2023 The coup charges carrya12-yearsentence,and ifconvictedonothercounts, Bolsonaro could spend decadesbehindbars.

Bolsonaroisnowbanned from contacting foreign officials, using social media or approaching embassies. Hewasalsoprohibitedfrom contacting key allies, including his son Eduardo Bolsonaro, a Brazilian congressman working to drum up support for his fatherinWashington.

Federal police also raided Bolsonaro’s home and headquarters, with

authorities ordering him to wear an ankle monitor following Moraes’s ruling that there is a “concrete possibility” he will attempt tofleethecountry

Bolsonaro: ‘Trump of theTropics’

Speaking to the Reuters news agency at his party’s headquarters on Friday, Bolsonaro called Moraes a “dictator” and described the court orders as acts of “cowardice”.

“I feel supreme humiliation,” he said when asked about wearing the ankle monitor “I am 70 years old. I was president of the republic for four years,” headded.

On Friday afternoon, a five-judgepanelofSupreme Court judges reviewed and upheldMoraes’sdecision. Bolsonaro also said he

believed the court orders were a reaction to Trump’s criticism of his trial, in the latest indication that Washington’s interventions may be harming rather than helpingtheformerpresident. While Bolsonaro denied he planned to leave the country, he also said he would meet with Trump if hispassport,seizedbypolice lastyear,wasreturned.

When asked about Bolsonaro’s latest comments, White House spokesperson Anna Kelly said the former Brazilian leaderandhissupportersare “under attack from a weaponisedcourtsystem”. Trump has maintained friendlytieswithideological ally Bolsonaro – known as the“TrumpoftheTropics”–since the US leader’s first termfrom2017to2021.

Jamaica’s men’s 4x100m relay team emphatically punched their ticket to the WorldAthletics Championships in Tokyo.

SportsMax - Jamaica’s men’s 4x100m relay team emphatically punched their ticket to theWorldAthletics

Championships in Tokyo with a season-best 37.80 to win at the London Diamond LeagueonSaturday

The quartet of Rohan Watson, Oblique Seville, Kadrian Goldson, and Kishane Thompson

Sunday July 20, 2025

ARIES(Mar 21–Apr 19)

Tension may arise today, Aries.It'spossiblethatyou're either too dreamy or too practical to deal effectively with the issue. It's important to strike a balance The toughest part will be finding otherswhoagreewithyou.

TAURUS(Apr.20–May20)

Yesterday's trajectory may runintotroubletoday,Taurus. Your intrinsically dreamy nature is dragging down the action you initiated This conflict could create tension that will be difficult to resolve.

GEMINI(May21–June20)

Try to align your mind with youremotionstoday,Gemini. It's possible that a powerful yet subtle force is slowly pullingyouofftrack.

CANCER(June21–July22)

An emotional issue could be rubbing you the wrong way, Cancer Your impulse is to escape. Try to do so in a healthy manner Go see a movie or read a book. Don't fall prey to the temptation to indulgeinalcoholorfood.

LEO(July23–Aug.22)

Yourartisticsidewantstotake to the airwaves in some way, Leo Perhaps you should considerbuildingawebsiteor becomingacommentatorona localradioshow

VIRGO(Aug.23–Sept.22)

It may be apparent that what was so light and active yesterday is running into a few roadblocks today, Virgo. You're suddenly heading into a brick wall with some of the projects you've been working on.

Jamaica Books World Championships Spot with Blistering 4x100m

Victory in

London

LIBRA(Sept.23–Oct.22)

There may be dreaminess about your emotions today, Scorpio,whichcouldkeepyou from focusing on the task at hand. The aspects dictate that people may be stubborn and confused-andyou'relikelyto beoneofthem.

SCORPIO(Oct.23–Nov.21)

Little voices whisper in your ear and ask you to take flight and join them in the clouds, Sagittarius There's tension between what your heart and mind tell you. They're pulling you in very different directions.

SAGIT(Nov.22–Dec.21)

Recentspiritualbreakthroughs might have you feeling both exhilarated and downcast, Scorpio. Your sensitive side tells you that this is a definite step forward on your spiritual path.

CAPRI(Dec.22–Jan.19)

Something or someone may prod you to take action today, Capricorn. It may be best if you beat them to it and motivateyourself.Breakaway fromtheherdandgowherever youwanttogo.

AQUARIUS (Jan 20–Feb 18) You might experience a great deal of emotional confusion,Aquarius.There'sa debatebrewinginsideyou,and you're having a hard time deciding whether to be practicalormorefanciful.

PISCES(Feb.19–Mar 20)

It will be a challenge to keep youremotionsonanevenkeel today,Pisces.Conflictmaybe brewing and you might fear it could get out of hand Everythingwillworkout.

executed crisp baton exchanges and showcased their raw speed to finish ahead of Great Britain’s A team (38 08) and the Netherlands (38 17) The time propels Jamaica from 18th to 15th in the global rankings—safely within the top 16 needed for World C h a m p i o n s h i p s qualification.

finish.

GreatBritain’sAteamof Jeremiah Azu, Louie Hinchliffe, Romell Glave, and Zharnel Hughes settled forsecondin38.08,aseason best, while the Netherlands clocked 38.17 for third. A second British team ran 38.43infourth.

Justlastyear,Jamaica’s 38 45 clocking at the Paris Olympics left them teetering on the edge of elimination

But Saturday’s performance not only secured their qualification, itrocketedthemtothirdon t h e 2 0 2 5 w o r l d list trailing only South Africa’s world-leading 37 61 from the World Relays in March and the USA’s37.66.

Watson got Jamaica off to a solid start with a reaction time of 0.153 before handing to Seville on the backstretch Goldson blazed the curve, setting up Thompson, who stormed home to seal the victory

Thompson, the current worldleaderinthe100mat 9 75, anchored with trademark poise and power tobringthebatonhome

Thevictorywasacritical statement from Jamaica’s sprint programme, which had come under scrutiny for failingtosecureaqualifying time earlier in the season, despite its wealth of sprintingtalent.

Withthe37.80clocking, they now appear not only ready to contend in Tokyo butalsocapableofapodium

SunilDhaniram slams205notout...

Frompage57

Saturday with a plethora of

ScarboroughRegion. Blizzards, the former champion, will confront rivals Canadian Legends at DeanParkfacility

Blizzards team is currently occupying the number3spotonthepoints’ chart while Legends sitting at number 2 and defending champions GTA Storm is riding at the top. Eight teams are participating in this year’s edition The curtains are set to come down early September with thegrandfinale.

Meanwhile, Jamaica’s w o m e n ’s 4 x 1 0 0 m team featuring Shericka Jackson, Jonielle Smith, Tina Clayton, and Briana Williams—finished second in their race, clocking 42.50 behind Great Britain’s

world-leading41.69.France (43.54)andIreland(43.73,a nationalrecord)followed. But the day belonged to the Jamaican men, whose performance in London marked their fastest time since the 2020 Tokyo Olympics and reasserted their presence among the world’s elite relay nations. W i t h t h e W o r l d Championships now firmly on the horizon, the focus

Jamaican quartet looks like they’rejustgettingstarted.

SportsMax - Cricket West Indies (CWI) has announced a new and dynamic two-year partnership with globally renowned beverage brand Coca-Cola

This will designate Coca-Cola as the Official Soft Drinks Partner and will see POWERADE and Dasani water named the Official Hydration Partners o f C W I T h i s collaboration marks a historic moment in the world of cricket and reinforces Coca-Cola’s commitment to celebrating and supporting the global sportscommunity

The partnership, secured through the Coca-Cola Caribbean System, took effect from June 24, 2025, just ahead of the men’s legs

oftheWest Indies “FullAh Energy” Home Series, which bowled off with the first Test Match between West Indies and Australia at the Kensington Oval in Barbados

Dasani Water and Powerade will be provided for all CWI cricket operations, including youth and high-performance programmes.

Cricket West Indies’ CEO, Chris Dehring, spoke on the importance of such a partnership.

“Hydration plays a critical role in athlete performance, safety, and recovery, and ensuring consistent access to highquality hydration solutions across all levels of cricket from grassroots and age-group programmes

CWI Announces New Two-Year Partnership with Global Beverage Giant Coca-Cola

Franchise Operations Caribbean at the Coca-Cola Company

“Through POWERADE and Dasani, we are bringing science-backed hydration solutions to players in the Caribbean, helping them to stay at their peak performance.”

In addition to hydration, Coca-Colawilltakethelead

to our elite men’s and women’s teams—is a top priority for CWI,” Dehring said.

“This partnership ensures that the hydration needsofeveryplayeracross the region are met, reinforcingourcommitment to player welfare, p

development,”headded.

This partnership underscores Cricket West Indies’ commitment to delivering world-class cricket experiences while working alongside globally respectedbrandstogrowthe g a m e a n d i n s p i r e generations of Caribbean fans.

“We are incredibly excited about this partnership with the CWI,” said Vineet Singhal, VP

o n e v e n t a n d f a n engagement, leveraging their global brand power to activate across CWI events, venues, broadcast, and digitalplatforms.

“This partnership also

represents a strategic alignment focused on enhancingthematchdayand fan experience across the region,”saidDehring.

“It marks a new chapter i n h o w w e b u i l d relationships with global commercial brands. CocaCola, POWERADE and Dasanibringnotonlyworldclass products but also unmatched expertise in consumerexperiences.

Their support will help us enhance our events and deepenconnectionswithour fans.” Carlos Diaz, VP

International Operations, KOSCAB Holding Limited added,“Cricketismorethan just a sport; it is a unifying f o r c e t h a t b r i n g s communities together and inspires passion and pride. We aim to continue to support the development of cricket in the Caribbean and provide fans with unforgettable moments both onandoffthefield.”

Coca-Cola, one of the world’smostrecognizedand respected brands, has a long history of association with major global sporting properties,includingcricket.

Guyana suffered mixed results this past weekend as theWomensufferedabrutal loss at the hands of Windwards, while Romeo Deonarain’s ton helped script a commanding 9wicket win over the USA when Regional U19 Rising Starsactioncontinued.

OnSaturday,Windwards stomped their way to 53 without loss, replying to Guyana’s lackluster innings which saw them tumble to just 51 all out in the 17th overs Opener Amiah Gilbert led with a thumping 28-ball42with7sixesanda four while Delisha Francois (7*) played the anchor role

at the other end as Windwards reached their targetinamere8.2overs.

OnlyCrystalDurant(11) got into double figures for Guyana, who suffered a number of horrific losses thisseason.

Gilbert completed a majestic game with 5-12 which helped dismantle Guyanaearlyon,alongwith DaisyWoods(2-14). Meanwhile,intheMen’s

U19 leg, Guyana skipped to acommanding9-wicketwin overtheUSA,afterracingto 181-1chasing180.

In-form opener Romeo Deonarain stroked a classy 102notoutoff113runswith 11 fours and a six, with RampersaudRamnauth(38) and Shamar Apple (19*) helpingtosteerthechase.

USA batting first, were keptto180alloutin45overs withRahulBassu45*,Ansh Bhoje ((32), Amogh Arepally (28) and Shawn Jindal (25) finished as the top-scorers.

Spinner Riyad Latif had aclassygameashegrabbed 6-23, while Nityand Mathura (4-44), helped rattletheUSAside.(Clifton Ross)

Romeo Deonarain slammed a majestic ton for Guyana.

Indies

Coca-Cola.

Linden cruiserweight boxer James Moore injured after being hit by car while training

Promising cruiserweight boxing prospect James Moore from Blueberry Hill Linden,hadhispreparations for an upcoming bout against overseas-based Guyanese boxer Laurex Stewart on August 9 placed in serious doubt, after he suffered injury to his right ankle after being struck whiletrainingontheLinden Highway in Amelia’s Ward

yesterday (Saturday) morning.

Looking highly upset by this setback the 28-year-old was grimacing in obvious pain, when visited at his homeyesterdayafternoon.

He is expected to return to the Linden Hospital tomorrow (Monday) where he expects to see a bone specialist.

After being struck down on the road by a car, he was taken to the medical institution where he was treated and sent away Police, according to information received, had detainedthedriverofthecar and are investigating the circumstances surrounding theaccident.

Moore’s scheduled fourth professional fight next month now seems likelytobeputonhold.

Hehadwonhisfirstthree previous fights so far, since becoming a professional in 2021 and his last fight was against James Walcott, which he won by knockout in2022.

HistrainerOrlon‘Pocket Rocket’ Rogers said, “Last night he went on a short jog at Obama Drive to Bamia andback.So,Itoldhimthis morningwhenhegetsup,he would do some more work andstartthisafternoon.”

Moore said he was eagerly looking forward to this title fight next month, since he was certain of coming out victorious and “thisisabigsetbackforme.”

on Linden Highway

Stage set for ExxonMobil Inter District Kayaking championship set for Watooka Club today, teams round off practice yesterday in Linden

Chief organizer of t h e E l i t e Kayaking and Nature Tours Dr Deon Anderson has expressed satisfactionaheadoftoday’s second leg of the ExxonMobil National Inter District Kayaking Championships which takes placeontheDemeraraRiver next to the Watooka Club House,intheminingtownof Linden.

Looking forward to the completion of this year’s ExxonMobil sponsored kayaking event involving schoolchildrenfromaround the country, Dr. Anderson offered to say: “…the preparations are coming along nicely where we have theschoolsdistrictteamsand coaches having arrived F r i d a y, h a d f i n a l preparations yesterday startingat8.00am.”

Today the action gets paddling off on the Demerara River next to the WatookaClubat11.00am.

ThehostteamDistrict10 are the defending champions, having won the

title last year for the second time, having won the inaugural competition in 2022, but were dethroned in 2023byDistrict9Rupununi, beforereboundingtocapture itbacklastyear

Apart from District 10

U p p e r D e m e r a r a /Kwakwani, the other competing district teams are District 1 North West, District 2 Essequibo Coast / Pomeroon, District 4 East Coast Demerara, District 7 Bartica, District 8 Potaro/ SioaruniandDistrict14East BankDemerara.

Dr. Anderson said “you have lots of students who will be coming with lots in that field of kayaking experience including those from the East Coast with President’s College students brimming with confidence after capturing the Inter Schools title recently”

This event which has ExxonMobil as its title sponsors, according to Dr Anderson, will see good participation and there are othercorporatesponsors.

He remarked, “District 1 North West is bringing their supporters,District7Bartica and District 4 East Coast, District 14 East Bank Demerara and of course hometeamDistrict10Upper Demerara/ Kwakwani will have the advantage of being athome.”

Headdedthatwhilethere will be so much excitement with the races on the water top, there will be “so much entertainment on the ground and lawns of the Watooka Club for the entire family, especially a huge kids section. ” H e s a i d ExxonMobilwillhavelots of giveaways for those attendingtheeventaswell as many other attractions forthefamily

This year’s champions will receive $600,000, the champions’ trophy and gold medals which the second placed winners take home $400,000 a trophy and silver medals while third position finishers will pocket $250,000, a trophy and bronzemedals

James Moore and his trainer Orlon ‘Pocket Rocket’Rogers.

Linden boxer James Moore

Slingerz Football Club, the current leaders and only undefeated team in the Guyana Football Federation (GFF) Elite League, has officially launched its new football kit for the 2025/2026season.

In a bold move to redefinethefootballapparel landscape in Guyana, Slingerz FC partnered with Miami-based sportswear suppliers SQ Apparel to create a unique and professional design that reflects the club’s ambition,

BAGNERES-DE-LUCHON,

Slingerz FC unveils new kit for 2025/2026 Season …rolls out

heritage, and dominance on thefield.

The newly unveiled kit comes in both home and away colours and proudly displays the logos of the club’s main sponsors, ShiOil, Golden Arrow Milk, Kabisa, AdNation, and

Arensman gives Ineos something to cheer about as doping cloud hangs

France, (Reuters) - ThymenArensman gave IneosGrenadierssomethingtocheerabout,despite adopingcloudhangingovertheteam,ashe won the 14th stage of the Tour de France followingasuperbsolorideinthe182.6-km mountain trek between Pau and SuperbagneresonSaturday Slovenian Tadej Pogacar retained the overallleader’syellowjerseyashetooksecond placebybeatingchiefrivalJonasVingegaardin atwo-mansprintfinish,oneminute12seconds behindArensman,thefirstriderfromtheBritish outfit to win on the Tour in two years Ineos Grenadiers have been facing questions about oneoftheirteamcarers,whoisatthecentreof allegations involving alleged message exchanges in 2012 with a doctor connected to the notorious Operation Aderlass doping scandal, which rocked the sporting world in 2019 Bradley Wiggins won the Tour in 2012 withtheteam,whichwasthenknownasTeam Sky before Chris Froome went on to win anotherfourforthesquad.

Theteamcarerwasseenatthebeginning oftheTourinLillebuthasnotbeensightedin recent days. “I have no idea about this, you have to ask the management about this. I’m justfocusedonmyjob,doingmyownthing,” Arensman told reporters. Ineos Grenadiers were not immediately available for comment.Although no formal charges have been brought, the development has cast a shadowovertheteam’sTourcampaign.

“IneosGrenadiersCyclingTeamisaware of recent media allegations relating to the 2012seasonandamemberofitsstaff.These allegationshavenottodatebeenpresentedto the team by any appropriate authority,” the teamsaidinastatement.

The team added that it had formally requestedinformationfromtheInternational Testing Agency (ITA) and reaffirmed its zero-tolerance policy regarding doping violations.TheITAtoldReutersitwouldnot

incentives for players on sale of personalized jerseys

ServiceGuyana.

The design blends modern aesthetics with cultural inspiration, offering fans a jersey that is both fashionableandsymbolicof theclub’sidentity

Meanwhile, Slingerz FC

also announced an innovative incentive-based programmetiedtothesaleof personalizedjerseys.

The regular replica jersey will retail for GY$10,000, while fans can purchase customized versions featuring their favouriteplayers’namesand numbersforGY$12,000.

Notably, 20% of the revenue from each personalized jersey will go directly to the player featuredontheshirt.

“Let’s say someone

Benjamin or Darron Niles shirt, 20% of the sales from those shirts will go to that particular player,” said RawleToney,VicePresident ofSlingerzFC.“It’sawayto market and promote our players, while also incentivizingtheuseoftheir name, image, and likeness byourclub.”

Localfanscanplacetheir orders by messaging via WhatsApp/Text/Call (7413267),orbysimplyreaching to the club’s various social mediaplatforms.

Fans living overseas can conveniently order online via SQ Apparel’s official w e b s i t e (https://www.sqapparel.com /slingerz).

Asthesecondhalfofthe

GFF Elite League kicks off, Slingerz FC is calling on fans nationwide to show their support by wearing theircoloursproudly

“We want to flood the football spotlight with SlingerzFCshirtsallacross Guyana,” said the club in a statement. “Our goal is to becomeahouseholdnamein Guyanese football, and this kit launch is just the beginning.”

With nine wins from nine games, Slingerz FC remains the only team with a perfect record in the Elite League

Theclubreturnstoaction on August 3, with a highly anticipated clash against Western Tigers at the National Track and Field Centre.

furthercommentonthematter BLOODTRANSFUSIONS

OperationAderlass, which began with a raid during the 2019 Nordic World Ski Championships in Austria, implicated athletesandmedicalpersonnelacrossseveral sports,includingcycling.

The doctor at the centre of the case, Mark Schmidt,waslaterconvictedandsentencedto prison for administering illegal blood transfusions OntheTour,defendingchampion Pogacar extended his lead over Dane Vingegaardinthegeneralclassificationbysix secondsto4:13attheendofthePyreneanstage, where Belgian Remco Evenepoel, who had startedthedayinthirdplaceoverall,abandoned ThedaybelongedtoArensman,however,asthe Dutchmanwentsolofromtheday’sbreakaway in the penultimate climb to the Col de Peyresourde(71kmat78%)beforehisteam carhitandknockeddownaspectatoramidthe usual roadside chaos on the Tour Arensman neverlookedbackandheldfirmonhiswayupto Superbagneres(124kmat73%)asVingegaard attacked several times in an attempt to drop Pogacar

Buttheworldchampiondidnotflinchand easilybeathisrivalinthefinalmetrestofurther cementhisdominance “Ican’treallybelieveit I got sick after the Giro, but I had a good preparationgoingintomyfirstTour Ihadtobe patient and wait for the mountains to try my luck This is unbelievable, the way I did it today,”Arensmansaid “Ihadamazinglegsand I’mintheshapeofmylife IthoughtwithTadej andJonasinthefavouritesgroupthreeminutes behind,IwasnotsureIhadenough,butIheld themoff”Thepeloton,controlledbyPogacar’s UAE Team Emirates-XRG, reduced the gap withthebreakawayfromfourtojustovertwo minutes, giving the sense that the Slovenian wouldgoforthewin

But Arensman had other ideas and he went on his own in the Col de Peyresourde andneverlookedback.

(L-R) Romaine Brackenridge, Darron Niles and Jobe Caesar. 2

Chase’s Academic to hunts double title today

...as Petra-ExxonMobil U14 Football tournament concludes

The stage is set for the ultimate Under-14 football showdown as the Petra Organisation crowns its champions in the Sixth Annual ExxonMobil Boys’ and Girls’ Schools Football Tournament today at the Ministry of Education Ground.

Overthepastfourweeks, football fans have been treated to some of the most entertainingandcompetitive U14 action in recent years. From the first whistle to the roar of the crowd, the tournament has showcased the best of youth football, and now the country’s top teams are ready to battle for supremacy on the grandest stage.

The journey to the finals has been electrifying Chase’s Academic Foundation continues to stamp its authority on schools football, with both its boys’ and girls’ teams marching into today’s finals unbeaten Aiming for a historic double title, the Georgetown-based institution has once again proven why it is a powerhouseatthislevel.

Bartica has also made a strong statement, sending two of its best teams to the grand finals, ensuring that the finals are a true clash of titans.

The Boys’final, Chase’s AcademicversusThreeMile Secondary Chase’s Academic, the defending champions, are determined toretaintheirtitlewhenthey face Three Mile Secondary fromBarticaat17:00hours.

Led by captain Nyron Barrow and featuring standout talents such as Jashan Haynes, Fabio Kowlessar, and Trevon Glasgow, Chase’s has been

ExxonMobil’s SixthAnnual U14 Football tournament to crown champions in both Boys’and Girls’division today

themostdominantsideinthe tournament.However,Three Mile, anchored by the dynamic trio of Simeon Martindale,Aaron King and JoshuaJames,hasimpressed with its resolute, army-like defense and will be eager to upset the champions. With nothing to lose, Three Mile enters the final hungry for glory, setting up what promises to be a gripping encounter.

On the girls’ side, Bartica Secondary takes on tournament debutants Chase’s Academic Girls in what is expected to be anotherthriller

Both teams are unbeaten, but Bartica has beenruthless,dominating every opponent with clinical attacking football

Chase’s, known for its rich tradition in schools football, has assembled an impressive female squad, boasting a

consistent frontline and disciplined defending Their tactical approach a n d s p i r i t e d performances over the past weeks suggest they will be a formidable challenge for Bartica in the titlematch.

Before the finals, fans will be treated to a series ofplacementmatches.

In the girls’ division, Marian Academy will face Waramuri Secondary for the third-place spot, with Haley Haberkorn and her teammates set for one last battle on the pitch at 14:00 hrs

Following that, Abram Zuil will go head-to-head with Bush Lot Secondary for fifth place, while East Ruimveldt will take on Vreed-en-Hoop in the seventh-placeplayoff

Over in the boys’ division, West Ruimveldt will meet Waramuri Secondary in the much-

anticipatedthird-placeclash. Dolphin Secondary will battle St John’s College for fifth and sixth place, and East Ruimveldt will lock horns with Bygeval Secondaryforseventh.

The Petra-ExxonMobil U14 tournament has once again highlighted the depth of young talent in Guyana. Today promises to be a fitting finale to an actionpacked season, and fans are encouraged to turn out in numbers to witness the crowning of the 2025 champions.

The tournament is made possible through the generous support of ExxonMobil Guyana, with additional sponsorship from Demerara Mutual, Stena Drilling, MVP Sports, SkyTec Enterprise, and ICee Soft Drink It is officially sanctioned by the Ministry of Education and the Ministry of Culture, YouthandSports.

GCB announces teams for National Under-17 trials ahead of Regional Tournament

TheGuyanaCricketBoard(GCB)hasnamedtwoteams to participate in a pivotal two-day Under-17 trial match scheduledforJuly22and23attheLusignan(LBI)Groundon theEastCoastofDemerara.

ThistrialfixtureformsacrucialpartoftheBoard’searly preparation for the upcoming Cricket West Indies (CWI) Regional Under-17 Tournament, which will take place in Trinidad&TobagofromAugust11toSeptember2,2025.

Thematchwillserveasthefinalopportunityforplayersto impress selectors before the national squad is announced.

Following the trial, the selected group will move into an encampmentstartingAugust2astheteamwillcontinuetoits build-upfortheregionalcompetition.

Herearethetwoteams:

TeamA

RichardRamdeholl,MarcellNandu,ThierryHenry(wk), Adrian Hetymer (captain), Nicholas Lovell, Jonathan Mentore,GibranYacoob,DaneshPersaud,NavendraSankar, Arif Khan, Ramesh Singh, Erin Benjamin, Elisha Ramdatt andGavinKisten.

TeamB

Jatahniel Nurse, Vishal Williams Lomar Seecharran, Emmanuel Lewis, Devin Lallbeharry, Dave Mohabir (Captain), Feeaz Baksh, Sohail Mohamed (wk), Shane Prince, Darwin Joseph, Dennis Crossman, Bomesh Lall and ReazLatiff.

The Guyana Cricket Board extends best wishes to all playersandlooksforwardforacompetitivematchup.

Alfred, Seville sparkle as Caribbean athletes shine, stumble at London Diamond League

JulienAlfred stormed to a world-leading, meet record and personal best 21.71 seconds in the women’s 200m.

SportsMax - St Lucia’s Julien Alfred and Jamaica’s Oblique Seville stamped theirauthoritywithstunning performances at the London leg of the Wanda Diamond League,astheydeliveredthe kind of speed and precision that turned heads and raised expectations ahead of the

W o r l d A t h l e t i c s Championships. Alfred, the Olympic 200m silver medalist, stormed to a world-leading, meet record and personal best 21.71 seconds in the women’shalf-lapevent.Her performance blew past the previous meet record of

21 82s set by American Gabby Thomas and left the British pair of Dina AsherSmith (22.25s) and Amy Hunt(22.31s)inherwake.

In the men’s 100m, Seville stunned rivals, as all the pre-race talk centred around Olympic champion Noah Lyles and Botswana’s

Sunil Dhaniram slams 205 not out for Toronto Blizzards in Canada

Left-handed opening batsman Sunil Dhaniram waltzed his way to a destructive, unbeaten205tohelpTorontoBlizzardsbeat Friendship Masters by 184 runs in the continuationoftheOntarioMastersSoftball Cricket Clubs Over-50 T20 competition on Saturdaylast.

Dhaniram,whoplayedforGuyanaatthe first-class level and also Canada internationally, plundered 25 sixes and 9 fours as Toronto Blizzards galloped to a daunting347-1fromtheallotted20-overs. FriendshipMasters,inreply,finishedoff proceedings at 163-5 (20-overs) at Lester B PearsongroundinScarborough.

Dhaniram also shared a prolific, admirable336-runopeningpartnershipwith skipper Shiv Seeram, who cracked a blistering,boundary-studded111.

Seeram,theright-hander,strucktensixes and six fours during his 46-ball show at the crease.

Dhaniram,theyoungerbrotherofformer Guyana and USA batsman Sudesh Dhaniram,occupiedthecreasefor69balls. ForFriendshipMasters,KamalBakshhit afighting39tobetheprincipalscorerwhile Bora Gangadeen contributed 34 not out and Sunny Ramdahar with 32 before he retiredout.

Veteran Khem Singh took two wickets for 20 runs from his maximum three overs, deliveringforthevictoriouscombination.

Meanwhile,Dhaniramexpresseddelight with his second softball double-century He attributedthissplendidsuccesstohard-work andcommitmentatthecrease.Hementioned

playing consistently and competitively is alsoatestamenttothismilestone.

Seeram featured for Canada as well at highest level while he would have representedGuyanaattheregionalyouth(U19)level.SeeramisthesmallerbrotherofexGuyana first-class middle-order batsman RabindranauthSeeram.

Thecompetitionisslatedtocontinueon (Continuedonpage50)

rising star Letsile Tebogo. But Seville had other plans, as he exploded out of the blockstopostanimpressive 9.86 seconds, beating Lyles (10.00s) convincingly, with Great Britain’s Zharnel Hughes (10.02s) and fellow Jamaican Ackeem Blake (10.08s)inthechasingpack. Elsewhere, the results were a mixed bag for the Caribbeancontingent.

In the women’s 400m hurdles, Jamaican duo Andrenette Knight and Janieve Russell placed third (57 39s) and eighth (1:00.55), respectively, as Dutchwoman Femke Bol registeredadominant52.10s victory American Jasmine Jones(53.18s)wassecond.

Shafiqua Maloney of St Vincent and the Grenadines clocked 1:58.47 for fifth, while Natoya Goule-Toppin of Jamaica struggled to find her best and finished eighth in 1:59.27 in the women’s 800m.Theracewastakenby Great Britain’s Georgia Hunter Bell (1:56.74), who produced a brilliant late surge American Addison Wiley (1:57 43) and Uganda’s Halimah Nakaayi (1:57.62) were second and third,respectively

The men’s long jump saw Jamaican Wayne Pinnock, who confirmed his movetoTürkiye,finishtops withaleapof8.20mtoedge Greek Olympic champion Miltiadis Tentoglou

(8 19m) Jamaica’s Carey McLeod sealed third place with 8.10m, as Tajay Gayle didnotstart.

In the men’s discus, Olympic champion Roje Stona, also rumoured to be switching national allegiancetoTürkiye,placed sixth with a 64.71m effort. The event was won by Mykolas Alekna of Lithuania,whoflungthedisc a massive new meet record of71.70m.

Meanwhile, Jamaican standout Lamara Distin couldonlymanage1.85min the women’s high jump, as sheendedthedayinseventh. TheeventwaswonbyGreat Britain’s Morgan Lake at 1.96m.

Sunil Dhaniram

(L-R) Romaine Brackenridge, Darron Niles and Jobe Caesar

ChaseAcademic Foundation on the verge of retaining ExxonMobil U14 title …led by Nyron Barrow (right), Three Mile’s captain Simeon Martindale stays locked in on final.