Israeli attacks kill 76; no aid relief yet for besieged Gaza Exxon, Hess to face off on Monday giving access to Stabroek Block
over Chevron deal for oilfield riches,
Cuban man kills step-daughter, wife step-daughter clings to life
Presidential consent to Oil Spill Bill would have dire economic consequences to - Dr. Adams Guyana $57B Supplementary Budget approved
House passes motion against Venezuela’s plan to hold unlawful
elections in
…Oppositionwalksout,callsmotionweak
VP Jagdeo praises Oil Spill Bill for holding transportation vessels accountable as ExxonMobil gets free pass
Vice President, Bharrat Jagdeo
Top U S oil
producer Exxon Mobil (XOM.N), andHess(HES.N),willmeet face-to-face on Monday in a court hearing to determine the fate of Chevron’s (CVX.N),$53billiondealto buyHessandwithitaprized stake in Guyana’s prolific oilfields.
The planned acquisition, announced in October 2023, is one of the oil industry’s biggest deals in years. It is key to Chevron CEO Mike Wirth’s strategy of improvingtheoilcompany’s performance Exxon and C h i n a ’ s C N O O C (600938.SS),opensnewtab, Hess’ partners in Guyana, filed arbitration disputes early last year, which have delayed the deal’s closing and caused Chevron to miss out on increased output and revenue.
Hess’ most attractive assetisits30percentstakein the Stabroek Block off the
coastofGuyana,operatedby Exxon.Guyanaisoneofthe world’s fastest-growing oil producers and the Stabroek Block is estimated to hold more than 11 billion barrels ofoilequivalent.
Exxon and CNOOC claim that they have a contractual right of first refusal to purchase Hess’ stakeintheGuyanafield.
Chevron and Hess argue the clause does not apply to the sale of the whole company If they lose the arbitration and are unable to agree on an acceptable resolution with Exxon and CNOOC, the acquisition would fail, according to the termsofthedeal.
A three-member arbitrationtribunalunderthe International Chamber of Commerce will analyse the dispute in a confidential hearing that starts on MondayinLondon.
The joint operating agreement in the Stabroek
Block between Hess, Exxon and CNOOC is governed by UK law, according to a source familiar with the terms.
By the time the hearing kicks off, Hess, Exxon and CNOOC should have already submitted in writing themajorityofthetestimony thatwillbeconsideredbythe tribunal, according to four international arbitration attorneys who are familiar withtheICC’sprocedures.
AspokespersonforHess pointed to a previous filing that said the company expects a decision after the hearing in the third quarter, w h i l e a n E x x o n spokesperson referred back topreviouspubliccomments about the case. Chevron and CNOOC did not respond to requestsforcomment.
Prior to the hearing, the companies may submit documents and written statementsfromwitnessesor experts they have called on
tosupporttheirclaimsinthe dispute.
This phase is typically the longest portion of arbitration proceedings, often taking a year, said William Kirtley, managing partner at Aceris Law, a boutique international arbitrationlawfirm.
The average ICC arbitration case takes over two years to reach a resolution from the time proceedings are initiated, according to the court’s annualreport.
Hess, Chevron and Exxonhavesaidtheyexpect a resolution in their dispute by the third quarter of this year, which would be about
18 months after Exxon and CNOOCinitiatedarbitration proceedings.
“Thisisrelativelyfastfor
especially when considering the size of the dispute,” Kirtleysaid.(Reuters)
Brazilian national nabbed with raw gold on $75K bail
The Brazilian businessman who was nabbed on Wednesday with $17 million and raw gold was placed on $75,000 bail on Friday when he appeared before Acting ChiefMagistrateFaithMcGusty
OsmilCostaDaSilvaof111MileMahdia,Region8,was charged by the Special Organised Crime Unit (SOCU) for possessionofgoldbypersonnotbeingaproducer,pursuant totheGuyanaGoldBoardAct,Chapter66:01.
Hepleadednotguilty
The matter was transferred to the Mahdia Magistrates’ CourtandhasbeenadjournedtoJune20,2025.
The Guyana Police Force (GPF) in a statement on ThursdaysaidthatDaSilvawasarrestedduringaSOCU-led jointoperationinCentralMahdia.
Deputy Commissioner Fazil Karimbaksh, the head of SOCU, indicated that SOCU officers were able to halt the alleged smuggling operation before the seized gold was transportedacrosstheborder
“Thislatestsuccessispartofthecontinuedeffortsbylaw enforcement agencies to disrupt the illicit gold trade and safeguard Guyana’s mineral resources. The outcome of yesterday’s (Wednesday) operation reinforces the seriousness with which national security agencies are responding to illegal mining and smuggling activities,” policesaid.
Notwithstanding the busts, the police said that the increasingfrequencyoftheincidentsraisesseriousconcerns about the scale and organisation of transnational gold smugglingnetworksoperatinginGuyana.
Exxon CEO Darren Woods Hess CEO John Hess
Chevron CEO Michael Wirth
The Stabroek Block
Osmil Costa Da Silva
$57B supplementary budget approved
CommitteeofSupplyon
approved $57.5 billion more to support four stateagencies,justthreemonthsafterpassing thisyear’snationalbudget.
Th
nancial pap
va
ued at $57,492,615,275wasapprovedfortheOffice ofthePrimeMinister(OPM);theMinistryof Public Works; Ministry of Human Services and Social Security and the Ministry of HousingandWater.
The supplementary budget increases the government’s spending power to massive $1,439,492,615,275.
In a statement Friday evening, the Ministry of Finance said the supplementary appropriation was successfully piloted by SeniorMinisterintheOfficeofthePresident with Responsibility for Finance and the PublicService,Dr AshniSingh.
Included in the supplementary provision forOPMis$29.5billion.Ofthatsum,$28.8 billion will go towards supporting the upgrade and expansion of electricity distributionnetworks.
This will complement and support the 300 MWNatural Gas Power Plant currently underconstruction.Inaddition,$738million isallocatedfortheexpansionofcoverageto 17previouslyunservedcommunities,evenas thegovernmenthasprovidedsolarpanelstoa
Under OPM’s current programme, $7.8 billionwasapprovedtosupport,upgradeand maintain approximately 157 km of existing distribution network to address the immediate needs of citizens.This will boost GPL’scapacitytoprovidereliableelectricity servicestocustomers.
According to the finance ministry, as of May 21, 2025, 617,398 citizens have registered for the cash grant across the countrywith602,927chequeshavingalready been cut and 96 percent distributed. It is projected that an additional 12,000 persons willberegisteredbytheendofJune.
Inaddition,anamountof$1.5billionhas been allocated for the continuation of hinterlandroadsforimprovedconnectivityto the hinterland from the coast under the Ministry of Public Works, along with $1.4 billion for farm-to-market roads in various areas,tosupportthegrowthandexpansionof theagriculturesector Additionally, the housing ministry received $12 billion more to facilitate an expandedhousingprogramme.
In total, the sum of $11,017,456,275 for current estimates was approved and $46,475,159,000forcapitalestimates.
VP Jagdeo praises Oil Spill
Bill for holding transportation vessels accountable as ExxonMobil gets free pass
Vice President Bharrat Jagdeo on Thursday lauded the Oil Pollution Prevention, Preparedness, ResponseandResponsibility Billforexpandingonparties that can be held liable for causing an oil spill in Guyana.
The Chief Policymaker forthepetroleumsectorwas at the time responding to criticisms on the proposed legislation, which was passed in the National Assembly on May 16, but is still awaiting the President’s approval.Jagdeopointedout thattheBillnotonlyexpands on the offending entities but clearly defines all of the liabilities.
He explained, “So in the past, we could have only goneaftertheoilcompanies. Now we have expanded this to vessels transporting fuel through our territory So, if youhaveaspillcausedbyan oilrig,they’reliablenow,or ifyouhaveaspillcausedbya vessel, then they too would be liable, so that’s the first thing.”
Further,theVPnotedthat theresponsiblepartywillnot only be liable for cleanup costs,butotherrelatedlosses in the event of such an incident.
In accordance with Clause 19 of the Bill, the responsible party will be liablefor“(a)damagetoreal or personal property, and
economic losses resulting therefrom; (b) loss of taxes, royalties,rents,fees,orprofit shares, loss of profits or impairment of earning capacity due to the injury, destruction,orlossofrealor personal property, or natural resources;(c)lossordamage caused by preventive measures; and (d) damage related to impairment of the environment.”
WhiletheVPhaspraised the proposed legislation for holding transportation and other vessels responsible for anoilspill,thelawhasbeen criticized for failing to secure unlimited protection fromoilgiant,ExxonMobil.
Clause 17 of the Law states, “A responsible party is liable for all damages caused by an oil spill incident, removal and removal costs, and restoration of environment
as far as practicable, and for any costs arising therefrom orconnectedtherewith.”
To this end, the Opposition argued that the limited liability company, ExxonMobil Guyana Limited(EMGL)willnotbe able to seek the financial assistance of the parent company, ExxonMobil Corporation, in the event it fails to meet the required clean up and compensation costs.
ThepresenceofoilinGuyanahasintroduceduniquelines of reasoning from Vice President Bharrat Jagdeo He has come up with a new vocabulary to which only he has the codebook He has developed new standards which would provoke ridicule elsewhere Overall, the record is that whatever Guyana's leading oilman puts on the table, it is to look out for ExxonMobil's interests And it is all to the detrimentofGuyanese,theshareholderswiththefirstrights andthebiggeststakeinGuyana'soilwealth Offshoreassets aretheissue,andwhatdoesfullypayingoffthemmeans,what differencethatmakes
“Sofirstofall,theassetsstillbelongtothecompany They don't change ownership from the company But so, these assetsarestillworking,sowhathappensisthatifyoupayoff with the assets, then you have more money left now to distribute as profits” First of all, Jagdeo knows that when something(anyitem)ispaidoff,thenthepositioncannotbe thatthoseassets“stillbelongtothecompany” Theycan'tand they don't As a matter of operational seamlessness, ExxonMobil still has day-to-day involvement and management by virtue of its skills and the exploratory and production work it is doing But no Guyanese, most of all Jagdeo, should be insisting that fully paid off assets “still belong to the company” Guyana did not rollover the debt owedforthoseassets,butpaidthemoff.
But this is the backward thinking, or his spineless deferencetoExxonMobil,thatthiscountry'soilguruJagdeo, has made his signature features. When there's a positive moment, one that gives Guyana leverage, Jagdeo prefers to crawl around like some sightless chicken allowing ExxonMobiltocontinuewiththeone-sidedrelationshipthat diminishesthiscountry'scoffers ThetruthisthatGuyanais now well-positioned to have a bigger say about collecting a higherincomestreamfromitsoilwealth Ratherthanleading that way, he was at his trickiest, slipperiest last week He boughthimselfsometimewithhisnewgimmickaboutmore forGuyana“inthefuture” ItwasofJagdeofightingtogive ExxonMobilanextensionontheoffshorefree-for-allthathas infestedthisoilsector
Jagdeoconfirmsthispositionverycarefully “Sonowwe willhavemoremoneytodistributeasprofit,becausewepaid offoftheassets Theyareoffourbooks So,whathappensis the government's share of revenue skyrockets, which will happen in future years So, the assets ownership doesn't change, it's just the composition of the distribution, or the share,theproportionoftherevenuesetasidefordistribution, togovernmentandtheinvestor,asprofit,theirsharegoesup” All of that should be part of Jagdeo's upcoming book titled, 'Oil management for dummies by sellouts' He repeats the obvious,ie,payingofffullysignifiesmoremoneycomingto Guyana What is conspicuous is the slyness in his wording through “in future years” US$34B in offshore assets have beenfullypaidoff,coveringthreeoil-producingprojects,but JagdeothrewGuyaneseagooglywith“infutureyears” All the increased revenue and increase in profit share and distributionshouldbehappeningnow Thepushforward,the hedge,of“infutureyears”isyetanotherexampleofJagdeo cleverlydanglingabunchofgrapesbeforeGuyanese,butwith a catch The catch is that he is ensuring that ExxonMobil perpetuatesrippingoffthiscountrywithoutanyinterference, and as rich as it has Oil prices are still in a profitable band, offshore oil assets have been fully paid off, daily oil production is going up and up, but there is Jagdeo at his cunningbest,comingupwithhisbaitabout“infutureyears” As in any business, whether for shells or a billion dollars, when debt is cleared in full, more money starts flowing in immediately InGuyana'soilbusiness,Jagdeonewlanguage, newpassion,mustbeaboutmoreroyaltiesnow,moreprofits now Guyanesemustseetoitthathis'inthefuture'dodgeisoff thetable,andthatthiscountrycollectsmorenow,noifs,ands, or buts Begone Jagdeo with that slickness about 'in the future’
Continue to be vigilant; our best days are ahead
As Guyanese celebrate 59 years as an independent country, there are some dark forces that are seeking to disrupt our economic and socialgains.
And these gains have been substantial. We moved overthedecadesfromapoor andunderdevelopedcountry tooneofthefastestgrowing economy in the world. The international profile of the country has never been higher. We are no longer a highly indebted low-income country as was the case during the previous PNC administration when the country ranked among the poorest in the western hemisphere, almost on par withHaiti.
Much of this economic turnaroundresultedfromthe restoration of democratic ruleonOctober5,1992after nearlythreedecadesofPNC authoritarian rule. This was further enhanced by petroleumextractionin2015 and subsequent oil lifts which gave the economy a
significant boost to a point where Guyana now boasts one of the fastest growing economy in the western hemisphere.
Conconcomitant with these developments are massive physical and infrastructuraldevelopments and a rise in income levels for Guyanese workers, especially those on the publicservicepayrollandin the construction sector wherethedemandforskilled labour is clearly ahead of availablesupply.
In the midst of these developments emerged renewed attempts by the Maduro regime to subvert the country's development by laying claims to twothirds of the country's sovereignterritoryincluding the mineral rich Essequibo region and its carbon rich maritimeboundaries.
And in violation of the rule of international law, Venezuelaisseekingtohold 'elections' in the Essequibo region,purportedlytoelect'a
governor and provisional deputies. The 'elections' are slatedforMay25,theeveof Guyana's independence anniversary. The entire processismiredinchaosand uncertainty, given the fact that the area is inside of Guyana's sovereign territory and as such has no legal nor constitutionalvalidity
Be that as it may, the situation is being monitored closely by the Guyana Government and the international community which has expressed full solidaritywithGuyanainthe face of the illegal and provocativeactionstakenby the Maduro r
Guyana's President Dr Mohamed Irfaan Ali has assured Guyanese that there is no need to worry as the country's security is assured through a full menu of measures including legal, diplomaticand military The entire nation is solidly behindGuyanaindefenceof itssovereigntyandterritorial integrity
M e a n w h i l e , developments in the country are moving apace with breathtaking speed The countryisnowonthecuspof u n p r e c e d e n t e d transformation and modernization Foreign direct investments, both in the oil and the non-oil sectors, have reached record levels.
I take this opportunity to wish all Guyanese a happy 59th independence anniversary and continuing economic and social progress. The road to independence was not smooth but we emerged triumphant and are now firmly positioned along the path of a harmonious and prosperous society Our best days, I believe, are ahead of usbutwehavetocontinueto be vigilant and determined especially in the face of renewed attempts by Venezuela to undermine our sovereignty and territorial integrity
HydarAlly
LJP condemns Opposition Leader's walkout as Unpatriotic Betrayal
DearEditor, Today, the people of Guyana bore witness to an act of staggering political irresponsibility, clothed in petty grievance and devoid ofpatriotism.Atatimewhen our nation's sovereignty is under direct threat by a belligerent neighbour, the Honourable Leader of the Opposition, Mr Aubrey Norton,chosetoabandonhis duty and walk out of the National Assembly, as the Government of Guyana tabled a critical motion to denounce Venezuela's ongoing violations of internationallaw
Thismotion,groundedin Guyana's unwavering
support for the International Court of Justice and our collective defence of the Essequiboregion,integralto our territorial integrity, was an opportunity for unity, not division Mr Norton's decision to politicise this solemnmomentbystaginga walkout over a procedural committeematteris,frankly, contemptible.
Let it be clear: the chairmanship of the Foreign Relations Committee is no justificationforbetrayingthe sacred responsibility of elected office at such a perilous time for our Republic.
When the flag is under siege,whenthecourtsofthe
world stand with Guyana, and when our people need reassurancethattheirleaders will stand firm and united, Mr Norton chose instead to grandstand.
His actions today were notthoseofastatesman,but ofasaboteur
The Liberty and Justice Party condemns, in the strongestpossibleterms,this disgraceful display of politicalvanityovernational duty This is not opposition; it is abdication. It is not patriotism;itisperfidy
In walking out of Parliament, Mr. Norton walked out on every Guyanese man, woman, and child whose future is tied to
the peace, security, and sovereignty of our homeland.
We call on all rightthinkingGuyanesetoseethis actforwhatitis:abetrayalof our Republic at its moment of need.We urge the Leader oftheOppositiontoabandon this dangerous political theatreandreturntotheonly stage that matters now, the collective defence of our nation Let us not be distracted. Let us not be divided.
L e t u s b e Guyanese—first, last, and always.
LenoxShuman Leader Liberty and JusticeParty
A Quiet Revolution: How CPCE's Online Training is Transforming Region 9
DearEditor,
There is a quiet but powerful revolution happening in Guyana's hinterland, particularly in Region9.Attheheartofitis the Cyril Potter College of Education (CPCE) and its pioneering efforts to deliver online teacher training to remote communities. This initiative is changing lives, notonlyforteachers,butfor
students and the wider communitiestheyserve.
Before the introduction of online training which MinisterPriyaManickchand introduced, many aspiring teachers in Region 9 had to relocate to coastal areas to pursue their education or do withoutformaltraining.This presented major financial, cultural, and emotional barriers.Formany,itsimply
wasn't an option. But thanks to CPCE's digital shift, particularly accelerated during the pandemic, hundreds of teachers in Region 9 are now earning their certification without leavingtheircommunities. According to CPCE data from2023,over250studentteachersfromRegion9were actively enrolled in online training programmes. This
represents a 300% increase from pre-pandemic enrollment levels in the region Even more encouraging, over 120 student-teachers from Region 9 graduated in 2023 alone, a record for the hinterland.
The Toshaos' Conference should serve as a platform for meaningful engagement, not personal attacks
Dear Editor,
I would like to
address the recent theatrics and buffoonery displayed during Day One of the National Toshaos Council Conference (NTCC) on Monday,May19,2025.
As an attendee at the start of the caucus, which is meant to address critical issues affecting our Indigenous Peoples, I found certain segments of this eventdisappointing.
H i s E x c e l l e n c y President Irfaan Ali made pledges to our first peoples regarding socio-economic developmentandsecurity
For instance, he announced the provision of approximately 250 firearms intendedtoensureprotection amid the ongoing border controversy
Our Head of State used that platform to make indirect remarks and to provoke Mr Azruddin Mohamed, a well-known memberofsociety,whoitis believedhasplanstorunfor office in the upcoming elections.
One is to questionour head of state's maturity because, at the NTCC, childishness and hintthrowing took precedence over existential issues that affect our Indigenous Peoples, such as the u n r e s o l v e d l a n d demarcation issues in
communities like Jawalla, Chinese Landing, and Eteringbang.
Since he (President Ali) is Guyana's highest officeholder, he needs to learn to lead by example because he has cultivated a negative depiction in the midstofthecountry'syoung Indigenousleaders.
Furthermore, the
National Toshaos Council
C o n f e r e n c e g i v e s Indigenous leaders the ability to verbalise their opinions and draw attention to issues that are either current or existing rather thanservingasaplatformfor political leaders to use campaigntactics.
Our Indigenous leaders should be informed about issues the State plans to address so they won't be brought up again at future conferences, rather than being inundated with praise for the great things the State has accomplished. Media representatives and
Peoples
ssociation (APA)
representatives have reportedly been denied access to the National ToshaosCouncilConference proceedings because they were purportedly not accredited.
One is to doubt the validity of this justification, asitonlybegsthequestionof whether the annual caucus
organisers do not wantAPA andmediarepresentativesto hear the numerous concerns or grievances emanating fromToshaos.
Instead of being viewedasagovernment-run forum, the NTCC should be viewed as a conference that promotesinclusivity
T h e r e f o r e , o u r Indigenous Peoples do not want to be reminded of the past errors committed by t h e A P N U + A F C government
Any right-thinking Guyanese would be biased and deluded to believe that thecurrentregimeisperfect and sanctimonious, given its constant rehashing and referencestomistakesmade by the David Granger-led regime
Our Indigenous Peoples need to know w h a t t h e c u r r e n t government plans to do to improve the sustainability of their lives and the lives of all Guyanese, that is where the attention should be.
O u r p o l i t i c a l l e a ders, including President Irfaan Ali, must be reminded that the National Toshaos Council Conference should serve as a platform for meaningful engagement, not personal attacks
Regards, Concerned Citizen
A Quiet Revolution: How...
From page 4
Village Prior to the online programme, she would have needed to leave her family behindandtravelnearly300 kilometers to the coast
Instead, through her participation in CPCE's virtual classes, today this young mother was able to study, complete her practicum at the local primaryschool,andearnher TrainedTeacher'sCertificate all while staying rooted in hercommunity Today, she teaches fulltime and mentors younger students considering careers ineducation.
Another similar story is at Masakenari/Konashen in Deep South Rupununi where a year ago, six teachers enrolled in the online teacher training programme at CPCE online
This is the first time in the history of Education in Guyana that teachers are receiving training in their home community at this location.
Stories like these are not isolated The online model has empowered teachers in Lethem, Annai, Aishalton, and deep South Rupununi to access highquality education while staying connected to their cultural identities and s u p p o r t i n g t h e i r communities.
This model has also contributed to lower teacher attrition rates, improved classroom outcomes, and enhanced local trust in the
educationsystem.
To be sure, the governmentisworkingwith villages to ensure that there is reliable internet and digital infrastructure with more than 160 schools connected to high-speed internetinregions1,7,8and 9
Buttheprogresstodate is a testament to what's possiblewiththerightvision andsustainedinvestment.As we look toward a more equitableeducationsystem.
continue to expand and strengthen this model, so as toensurenoaspiringteacher is left behind because of wheretheylive.
The t
Region 9 are proving that quality education is not confined to urban centers; it can and must reach
country
Sincerely, Tamashwar
Budhoo
Ed.D
Educator/Farmer
Guyana Intelligent and Inclusive Finance Seminar concluded with focus on Credit Unions as engines of inclusive growth
The Guyana Public Service Co-operative
C r e d i t U n i o n (GPSCCU), in partnership with CaribDE (Caribbean Development Education), International Credit Union Education (ICUDE) mentors and facilitators opened on the Intelligent and Inclusive FinanceSeminar,onThursday.
The two-day seminar which concluded on Friday aimed at strengtheningthecapabilitiesofthe attendees who are directors, employees and members of GPSCCU and partner credit unions.
Thekeynoteaddresswhichwas delivered by Ms. Jean KamauU
Coordinator for Guyana provided theglobalcontextfordevelopment inanever-growingeconomy
“This initiative comes at a
development, as the country u
d economic expansion. The seminar is designed to explore the strategic role that credit unions can play in ensuring that growth is inclusive, sustainable, and community centered,” a statement from the GPSCCU)said.
Guest speakers and facilitators guided participants through indepth discussions and workshops on a range of important topics including: Guyana's Financial
System and the Role of Credit Unions in an Emerging Economy, UnderstandingandManagingRisk in the Credit Union System, InterpretingCreditUnionFinancial Statements, Exploring the Role of ArtificialIntelligenceintheCredit Union Movement, Understanding Interest Rates and Member
Dividends, and Promoting Good Governance and Effective Leadership.
Further, the GPSCCU said its leaders,volunteers,employeesand memberswereempoweredwiththe tools and knowledge to enhance financial literacy, promote transparency, and drive inclusive
President Kangaloo appoints nine Independent Senators
(Trinidad Express)
President Christine Kangaloohasappointednine Independent Senators to serveinthe13thRepublican Parliament, which officially opened today with a ceremonial session at the Red House. The appointees include returning and new
voices drawn from diverse professional backgrounds, law, economics, medicine, engineering, academia, humanrights,andbusiness.
Among the most seasoned is Anthony Vieira, SC, who returns for a fourth consecutive term, having previously served in the
10th, 11th, and 12th
Parliaments A Senior Counselsince2023,Vieirais knownforhislegalexpertise in civil, industrial, and criminal matters, and has
including the Copyright and TelecommunicationsBills.
economicparticipation.
Shona Smart, CaribDESeminar Coord
GPSCCU Human Resources and Administrative Manager noted:
“The more informed our members are, the stronger our institutions become. This seminar is about giving credit union members the
knowledge they need to lead, manage, and benefit from cooperativefinance.”
The programme concluded with a networking session to encourage continued dialogue and collaboration among stakeholders across the national and regional creditunionsystem.
Govt, moving to regularise Chinese workers at popular auto repair shop
Atechnician working on a vehicle at the WH Car Service repair shop in April.
Labour and Social Security Minister Pearnel Charles Jr says his ministry is in the advanced stages of regulating work permits for the Chinese mechanics employedatWHCarService aspartofeffortstofast-track the reopening of the auto repairshop.
“We are facilitating as bestaswecan.Oncethelaw is adhered to, we are continuing to do everything we can to ensure that they can reopen as quickly as possible,”hesaid.
The mechanic shop, locatedinFerryPennearthe St Andrew-St Catherine border, was ordered closed after operating for just two months. Authorities shut it down following an investigation that revealed thatseveralChineseworkers were either employed without permits or were in breach of the terms of their approvedworkstatus.
Bythetimeofitsclosure, WHCarServicehadalready gained a strong customer
base, praised for offering reliable and affordable servicethatmanycustomers felt outperformed local alternatives.
Speaking at a press conference on Thursday, Charles noted that many Jamaicans had been urging the Government to assist withthereopening.
“I'vereceivedletters;I've received calls from several persons who have indicated that the gap in that space in termsofthelabourmarketis persuading them to encourage the Government to help these companies to get a space because of the affordability, reliability, and effectiveness of their service,”hesaid.
Participants of the Guyana Intelligent and Inclusive Finance Seminar
Nine Independent Senators will serve in the 13th Republican Parliament (Photo-Trinidad Express)
Presidential consent to Oil Spill Bill would have dire economic consequences to Guyana-Dr.Adams
TheAllianceForChange (AFC) has joined with internationalaward-winning environmental lawyer, Melinda Janki in urging President Irfaan Ali not to assent to the Oil Pollution Prevention, Preparedness, ResponseandResponsibility Bill.
TheBillwasapprovedin the National Assembly on May 16 by virtue of the government’s one-seat majority in the House Opposition Members of Parliament (MPs) argued
proposedthattheBillbesent to the Select Committee for refining.
On Friday, executive member of the AFC and fo
Environmental Protection Agency (EPA), Dr Vincent Adams warned that the consequencesofassentingto the Bill would be dire to Guyana’seconomy
During the party’s weekly press conference, he said, “The President must not assent to signing this Bill. The consequences are dire. This can wipe out our entire economy Just to put things into perspective the Macondo spill cost US$145B Our entire nationalbudgetisUS$5Bso that’s where we’re heading, not to mention the other consequences for the islands.”
In an open letter to President Ali on May 19, Melinda Janki called on the HeadofStatetonotassentto the Bill, citing violations to Guyana’s international legal obligations.
Duplicitousarguments
Meanwhile, Dr. Adams pointedtowhathebelievesis clear evidence that the Bill was intended to reverse the ruling for unlimited liability coverage.TheAFC member highlightedthattheAttorney General (AG) and Legal Affairs Minister, Anil Nandlall during the Parliamentary debate on the Bill said “unlimited guarantee is not an animal known to the legal world.”
To this end, Dr Adams concludedthatNandlallwas therefore implying that the Judiciarywasill-informedin handingdownitsdecision.
He however argued that the “bigger scam” is the duplicity of the government which argues one day that theproposedlegislationwill providefullliabilitybutstill defendsthenon-existenceof suchapolicy
“Today or this minute you hear oh the Bill has unlimited liability coverage which is what was there before from the Coalition which is a blatant lie. It doesn’t say that but then a few minutes afterwards it saysno,unlimitedliabilityis unheardof,”theformerEPA headnoted.
He added, “In his (Nandlall’s) own diatribe thathehasonaweeklybasis, he says it (the Bill) doesn’t limitliabilities...thenhegoes toParliamentandhesaysno limit and no cap does not meanunlimited...hesaidthis does not limit liabilities at all,none.Wesaidno,nocap on liability, none. Wherever the damage flows, liability runswiththedamage...thena few minutes afterwards he
Sophia man gets 3 years in prison for armed robbery
A Sophia resident was sentenced on Friday to three years in prison after he pleaded guilty to a robbery underarmscharge.
Elson Figueira, a 24-yearold vendor of Lot 1070 Cummings Park, Sophia, was arrestedonThursday,May22, 2025forthecrimewhichwas committed on Henryanna Sumner, a 22-year-old Nurse Assistant, on May 18th 2025, at ‘A’ Field South Sophia, Georgetown.
Figueira appeared at the Sparendaam Magistrates’ Court before Magistrate Abigail Gibbs, where the chargewasreadtohim.
goes off, he says there is no such thing as unlimited liabilitysotheguyisallover theplace.”
The former EPA boss therefore challenged the government to remove Clause 14 3 of the Environmental Permits that were granted to Exxon and ditch its appeal of the High Courtrulingifthelaw,when assented to, would provide full protection against oil spillcoststothiscountry
Further, he has since
challenged the AG to a live publicdebate.
“ H e ( N a n d l a l l )
s a i d t h e s e g u y s (Opposition) would not sit down with you and debate publicly I, Nandlall, am preparedtodothat.Letusgo on TV,” Dr Adams
referenced the AG’s remarks.
In light of Nandlall’s posture, Dr Adams made it clear that he is willing to make himself available as soonaspossible.
Former EPA Head, Dr. Vincent Adams
Cubanmankillsstep-daughter,wifeclingstolife
ACuban man
early Friday r e p o r t e d l y
slashed his step-daughter to death and left his commonlaw-spouseclingingtolifeat their Pike Street, Kitty apartment.
He later surrendered to police at the Kitty Police Station with the murder weapon (a chopper) in his hand.
Police identified the victims as 21-year-old DavelyMorales,andher38year-old mother, Milaysi Rodrigues, both Cuban nationals.
Morales collapsed at the scene and was pronounced dead while her mother was rushed to the Georgetown Public Hospital Corporation
(GPHC) in a critical condition.
The prime suspect, according to police, is 40year-oldWisprieyAlfonso.
Investigations so far revealed that the suspect, Rodrigues,hisstep-daughter and her 9-year-old sister moved to Guyana a month ago They rented an apartment at Pike Street, Kitty,Georgetown.
On Friday, things took a tragic turn when another tenant living in the same apartment building heard a womanscreamingnextdoor
He ran over and reportedly saw the suspect over Rodrigues slashing her withachopper Moraleswas lyingnexttohermotherwith multiplechop wounds about
herbodyinapoolofblood.
The tenant’s arrival caused a distraction and Morales ran out of the apartment but collapsed in a walkway The suspect also ranout.
Anambulancewascalled and Emergency Medical Technicians (EMT) from Central Fire Station responded. A GPHC doctor onboard pronounced Moralesdeadatthescene.
M o r a l e s ’ b o d y reportedlyborechopwounds to the hands, the back of her head,andjaw
Meanwhile,accordingto police, “the suspect walked into the Kitty Police Station withthechopperinhand”. Heremainsincustodyas investigationscontinue.
Man gets 2-year sentence for obtaining money by false pretense
A54-year-old man was sentenced on Friday to two years’ imprisonment for obtaining money by false pretense.
The accused, Ronald Saunders of Good Hope, East Coast Demerara, appeared before Magistrate Annette SinghattheGeorgetownMagistrates’Court. Saunderspleadedguiltytothecharge,whichalleged that between August 15 and 18, 2023 at Kitty Georgetown, he obtained $700,000 from Andrew Hall by pretending that he could acquire a government contractforHall,whenhewasnotinapositiontodoso. Accordingtotheprosecution,thedefendanttoldthe victim that he is a member of the People’s Progressive PartyCivic(PPP/C),andhecanobtaintwogovernment contractsforhimhowever,a$700,000tenderfeewould berequired.
Magistrate Singh asked Ronald if he wished to say whysheshouldnotgivehimthehighestpenaltyoffive years’imprisonment.Hepleadedwiththemagistrateto belenientwithhim,sinceheacknowledgedthatwhathe didwaswrong.
Sentenced is Ronald Saunders
Police conducting investigations at the crime scene
A ledger of loopholes
Itishardtoreconcilethe enormity of Guyana's newfoundoilwealthwiththedry and stilted prose of its legislativeinstruments.“The Oil Pollution Prevention, Preparedness, Response and Responsibility Bill 2025” hasatitlewhoselengthalone shouldraisesuspicion.
TheBill,recentlypassed by the National Assembly, setsouttochartthecountry's guardianship of its marine environment This may appeartobeanoblegoalbut it is one that is besieged by quiet betrayals cloaked in legalese One reads the legislation not for pleasure but from necessity And whenfinished,oneleavesits
forty-two pages neither relievednorreassured. At the heart of this bill, stickingoutlikeasorethumb isSection17.Thisisaclause so astonishing in its subtle surrender that it seems to have been written by the oil companies themselves Here, the law acknowledges that the licensee shall be liableforoilpollution.That, onitsface,isacceptable.But thencomestheslyinsertion: “a licensee may obtain insurance or other financial security to meet any liability.” Such language is not unusual until we encounterSection21. Section 21 is where the true ghost of indemnity is
Dem Boys Seh...
conjured. This section expressly prohibits the transfer of liability from the operatortoanyotherperson. But it does so in a manner that seems almost designed topreventpreciselywhatthe nation needs most: a legal tether to the deep-pocketed parent companies that stand behindtheselocalshells.
I t w a s a l w a y s presumed—certainly hoped, and perhaps whispered as a prayer—that if a major spill weretooccur,andifthelocal operating subsidiary, a lean creature with assets too meager to mop up even a moderate disaster, were to falter under the weight of liability, then its parent
One-seat majority is like walking pon a tight rope wid greasy boots
DemboyssehAmericanowfindingout how exciting politics does be when yuh living on de edge. The House of RepresentativespassaBillbyonevoteand dewholeplacelightuplikeitwasfireworks night. But Guyana was de pioneer in onevotepoliticslongbeforeCNNevenlearnfuh count.
Fuhmorethantenyearsnow,Guyanese government been operating wid a one-seat majority And yuh better believe all dem elected members of the ruling party had to show up. Dem boys seh even if yuh had dengue, yuh had fuh drag yuhself to Parliamentoncedemcallingavote.Feveror nofever,yuhhadfuhraiseyuhhand.
Demboysrememberonetimewhenone MPnearlymissParliament.Hegetstuckin trafficnearStabroek,anddemhadtosenda police escort and a cold coconut water fuh revivehe.Hevotegetmoreprotectionthan goldshipment.
miss Parliament. Yuh don't sleep late. Yuh don'tketchflu.Andyuhdefinitelydon'tvex deWhip.
Yet, dem boys seh, despite de fragile numbers, de government does behave like demgetatsunamiofsupport.Bigchest,loud talk, and bulldozer attitude. One vote majority,butwholeparliamentdoesfeellike one-party state. Opposition coulda stay homeandplaydominoes—oncedemseeall government MPs present, dem know de battledonebeforeitstart.
Dem boys seh is one-seat majority but plenty-seat arrogance. Is like man wid one belt hole telling people he own de whole store. Every vote is a heart attack, but dem ruling boys still carrying on like is a coronation.
Guyana teach de world one thing: yuh don't need nuff numbers fuh rule, just nuff nerve.
And always gat a spare MPin yuh back pocket.
Talkhalf.Leffhalf.
company ExxonMobil, Hess, CNOOC, or whichever multinational entity was behind the curtain would be compelled to step in. But Section 21 quietly extinguishes that hope. The law now seals the liability within the confines of the licensee, and forbids, with legalfinality,theassignment of that liability to any other party
This is no mere technicality Inmaritimelaw
and environmental jurisprudence, it is often the casethatresponsibilityflows upward—to the entity with theresourcestobearit.That conduitisnowclogged.The government has closed the sluice gate, and in doing so, made the Guyanese people theultimateguarantorsofoil spillcleanup.
Oneneednotbeanoracle toforeseethedanger Should anoilspilloccur,andshould thelocaloperatingcompany plead poverty—its balance sheet a paltry thing compared to the ecological devastation it will be Guyana, and not the super majors, that pays The seafront blackened, the fish dead, the livelihoods ruined they may all be compensated by a trust fund thatexistsmoreinaspiration than in substance. This is a shell game where the oil company holds the shells and the Guyanese people providethepea.
It is curious, and more than a little disheartening, that the bill contains no mechanism to pierce the corporate veil. The parent
companies, who ultimately profit, bear no statutory obligationtocoverliabilities that exceed the means of theirsubsidiaries.Inaworld increasingly aware of environmental fragility, this bill reads like a fossil—a relicofatimewhenpollution was considered a local inconvenience and not a regionalcatastrophe.
financialsecuritymentioned in Section 17. It does not prescribe a minimum coverage.Itdoesnotcompel the financial security to be held in-country Nor does it insistuponanindependently verified risk assessment to determine the sufficiency of said coverage. One gets the sense that the drafters were soeagertopleasetheoilmen that they left the door not merely open but hanging fromitshinges.
Worse still, there is a peculiar absence of citizen recourse. Nowhere does the bill make provision for affected communities to initiate legal proceedings in the event of pollution. Nor doesitallowforcivilsociety monitoring of compliance.
The Environmental Protection Agency, that supposed bulwark of protection, is mentioned only in the periphery, and givennorealteethtoenforce the rules. A law that cannot be enforced is a wish.Alaw thatcannotbechallengedisa threat.
Onemustalsolamentthe missedopportunity Thisbill
could have established a sovereign environmental liability fund. It could have mandated that a percentage of oil revenues from the oil companies to be placed in escrow, specifically for pollution response. It could have demanded parent company guarantees, signed and sealed. It could have beenadocumentofcourage. Instead, it is a ledger of loopholes.
In the final reckoning, the Bill reads not like an environmental statute, but likeanaccommodation.Itis a gesture to international investors that they may drill without fear of legal consequence beyond the reachoftheirsubsidiaries.It isaninsurancepolicyforthe powerful, and a promissory note of risk handed to the powerless.
Onethinks,unavoidably, of the fishes and fishermen, of the turtles and mangrove. Theycannotreadlegislation, but they will suffer it. And when the oil comes ashore—notif,butwhen—it willbelittleconsolationthat weoncehadabillthatspoke ofresponsibility,butensured that no one, truly, was responsibleatall. (The views expressed in this article are those of the author and do not necessarily reflect the opinionsofthisnewspaper.)
Ali, Jagdeo, Nandlall –distortions and exaggerations
So, Guyanese have an oil spill law After the third word in its name,Iturnedaway Justasisdone with the title of Guyana’s man around national money. I can recognize a fix and a farce in a blink. And a cover story, too.
Sifting through the contents confirmed that Guyanese have an oilspilllaw,butforwhom? Here’s the challenge that withstands any test,todayorforever:whowouldbe thebiggestbeneficiaryintheevent of a spill of proportions? Citizens ofthiscountry? Neighboursinthe regional arc? Or foreign oil operators? Who is lighter in protective prospects, who is heavierinthepocket? Thisnewest obscenitydeliveredunderthetunic oflawcouldprovetobecostly Try prevailingagainstExxonwithalaw thatissosparsewithlegalweapons for locals, so cleverly crafted as to facilitate escape routes Like national budgets where the private sector has a decisive consultant’s seat, the oil spill law would have had its foreign parallel Its principals are happy; all that matters.
This oil pollution prevention
law is the latest component in a trendthatbeganasearlyasAugust 2020 In late August 2020, President Ali took the lead with “transparency and accountability.” His speechwriters were cunning enoughtoabandonincorruptibility. Too big a bite, too tangible and measurable. Transparency and accountability are what anybody says (claims) they are, or are not.
ThereisPresidentAliandhehasn’t disappointed. Should Guyanese ever run out of salesmen, there is alwaysthenationalleader,whoisa regiment of them all by himself.
His latest sales pitches are “thorough investigation” and “policereform.” Thepresidenthas his own metrics of what those are.
Optimistic Guyanese will be rewarded with the unrecognizable and unacceptable. An unfazedAli wouldstillbarrelaheadandhailthe outcomes of his “thorough investigation”and“policereform.”
Listen to him from today: ‘this government promised, this government delivered. But what? If there still is CottonTree with its mysteries, and the Main Street murder (another urban mystery),
and others of their bloody lineage, then“thoroughinvestigation”must be a new oxymoron, a fallacy unique to the presidency of Guyana. Oh, and if there are only ‘a few bad cops’ then “police reform” must be eligible for an over-the-top overkill award. It is taking a chainsaw to deal with a smallbunchofroaches.
President Ali is usually in his element,hisbuoyantbest,whenhe isneck-deepinhisvacillationsand obfuscations, his streams of dissemblinganddisingenuousness. If he was the only one on the local political prairie, Guyanese could havemanagedsomehow,findsome residual trust to invest. But there are others, starting with former president Jagdeo, who in his best Harry Houdini escapade is still the president. I must remember to study that trick some more. Ask him about the disposition of two lucrative oil blocks, and he hemmed and embroidered, and came up with a complete ballroom gown. ‘no laws were broken.’ I can appreciate a craftsman. And askhimtomakegoodonhisparty’s commitment to “review and
renegotiate” all contracts, and his trump card is ‘there’s a new PSA.’ Guyanesejustgotatrumpthatisa joker, and with all of its accompanying value. Doesn’t applytotheStabroekBasin,which means that those thousands of square kilometers offshore represent American territory, its 51st State. Push Dr Jagdeo too hard on oil, contracts, and Exxon, andthebewitchingoccurs. IthinkI see a president trying out his best imitations of a punk Like President Ali, Pres. Jagdeo sees only nitpickers and naysayers, deviationists and undesirables
Under the PPP governance principles,Guyanahasmovedfrom abackwatercountrytoabackalley Anyone who is unfriendly is now ‘stupidee’. Ask the originator, the oilliberator
Then,thereistheKingKongof obfuscation, the honourable Attorney General, SC Nandlall. I believe he prefers that to MA Nandlall, so I flatter him. Such is what passes for leadership substance in this oil colony SC Nandlallcantrundleoutatruckload ofcitationstobuttressanargument
for Exxon. But cannot locate an iota of courage within himself to stand for the welfare of Guyanese. There are attorney generals, then there are those kinds of attorneys. Douglas MacArthur was that kind of American general, until he collapsed under the weight of his flashinessandemptiness. Jagdeois the author, Ali is the seller, and Nandlall the court executioner A practitioner of rarity, indeed; one who can spell every letter in the law, but one who has no spirit in him. ThisisGuyana’sholytrinity Like the Holy Roman Empire, it is rathershabby
So, Guyanese are now the proud owners of an oil pollution prevention, oil spill, whatever Somebody just hosed them with a shower of yellow rain. In other partsoftheworld,thereisacidrain. From Ali, Jagdeo, and Nandlall, Guyanese are now doused with yellow rain. Samples should be sent to any private laboratory Or Miami.
(The views expressed in this article are those of the author and do not necessarily reflect the opinionsofthisnewspaper.)
- UG Vice Chancellor tells journalists Reclaimtruthorrisk‘hellofunfreedom’inAIera
Vice Chancellor oftheUniversity
of Guyana, Professor Paloma Mohamed Martin, has warned that journalismisatriskoflosing its democratic function if media professionals fail to confront the growing influence of fake news,
synthetic facts, and unchecked technological control.
Herremarkscameduring her keynote address at the opening of the 2025 Caribbean Media Summit, held Friday in the George Walcott Lecture Theatre (GWLT), University of Guyana’sTurkeyenCampus.
Hosted by the Media Institute of the Caribbean (MIC)inpartnershipwiththe University of Guyana, the two-day summit is themed “Evolving Media Business Models in Turbulent Times: AI, Journalism, and the Future ” It convened journalists, academics, and industry leaders from across the region to explore the intersection of journalism, t e c h n o l o g y , a n d sustainability
In her address, Professor Martin emphasised the urgent need for traditional media outlets to reinvent
President of the Media Institute of the Caribbean Kiran Maharaj
themselves amid a rapidly evolving digital information landscape dominated by artificial intelligence (AI) andsocialmedia.
“Traditionalnewsoutlets must leverage their unique strengthsorchangeradically tosurviveandstayrelevant,” she told participants. “The triangle of trust and credibility that bona fide news should bring is increasingly tenuous in the face of fake news, synthetic facts, disconnection from live reality in favour of virtual reality, and the concentration of globally powerful and pervasive channels in the hands of a powerfulfew.”
Martin highlighted the
President of the Guyana Press Association (GPA) Nazima Raghubir
direconsequencesthatcould arise if journalists fail to act accordingly “The work that youdomatters.Thewayyou doitmattersevenmore.And what you do at this summit and elsewhere will ensure theworldweknowcontinues orwhetherwewillliveinthe hellofunfreedomforalong, longtime,”shecautioned. She urged media houses toembracenewtechnologies and use them responsibly andethically “Mediahouses must become deeply engaged in mastering new technologies and learn to manipulate and deploy such tools to gather and disseminate media content responsibly, accurately, widely, and with collective
Vice
Chancellor of the University of Guyana Professor Paloma Mohamed Martin
fidelity to efficiency, speed andpresentrealities,”Martin said.
Martin pointed out changes in how people consume news and urged journalists to rethink traditional content formats. “Long-form reporting may no longer align with the evolving preferences of current and future consumers. What is needed is the adoption of
Q U U C Q u i c k , Understandable,Ubiquitous, and Comprehensive,” she explained “Those journalistsandmediahouses capable of achieving this balancearelikelytosucceed in the evolving media landscape.”
Echoing Martin’s concerns, Kiran Maharaj, President of the Media Institute of the Caribbean, acknowledged both the promise and threat of AI in modernjournalism.
“Artificial intelligence, while offering powerful tools for automation, data analysis, and audience engagement, also brings risks deepening inequities, enabling the spread of misinformation, and threatening the financial viability of independent journalism,” Maharaj said. “Withoutrobustgovernance, itmayerodepublictrustand the very foundations of our mediainstitutions.”
“The Caribbean must continue to tell our stories and amplify our news. We must persevere to serve the publicgood,eveninthemost turbulenttimes,”shestated.
Nazima Raghubir, president of the Guyana Press Association (GPA), also addressed the gathering and highlighted the deep c h a l l e n g e s m e d i a organizations face amid financial pressures and shiftingdigitaltrends.
“These factors have significantly impacted how journalism is practised and how media houses sustain their operations,” she said.
“With traditional revenue streamsindeclineanddigital platforms continuously reshaping the landscape, media practitioners and institutions must innovate while maintaining their ethical compass and journalisticintegrity.”
Raghubir underscored the need for collaborative strategies and innovation grounded in professional ethics to protect media independenceintheregion.
Describingthesummitas a “call to action,” Maharaj r e a ff i r m e d M I C ’s commitment to promoting ethical, sustainable, and inclusivejournalism.
APNU continues protest to keep Adriana Younge’s case alive
Dozens of citizens joined members of the A Partnership for National Unity (APNU) on Friday in a protest at the intersection of Middle and Carmichael Streets, continuing calls for justice for 11year-oldAdrianaYounge.
Gathering in large numbers, protesters extended from Parade Ground onto the streets, chanting “Justice forAdrianaYounge!” in a demonstration aimed at maintaining public pressure on authorities to resolve the case transparentlyandthoroughly
At the forefront of the protest wasPNCRLeaderAubreyNorton, who pledged continued public demonstrations to ensure the case remainsinnationalfocus.
“We will be out in different forms until there is justice for Adriana. That is the bottom line. I didn’tsayeveryweekoreveryday, but we will come and ensure it is kept alive,” Norton told reporters. “The government wants it swept under the carpet. It won’t happen.
Norton also voiced the opposition’s support for an independent investigation, includinganewautopsyconducted abroad.
“Wehopetoseethattheyoung ladygetstogototheUnitedStates, they have a proper independent autopsy and the findings can be made,” he said, before asking, “Whatdoesthegovernmenthaveto hide?”
The protest stems from the publicoutcryoverthecontroversial andtragicdeathofAdrianaYounge, whose body was discovered on April24,2025,inaswimmingpool at the Double Day International Hotel in Tuschen, East Bank Essequibo, less than 24 hours after she was reported missing during a familyouting.
An autopsy conducted by three international forensic pathologists, Dr Shubhakar Karra Paul of
Barbados, Dr Gary Collins of the United States, and Dr Glenn Rudner of Mount Sinai Hospital concluded that Adriana died from drowning However, questions remainafterherbodywasfoundin
an upright position with visible marksonherskin,raisingconcerns offoulplay
The family, supported by growingpublicsentiment,believes the case has not been properly
investigated Further fuelling frustration, the Guyana Police Force initially issued a misleading reportsuggestingAdrianahadbeen abducted; a claim that was later provenfalse.
House passes motion against Venezuela’s plan to hold unlawful elections in Essequibo
…Opposition walks out, says cannot support weak motion
The National Assembly on Fridayapprovedamotionopposing Venezuela’s plan to hold regional elections including electing a representative for a new state referred to as “Guayana Esequiba” –Guyana’sEssequiboregion.
The motion was tabled by Minister of Foreign Affairs and International Cooperation, Hugh Todd. While the motion received fullsupportfromthegovernment’s Members of Parliament (MPs), Leader of the Opposition, Aubrey Norton made it clear that the Opposition will not support a motion that excludes its input. Nortonlabeledthemotionweak.
MinisterTodd,whoopenedthe debates, outlined Venezuela’s provocation despite signing the ArgyleAgreementbackin2023,in the presence of regional and international interlocutors where Guyana and Venezuela committed to refrain from escalating any conflict or disagreement arising from the territorial controversy betweenthetwostates.
The minister also outlined Venezuela’s repeated violation of two sets of provisional measures issuedbytheInternationalCourtof Justice(ICJ),thefirstinDecember 2023, explicitly instructing Venezuelanottoalterthestatusquo in the region, where Guyana has controlovertheEssequiboregion.
Earlier this year, Guyana returned to the ICJ for provisional measures to restrain Venezuela from holding the elections. The courtsubsequentlyhandeddownits orderonMay1,2025.Intheorder, the court reaffirmed previous provi
d prohibited Venezuela from taking
any action in relation to the contested area However, Venezuela is still moving ahead withtheelections.
Minister Todd stated government’s intelligence to date indicates there is no physical activity taking place in any of communities close to the border which suggests preparation for elections in Guyana’s Essequibo territory Hehowevermadeitclear, “it is important for Venezuela to understandthatGuyanawillnotbe bullied, threatened or intimidated to surrender any portion of our patrimony.”
He added, “We remain committedtointernationallawand the peaceful resolution of this matter through the international court process and we call upon Venezuela to comply with the courtslegallybindingordersandto refrain from actions that would destabilise this region and violate Guyana’sterritorialintegrity.”
Following Minister Todd’s presentation, Norton made his presentation He condemned Venezuela’s action and violations of the ICJ’s orders and also
expressedtheOpposition’ssupport for the ICJ process and stated that he is confident that Guyana will succeed at the ICJ, upholding its right to the Essequibo region, which was conclusively settled in the 1899 Arbitral Award, with the Essequibo region forming part of Guyana’s 83,000 square kilometers.
However, Norton made it clear that that is the extent the Opposition’s support on the matter ashecalledoutthegovernmentfor lack of inclusivity and patriotism. “Therefore, not obligated to supportthismotionsinceitisyour governmentthatbreachedourtrust andoperatedarbitrarily.”
“The greatest enemy this country has is the Government of Guyana…Iamsayingtoyouinthis House now that you are not inclusive and you do not deserve thesupport,”Nortonadded.
Deputy Speaker, Dr Asha Kissoon for her part, expressed dissatisfactionwiththeOpposition leader’spresentation.Kissoonalso labeled it as “shameful” stating, “clearly, what we have seen is a classic case of them mistaking the
word parliament as a synonym for circus, the performances were not evenentertaining.”
Kissoonadded,“Howcouldwe stand here before this Honourable House and play politics at a time like this, when in two days, Venezuelawantstotakepartofour territory? How dare they stand before this Honourable House and try to get political gains and mileage through something as importantasthis?”
The deputy speaker urged the international community not to listen to the “nonsense and the divisionthathasbeenpushedbythe Opposition, but to continue supporting us on this issue with Venezuela.”
Similarly,AttorneyGeneraland Minister of Legal Affairs, Anil Nandlall, SC also responded to the opposition leader He explained thathistoricallyGuyanesepolitical actors have been united when it comes to the border controversy, addingthatNortonhasnowbroken thattradition.
Nandlall said, “The history of this country will now record unfortunately that leader of the
opposition and leader of the People’s National Congress has broken an immaculate record on thismatter.”
Closing the debates, Minister Todd said that Norton’s speech is embarrassing “He does not deserve to be the leader of the Opposition. It is embarrassing... And he’s embarrassing us in front of President Maduro. That’s his best friend now He’s going to become President Maduro’s best friend. Because he’s condemning usforstandingup.”
Fortheirpartinastatement,the Alliance For Change (AFC) in a joint parliamentary action with APNU reiterated their support for Guyana’s sovereignty and territorial integrity. However, the combined Opposition said it was forced to withhold support for a motionbroughtbythegovernment becauseitlackedclearanddecisive actiononhowGuyanawillcounter thethreatsposedbyVenezuela.
“Wenotethatthegovernment’s motion failed to condemn outright the elections proposed by Venezuela on May 25 – the eve of ourindependencecelebration,”the statementsaid.
The AFC also expressed disappointment that several recommendations on this issue presented to the government over the last three years have fallen on deaf ears. “At no time in our history has the imperative for national unity been more vital. For this is not merely a contest over territory—itisatestofourmaturity as a people, our fortitude as a nation, and our capacity to rise abovepartisanshipinthedefenseof sovereignty,”itwasstated.
‘Money means nothing if Indigenous issues remain unresolved’ - AFC
Advisor to the Alliance For Change (AFC) on Indigenous and Amerindian Affairs, Laura George said whileherpartyishappythat villages are receiving funds from the government, they
are meaningless if Indigenous land and other issuesremainunresolved.
She argued that as the National Toshaos Council (NTC) concludes, leaders of Jawalla may be returning home without a resolution to theirlandissues,sinceminers will remain in the area with thefullsupportoftheGuyana Geology and Mines Commission (GGMC).
AddressingthemediaFriday, George accused the Ministry of Natural Resources of p
g government’s failure to properly assist Chinese Landing
“Chenoweng will return without having its land issues resolved, where their extension request seems to be an illusion, by the time they receive the land extension,thoselandswould
have been destroyed by heavy mining in the region, destroying their farmlands, their hunting grounds, fishing grounds, and lands that they hold sacred,” she stressed.
Speaking on the carbon credit funds villages will be receiving,Georgenotedthat the AFC is not against the transfer however, “the concerns remain that it doesn’t matter how much millions Indigenous peoples get or receive for their projects,ifthefoundationof Indigenouspeoples,cultures and for the future generations the land issues arenotresolved,thenmoney meansnothingmuch.”
Furthermore, if the impact of unapproved activities on sacred lands remains on the increase without any government intervention, the AFC has committed that when in government, it will respect the right to free, prior and info
I
digenous peoples, respecting and supporting Indigenous peoples’
Advisor to the AFC on Indigenous and Amerindian Affairs Laura George.
governance.
“When you return to the NTC conference next year, withtheAllianceForChange in government, we will support the NTC executive to plan and design a programme that fully facilitates Indigenous caucus, an independent one where leaders will meet to get platforms, common i s s u e s , c o m m o n recommendations…theAFC commits to addressing land rights beyond titling, demarcation and extension with fully support and respect Indigenous peoples’ land tenure according to customarysystems,”George added.
Kitty vendor jailed for 1 year
A26-year-old vendor of William Street, Kitty, Georgetown was sentenced on Friday tooneyearinprisonafterhepleadedguiltyto an attempt to commit a felony charge, contrary to Section 36 of the Criminal Law (Offences)Act,Chapter8:01.
AnthonyOmaliClarkewhowasarrested on May 21, 2025 is accused of committing the offence on Joshua Kumar, a 33-year-old welderof‘A’Field,SouthSophiaonMay18, 2025.
Vacancy for Elderly Caregiver@RepublicPark. Please Call or WhatsApp: 656-1875/233-5160.
HiringSalesgirlaged18-35 years old at Christine's Variety.Contact:626-8003. Messenger / Office assistantApplicationswithPolice clearance to Messenger to Cameron & Shepherd / csmain@cameronand shepherd.com
TAKENOTICEthatonthe 12th dayofFebruary,2025a petition for divorce was filed against you by LESLEYANNWILLIAMS neeCADOGANthe petitioner/Applicant in the familydivisionofthehigh courtinGeorgetown, Demerara.
ANDFUTHERTAKE
NOTICE that as part of an order made on the 25th day ofApril,2025thepetitioner/applicant was directed to effect service of her petition on you by publication of thid notice in two (2) consecutive Saturday issues of the KaieteurNews,adaily newspaper printed, published and circulated in and around Guyana.AND FUTHERTAKENOTICE that if you desire you may appear or attend in person or by your duly authorized agent orAttorney-at-law at Registryoffamilydivision of the high court at Georgetown,demerara where you will be issued with a certified copy of the petition together with rekated documents.
ANDFURTHERTAKE
NOTICEthatifyoudesire to defend this divorce, then apon receipt of the certified copy of the petition, you mustfileanAcknowledge ment of service, notice of intention to defend (Forns are available at the registry),Answer and / or Cross petition via the online portal, https://ejudiciary .supremecourtcourt.gy within35thirty-fivedays from the date of the final publication of this notice . your access code is 3uEzN3
TAKENOTICEthatthe divorceisfixedfordirections hearing on Wednesday the 16th day of July, 2025at9:00ambeforethe HonourablemadamJustice PriscillaChandra-Hanifin person and/or via Zoom MeetingID:3370404877& Passcode: 123456.
INDEFAULTofyoufiling anAcknowledgement of service/Notice of intention
LEGALNOTICE
to defend, Answer and/ or Cross petition in the court petition the court may proceed in your absence and maymakeanyorderit considers appropriate, including granting the divorce. The registry of the familydivisionofthehigh court is located at the law court(Georgetown, Demerara).Theofficeis open to the public between 8:00amand3:30pmMondays to Thursdays and 8:00 to2:30onFridaysexcepton Public holidays and on such other days as the registry is closed.
Dated the 30th day ofApril, 2025.
LEGALNOTICE APPLICATIONFOR MONEYLENDERSCERTIFICATEPERSUANTTO SECTION4OFTHE MONEYLENDER’SACT. I,VAUGHNANDERSON ANDMYWIFESHARON ANDERSON,ofLot922De Groot En Klien,West Coast Demerara,Guyanahereby give Notice that we have applied to the Magistrate of the West Demerara MagisterialDistrictforaCertificate under the Money Lender’s Act, authorizing the grant to me of a Money Lenders License to carry on the business of a Money Lender under the title of I & S SPAWNSHOP, atAnna Catherina Public Road,West CoastDemerara,Guyana. Notice of any objections to the application should be sentforthwithtotheCLERK OFCOURTOFTHEWEST DEMERARAMAGISTERIALDISTRICTandacopy of any such Notice should be sent to the subscriber VAUGHNANDERSONAND SHARONANDERSON, Applicants.
Dated at the West Demerara MagisterialDistrict.Thisthe 24th DayofMay,2025.
TAKENOTICEthatonthe 12thdayofDecember,2024 a Petition for Divorce was filed against you by SHARONABIOLACOLE newSMITH,thePetitioner/ ApplicantintheFamily Division of the High Court inGeorgetown,Demerara. ANDFURTHERTAKE NOTICE that as part of an Order made on the 4th day ofMarch,2025the Petitioner/Applicant was directed to effect service of her Petition on you by publication of this Notice in two (2) consecutive Saturday issues a daily newspaper printed, published and circulated in and around Guyana.AND FURTHERTAKENOTICE that if you desire you may appear or attend in person or by your duly authorized agent or Attorney-at-Law at theRegistryofFamily Division of the High Court atGeorgetown,Demerara where you will be issued with a certified copy of the Petition together with relateddocuments.AND FURTHERTAKENOTICE that if you desire to defend this Divorce, then upon receipt of the certified copy of the Petition, you must file anAcknowledgementof Service, Notice of Intention toDefend(Formsare available at the Registry), Answer and/or Cross Petition via the online portal, https://ejudiciary supremecourt.gywithin35 (thirty-five)daysfromthe date of the final publication of this Notice. Your access codeisfywwN5 TAKENOTICEthatthe Divorceisfixedfor DirectionsHearingon Wednesday the 2nd day of July,2025at9:00ambefore the Honourable Madam Justice Justice Jacqueline Josiah-GrahamviaZoom ZoomID:2931896521and Passcode: Court10 INDEFAULTofyourfiling anAcknowledgementof Service/Notice of Intention to Defend, Answer and/or Cross Petition the Court may proceed in your absence and may make any Order it considers appropriate,including granting the Divorce. The RegistryoftheFamily Division of the High Court is located at the Law Courts [Georgetown,Demerara]. The office is open to the publicbetween8:00amand 3:30 pm Mondays to Thursdays and 8:00am to 2:30pmonFridays excepton p public holidays and on such other days as the Registry is closed.
Formerlyof 19thStreetDiamond,East BankDemerara,Guyana TAKENOTICEthatonthe 24thdayofJanuary,2025a PetitionforDivorcewas filed against you by REBECKAEVADNEY HIGGINSneeBERNARD the Petitioner/Applicant in theFamilyDivisionofthe HighCourtinGeorgetown, Demerara.ANDFURTHER TAKENOTICEthataspart of an Order made on the 7TH day of May, 2025 the Petitioner/Applicant was directed to effect service of her Petition on you by publication of this Notice in two (2) consecutive SUPREMESaturdayissues of the Kaieteur news, a daily newspaper printed, published and circulated in and around Guyana. AND FURTHERTAKENOTICE that if you desire you may appear or attend in person or by your duly authorized agent orAttorney-at-Law attheRegistryofFamily DivisionoftheHighCourt atGeorgetown,Demerara where you will be issued with a certified copy of the Petition together with relateddocumentsAND FURTHERTAKENOTICE that if you desire to Defend this Divorce, then upon receipt of the certified copy of the Petition, you must file an Acknowledgementof Service,Noticeof Intention to Defend (Forms are available at the Registry),Answer and/or Cross Petition via the online portal, https:// ejudiciary supremecourt.gywithin35 (thirty-five)daysfromthe date of the final publication of this Notice. Your access code is zC5oy2
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Education Ministry to terminate $253M contract for Micobie School project
Minister of Education, Priya Manickchand has announcedthatherministrywill be terminating the $253 million contract for the construction of the Micobie Secondary School in Region Eight.
Theministermadethedisclosure while addressing the National Toshaos Council (NTC)ConferenceonThursday,attheArthurChungConferenceCentre.
The$253,561,500project wasawardedtoNKEngineering Services who won the contract through the national bidding process last year
The minister told village leaders that while her ministry has been rolling out projects and programmes to provide an improved quality of education, it is experiencing some challenges.
Detailing one such challenge,shesaid,“weareabout to terminate the contract for Micobie Secondary because the person who won that bid…we have problems with them finishing on time, we haveproblemswiththemdoing it the way we want it done.”
She added that in some hinterland areas, the weather hinders the transport of ma-
LEGALNOTICE
DirectionsHearingon Wednesday the 16th day ofJuly,2025at9:00am before the Honourable MadamJusticePriscilla Chandra-Hanifinperson and/or via Zoom Meeting ID:3370404877& Passcode:123456.IN DEFAULTofyourfiling anAcknowledgementof Service/Noticeof Intention to Defend, Answer and/or Cross PetitiontheCourtmay proceed in your absence andmaymakeanyOrderit considers appropriate, including granting the the Divorce.TheRegistryof theFamilyDivisionofthe High Court is located at the Law Courts [Georgetown,Demerara]. The office is open to the publicbetween8:00am and 3:30pm Mondays to Thursdays and 8:00am to 2:30pmonFridaysexcept on public holidays and on such other days as the Registry is closed.
Dated the 16th day of May,2025.
Minister
Education,
terials to the project site. “Micobie has no legitimate reason in my respectful view andmyconsideredviewasto whyhecouldn’tstartitsowe have those challenges,” she said.
BackinJuly2024,theminister along with her team turned the sod for the new school,thefirstinthevillage, and which was expected to benefitapproximately150students.
Speaking at the simple ceremony, Minister Manickchand noted the importance of the school and told residents that they are to hold contractors accountable to deliver on their promise.
“We want him (the contractor) to give the work to you, we want you to benefit asfarasyoucan,butwewant the school. And he had to sign a contract that said how longhehastobuildtheschool and the quality he has to give us. So, you also have to be reliable and show up when you have to, because this is employment for you,” she said at the time.
This publication reported that the project was expected tobecompletedinsixmonths. The school is said to feature a staff room for teachers and 10classrooms,includingfive specialised labs for Science, IT, Home Economics, Visual
Minister of Education, Priya Manickchand at the National Toshaos Council Conference.
Arts, and library services. Kaieteur News had reported that the move to erect
a school in the village was made in 2023 following the deadlyMahdiadormitoryfire.
The dormitory, before it was gutted by fire, once accommodated female students from Micobie and other villages who were attending the Mahdia Secondary School.
In August 2023, the minister told the Committee of Supply of the National Assembly that consultations with the community and relevant stakeholders revealed a reluctance to have another dormitorybuiltattheMahdia location.
A decision was instead made to construct a secondary school at Micobie that would cater to students from that community that were once residing at the dorms.
ERC wants Vybz Kartel to apologise to Guyanese Christians -
The Ethnic Relations Commission(ERC)iscalling onJamaicandancehallartiste Vybz Kartel, to apologise to thepeopleofGuyana,mainly the Christian community, for the offensive lyrics of his ‘GoodLikeJesus’song.
TheJamaicanartisteisset to perform in Guyana today, May24,2025.
“The ERC calls on Vybz Kartel to issue a public apology to the people of Guyana, particularlytheChristiancommunity, for the offensive and insensitive content contained in the referenced song.
The commission said it has written to the event organisers,HitsandJamsEntertainment, requesting a meetingonthematter
“Regrettably, as of the dateofthisstatement,theERC has not received any response from Hits and Jams regarding this request. In addition,theERChaswrittento the Guyana National BroadcastingAuthority(GNBA)referencingprovisionsunderthe Broadcasting Act. The commission urged the GNBA to prohibit the broadcast of the song ‘Good Like Jesus’ by Vybz Kartel across radio and televisionplatforms,duetoits offensive and divisive nature,” according to the ERC statement.
over “Good like Jesus” song
The commission also sought to correct what it said are “inaccurate media reports” which suggested that it was responsible for the arrest of Daniel Wharton, also known as ‘BabySkello’.
Thecommissionsaidaletter was dispatched to Mr
Wharton,requestinghispresence at the commission in relation to a song released by him which raised public concernsoveritsderogatorycontent. It said Wharton has not yet made contact with the commission. “The organisation echoes its call for‘BabySkello’tocomefor-
ward and make contact urgentlywiththecommissionto address this important matter.” It also expressed disappointment in the increase in religiously and ethnically insensitive content being produced and disseminated, and has called on all stakeholders to think and act more responsiblyinthegenerationofcontent that is circulated in our society.
Moreover, the ERC remainscommittedtotheirconstitutionalmandateofpromoting harmony and mutual respectamongallethnicgroups in Guyana. The commission continues to urge all stakeholders, including entertainers and broadcasters, to act responsibly and with considerationforGuyana’srichethnicdiversityandcommitment to national unity
of
Priya Manickchand alongside the contractor and regional officials turning the sod for the Micobie Secondary School back in July 2024.
Israeli attacks kill 76; no aid relief yet for besieged northern Gaza
At l e a s t 7 6
Palestinians have been killed andmorethan200wounded since midnight on Friday, as Israel has kept up its attacks across Gaza, including a strike on a house near Khan Younis which killed eight people, including seven children.
Witnesses to Israel's bombingofafamilyhomein Gaza's Jabalia refugee camp thatleftsome50peopledead or missing told Al Jazeera that “the Israeli military is killingciviliansforfun”.
UN chief Antonio Guterreshassaidthelimited aid that Israel has allowed into Gaza amounts to a “teaspoon”ofwhat'sneeded, as he called for “rapid, reliable, safe and sustained aidaccess”.
Echoing Guterres, UNRWA chief Philippe Lazzarini has said the aid trickling into Gaza is “a needle in a haystack” and
familiesarebeingstarvedin thePalestinianenclave.
The World Food
Programme has said 15 aid truckswerelootedonFriday night in southern Gaza as “hunger, desperation and anxiety” fuel rising insecurity
The World Health
Organisationhassaidatleast 94 percent of Gaza's hospitals have been damaged or destroyed during Israel's war on the enclave.
Meanwhile,aidagencies have continued to criticise Israel after it announced it had sent a small convoy of truckscarryingvitalsupplies intoGaza.
COGAT, the Israeli militarybodyresponsiblefor civil affairs in the occupied Palestinian territory, confirmedonFridaythat107 trucks had entered the enclave the previous day, loaded with flour, medicine andequipment.
However, aid agencies and others have condemned Israel's policy to allow only minimalvolumesofaidinto Gaza, which the Israeli militaryhasbeenblockading forclosetothreemonths.
They insist that the
Federal judge halts Trump administration ban on Harvard's ability to enroll international students
(CNN) Afederal judge has temporarily halted the Trump administration's b a n o n H a r v a r d University's ability to enrollinternationalstudents.
USDistrictCourtJudge Allison Burroughs ruled hours after the nation's oldest and wealthiest college filed suit Friday Harvard argued revocation of its certification in the Student and Exchange Visitor Program was “clear retaliation” for its refusal of t h e g o v e r n m e n t ' s ideologically rooted policy demands.
Burroughs is the same
judge considering a separate lawsuit from Harvard challenging the administration's freeze of $2 65 billion in federal funding.
Harvard's latest complaint argues the decision Thursday to drop
the school from the Department of Homeland Security's SEVP system violatesthelaw
“It is the latest act by the government in clear retaliation for Harvard e
Amendmentrightstoreject thegovernment'sdemandsto c o n t
H
d ' s governance,curriculum,and the 'ideology' of its faculty andstudents,”thecomplaint states.
Burroughs, an Obama appointee,saidinherorder Harvard had shown “itwill sustain immediate and irreparable injury” if governmentwereallowedto revoke the school's certificationbeforethecourt couldconsiderthematter
Aremote conference in the case is set for Tuesday Twodayslater,thejudgeis due to hear arguments at the federal courthouse in Bostonoverwhethertoissue apreliminaryinjunction–an order that would block the administration's action until afinaldecisionismadeinthe lawsuit.
The Thursday hearing isscheduledtobeginwhile Harvard's commencement program is underway, with manyinternationalstudents celebrating their degrees as thefateofforeignscholarsat the school is decided at a
courthouse across the Charles River, only 6 miles away
o n ' s revocation of Harvard's
international students came as sharp punishment to the elite institution for refusing to bow to White House policy demands Rootedinpoliticalideology, the requirements – such as handing over student disciplinary records and killing equity initiatives –also have been placed on otherUScolleges.
“Harvard can no longer enroll foreign students and existing foreign students must transfer or lose their legal status,” the US Department of Homeland Securitysaidinastatement.
“With the stroke of a pen, the government has sought to erase a quarter of Harvard's student body,” Harvard'slawsuitsays.
The university will fight for its international students, its president, Alan Garber, promised the Harvardcommunity
supplies are nowhere near enough for the millions trapped in the territory, and add that even the small amountsmakingitinarenot making it to people due to Israeliattacksandlooting.
The shipments follow
Israel's announcement on Sunday that it would permit “minimal” humanitarian aid into the territoryfor the first time since implementing a total blockade in early March. Amid warnings of
mounting famine and humanitarian disaster, Israel said that the decision to allow aid into Gaza was driven by diplomatic concerns.
Global outrage has been rising as the 11-week siege has progressed, leaving Gaza's2.1millionpeopleon the brink of starvation, with medicine and fuel supplies exhausted.
The United Nations' Under-Secretary-General forHumanitarianAffairsand Emergency Relief Coordinator Tom Fletcher has branded the aid deliveries “a drop in the ocean” and warned that far greater access is required to addresstheescalatingcrisis.
TheUNestimatesthatat least 500 trucks of aid are needed daily Since Monday's announcement, only300truckshavemadeit in, including Thursday's convoy, according to COGAT
South Africa crime statistics debunk 'white genocide' claims – minister
(BBC) South Africa's latestcrimestatisticsdebunk claims that a genocide is being committed against white people, the country's policeministerhassaid.
The widely discredited allegation was amplified by USPresidentDonaldTrump on Wednesday, in an extraordinary meeting with his South African c o u n t e r p a r t C y r i l Ramaphosa.
Trump told Ramaphosa that white farmers in South Africawerebeingkilledand "persecuted" On Friday, South African Police MinisterSenzoMchunusaid that between January and March, five out of the six people killed on farms were blackandonewaswhite.
Thewhitevictimlivedon a farm, while the black
Crime impacts South Africans across social divides, the police minister said
people who were killed comprisedtwofarmowners, two employees and one manager
Mchunu said that in the previous quarter, from October to December 2024, 12 murders on farms were recorded. One of the 12 - a farmowner-waswhite.
It is the first time that South Africa's crime statistics have been broken down by race, but Mchunu saidhehaddonesoasaresult of the recent genocide claims.
"The history of farm murders in the country has always been distorted and reported in an unbalanced way,"hesaid.InFebruary,a South African judge dismissed the idea of a genocide as "clearly imagined" and "not real",
whenrulinginaninheritance case involving a wealthy benefactor's donation to a whitesupremacistgroup. Claims of genocide in South Africa have been circulating for years, catching the attention of right-winggroupsintheUS. Ramaphosa visited the White House onWednesday in an attempt to reset the countries' relations after Trump granted asylum to nearly 60 AfrikanersdescendantsofmainlyDutch settlers who arrived in the 17th Century - saying they were"victimsofunjustracial discrimination". During the meeting, which was broadcast live, Trump ambushed Ramaphosa with videos and images intended to support his claim of a whitegenocide.
Mourners attend the funeral of Palestinians killed in Israeli strikes at Nasser hospital in Khan Younis, in the southern Gaza Strip, on Friday [Hatem Khaled/Reuters]
President Ali champions expansion of Kares One Guyana T10 Blast
In a significant boost for Guyana's burgeoning tapeballscene,PresidentDr Irfaan Ali has thrown his weightbehindtheupcoming third edition of the Kares One Guyana T10 Tapeball Blast, promising a major expansion in scope and participation.
The tournament, which commences June 28 in Berbice, is set to explode onto the cricket calendar with an unprecedented 80 teams vying for glory — a
remarkable leap from previousyears. Spanning various zones f r o m B e r b i c e t o Georgetown, the event aims to showcase local talent and bring communities together to celebrate the fast-paced sport.
President Ali met with the tournament's organizers at State House to discuss theirplans.Hereaffirmedhis support and praised the organizers' efforts to boost communityengagement.
The tournament will be held in Berbice Zone from June 28 to 29; East Bank/West Demerara Zone from July 5 to 6; Georgetown/East Coast DemeraraZonefromJuly19 to 20; Essequibo Zone from July 26 to 27; and Championship Finals from August 3 to August 3, National Stadium, Providence.
Meanwhile, registration for the third edition is underway, and based on the
enthusiastic response, FL Sportanticipatesreachingits target of 80 participating teamssoon.
The team limit for each zone, except for the Georgetown/East Coast Demerarazone,is16.
Some zones may be extendedbeyond16.
The Georgetown/East Coast Demerara zone can accommodate up to 32 teams.
AbiolaJackman...
Frompage23 your work ethic is ”As Olajuwon ran through post moves and footwork drills, the same ones that once baffled the likes of David Robinson,PatrickEwing,and Shaquille O’Neal, the young players in attendance hung ontoeverypivotandturn But perhaps more impactful than thetechnicalbreakdownswas his message of humility and faith A devout Muslim, Olajuwon credited his faith for shaping his character and keeping him grounded throughout his 18-year NBA career When asked by an eager fan who he considered thegreatestplayerofalltime, Olajuwon didn’t hesitate, “MichaelJordan Hechanged the game” But the Houston Rockets legend also acknowledged the evolution of basketball, tipping his hat toLeBronJamesastheplayer whohasbestcarriedthetorch across eras Minister of Culture, Youth and Sport, Charles Ramson Jr, welcomed Olajuwon with pride, emphasizing the significance of his visit for Guyana “This is more than just a meet-and-greet,” Ramson said “It’s a rare opportunity for our athletes, coaches, and administrators tolearnfromalivinglegend Basketball is a core sport in our national development agenda, and we’re giving it our full support.”Minister Ramson stressed that Olajuwon’s presence would helpshineabrighterspotlight on the sport in Guyana, inspiring the next generation of players and helping to buildacultureofexcellence Indeed, for many in attendance, the night was a masterclass in greatness, resilience, and humility As the session ended and fans gathered for autographs and selfies
The Kares One Guyana T10 Tapeball Blast boasts a lucrative prize structure to reward zonal success and national championship aspirations.
The winning team from each zone will pocket GY$300,000 and earn automatic qualification for the national finals The ultimate national champion willbeawardedastaggering GY$1.7 million, while the national runners-up will receiveGY$700,000.
The two losing semifinalists will each receive GY$300,000, and the losing finalists at the zonal level w i l l a l s o r e c e i v e GY$100,000each.
The Most Valuable Player (MVP) will receive GY$ 150,000 and a motorcycle.
Prizes of GY$ 100,000 aredesignatedfortheplayers withtheMostRunsandMost Wickets.
The Player-of-the-Final at the Nationals will earn GY$75,000.
GY$ 35,000 will go to the Super Striker and the player with the Best Economyrate.Someofthese impressive prizes will also include custom-made trophies and televisions, adding to the prestige of individualachievements.
Individual player performances are also significantly incentivized with attractive cash prizes andawards:
Usain Bolt Named Jamaica's Global Tourism Ambassador
(SportsMax) -Sprint legend Usain Bolt has been officially appointed as Jamaica's Global Tourism Ambassador, marking a historic step in the country's efforts to further elevate its global image through one of itsmosticonicfigures.
The announcement was made by Minister of Tourism, Hon Edmund Bartlett, who lauded Bolt's enduring influence and unparalleled contribution to Jamaica's international profileduringaJTBeventin St. Andrew on Thursday at Devon House in Kingston. The event was held to commemorate the Tourist Board's 70th's anniversary since legislation was passed inParliamentwhichbrought itintobeing.
“Usain Bolt has been Jamaica's unofficial ambassador for years through his extraordinary athletic achievements and magnetic personality,” MinisterBartlettsaid.
“This appointment formalizes what the world already knows – that Usain embo
he spirit, resilience, and excellence that defines Jamaica. His influenceextendsfarbeyond the track, and we're excited tochannelthatpowertoward buildingournation'sfuture."
As Global Ambassador, Bolt will promote Jamaica's t
ct and showcase the island's rich cultural heritage through a fully integrated digital campaign and strategic appearances at international events.Hewillleadeffortsto spotlight Jamaica's worldrenowned beaches, music, c
hospitality, targeting major source markets across the globe.
Bolt, the world record holder in both the 100m and 200m,expressedprideinthe new role, reaffirming his deep-rooted passion for Jamaica.
“I've always loved
representing Jamaica, whether on the track or through my ventures around the world. This opportunity allowsmetogivebacktothe country that made me who I am,”hesaid.
Director of Tourism, DonovanWhite,emphasized the impact Bolt is expected to have on the country's tourism industry “Usain's g l o b a l a p p e a l i s unprecedented for any Jamaican figure His endorsementofJamaicaasa destination carries weight that traditional marketing simply cannot match. We expect this partnership to significantly boost our tourism numbers and internationalprofile.”
Beyond tourism promotion, Bolt will also serve as a cultural ambassador, helping to amplify Jamaican music, food, and traditions through global media platforms and high-profile event engagements.
England Women secure series win as West Indian batters fail to deliver
(SportsMax) - The West Indies Women failed to deliver with the bat once again as their English counterparts enjoyed a dominantnine-wicketwinto take an unassailable 2-0 T20I series lead at the County Ground in Hove on Friday
The hosts restricted the West Indians to 81-9 from their 20 overs after winning thetossandfieldingfirst. Asistoooftenthecase,a
Hayley Matthews failure meant the West Indian batting effort fell woefully short. Matthews made just six as only Shemaine Campbelle(26)andShabika Gajnabi(22)reacheddouble figures. Player of the match
Em Arlott picked up 3-14 from her four overs while Lauren Bell also took three wickets while conceding 28 runs in her full quota of overs. England then needed only 9.2 overs to reach 82-1
Abiola Jackman strikes...
Frompage23 ethic as the backbone of her success. “We know the kind of effort she puts in behind the scenes,” he said. “she always shows up ready to compete.To see her excel at one of the most prestigious tournaments in the Americas, it's truly fulfilling.”
Looking ahead, Ninvalle reaffirmed the GBA's commitment to nurturing emerging talent and giving bothmaleandfemaleboxers the platform they need to succeed on the international stage.
“We remain focused on our mission to provide exposure and development forouryoung,emerging,and eliteboxers,”hestated.
According to Ninvalle, “Jackman's success isn't just about her It's a spark, an inspiration to others We believe her gold medal will motivate not just other female fighters, but all boxers in Guyana, to stay focused, work hard, and believethattheytoowillget their moment in the spotlight.”
Rain wins after Carty's...
Frompage22 rotatingstrike.Cartybrought up his half-century off 67 balls in the 27th over and thenstartedtoshiftgears.
In the 29th over, he took on Barry McCarthy for two fours and a six. The six was probably his best shot; he backed away and slapped it overcover
Jangoo was caught at short third off George Dockrell before Carty broughtuphiscenturyinthe 36thover,off105balls.
But when Carty was caught behind next over tryingtocutLiamMcCarthy and Roston Chase fell in the 44th with Paul Stirling taking a screamer at short fine leg, West Indies were reduced to 246 for 6 and suddenly were in danger of falling short of 300. Enter Forde.Hehithissecondball for a six over cover before hittingfoursixesoffthenext over,bowledbyJoshLittle-
threeofthemoffconsecutive deliveries.
The next two balls he faced brought ten runs as he scooped Thomas Mayes for four and six. Back-to-back sixes off Liam McCarthy in the next over saw him equal ABdeVilliers'recordforthe fastest ODI fifty, off just 16 ballsbeforebeingbowledfor a19-ball58.
Justin Greaves (44* off 36), who scored just seven runsofthe68-runstandwith Forde, then accelerated along with Gudakesh Motie (18 off 8) to power West Indies to their secondhighest total against Ireland as they plundered 106 runs off the last 42 balls
However, it started to rain duringtheinningsbreakand didn't relent, and play was eventually called off at around 5.20pm local time, ensuring Ireland go into the final ODI with an unassailable1-0lead.
thanks to an unbeaten 55* off30ballsfromcaptainNat Sciver-Brunt and 24* off 25 ballsfromSophiaDunkley
The West Indies will be playingforprideinthethird T20IonMonday
Nat Sciver-Brunt and Sophia Dunkley made light work of the meager target.
The Cliff Anderson Sports Hall was alive with energyandawelastevening, asbasketballfansofallages gathered to witness greatness in person. NBA Hall-of-Famer and global basketball icon, Hakeem “The Dream” Olajuwon, took centre court in a powerful and interactive session that blended storytelling, technical wisdom, and personal
reflection.Olajuwon, a twotimeNBAChampion(1994, 1995) and Finals MVP, is in Guyana courtesy of the Ministry of Culture, Youth and Sport, as part of the government’s ongoing efforts to grow and develop basketball across the country The towering legend’s presence drew a diverse crowd, from rising local hoopers to seasoned coachesandcuriousfans,all eager to soak in knowledge from one of the game’s all-
…a night to remember for Guyanese basketball
time greats.Widely regarded asthemostskilledbigmanto ev
,
Olajuwon’s resume speaks volumes; 12-time NBAAllStar, 1994 NBA MVP, and the No. 1 overall pick in the iconic 1984 NBA Draft a class that included names like Charles Barkley, John Stockton, and, of course, Michael Jordan At 62, Olajuwonstoodpoised,soft-
NBAlegend, Hakeem “The Dream” Olajuwon during his sit down at the Cliff Anderson Sports Hall with Minister Charles Ramson Jr. (Rawle Toney photos)
spoken, and grounded, sharing stories of his incredible journey from Lagos,Nigeria,tobasketball superstardom The crowd listened intently as he revealed that his first love wasactuallyfootball,asport he excelled at in Nigeria
basketball at the relatively lateageof16.“Itwasallnew to me,” he said, smiling. “But I fell in love with the discipline and beauty of the game.”That discipline, he stressed, was key to his success; a message he
repeated throughout the session. “Talent can only take you so far,” he said. “What separates the good from the great is how committed you are, how much you’re willing to sacrifice,andhowconsistent (Continueonpage19)
DCB T10 Cup pushed to July 6 following weather watch
Organizers of the
Demerara Cricket Board (DCB) T10 Independence Cup have pushed the event originally slated for this weekend,toSundayJuly6at the LBI Ground due to bad weather
The fund-raising event which was originally set for tomorrow May 25 was rescheduledtoalaterdatein July after heavy rainfall
Rain
ravaged the parts of the city overthepastfewdays Prior to its rescheduling, the tournament gained tons of tractionasitfoundsupportin sponsorship from a number of local business entities Among the teams, Better Hope, Enterprise, Helena 1 and 2, Herstelling A, LBI, Lusignan, Meten-Meer-Zorg East and Transport Sports Club(TSC)willbevyingfor
bragging rights but more importantlythetopcashprize of GYD $500K in cash and prizeswhichwillbeawarded to the winners Start time is expected from 10:00h with activities running into the evening under floodlights Proceeds from the tournament will be directed towards developing Youth and Female Cricket within thecountyofDemerara
wins after Carty's hundred and Forde's record-equalling fifty
(BBC Sport) - West Indies marched to a mammoth total of 352 for 8 on the back of Keacy Carty's second ODI century and Matthew Forde's record-equalling fifty as they looked to level the three-match series against Ireland, but the second ODI was washedoutasraindidn'tallowIreland'schase tobegin.
IrelandsentWestIndiesinunderslightly overcastconditions.TheWestIndiesopeners, Brandon King and Evin Lewis, got going with boundaries through the off side but BarryMcCarthy,whotookfourwicketsinthe first game, drew the outside edge from King togiveIrelandthefirstbreakthrough.
Keacy Carty (Sportsfile/ Getty Images)
Thefirstbowlingchangealsoworkedfor IrelandasLewisdroveJoshLittlestraightto coverpointinthebowler'sfirstover Hope and Carty then rebuilt for West Indies, ensuring there wasn't a repeat of the top-order collapse they suffered in the first ODI, as they rotated strike well with quick singlesanddoublesamidtheoddboundary Hope looked the more fluent in their 81run stand off 90 balls as Carty slowly grew intothegame.Hopealsohitthefirstsixofthe game, coming down the track to Andy McBrine.ButtheWestIndiescaptainnicked off on 49 to give Liam McCarthy his first internationalwicket. West Indies then picked up the tempo, with Carty doing the heavy lifting andAmir Jangoohappytokeep (Continueonpage21)
The competition will feature five classes open to some of Guyana's best male and female talent, who will more than likelyputonashowastheycontinuetodeveloptheirskills.
At 10:00h, the Novice Open will tee off followed by the Under-9BoysandGirlslegwhichgetsunderwayfromnoon.
Thefinallegofthetournamentwillteeofffrom18:00with playersbattlingitoutintheCClassOpencategory Meanwhile, action in the competition continues on May 30,31andJune12025.
Abiola Jackman strikes historic Gold at AMBC Elite Championships
Abiola Jackman etched hernameinGuyana'sboxing history books by becoming the first boxer Guyanese, maleorfemale,towinagold medal at the Americas Boxing Confederation ( A M B C ) E l i t e Championships.
The historic moment cameonThursdayeveningin Ecuador,whereshedelivered a commanding performance in the finals of the Women's 81kgdivision.
FacingEcuador'sDaniela Espana in front of a home crowd, Jackman displayed poise, precision, and relentlessaggression.
She dominated every round of the bout, with the judges unanimously awarding her the victory, except for Alexander Parra, whoscoredthefirstroundin favourofEspana.Therestof the contest was all Jackman, who outboxed and outmuscled her opponent to claimthegoldmedalinstyle.
Jackman, who was also namedBestFemaleBoxerat thisyear'sCaribbeanBoxing Championships in St. Lucia, is riding an extraordinary waveofform.
Her victory adds to her growing legacy and makes her only the second Guyanese to medal at the A M B C E l i t e Championships.
The first was Desmond Amsterdam, who secured a bronze in 2022 after a semifinal finish; an achievement that also made him the first Guyanese amateur boxer to receive prize money under
the International Boxing Association's revised paymentstructure.
President of the Guyana Boxing Association (GBA), Steve Ninvalle, was effusive in his praise for Jackman's performance and its wider implications for the sport in Guyana, especially among women.
“This is a monumental moment not only for Abiola but for all of Guyanese boxing,” Ninvalle said. “We are extremely proud of her achievement.Itgoestoshow that with hard work, dedication, and the right opportunities,ourboxerscan rise to any occasion and makethecountryproud.”
N i n v a l l e a l s o underscoredtheGBA'slongstanding commitment to gender equality in the sport, notingthecrucialroleplayed by sistersAbiola andAlesha Jackman in paving the way for the next generation of femalefighters.
“We've always been strategic in ensuring equal opportunity for our female boxers,” he emphasised “AbiolaandAleshaJackman have led by example, and Abiola's gold medal is the fruitofthatvisionandeffort. Abiola's dedication to training, her discipline, and her willingness to represent Guyanaateveryopportunity, it's all coming together now ontheinternationalstage.”
Reflecting on Jackman's evolution in the sport, Ninvalle pointed out her consistentgrowthandwork (Continueonpage21)
