Kaieteur News

Trotman backs Jagdeo’s call for full gold smuggling probe …saysGHKLall“incorruptible”

Former Minister of N a t u r a l R e s o u r c e s , RaphaelTrotmanhasthrown his support behind the fullfledged probe that Vice PresidentBharratJagdeohas called for into those who may have helped the Mohameds to allegedly smugglegoldoutofGuyana. Trotman who served as minister under the previous A Partnership for National Unity+AllianceforChange (APNU+AFC) government, made the disclosure to Kaieteur News on Wednesday afternoon. “[I] would prefer to reserve my further comments for the investigators,” the former m i n i s t e r s a i d

While much attention has been placed on sanctioned businessmen Nazar and Azruddin, Vice President Jagdeo recently stated that the Guyana Revenue Authority (GRA) andtheGuyanaPoliceForce (GPF) must expand their current probe beyond the businessmen The vice president had singled out

former Chair of the Guyana Gold Board (GGB), Gabriel “GHK” Lall, who served as GGB Chair from March 2017 to February 2020, stating that an investigation should be conducted into him and other public servants and officials. This call by Jagdeo followed the indictmentoftheMohameds in a United States federal court on 11 charges of wire andmailfraud,conspiracyto commit money laundering and the importation of a Lamborghini luxury car- all stemming from accusations of massive tax fraud committed against Guyana. Theindictment,unsealed on October 2, 2025, accuses t h e M o h a m e d s o f orchestrating an elaborate fraudandmoney-laundering scheme involving gold exports, customs fraud, bribery, and the evasion of millions in taxes and royalties owed to Guyana. Jagdeo said, “I expect that a full-fledged investigation would be launched into those people w

Former Minister of Natural Resources, Raphael Trotman

board…who may have been complicit in assisting the Mohameds to evade the massive sum of taxes ”

Notably, while Trotman supports this investigation, he noted, “nothing new to add, except to say that I had every confidence in GHK Lall as Chairman and found him to be incorruptible.”

At his own press conferenceearlierthisweek, Lallalsosaidhesupportsthe investigation. However, he urged the government to

bring in the Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI) to participate Lall told reporters that during his tenuretherewererumoursof gold being smuggled but no concrete evidence as to the playerswhowerereportedly involved in gold smuggling. “…as to the specifics of persons, groups that were possibly engaged in that, there wasn't much more coming to us about that,” L a l l s a i d

smuggling… so directly to your question the answer is n o ”

Moreover, Lall had disclosed that during his tenurehewascalledintothe United States Embassy, wherehewasshowedbythe U S Regional Security Officer, a folder that contained names of 40 suspected criminals of gold smuggling, drugs, money launderingandothercrimes. He noted that while all the players were Guyanese he did not recognise any of them,orthatthefileincluded

Nazar or Azruddin

d

He added, “Were the names of the Mohameds or any other put on the table duringmytimeinrelationto gold smuggling. What I can tell you is that there were suspicion of different players major players i n

Notably, in an interview with Demerara Waves, Trotman said that the FBI had shared information aboutgoldsmugglingduring his tenure Trotman told Demerara Waves that in the dossierprovidedbytheFBI,

included as well as other

ERCsummonsJenniferagain overracistFacebookrants ...warns it will act if she fails to appear

Mon Repos, East Coast Demerara resident, Jennifer Allyhasbeensummonedby the Ethnic Relations Commission (ERC) over “ r a c i a l l y c h a rg e d statements” made recently onherFacebookpage.

A few months ago, Ally appeared before the commission for a series of hateful and insensitive comments directed at 11year-old Adriana Younge, who died in April, and her grievingfamily Avideolater circulated showing Ally apologisingforherremarks.

However, just months later,Ally has again sparked outrageoveraseriesofposts speaking ill of AfroGuyanese. In a statement on Wednesday, the ERC said Ally is required to appear before the commission at 11amtodaytorespondtothe renewed allegations of racially insensitive remarks. “Such comments are divisive, offensive, and contrary to the spirit of respectandharmonythatthe commission continues to advocate across all communitiesinGuyana.The ERC wishes to remind all citizens that freedom of expressioncarrieswithitthe responsibility to ensure that public statements, particularly those made online,donotinflameethnic tensionsorunderminesocial

cohesion,”theERCsaid.

The commission referencedArticle146(3)of the Constitution of Guyana, which statesthatfreedomof expression, “ does not relate to hate speeches or other expressions, in whatever form, capable of exciting hostility or ill-will againstanypersonorclassof persons.”

Itwarnedthatfailureby Ally to comply with the summons could result in the ERC taking appropriate action under the relevant lawsofGuyana.

OnTuesday,October21, a fire destroyed a house at Block9'C'MonRepos,East CoastDemerara,whereAlly lived with her family The

Guyana Fire Service confirmed that the structure and all its contents were completely destroyed,

though no injuries were reported.

Following this, Ally madeaFacebookpostabout the fire, and then shared a series of subsequent posts referring to Afro-Guyanese as having “zero brain cells,” and claiming “y'all (word redacted) burn my house down…” among other posts that are too insensitive to repeat. This led to several social media users expressing dissatisfaction with the ERC, urging the commissiontointervene.

For its part, ERC reiteratedthatracialhostility has no place in Guyana, and said it will continue to encourage citizens to use social media responsibly, speak out against intolerance, and promote messages that build unity ratherthandivision.

Summoned by ERC for racial remarks, Jennifer Ally

Former Chair of the Guyana Gold Board (GGB), Gabriel “GHK” Lall

Govt. calls out Venezuelan envoy for “double-talk” on Mohamed visa visit

The Government of Guyana, through the Ministry of Foreign

Affairs and International Cooperation, has raised concerns about “inconsistent” statements made by Venezuela's Ambassador to Guyana, Carlos Amador Perez Silva, regarding visits to the Venezuelan Embassy in Georgetown by Nazar and AzruddinMohamed.

Afew months ago, Minister of Foreign Affairs and International Cooperation,HughTodd,duringan interview aired by the Department of Public Information (DPI), disclosed that the Venezuelan Ambassador was summoned to a meeting and that the ambassador disclosed during that engagement, that the Mohameds had visited the embassy

The minister had said, “…we recently found out that the Mohameds have been frequently visiting the Venezuelan Embassy here in Georgetown ” Minister Todd had linked this to comments made earlier by a United States congressman, connecting the MohamedstoNicolásMaduroand hisregimeandgoldsmuggling.

However, Vice President Bharrat Jagdeo, at one of his press conferences weeks later, said that the government has evidence of businessman Nazar visiting the Venezuelan Embassy, and not his son, Azruddin. For his part, Azruddin has consistently denied visiting the Venezuelan Embassy and challenged both the government and the embassy to provehedid.Whilethegovernment later released CCTV footage purportedly showing Nazar Mohamed leaving the Venezuelan EmbassyinGeorgetown.

The ministry's newest statementwasissuedinresponseto comments made by Ambassador Silva during an interview with Stabroek News. The newspaper reported the ambassador denying that neither Azruddin, who is the leader of the We Invest in

Nationhood (WIN), as well emphasisingthatneitherNazarnor Azruddinhadbeentotheembassy

The ministry not only noted concerns over the Ambassador's statementbutalso,“questionswhy the Ambassador is being secretive about the visit of Mr. Nazar Mohamed to the Embassy of the Bolivarian Republic of Venezuela, regardingavisaapplication.”

It was further stated that the ambassador's latest statement stands in direct contradiction to earlier account, which was provided during a meeting with MinisterTodd.

The ministry said that on that occasion, “the ambassador clearly confirmed that Mr Mohamed had indeed visited the Venezuelan Embassy and further offered specific details concerning the documentation presented and the purposeoftheengagement.

The Ministry also recalls that the Ambassador indicated that the event referenced in the visa application was scheduled for July 2025, while the actual visit to the EmbassyoccurredinAugust2025. This information was shared directly by the Ambassador when summoned for clarification on the matter.”

In light of Ambassador Silva's denial that the Mohameds visited the embassy, the ministry said it finds this both troubling and inconsistent.

y reaffirmed its expectation that all representativesofforeignmissions accredited to Georgetown conduct their duties with the highest s

professionalism, and respect for diplomaticnorms.Italsoattacheda letterdatedJuly1,2025,addressed to N

Corparacion World Trade The

letter invited Nazar to attend an event focused on educating youths aboutIslam,scheduledforJuly25, 2025, in Moreno de Mendoza, Venezuela.

AgriMinisterhopefulforsafereturn ofmissingGuyanesefishermen

While he is yet to be furnished with comprehensive details regarding the missing Guyanese fishermen, Minister ofAgriculture, Zulfikar Mustapha said he is hopeful that the four men will be recovered and reunited with their families “Presently, I don't know what are the circumstances I have spoken to our ambassador to get some more information,” the minister told journalists in Berbice on Wednesday, adding that he also awaits information from neighbouringSuriname

“I am hoping by the end of (today), I can get some more information from our ambassador overthereandthenIcanputoutan officialstatementfromtheMinistry ofAgriculture”Theminister,whois responsibleforthefishingindustry, explained what he gathered from several sources closely following

thematter:

“I understand also through that general information, that they sent outadistresscall andthennobody sawthemafterwards”“Wearevery concerned, because generally whenever our fisherfolk encounter difficulties like those, we tend to work along with our coast guard, workalongwiththeotheragencies so that we can try as much as possible to locate them,” Minister Mustaphastressed.

He noted, however, that since the incident took place in Surinamese waters, most of the recovery operations and other relevant protocols will be undertaken officially by that country Thus far, he stated, the search and rescue operations are continuing, via patrol vessels and helicopters Additionally, the agriculture minister, while

acknowledging the unfortunate situation, expressed optimism that themenwillbefound

“Wearehopingthatthiscrewor that vessel can be found and be found alive ”Guyanese are concerned about the well-being of thefishermenafternewscirculated thattheylefttoplytheirtradeatsea, buthavenotreturned Reportssuggestthatthequartet was fishing in Surinamese waters when their boat sank last Saturday night in Saramacca River near LarecoSurinameseauthoritieshave since launched a search and rescue exercise. According to reports, police said that they received a report early Monday morning that thecrewwasfloatingonicecubes They said that the caller had indicatedthatpeopleintheareahad used their boats to search for the fourpeople,withoutsuccess

Nazar and Azruddin Mohamed

Minister of Foreign Affairs and International Cooperation, Hugh Todd

Venezuela's Ambassador to Guyana, Carlos Amador Perez Silva

KaieteurNews

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

Publisher:GLENNLALL-Tel:624-6456

Editor-in-Chief:NigelWilliams

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

EDITORIAL

Region 10 RDC

It has now been close to two weeks since the Regional Democratic Council (RDC) of Region 10 election wasstalledandyettheregion'sRegionalExecutiveOfficer andclerkofthecouncil,Mr.Dwight JohnOfficercontinues todraghisfeetinreconveningthemeetingtocompletethe lawfulelectionofaChairmanandViceChairman.Thedelay is nothing short of an insult to good governance in our country

The facts are clear On 10 October 2025, the newlysworn councillors of the Region 10 (Upper Demerara–Upper Berbice) council cast their ballots for chairman;theresultendedina9-9tiebetweenthenominee of the We Invest in Nationhood (WIN) Party (WIN), Mark G o r i n g , a n d t h e c a n d i d a t e o f t h e A Partnership for National Unity (APNU), Dominique Blair

Insteadofproceedingwiththemandatorysecond-round (and if needed third-round) voting process laid out in the Local Democratic Organs Act (Cap 28:09), the REO inexplicablyadjournedtheprocessandreferredthematterto the Minister of Local Government and Regional Development,Priya Manickchand.

Legal experts have been scathing in their assessment. TheActclearlyprovidesinSection20(6)(a)-(h)thatwhena tie arises, the Clerk must immediately declare the tied councillors as candidates for a second round, then proceed accordingly and if still tied, a third round. There is no statutoryspacefordeferringdecision-makingtoaminister's “casting vote” or “deliberation”. The move by John is thereforenotmerelyunusual,itmaywellbeunlawful. WIN, as anticipated, is now pursuing legal action. On 12th October, the party first issued a 48-hour letter of ultimatum to the REO demanding the reconvening of the electionprocess,failingwhichtheywouldproceedtocourt andon21October,thepartyformallyannounceditsintentto movetocourt,accusingtheREOofviolatingstatute,acting arbitrarily and unreasonably, and denying the democratic willofthepeopleofRegion10.

Meanwhile, in the national discourse, the second VicePresident and General Secretary of the People's Progressive Party/Civic (PPP/C), Bharrat Jagdeo, hasdeclaredthathispartyhasnointerestincontrollingthe Chairmanship of Region 10. That is a welcome public disavowalofinterference,yetifthePPP/Cmeansit,thenit mustensurethattheREOstopsobstructingtheprocessand allows democracy to prevail. All told, the stalemate in Region 10 is no minor procedural quirk, it is a glaring governance failure. Region 10 is the only administrative regioninGuyanapresentlywithoutanelectedChairmanand Vice Chairman. The consequences of such a leadership vacuum are serious: routine regional decisions cannot be properlymade;theregion'sagendastalls;citizens'interests go unrepresented In a growing region like Upper Demerara–Upper Berbice, where communities await infrastructure, services and development, leadership matters.

Additionally, Region 10 has some 38,460 registered electorsasofSeptember1,2025with21,195havingvotedin thelastregionalelectionforthatregion. Thisisnotaremote backwater;wearetalkingaboutthousandsofcitizenswhose representationandgovernancehavebeenputonholdwhile politicalmanoeuvringplaysout.

Whatdoesthissayaboutourdemocracywhenprocedure is ignored? When the law is bypassed in favour of convenience?Whentheelectedmembersofacouncil,these people who swore oaths are left in limbo? It undermines trust. It opens the door for complacency, for delay, for disregard of the regional electorate. For every day the process is delayed, the people of Region 10 pay the price. They deserve functioning leadership, not political chess games. If the REO has an ounce of respect for his duty, he will act now If the minister has no intention to interfere improperly, she will instruct the REO to reconvene the

Time to prepare for the rainy season

DearEditor, As the expected rainy season approaches in December, it is evident that the challenges of flooding across Georgetown have already begun. Just this past Tuesday, following a brief butheavydownpour,notone lasting for hours; several areasinthecity,particularly South Georgetown, experienced significant floodinginyardsandstreets. This early incident signals whatliesaheadifurgentand coordinated action is not taken.

It is deeply concerning t

continues to demonstrate a lack of preparedness. For years,

City of Georgetown has been deprived of the critical financial and technical resources needed to conduct routine maintenance works, such as clearing drains of weeds, maintaining parapets, and keeping alleyways functional Instead of supporting the City Council's legitimate mandate, central authorities appear more focused on consolidating political control,evenassumingroles that rightfully belong to the city's management body This includes the direct awarding of contracts, actions that seem designed more to win political favour than to ensure sustainable and effective urban management.

Whileitiscommendable t h a t e m p l o y m e n t opportunities are being provided to citizens, proper mechanisms, oversight, and engineering standards must guidesuchprojectstoensure their effectiveness and longevity For instance, ongoing works along Princess Street, where the southern drain between St. Stephen Street and Haley Streethasbeendowngraded, have already caused major concern. Residents previously faced flooding during rainfall, but with the canal's reduced capacity, the situation has now worsened. Tuesday'srainfallprovideda stark glimpse of what is likely to come in December 2025; more intense and damaging flooding for residentsinthatarea.

The canals currently being downsized were originally constructed many decades ago, based on the landmass and topography of Georgetown at that time.

Those designs were informed by careful planning and knowledge of the city's drainage needs. Today,however,withoutthe benefit of feasibility studies or public consultations with residents and the elected local authority, the Central Government is proceeding withworksasitpleases.This approach undermines participatory governance anddisregardstheprinciples oflocaldemocracy Whatwe

are witnessing is not d e m o c r a t i c l o c a l governance, it is local bullyism, where central interference

s collaborationandrespectfor institutionalmandates.

Similarly, internal road works conducted in the Cemetery several months ago between; Cemetery Road (east) and St. Stephen Street (west) have contributed to increased vulnerability.Thenewroads were built at a higher elevation than adjoining secondaryroads,resultingin poor water runoff and recurrent flooding. The Le Repentir Cemetery itself is likely to be adversely affected, as these i n f r a s t r u c t u r a l inconsistencies disrupt the natural drainage patterns of thearea.

Additionally, ongoing construction on Sussex Street, from Mandela AvenuetoSt.StephenStreet, raises further concern Residents of Albouystown, West La Penitence, and Castelloareexpectedtoface similar hardships as those already being experienced along Princess Street and its environs. Importantly, this situation runs counter to Sustainable Development Goal6(SDG6),whichseeks to ensure “availability and sustainable management of water and sanitation for all” by 2030. If Guyana is to genuinely achieve this goal,

the current pace and style of governance, marked by exclusion and politicization, make it highly improbable. Effective drainage and sanitation systems are not optional; they are fundamental to achieving clean water, healthy living conditions, and climate resilience.

The time for playing petty politics with the lives and welfare of our people must come to an end. Flooding,poordrainage,and inadequate maintenance are not merely infrastructural failures, they are failures of governance and leadership that endanger public health, livelihoods, and sustainable national development I therefore call upon the Central Government, particularlytheMinistriesof Public Works and Local Government, to work collaboratively with the Georgetown City Council. Thefocusmustbeonproper engineering assessments, transparent procurement, and adequate funding for maintenance and drainage management The safety, health, and well-being of residents must not be compromised for political expediency

TheDecemberrainswill soon arrive. Let us not wait until the city is once again under water before meaningfulactionistaken.

Yoursfaithfully,

AnnetteFerguson

“None of My Business? A High Voltage Response “

DearEditor,

The two-year, US$15.6 million contract between Guyana Power and Light (GPL) and the Dominican Republic-based InterEnergy Group (IEG) has ignited controversy across Guyana and the wider Caribbean. The deal, which was awarded without open tendering, has drawn sharp criticism over its legality, transparency, and potential conflictsofinterest.

InterEnergy's chairman, Rolando González Bunster, recently dismissed concerns aboutthelegalityofthedeal as “none of my business,” f o l l o w i n g r e p o r t s high

government complicity and opaqueprocedures.

TheContract:

TermsandPurpose

Theagreement,signedin October 2025, mandates InterEnergy to provide supervisory engineering and project management consultancy services for the modernization of Guyana's power grid It aims to integratesmartgridsystems, enhance reliability, and support the transition to more efficient electricity distribution According to government accounts, InterEnergywill: Oversee infrastructure projects tied to the Wales Gas-to-Energyinitiative.

Audit power generation assets for efficiency and reliability. Train GPL staff and recommend operational improvements Lead grid modernization and smart-

meeting. And if the WIN party is prepared to defend democracy, it will press on without delay Reconvene the RDC now; conduct the second round of voting; if needed thethirdround;andelecttheChairmanandViceChairman ofRegion10.Thelawisclear,thetimeisnow Thepeople ofRegion10shouldnothavetowaitanylonger Enoughof thepoliticalgames.

technologyintegration.

The government insists the contract followed “a rigorou

ation process,” highlighting its long-term benefits for infrastructureresilience.

TheControversy:No-Bid ApprovalandConflicts

Critics argue that the gov

competitive bidding protocols when it granted InterEnergy sole-source approval. Records indicate that a Canadian firm, Method4, had been initially awarded the contract before being abruptly dropped in mid-2025. Cabinet's noobjection to InterEnergy's engagement,grantedonJuly 17,2025,openedthedoorto accusations of backroom dealingandfavoritism.

O p p o s i t i o n parliamentarian Ganesh Mahipaul labeled the process“abetrayalofpublic trust,” citing conflicting government statements about which firm truly held the contract Opposition

leadershavesincedemanded full disclosure of Cabinet papers and national tender documents, calling the transaction “a flagrant breach of procurement laws.”

AllegedGovernment Complicity

The role of key officials raisesfurtherquestions.Vice President Bharrat Jagdeo publicly defended InterEnergy as the “most cost-effective choice,” despite earlier indications that the procurement board favoured Method4. The shifting narrative between the Prime Minister and Vice President underscores internal inconsistencies.

C

o the Dominican Republic's close diplomatic ties with Guyana—bolstered by three visits from President Luis Abinader in the past two years as evidence of pote

l undercurrents behind the contract.

(Continuedonpage6)

The Wales GTE Project is a Strategic Imperative, not a Candidate for Abandonment

DearEditor, Economist Elson Low's critiqueoftheWalesGas-toEnergyprojectoverlooksthe strategic necessity of the initiative His call for

d i s c l o s u r e a n d accountability is valid, but shelvingtheprojectoversoil stabilizationcostsoverlooks thelong-termvisionguiding it.

Public scrutiny is essential, and his queries deserve a response from the authorities However, constructivedialogueisbest built on shared facts, which are most reliably obtained through direct engagement withtherelevantagencies.

For over forty years, energyinsecurityhasbeena primary barrier to Guyana's progress.TheGTEprojectis not merely a power plant; it

i s a f o u n d a t i o n a l intervention aimed at resolving this chronic issue.

Achieving a modern economy is inextricably linked to secure, low-cost energy Dismissing its promised benefits as "fiction" disregards the

strategic long-term analysis behindtheinitiative. To provide a balanced perspective, let's consider twokeypoints:

1.The$100MillionSoil Stabilization

Framing the $100 millionexpendituresolelyas a failure of due diligence

ignores both global precedent and strategic context. Progressive nations have routinely transformed challenging terrains into engines of growth, and the following two are among manyotherexamples:

(a) The Battersea Precedent: The iconic Battersea Power Station in London was constructed on thereclaimed,marshybanks of the River Thames. The significant investment requiredtostabilizethatsite yielded a strategic asset that poweredLondonforover50 years.

(b) The Eemshaven Example:TheNetherlands,a global leader in land reclamation, constructed the RWE Eemshaven Power Station on land reclaimed

from the UNESCOprotected Wadden Sea. It is now a cornerstone of the Dutchenergygrid.

Both of these Projects had initial soil stabilization issues and unforeseen costs, but they confronted those challenges when they needed to be confronted in the interest of their national development. History will show both the United Kingdom and the Kingdom oftheNetherlandsarebetter as a society because they persevered and made the hard decisions at the right time. Guyanaisinthesame position today; we must presson!

Guyana is undertaking several foundational p r o j e c t s

n a n unprecedented scale, with the GTE being one of them.

T h e c h a l l e n g i n g , liquefaction-prone soils of our coastal region are a geographical reality This stabilization cost, while substantial, is a necessary, one-time investment to create a viable, stable industrial platform for the

President Irfaan Ali must act in the interest of the nation and reconvene the Parliament without further excuse or delay

DearEditor,

Note is taken of the Attorney General and Minister of Legal Affairs, Anil Nandlall's public pronouncement that it is the President who holds the authority to reconvene Parliament No one is

disputing where the authority lies. That is not, and has never been, the issue.

The real concern here is theblatantfailuretoactwith urgency to reconvene the highest decision-making forum of this land. The people'sbusinessispilingup while the President and his government drag their feet.

The Constitution and Laws o f G u y a n a a r e clear—governance must be continuous, responsive, and

accountable The crises

confronting us, both internally and externally, demandnothingless. Letitbeplacedonrecord that the last sitting of the National Assembly was on July 3, 2025. That was the end of the 12th Parliament. Over the course of its fiveyear life, it held fewer than 150sittings. This is unacceptableand shows contempt for democratic governance and parliamentaryresponsibility. We are in the throes of internal turmoil the mismanagement of our oil

and gas resources, skyrocketing cost of living, and the absence of a living wageanddignifiedpensions for workers who have built and continue to build this

next 50 years The alternative abandoning developmentduetocomplex geology—is not a viable pathforanationonthecusp oftransformation.

In this regard, the contractor's sobering warning about the facility's risks if built improperly is not an argument against construction;itisapowerful justification for undertaking the correct engineering interventions, regardless of cost, to ensure long-term safetyandintegrity

Furthermore,thisproject is the incubator for a much larger vision: the

development of over 30,000 acresofundevelopedlandon the West Bank of Demerara as a result of the planned transportation links from BarticatotheTimehriDocks and to the new Jagdeo Bridge passing the GTE Project. Therefore, the GTE istheanchorthatmakesthis broader development—and its potential for crosssubsidization economicall y feasible. I encourage Mr Low to visualize the “BIG THINK”.

The delays and costs associated with these extensive geotechnical investigations have, in fact,

provided Guyana with an invaluable repository of knowledge for executing futurelarge-scaleprojectsof a similar nature, since there will be many other projects of a similar scale that will add to the compendium of national assets to push our ambitionatindustrialization. Thus,itistoourbenefitthat thedevelopersaremitigating these extreme risks with the seriousnesstheydeserve.

2. The "Dead on Arrival" Prognosis is Flawed.

Theassertionthatthesite isnowunsuitableisillogical.

(Continuedonpage6)

Mrs. Lilian Miller née McPherson will be truly missed by all

DearEditor, Iwasdeeplysaddenedto hear the news of Mrs. Lilian Miller's passing. She died peacefullyinhersleepatthe Georgetown Public Hospital Corporation (GPHC) on Sunday,October17,2025at age 77 My heartfelt condolences go to her grieving family, relatives andfriends.

country. These matters cannot be kicked down the road. They require urgent andimmediateattention.

Externally, Guyana cannotaffordtositidlybyor pretendweareimmunefrom the unfolding tensions between the United States andVenezuela.

Theremustbeanational conversation on what measures will be taken to safeguard our people, our territory, and the sovereign integrity of the state, should thisconflictescalate.

The time for delay has longpassed.PresidentIrfaan Alimustactintheinterestof thenationandreconvenethe Parliament without further excuseordelay

Regards LincolnLewis

AsIreflectonherlifeand work, I can say that the late Mrs. Miller has left a great legacy behind that society should follow She was a wonderful, peaceful and honest woman and who possessed a steady demeanour and stuck to her strong values and moral codes, regardless of the situation or who she was dealingwith.

I remembered when I was working overseas and being skeptical in doing business with anyone in Guyana after I had bad experiences. However, after a thoughtful consideration I telephoned Ms. Miller one day whom I had known as a child growing up and attended the same church with me in the village of Plaisance.

She accepted to help me withwhatIhadwantedtobe done and I appointed her as

mypowerofattorneytodeal with all my business and legalmattersonmybehalfin Guyanaand shedidsowith an opened heart and with honesty I was so happy to see that our society still had honestpeoplelikeher Mrs. Lilian Miller was indeed a person of integrity which was characterized by h e r u p r i g h t n e s s , truthfulness,andfaithfulness in her relationship with God and others. She seeks to honour God in all areas of her life and followed His commandments with diligenceanddedication.

In addition to being a dedicatedandlovingmother to her children Andrew and Andrea, Mrs. Miller also lovedworkinginherkitchen garden, staying actively involved in Community work, and holding various

volunteer roles at St. Paul's

A n g l i c a n C h u r c h . Throughout her entire life, sheheldanunwaveringfaith in God, which she shared with those who surrounded her

While we mourn Mrs. Miller 's passing, I take comfort knowing her legacy lives on through her children, grandchildren and greatgrandchildrenIwillbe forever grateful for the unconditional love she gave to me. Her kindness and warmth touched everyone shemet.Losingherleavean ache in our hearts, but also inspiration to live up to her beautiful example with the love she had for people. She will be greatly missed. May hersoulrestinpeaceandrise inglory

Sincerely

RayvonneP Bourne

The new cash grant payout

Dear Editor

Prime Minister Mark

Phillips made the announcement that there would be an addition to the cash grant payout, verbatim, "The cash grant would be more than the last payout," that sentiment was re-echoed by President Ali, whenhesaidtherewouldbe abrightChristmas2025.

These promises were madeduringtherunuptothe September 1st Election, however, there has never been an announcement of the payout, nor was there

anyclearindicationastothe real cash total to the payout thatistobemade.

Now, we are fast approaching two months sincethatpromisewasmade and persons are of eager anticipation awaiting the day for the announcement ofthatrealsumofmoney

As it is the case with a cash promise, some have affixed a total to the anticipated cash grant; it would be $200,000, it should be $150,000 or as my friend emphatically remarked, "It would be

$360,000 "

Now, all of these statements are mere projections of what the cash payout should be, not an official announcement, but anticipatory glimpses of what someone as a payee shouldbegiven.

In any event, I am very optimisticofapayout,onor before Christmas, because the PPP/C Government never promises anything they cannot deliver We are waiting!

Respectfullysubmitted

NeilAdams

The Wales GTE Project is a Strategic...

Frompage5

The soil stabilization is the definitive solution that transforms the land into a stableasset.

The GTE project, as the anchor tenant, will provide the cheap, reliable energy needed to overcome the single greatest barrier to Guyanese manufacturing, attracting the very industries meant to create the jobs and growth in question Guyana's energy

instability is a longstandingcrisis

The GTE is the permanent solution; the current expensive power shipsareinterimmeasures.

ToblametheGTEforthe costs of the crisis it is designedtosolveisacircular argument. Thecalltoshelve this US$2 billion strategic projectismisguided. It is the cornerstone of Guyana'seconomicfuture

The path forward is not

abandonment, but rigorous oversight and course correction Abandoning it now would guarantee the loss of this strategic investment and the promise of a modern, industrialized Guyana for generations to come.

The cost of stabilization, however high, pales in comparison to the cost of forfeitingourenergyfuture.

Regards SasenarineSingh

DearEditor,

“Mommy, I have somethingtotellyou.Please don't get upset with me.” Those are words, which no parent ever wants to hear Theyareoftenfollowedbya confession that leaves us shaken,asecretourchildhas been carrying, a pain they didn'tknowhowtoshare.

As parents, we spend so much time worrying about our children's safety in public spaces, strangers on t h e r o a d , u n s a f e neighbourhoods, and negative influences Yet, many of us overlook the growing danger that hides behind the very devices we handtothemeveryday The internet,thoughagatewayto learningandconnection,has alsobecomeaneasyhunting ground for predators who use it to groom, exploit, and abusechildren.

Online child sexual abuse takes many forms: from sharing or producing child sexual abuse material to grooming, where adults build trust with minors for sexual purposes These abuserscanbetotalstrangers orevenpeopleknowntothe child,usingfakeidentitiesor friendly online personas to gain their trust. In Guyana, there have been troubling reports of young people beingexposedto,orcoerced into,creatingandcirculating pornographic content. Some are pressured, others are blackmailed Similar patterns are seen across the Caribbean and the world. What'smostalarmingishow many parents don't even knowit'shappeningandmay have no idea on how to controlthisintheirhomes.

We assume our children

Frompage4

C o m p a r i s o n w i t h InterEnergy's Regional Dealings

InterEnergy operates acrossLatinAmericaandthe Caribbean, managing a portfolio exceeding 2.4 GW of energy projects In Jamaica, the company acquired and manages renewable energy assets, including the 36 3 MW BMR Wind Farm, under long-term, transparent powerpurchaseagreements. In Panama and Uruguay, it has pursued clean energy

transitions via open, regulatedframeworks.

By contrast, the Guyana deal is criticized as opaque, lacking publicly available tender documents, and c o n d u c t e d i n

are just watching movies, chatting with friends, or doing research for school. But apps like Snapchat, TikTok, Instagram, WhatsApp, and a common favorite Calculator# are giving predators countless ways to contact and manipulate these young innocent minds. Groomers oftenstartsmallbyafriendly chat,acompliment,ashared interest and gradually move theconversationintoprivate spaces Before long, it becomes a cycle of exploitation, secrecy, and shame. In some instances, children are lured into sharing the private photos andtheseareusedtothreaten themintomeetingwiththeir predators.

Children generally fear losing their devices, shamed by the predators, or disappointing their parents, sotheystaysilentoutoffear, guilt, or confusion and risk doingwhatthepredatorsare demanding That's why awareness and involvement are so important. Keeping children safe online doesn't mean spying on them rather it's about guiding them, know how to set controls on theirdevicesandmonitoring this and setting boundaries, and sharing opening about therisks.

Parents,startthe conversationearly Talk about online safety andletyourchildknowthey can come to you if someone makes them uncomfortable or asks for private photos. Set clear boundaries, establish limits for screen time, app use, and device access Use parental controls, many devices and apps have settings that help

secrecy contrary to the firm's more transparent practiceselsewhere.

RamificationsandRisks

1 . G o v e r n a n c e

Credibility: The apparent secrecy and conflicting official explanations erode confidence in Guyana's procurement transparency a n d g o v e r n a n c e mechanisms.

2.LegalExposure:Ifdue diligence was not observed, both GPL and InterEnergy could face legal scrutiny for proceduralviolations.

3.Economic Risks: The $15.6 million cost, funded by public revenue, could balloon if project deliverables are delayed or inflated.

block harmful content and monitor online activity

Know who your child is talkingto,encouragethemto communicate only with peopletheyknowinreallife, and stay alert for new “friends” they can't identify Stay informed, the online world changes every day, and new apps and trends appear faster than we can keepup.Takealittletimeto learn about the games, platforms, and chats your child enjoys, not to invade theirspace,buttounderstand it. When we show interest, they're more likely to open up about what they're doing andwhothey'retalkingto. Remember, the internet isn't the enemy It can be a wonderfulspaceforchildren tolearn,create,andexplore. Butlikeanypowerfultool,it mustbeusedwithcare.

As parents, guardians, and community members, w e a l l s h a r e t h e responsibility of keeping those digital spaces safe for ourchildren.Andifyouever have even the smallest feeling that something isn't right, that your child, or any child, may be in danger online,pleasedon'tignoreit. Speak up, ask questions, reach out for help Sometimes one brave step can stop a lifetime of harm. Child sexual abuse via the internet is real, and it's happening closer to home than many of us want to believe But awareness, vigilance, and love can stop it The first step is acknowledging it exists and taking action before another child whispers, “Mommy, I havesomethingtotellyou.”

Sincerely, ChildLinkInc.

Conclusion The GPL–InterEnergy contract epitomizes the t e n s i o n b e t w e e n developmental ambition and political opacity While the projectpromisestobringsmart grid technology to Guyana's aging infrastructure, its cloudedoriginsanddismissive attitude toward legality raise red flags about systemic accountability Whether this deal delivers progress or deepens public distrust depends on whether t r a n s p a r

y can finally find its way backintothegrid

4.Reputational Damage: InterEnergy's reputation, built on clean-energy leadership, risks being tarnishedbyassociationwith politicallychargeddeals.

Sincerely, HemduttKumar

‘Take it to court’

– AG tells warring opposition factions over GECOM seats

By Rehana Ramsay

Attorney General and Minister of Legal Affairs

AnilNandlall,SC.hasmade it clear that opposition parties battling over appointments to the Guyana Elections Commission (GECOM)willhavetosettle the matter in court if they canno

ng themselves. His comments come

Chairperson, Justice (Ret'd) ClaudetteSingh'sdecisionto pause all election-related meetings until the new Parliament is convened and the Opposition benches are formallyconstituted.

JusticeSinghhassaidshe

…saysdisputealegalmatterasGECOMChairholdsfirm

anticipates changes in the Opposition's representatives on the Commission, given thattheAzruddinMohamedledWeInvestinNationhood (WIN) has replaced the A Partnership for National Unity (APNU) as the new main opposition. She said theConstitutionprovidesfor this transition But the p

d pushback from APNU Commissioner Vincent

interpretation.

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

Nandlall continued “I havemyviewsobviouslybut GECOM is an autonomous bodyandthechairpersonhas taken a position This obviously is a legal issue involvingtheoppositionand theyhavetoresolveit…Itis obviously a constitutional controversyandifitreaches thecourtinanyevent,Iwill havetobeapartybecauseall constitutional matters requiretheAttorneyGeneral tobenamedasarespondent so I would not be speaking onthismatter.”

Commenting on the matter,charteredaccountant and lawyer, Christopher Ram noted better judgment should prevail among the opposition parties when selecting its representatives. Ram asserted that “If the chairperson's logic applies, thenitmeansthatthetenure of every one of the commissionersincludingthe chairperson, has expired Heclarifiedthatontheother hand the level of presumption by Alexander

Attorney General and Minister of Legal Affairs, Anil Nandlall SC

of lifetime appointments could never have been the case. “Mr Alexanderknows as well as anyone else that the Carter formula should have applied for the 1992 elections only In any case, particularlyinrelationtoday appointments by the oppositionleader,Iwould've thought their own better judgmentwouldprevailover self- interest and strained logic and arguments,” Ram said.

Senior Counsel Ralph Ramkarran, a former Speaker of the National Assembly held that it would take agreement among the Opposition parties and their appointeestohavethematter resolved. He opined that the GECOM chairperson is being cautious in her approach to the situation. “I think the chair is looking at the possibility that with the opposition composition is differently constituted from the last time and that the opposition parties may well cometotheconclusionasto whotheirrepresentativeson the commission should be and if, they come to such a conclusion, maybe the commissioners representing the opposition will resign and make way for new appointees,iftheyagreethat there should be new commissioners,”hesaid.

Ramkarran noted that as it stands, there is no provisionintheConstitution f o r t h e c u r r e n t commissioners to be removed. Hesaidthereused to be a provision for removal,butitwasremoved. “Up to 1973, the life of the commissionendedattheend of every election and new commissioners were a p p o i n t e d b y t h e government and by the opposition,”hesaid.

L e a d e r o f n e w opposition party, Forward Guyana Movement (FGM),

Amanza Walton-Desir also addedhervoicetotheissue. In a statement to the press Walton-Desir pointed out that the current impasse at GECOM is not primarily about personalities She asserted that “The real problem is that the Commission is politicised, and structured in a way that entrenches the two-party system.” “It was never designed to function as an impartial, professional institution serving all Guyanese Guyana is no longer a two-party society, as the presence of three opposition parties in Parliament shows Yet GECOM's current design locks the system into old divides, undermining the fairness, credibility, and independence that every election demand,” WaltonDesircontinued.

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

“We have seen this model succeed elsewhere in the Caribbean. Jamaica's electoral Commission of Jamaica for instance, is consideredtheregionalgold standard. It is a system that has earned the trust of citizens and the respect of theinternationalcommunity Guyana deserves the same, wecanhavenicethingstoo, but we the Guyanese people must insist,” the lawyer said

She stressed therefore that “The next Parliament mustprioritiseconstitutional reform to establish a genuinely independent GECOM,oneinsulatedfrom party politics, operating transparently, and accountable only to the peopleofGuyana.“Wehave to end this cycle of political capture and build institutions worthy of public,”shesaid.

The silence on falling oil prices

I am surprised—perhaps that is too mild a word astonished, really—that the government hashadnothingtosayabout the slow, steady, and now unmistakable decline in oil prices. It is not as if Brent crude had merely caught a passing cold. Since January, when a barrel fetched close to eighty dollars, the price has slipped to about sixtyfive, a decline of nearly twenty percent. That is not simplyafluctuation;thatisa statement from the market.

Yet, in the face of this silent storm, the government has remained curiously unruffled,likeamanreading the evening paper while his house burns down around him.

Oil,afterall,isnotjusta commodityforGuyana;itis the shining promise on which dreams and budgets alike are built Every kilometre of highway, every new hospital and housing scheme, every gleaming plan for gas-to-energy—all draw life from that barrel of oil. And when the price of that barrel declines, it is not just a number that falls. It is

thehumofthemachineryof government that begins to falter

You would expect, therefore, that someone in officialdom might have stepped forward to offer a word of reassurance, or perhapsasoberwarning.But nothing has been said. The silence is as dense as the h

e government has pressed ahead with its programmes asifthepriceofoilwerestill fixed in the heavens, immunetothepushandpull ofglobaltides.

Perhaps, in their hearts, they believe the slide is temporary, a mere hiccup before prices rebound. But faith, while admirable in church, is a poor substitute for prudence in matters of national finance. A twenty percent decline in oil prices means less revenue, fewer U.S.dollarsflowingintothe Treasury, and if one follows the logic to its conclusion less money to spend. That shouldgivepausetoeventhe mostoptimisticplanner There is talk of an early budget for next year Yet if

prices continue on their southward journey, the government may find itself forced to trade the trumpet for a tambourine, announcing cuts instead of expansions.Theironyisthat a slowdown might not be entirelyabadthing.

For months now, the economyhasbeenwheezing under the weight of its own exuberance Too much money chasing too few workers, too many projects and too little time The President has had to play schoolmaster, reading the RiotActtocontractorsonthe East Bank Road works. The Bharrat Jagdeo Bridge was notcompletedintimeforthe electionsthatappearedtobe timed for its opening. That must have been a major disappointment for the ruling party The Railway Embankment widening drags on, and the muchvaunted gas-to-energy projecthasstumbledoverits owntimetables.

Everywhere, there are signs of strain: inflated prices, materials in short supply, labour even scarcer The economy is like a horse

Onedead,anothercriticalafterbees attackroadworkersatTriumph

Chaos erupted at Surat Drive, Triumph, East Coast Demerara, on Wednesday when a swarm of bees descended on a group of road workers, killingonemanandleavinganotherfighting forhislife.

Dead is 29-year-old Winston Semple, a contractor of Prince William Street, Plaisance, while 40-year-old Glendon Simpson of Non Pareil remains hospitalised incriticalcondition.

According to police, Semple, Simpson,

and other workmen were engaged in road constructionwhenthebeesattackedwithout warning,stingingthemenrepeatedly Publicspirited residents rushed to their aid and transported them to the Enmore Regional Hospital, where Semple was pronounced deadonarrival.

His body was taken to the Memorial Gardens Funeral Home, where it awaits a post-mortem examination Police investigators have since processed the scene asinquiriescontinueintothetragicincident.

DEM BOYS SEH

Wha really is a road block?”

Dem boys seh long ago, de police use to tellweplainandstraight— nopoliceg ot any right to just pull you over like dey pulling cane from a truck. Dem must got cause. Dat mean, unless yuh car looking like it just escape from a crime scene, or yuh driving like yuh blindfold, dem can’t juststopyuh. Deonlyexception,dem seh, was a road block. But hear how dat suppose to wuk — a senior officer must be in charge. Senior, asinsomebodywidastripe, a rank, or at least a lil grey hair But these days, dem

boys noticing something strangeponderoad.Twolil juniorconstables,freshoutta Eve Leary, setting up dem own“roadblock”likeifdem running a toll gate All yuh hearing is “Driver, lemme seeyuhdocuments!” and yuh better hand it over before dem start to invent a charge Dem boys seh we need fuh ask de Traffic Chief: wha really is a road block? Is two police and a cone? Is a flashlight and a bad attitude? Or is it something sanctioned and supervised?Becauselately, everycornergettinapop-up “operation” like dem sellingcellphonecards. In dem good old days,

asked to gallop beyond its strength. It is still running, but foaming at the mouth. Public spending, which was meant to spur progress, has instead overheated the system, driving costs upward and stretching capacity to the breaking point.

In such circumstances, a decline in oil revenue could serve as a natural brake, a cooling breeze after a feverish sprint It would force the government to do what it has so far refused to do voluntarily: to slow down, to prioritize, to take stock Not every grand design must be built in a single year. Not every promise needs to mature before the next election Thereis,afterall,wisdomin pacing oneself, in allowing an economy to breathe. I do not suggest austerity

Guyana has known enough ofthatinitslongandpatient history Instead, I suggest moderationandbalance.The country is young in its oil age, and youth has a way of believing itself immortal. Yet even a young nation mustlearnthatwindfallscan wither, that prices fall as easily as they rise, and that no budget is too sacred to revise.

The silence of the government in the face of thispricedeclinemightbea studied calm, a decision to project confidence. Or it might be something less reassuring: a reluctance to face reality until the numbers demand it. Either way, silence is not policy

when a road block set up, yuh coulda smell de starch pondeofficershirt.Now,de only thing yuh smell is confusion. Some of dem officers don’t even got name tags, far less senior supervision. Dem boys seh is time de Traffic Chief clear up this mystery Tell weplain—whocansetupa roadblock,andunderwhat authority?Causerightnow, every junior rank feel he is Commissioner fuh one corner And if dis continue, dem boys seh soon drivers gon start setting up dem ownroadblocks—andask de police fuh dem documents! Talkhalf.Leffhalf.

The public, whose future depends on these revenues, deserves to know whether the State has a plan beyond hope. Perhaps, when the budgetistabled,wewillsee a gentler curve, a tempering of exuberance, a quiet acknowledgment that even oil-rich nations must live within their means. If that happens,wemightlookback and say that the fall in oil prices was not a curse but a subtle reminder that prosperity, to endure, must be managed, not merely spent Until then, we wait and listen to the silence.

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

H@RD TRUTHS

Gold smuggling:fact vs deflections

Itisinterestinghowgold smuggling facts are conveniently deflected to distract an engaged and intrigued public Once again,Isticktothefacts,and let them speak for themselves. They are not myfacts;theyaremorethan Guyanese facts. They are facts from America, as now enshrinedintheU.SFederal Grand Jury indictment(s) that came into the public domain on October 6, 2025. Thefactsareirrefutable,and there is a long line of them that should add to what I write today, as this criminal business of gold smuggling unfolds in the days to come. All the facts presented below, are as alleged, in the U.S.indictment.

FACT TWO: All 11 charges presented in the indictment list instances of gold smuggling related activity that occurred between October 2021 and June2024.

Who was in charge of Guyana since August 2020, ifnotthePPPGovernmentof Dr. Irfaan Ali? Who has been chair of the Guyana Gold Board (GGB) during thatsameperiod?

Those who seek to deflectstillhavetodealwith those facts that are irrefutable,unconquerable.

FACT THREE: For the record, I was chair of the GGB from March 2017 to

FACT ONE: There is a U.S. Federal indictmentthat identifies gold smuggling occurring in Guyana between2017-2024. Inthat indictment, 11 charges are stated.

February 29, 2020. Related fact repeated for emphasis: not one of those 11 charges handed down in the U.S. Federal indictment occurred undermywatch. Whatdoes that say? Where does that lead? Why is that ignored, obscured, pretended not to exist? Facts versus deflections.

FACT FOUR: Gold smuggling is not a new phenomenon to Guyana. Maybe I am mistaken and it onlybeganduringtheperiod 2017-2020, and stopped dead in its tracks in August 2020, when the PPP GovernmentofDr IrfaanAli tookoffice. Ofcourse,there is that inconvenient, revealingindictmentwithits 11 charges and the dates on which they took place. To pound this fact home: they

occurred in the heart of the PPPGovernment'scontrolof the entire state machinery, and when I am long gone. Today, Guyanese (and Americans)arewatchingthe antics of the government's agents-some senior, some who have their roles-to switch ownership from the PPPintellectual authors and managers to one GHK Lall. Shifty and nifty, I say. A littletoomuchofboth.

FACT FIVE: There were reports-rumours, hearsay, secondhand-about gold smuggling, and with a commondenominator

Nomentioningofnames, noonesteppingforwardand pointing a finger at John, Jack, or Joe, and asserting there's a gold smuggler It seems that the expectation was that shaky rumours shouldhavebeenreportedto the Guyana Police Force. That expectation is part of the studious attempts at deflection in the hope that Guyanese fall for that distraction (And I am derailedintheprocess).

The more there is deflection from the facts on theground,asmemorialized in that U S Federal indictment, the more those facts wrap themselves

around the current PPP Government. The dates are there, and who were/are the close friends? Deflections are ind

s of desperation, with any port duringastorm. GHKLallis the most convenient one around The longer the government wants to keep this going, the more I am w

irreversiblefacts.

FACT SIX: I urge all Guyanese to consider another fact. I have never had the pleasure, the prominence,tobedrivenina Lamborghini, new or dilapidated,anywhereinthe world. What favour has beendonebymetoearnsuch a prized ride? What alliances have I engaged in that leads to such lofty considerations, as a Lamborghini put at my disposal?

FACT SEVEN: From both Guyanese records and the U.S. Federal indictment: there are tax matters with that same Lamborghini featuringsignificantly;local allegations went high regardingtaxesonit.

FACT EIGHT: -My namehasn'tbeenmentioned anywhere as having any

connection in that Lamborghiniaffair Atleast, for the time being. There's that moment of sanity and rare observance of somethingapproachingtruth bythePPPGovernmentand itsworkers.

Inthecircumstances,itis reasonable to think that when there are such powerful friendships involvinganarticlethatisso muchintheopen,somuchin the face of awed Guyanese, andsounforgettable,itraises the question of what else couldbefacilitatedunderthe cover of dark. But the deflection is that I own gold smuggling, despite the fact that all the gold smuggling charges embedded in that U.S. indictment occurred under the power of the PPP Government.

Those are the facts. American facts, not mine. Deflections only make gold smuggling matters worse. Letthedeflectionscontinue. Ihavemorefactsready

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

8bidtoconstructnewmagistrates'courtin NewAmsterdam

The Supreme Court of Judicaturehasreceivedeight bidsfortheconstructionofa new magistrates' court in New Amsterdam, Region Six.

Bidders include Innovative Engineering Consultancy Services, Caribbean Engineering & Management Consultants

LTD, K

Agricultural Consultants

Inc , Si

we Jackson Consultancy Service, RVS Structural Engineering, AI Architects, and Siebtech Construction Inc, according to the National Procurement and Tender Administration Board(NPTAB).

Government has set aside, from this year's national budget, some $1.9 billionfortheexpansionand upgrade of the physical infrastructureofthecourts.

At the commissioning of the Friendship Magistrates' Court earlier this year, Attorney General and

New Amsterdam Magistrates' Court

Minister of Legal Affairs, Mohabir Anil Nandlall, SC saidtheestablishmentofnew

investments to ensure equitableaccesstojustice. Quoted in a Department of Public Information (DPI) article at the time, the AG said, “The administration of justiceiscrucialtoacivilised society We have now exceededtheconstructionof

magistrates' courts where theytraditionallyexisted.We arenowataphasewherewe are building magistrates' courts in areas where they never existed before…What morecanagovernmentdoto demonstrate its commitment to ensuring access to justice for all its people wherever theyarelocated?” Nandlall also mentioned that there are now over 50 courtfacilitiescountrywide.

Delay in resolving Exxon audit - Economist Elson Low

opens door to more abuse

...warnssuchalapsesendsdangeroussignaltootheroilcompanies

Economist Elson Low h a s s l a m m e d t h e Government of Guyana for what he described as a “totallyunacceptable”delay inresolvingthefirstoilaudit dispute with ExxonMobil

G u y a n a L i m i t e d (EMGL)—a lapse he warns could embolden other oil companiestofollowsuit.

L o w h a s u r g e d government's immediate action on the matter In an interview with Kaieteur News, the former Treasurer of the People's National Congress Reform (PNCR) and ex-advisor to the Opposition Leader shared concerns over government's

failure to complete the first audit of ExxonMobil Guyana Limited (EMGL), completed over four years ago. The review of Exxon's US$1 6B expenditure, incurred between 1999 and 2017 was conducted by a British firm, IHS-Markit

The Consultant handed over its revised report to the government since March 2021, advi

ng that US$214M in costs was not properlyaccountedfor Importantly, the 2016 Production Sharing Agreement (PSA) with Exxon sets specific timeframes for exchanges between the GoG and the

c

completion of the review process. This has not been adhered to as both parties haveagreedtostretchingthe respective period for dialogue.

As such, Low argued, “Government's lack of urgency regarding the hundreds of millions of disputed costs uncovered in the first audit is totally unacceptable. To hear that thereisstillnooneappointed to review these disputed costs after years of public outcryisbizarre.”

Furthermore, the

Economist believes this sets the stage for Guyana to be

Man charged for robbery under arms

A30-year-old man identified as Teon Daniels, on Wednesday, was charged with the offence of robberyunderarms.

According to reports from the police, “This charge stemmed from an alleged incident which occurred on July 5, 2025, at Lethem, Central Rupununi, involving a resident of Lethem. The accused was arrested on July 16, 2025 and was chargedsubsequently.”

He appeared before Magistrate Omadatt ChandanattheLethemMagistrate'sCourt,andthe chargewasreadtohim.Danielswasnotrequiredto pleaandtheprosecutionobjectedtobail.

Nevertheless, he was granted bail to the sum $200,000,ontheconditionthattheaccusedreports to the Criminal Investigation Department Headquarters,onthelastFridayofeachmonth.

ThematterhasbeenadjournedtoNovember6, 2025.

continuously abused by oil companies due to its failure toensureswiftclosureonthe first audit. “This sets a bad precedent for any future disputesasalloilcompanies can benefit from not paying monies due the Guyanese people for a prolonged period of time. This allows them to profit from allocating these resources to profit-making endeavours,” Lowstressed.

the most recently completed audit of some US$19.6B, Low said government's unwillingness to release the findings of the auditors also hints at a continuation of its preference for secrecy and s

representing the interests of

efficiencyisintheinterestof Guyanaandourgovernment must do better than this given the enormous sums involved.”

It was reported that the third audit report was completed by the local c o n s o r t i u m , V H E Consulting since March, 2025 however, that report hasnotbeensharedwiththe public.

Teon Daniels

ThePresidentofEMGL, Alistair Routledge recently revealed that there has been noagreementyetonthesole expert to settle the dispute withgovernment. Consequently, Low highlighted that while there will be interest earned on delayed dispute payments, untilarulingismadeinthat regard, Guyanese cannot benefit from such funding. To this end he noted that governmentisduty-boundto urgentlypursuethedisputed amount flagged in the first audit report as well as questionable expenditure flaggedinthetwoadditional auditsofthecompany

TheEconomistwaskeen to point out that the sum reclaimed in the audit process can be used to fund this country's infrastructure projects rather than huge loansthatcarryinterest.

Shifting his attention to

Earlier this month, Natural Resources Minister, Vickram Bharrat told this newspaper that the Guyana Revenue Authority (GRA) wasstilllockedindiscussion with Exxon on the findings of the third audit, for the period2021to2023.

To this end, he was hesitanttodisclosetheinitial disputed sum flagged by the auditors. Bharrat explained, “The auditors would flag a figure and then it goes back to the company and the company might be able to produceevidenceorreceipts for everything so it keeps

adjusting all the time so it's nouseIgiveyouafigureand then it might raise questions allaround.”

The minister urged that the GRA be granted a few more days to complete the process with the oil company. “Remember they would give the company time to provide evidence of spending and so,” he said while assuring that the third audit report will be made public on the website upon completion of the ongoing exchanges between Exxon andtheGRA.

It should be noted that the second audit is also pending final completion. VHE Consulting, the local consortium, were tasked with reviewing some US$7.2B in costs this time and found US$65 1M incorrectly charged during the period 2018 and 2020. Thatreportwashandedover inNovember2024.

Celebrating60yearsofservice… GDF awards 32 officers for excellence

Commander-in-Chief of theArmed Forces, President Irfaan Ali on Wednesday conferred medals to 32 officers of the Guyana Defence Force (GDF) for

m and exemplary service in observance of the Force's th60 Anniversary Medal PresentationParade.

The presentation was held at Drill Square, Base C a m p Ay a n g a n n a , Georgetown.

Celebrating six decades of service to the nation, GDF's Public Affairs Officer,HeppilenaFerguson saidthatatotalof871special medals have been approved forpresentationtodeserving members of the Guyana

D e f e n c e F o r c e i n recogn

on of their distinguished, faithful and exemplary service. Of this number, 32 recipients were awarded on Wednesday by President Ali, and the remaining officers will receive their medals subsequently

The medals that have been presented are the Military Efficiency Medal, the Border Defence Medal, the Special Operations Medal, the Guyana Defence th Force 60 Anniversary Medal, the Engineer Border Operations Medal, the Search and Rescue Operations Medal, the Joint Services Operations Medal

a n d H u m a n i t a r i a n Assistance and Disaster ResponseMedal.

According to Ferguson, each medal represents a proud tradition of courage, professionalism and devotion to duty, qualities that define the Guyana Defence Force Detailing

what each medals signifies, she noted that the Military EfficiencyMedalisawarded to members who have displayed outstanding discipline conduct and devotion to duty throughout their service, upholding the highesttraditionsofmilitary excellence The Border Defence Medal is awarded for distinguished service in theprotectionanddefenceof Guyana's frontiers, often u n d e r d e m a n d i n g conditions, ensuring the continued sovereignty and security of the country's b

conferred for exceptional c

, sk

nd commitment, displayed during high risk special operations in defence of the nation, demonstrating tactic

teamworkandresilience.

As it relates to the Guyana Defence Force 60th Anniversary Medal, she sharedthatthisisawardedto activemembersoftheForce in commemoration of six decades of proud and dedicated service to the nation. “Ithonoursallranks who have contributed to the growth,professionalismand enduringdevelopmentofthe Guyana Defence Force, and who have done so as active members during the observance of the Force's 60th Anniversary,” she added.

The Engineer Border OperationsMedal,shenoted recognises exemplary serviceinsupportofnational development and security through engineering works in border regions She explained that recipients have shown technical expertise, perseverance and

innovation, contributing to mission success despite challengingconditions.

As for the Search and Rescue Operations Medal, this is awarded for outstanding service in life savingoperationsconducted under hazardous conditions, noting that recipients have displayed courage, skill and selfless devotion to duty in safeguarding lives and ensuring operational success.

The Joint Services Operations Medal is conferred for meritorious anddedicatedserviceduring jointoperationsconductedin defense of Guyana's National Security, she said. Recipients of this medal have provided vital operational, logistical and technical support, strengthening interagency cooperation among the disciplineservices.

F i n a l l y , t h e Humanitarian Assistance and Disaster Response Medal is awarded for exceptional humanitarian service rendered during disaster relief operations within Guyana and abroad. Shedisclosedthatrecipients

have exemplified bravery, compassion and selfless

devotion, alleviating suffering and restoring stability in affected communities. “Ladies and gentlemen, these medals collectively embody the spirit of service, sacrifice and professionalism that define the Guyana Defence Force.

They are symbols of courage, loyalty and devotion to the forces proud mottoofservice,”shestated.

President Ali said this year's Medal Presentation Parade holds special significance. “It coincides with a year of legacy honouring 60 years of service by the Guyana Defence Force For six decades, the Guyana Defence Force has been the guardian of our national security and a defender of oursovereignty Thisparade,therefore,is more than simply metals. It is about the values and virtues those medals represent,”hestated.

According to the President, each medal awarded tells a story, a moment of sacrifice, an act

President Ali greeting one of the recipients at the Medal Presentation Parade

of leadership, a mission fulfilledonthechallengeand a distinguished record of dedicatedservice.

He further said that the medals to be presented are not just decorations, but a formationoftheveryvalues that bind GDF together that is duty, loyalty, courage and honour Noting that the traditionofawardingmedals is not given lightly, he explained that, “A medal is also a visible expression of gratitudefromanationtoits defenders,pride.

Through this tradition, we preserve the stories of those who have served with distinction, ensuring that their contributions are rememberedandreveredfor generationstocome.”

The President also informed that in this symbolic year, some of the medals being presented are newly instituted, created under his authority to broaden the ways in which they recognise excellence across the Force These include the Commanders in Chief's Special Series of Medals for Search and Rescue Operations, Humanitarian Assistance

and Disaster Response, Engineering Border Operations, Special Operations and Joint ServicesOperations.

He highlighted that each reflectswhatitmeanstobea soldierinamodernera,multi skilledandmissionready.

Speaking on one of the old standing medals, the President disclosed that “TheBorderDefenceMedal recognises those who guard the nation's frontiers, the men and women who stand between what is ours and what must remain ours Yours is a service of patience, perseverance and pride. The map of Guyana engravedonthatmedalisnot justasymbol;itisapromise that our land will always be defended by those who love itmost.”

A d d r e s s i n g t h e recipients,theHead-of-State informed them that they wear more than metal on their chest, and that they wearthenation'strust.“You carry the story of our collective resilience You represent the very best of what it means to serve Guyana,” he said. Lastly, he reaffirmed GDF that his government remains fully committed to their development.

“Wearemodernisingthis force,notonlyinequipment, but in mindset We're investing in your training, your technology and your welfare, because a strong nation must have strong defenders.We'reinvestingin yours and your family's personal well-being. When you leave this force honourably, you can take comfortinknowingthatyou will be provided for,” he expressed.

Leaders unite to safeguard the Caribbean Sea

…newregionalroadmapadoptedatCOP18

g

v

nt officialsandtechnicalexpertsfrom acrosstheWiderCaribbeanRegion concluded the 18th Meeting of the ContractingParties(COP18)tothe

October 16,

Another US strike kills 2 in the Pacific

(AL-JAZEERA)

The United States has conducted aneighthmilitarystrikeona vesselallegedtobecarrying illicit drugs across internationalwaters.

Butforthefirsttime,the boat in question was not in the Caribbean Sea, but insteadinthePacificOcean.

US Defence Secretary Pete Hegseth confirmed the strike on social media Wednesday, saying it took placeadayprior “Yesterday, at the direction of President Trump, the Department of War conducted a lethal kinetic strike on a vessel

being oper

a Designa

ed Terrorist Organisationandconducting narco-trafficking in the Eastern Pacific,” Hegseth wrote.

“There were two narcoterrorists aboard the vessel during the strike, which was conducted in international waters. Both terrorists were killed.”

A video accompanying Hegseth's post shows a missile striking a small blue boat clipping across the water, which subsequently eruptsinflames.

The latest strike opens a new front in US President Donald Trump's growing military campaign against Latin American cartels, fuelling questions about the limits and legality of his actions.

Still, the Trump administration has justified the deadly bombing campaign as necessary to protect US citizens from

illicitdrugs.

It has sought to frame drug traffickers as enemy comba

Wednesday's statement, where he compared the boat's occupants to the armedgroupal-Qaeda.

“JustasAlQaedawaged war on our homeland, these cartelsarewagingwaronour borderandourpeople.There will be no refuge or forgiveness—only justice,”

Hegsethwrote.

But critics have pointed outthattheattacksarelikely to have violated US and international law, which generally prohibits extrajudicialkillingsoutside ofcombat.

Labelling someone a “terrorist” is also not sufficienttojustifyanattack onanon-stateactor

“There's a world of difference between these (alleged) unspecified narcos and al Qaeda,” Brian Finucane, a researcher with the International Crisis Group nonprofit, posted on social media “No armed attack on U.S. like 9/11. No armedconflict.JusttheU.S. government engaged in lawless premeditated killing.”A timeline of air strikes

CBS News was the first to report the air strike on Wednesday, citing anonymous US officials Tuesday's attack brings the confirmed death toll from Trump's bombing campaign to 34, according to governmentstatements.

The air strikes began on September 2, when Trump announced on his social media account that he had

ordered “a kinetic strike” thatmorningonasmallboat travelling through internationalwaters.

accusing the boat's passengers,withoutproof,of being linked to the Venezuelan gang Tren de Aragua.

More attacks followed. On September 15, another strike occurred in the Caribbean, killing three people. Then a third strike tookplaceonSeptember19, alsokillingthree.

The bombing campaign spilled over into the following month On

October 3, Hegseth announced a new strike had claimed the lives of four people Six more people werekilledonOctober14.

The seventh known strike, however, was a departure from the Trump administration's routine for announcingattacks.

“Please let this serve as notice to anybody even thinking about bringing drugs into the United States of America,” Trump said,

Eleven people — whom Trump identified as “terrorists”—werekilledin the attack. Their identities were not disclosed, nor was anyevidenceprovidedabout theirdestinationorcargo.

Generally,Trumpandhis associates had been among thefirsttorevealtheattacks, sharingthemonsocialmedia paired with grainy aerial footage.But on October 16, (Continuedonpage16)

A miner was arrested in the Mango LandingareaonTuesdayafterhewasfound to have in his possession 215 grams of marijuana.

According to a statement from the Guyana Police Force on Wednesday, “a quantity of suspected cannabis was found in the possession of a 26-year-old miner of Guyhoc Park, Georgetown and also of Plaisance,EastCoastDemerara.”

Duringtheoperation,severalpersonsand their belongings were searched. The suspect was found to have in his possession a white plasticcontainerwhichpolicesuspectedhad afalsebottom,uponopeningthecontainer,a quantityofleaves,seedsandstemssuspected to be cannabis was discovered Police informed the suspect of the offence and he was subsequently taken into custody and escortedtotheMahdiaPoliceStation.

Thesuspectednarcoticswereweighedin

The contents of the container.

The Pentagon is seen from the air in Washington, D.C., U.S., March 3, 2022. REUTERS/Joshua Roberts/File Photo

Calls grow for urgent reform of

What began as a local property dispute in the Puruni mining district has exploded into a national scandal exposing what PolicyForumGuyana(PFG) describes as the “deeprooted institutional failures” attheheartofGuyana'sgoldmining industry And the body has called for a comprehensivereformofthe Guyana Geology and Mines Commission (GGMC), although acknowledging that the mammoth nature of suchasatask.

In a statement issued on Wednesday, PFG said the unfolding saga between medium-scale miner Marvis Halliman, who acts on behalf of his uncle Wallace Daniels, and the GGMC, underscores a pattern of administrative bias, corruption, and financial impunity that has long plaguedthesector Kaieteur News has reported that the issue dates back to December 2012, when Daniels discovered a strip of unclaimed land locatednearpropertyowned by the Alphonso family, well-known players in the local gold industry After confirming the land was available,Danielsappliedto the GGMC and was granted the claim with no legal challenges or objections at the time Notably, the Alphonso'sownriverclaims filedforin2009,covering34 claims along the Puruni River, one mile upstream and 300-feet inland on both sides, while Daniels' application,wasforthe300feet north and south of the river, adjacent to the Alphonso property A

tribunal chaired by Magistrate Allan Wilson heardthematterandinMay 2024, ruled in Daniels' favour, stating that Daniels' actions were neither injurious to Alphonso nor

GGMC Commissioner, Newell Dennison

illegal.However,themining property became the center oflegalbattlesandthreats.

In a statement, Halliman called for immediate ministerial intervention into the conduct of GGMC. The miner said that for months, his operations have been facinginjusticefromGGMC over the mining property located on the left bank of the Mazaruni River, Toroparu Mining Area, in Mining District #3 He stated, “Even after

Magistrate Allan Wilson gave a final decision in favour of Mr Daniels, GGMC has refused to enforce that ruling. Instead, theyhaveturnedaroundand issued an 'order to remove' dated October 16, 2025, falsely claiming that we violatedRegulation98,with noevidencewhatsoever.”

Halliman noted that Regulation95oftheMining Regulations (Cap 65:01) says that once a decision or order is made by the commissioner or a magistrate, it must be enforced immediately, even if someone plans to appeal, unless the high court orders otherwise. He pointed out that GGMC did not appeal the magistrate's ruling and must therefore comply with it.

He contended, “It is not Mr Daniels who breached

Regulation 98, it is GGMC who breached Regulations 95,97,and98byignoringa lawfulmagistrate'sdecision, failing to enforce that decision as required by law, actingunlawfullybyissuing a removal order without evidence,andshowingclear bias in favour of another miner…”Themineralleged that the situation represents “ a c l e a r c a s e o f administrative bias and corruption within the system ” Halliman said, “GGMC officers have ignored the constitution, which protects property rights under Article 142; disobeyed a court ruling; triedtousetheirauthorityto pressure Mr Daniels off his lawfulclaim.”

Meanwhile, Policy Forum Guyana pointed to

Transparency Initiative

(GYEITI) reports which document how the GGMC has operated “as a law unto itself,” free from normal government financia

controls and without submitting audited accounts to Parliament since 2016. Theorganisationsaidthe6th GYEITI Report (2024) revealedthatasofDecember 31, 2022, GGMC's cash balances stood at GYD 16.75 billion, money which should be remitted to the Consolidated Fund but remains under the agency's control The report also flaggedGYD1.88billionin unexplained variances and missing documentation for GYD 1 72 billion in payables, PFG stated It quoted the 6th GYEITI Report(2024)stating“Inthe interests of improving transparency of government finances, the government maywishtoconsidersetting

out its policy on remittance of funds collected by its agenciesfromtheextractive sector to the Consolidated Fund.”

PFG noted that beyond the accounting failures, the Puruni dispute illustrates how the system has been manipulated to benefit politically connected gold magnates In this case,

Halliman claims GGMC ignoredamagistrate'sruling in favour of Daniels and instead issued a removal order, a move he says is unlawful and biased toward anotherpowerfulminer

The contested Puruni claim spans five contiguous medium-scale licences totalling 5,772 acres, each just below the 1,200-acre threshold for large-scale operations, PFG said According to PFG, such manipulation with GGMC's knowledge allows wealthy operators to avoid higher rentalfeeswhilepoorminers are forced into illegal subleases under exploitative conditions. “This is not an isolated case,” PFG said, citing the 4th GYEITI Report (2020), which found that one miner alone held more than 400 mediumscalelicencescovering

(Continuedonpage17)

Marvis Halliman, the nephew of Wallace Daniels

WANTED

Wanted one Maid.Call: 6801282.

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

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

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

VEHICLES FOR SALE

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

VISA Application for USA, Canada, UK, ETA, ETC. Naturalisation guidance + application filling & Building Plans. Tel: 626-7040.

One clerk for TSI Eccles office English 1, Maths 2. For more information Call: 6159132 or email application to techserigy@yahoo.com

28 families receive new core homes

Twenty-eight families from West Bank Demerara in Region Three and the East Bank and East Coast of Demerara in Region Four are the latest to receive brand-new core homes under the Adequate Housing and Urban Accessibility Programme (AHUAP).

The keys were presented to the new homeowners on Tuesday afternoon by Minister of Housing, Collin Croal; Minister within the Ministry, Vanessa Benn, and Country Representative of the InterAmerican Development Bank (IDB), Lorena SolórzanoSalazar.

Director of Community Development, Gladwin Charles; Deputy Director of Community Development, Donell Bess-Bascom; and staff of the Central Housing and Planning Authority (CHPA) also joined the officials and beneficiaries. Funded by the IDB, the AHUAP Core Homes Support

Driver must be able to assist in workshop at Eccles, age 23-50, Car/ Van licence. Call: 615-9132.

Maid for East Bank area. For more information Call: 6159132.

Vacancy at Dyna's Embroidery & Screenprints: We are hiring Accounts clerk.Tel# 226-2621.

One (1) female cleaner for Eccles office. Call: 645-8443.

Vacancy for one tiler to tile a small amount of tiles. For more information Call: 6159132.

Western Union CSRS, Cashiers, Shelf Restockers, Floor Supervisors, Porters & Bond Attendants wanted @ Survival Supermarket. Call/ WhatsApp: 609-2995, Email: survivalhumanresources2 @gmail.com

FOR RENT

Newly built 2 bedroom apt in a gated community on WCD, 5 mins from the bridge. Call: 698-6496/ 7370225.

Upper flat 3 bedroom for rent, Located Herstelling New Scheme East Bank Demerara. Contact: 265-3095 / 696-1994.

Some of the beneficiaries of core homes

Initiative is designed to provide safe and affordable housing for about 300 vulnerable households. Beneficiaries were selected during the programme's open application phase, which has since concluded.

To date, 176 homes have been handed over, including those presented on Tuesday. Each core home is 400 square feet and features two bedrooms, a kitchen area and washroom facilities. Beneficiaries contribute GY$100,000 toward the construction — a small investment in a foundation for a better future.

For many recipients,

homes represent a longawaited new beginning. Cindy Sookhoo shared that the new home will greatly improve her standard of living.

“I am living […], at the back of the premises, but the home is falling apart,” Ms. Sookhoo expressed. She said that the new home will provide a much-needed upgrade to her standard of living. Another recipient, Sharon Shepherd, has been living with relatives and friends and is happy to receive her own home. “I won't have any more problems at nobody house or anything. I'm so happy I have my house to move in,” shared

Shepherd, adding that she now looks forward to reuniting with her son, who is staying with another individual.

Lynette James noted that the home will make a meaningful difference for her and her sons. “It will be a tremendous change because we will be having our own little cozy home. So, I'm happy about it and I know they too will be happy,” said Lynette.

Delivering the address at the event, Minister Croal reaffirmed the government's commitment to ensuring that all citizens have access to sustainable and affordable housing. “Housing is not a luxury, it's a right, a fundamental right,” said the minister. “Our commitment [is] that every Guyanese must have access to adequate housing and to go with that, the improved living conditions, no matter the person's background, their income or their circumstance,” he said.

Minister Benn encouraged the families to take pride in maintaining their new homes.

“It is where you are starting afresh. You're stepping up from your current circumstances, and it's going to help

you to build,” said Minister Benn. She also noted that the homes were designed to allow for future expansion as families grow and their needs evolve.

Meanwhile, SolórzanoSalazar emphasised the IDB's ongoing partnership with the government to bridge housing gaps among low-income families. She highlighted that the programme promotes not only access to safe homes but also supports broader socioeconomic benefits, and commended the government for ensuring that no Guyanese is left behind in the national housing drive.

The GY$5.8 billion AHUAP comprises three components: Affordable and Sustainable Housing, Consolidation of Existing Housing Schemes, and Institutional Strengthening.

The initiative's reach extends across Georgetown to Grove on the East Bank Demerara, Haslington on the East Coast Demerara, and several West Bank Demerara communities, including Westminster, Onderneeming, Recht-Door-Zee, Lust-enRust, and La Parfaite Harmonie Phase II. (DPI)

Leaders unite to safeguard the Caribbean Sea...

From page 12 Convention and Oil Spills Protocol, the Land-Based Sources of Marine Pollution (LBS) Protocol, and the Specially Protected Areas and Wildlife (SPAW) Protocol convened concurrently, the release added. Over 80 delegates, representing Contracting and Non-Contracting Parties, and observers drawn from international and regional organizations and civil society, and youth attended the hybrid summit, underscoring the broad regional and global commitment to the health of the Caribbean Sea.

The overarching outcome of COP18 was the approval of a robust Workplan and Budget for the 2026-2027 Biennium, providing the financial and strategic framework necessary to operationalize key environmental commitments. This blueprint directly supports the region’s collective vision for a resilient and sustainable Blue Economy, which relies fundamentally on healthy marine and coastal ecosystems to drive the tour-

ism, fisheries, and shipping sectors.

“The decisions taken in Kingston are not merely environmental mandates; they are investments in our regional economic resilience,” said Mr. Christopher Corbin, Coordinator of the UNEP Cartagena Convention Secretariat.

“We confronted some of the region’s most pressing issues impacting the Caribbean Sea, pollution, degradation of coastal and marine habits, loss of marine biodiversity, and sargassum —head-on, agreeing on a collaborative, sustainable financed strategy that translates regional commitments into tangible national actions. COP18 was a critical call to accelerate implementation and ensure the Caribbean Sea remains productive and prosperous for future generations.”

According to Corbin, the conclusion of COP18 on October 16th, World Food Day, and ahead of the October 17th International Day for the

Eradication of Poverty, provided a powerful thematic link to the outcomes. By protecting the Caribbean Sea, the Contracting Parties are safeguarding the foundations of food security and sustainable livelihoods for millions of coastal residents, dependent on fisheries and tourism.

“This week has not only been about negotiations and documentation, but it has been about reaffirming our common purpose.

Together we have once again demonstrated that the Cartagena Convention is not just a legal instrument- it is a living commitment to the health, prosperity, and security of our coastal and marine ecosystems and of the people whose lives and jobs depend upon them. I am heartened by the clear mandate that you have given us, the decisions endorsed, and the guidance offered on how best the Secretariat can support your continued national and regional implementation of the obligations of the Convention and its protocols,” stated Corbin

to the Contracting Parties.

Mr. Alberto Pacheco Capella, Head of the UNEP Regional Seas Programme, commended the delegates for their hard work and dedication, noting the significance of the Convention within the broader global framework.

“The success of COP18 underscores the region’s collective resolve to protect its shared natural heritage, setting a course for a more resilient, clean, and prosperous Caribbean Sea. The decisions and milestones achieved here in Kingston will resonate far beyond the Wider Caribbean. They demonstrate the power of regional collaboration in confronting some of the most severe marine challenges. I extend my sincere thanks to all participants and the Secretariat for their tireless efforts and invite delegates to continue this vital global discussion at the UNEA session in December in Kenya, where oceans and the state of the environment will remain a priority.” said Pacheco Capella.

Another US strike kills 2 in the Pacific...

From page 14

US media broke the news that a strike had taken place — and that there were two survivors, a first. The Trump administration confirmed the attack a day later.

The survivors were quickly repatriated to their home countries, Ecuador and

Colombia. Ecuador has since released its survivor, saying there was no evidence he was involved in a crime.

But Trump doubled down, describing the men as riding in what he called “a very large DRUG-CARRYING SUBMARINE”. Two additional people, he confirmed,

were killed in the attack. A seventh strike came shortly thereafter, on October 17. This time, however, the three people killed on the boat were identified as members of the National Liberation Army (ELN), a Colombian rebel group.

Previous ships had been largely tied to Venezuela, whose president, Nicolas Maduro, has long had an adversarial relationship with Trump.

Both Venezuela and the US have increased their military presence along the Caribbean since the attacks began.

VACANCY

Child rape, murders top list as Berbice Criminal Assizes opens Venezuelan national remanded for murder

The Berbice

Criminal Assizes

o p e n e d o n

Wednesday at the Berbice High Court, with a slew of matters set for the session, including child rape and murderwhichtopthelist.

The traditional opening ceremony was held before Justices Sandil Kissoon and Nicola Pierre, along with Region Six Commander Shivpersaud Bacchus, New Amsterdam Mayor Wainwright McIntosh, and hisdeputy,KirkFraser

The extensive period will undertake some 65 c

g manslaughter, attempted murder, break and enter and larceny, embezzlement by a clerkorservant,larcenybya clerk or servant, possession of firearm without licence, abduction, and assault causingbodilyharm.

The largest portion of the criminal offences

relates to rape involving children, with murder matters following closely behind

Of the 65 cases, a staggering28pertaintorape of a child under 16 from an overall31rapecases,which the judicial system in Berbice will oversee in the ensuing weeks. Thirty-one accused will be tried for thesematters.

There are 16 cases of murder which will be adjudicated Over 30 individualsaresetfortrialin thosecases.

For manslaughter, there are five matters, with six individualslinedupfortrial. For attempted murder, seven matters will be heard, with ten individuals defendingthosecharges.

Two men are set to appear before the court for robbery under arms, while another five will appear for break and enter and larceny

One individual will appear

forembezzlementbyaclerk or servant, while three face charges for abduction and assault.

A 12-member jury was empaneledtocommencethe trial of murder accused Deonarine Dookhoo, also known as' Dinish', and 'Kaddie', who is charged for murdering his mother, Teshwattie Jaglall back in 2021 at their No.3 Village, West Coast Berbice home. Dookhoo,whohadremained in remand, had pleaded not guiltytothecharge.

Histrialwillcontinueon November3,2025.

Twenty-nine-year-old

Jamal Angus, a No 30 Village, Corentyne resident is also facing court for the murder of his reputed wife, VanessaBenjamin.

He pleaded not guilty to the charge of murder, but entered a guilty plea for manslaughter

His matter resumes on November13,2025.

Calls grow for urgent reform...

Frompage15 380,000 acres. The Forum saidsuchabusehascreateda “shadow system” enforced by private armed guards, marginalising small miners a n d A m e r i n d i a n communities, who face intimidation and restricted accesstotheirlands.

Theorganisationwarned that if these patterns

continue unchecked, incidents like the recent gunfire confrontation in

Puruni could become more frequent “Institutional decay within the mining sector can escalate into violence when justice and transparencycollapse,”PFG

cautioned Beyond corruption, the group said, gold mining continues to wreak havoc on Guyana's rivers and forests through mercury pollution, biodiversitydestruction,and gold smuggling, all with littleofficialoversight.

PFGemphasisedthatthe six GYEITI reports (2017–2022) collectively provide thousands of pages of official evidence confirming these systemic failures “Transparent financial management, enforcement of existing laws, and clear policies on the remittance of extractive revenuestotheConsolidated Fund are essential to restoring public trust,” the statementdeclared.

Twenty-five-yearold Jose Manuel Garvajal, a Venezuelan gold miner of Quartz Stone Backdam, Cuyuni River was on Wednesday remanded to prisonformurder

The accused appeared at the Bartica Magistrate's Court before Magistrate TeriqMohamed.

He was not required to plead to the indictable charge, which states that on October 6, 2025 at Quartz Stone Backdam area he

Remanded for murder, Jose Manuel Garvajal

murdered 35-year-old gold minerYosberAlbertoRivero Sojo,aVenezuelannational.

Garvajal was remanded to prison and is expected to make his next court appearanceonDecember5.

The police had reported thatSojowasconfrontedand assaulted by a group of 12 male Venezuelan nationals onthemorningofOctober6. ThemenhadaccusedSojoof theft.

The matter was reported totheBarticaPoliceStation, and when ranks visited the area, Sojo's lifeless body was found on a main access trail.

ICJ rules Israel must allow aid into Gaza, provide ‘basic needs’

(AL-JAZEERA) - The United Nations court, the International Court of Justice (ICJ), has said Israel has an obligation to ensure the “basic needs” of the populationinGazaaremet.

The panel of 11 judges said on Wednesday that Israelisforcedtosupportthe reliefeffortsprovidedbythe United Nations in the bombarded Gaza Strip and itsentities.

It includes UNRWA, the United Nations Relief and WorksAgency for Palestine Refugees in the Near East, which Israel has banned fromoperatinginIsraelafter accusing some of its staff of taking part in the October 7, 2023,Hamas-ledattack.

As part of its findings, theICJsaidIsraelhasfailed to show evidence that UNRWA also worked for Hamas as it claimed. “The courtfindsthatIsraelhasnot substantiated its allegations that a significant part of UNRWA’s employees are ‘members of Hamas or other terrorist factions’,” said ICJ President Yuji Iwasawa.Advisoryopinions oftheICJ,alsoknownasthe world court, carry legal and politicalweight,buttheyare not binding, and the court hasnoenforcementpower In April, lawyers for the United Nations and Palestinian representatives at the ICJ accused Israel of

breaking international law by refusing to let aid into Gaza between March and May Since then, some humanitarian aid has been allowed in, but UN officials saythereliefisnowherenear what is needed to ease a humanitariandisasterandan Israeli-induced famine in partsoftheenclave. The 20-point ceasefire plan mediated by the US earlierthismonthallowsfor 600 trucks of aid a day into Gaza. Israel has previously accused Hamas – without providing evidence – of stealing food delivered into

theenclave,whichthegroup stronglydenies.

Israelhasclaimedtheaid restriction, still in place despite provisions in the ceasefire stipulating that aid mustenterGazaatscale,was toputpressureonthegroup.

Israel’s ambassador to the UN, Danny Danon, slammed the ICJ’s advisory opinion as “shameful”, claimingUNinstitutionsare “breeding grounds for terrorists”.

Israeldidnottakepartin the proceedings, but it did submit its legal position in writing In April, Israeli

dismissed the hearings as a “circus” and said the courtwasbeingpoliticised.

Iwasawa said the court “rejects the argument that the request abuses and weaponisestheinternational judicialprocess.”

On the eve of the ICJ ruling, Abeer Etefa, Middle East spokesperson for the U N ’s Wo r l d F o o d Programme(WFP),said530 of the organisation’s trucks had crossed into Gaza since the ceasefire. Those trucks had delivered more than 6,700 tonnes of food, which

she said was “enough for closetohalfamillionpeople fortwoweeks”.

Etefa said about 750 tonnes a day were now coming through, which, although more than before the ceasefire, remains well belowWFP’stargetofabout 2,000tonnesdaily

The ICJ said that Israel, as an occupying power, was under an obligation “to ensurethebasicneedsofthe local population, including the supplies essential for their survival”. At the same time,Israelwas“alsoundera negative obligation not to

impede the provision of these supplies”, the court said.

The court also recalled the obligation under international law not to use starvation as a method of warfare

Al Jazeera’s Step Vaessen,reportingfromThe Hague, said the advisory opinionisstillseenas“very important” because the ICJ is the primary legal body of theUN.

“EvenifIsraelignoresit, as it’s done time and time again, all the UN countries are obliged to follow up on thiscourt’sadvice,”Vaessen said “Even if Israel is ignoring it now, it will hang over the head of Israel from thismomenton.”

The UN General AssemblyhadaskedtheICJ to clarify Israel’s obligations,asanoccupying power, towards the UN and other bodies, “including to ensure and facilitate the unhindered provision of urgently needed supplies essential to the survival” of Palestinians ICJ judges heard a week of evidence in Aprilfromdozensofnations and organisations, much of which revolved around the statusofUNRWA.

TheICJatthetimenoted that UNRWA “cannot be replaced on short notice without a proper transition plan.”

Venezuelan VP says T&T will pay for every molecule of Venezuelan gas

(Trinidad Express)

Venezuelan Vice President and Energy Minister Delcy Rodriguez says Prime Minister Kamla PersadBissessar is leading the people of Trinidad and Tobago “off-a cliff” when it comes to the Dragon Gas deal,addingthatthecountry will have to pay for any molecule of natural gas exportedfromVenezuela. Rodriguez was speaking WednesdayattheVenezuela Productiva 2030 economic forum. During her address Rodriguez veered from her presentation to refer to the United States Treasury Department’s granting of an Office of Foreign Assets Control (OFAC) licence to Trinidad to negotiate with Venezuela for t

development of the Dragon project.

She claimed that if Venezueladidnotexportgas to Trinidad, the country’s economy would collapse and that US State Secretary Marco Rubio had sold Persad-Bissessaralie.

“She is deceiving your entire country, she is deceiving the business sector of Trinidad and Tobago, and they are going to be left out in the wind. They need the oil of Venezuela,andtheonlyway isthroughthegovernmentof Venezuela.Thereisnoother way Marco Rubio is not going to give the gas to Venezuela.You will see this sooner than later,” said Rodriguez.

Weeks ago, Attorney GeneralJohnJeremiehelda p r e s s c o n

n c e announcing that the stalled gas deal for T&T and

Venezuelatojointlydevelop the Dragon Gas Field had “come alive” again with the grantingofthelicence.

The Dragon gas field, locatedinVenezuelanwaters near the maritime border, is estimated to hold between 3.2 trillion and 4.2 trillion cubic feet of natural gas. A previous license negotiated bytheformeradministration had been revoked in early

‘DO NOT DARE’: Venezuela’s Vice-President, Delcy Rodriguez

April. Upon its election into government, the UNC government submitted an application on May 19, accordingtoJeremie.

The OFAC license is the first in a three-tier approval process.ItauthorisestheUS and T&T governments, as well as the National Gas Company of Trinidad and Tobago(NGC),energygiant Shell Plc, and Futura Clara

Ltd, to engage in negotiations with the government of Venezuela and Petróleos de Venezuela

( P D V S A ) f o r t h e development of the Dragon gasfield.

It also includes conditions designed to ensure that US companies secureacommercialstakein the deal. This initial tier of thelicenceissettoexpirein Aprilnextyear

When he made the announcement Jeremie did not disclose the licence’s financial terms. Details of thelicensehavenotyetbeen confirmed but previous OFAC licences had prohibited any cash payments to the Venezuelan governmentfortheproject.

Rodriguez said that Rubio was selling smoke and pregnant birds to the

PrimeMinister

“They are selling them the fake idea that they are going to take the gas from Venezuela to give to Trinidad. Do you believe thatispossible?Ispeakfrom here to the people of Trinidad and Tobago the Prime minister is leading you over a cliff when you believe Marco Rubio is going to give the gas from Venezuela.”

“The gas of Venezuela you must pay for, any moleculethatisexportednot onlytoTrinidadandTobago butanyneighboringcountry that we have in our plans, you must pay That is international cooperation, that is trade relations Everythingelsegoesagainst nature, and it does not exist andyouarebeingdeceived,” shesaid.

Foreign Minister Gideon Saar

Judge Yuji Iwasawa, president of the International Court of Justice (ICJ) [Reuters: Piroschka van de Wouw]

A drone view shows the destruction of a residential neighbourhood in Gaza City [Dawoud Abu Alkas/Reuters]

BLUNT BLUNT BLUNT BLUNT

Exxon dodging

ExxonMobil Guyana Limited President Alistair Routledge is ducking a question the Guyanese public has every right to ask: how much has his company actually recovered from our oil so far?

We know Guyana has been charged roughly US$2.3 billion in exploration costs over the years. We also know the royalty take so far amounts to under US$1 billion since production started.

Yet when it comes to how much profitoil and cost-recovery has been marked against those expenditures no answer.

Routledge's claim of “negative cash flow” and vague future promises won't cut it. Guyanese citizens deserve transparent figures now: how many billions has Exxon recovered, and how much has been left for us? If companies can demand full cost-recovery before sharing profit, then the public has the right to know the accounting. Silence is not acceptable.

Sutherland, Gardner guide Australia to six-wicket win over

INDORE, India, (Reuters) - Annabel

Sutherland shined with both bat and ball and Ashleigh Gardner scored an unbeaten century as Australia cruised to a six-wicket win over England in the Women’s World Cup on Wednesday, climbing to the top of the pointstable.

Third-placed England

sufferedtheirfirstlossinthe tournamentasthedefending champions chased down a targetof245with57ballsto spare,asGardnerscored104 off 73 balls, hitting 16

boundaries, while

Sutherland stayed unbeaten at 98 in their partnership of 180.

Both England and

Australia have already

qualified for the semi-finals along with South Africa, while India, New Zealand and Sri Lanka continue to battle over the last available spot.

“It was pretty fun, always good batting with Ash. She keeps the game moving, pretty good seat up theotherend,”saidplayerof the match Sutherland, who

also took three wickets after Australia put England to bat first.

England openers picked up 55 runs in the first eight overs with Tammy Beaumont scoring double digitsintwoofKimGarth’s overs, but Sutherland’s (360) wicket-maiden in the ninth over sent back Amy Jones (18) and plugged the flowofruns.

England scored only 36 runs in the next 10 overs, with Heather Knight (20) beingtrappedlbwbySophie Molineux(2-52)onIndore’s spin-friendlytrack.

Thursday October 23, 2025

ARIES(Mar.21–Apr.19)

Overall,theforecastfortoday is fairly good. The aspects seemtofavorfiguringoutthe m

s transpired over the past several weeks It's an opportunity for you to take a leisurely

TAURUS(Apr.20–May20)

Have you felt somewhat lost forthepastfewdays?Thefog maylifttodayandenableyou to situate yourself at last. You'reprobablyeagertosettle a question that has nagged at you and interfered with your judgment.

GEMINI(May21–June20)

You may have been feeling somewhat disillusioned. Perhapsyoulostsightofyour goals or misplaced your faith in yourself. You'll feel some reliefbeginningtoday

CANCER(June21–July22)

Youmightbetemptedtosettle certain matters by radical means. The visionary part of you means you're painfully aware of the world's wrongs. You see no reason not to take actiontocorrectthem.

LEO(July23–Aug.22)

Today will be fairly calm in terms of outside events, but yourinnerworldislikelytobe in a rush of activity Today you wish you could find the solutiontoyourheartachesas well as your career predicaments.

VIRGO(Aug.23–Sept.22)

You have a lot of thinking to do about your professional goals, Virgo. You'll go over the elements to see if there isn't some way to approach thingsdifferently

LIBRA(Sept.23–Oct.22)

Youjustcan'tdoeverythingat once, Libra. How do you expect to reduce your stress and recuperate while at the same time continue to be a superstar performer in every areaofyourlife.

SCORPIO(Oct.23–Nov 21)

Thisisagoodmomenttoadapt your logic and reason to reality, Scorpio. If you don't, you're going to run into some intellectual problems Everyone knows that you find newideasplentiful.

SAGIT(Nov 22–Dec.21)

It'sgoingtobealittledifficult talking to you today, Sagittarius. You, who can be easily influenced by others, will be listening to and criticizing everything that peoplesay

CAPRI(Dec.22–Jan.19)

Haveyoubeenreviewingyour family history lately, Capricorn? Of special interest is your cultural background. What educational, social, and religious environment were you born into? What are its values?Intheend.

AQUARIUS (Jan. 20–Feb. 18) It's time to elevate your senseofself,Aquarius.You're justasgoodasanyoneelse,so why don't you believe it? The problem is that you're very sensitiveabouthavinganego. Even though you know everyonedoes.

PISCES(Feb.19–Mar.20)

Today your intellectual and expressive abilities should receive a boost from the planets.It'sanexcellenttimeto organize your thoughts about presentingaproject.

Captain Nat SciverBrunt(7)felltoAlanaKing, leading to a 12-over period where England’s only boundary came from a misfield resulting in four byes. King allowed just 20 runs in 10 overs and Beaumont’s (78) resistance ended when she was caught tryingtohitSutherlandfora six.

England were struggling at168-6after40overswhen Charlie Dean (26) andAlice Capsey (38 off 32) tried to turn things around, adding a quick 61 runs in their seventh-wicket partnership that helped them reach 2449.

GARDNERLEADSTHE HUNT

Australia got off to a shaky start, with openers Phoebe Litchfield (1) and injured skipper Alyssa Healy’s replacement Georgia Voll (6) sent back early, and Ellyse Perry’s leading edge flying back to bowler Linsey Smith, leaving them at 24-3 in the sixthover

Beth Mooney (20) helped Sutherland stabilise the innings with a 44-run partnership for the fourth wicket, and once Gardner settledin,thepairaddedruns quickly

England, who have played in three of the last four World Cup finals and wontwo,couldnotbuildany pressure on the batters as Gardner completed her fifty in47balls.

Sutherland remained steady on the other end as Gardner took just 22 more balls to complete her third century in the format and scoredthewinningrunswith alofteddrivedownlongoff.

England skipper SciverBrunt said her team did not

haveenoughrunstodefend.

“I don’t think we’ve playedourbestgameyet,so we’llbereadyfor(Australia) ifwedoseethemagain,”she added.HostsIndiafaceNew

onThursday

Scores:Australia248for 4(Gardner104*,Sutherland 98*) beat England 244 for 9 (Beaumont78,Sutherland360)bysixwickets.

Paradise, Ithaca, and Cougars secure wins on day two of BFA / MCYS Senior Men’s League

Action continued Monday last in the Berbice Football Association (BFA) Senior Men’s League sponsoredbytheMinistryof Culture, Youth and Sport at theAll Saints Ground, New Amsterdam.

Launched two days before with a modest gathering of fans, day two w i t n e s s e d a h u g e transformationassupporters cameoutintheirnumbersto urge on their favourite team during the three matches contested.

Setting the tone was Paradise FC which came from behind to snatch full pointsfromFyrishFC,2-1in ading-dongtussle.

Fyrish rocked the nets first in the 21st minute through a well-taken strike off the boot of Keyshan Mingo who made the opposition pay for their defensivelapse.

Their advantage was however short-lived as two minutes later, Paradise responded when Anthony Lynchrockedthenetswitha composed finish, bringing thematchtolife.

The winning goal was scored by Ronaldo Gorden for Paradise in the 46th minute to complete the comebackandvictory

Ithaca FC also pocketed fullpointswithasimilar2-1 triumph over Trafalgar Titans. The former started thegamewithlotsofenergy makingtheirintentionsclear when Garson Baker netted seven minutes into the match.

The game was virtually sealed four minutes later when Baker’s teammate, Neil Lonlton increased the

advantage as Trafalgar foundthemselvesintrouble.

Even though the advantagewashalvedinthe 26th minute through a goal from Michael Williams, the rock-solid defence of Ithaca ensured that they staved off every challenge from Trafalgartoeventhescore.

Cougars FC, after drawing their first match of the league with Trafalgar, ensured that this time around, they walked away withallthespoilswhenthey blanked Kildonan, 2-0 on account of a brace of goals from forward, William Summersett.

Summersett’s goals cameinthe21stminutewith a well-timed strike and found shooting range again inthe48thminuteandmade

no mistake, as his side cappedafinedisplay Were it not for some excellent saves from Kildonan’s custodian, Shamar Emanuelson, the final scoreline could have beenmuchdifferent.

On Saturday night when the tournament opened, Ithaca needled Fryish Black Sharks,whileParadisewent onagoalspreetorecorda41 win over Kildonan and Trafalgar and Cougars playedtoa2-2draw League action will resume on Friday with a double header, this time at theNumber 5 Ground,West Berbice when Cougars match skills with Ithaca followed by the main attraction between Paradise andTrafalgarTitans.

Cougars FC were on winners row.

Garson Baker and Neil Lonlton of Ithaca FC

Windies stars headline draft ahead of 2025

Abu Dhabi T10 Blast

Anumber of past and present WestIndiesstars recentlydominatedthedraft ahead of the 9th edition of the Abu Dhabi T10 League whichissettobowlofffrom November 18-30 at Zayed Cricket Stadium; Abu Dhabi.

F o l l o w i n g l a s t Saturday’s draft, some 8 franchises will go head-tohead with some of the biggest international stars from across the world being puttothetest,someofwhich include Guyana’s premier limited-oversspecialistsand prospects.

TheHarpyEaglestrioof Windies’ players; Shimron Hetmyer, pinch-hitters Romario Shepherd and Sherfane Rutherford, Test spinner Gudakesh Motie have established themselves over the years across all formats.

Anotherhugebuyisthat of Quentin Sampson, whose recent emergence on the regional scene and by some extension, the international circuit having put the world on notice after copping the Emerging Player of CPL 2025 award; will have his biggest opportunity yet to makeanameforhimselfasa possibleT20mercenary Former Windies youth player, Guyanese left-arm spinnerAshmeadNeddhas also been presented with the opportunity to further h o n e h i s c r a f t internationally, having worked his way into the Guyana Harpy Eagles team,alongsideSampson

Big name Windies players like Andre Fletcher, Akeal Hosein, Rovman Powell, Jason Holder, Kieron Pollard, Nicholas Pooran,AndreRussellanda hostofotherswillalsobein themix.

The excitement-factor provided by the tournament will also see legendary international stars once

againtakingcenterstageout in the middle. Stars the caliber of; Faf du Plessis, AngeloMathews,ShakibAl Hasan, Trent Boult, Thisara Perera, Marcus Stoinis, Harbhajan Singh, Rilee Rossouw, Tim David and many more world-class playerswillbeonshownext month.

One downside is that a number of contracted West Indiesplayerswillbeforced into basically seeking permission from their respective territorial boards if need be, as Cricket West Indies (CWI) will be bowling off their year-end activities around the same timeattheT10.

IntheCaribbean,players andfranchisearecurrentlyin prep-modeforthestartofthe 2025-26 CG United Regional Super50 Championships which gets underfromNovember19.

Also, the men’s West Indies senior team will be gearing up for a few international battles, includingthefirstwhichisa T20 series versus the Kiwis bowlingofffromNovember 5inNewZealand.

Abu Dhabi T10 League: Fullsquads

Ajman Titans: Moeen Ali, Rilee Rossouw, Piyush Chawla, Will Smeed, Jason Behandroff,AlexHales,Dan Lawrence, Asif Ali, Chris Green, Akif Javed, Zaman Khan, Aneurin Donald,

- Shepherd, Nedd, Rutherford, Sampson among those selected

AlishanSharafu,HaiderAli,

Aspinwall, Joe Clarke, Asif Khan

Aspin Stallions: Sam Billings, Tymal Mills, Harbhajan Singh, Andre

Fernando, Saif Hassan, Ry

Bodugum, Ali Khan, Ben Cutting, Zohair Iqbal, EssamMutiUrRab,Hafeez urRehman,AshmeadNedd, Matthew Hurst, Monank Patel,HarshitSeth Deccan Gladiators: Nicholas Pooran, Marcus Stoinis, Andre Russell, AkealHosein,TomKohlerCadmore,RichardGleeson, UsmanTariq, DavidWiese, Lahiru Kumara, Jordan Thompson, Dilpreet Singh Bajwa, Jake Ball, Ibrar

Ahmed, Muhammad Jawadullah, Ajay Kumar, Ali Raza, Wafiullah

Tarakhil, Laurie Evans, MarkChapman Delhi Bulls: Rovman Powell, Phil Salt, Kieron Pollard, Tim David, Sunil

N a r i n e , B l e s s i n g Muzarubani,SalmanIrshad, James Vince, Tom Moores, Qais Ahmed, Mir Hamza, James Coles, Muhammad Rohid, Junaid Siddique, FarhanKhan,BrianBennett, Arab Gul, Romario Shepherd,FazalhaqFarooqi Northern Warriors:

Shimron Hetmyer, Trent Boult, Thisara Perera, Johnson Charles, Colin Munro, Azmatullah Omarzai, Tabrzi Shamsi, Odean Smith, Shahnawaz Dahani, Dinesh Chandimal, Hazratullah Zazai, Asitha Fernando, Sagar Kalyan, Yakin Kiran Rai, Shahid Iqbal Bhutta, Bilal Sami, Faridoon Dawoodzai,

PrabathJayasuriya,Kadeem Alleyne Quetta Qavalry: Liam Livingstone, Jason Holder, Mohammad Amir, Sikandar Raza, Andries Gous, Evin Lewis, Imran Tahir, Fabian Allen, Abbas Afridi, Irfan Khan Niazi, George Scrimshaw,KhawajaNafay, MuhammadWaseem,Abdul Ghaffa, Khuzaima Bin

Tanvir,ArafatMinhas,Umar Lohya,GudakeshMotie,Ali Nasser

Royal Champs: Jason Roy, Angelo Mathews, Shakib Al Hasan, Chris Jordan, Daniel Sams, M

, Niroshan Dickwella, Rishi Dhawan, Liam Dawson, Brandon McMullen, Isuru Udana, Quentin Sampson, Rahul Chopra, Haider Razzaq, Zahid Ali, Kelvin Pitman, Vishen Halambage, Ziaur Rahman Sharifi, AaronJones

Vista Riders: Far du Plessis, Matthew Wade, S

Rajapaksa, Andrew Tye,

Madhushanka, Nahid Rana,

Dickson, Harshit Kaushik, Ansh Tandon, CP Rizwan, IzharullahaqNave

Ashmead Nedd Shimron Hetmyer Quentin Sampson

Romario Shepherd

Guyana’s best gyms are ready to trade punches when the bell rings for the Terrence Poole National IntermediateChampionship, set for October 24–26 at the National Gymnasium, MandelaAvenue.

The three-night tournament, hosted by the Guyana Boxing Association (GBA), will honour the late IBA Three-Star Coach Terrence Poole, MS, whose name remains synonymous with discipline, excellence, andpassionforthesport.

The championship promises fireworks in and outofthering,withallofthe country’s top intermediate boxerssettogotoe-to-toefor national glory, and the bragging rights that come withit.

As one of the GBA’s marqueeeventsonitsannual calendar, the National Intermediate Championship serves as a crucial proving

ground for boxers transitioningfromthenovice rankstotheelitelevel.

Thetournamentiswhere future national champions areborn,andreputationsare built with every jab, hook, anduppercut.

This year’s tournament takes on special meaning,

doubling as a tribute to Poole’senduringlegacy Gyms and boxers from almost every corner of Guyanawillconvergeunder one roof to honour a man who dedicated his life to nurturing talent and raising thebarforlocalboxing.

The GBA has extended

BMC continued with 5th & 6th rounds last weekend

Once again, there were no

centuriesrecordedbutafewhalf centuries in the last 2 rounds of the - Peter Lewis Contracting &Asphalting Services, Diamond Fire & General Insurance,ReadymixConcreteandPermaul Trading & Distribution sponsored Big Man Cricket(BMC)T20overtheweekend.

Round5-Saturday,October18th

Match # 25- Jai Hind Jaguars vs Legend Rangers@JaiHindground-LegendRangers battingfirstmade146for9intheir20overs. C. Seegobin was the top scorer with an undefeated 60*. Jai Hind Jaguars coasted to victory at 147 for 4 in 16.5 overs. M. Ali narrowly missed out on a half century to finish on 48 with P Ramotar undefeated on 39*. JaiHindJaguarswonby6wickets

Match#26AlbionMastersvsGTRoyals @ Port Mourant ground. Albion Masters won.

Match # 27-Essequibo Masters vs Black Hawks-Reliance ground. Black Hawks won byawalkover

Match # 28- VNS CC vs West Bank Warriors@BelleVueground.TheWarriors rattled up 172 for 4 with A. Ifill stroking a blistering 76*, Ferron Kadir 37. VNS could onlymuster121allout.

WestBankWarriorswonby51runs.

Match # 29- North Soesdyke Masters vs Everest Masters @ Enmore ground. North SoesdykeMasterswon.

Round6-Sunday,October19th

Match#30-EnterpriseStarSportsvsEx Berbice Police @ Enterprise ground Enterprisebattedfirstandposted166for7in their20overs.I.Hassanmadeabrilliant80&

M. Karamchand 32. S. Paltoo took 4 for 32. Thelawmenfellshortby4runs-162for9.S. Landry52&M.Durant28. EnterpriseStar Sportswonby4runs.

Match#31-BlairmontHuntersvsAlbion Masters @ Blairmount ground. After being inserted in a reduced 17 overs match, Blairmont got up to 157 for 7 with S. Khan making74&A.

Matabhea 46 R Crandon was again amongst the wicket with 3 for 34 and D Bishoo 2 for 39 Albion Masters paced their innings nicely to finish on 158 for 6 off 15 5 overs Top scorers were K Fraser 61; K Mahadeo 28 & R Crandon 24* AlbionMasterswonby4wickets

Match # 32-Blairmont Hunters vs Jai Hind Jaguars @ Blairmont ground. Jai Hind Jaguars took first strike and amassed 132 for 3 in their reduced 12 overs affair. Imran Khan was in awesome form to finish on 79* with M. Ali finishing on 40 Blairmont Masters flattered to deceive and folded for 83 for 5 in their turn at the crease Jai Hind Jaguarswonby49runs.

Match # 33- Essequibo Masters vs West Bank Warriors @ Reliance ground. West BankWarriorswonbyawalkover

Match # 34- Vintage Strikers vs Everest Masters@Enmoreground.Inthefirstmatch ofthedoubleheader,VintageStrikersposted achallenging159offtheir20overs.Andrew Lyght Jr top scored 42, Troy Benn 38 & ChienGittensmade24.Inreply,Everestfell agonizingly short on 156 for 7 when their overs ran out. Antonnel Atwell top scored with48*,LarryFarnummade34and (Continuedonpage25)

out and lend their voices to an event that celebrates not just competition, but the spirit of a true boxing pioneer

All eyes, however, will be locked on the Guyana Defence Force (GDF) Gym, last year’s dominant champions, and the very place Coach Poole once calledhome.

The GDF boxers have built an empire in the amateur ranks, holding national titles in the novice, intermediate, and open divisions.

invitations to clubs across the country and is encouraging fans to come

Known for their discipline and relentless conditioning, the soldiers of the sweet science are determined to once again standtallatthefinalbell.

But don’t count out the hungrychallengers.

Berbice’s rising crop of fighters and the battlehardened warriors from the Andrew ‘Six Head’ Lewis Gym are out to upset the favourites and shake up the standings.

Adding even more intrigue is the emerging Guyana Police Force

(GPF) team, w

se young, agg

essive fighters are eager to prove they belong among thecountry’sbest

According to th

GBA, with Poole’s legacy in the air, this year’s National Intermediate Championship is shaping up to be a celebration of Guyana’sfightingspirit.

CWIthanksWestIndiesLegends forsupporting“MissionIndia” CorporateEngagementTour

ST JOHN’S,Antigua— Cricket West Indies (CWI) has expressed its deepest gratitude to West Indies legendsSirVivianRichards, Sir Richie Richardson and Brian Lara, for their outstanding support and selfless contribution to CWI’s recent “Mission I n d i a ” C o r p o r a t e EngagementTour

The initiative, which took a delegation including CEO, Chris Dehring and Chief Commercial Officer, Rupert Hunter to Mumbai and Delhi during the Men in Maroon’s recent test tour of India, focused on establishing new relationships for securing sponsorship and broadcast opportunities for West Indies cricketinthatcriticalmarket

Throughout the tour, the threeiconsdevotedtheirtime and energy to a packed schedule of meetings, luncheons, and dinners with potential sponsors, corporate

partners,andbroadcastmedia executives Their presence generated tremendous enthusiasm,helpingtoreignite global interest in the West Indiesbrand.

CWICEOChrisDehring expressed his gratitude, saying: “We owe an enormous debt of thanks to SirViv, Sir Richie and Brian for their tireless efforts and unwavering commitment

Everywherewewentwewere receivedlikeroyaltybecause of their presence, a powerful reminder of the legacy they builtandthedeeprespectthat West Indies cricket still commands Theirwillingness to give of themselves so freely speaks volumes about their love and passion for WestIndiescricket”

A highlight of the tour was a special golf day featuringthelegends,which brought together key stakeholders,includingWest Indies’ players and team

management,inarelaxedand engaging setting The wellattended event underscored the continued global admiration for the former greatsandtheuniqueappealof WestIndiescricket.

“The Mission India tour reaffirmedtheimmensepower of our cricketing heritage,” added Dehring “These legendsnotonlyopeneddoors to major global corporations but met and spoke with the team and coaching staff prior to the second Test in Delhi, imparting their wisdom and inspiration It was a unique privilegetobearwitnesstothe impact and influence West Indiescricketandourlegends still have on every level of society” CWI extends its deepest appreciation to the three icons for once again servingthegameandregion with distinction, helping to chart a stronger and more sustainable future for West Indiescricket.

GDFs Coach Terrence Pool is presented with the Championship Trophy by Terrence Ali. (Sean Devers photo).

West Indies legends Brian Lara and Sir Vivian Richards with CWI CEO Chris Dehring. (CWI)

Golf Tees Off in Leguan Schools

- Region Three expands “Golf in Every School” initiative

The Region Three

E d u c a t i o n Department and t h e G u y a n a G o l f Association (GGA) continued their Golf in Every School programme this week with a visit to the island of Leguan, introducing the sport to students at the nursery, primary, and secondary levels.

HeadTeacherofLeguan Secondary, Ms. Elizabeth AdamsPetrie,welcomedthe initiative, noting that the school has been national champions twice and runners-up once in the past threeyears.

“The emphasis being placed on golf in schools is refreshing,”shesaid.“We’ll usethisasasteppingstoneto continue our dominance in thesport.

To have the head of the golf association personally training our teachers and

students is unusual but welcomed.”

Regional Education Officer Mr Akbar Chintu praised the partnership, saying, “The dedication shown by Mr Hussain and the GGA is something we embrace wholeheartedly Golf is attracting more learners than ever and will soonbeoneofthedominant sports.”

GGA President Aleem Hussain, whose family has deep roots in Leguan, pledged continued support fortheprogram,announcing that the Westside Golf Course will be open to all Region Three schools for useduringPEsessions.

The collabo

ation continues on November 1, when the GGA and the Education Department will host a Teachers’ Day for nearly 200 educators, offering a day of golf, food, beverages,andprizes.

GCA NBS 2nd Division 40-over tournament…

Everest, MYO cop wins as

part of last weekend’s action

Action continued this p

S

Association (GCA)/NBS 2nd Division 40-over competition, with wins for Everest and GDF following some brilliant individual performances.

Everest defeated Diplomats by 8 wickets at DCCGround

Batting first, Diplomats were bowled out for 101 in 26.1oversledbytheduoof opener Deryck Babb (46) and Munesh Outar (22)

Fresh off some competition in the GCB Queensway seniorinter-countySuper50, leg-spinning all-rounder Nityanand Mathura bagged 4-3withhelpfromDevindra Krishnalall who chipped in with4-12.

Everest then raced to 102-2injust12.4oversafter Mathurareturnedtoscorean unbeaten46off33alongside opener Varun Mangla who chipped in with 39 off 25; thus negating efforts from theDiplomatspairofAndre Foster (1-30) and Quancy Cummings (1-37) GDF

Middle-order batsman Shamal Angel scored a brilliant ton for GDF.

suffer8-runlosstoMYO After racking up a whopping 300-9 thanks to knocks from Damion Cecil (61), Ricky Debydial (50), Leon Cecil (30), Keon Morris (28) and Kelvin Umroa (26) MYO went on to win a good game against themenfromtheforce.

Bowling for GDF, Rashaad Gaffur claimed 245, while Shamal Angel picked up 2-57 but their teamwasunfortunatelykept

to 292 all out from 39.3 overs, despite a brilliant counter-knock from the latter Angel hammered a magical 114 from just 86 deliveries,with12foursand 5 sixes in a losing effort. MichaelDeonarine(48)also missedoutonahalf-century as the MYO trio of Gaurav Ramesh (3-51) and two experienced campaigners in Leon Cecil (2-23), Kelvin Umroa (2-36); kept their team’stotalalive.

Some of the students getting the full golf experience.

GGA President Aleem Hussain and HM Ms. Elizabeth Adams Petrie lead the “Golf in Every School” initiative at Leguan, giving students a first-hand introduction to the sport.

Chawdhary)

Australia to six-wicket win over England

West Indies legends being interviewed, Sir Vivian Richards, Sir Richie Richardson & Brian Lara. (CWI)

Australia’sAnnabel Sutherland and Ashleigh Gardner in action as they run between the wickets. (REUTERS/Sahiba