Tajiri reports expanded gold zones at Yono, close to key Canadian operations”
The
…saysU.S. underminedtrust
down in front
Man gunned city hotel
KaieteurNewsPublisher Glenn Lall has once again raised concerns about ExxonMobil contract delivering blistering critique of Guyana’s oil sector while accusing both government leaders and oil giant of presiding over what he describes as a system designedtokeepthecountry rich on paper but poor in reality.
I n a f i e r y a n d
emotionally charged commentary on Kaieteur Radio last Monday night on his Glenn Lall Show, Lall warnedthatunlessGuyanese citizens wake up to what he called “a deliberate design,” the consequences would be irreversible and selfinflicted. He said for years, Guyanesehavebeentoldthat oil would transform the nation. According to him, since first oil in 2019 from the Stabroek Block, successive administrations have touted rapid economic growth, global recognition, andafutureofsharedwealth.
“Indeed, Guyana has recorded some of the fastest GDP growth rates in the world, driven largely by
offshore oil production, but beneath these glowing statistics lies a troubling contradiction.Ifoilwastruly transformingGuyanapeople would not still be struggling to eat, pay bills, and survive.”
THE 50% ILLUSION Lall further zeroed in on the Production Sharing Agreement (PSA) signed between Guyana and ExxonMobilanditspartners. The contract states that Guyanareceivesa50%share of profits after costs are recovered. But according to Lall, this is where the deceptionbegins.
He explained that under the agreement, ExxonMobil isallowedtotakeupto75% of daily oil production as “cost oil” to recover its investment. The remaining 25%—termed “profit oil” is then split equally between the company and Guyana. The result, he said Guyana effectively receives just 12.5%oftotaloilproduction during the cost recovery phase.“Thatisnothalf,”Lall emphasised: “That is half of aquarter.”
Kaieteur News has
previously reported on this structure, pointing out the absence of key safeguards such as ring-fencing, which allows companies to charge costs across multiple projects, prolonging the period before Guyana sees larger revenues. Lall has argued that ExxonMobil has created a cycle that prevents Guyana from ever reaching the point of full profit sharing.
He pointed to the successive development of projects: Liza Phase 1, Liza
Phase 2, and subsequent developments such as Payara and Yellowtail as evidence of a rolling system of cost recovery According to him, just as one project nears repayment, new projects are introduced, adding fresh costs to the ledger This, he says, keeps Guyana locked into the 12.5% bracket. Lall has previouslywarnedaboutthe lack of ring-fencing provisions in the PSA: meaning costs from new developments can be deducted against revenues from producing fields. He has argued before that this allows ExxonMobil to continuously defer higher paymentstothecountry
“This is not investment anymore,” Lall declared “This is our oil paying for theirexpansion.”
Stillontheissueofringfencing, he said this provision would prevent companies from using costs from new projects to offset profits from existing ones. “Without it, revenues from producingfieldscanbeused t o f i n a n c e f u t u r e developments, effectively delaying the country’s access to higher profit shares.”
Lall insists that introducing ring-fencing could immediately change Guyana’s financial trajectory “The contract does not prevent it,” he argued.“Itcanbedone.”Not
justLall,butseveralotheroil experts and transparency advocates both locally and overseas have urged the governmenttorenegotiateor strengthen oversight mechanisms.
Turning his attention to Guyana’s ballooning debt Lallpointedoutthatbetween 2020 and 2026, more than US$60 billion worth of oil has been extracted from Guyana’s waters. “Yet during the same period, the country has climbed from approximately US$2 6 billion to around US$10 billion ” However, Lall questions the logic of rising debt in the face of unprecedented oil revenues.
“When a country earning billions keeps borrowing more, something is definitelywrong...”
Thebusinessmanalleged thatprojectcoststhemselves may be inflated—a claim that, if true, would further disadvantage Guyana Higher costs he said mean more oil diverted to cost recovery, reducing the share available to the country Kaieteur News has previously reported on concerns raised by experts regarding the auditing of oil expenses While the government has initiated audits of ExxonMobil’s claims, questions remain aboutcapacity,transparency, and enforcement. Guyana
contractedauditorshavealso flagged discrepancies in costs recovered by ExxonMobil,whichisyetto beresolved.
“If costs are inflated,” Lall said, “then Guyana is not only paying, but overpaying.”
Lall stopped short of blaming ExxonMobil alone, placing significant responsibility on Guyana’s political leadership past and present. He argued that both major parties, including the People’s Progressive Party and the People’s National C o n g r e s s , b e a r responsibility for the terms of the agreement and its continued implementation “Thisisnotaccident.Thisis choice,”hesaid.
Kaieteur News has long maintained an editorial stance critical of the PSA, describingitaslopsidedand unfavourable to Guyana Beyond the numbers, Lall returned repeatedly during the commentary to the human impact. He painted a picture of ordinary Guyanese families still struggling despite the country’s oil wealth an observationthatresonatesin many communities where the cost of living remains high and inequality persists. “The wealth is leaving,” he warned. “But the struggle remains.” Lall ended with a starkwarning:ifcitizensfail torespond,theymustaccept theconsequences.
The decomposing body
of a pensioner was discoveredathisresidencein Angoy’s Avenue New Amsterdam, Berbice on Saturday. According to reports, the man had been occupying the lower flat of the two-storey wooden and concrete property for some monthsbyhimself.
On Saturday, several neighbours said they observed a strong stench within proximity of the man’shome.
Oneofhisneighborstold this publication that the foul odor caused her to enter the deadman’shometocheckon him. It was there she made the gruesome discovery of the pensioner bloated and in an advanced state of decomposition.
“We din smelling the thing,andIpeepbythedoor andIseehe.Coupledayswe ain’t see he. Yesterday we
The Angoy’s Avenue, New Amsterdam home where the pensioner was discovered dead on Saturday.
start smell. He din swell up andsowhentheybringinghe out,”shedisclosed. Itisbelievedthattheman was suffering from an unknownillness.
She said residence immediately called an ambulance and the police in New Amsterdam. Just after midday on Saturday, the
removed from the location andtakentoBailey’sFuneral Parlor
Much details about the dead man are uncertain According to individuals acquaintedwithhim,hewas said to have been in his 70s, and operated a push cart at theNewAmsterdamMarket.
The Oil and Gas Governance Network(OGGN),aUSbasednonprofit organization raised serious questionswithBerkshireHathaway Inc, a major shareholder of Chevron- which now owns Hess Corporation- raising questions about the lopsided Stabroek Block PetroleumAgreement.
Berkshire Hathaway owns major companies like GEICO and Dairy Queen with large stakes in Apple and Coca-Cola among others. The company owns over one million shares in Chevron, representing about just over 6% of the oil company’s stock. Chevron recently bought over Hess which holds 30% shares in Guyana’s oilrichStabroekacreage.
According to its Berkshire Hathaway’s Code of Business Conduct and Ethics ‘obeying the law,bothinletterandinspirit,isthe foundation upon which the Company’s ethical standards are built.’
In a letter datedApril 18, 2026 and addressed to GregAbel, Chief Executive Officer (CEO) of the Fortune 500 American company representatives of OGGN weighed into Berkshire for expressing deep prideinitstaxcontributionswhich amounted to a staggering US$26 8B paid to the United States.
The Guyanese activists explained, “There appears to be a stark ideological clash when evaluating Chevron, which constitutes a massive pillar of Berkshire’s equity portfolio
acquisition of Hess, it inherited a highly lucrative 30% working interest in the Stabroek Block in Guyana.”
To this end, they pointed out that underArticle 15.4 of the 2016 Production Sharing Agreement (PSA) governing the Stabroek Block, the oil consortium does not pay out-of-pocket corporate income taxes to the Guyanese government Instead, Guyana is contractually obligated to settle these tax liabilities on the companies’behalfusingthestate’s ownshareofprofitoil.
In underlining the absurdity of this provision, OGGN stated that theconsortiumwasrequiredtopay total income taxes amounting to US$5.23Bbetween2020and2024 while Guyana’s total earnings amountedtoonlyUS$6.27Bduring thesameperiod.
OGGN said, “Rather than the consortium paying this massive sum out of its own profits, the developing nation absorbed the entire US$5.23 billion tax bill on their behalf—a staggering reality when compared to the country’s total take-home revenue for that exactsamefive-yearperiod.”
It added that the Guyana Revenue Authority (GRA) would thenissueanofficialtaxcertificate which can then be used to claim ForeignTaxCredits(FTCs).Tothis end, the activists reasoned that while Chevron may be following the“letter”ofitsforeigncontracts, this massive wealth transfer
arguablyviolatesthe“spirit”ofthe ethicalstandardsandfaircorporate citizenshipchampionedinOmaha.
“How would this zero-out-ofpockettaxarrangementreadonthe front page of the local paper? Beyond these staggering tax disparities, this ideological clash extends to the realm of environmental liability,” the nonprofitorganizationcontinued.
The Network reminded that Berkshire’s Audit Committee Charter explicitly requires the discussion of policies governing the company’s exposure to risk, includingenvironmentalandsocial risks.“Yet,theconsortiumoperates in Guyana through a limited liability subsidiary, ExxonMobil Guyana Limited (EMGL), heavily
shielding the parent companies (including Chevron) massive assets. Rather than doing what is right, moral, and obligatory to the rule of law in honoring its legal imperative to provide a parent company guarantee covering all costsforcleanupincaseofamajor oilspill,theconsortiumuncaringly reneged on this legal requirement
with change in Guyana’s Government in 2020, and has aggressively negotiated to cap its guarantee at a mere US$2 billion.
To put this in perspective, the Macondo spill in the Gulf of MexicocostedupwardsofUS$145 billion,”OGGNflagged.
The letter goes on to explain
that the ExxonMobil-led consortium not only appealed a local ruling for full liability coverageintheeventofanoilspill but it “illegally” violates the E n v i r o n m e n
Assessments (EIAs) and standard
exceeding safe production limits, flaring of tens of millions of standard cubic feet of toxic produced gas daily and dumping “billions of barrels of toxic and radioactive produced water” overboard.
OGGN was keen to note that while it welcomes development, includingoilproduction,itbelieves these activities must be carried out in a responsible, safe and environmentallysoundmanner
Giventheissuesflaggedabove, the group said that Guyana, the Caribbean and Latin American is
faced with the potential to suffer financial bankruptcy and environmental catastrophe resulting from a major oil spill, while Chevron and its partners profit off of the plight of these countries.
Consequently, the Network explained,“Thiscreatesaprofound paradox. While the parent holding company in Omaha proudly writes record-breaking checks to the IRS and embraces its financial obligations, a significant driver of Berkshire’s portfolio value is actively benefiting from multibillion dollar, zero-out-of-pocket tax arrangements and legally shielded environmental liabilities financed almost entirely by a developingnation.”
GivenBerkshire’slongstanding commitment to intellectual honesty, OGGN asked how does the management team internally reconcile this philosophical disconnect? The body further queried,“Isthereathresholdwhere the aggressive optimization strategies of portfolio companies begin to conflict with the core valueschampionedinOmaha?”
About OGGN: OGGN was founded in 2017 and is composed of Guyanese at homeandabroad.Itisregisteredas 501(c)(3)non-profitinNewYork. Thegroup’smissionistoadvocate for the rule of law, environmental protection, and strict financial norms when it comes to oil exploration and production in Guyana.
PrintedandPublishedbyNationalMedia& PublishingCompanyLtd. 24SaffonStreet, Charlestown,Georgetown,Guyana.
Publisher:GLENNLALL-TEL:624-6456
Editor:NIGELWILLIAMS
Tel:225-8465,225-8491. Fax:225-8473,226-8210
TheUS$2BWalesGas-to-Energyprojectisturningout to be a carnival for the shadowy cabal consisting of PPPC Government’strustedcompanions.Itisasourceofconstant fascination how this government of 29 years has increased its talent to create huge new infrastructure projects to maintainitsschemestoenrichitscircle.
It seems that the five-year absence from power has emboldenedPPPCleaderstomake-upforthatlosttime,and rip-off Guyanese with yet another expensive project that goesnowhere.ThereistheWalesGTEnowcharacterisedby thesameolddevelopmentsthatwillcosttaxpayersabundle bigger than US$2B when done, while giving them little in return. ItisnotonlywhoisaroundtheUS$2BWalestrough, thatfeedingfrenzythatrequiresanotherUS$250Mtopropit up,buthowtheygotthere.
Most Guyanese may have never heard the names Jiayi Su or Tropical Construction & Building Supplies, Inc (Tropical). But most have heard of Su Zhirong, special friendandtenantofVicePresidentBharratJagdeo.Afriend who is such an insider, that he enjoyed the intimacy of the vice president’s company and hospitality in the former president’s home. Only a man with the special status of Su Zhirong could have had access to Jagdeo and according to Su,prosperedfromdoingbusinesswitheachother Theguts of Su’s claims highlighted a shadowy PPPC Government network that makes its own rules, arranges its own deals, with one big party the result. Just when Guyanese thought theyhadheardthelastofSuZhirong,hisnamemadeitback intothenews(andnotinapositiveway).HisdaughterJiayi Su and the company in which she is a major shareholder, Tropical,aretheheadliners,tobeprecise.
Somehow, through some mysterious but powerful force, JiayiSuistherecipientofacontractforsuppliesandservicesat the US$2B Wales GTE project When Jiayi Su and Tropical couldsecretlybepartoftheWalesGTE,thenlogichasnoplace, procedures no bearing, and standards no meaning We at this papermustbeclear:herfamilyrelationshipshouldnotserveas anabsolutebartoparticipatinginanypublicworkscontractthat Guyana has going But on the condition that Jiayi Su and Tropical fulfill all the requirements of Expressions of Interest and Invitations to Bid on a project TheWales GTE could do without any more of the questionable, suspicious, and what givesanyindicationofbackdoordealing ButGuyanesearenow learning that Su Zhirong’s daughter didn’t meet set criteria, jumped the line, and snared a contract from Lindsayca Whenever the name of Lindsayca is now heard, Guyanese expecttheworst Itseemsforreasonsknownonlytoitsbosses, Lindsaycafelttherewasanecessity,maybeevenanobligation, toawardJiayiSuandTropicalacontracttorenderservicesfor theWalesGTEproject.
Apparently, the GTE Taskforce was unaware of the involvementofJiayiSuandhercompany. So,thisraisesthe questionofwhoisreallybehindSu’sdaughterandTropical? It isrevealingthatwithsomanyotherGuyanaexperiencedincivil worksservices,JiayiSuandTropicalbenefited,andcontinuesto benefit, from favourable consideration There is an unsavory reekthathangsoverthisentiresetup,andwedonotthinkthatitis a random occurrence Is a contract for Jiayi Su a favour to someonethatishighupinthegovernment,highenoughthatthe GTE Taskforce is bypassed, and part of an ongoing quid pro quo?IsLindsayca’sgivingbusinesstoSuZhirong’sdaughter partofthearrangementsandwebsthathavebecomesoroutine intheconductofgovernmentstandards?Millionsuponmillions arespent,andinsteadofprogress,thereistheretarding
ItbaffledthoseassociatedwiththeWalesGTEthatJiayi Su and Tropical have endured, despite not delivering, despite being a major source of project delays. Obviously, there is more than meets the eye with Jiayi Su, who manifests many elements of someone who’s wellrecommendedandwell-protected.Theconcernishowmuch more Guyanese can take from the PPPC Government, Lindsayca,andtheGTETaskforce.
DEAREDITOR
In a letter which
appeared in Kaieteur News onApril22,Mr TonyVieira, a former Sugar Estate Manager, has suggested that the Dutch send engineers to Guyana to assist with the drainage problems of Georgetown, its capital city and its coastal areas as only theyhavethe‘know-how’to resolvethedrainageproblem whichhasbeenplaguingthe countrysinceitsinception.
Incidentally, the Dutch has already advised the Government of Guyana on its drainage and sea defense problems and Mr Vieira could resurrect the
recommendations given in reportsbythemwhichcould be found in the archives of theMinistryofWorks,NDIA and the City Engineer’s Office.
Hecouldthenreviewthe recommendations given and check which works were doneandthosewaitingtobe done to improve the country’s drainage and thus complete the requirements which were recommended by the Dutch to be implemented to prevent recurring flooding Therefore, as postulated by Mr Vieira,theDutcharenot needed in Guyana at this timetotellGuyanesewhatto
do with respect to their drainage problems since s o m e o f t h e i r recommendationsarestillto be implemented and evaluated. Global warming does affect rainfall significantly in Guyana since the warm tropicalaircoveringmuchof its terrain is able to hold muchmoremoisturethanthe colder air hovering over its forest.
When atmospheric conditions are favourable, the tiny moisture droplets in thewarmaircoagulatesinto larger drops and return to earth as rainfall. This could happenanywhereinGuyana
andifasystemisnotinplace toabsorbtheexcessrainfall, floodingoccurs.Theearthis getting warmer with ice caps/glaciersatthenorthand south poles melting at an alarming rate and causing water levels in the oceans to rise,resultinginshortertidal cyclesinmanyareas.Hence, the Sluices/Kokers in Guyana have been experiencing shorter opening and closing times because of the shorter times inwaterleveldifferentialsto allow for gravity flow to get rid of the excess rainfall off theland.
Yourssincerely Charles
Sohan
, More than a year ago I indicated that the Gas to Energy venture will encounter huge problems. Now, recent revelations by your newspaper on the Gasto- Energy project have indicated alarming and dangerous projections. The main contractor, Lindsayca has demanded US$250 millionmoretocontinuethe construction to further compound the US$108 millionawardedbythecourt for delays When first conceived in 2018, the Gasto-Energy project was estimated at US$478 million Fast forward to 2026, and the figure has bloatedtooverUS$2billion, with some experts warning finalcostscouldtouchUS$3 billion after accounting for delays, grid upgrades, and contractor disputes. It must be noted that Power China International Group Limited (PCIGL) in its financial proposalofferedtoconstruct the integrated facility for U S $ 7 0 4 M ($703,652,256 29)- a whopping US$194 million cheaper than the initial bid submitted by Lindsayca/ CH4. Fast forward to April 2026andwearewitnessinga refutingofclaimsthatithad secretly paid over US$80M after losing an arbitration against Lindsayca-CH4 Guyana Inc , an all too familiar scenario of clandestinemoneydealings. The breakdown tells its own story: US$1 billion for ExxonMobil’s 250-
kilometre pipeline; US$759 million for the power plant and Natural Gas Liquids (NGL)facilityatWales;and another US$160 million for transmission lines, substations, and land acquisition.Whatbeganasa pathway to lower light bills has turned into a monument ofcostinflation.
Ahorribletrackrecord
Former President Bharat Jagdeo’s track record with mega projects reads like a case study in how not to manage public investments.
The Skeldon Sugar Factory and the Amaila Falls Hydro Project already stand as toweringremindersofhubris over prudence projects plagued by half-baked studies, astronomical overruns, and enduring losses.Today,ashedonsthe mantle of “Chief Oil Director,” Jagdeo is once again steering Guyana into what could become another financial catastrophe the Gas-to-Energy (GTE) project.
The administration has marketed this enterprise as the nation’s energy breakthrough, promising cheaper electricity and prosperity to follow But a closer look reveals soaring costs, engineering blunders, and troubling secrecy that together echo the poorest traditions of project mismanagement under Jagdeo’swatch.
AFoundation
SinkinginMud
Thedecisiontolocatethe projectatWalesmightbethe
most reckless stroke of all. Engineers have confirmed thatthelandwassoft,soggy, and unfit for such heavy industrial construction. The result?Fourteenmonthsand over US$100 million just to stabilize the soil an avoidable expense had a credible feasibility study beendone.Evennow,thegas pipeline completed by Exxon in 2024 lies idle, filled with nitrogen to prevent rusting while the power plant lags behind schedule That idleness comes at a price: Guyana continues to burn costly heavy fuel for electricity, draining an additional US$232 million from the treasury
CloudsofControversy
Layered atop the technical fiascos is a web of questionable deals A US$50,000 monthly consultancy fee to a Dominican Republic firm with reported ties to highranking officials has stirred alarm among analysts. The main contractor, Lindsayca, isnowembroiledinamultimillion-dollarlegalwarwith the government over overruns and delay claims reportedly approaching US$100million.
M e a n w h i l e , t h e
Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) the very body meant to safeguard national interests has fallen into the spotlight for procedural breaches. When environmental activists Vanda Radzik and Elizabeth Deane-Hughes challenged
the EPA’s illegal granting of akeypermittoExxonMobil, High Court Judge Priya Sewnarine-Beharry agreed that the agency acted “contrary to law and improper.” Yet, she stopped shortofquashingthepermit, citing the billions already sunk into the project a quiet admission that Guyana’s Gas-to-Energy schemeisnowtoobigtofail, no matter how fatally flawed.
The government has promised that electricity bills will fall by 50%, but that arithmetic seems less convincing by the day Hidden within the oil accounts, audits have revealedthatExxonhasbeen deducting pipeline costs from Guyana’s oil revenues since2018—longbeforegas will ever flow As debt mounts and timelines crumble, the dream of affordable energy risks becoming another illusion soldtowearycitizens.
Earlier studies identified East Coast sites with stronger soil and lower risk. Yet, political calculations appeared to outweigh technical wisdom The result: a project anchored moreinpartisaninterestthan in sound economics or environmentallogic.
AFamiliarTragedy T h e r e i s w e l ldocumented history of financial crimes levelled against Ruben Figuera and his integral role in the Maduroregime’splundering (Continuedonpage06)
DEARMR ABEL, Congratulations on officially taking the helm as CEOofBerkshireHathaway this year As you guide the companyintothisnewera,I am writing to you regarding a contradiction between Berkshire’s stated corporate philosophy and the operational realities of one ofitslargestequityholdings: Chevron.
As per Berkshire Hathaway’s Owner’s Manual, one assumes if you own 100% of a business or own a 6.57% interest in a freely-traded stock, the approach is the same. That is, you think of yourself as owners.
Berkshire Hathaway’s Code of Business Conduct and Ethics states that obeying the law, both in letter and in spirit, is the foundation upon which the Company’sethicalstandards are built. Furthermore, the Code highlights Mr Buffett’s famous rule of thumb,askingustoconsider whether we are willing to have any contemplated act appear the next day on the frontpageofourlocalpaper to be read by our families andfriends.
Mr Buffett has frequently praised “the American miracle” and expressed deep pride in B e r k s h i r e ’ s t a x contributions, recently highlighting the staggering $26.8 billion the company
paid in U S federal corporate income taxes
However,thereappearstobe a stark ideological clash when evaluating Chevron, which constitutes a massive pillar of Berkshire’s equity
portfolio Following
Chevron’s 2025 acquisition ofHess,itinheritedahighly lucrative 30% working interest in the Stabroek BlockinGuyana.
As you may be aware, under Article 15.4 of the 2016 Production Sharing Agreement(PSA)governing the Stabroek Block, the oil consortiumdoesnotpayoutof-pocket corporate income taxes to the Guyanese government Instead, Guyana is contractually obligated to settle these tax liabilities on the companies’ behalf using the state’s own shareofprofitoil.
To illustrate the sheer scale of this mechanism from2020through2024:
% Total Income Tax ExpensefortheConsortium: US$5.23billion
% Guyana’s Total Oil Income:US$6.27billion
Rather than the consortium paying this
massive sum out of its own profits, the developing nation absorbed the entire US$5.23 billion tax bill on their behalf—a staggering realitywhencomparedtothe country’s total take-home revenue for that exact same f i v e - y e a r p e r i o d Furthermore, the Guyana Revenue Authority issues officialtaxcertificatestothe consortium for these
government-funded payments, which can potentially be used to claim Foreign Tax Credits (FTCs) in their countries of registrations such as the U n i t e d S t a t e s o r Netherlands.WhileChevron maybefollowingthe“letter” of its foreign contracts, this massive wealth transfer arguablyviolatesthe“spirit” of the ethical standards and fair corporate citizenship championedinOmaha.How would this zero-out-ofpockettaxarrangementread onthefrontpageofthelocal paper?
Beyond these staggering taxdisparities,this (Continuedonpage06)
DEAREDITOR, Iwasrecentlylookingat a video of our President beinginterviewedbyBritish television on the matter of reparative justice. This was close in date to COP 28. During the interview, our President made his case for why the United Kingdom should compensate the Caribbean for the period of slavery Unfortunately, the hostsmockedhimandasked if he wanted the British to give him one of their palaces It is quite eye openingtoviewerstoseethe high level of naivety displayed by someone in such a high office in our country Even under an Indian Prime Minister India was unable to get treasures stolen during their colonial period returned to their country Much less payment for atrocities committed centuriesago.
The British have conquered many people and continue to take advantage of others not because of superior intellect, but because of their unity and ability to keep their governance system strong
and free from internal corruption in key institutions Others have unfortunately been so brow beaten that they have become submissive In addition, it is also easy to find the willing scoundrel who can easily betray his or her people for a seat at their tableandcrumbsinhisorher belly
Our President would better serve our people by shedding the veil of naivety and insisting on the renegotiation of the oil contracts with Exxon. This injustice is not occurring centuries in the past but is happening now and can be stopped if action is taken by our government. Instead of Jagdeo visiting the King he should be summoning Exxon to meet with him to renegotiate the contract. We are dealing with a people whose culture is to take advantage of others via slavery and unpaid indentureship. They don’t give a damn about our suffering and needs.Whattheycareabout is getting the most for themselves and keeping
others poor, submissive, vulnerable and obedient to theirwill.
Guyanadoesn’tneedthe kind of leaders who will betray their own for a quick dollar and a seat at their master’s table We need leaders who appreciate the sacrifices made by our ancestors to regain freedom and self-determination in a world where enslavers are quick to take advantage of the weak and those of weak character The scandal around the Gas- to- Energy project is not a matter of conflict of interest. It is a matter of shared interest. Many scoundrels will b e n e f i t f
e unscrupulous. This is the sort of selling out of our people that we must put an end to. CRG has said this many times before, the tin cup of the PPP is not for begging We need better leadership to make Guyana strongforthelongterm.We must rid ourselves of the corrupt and greedy who do nottrulycareforourpeople.
Sincerely,
Mr.JamilChanglee
Minister of Natural Resources
Vickram Bharrat
Minister of Natural Resources Vickram Bharrat said there is currently no workprogrammeinplacefor theKaieteurBlock.
Responding to queries from Kaieteur News, the minister indicated that the prospecting licence held by Ratio Petroleum Energy remains in force, stating,
“Licence is still valid until next year.” However, when pressed on whether an extension was granted for the company’s drilling decision deadline or if any forward plan had been approved, the Minister Bharratdisclosed,“Nowork programmeisintact.”
The absence of an approved work programme meansthereisnodefinedset of exploration or drilling activities scheduled for the block at this time. Usually, companies are required to submit and secure approval for work programmes ou
activities, timelines, and investment commitments under petroleum licences. Theminister’sdisclosureon absenceofanapprovedwork progr
lows statements by Ratio that the Kaieteur Block could be abandoned if required extensionsandapprovalsare n
GovernmentofGuyana.
Ratioinanoticelatelast year,saidpartnersinthe3.3million-acre offshore block were asked in December 2025 to indicate whether they intend to make an additional investment or abandon the acreage. The
Frompage04 of state assets, Today, he operatesfreelyinGuyanaas the Project Director for Lindsayca, the Gas-toEnergyprojectwasmeantto lightupGuyana.Instead,it’s burning through billions, dimmingfaithingovernance and accountability The
pattern is achingly familiar an elite few gambles with national wealthwhilecitizensareleft toshoulderthedebt.Thecall for foreign investors to generate funding is an admission of failure; no sensible person will front money in an uncertain,
shakyventure.Ifhistoryisa teacher,thenGuyanaisonce again sitting for a painful lesson. This time, however, the scale of the disaster could eclipse even Skeldon. Thebuzzardsarecircling. Regards, LeylandChitlall Roopnarine
company noted that any decision to continue operations depends on conditions set by the Government of Guyana and determinations by the Ministry of Natural Resources Prior to the aforementioned disclosure, Ratio Guyana Limited (RGL) had notified the governmentoftheportionof the block it is prepared to relinquish while continuing itssearchforanewpartner
The company had submitted a request for an extension of the exploration period. Before this, former o
Guyana Limited (EMGL) had sought an extension citing the Coronavirus pandemic. After Exxon and its partner Hess withdrew, Ratio applied for another extension on similar grounds. Under the Kaieteur PetroleumAgreement,when applying to enter the second extension period, RGL and Cataleya Energy Limited (CEL) were required to commit to drilling a well before relinquishing 20 per cent of the block, or, if p
contracted area. Ratio had been seeking to bring in
another partner or several, with the intention of one becoming operator and leadingfuturedrilling.
The company had reported that it contacted numerousenergycompanies sinceExxon’sexit,andwhile several expressed initial interest and reviewed data, all ultimately declined because of geological risks and challenges related to achieving a commercial discovery Ratio also previously stated that if no partner is found who can serve as an operator and conductdrillingintheblock,
(Continuedonpage09)
F r o m p a g e 0 5 ideological clash extends to the realm of environmental liability
Berkshire’s Audit
Committee Charter explicitly requires the discussion of policies governing the company’s exposure to risk, including environmental and social risks. Yet, the consortium operates in Guyana through alimitedliabilitysubsidiary, ExxonMobil Guyana Limited (EMGL), heavily shielding the parent companies (including Chevron) massive assets Rather than doing what is right, moral, and obligatory totheruleoflawinhonoring its legal imperative to provide a parent company guarantee covering all costs forcleanupincaseofamajor oil spill, the consortium uncaringly reneged on this legal requirement with change in Guyana’s Government in 2020, and has aggressively negotiated tocapitsguaranteeatamere US$2 billion. To put this in perspective, the Macondo spill in the Gulf of Mexico costed upwards of US$145 billion.
Astonishingly, the consortiumhasappealedthe ruling while it continues to callously compromise safety, health and the environment by illegally violatingseveraltermsofthe Environmental Impact Assessments (EIAs) and standard international practices,by: 1. Exceeding safe production limits enshrined in the EIAs. Significantly, the EIAs legislate the maximum safe production limits, but the consortium is recklessly, dangerously, and
illegally operating way
above these limits, enhancing the opportunity for an oil spill that risks financial bankruptcy and environmental catastrophe of the region, especially, when the consortium at the very same time refuses to cover the full cost of cleanupofsuchaspill,cappingits liability to a measly US$2 billion in contrast to the Macondo spill costing US$145billion.
2. Flaring of tens of millions of standard cubic feet of toxic produced gas perdayintotheatmosphere, instead of complying with theEIAwhichstipulatesthat all gas be reinjected into the reservoirs under normal operations.
Thisatrocitycompounds the negative impacts of climate change, acid rain, and respiratory illnesses The consortium’s loathsome justification is that “Guyana isacarbonsink.”
3. D u m p i n g o f billions of barrels of toxic and radioactive produced waterintothepristineocean, instead of complying with the standard international practice of reinjecting such waterintothereservoirs.
The produced water is loadedwithheavymetals,23timeshotterthantheocean water, contains 100s of thousands of pure oil being dumped with the water, and killsmillionsoffisheggsper theEIA.
W e w e l c o m e development of any form including oil & gas and supports the consortium’s making of large profits, providing it is done in a responsible, safe and environmentally sound manner
Unfortunately, under the current state of affairs, the developingnationofGuyana
American countries are effectivelylefttopotentially suffer financial bankruptcy and environmental catastrophe resulting from a major oil spill, while Chevron and its partners profit off of the plight of thesecountries.
This creates a profound paradox.
Whiletheparentholding company in Omaha proudly writes record-breaking checks to the IRS and embraces its financial obligations, a significant driver of Berkshire’s portfolio value is actively benefitingfrommulti-billion dollar, zero-out-of-pocket taxarrangementsandlegally shielded environmental liabilities financed almost entirely by a developing nation.
Given Berkshire’s longstandingcommitmentto intellectual honesty, how does the management team internally reconcile this philosophicaldisconnect?
Is there a threshold where the aggressive optimization strategies of portfoliocompaniesbeginto conflictwiththecorevalues championedinOmaha?
Thank you for your time and leadership. I wish you theverybestasyoucontinue to build upon Berkshire’s incrediblelegacy
Sincerely,
DarshKhusial,Andre Brandli,KenrickHunte andJoePersaud
DirectorsofOGGN
For the average Guyanese, the promiseofoilwas simpleentailed abetterlife. It involved more jobs, improved roads, better education and health care and a future where the countryfinallyearnswhatit truly deserves. But five plus years into oil production, there is a growing feeling that Guyana has been shortchanged, first before thecontractwassigned,and now even after production hasbegun.
One of the most persistentvoicesraisingthis concernhasbeenGlennLall, the publisher of this newspaper He has repeatedly argued that a key weakness in Guyana’s oil agreementwithExxonMobil and its partners is the absence of what is called
“ring fencing.” While that may sound technical, the ideaisactuallyquitesimple. Ring fencing means that each oil project or field standsonitsownfinancially
In other words, the costs of developing a new oil field cannotbedeductedfromthe profits of an already producing field Without ring fencing, oil companies can keep subtracting new expenses from current earnings. This reduces the profit that Guyana receives, even when oil is already flowing and being sold at highprices.
This is where the problemlies.
Guyana is currently receivingabout14.5%ofoil revenueswhenallfactorsare considered. Many believe thisisfartoolow,especially for a country that owns the
resource If proper ringfencing provisions had been included in the Petroleum Sharing Agreement, Guyana’s share today could have been significantlyhigher
In fact, there is a strong argument that the country should already be close to a 50-50splitinrevenuesfrom some oil fields Why? Because the initial capital costs—the billions spent to explore and develop certain fields are already being paid off through cost recovery Once those costs are recovered, the country should logically begin to receive a much larger share oftheprofits.
But that is not what is happening.
Instead, because new oil fields are constantly being developed, the oil
Frompage06 andifnofurtherextensionisgrantedforthe decision deadline, it will find it difficult to make a decision to proceed and commit to drilling.
The agreement for the Kaieteur Block wassignedin2017,undertheconditionthat the oil companies were only allowed to conductoilexplorationin40percentofthe block, to steer clear of aggressive tactics from Venezuela. A 3D seismic survey acquiredforthesouthernportionoftheblock covered 5,750km2 and provided the foundation for a significant prospect inventoryontheblock.
Notably, a single prospect has been
drilled to date, which resulted in a subcommercialoildiscovery
The ExxonMobil-operated Tanager-1 well, which was drilled in August 2020, encountered 16 metres of net oil pay, a discovery of approximately 65 million barrels of oil in the prospect area, based on independent estimates by Netherland, Sewell&AssociatesInc.(NSAI). However, this discovery was considered to be noncommercialasastandalonedevelopment.In spite of a number of postponements, ExxonMobil had decided not to exercise its optiontodrillasecondwellontheblockand subsequently pulled out from the Kaieteur Block.
Dem boys seh marriage is a long, long road It so long that sometimes you does forget where you start and where yousupposedtoendup.But langagodestorydidlonger because when people get married, most times it was for life whether or not dem happyintherelationship.It used to be called commitment.
Now, two persons who were truly committed to each other were John and Mary They married and reach forty years together Forty! That is not simply anniversary, that is endurance test To stay together for so long demandsacelebration.
So, John decide he gon do something big. He say, “Mary, me darling, me
sweet sugar cake, tell me what you want for we 40th
anniversary ” Mary watching him quiet, like she measuring how much foolishnessheabouttotalk. John start strong. “You want a nice diamond ring? Real stuff. Expensive and classy Itwillbetheenvyof your friends. The biggest rock you can find this side of the equator Mary say, “Notreally.”Johnblink.He ain’t expect resistance so early He regroup. “Alright then, how about a brandnew Mercedes Benz sports car? Top down, breeze in yuh hair, people watching youpassandsaying,‘Look Marylivinglarge!’” Marysay,“No.”
Now John getting nervous. He sweating like he just run from Stabroek MarkettoKitty
companiesareabletocharge those new costs against the revenues from existing production This means Guyanacontinuestopayfor future developments, even while current fields are producing large volumes of oil. Simply put, the country is always stuck in a cycle of payingbackcosts.
Thisisexactlywhatring fencing would have prevented.
Critics like Glenn Lall argue, quite persuasively, that this arrangement benefits the oil companies far more than it benefits Guyana.Thecompaniestake on the upfront investment, yes, but they are guaranteed recovery of every cent they spend.
That means they are not trulytakingfinancialrisksin the way many people assume. Their investments are recoverable and are being repaid now, from Guyana’sshareoftheoil.
So, while oil production is booming, Guyana’s earningsremainlimited.
There are those who defend the current arrangement They say Guyana may receive less money now, but over time thecountrywillbenefitmore as costs are recovered and
production continues. But this argument raises an importantcontradiction.
There is also an unwritten policy which is oftendiscussedineconomic circles. That policy argue that resource-rich countries should maximize their earnings while the resource is available Oil is not endless Prices fluctuate Globaldemandmaychange.
So why delay benefits that couldbesecurednow?
Imagine if Guyana were receiving a 50% share of oil revenues today, with oil prices hovering above US$100 per barrel The country would have far greaterresourcestoinvestin infrastructure, education, healthcare, and economic diversification. That kind of income could transform livesinasinglegeneration.
Instead, much of that potential wealth is being deferred.
The reality is that the absence of ring fencing continues to cost Guyana. And while the government may recognize the logic behind fixing this issue, it faces a difficult challenge. ExxonMobilanditspartners are powerful multinational corporationswithsignificant leverage. Renegotiating or
tightening terms is not easy Butdifficultydoesnotmean impossibility
Atitscore,thisdebateis aboutfairness.Guyanaowns the oil. Its people are the rightfulbeneficiaries.
The country should not be in a position where it is continuouslypayingfornew developments while receiving a relatively small share of the profits from existingproduction.
The argument being made by Glenn Lall and others is straightforward: take what we deserve now Useittobuildthefuture.Do not allow the bulk of the benefits to remain with the oilcompanieswhileGuyana waits.
Because in the end, oil wealthisonlymeaningfulif ittrulyimprovesthelivesof the people who own it, and thesoonerthebetter
The views expressed in this article are those of the author and do not necessarily reflect the opinionsofthisnewspaper
He try again. “Okay, okay—last big one. What aboutavacationhomeinde country? Nice and quiet, fresh air, no noise, just you andmeanddebirdsdem.”
Marysay,“Nothanks.”
Now John vex small. He say, “Woman, you turning down everything like you ain’t know this is anniversary! So tell me straight—whatyouwant?”
Marylookathimcalmcalm and say, “John… I wantadivorce.”
Silence fall in de house like current gone John stand up, scratch he head, do some quick maths in he mind forty years, ring, car, house… Then he say, “Mary, I love you, you know… but divorce..... I wasn’t planning to spend thatmuchmoney.”
Talkhalf.Leffhalf.
Pres Ali must “get serious.” National sage, Mr Chris Ram said so in a widely watched public forum. Here are his exact words against the backdrop of the topsy-turvy US$2 billion (and marching upwards) Wales Gas-toEnergy(GTE)project.“They clearly didn’t have one (due diligence). We understand that they adopted something
from maybe the previous government…the President has surely got to take responsibility for this and at some point, he must get serious.” Clearly, age has finally caught up with Mr Ram.Absorbmyreasons.
First,thosewhocontinue to call the US$2 billion Wales GTE a project must have lost their marbles. The Wales GTE ceased to be a
project years ago. It’s a fullfledged PPP Govt plot. A perverse plot that scams and skins alive Guyanese worse than bloodthirsty predators ever could. Foreigners are secondary They have their
doubling as collectors) These assertions should pierce Guyanese taxpayers, as they pay in some way for this Wales free-for-all. Want a few millions more? Wales is the place to be. Is that a project, or a rip-off, with some great Guyanese luminaries up to their necks inthefinancialbacchanals?
Second, I align with Mr Ram when he said, “They clearly didn’t have one (due diligence)” program or exercise.Iftheyhadhalfofa credible due diligence plan fortheWalesGTE,theneven a half-blind, three-quarter deaf,andwholesaleimbecile still would have been stumbled over the gaps, weaknesses, loopholes, and crisis points. The PPP Govt
didn’t have one. So, what conclusions can be derived? Has to be what the PPPbrain trust describes as due diligence was nothing but a crossdresser masquerading as a male fashion plate. Presented differently, an absolute farce A wellpracticed con game. The hard truth is that the US$2 billion (to approach US$3 billion [remember I said so before] had nothing by way of credible reviews and honest reporting Thus, Guyanese got the usual: a crankshaft across the belly Andwarmpoliticalsmilesto sealthedeal.InAmerica,it’s said that a sucker is born every minute. In Guyana, I encounter a million of them allatonce.
The Wales GTE is Exhibit One. Pres. Ali tried being s
September 2025, inaugural address. His newest snake charming lyrics were:
Third, I must go up the road for Mr Ram, another Guyanese brother Not with him, but against him; only choice. I repeat his words: “the president has surely got to take responsibility for this and at some point, he must get serious.” I search my memory, I labor heavily with the record, and still emerge mostly empty with ExcellencyAli.“Hemustget serious”, sez Chartered AccountantRam.Hehimself should first get serious. I harboured such expectations of Pres. Ali, only for him to crush those into dust. He promised “transparency and accountability”, didn’t he? Andwherearethosetodayin PPP Guyana? In the toilet.
disinformation; yet Guyana is awash with those eight months later It is either that no one takes the president seriously, or he experiences extreme difficulties being serious Perhaps, being serious is a joke to him, may takeawayprecioustimefrom his wardrobe visions, p r e p a r a t i o n s , a n d productions.
Guyanese have had the joysofsavouringthedressof the flatlands of the Sahara. I pray that the president doesn’t get ideas when next in England to visit Scotland. From keffiyeh to kilt could be the next costume spectacular Meanwhile, I focus on the Wales GTE; how Guyanese are getting scalped US$2 billion (and change).
It is nothing. Must be inflation. A perversion, and Ram calls on Ali to “get serious.” Am I the only sane citizen around? Pres. Ali shruggedandsmirkedforsix year at citizens saying be serious. Maybe the spiritual will overtake him soon. May God save Guyana, the president.Me,too.
The views expressed in this article are those of the a u t h o r a n d d o n o t necessarily reflect the opinions of this newspaper
Junior Canadian miner Tajiri Resources Corp. has reported an expansion of gold mineralisation at its Yono Project in Region Seven (Cuyuni-Mazaruni), Guyana.
Thecompanyannounced new trenching results pointing to a widening zone ofgold-bearingrockinclose proximity to major existing deposits.
The Yono property consists of one mining permitcovering122hectares (301 acres). Tajiri said it extended mineralisation in trench YTR16 from a previously reported 20 metresat1.4gramspertonne (g/t)goldto32metresat1.1 g/tgold,withinabroader50metreintervalgrading0.7g/t gold.
According to Tajiri, trenchYTR16wasextended by 80 metres to the south, bringing its total length to 100 metres. The company said the mineralisation is hosted in quartz-carbonate veins within folded
sedimentary rocks, a geological setting similar to
nearby discoveries. It added that the orientation of the mineralised structures suggestspotentialforfurther expansion both along strike andatdepth.
Previoustrenchingatthe project has also returned higher-grade r
ts, including19metresat4.6g/t gold from trench YTR4, located about 400 metres
south of YTR16, indicating the possibility of a broader mineralisedzone.
Within a two-kilometre radius of Yono, there are three known deposits with
Mineral Resource Estimates (MRE), G2’s Oko Main ZoneandGhanietothenorth and east, and GMIN’s Oko West to the south - also controlled by Canadian
firms.Tajiri highlighted that the adjacent properties held byG2GoldfieldsInc.andG Mining Ventures Corp togetherhostanestimated7million ounces of indicated andinferredgoldresources.
Executive Chairman DominicO’Sullivansaidthe latest results continue to demonstrate the project’s growthpotential,notingthat the width of mineralisation encountered is highly significant and may point to the extension of the same mineralising system responsible for nearby deposits.
“Suchasubstantialwidth of gold mineralisation is highly significant and a strong indication that the same large mineralising system that has given rise to the proximal Oko Main, Ghanie and Oko West deposits is present extends into and through Yono,” he said.
Moreover, the company alsodisclosedthatadditional trenching is ongoing to the east,westandsouthof Continued on page 16
Aparent-support session aimed at equipping families with practical tools to better understand and support children with autism was held at the National Library, as part of ongoing Autism Awareness Month activities
organised by Sameir UniquelyMe.
What began as Anjalena Beshpatty’s search for help for her son has turned into a support system for families across the country She is nowthefounderanddirector ofthenon-profitorganisation Sameir Uniquely Me, workingtoimproveaccessto services and reduce stigma surroundingautismandother developmentalchallenges
Autism, or autism spectrum disorder (ASD), is a neurodevelopmental condition that affects how individuals communicate, interactsocially,andprocess information. It is described as a “spectrum” because it includes a wide range of strengthsandchallenges.
Some individuals may have difficulty with speech and social interaction, while o t h e r s m a y l i v e independently but still experience sensory sensitivitiesordifferencesin communication Early diagnosis and intervention arewidelyrecognisedaskey factors in helping individualsdevelopessential lifeskills.
Beshpatty started her advocacy with her son Sameir, now 23 years old, who was diagnosed with autism at a young age. Speaking with Kaieteur News on Saturday, she shared that her personal experiences navigating limited resources and support systems shaped her determination to create change.
“Sameir has been my passion, my drive and my dedication,” she explained. “I wanted to see my son accepted, embraced for who heis,andsupportedtogrow anddevelop.”
Over the past 15 years, she pursued studies abroad while working closely with children on the autism spectrum since her son was justtwoyearsold.Hervision led to the establishment of Sameir Uniquely Me, which now operates centres providing services for childrenwithautism,speech impediments and learning disorders.
The organisation offers screening, after-school care
and early academic skills programmes, with the goal of preparing children for inclusion in mainstream classrooms. Beyond direct services, Beshpatty spoke about the importance of building a sense of community among parents.
“Therewasatimeinmylife when I felt lost and didn’t know where to turn for help formyson,”shesaid.“There are still parents who feel alone,facingstigma,without diagnosis or support I wanted to create a space where families know they arenotalone.”
The session yesterday featured visiting clinical psychologist Dr James Ellis fromBoston,Massachusetts, covering topics such as understandingandmanaging behaviours, practical strategies for the home, and developmental tools and resources.
Beshpatty said the initiative was designed to empower parents. “We want ourparentstofeelconfident, to be open and share, and to build that community We are here not only to work with the children but to supportparentsaswell.”
In addition to her role in the non-profit sector, Beshpatty serves as a commissioner on the National Commission on Disability, where she contributes to policies and advocacy efforts. She noted that there has been growing recognition of autism at the national level. “I have seen significant development, even at the highest levels of government, where our advocacy has made an impact,”shesaid.
She also acknowledged thesupportoftheMinistryof H e a l t h a n d o t h e r government efforts to strengthen services for persons with autism. While progress is ongoing, Beshpatty believes the steps being taken signal meaningfulchange.“Things arebeingputinplace,andwe know it will take time, but it’s encouraging to see that movement,”sheadded.
Through community outreach, Sameir Uniquely Me continues to raise awareness and provide guidance to families navigating autism and related challenges Persons interested in accessing services or support can contact the organisation via itssocialmediaplatformsor bytelephoneat650-6494.
As the seasonal rains return to the Rupununi, residents of East Central villages find themselves trapped in a familiar cycle of frustration and isolation. Despite millions of dollars in government expenditure on the regional road network, the crossing at Hiowa Creekhasonceagainsuccumbedto rising waters, rendering it impassable for daily commuters andlocaltransport.
Speaking with Kaieteur News, local resident Guy Fredericks expressed a sense of weary resignation, noting that the community’s warnings during the road’s initial construction were largelyignoredbyauthorities.
“Another rainy season is here andwehavetogothroughthesame situation again,” Fredericks lamented. “Hiowa Creek flooded,
no bridge built, the road not repaired, and culverts not installed correctly Attheveryinception,we made recommendations, but our voiceswentunheard.”
According to Fredericks, the recurring crisis is the result of a refusal to acknowledge the natural hydrology of the area While residents advocated for a bridge to handle the heavy volume of water passing through the creek,
co
installation of culverts, a move locals say was doomed from the start.
“Since the road was built, this has been happening,” Fredericks explained. “We recommended a bridge, but culverts were installed instead During and after construction, another culvert was added, but it is of no help. That
creekneedsabridge.”
The Hiowa Creek crossing is a vital artery for the East Central district. The road serves as the primary link for several villages and their satellite communities, including:
·Katoka
·Yupukari
·Nappi
·Hiowa
·Parishara
The flooding does not only hinder personal travel; it disrupts the regional economy and public services. Government employees and essential workers traverse this route daily to reach their posts. Withtheroadsubmerged,manyare left unable to report for work in Lethem,andtheflowofsuppliesto villageshopsisseverelyrestricted. Residentsarequestioningthevalue
of the “millions” spent on the road project if it fails to remain functional during the most predictable weather patterns of the year For the people of the Central Rupununi, the lack of a permanent
Ascreengrab of the road completely washed away by the flooded creek.
bridgeatHiowaCreekhasbecome a symbol of infrastructure that prioritises temporary fixes over long-term resilience. As the rains continue, the community is left to navigatethewatersontheirown.
The machine used by China Railway First Group that caused the damage to the transmission line on Dennis Street, Georgetown.
The dead man covered in front the city hotel on Sunday.
DetectivesinRegionalDivision4‘A’arecurrentlyinvestigating
the suspected murder of an unidentified man following a violent confrontation on North Road early Sunday morning. The incident occurred at approximately 07:45 hrs on the stretch between AlexanderandCampStreets.
Accordingtopreliminarypolicereports,thevictim,describedasamale sporting dreadlocks, was standing in front of a local bar when a heated altercationbrokeoutwithanothermale.Investigatorssaidthesuspectwas allegedlyarmedwithahandgunatthetime.Theconfrontationreportedly escalatedquickly,duringwhichthesuspectusedtheweapontodealseveral blunt-forceblowstothevictim’shead.
Witnesses in the vicinity reported hearing a single loud explosion shortlyafterthephysicalstruggle.Thesuspectwasthenobservedwalking away from the scene on foot, leaving the victim lying motionless on the roadway EmergencyMedicalTechniciansweresummonedtothelocation, whereadoctorofficiallypronouncedthemandeadatthescene.
Crime scene investigators processed the area and recovered one .32 spentshellandabrownleatherholsterincloseproximitytothebody The GuyanaPoliceForcehasconfirmedthatCCTVcameraspositionednearthe scene have been identified and the footage will be reviewed to determine theidentityoftheshooter Thebodyofthedeceasedhasbeentransportedto theMemorialGardensFuneralHome,whereitiscurrentlyawaitingformal identification and a post-mortem examination to determine the cause of death.AsofSundayevening,noarrestshavebeenmade.Investigationsare ongoing.
An engineer attached to the ChinaRailwayFirstGroupwason Sunday arrested after the machine he was operating damaged one of theGuyanaPowerandLight(GPL) transmissionlinesatDennisStreet, Sophia causing massive blackout acrossDemerara.
Checks at Dennis Street established that China Railway First Group was conducting road expansion works in the area at the time,GPLsaid,notingthatbeyond the disruption to service, contact with electrical infrastructure poses agraverisktolife.
“Incidents of this nature can result in severe injury or death, in additiontowidespreadoutagesand damagetothenetwork.
GPL is therefore strongly urgingallcontractorsandmembers of the public to exercise extreme caution when operating near electrical lines and to strictly observe all safety protocols and clearance requirements The
company further underscores that any party found responsible for damage to critical infrastructure willfacethefullbruntofthelaw.”
Power in some areas was restored around 2PM after the power outage which started 8:47 AM. “Dear customers, please be advised that incremental restoration is still ongoing at approximately 90 percent,”: GPL said in a statement issued Sunday afternoon.Thecompanysaidinthe 2PM statement that most areas in West Demerara, Georgetown and East Demerara have been repowered and that restoration excercise will continue until all areas have been repowered. “The serviceinterruptionisasaresultof machinery, attached to China Railway First Group, making contact with our 69,000-volt transmission line 10, which links our New Georgetown and Sophia Substations, causing it to trip. The Guyana Police Force has since
arrested Chinese National, Xiou Wei, in connection with the incident that continues to inconvenience our valued customers,” the GPL statement read.
Meanwhile, GPL further urged the general public to exercise caution when operating near its network, “as these incidents have the potential to endanger lives and cause significant inconvenience to customers. The Guyana Police Force will be engaged to take the appropriate action against those foundresponsible.”
Back in March this year, this newspaper reported GPL saying thatcontractorsandmembersofthe public who damage infrastructure belongingtothecompanywillface legalaction.Thiswasdisclosedby head of executive management, Kesh Nandlall, during a hearing before the Public Utilities Commission(PUC),wherehe Continued on page 18
GENEVA(ILO News) – More than 840,000 people die eachyearfromhealthconditionslinkedtopsychosocialrisks, such as long working hours, job insecurity, and workplace harassment, according to a new global report by the InternationalLabourOrganization(ILO).
These work-related psychosocial risks are mainly associatedwithcardiovasculardiseasesandmentaldisorders, including suicide. The report also finds that these risks account for nearly 45 million disability-adjusted life years (DALYs)lostannually,reflectingyearsofhealthylifelostdue toillness,disability,orprematuredeath,andareestimatedto resultineconomiclossesequivalentto1.37percentofglobal GDPeachyear
The report, ‘The psychosocial working environment: Globaldevelopmentsandpathwaysforaction,highlightsthe growing impact of how work is designed, organized, and managed on workers’ safety and health. It warns that psychosocialriskfactors—includinglongworkinghours,job insecurity, high demands with low control, and workplace bullying and harassment—can create harmful working environmentsifnotproperlyaddressed.
What is the psychosocial working environment?
The report introduces the psychosocial working environment as the elements of work and workplace interactions related to how jobs are designed, how work is organized and managed, and the broader policies, practices and procedures that govern work. These elements, both individually and in combination, affect workers’health and well-being,aswellasorganizationalperformance.
To better understand psychosocial risks, the report proposesthreeinterrelatedlevelsoftheworkingenvironment:
First, the nature of the job itself, including demands, responsibilities, alignment with workers’ skills, access to resources,andthedesignoftasksintermsofmeaning,variety, and skill use. Second, how work is organized and managed, coveringroleclarity,expectations,autonomy,workload,work pace,andsupervisionandsupport.
Third, the broader workplace policies, practices and proceduresthatgovernwork.Theseincludeemploymentand working time arrangements, the management of organizational change, digital monitoring, performance and reward processes, OSH policy and management systems, procedures to prevent violence and harassment at work, and mechanismsforworkerconsultationandparticipation.
The report emphasises that psychosocial risks arise from these elements and can be prevented through organisational approachesthataddresstheirrootcauses.Italsohighlightsthe importanceofintegratingpsychosocialriskmanagementinto occupational safety and health systems, supported by social dialoguebetweengovernments,employers,andworkers.
How the ILO estimated 840,000 deaths
Thefigureofover840,000deathsperyearwasestimated using two key sources of evidence. The first is data on the global prevalence of five major psychosocial risk factors at work:jobstrain(highdemandscombinedwithlowcontrol), effort–rewardimbalance,jobinsecurity,longworkinghours, and workplace bullying and harassment. The second is scientific research showing how these risks increase the likelihoodof serious healthconditionssuch as heartdisease, stroke, and mental disorders, including suicide. These risk levels were then applied to the latest global mortality and health data from theWorld Health Organization (WHO) and the Global Burden of Disease (GBD) study to estimate the numberofdeathsandDALYsattributabletotheseriskseach year This approach allowed the ILO to quantify both the human and economic burden, including estimating productivity losses reflected in GDP costs associated with healthylifeyearslost.
In addition, the report synthesises a broad body of evidenceshowingthatpsychosocialrisksarelinkedtoawide range of mental and physical health conditions among workers, including depression and anxiety, as well as metabolic diseases, musculoskeletal disorders, and sleep disturbances.
Widespread exposure
Whilemanypsychosocialrisksarenotnew,major
Continued on page 16
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A new report from the International Energy Agency reveals that while global energy demand grew modestly by 1.3% in 2025, electricity demand surged by 3%, driven by electric vehicles, industry, and data centres.
Most striking is the rise of solar power. For the first time ever, solar PV became the single largest contributor to global energy supply growth, accounting for over a quarter of the increase, outpacing fossil fuels. Meanwhile, oil demand grew by just 0.7%, slowed by the rapid global adoption of electric vehicles, with more than 20 million sold in 2025 alone. The latest edition of the IEA’s Global Energy Review, published last week, provides a comprehensive global assessment of trends across the energy sector in 2025. Based on the latest data, it covers energy demand, electricity generation and use, energy technology deployment, and energyrelated carbon dioxide (CO2) emissions.
The report shows that overall global energy demand growth slowed to 1.3% in 2025, slightly below the previous decade’s average of 1.4% and significantly lower than in 2024. The main reasons for this slowdown were lower global economic growth, less extreme temperatures in some regions, and rapid uptake of more efficient technologies. At the same time, global electricity demand increased by around 3% – well over twice the rate of overall energy demand growth. Although electricity demand growth was slower than in 2024, reflecting factors such as lower cooling demand in India and Southeast Asia amid less severe heatwaves, it remained above the average of the past decade. Electricity demand growth was driven by multiple sectors across buildings and industry – and boosted by
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fast-growing demand from electric vehicles and data centres. All major fuels and technologies expanded to meet rising demand, but at very different rates. Solar PV was the single largest contributor to growth in global energy supply in 2025, accounting for more than 25% of the increase – the first time on record that a modern renewable source has led global primary energy supply growth. Natural gas took the next largest share, at 17%, reflecting its role in power generation in many countries. Overall, renewable sources and nuclear met nearly 60% of all growth in energy demand – and power generation from these sources exceeded total growth in electricity demand.
Global oil demand rose by 0.7%, in line with IEA projections. This reflected continued growth of electric vehicles, which constrained demand for road fuels. Electric car sales in 2025 increased by over 20% to more than 20 million units – making up around one in four new car sales worldwide. Strong renewables growth reduced coal use in power generation in China, while coal demand increased in the United States as high natural gas prices drove gasto-coal switching in electricity generation. Overall, the rate of coal demand growth slowed in 2025.
“Global energy demand continued to increase in 2025 against a complex economic and geopolitical backdrop, with one trend unmistakeable: the expanding electrification of economies,” said IEA Ex-
ecutive Director Fatih Birol.
“Electricity consumption is growing much faster than overall energy demand – and one energy source is growing much faster than any other. Solar PV accounted for over a quarter of all of the world’s energy demand growth – more than any other source, for the first time – followed right after by natural gas. In today’s rapidly shifting landscape, countries that prioritise resilience and diversification will be best placed to manage volatility and deliver secure and affordable energy in the years ahead.”
Beneath the global totals, trends diverged sharply across major economies. Energy demand growth in the United States rose to its second-highest level this century – excluding post-recession recovery years – boosted by strong electricity demand from data centres, robust industrial activity and also colder winter temperatures. Meanwhile, China accounted for the largest overall share of global energy demand growth last year, but its growth rate dropped sharply to 1.7% as renewables displaced coal, which is less efficient, and broader energy efficiency gains strengthened. At the same time, growth in global energy-related CO2 emissions slowed in 2025, rising by around 0.4%. According to the report, China’s emissions declined in 2025, supported by a surge in renewables and other lowemissions technologies.
India’s energy-related CO2 emissions were flat for the first time since the 1970s –
excluding the Covid-19 pandemic – with the effects of an unusually strong monsoon season playing a significant role in curbing emissions growth. By contrast, in advanced economies, an especially cold winter pushed fossil fuel use and emissions higher. Taken together, these developments meant that emissions from advanced economies grew faster (+0.5%) than those from emerging and developing economies (+0.3%) for the first time since the 1990s.
In the electricity sector, the additional 600 terawatthours of solar PV generation worldwide in 2025 marked the largest structural increase ever recorded in a single year for any electricity generation technology, contributing to a decline in coal-fired electricity generation globally. Battery storage was the fastestgrowing power sector technology in 2025. The roughly 110 gigawatts of new battery storage capacity added during the year exceeded the largest-ever annual capacity additions for natural gas. Meanwhile over 12 gigawatts of nuclear power reactors began construction in 2025, amid renewed momentum for nuclear projects in several regions. Cumulative deployment of low-emissions technologies since 2019 now avoids annual fossil fuel consumption equivalent to the entire energy demand of Latin America. In the aggregate, use of technologies such as solar PV, wind power and heat pumps now displaces natural gas demand equivalent to half of all global annual LNG exports.
From page 12 YTR16 as it seeks to better define the extent of the mineralised zone. Kaieteur News had reported that Guyana’s mineral wealth continues to attract significant foreign investment, with Tajiri Resources being one of several Canadian mining companies collectively controlling millions of ounces of gold across various stages of development. These projects, spanning multiple mining regions, are advancing through exploration, feasibility stud-
ies, and permitting. G Mining Ventures recently made a move to acquire G2 by entering into a definitive agreement valued at approximately US$2.2 billion (C$3 billion). The 4.64 million ounces Oko West Gold Project was added to GMIN’s portfolio back in 2024. The newest acquisition, will see GMIN and G2’s neighbouring properties merged into a single mining hub with a combined 7-million-ounce gold resource base, including 2.3 million ounces in measured and indi-
840,000 deaths a
From page 15 transformations in the world of work, including digitalisation, artificial intelligence, remote work, and new employment arrangements, are reshaping the psychosocial working environment. These changes may intensify existing risks or create new ones if not properly addressed. At the same time, they can offer opportunities for improved work organiza-
cated resources and inferred resources. The combined development is expected to produce more than 500,000 ounces of gold annually over its life, with Oko West contributing approximately 350,000 ounces per year and Oko-Ghanie adding an estimated 228,000 ounces annually.
This level of output is expected to create a large-scale, low-cost tier-1 gold mining hub in one of the most prospective emerging gold districts in the world.
tion and greater flexibility, highlighting the need for proactive action.
“Psychosocial risks are becoming one of the most significant challenges for occupational safety and health in the modern world of work,” said Manal Azzi, Team Lead on OSH Policy and Systems at the ILO. “Improving the psychosocial working environment is essential not only for protecting workers’ men-
tal and physical health, but also for strengthening productivity, organizational performance and sustainable economic development.” By addressing these risks proactively, the report concludes, countries and enterprises can create healthier workplaces that benefit both workers and organizations while strengthening productivity and economic resilience.
The Ministry of H e a l t h i n
collaboration with the Pan American Health Organisation/World Health Organisation (PAHO/WHO) on Saturday
launched Caribbean Vaccination Week 2026 at t h e U m a n a Ya n a , Georgetown.
The launch, which is in keepingwiththe24thannual Vaccination Week in the Americas (VWA), is being held under the theme “Your decisionmakesadifference: Prevention is protection, vaccinatenow!”
Delivering remarks about the Caribbean VWA, PAHO’s Assistant Director, Dr Rhonda Sealey said the initiative started 24 years ago with the primary
objective of strengthening immunization programs because of an outbreak of measles.
“Vaccination week is really to focus on reaching persons in vulnerability and those with limited access to health services in particular populations, in border and rural areas, urban hemispheresandindigenous communitiesandotherhighriskgroups,”Dr Sealeysaid.
She explained why PAHO found it fitting to launch vaccination week in Guyana noting that the country has vulnerable populations coupled with those living in border communities who have limitedaccesstovaccines.
“Guyana is home not only in a geographic sense,
but in our shared values, resilience,andourcollective commitment to protecting thehealthofourpeople,”she expressed.
Regarding this year’s theme“Yourdecisionmakes a difference”, she noted it underscores the role everyone plays, that is “Every policy decision, every clinical interaction, and every conversation with a parent contributes to stronger immunization systems and healthcare communities.”
According to the
AssistantDirector,thisyear, Vaccination Week in the Americas is strategically aligned with PAHO’s diseaseeliminationinitiative where they are seeking to eliminate more than 30 communicable diseases and relatedconditionsby2030.
“And these include 11 vaccine preventable diseases, five of these are polio, measles, rubella, congenital rubella syndrome, and maternal tetanus have already been eliminated in the Caribbean,”sheshared.
According to the D i r e c t o r , t h i s a c c o m p l i s h m e n t underscoreswhatispossible when science, political commitment, and a dedicated public health workforce are brought together in support of a commongoal.
Sheaddedthatacrossthe Caribbean, they are seeing
PAHO’s Assistant Director, Dr.
steady progress beyond eliminationmilestones.
Dr.Sealeydisclosedthat polio’s recovery has increasedfrom92%in2022 to95%in2025,meetingthe regional target with countries such as Guyana, Montserrat, and St. Vincent and the Grenadines achieving 100 percent coverage.
Another milestone the Caribbeanisdoingwellinis the strengthening of surveillance system This reflects the improved detection and reporting across the sub region includingGuyana.
“So, for example when we vaccinate against measles we don’t just vaccinate and assume that persons would not get the disease We do have surveillance for fever and rash so that we can detect cases early and in take necessary measures and makesurethatthediseaseis not reintroduced,” Dr Sealeyexplained.
The Caribbean is also making progress with the introductionofnewvaccines i n s t r e n g t h e n i n g immunizationsystems.
In parallel, she said that countries have also strengthened their immunization system to the adaptation of new tools and guidelines, including the Expanded Program on Immunization (EPI) selfassessment using PAHO’s developed monitoring framework.
PAHO, she mentioned will continue to support Caribbean countries with technical guidelines and model Caribbean EPI legislation and the Caribbean EPI template manual.
“HPV vaccine coverage in particular continues to vary across the Caribbean and vaccine hesitancy and misinformation remain a concern,”shehighlighted.
Further,Dr Sealeynoted that there has been a rise in measles cases which is concerning and cannot be ignored. “In 2025, a total of 14,767 cases of measles were reported in the Americas, more than 30 times higher than in 2024. And alarmingly, in just the first 4 and half months of 2026, cases have already surpassed the 2025 total, reaching 15,366. In 2025, hospitalizations made up 13% of reported cases of measles and there were 43 deaths unfortunately across 2025 and 2026,” she disclosed.
Notingtheimportanceof vaccination, she stated that the situation is a strong reminder that maintaining high vaccination coverage prevents illness, death, and broadersocietaldeprivation.
“In the Caribbean, where cases have been identified, countries have responded swiftly and effectively to contain and maintain both imported and related cases.
This reflects strong coordination, robust preparedness, and a clear commitment to protecting the health of populations,” shesaid.
Minister of Health, Dr Frank Anthony stated that Vaccination Week is an importantexercisebecauseit ensures the population is protectedagainstdiseases.
He noted however, that there are challenges which
PAHO’s Assistant Directorsaidthatdespitethe Region’s successes, important challenges still persist, such as decline in vaccination coverage and outbreaks of vaccine preventablediseases.
affectvaccinationrates.One challenge he pointed out is the misinformation that people pedal around about vaccines.
“And if we allow the misinformation to persist, then it would harm how we are able to roll out vaccines notjustinGuyanabutacross theCaribbean.Andso,while wefocusongettingvaccines topeople,wealsohavemore importantly to combat this misinformation that is often peddled about vaccine,” he explained.
During his remarks, he said Guyana has made significant strides in vaccination coverage and contributing to this, is the partnership the country has with organizations like PAHOandWHOinsourcing vaccines.
Dr Anthonysaidtoothat the vaccination coverage is as a result of the various programmesthegovernment hasrolledoutovertheyears for both children and adult, and the investments being made in building the infrastructure.
The minister noted that the dedicated healthcare workers have played an important part for they have travelled coastland and interior areas to ensure peopleareserved.
“While we work and we feel proud of what we’ve achieved,weknowthatthere are always room for improvement. So, we are constantly working and innovating and see how we could do better,” he commented.
As Vaccination Week commences, the minister said the government has a target of 60,000 women getting HPV vaccinated, an importantvaccinationwhich safe guards them from the deadlycervicalcancer
(CNN) - Oil prices rose Sunday after an Iranian officialwarnedthattheStrait of Hormuz will “under no circumstances” return to its previousstate.
Brent crude, the international benchmark, was up about 2 14% to $107.58. U.S. crude was up 2.08%to$96.36.
Iran’sDeputyParliament Speaker Ali Nikzad has warned the choked Strait of Hormuz will “under no circumstances” return to its previous state, citing an order from the country’s Supreme Leader Mojtaba Khamenei, Iranian semiofficial media said on Sunday
“We will under no circumstances return the Strait of Hormuz to its previous state, because this is an order from the Leader of the Revolution,” Mehr News Agency cited Nikzad as saying, referring to an order from Khamenei, who has still not been seen or heard in public since he was announcedasleader
Nikzad said it was “one ofthedivineblessingsofthe war that we realized if we placeourfootonthethroatof theStraitofHormuzandBab al-Mandab, 25% of the world’s economy would be affected.”
Like the Strait of Hormuz,theBabal-Mandab is another critical shipping chokepoint between Yemen andAfrica.
In Khamenei’s first purported message as supreme leader earlier this year, he rattled global markets by doubling down on keeping closed the strait, which has become a key focalpointoftheU.S-Israeli warwithIran.
Iran’s president Masoud Pezeshkian told Pakistani
US forces patrol the Arabian Sea near M/V Touska, on April 20, after the Iranian-flagged vessel attempted to pass through the US naval blockade. US Navy
Prime Minister, Shehbaz Sharif that ongoing U S actions were undermining trust and complicating paths to dialogue, according to Iran’s state broadcaster The accusations come a week afterIranaccusedtheUnited States of “breaches of trust” and once again closed the StraitofHormuz.
Meanwhile, President Donald Trump canceled the U.S. envoy to Islamabad at the last minute on Saturday after Iran refused to hold direct talks. Trump partially blamed the cancellation on “infighting”amongTehran’s leaders.
Peace talks have stalled ahead of the war’s twomonth mark, prolonging oil disruptions and stoking higher gas prices around the world.
A gallon of gas cost an averageof$4.10onSunday, according to AAA data
While that’s down from a recent peak, prices are up about 27% since the start of thewar
U.S.militaryofficialsare developing new plans to target Iran’s capabilities in the Strait of Hormuz in the
event the current ceasefire with Iran falls apart, according to multiple sources familiar with the matter
The options, among several sets of target types underconsideration,include strikes with a particular focus on “dynamic targeting” of Iran’s capabilitiesaroundtheStrait of Hormuz, southern Arabian Gulf and Gulf of Oman, the sources said, describing potential attacks against small fast attack boats, minelaying vessels and other asymmetric assets that have helped Tehran effectively shut down those keywaterwaysandusethem asleverageovertheU.S.
That shut down has causedmassiveripplesinthe globaleconomy,threatening to undermine President Donald Trump’s efforts to reduceU.S.inflationandhas occurred despite a ceasefire pausing US strikes that beganonApril7.
While the military has targeted Iran’s Navy, much ofthefirstmonthofbombing wasfocusedontargetsaway from the strait that would
open the waterway, multiple sources, including a senior shipping broker, told CNN.
“ U n l e s s y o u c a n unequivocally prove that 100% of Iran’s military capability is destroyed or near certainty that the U.S. canmitigatetheriskwithour capability,itwillcomedown to how badly is [Trump] willingtoaccepttheriskand start pushing ships through the strait,” one source familiar with the military planningsaid.
“obstructionists” within the regime who U.S. officials have recently suggested are actively undermining negotiations, one of the sourcesnoted.Thatincludes Ahmad Vahidi, who serves as Commander-in-Chief of the Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps, the source said.
allow the U.S. military to strike further inside Iran itself.Thenewplanscallfor a much more concentrated bombing campaign around strategicwaterways.
CNN has previously reported that a large percentage of the country’s coastal defense missiles remain intact. Iran also has numerous small boats that couldbeusedasplatformsto launch attacks on ships, complicating U.S. efforts to openthestrait.
Military strikes around the strait, on their own, are unlikely to immediately re-
The U.S. military could also follow through on Trump’s previous threat to strike dual-use and infrastructure targets, including energy facilities, inanefforttocompelIranto the negotiating table, the sources told CNN. Trump has said the U.S. would resumecombatoperationsin the absence of a diplomatic resolutiontothewar
Striking infrastructure targets would represent a controversial escalation in the conflict, some current and former U.S. officials havewarned.
A n o t h e r o p t i o n developed by military planners is to target individual Iranian military leaders and other
“Due to operations security, we do not discuss future or hypothetical movements,” a Defense Department official said when asked about target planning
“The U S military continues to provide the President options, and all options remain on the table ” Trump has repeatedly claimed that the Iranian regime is “fractured” after jointU S-Israelioperations killed a number of highrankingofficials,including the country’s supreme leader In a social media post on Thursday, Trump pointedtoanapparentsplit between the IRGC and m e m b e r s o f t h e government who had been engaged in talks with the U S as one challenge standing in the way of a diplomaticagreement
Frompage14
explained that GPL has s t r e n g t h e n e d i t s collaboration with the Guyana Police Force to addresstheissue.
“Wehaveateamofguysthat are working very closely withthepolice.
When we have these
i n c i d e n t s , w e a c t immediately… there was a lot of charges being meted out to these contractors,”
N a n d l a l l t o l d t h e commissionbackthen.
The move by GPL had
come amid growing concerns over repeated d a m a g e t o u t i l i t y infrastructure, much of which has been linked not only to vehicular accidents
but also to ongoing construction and roadworks acrossthecountry
PUC Chairman, Dr. Nanda Gopaul, stressed that those responsible must be held financially accountable, noting that theburdenshouldnotfallon
GPLorconsumers.
“Has there been any attempt to penalise these contractors bring them before the courts and make thempayfines?”
Gopaul questioned, adding that insurance
coverage carried by contractors should be
used to offset such damages
Hefurtherwarnedthat the consequences extend b e y o n d p o w e r disruptions, pointing out that damage to utility poles often results in severed telephone lines and prolonged service
outages in affected communities.
“We can’t continue going there when you drivearoundandseeposts knocked down at corners,
one wonders whether people are driving war tanks on the road,” he remarked, referencing areas such as LBI where such incidentsarefrequent.
Divisional director for load reduction, Persram Peraud, confirmed a noticeable spike in infrastructure damage, linkingittotheincreasein road and construction projectsnationwide.
“In the last few months, it’s a significant increase,” he said, noting thattheriseindamagehas also contributed to more frequentpoweroutages
U n d e r c u r r e n t procedures, GPL assesses the cost of damages and seeks compensation from those responsible. However, officials noted that contractors often fail to notify the company before conducting works near power lines, a requirement intended to prevent such incidents.
In those cases, matters are referred to the police for furtheraction,asGPLmoves t o c l a m p d o w n o n negligence and protect criticalinfrastructure.
The warning from Businessman, Glenn Lall cannot be ignored. Guyana’s oil story, anchored by ExxonMobil operations in the Stabroek Block, is increasingly defined by a troubling paradox: soaring production alongside persistent hardship.
At the heart of the issue is the so-called 50% profit share—reduced in practice to 12.5% during cost recovery.Without ring-fencing, new projects continually delay Guyana’s access to greater revenues, locking the nation into a cycle of diminished returns.
More alarming is the reality that while billions flow offshore, national debt continues to climb. This contradiction demands urgent scrutiny.
Responsibility does not rest with ExxonMobil alone. Successive governments must answer for a deal that appears structurally flawed. If oil wealth cannot ease the burden on citizens, then the promise of prosperity rings hollow and dangerously so.
l
The Guyana Football Federation (GFF) formally
with DOF
ceremonious cocktail event held at the World Trade Centre,markingamajorstep
forwardforthedevelopment ofgirls’footballinGuyana.
Deliveringremarksatthe event, Steven Jacobs underscoredthesignificance oftheagreement,notingthat the establishment of a girls’ football academy represents far more than a ceremonial
milestone. He emphasized that the initiative reflects a tangible commitment to inclusion and creates vital opportunities for young womenacrossthecountry
The Memorandum of Understanding (MOU)
collaboration between GFF and DOF Subsea, with the company committing GYD$40 million to support the operations of the DOF–FIFA Arena Girls Football Academy This initiative forms a central pillar of GFF’s long-term strategytoexpandstructured pathways for female players and elevate the standard of women’sfootballnationally
You'll find that things are slipping nicely into place for you today, Aries. Your persuasivemannerandgentle nudges are just enough to get peoplewhereyouwantthem.
TAURUS
When faced with ten entrees onthemenu,itmightbehard for you to choose just one. Feelfreetoordertwoormore, Ta u r u s D o n ' t l e t indecisiveness slow you down.Atthesametime.
GEMINIS
Your dreams won't come true unless you believe in and act onthem,Gemini.Nooneelse is going to do it for you. Unless you have a fairy godmother, you need to take mattersintoyourownhands.
If people hassle you or give you a hard time about your appearance today, pay them nomind,Cancer Youhavethe righttoliveyourlifeanyway youwantto.
LEO
Reachforthepotofgoldatthe end of the rainbow, Leo. It's closerthanyouthink.Indeed, your dreams are completely within your reach, and there are huge forces at work helping you achieve your goals.
VIRGO
Today is your day to dream and dream big, Virgo. Think aboutwhatitisthatyouwant most out of life. Aim your arrow to the stars and pull back your bow as far as possible. There's no limit to howfaryoucango.
GFF President, Wayne Forde and DOF executive Marco Sclocchi conduct officially signing of the MOU during Friday’s Girls Development Programme launch.
Expand your mind to its furthest reaches today, Libra.
There's an incredible opportunity opening up for you in which you can make great strides in a creative realm.Followthemusic.
Your mind may seem rather cloudy today, Scorpio, but don't let this hinder you. In fact, you'll find that you can use this feeling of fantasy to your advantage. Try to bring moremagicintoyourlife.
Today is an excellent day for you,oneinwhichyou'llfinda great deal of strength in your emotions, Sagittarius Trust that your instincts are serving youwell.
Things might get a bit confusing for you today, Capricorn. Don't feel like you needtomakesenseofitall.In fact, this task may be impossible. Just be yourself. Let your creative nature shine through.
Mix your reality with a bit of fantasytoday,Aquarius.Allow your feet to come off the ground for a little while. Give yourselfarest.Takesometime to meditate and clear your mindofyourdailyworries.
Let yourself go into high creative mode and drift into a whole other world, Pisces. Escape your present reality and explore your fantasies through any sort of artistic endeavor Dreamasbigasyour mindallows.
At the heart of the partnershipisthecreationof Guyana’s first dedicated girls’ football academy, aligned with FIFA’s FIFA Arena Project. This global initiative aims to install 1,000 mini-pitches worldwide by 2031, increasing access to safe, inclusive football spaces for youth, particularly in underservedcommunities.
Guyana is among the first Caribbean nations to rollouttheprogramme,with two modern all-weather pitches planned for Haslington, East Coast Demerara, and Retrieve, Linden Under the agreement, GFF will design a n d i m p l e m e n t a comprehensive girls’ development programme based primarily at the Haslington facility, while maintainingtheflexibilityto expandnationwide.
The programme will adhere to the technical and safeguarding standards of FIFA,CONCACAF,andthe Caribbean Football Union. In addition to football training, participants will benefit from structured life skills development, with the long-term aim of producing players capable of representing Guyana internationallywithinfiveto sixyears.
GFF President Wayne Forde described the initiative as a foundational investment in the future of women’s football, highlighting that the academy will serve as a hub for grassroots programmes, school football, and elite youth development. He also expressed appreciation to DOF Subsea for what he called a transformative commitmenttothesport.
Representing DOF Subsea, Marco Sclocchi reaffirmed the company’s
dedication to social impact through sport, stating that investing in young people strengthens not only individuals but entire communities.
He noted that the academy will provide the structure and environment needed for young girls to thriveinasportgroundedin teamwork, respect, and excellence.
Also addressing the gathering, Philippe Moggio highlighted the regional importance of the partnership,describingitasa model of intentional, longterm investment in youth development. He linked the initiative to CONCACAF’s broader“OneConcacaf”and
“Football First” vision, whichhasplacedsignificant emphasis on the growth of women’s football across the region Minister Jacobs further noted that the Government of Guyana will continue to support the programme through infrastructure development, including a high-performance centre designed to benefit multiplesportingdisciplines The signing of this agreement represents a decisive advancement in strengtheningtheecosystem for women’s football in Guyana, positioning the country as an emerging leader in structured female youth development within theCaribbean.
The Guinness
‘Greatest of the S t r e e t s ’ Georgetown Championship heads into a blockbuster
semifinal stage on Wednesday, April 29, at the National Cultural Centre
Tarmac, with a new champion guaranteed and a reshaping of the traditional power structure well underway
For the first time in
recent memory, the tournament’s famed “big trio” [Sparta Boss, Gold is Money, and National AllStarsformerlyBackCircle], have failed to automatically qualify for the National
Playoffs, which are scheduled for May 8 at the samevenue.
Their absence highlights a shift in the competitive landscape and signals the riseofnewchallengersready toclaimthespotlight.
A d d i n g t o t h e unpredictabilityistheexitof defending champions Laing
Avenue, who were
eliminated in the quarterfinals, ensuring that
this year’s tournament will produceanewtitleholder
The semifinal fixtures promise intense battles Former champion Leopold Streetareslatedtoclashwith previouswinnerTigerBayin whatisexpectedtobeahighquality encounter between two experienced and battletestedsides.
Both teams possess the pedigree and composure required for this stage and will be aiming to reassert theirdominance.
In the other semifinal, Island All-Stars will face Bent Street B in a matchup that guarantees a first-time finalist in the event. Both teams have been fearless throughout the tournament, takingonanddefeatingmore established opponents with confidenceandflair
Their emergence has injectedfreshenergyintothe competitionandcapturedthe imaginationoffans.
Pundits have already begun to speculate that one of these ambitious teams could go all the way, especially given their form
The semifinal fixtures promise intense battles.
and the absence of the usual heavyweights. Their hunger and bold approach have set thestageforwhatcouldbea defining breakthrough moment.
Asanticipationbuildsfor Wednesday night’s action, fans can expect an electric atmosphere at the National
Cultural Centre Tarmac Whether it is the experience of Leopold Street and Tiger Bay or the fearless rise of Island All-Stars and Bent
Athrillingnightof S e c o n d a r y School football
unfolded at the Ministry of Education Ground on Sunday, as the Massy Distribution Schools Under18 Tournament semifinals delivered goals, drama, and two deserving finalists
Chase’s Academic Foundation and Santa Rosa Secondary School emerged victorious to book their places in this weekend’s championshipmatch.
Chase’s Academic Foundation stamped their authority early, producing a commanding7-0demolition of Charlestown Secondary School.Determinedtomake a statement, Chase overwhelmed their opponents from the outset, racing to a 3-0 lead before halftime.
Captain Shaquan David openedthescoringalongside Malcolm Hendricks, before Nyron Barrow added a third
in the 27th minute with a curling left-footed effort from the right side that slipped past the goalkeeper at the near post. The second half brought more of the same dominance Mark Glasgow struck just three minutes after the restart to make it 4-0, while Onasi Dunn capitalized on a midfield interception to extend the lead further David returned to the scoresheet with a composed finish after skillful buildup play, and Jaden Christian completed the rout with a clinical strike through the goalkeeper’slegs.
Speaking after the match, David expressed confidence ahead of the final, stating that his team is prepared for “whoever comes next” as they aim to prove themselves the best schoolsideinthecountry
The second semifinal p r o v e d f a r m o r e competitive, as Santa Rosa
Secondary battled to a dramatic penalty shootout victoryoverWestRuimveldt
SecondarySchoolfollowing a2-alldraw WestRuimveldt struck first through captain Donovan Welcome, who gave his side an early advantage However, a goalkeeping error allowed Paul Thomas to equalize, before Andell James put Santa Rosa ahead by redirecting a free-kick into thenet.
Welcome responded fromthepenaltyspottolevel proceedings,andthecontest continued at a frenetic pace, with both teams trading goals to end regulation and extratimelockedat3-3.
T h e m a t c h w a s ultimately decided from the penalty spot, where Santa Rosa held their nerve to secure an 8-7 victory in sudden death, sealing their place in the final
Foundation.
Th e f o u r t h
instalment of the
One Guyana T10 Tapeball Blast will reach a new high in terms of cash prizepayouts,withoverG$8 million up for grabs alongside high-quality trophies.
In a move to further professionalise the grassrootsformat,organisers
rewards for teams that fall short of the final stage. The losing finalist at the zone level will receive $200,000, while the losing semifinalistsget$50,000each.
For the first time in the tournament’s history, losing quarter-finalists will also be rewardedwith$25,000each.
($50,000).
Non-monetaryprizesare also on the cards for players recordingthemostdotballs, sixes,andfours.
Tournament Director John Ramsingh noted that themissionhasalwaysbeen to provide a platform for talenttoberewarded.
fee, and teams can register foranyzone
The competition will m
knockout format across four zones: Berbice, East Bank/West Demerara, E s s e q u i b o , a n d Georgetown/East Coast Demerara.
have introduced a quarterfinal payout for the 2026 season.
Each zone winner will now pocket $500,000, and byadvancingtotheNational Finals, teams can compete for an additional $2 million forfirstplace,$1millionfor second place, or $500,000 foreachlosingsemifinalist. Thisstructureeffectively
increases the overall winning prize to $2 5 million, while the overall runner-up will take home $1.5million.
The two losing semifinalists at the National Finalswillwalkawaywitha combined$1millionoverall.
In an effort to remain player-centred, organisers FL Sport have expanded
Director of Sport, Steve Ninvalle, has lauded Elton Dharry following his historic rise to world championstatusonSaturday evening, describing the achievement as a testament to perseverance, discipline, andunwaveringbelief.
“The Government of Guyana, through the Ministry of Culture, Youth and Sport, and the National Sports Commission (NSC), has always supported Dharry’s pursuit of a world title,andIampleasedtosee him celebrating the realisation of a lifelong journey,” Ninvalle said in a release.
Dharry etched his name into the nation’s sporting history when he defeated Tanzania’sSalimKassimby unanimous decision after a gruelling 12-round contest to claim the International Boxing Association (IBA) SuperBantamweighttitle.
Beyond team prizes, individualexcellencewillbe heavily incentivised with a suite of cash awards: Most Valuable Player ($150,000) + motorbike, Most Runs ($100,000) + television, Most Wickets ($100,000) + television, Player-of-the Final ($75,000), Super Strike Rate ($50,000) and Best Economy Rate
“Without question, we have one of the highest cash payouts for any tournament within the Caribbean,” Ramsingh stated, adding that interest from regional counterparts to compete in Guyana continuestogrow
Registrationforthe80team tournament opens in early May with a $35,000
The tournament is scheduled to run from early August to midOctober,withtheNational Finals set for the brandnew Anna Regina National Stadium.
In addition to the prize money, zone winners will earn an automatic spot in the upcoming Global T10 Tapeballtournament
“Thisisaproudmoment forGuyanaandforboxing,” Ninvallesaid.“EltonDharry h a s s h o w n w h a t determination, resilience, and belief can achieve. He nevergaveuponhisdream, and today he stands as a worldchampion.”
Reflecting on Dharry’s journey,Ninvallepointedto the fighter’s earlier setback in2019,whenhechallenged Australia’s Andrew MaloneyfortheWBASuper Flyweight title in Melbourne.
That contest was halted in the eighth round by refereeFerlinMarshduetoa severe cut, with Dharry trailing on the judges’ scorecards and ultimately suffering defeat. According toNinvalle,thatlossproved to be a defining moment in Dharry’scareer
“He made a promise to himself after that fight, that hewouldreturnstrongerand
The bout, staged at the Pegasus Suites and Corporate Centre, marked a significant milestone as the first male world title fight ever hosted in Guyana—an occasion Ninvalle believes will resonate for years to come.
claimaworldtitle. It took time, patience, and hard work, but he fulfilled that promise,” Ninvallenoted.
Saturday’s clash saw Dharry overcome an uncertain start before asserting control and dominating the latter rounds.
The victory improved his professional record to 31-6-1, while Kassim slipped to 11-1-2, suffering thefirstlossofhiscareer
Beyond his exploits in thering,Ninvallewasquick to commend Dharry’s contributions to the sport locally.
He highlighted the champion’s commitment to developing boxing in Guyana, particularly his efforts to support emerging professionals and integrate amateur bouts into his locallypromotedcards.
Ninvalle believes Dharry’s success could serve as a catalyst for the sport’s growth, inspiring a newgenerationoffightersto pursueexcellence.
ByCliftonRoss
Contrasting half-century
knocks from opener
Tagenarine and all-rounder
Keemo Paul navigated the Harpy Eagles through a toughopeningday’spassage and gained 220-run lead, after a clinical bowling performance from the Windward Volcanoes yesterday following the closeofplayattheCoolidge CricketGround.
Fielding first after winning the toss paid off slightly for the Volcanoes who are currently 2-0 in the series, but did a fair job in keeping Guyana under a 250-run1stinningsscore.
Medium-pacer Ryan John spearheaded a brilliant bowling outing by the Volcanoeswithfiguresof418from16overs.Helpcame
in the form of pacer Gilon Tyson(2-40)andleg-spinner
DarelCyrus(3-79),whodid the dirty work to help contain the dangerous Eaglesbattingorder
Guyana, despite a few hiccups,managedtoreacha decent enough first innings score of 242 all out in 79.5 overs, led by Chanderpaul who applied himself early andmanagedtocarryhisbat past both lunch and tea breaks,tograftanotherhalfcenturyscorethisseason.
The left-hander gritted forhis69off212ballswith8 fours,especiallyafterlosing their top four leading batsmen for a combined 40 runs.
Paul’s emergence as a key factor in both departments,especiallywith thebatdowntheorderagain
took center stage with a feisty knock of 64 off 57 deliveries which steered the middle/lower-order during a timeofcrisis.
Volcanoes then suffered arguably their biggest setback minutes before stumps, as fast-bowler Nial Smith (1-11) bagged the big wicket of opener Ackeem Augustewhodepartedfor2; leavinghisteam22-1witha big uphill task facing Stephan Pascal (13*) and KavemHodge(7*).
ThefirstEaglewicketto go was Chanderpaul’s opening partner, Matthews Nandu (0) who was trapped LBW by Tyson after scratching around for 10 deliveries.
Kevlon Anderson’s mixedformcontinued,being knocked over by John for 5
runs before Tyson struck againtoremoveasetKemol Savory (35) after he found theropeson5occasions.
SkipperTevinImlach(5) also fell cheaply to some good bowling from allrounder Shadrack Descarte (1-36),whichwasabigblow forthechamps.
However, Paul, who has been on a good upward trajectory with both bat and ball this season, aided in the r e p a i r s a l o n g s i d e Chanderpaul.
The former West Indies all-rounder pushed the pace with 4 sixes and 5 fours before losing his wicket to pushGuyanato149-5.
Spinners Richie Looknauth (17) and
Tagenarine Chanderpaul dug in for another fifty
After a 2-year absence, the Rose Hall Town
Youth and Sports Club, MS willbepublishingitsannual youthreviewmagazine.The
club was forced to shelve publication of the magazine in 2024 and 2025 due to the
Gudakesh Motie (24) kept runs ticking as they showed theircapabilitieswiththebat down the order during their respective times at the crease. The huge blow however came when Chanderpaul, who saw the demise of almosttheentireteam,found himself undone by a beauty from John during the final session of play, despite the Eagleshavingalreadyflown pastthe200-runmark.
The action continues today
illness of Club Secretary, Hilbert Foster, but took a decisiontogoaheadwiththe publication of the 24th edition of the magazine this year
Fosterstatedthattheclub first published an annual magazine in 2000 at the F andHPrinterywithjusttwo hundredcopies.
The long serving secretary stated that the current magazine would consistoffiftytwopagesand that the entire magazine would be multi coloured. The magazine would be handledbyaneditorialboard headedbyFosterandinclude Robby Kissoonlall, Keith Hicks, Tyrone Pottaya, Danellie Manns, Jonathan Rampersaud and Nicholas Cameron.Itwillbeprintedat the J Printery in New Amsterdam and is expected to be completed by early June for free distribution in Guyana, the Caribbean and NorthAmerica.
Manager and Organising Secretary, KIssoonlall, stated that the magazine would include numerous articles including remarks f
y, Honorary Patron, Mayor of Rose Hall Town Dave Budhu and Town Clerk, Natasha Griffith Other articles would include achievements of the club 1990 to 2026, National Players for 2025, Official sponsors of the club, profiles of the different
produced by the club and several pages of pictorial
activities like the annual cricket academy, Republic Bank Summer Camp,
OutreachandtheTributeto Heroes programme would behighlightedinarticlesin
the magazine while the MinistriesofAgricultureand Housing would also be contributingarticlesdirected toyouths.
The Rose Hall Town YouthandSportswouldlike toexpressthankstoallthose who have contributed to making the magazine possible this year including the Ministry of Agriculture, Ministry of Housing, Panthera Solutions, Factory Price, KSM Investment, Bakewell, HA Snacks, GNNL, Berbice Cricket Board, Rose Hall Town Council, Poonai Pharmacy, Sterling Products Ltd, Chattergoon Sports, Deluxe Brand, Len and Sons Supermarket, Sunita Travel Agency, Guyama Beverage Inc.,OfficeExpress,Optical Wo
t Communications, Metro Office Supplies and Trophy Stall.
(RHTYSCRelease)
Elton ‘The Bull’Dharry, Keevin Allicock and
Desmond Amsterdam represented the Golden ArrowHeadwithsuccess,as they left their opponents
pummeled following
Saturday’s historic international fight card, hosted at the Pegasus Suites andCorporateCentre.
A fired up Dharry, punchedhiswaytoaneighth world title, the first on Guyana soil, after easily wrapping the IBO Super Bantamweight title after gaining a Unanimous Decisionagainstthe22yearold Tanzania Salmin Kassim.
Judges eventually ruled 117-109, 117-109, 118-109 in favor of the 40 year old Guyanese star, who walked awaywithafewscarswhich he picked up during the
second round; before changing the tide of the battleinround4withaflurry of blows, one of which stunnedtheyoung“Lion”.
One of the more anticipated bouts of the 4 match card was the battle between the Olympian Allicockandveteranpugilist Dexter Marques for the National Featherweight championship.
However, fans would be robbed of what could have beenablitzofabattle,aftera referee stoppage in the 5th round.
Just a littleinto a minute and five seconds, medical officials were forced to give the word to officials after Marques was ruled unfit to continue after sustaining a deep left eye cut, thus resulting in Allicock clinchingawinbyTKO.
Meanwhile, Amsterdam maintained his reputation as a Super Middleweight beast and one of the better local fighters as he took his professional record to 3-0 a
JamaicanKevinHylton.
ndling
Hylton, who said during the pre-match conference that he was not into talking, had little opportunity to attemptanythingspectacular after he was decked three times in the opening round alone, losing all his momentum a little over 2 minutes into the fight after; forcingtheofficialtopullthe plug on the bout. (Clifton Ross)
