Israel election too close to call
Wednesday Edition October 28, 2026 - Vol. 21 No. 43
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Out of US$1.5B copper find at Toroparu, Guyana to get meagre US$23M Cops visit Mohamed’s home over leaked video
Police officers at the home of the opposition Leader Azruddin Mohamed
Rowley joins call for UN support to end U.S. embargo against Cuba Turkish captain robbed at gunpoint in Georgetown; suspect arrested Mohamed questions if Govt. of ficials getting cut from powership deals . .calls for contracts to be made public
Karimbaksh denies $5M hush money claims ...says audio recording is AI-generated
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Out of US$1.5B copper find at Toroparu, Guyana to get meagre US$23M Canadian mining firm, Aris Mining stands to benefit heavily from a US$1.5 billion copper find at the gold-rich Toroparu Gold Project in Guyana via the agreement it signed with the country in 2011. The Toroparu Gold Project is one of the largest undeveloped gold deposits in the Upper Puruni, Region Seven, Guyana covering a total of 105,684 acres of the country’s gold rich lands. Not only is it rich in gold with a discovery worth US$21.6 billion at current gold prices but it also contains silver and copper. According to the company’s Preliminary Economic Assessment (PEA), its Toroparu concession contains some 260 millon pounds of copper, a fundamental metal in the entire world, especially in the electrical and engineering industry. Copper can be found in electric cables, all of our household appliances, motors, etc. At the current market price for copper (around US$6 per pound), the find is worth some US$1.5 billion but out of this amount, Guyana’s take could only be US$23.4 million since the country agreed to a 1.5 percent royalty on all other metals found on its gold rich lands. That value could increase, however, since the demand for copper has significantly risen in recent times due to rise of EVs (electric vehicles) and major advancement in the global robotics industry. METALBOOK, a company known as the leading provider of metal supply chain digital solution anticipates a growth in demand for copper in the near future. In an article on its website, the company expects that current demand for copper will double by 2035 reaching 50 million metric tons. METALBOOK explained that the mega growth in demand is due to “the electric vehicle boom,
An overshot of ongoing developments at the Toroparu Gold Projects.
artificial intelligence, automation and renewable energy advancements. While the Canadian mining company is poised to cash in big from Guyana’s copper in a rapidly growing copper industry. The country’s take will remain meagre. On the other hand, the company under the agreement is mandated to pay Guyana 8 percent royalty on its US$21 billion gold find at current market price. Its take will still be significantly larger in addition to its duty-free fuel and import concessions. The company’s PEA results confirm plans for a large-scale,
long-life open-pit operation expected to produce an average of 235,000 ounces of gold per year over more than two decades. The project’s life-of-mine production is estimated at 5.0 million ounces of gold, 4.9 million ounces of silver, and 260 million pounds of copper. For its expenditure (investment), the company in its PEA reported that the large-scale open-pit mine will require an initial construction capital of US$820 million, which includes pre-production costs and a US$96 million contingency. Aris Mining said this figure represents a US$38 million
reduction compared to a previous fleet-purchase plan. The cut results from the company’s Original Equipment Manufacturer (OEM) leasing strategy, which lowers the upfront cost of the mining fleet from US$73 million to approximately US$35 million during construction. The company explained that this leasing approach will ensure access to modern, well-supported mining equipment under comprehensive maintenance and parts-supply programmes throughout the 20plus-year mine life. The report also stated that the mine life of 21.3 years comes with
opportunities for further expansion through continued exploration. According to information from the company’s website, the project site was first mined by Alfro Alphonso in 1997 and explored by ETK, its 100 percent owned subsidiary from 1999 under a joint venture with Alphonso. ETK acquired full ownership in 2020, paying US$20 million to exercise its option, while Alphonso retained certain alluvial rights and access privileges, ETK also secured an investment agreement with GO-Invest granting tax exemptions on project-related imports.
King Charles heads to C’bean as calls for slavery reparations grow LONDON, Oct 27 (Reuters) - King Charles heads to the Caribbean this week on a tour which comes against the backdrop of increasingly vocal demands from the region that Britain pays reparations its role in the slave trade. Charles and his wife Queen Camilla will first visit the Bahamas and Guyana, before heading to Antigua and Barbuda for the Commonwealth Heads of Government Meeting (CHOGM), the biennial gettogether of the international organisation which he heads. The tour runs from October 27 to November 4. At a previous meeting in 2022 of the leaders of the Commonwealth — a group of 56 nations which were mainly former ‘British colonies — Charles expressed deep personal sorrow over slavery, and the issue is certain to be prominent once again. Last month, CARICOM, the Caribbean
Britain’s King Charles Community, a group of 23 member and associate member states which includes the Bahamas, Barbados and Jamaica, said it
would push for reparations to be on the CHOGM agenda. “The Caribbean has consistently asserted that reparations is fundamentally about justice,” CARICOM’s Secretary-General Carla Barnett said in a speech last month. “It is about recognition, accountability and transformation, and about building a just and equitable future for the descendants of those who, as the chattel of colonial owners, endured untold suffering, loss of life and freedom.” While Buckingham Palace has said the monarch not `shy away from Britain’s involvement in the transatlantic slave trade during his tour, he would not formally apologise for it as some have wanted, in keeping with British government policy which also excludes making any financial reparations. “It is important to note here the work his majesty himself has done over many years
both to acknowledge the wrongs of the past and to `find creative ways to right inequalities that endure,” a palace spokesperson said. Shirley Botchwey, the secretary-general of the Commonwealth, which encompasses some 2.7 billion people, said last week the time had come for discussions about reparations, be they financial or in some other ‘form such as the return of artefacts. As for an apology from the king, who remains the head of state of a number of Caribbean nations including both the Bahamas and Antigua and Barbuda, she told Sky News: “It `wouldn’t hurt to have that.” From the 15th to the 19th century, at least 12.5 million Africans were abducted and sold into slavery by European merchants, with Britain responsible for transporting an estimated 3.2 million people, making it the second most active European nation after Portugal.
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Mohamed questions if Govt. officials getting cut from powership deals Since Guyana gained its independence in 1966, it has constantly grappled with electricity woes and although the nation now prides itself as the fastest growing economy in the world, government is yet to address the painful power problem. These concerns were raised by the Leader of the Opposition, Azruddin Mohamed during a press conference on Monday. The leader stated that delays at the Gas-to-Energy (GTE) project at Wales have led the ruling party to turn to a Turkish company to rent electricity to meet the growing demands of the country. Mohamed was concerned about the continuous delays and growing bill to complete the Wales project, raising questions about whether government officials are benefitting from the rental agreements with the Turkish firm. Mohamed who also leads the We Invest in Nationhood (WIN) political movement pointed to the high costs the country is
...calls for contracts to be made public already paying to rent two powerships to generate electricity as power from GTE remains distant. The largest financial project in the country’s history is pegged at over US$2B and was expected to provide 300megawatts of (MW) since the end of 2024. The Opposition Leader told reporters that government must share details regarding the likely arrival of a third powership in December, even as he questioned whether officials are benefitting from “a cut” to keep powerships in the country instead of solving the nation’s electricity woes. Mohamed argued, “How much longer must we continue to suffer under this administration - the fastest growing economy? And since we have gained independence in 1966 (60 years now), blackout is affecting us. When will this government put a stop to this blackout?”
He added, “We want to know if a third powership will be coming for this Christmas because who are the ones supplying the fuel for these powerships? The government officials are they getting a cutback because to me, they love to see these powerships here, and why not correct and fix the problem?” Meanwhile, in a letter to the editor, former Minister within the Ministry of Public Infrastructure, Annette Ferguson said government should publish all contracts for the rental of the powerships. She reasoned, “The proposed third powership raises further questions. What is its total rental cost? How long will it remain in Guyanese waters? What will be the cost of fuel and other operating expenses? Was the revised agreement competitively assessed, and will the contract be made public?” Ferguson added that while a temporary
Leader of the Opposition, Azruddin Mohamed generation arrangement may be necessary to protect the public from electricity shortages amid the delayed GTE project, necessity must not become an excuse for secrecy, weak planning or the absence of accountability. The former Member of Parliament (MP) noted that the issue in oil-rich Guyana is not whether the country needs more electricity to meet growing demands, but whether Continued on page 9
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Wednesday October 28, 2026
Kaieteur News Printed and Published by National Media & Publishing Company Ltd. 24 Saffon Street, Charlestown, Georgetown, Guyana. Publisher: GLENN LALL-TEL: 624-6456 Editor: NIGEL WILLIAMS Tel: 225-8465, 225-8491. Fax: 225-8473, 226-8210
Sovereignty Matters
They don't want their country's Bolsonario. The US government Dear Editor, Political commentators are all in interfered heavily in the elections in natural resources to be exploited by awe at the victory of President Lula in Brazil. The open embrace of Bolsonario others with very little going to the the Runoff Presidential elections in sent shock waves in the society. development of their country. They Brazil on October 25th. This is the first Bolsonario is being seen as a puppet of don't want to be a military base of the time that a candidate who came second Trump, and it is envisaged that he would US where people called “narcoat the first round of voting came back to have made Brazil a defacto colony of traffickers” are killed willy-nilly without any evidence. Lula's victory is the US as so many countries are today. win the runoff. Another first for Lula. That hit the people very hard. They the first push back against the reWhy did Lula win despite being behind in the polls? In my humble view, don't want to be subjected to any foreign colonialisation of our region and hree months ago, Leader of the Opposition, power. They don't want their country to beyond. Sovereignty matters! it's because sovereignty matters. Azruddin Mohamed, presented photographic Regards Bolsonario declared himself an ally be used as a dumping ground for evidence on Facebook of bubbling water above Donald Ramotar of Donald Trump of the US. Trump persons/ criminals that the US wants to the path of ExxonMobil's gas pipeline to Wales. He claimed Former President himself came out open in support of get rid of. that the pipeline must be ruptured, since there were those bubbles close to it. Two government agencies rejected that claim, there is no gas in the pipeline. If there is no gas, there can be no leak. One would have expected that ExxonMobil would have shared words of reassurance, to give added Portuguese and French e l e c t r o n i c s , s c i e n t i f i c some basic knowledge about Dear Editor, weight to the words of the two Guyana Government Traveling across India enclaves, the buildings have i n s t i t u t i o n s , how and what the upper agencies. Two weeks ago, what was carefully noted as a “finding” over fifteen days from the maintained their Portuguese pharmaceuticals, poverty classes and privileged social concerning the gas pipeline in the vicinity of Crane, West North to the centre to the and French architectural a l l e v i a t i o n , h o u s i n g , strata do to get by and what Coast Demerara came to the public's attention. What is this South of the country, features, while the names on physical infrastructure, they in turn must do in order finding? Is there cause for alarm? The repair works are close spending time in New Delhi buildings at some places, it's information technology, to survive. And although to a village where people live, and it would be comforting for a n d i n s e v e r a l c i t i e s streets and squares were r o b o t i c s , c y b e r n e t i c s , they co-exist alongside each them to know what is really happening. The most that including Agra, Varanasi v i s i b l y a n d c l o s e l y a r t i f i c i a l i n t e l l i g e n c e , other under remarkably ExxonMobil would say is that efforts are in motion to get a Vr i n d a v h a n , M a t h u r a , resembled what I had seen nuclear energy, potable different conditions, those at full understanding of “the exact nature of the issue” with the Ayodhya, and Lucknow b e f o r e i n B r a z i l a n d water, the hotel and tourism the very lowest level seem pipeline. More than a week has since passed, and that is all capital city of Uttar Pradesh; Guadeloupe. The traditional industries, medical tourism, either unable or reluctant to that citizens know: ExxonMobil is working to fix whatever is Kolkata, capital city of West cuisine and refreshments l i g h t a n d h e a v y lift themselves out of what Bengal; Chennai, capital city were available at restaurants m a n u f a c t u r i n g , a p p e a r s t o b e b o t h wrong with the pipeline. transportation and much, depressing and oppressing There is a government that is secretive. Now there is a of Tamil Nadu; Nagpur, 'The in both cities. That was eight years ago, much more. Information socio-economic conditions. foreign company, Guyana's largest outside presence, and it T i g e r C a p i t a l ' o f also has become known for its love of secrecy. ExxonMobil Maharashtra and Mumbai as India is changing and doing about these achievements It is as if a modus viviendi has to be the mother of all hypocrites, a pretender without its capital city, was a totally so rapidly. Admirably, it has were gathered from guides characterized by 'live and let equal, to look at citizens in their faces, and tell them what a exhilarating, educational managed to creatively blend, and daily newspapers at live' prevails. Throughout my visits and mind-boggling exercise. the traditional with the hotels. reliable partner it is. Suffice it to say, I was from State to State, I learnt a What could be wrong with this pipeline that the company The contrasting nature of the modernist India. The high point of my emotionally moved and lot more about the caste is forced to resort to evasion and company jargon that fills four states and eleven cities I space, but does not leave much on the table? By its own visited is of unimaginable visit to India on this occasion deeply distressed by the system in India and how it was to connect and establish prevalence and widespread plays out with Dalits, admission, the gas pipeline to the Wales site has not carried and striking proportions. This will be my 8th visit p e r s o n a l a n d d i r e c t manifestations of poverty Brahmins, Muslims, and any load since its completion. It is not, therefore, subject to a p p a r e n t Yadavs as well as with the the usual forces of wear and tear, of metal fatigue, of to India. My first visit was in relationship with someone a n d overwork, through a constant flow of gas. Yet, it is now 1 9 8 2 t o a t t e n d a n who I discovered, bore the marginalization of the poor Other Backward Classes being subject to secret repair works, with extensive effort as i n t e r n a t i o n a l p e a c e same surname as mine. He is and dispossessed living (OBC) communities) and part of the schedule. A schedule that is all of three months conference. In 1993, I a retired judge by the name under bridges and in slums in upper castes. With the help long. A new pipeline, an unused pipeline, and it needs three accompanied President of Kishore Jayram Rohee some cities; not to mention of professional guides, I was months of repair work. ExxonMobil may be the best at what Cheddi Jagan on a state visit; living in the city Nagpur, in the widespread untidiness, able to better understand it does, and very good at public relations. But it should not in 2000, I led a delegation to the State of Maharashtra. I l a c k o f s a n i t a t i o n , how the caste system the 3rd session of the became aware of Justice u n c o n t r o l l e d t r a f f i c manifests itself at the mislead itself that it is so good that citizens are fooled. They are the ones ultimately responsible for paying for G u y a n a - I n d i a J o i n t Rohee's existence through a management and congestion economic and social levels in the pipeline. Even on that ExxonMobil cannot come clean Commission; in 2003, friend of mine who having to the degree of what looked cities and villages in India. Over the course of my and say, here is the final cost. The closest that is heard is that accompanied President did the research found the like traffic anarchy in some the cost is “an estimated US$1B”. Hundreds of kilometers of Bharrat Jagdeo on a state name of a family with the cities. Surprisingly, the visit, I saw how the deeply name Rohee living in hazardous and unsanitary religious populace of India is pipeline, countless bolts and flanges (among many other visit. conditions notwithstanding, bound by their spiritual and In 2005, I participated in Nagpur. pieces), and an abundance of technology and skills deployed I spoke to the Judge on a high level of tolerance and religious beliefs. But the underwater. But what ExxonMobil once boasted about, its a G33+Small Economies world-class accounting system, is apparently not up to the Consultative Meeting; in the phone in 2018 when I level-headedness amongst puzzling question for me job of sharing with citizens the final cost of the gas pipeline to 2006, I was part of a was in Goa. Since then, we r o a d u s e r s , i n c l u d i n g was, has the caste and Wales. The people who are paying for it are in the dark. The CARICOM mission to India; maintained contact by email. motorists, buses, hand- religious peculiarities of pipeline was completed almost two years ago, and and in 2018, I was part of a I included Nagpur in my p u l l e d r i c k s h a w s a n d Indian society acted as a itinerary and was extremely motorized 'Tuk-Tuks' plus brake or have they, with the ExxonMobil is stuck at an “estimated US$1B” as its best delegation of 17 PPP MPs. All my previous visits happy and deeply grateful to the hundreds of pedestrians help of the intellectual, better number. The final pipeline cost is a secret. The pipeline repair were official and were him having found the time to moving from place to place e d u c a t e d c l a s s e s a n d work is a secret. The cost for that repair work is also likely to o r g a n i z e d w i t h i n t h e meet with me and family as if in a hurry would make patriotic big business helped be a secret. Can it still be said that ExxonMobil is a partner, confines of established while in Nagpur and before I any foreigner watch in awe. India's meteoric rise as a or it is an entity that is calculating how it can rip Guyana off protocol, while visits to left the city. It was an historic Of great puzzlement to me global power? My answer would be yes places of interest and historic o c c a s i o n f o r b o n d i n g was to see how the affluent some more? Keep the pipeline price uncertain, keep the pipeline sites, were decided by our between two families, the and better-off in India live and no, although it is quite repair unknown, and there is the recipe (two of that) to gouge hosts. However, on this geographic and differences side by side with the high obvious to the discerning eye Guyana at will. In an identical manner, this is also happening occasion, since my visit was in our respective heritages l e v e l s o f p o v e r t y , that the economic and social questionable, but customary p o l i c i e s o f t h e M o d i with the two facilities being built at the Wales industrial private and the itinerary so notwithstanding. Over the course of my pavement dwellers, food administration coupled with complex. Costs go up, and consumers waiting for some level determined, I was able to see of electricity relief are left waiting. That is not a secret, like what I never saw on previous eleven-city visit, I was c o o k i n g a n d v e n d i n g , its political will and tenacity visits save to those to Goa impressed and depressed bathing, tailoring and has managed to grapple with the others. What is not a secret is how much ExxonMobil is profiting and Puducherry which I did with what I saw. Impressed shaving on pavements the myriad of challenges f a c i n g t h e c o u n t r y. from Guyana's oil wealth. What is not a secret is how the on my own in 2018 at the with the great strides India alongside heaps of garbage. F r o m m y l i m i t e d According to Modi; “Today PPPC Government has surrendered to ExxonMobil's conclusion of official has made by previous governments and the current k n o w l e d g e a b o u t a n d India's confidence is at an dictates. And what is not a secret is the fact that there are so business. My visits to Goa and Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) observation of the dynamics unprecedented high. We are many citizens living in poverty in a country that has so many Puducherry were extremely administration in areas of of Indian society, the p u r s u i n g r e f o r m s natural resource patrimonies. interesting, in that, as former public health, education, dispossessed must have (Continued on page 6)
EDITORIAL
Pipeline mysteries
T
INDIA: REVISITED
Wednesday October 28, 2026
Kaieteur News
Allegations of discrimination and corruption plagued several NDCs Dear Editor, I am writing to bring urgent public attention to the distressing reality of the biased, corrupt, discriminatory and unfair practices being carried out by the PPP-controlled Neighbourhood Democratic Councils (NDCs) across the country and the government does not seem to care. While local governance was designed to decentralise power and bring essential services directly to the people, the current state of several NDCs across the ten regions suggests they are functioning more as PPP agencies rather than to provide public service to all the people. It has become undeniably evident that the distribution of vital government relief, agricultural products and government resources have and continued to be distributed in a very vindictive and partisan manner mostly to PPP supporters. Under this government, public
resources, specifically agricultural products such as chickens, black-belly sheep, fertilizer, pest control products etc. are being strictly funneled to known PPP supporters, while members and supporters of the opposition parties are systematically excluded and denied access to any government resources. The truth is government resources are funded by the taxpayers and belong to the public; therefore, they must be distributed equitably to everyone, without favours and regardless of race, ethnicity or political party affiliation. Utilising essential agricultural aid as a political weapon to reward those who bear allegiance or are loyal to the ruling party and denied and punished those who are aligned to the opposition parties is not only vindictive, evil and indecent, but such actions also undermine democracy, exacerbates division within the country and violate the fundamental rights of the
citizens to fair and equal treatment under the rule of law. It runs counter to the belief of “One Guyana” initiative being zealously propagandize by the ruling elite to dupe the people into thinking that the government is treating everyone fairly. As a bonified citizen of my beloved Guyana, I have never witnessed such immoral and blatant action by any previous government. In the interest of all, I am therefore asking the government to stop such practice for it is harmful and could severely rupture the fabric of society to the point of no return. Many in the public are fully aware of this dreadful practice by the current government and have complained to the ministers responsible, but as expected, their complaints have fallen on deaf ears. The time has come for the government to launch an independent and thorough investigation into such practices of the NDCs, particularly those in Regions
Three, Five and Six to ensure accountability. Based on reports, there are rampant allegations of massive corruption, financial irregularities, and deepseated mismanagement and extreme vindictive behaviour by the chairpersons plaguing three of the NDCs in Region Six, East Berbice, Corentyne. Many of the chairpersons and councillors in those three districts are not high school graduates and some have only primary school education while others were dropouts. The educational background of these elected officials contributes to their action. The systemic abuse of public offices must be stamped out and those responsible for discrimination must be removed from office immediately. Government resources must serve all residents equally, fairly and in a non-partisan way. Sincerely, Aubrey Retemyer
North Essequibo Cricket Committee without affiliated status. Several clubs cannot gain voting rights despite repeated a p p l i c a t i o n s . Notwithstanding the clubs continue to excel despite the challenges and are the dominant feature within North Essequibo. Central Essequibo Cricket Committee has a longstanding history and has contributed significantly towards the development and safeguard of Essequibo's cricket. I have noted the proud names who have emanated from Region 1 to have represented the county and country as listed. An even more elaborate list sufficed from Central Essequibo including Former West Indies and Guyana fast bowler Ransford Beaton, Former national players Rovendra Mandolall, the late Shivanandan Mandolall and Balchand Shivambar, Latchman Rohit, Rovendra Parasram, Clain Williams, Parmesh Parsotam, Nathan Persaud, Lawrence Farnum, Herell Green, Alfred Maycock, John Floyd, Ramcharran Singh, Lennox Alves and arguably Essequibo's finest batsman Dinesh Joseph among others. Two of the better grounds at Reliance
and Affiance are also situated in Central. Reliance Hustlers Sports Club boasts two under 13 teams and an academy for young and aspiring cricketers and continues to promote the game in an expensive manner including overseas engagements. Isn't this a travesty beyond comprehension? It must be noted that the Central Committee formally applied
These are desperate times Dear Editor, We are living in the most desperate times of our lives in Guyana and the world. Every day in the newspaper or the radio, there are four (4) headlines that are surely read. 1. Spouse kill spouse in domestic dispute. 2. Another person killed on the road due to speeding by reckless drivers. I recall a sportsman/West Indies player. 3. Drug use is used by the poor. It is imported by the wealthy to do. Who is the true junkie? The people who use it or the people who make it available? 4. Israel continues to slaughter the Palestinians in Gaza. I will write on the above topics individually. It would take me four weeks or four editions in the Kaieteur News, coming soon. Yours truly Mr. Frank De Abreu
President and the death penalty
Dear Editor, It is pleasing to my heart to read the headlines of Wednesday newspaper where the President, Irfaan Ali calling for a review of the death penalty. Whenever a man or a woman is about to be killed their last words would say please don't kill me and the assailant carry out the act of murder. Sir, there is no decent country in the world that does not have the death penalty for murder. In the United States, there are several ways to execute a person on the death row, whether it's the electric chair or lethal injection, its death for the accused. While the accused must have a right to appeal to the Appeals Court and Caribbean Court of Justice, the judges in both courts must acknowledge the seriousness of the crime and give an early hearing in both courts. Since an early hearing is justice for both the accuse and the relatives of the deceased. We, in Guyana uses excuses to carry out justice for the accused who is not our friend. With wealth brings development, it also brings lawlessness and in Guyana, we cannot afford one ounce of lawlessness...Enough is Enough. Regards for membership almost four Frank DeAbreu years ago, including the submission of all required information. The ECB must explain this selfish act to the cricketing public and whether they will continue to stymie cricket within the committee and the players/ administrators in general. Regards Elroy Stephney F o r m e r E C B Vi c e President
Central Essequibo is being denied membership by the ECB Dear Editor, I recently learnt that the Essequibo Cricket Board (ECB) granted membership to the Barima/Waini Cricket Association in Region 1 and stated that the development represents a significant step towards ensuring that cricket is administered through an inclusive structure, providing greater opportunities for players, clubs and communities and to participate in organized and competitive cricket. I fully support this position and would have always advocated for the inclusion of hinterland participation in all sporting disciplines, including swimming given their natural and untapped talent. However, I am obliged to exposed a grave and deliberate act of illusion by the ECB who has consistently refused the same opportunity to the Central Essequibo Cricket Committee. In fact, the committee was enshrined within the ECB structure, prior to the Guyana Cricket Administration Act, 2014 and participated and won many titles. For unknown reasons to date, the committee was removed from the constitution after the act became law. The players and clubs were advised thereafter to join the
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INDIA: REVISITED From page 4 with a clear policy direction. For us, reforms are not a compulsion. Reforms are our conviction.” Addressing the question of 'trust' which he deemed a fundamental question confronting the world, Modi said; “Trust that a partner country will stand by you during moments of crisis. And it is here that India stands before you with a different outlook and a different way of thinking.” “It is clear,” he stressed; “We do not grow at anyone's expense. We grow with the world, and for the world.” Yet it is hard for some foreigners like me to conceptualize how challenging it must be for the governing BJP to find social, economic and cultural solutions to unemployment, low-cost housing, affordable health care, and education as well as cheap public transportation by river, air, rail or road notwithstanding the great strides India has made becoming one of few
countries in the world with a highly educated populace. According to PM Modi, the solution is to be found in his adopted slogan of 'atmanirbhar bharat,' or 'selfreliant India.' The contrast among the States I visited is most compelling. New Delhi is currently undergoing an impressive social and i n f r a s t r u c t u r a l transformation. It is pleasing to see that while new modern buildings are springing up all around, the well-preserved heritage buildings, the city has maintained its captivating green surroundings and environment. Over the course of the visit to Uttar Pradesh, we visited Agra where foreign and local tourists flock to feast their eyes on the Taj Mahal. At the same time, a rather puzzling feature for the eyes to behold is the strong dedication and enthusiasm for popular participation in religious events such as pilgrimages to
Vrindavhan, the birthplace of Lord Krishna and Mathura, where we were told he spent his childhood days. The celebration of Ganga Arti at Varanasi on the bank of the Holy Ganges River where millions of Hindus across the Indian subcontinent converge to perform religious rituals was a sight to see. Even more interesting was to witness the masses of believers who flock to the beautiful temple at Ayodhya to pay homage to their beliefs. India is a country where anyone who wish to observe, absorb and reflect should visit and spend time moving from city to city across the various states. While visiting Kolkata, I took the opportunity to visit a port where a monument now stands in homage to those who left India to be bound as indentured labourers at plantations in the Caribbean including Guyana. Incidentally, according to Indian newspaper reports, a senior US official recently designated Foreign (Indian) Professional Green Card
holders as 'Indentured servants'. This denigrative mischaracterization of highly qualified Indian professionals was roundly criticized, and understandably so, by the Indian government. But notwithstanding the compelling stories of India's ancient civilization, captivating beauty, natural splendour, huge population and tremendous advances made all around, our cultural heritages and religious differences apart, I am proud of the fact that my own country has an a rich history and multi-culturalism reflected in the lyrics of our patriotic, literature, songs, dance and music Guyana has also advanced significantly economically and socially. India and Guyana respectively are huge and small geographically and population-wise with their own peculiar problems. At the moment, there is a common problem related to the two countries's election commissions. In Guyana's case, although the Guyana Elections Commission ((GECOM) has not convened a meeting since September 6, 2025, GECOM remains functional. Its Secretariat continues to execute its budgeted work
Wednesday October 28, 2026 programme, particularly registration activities under the National Registration Act. As regards India, a Special Intensive Revision (SIR) of the voters' list was carried out by the Elections Commission of India (ECI) ostensibly to 'clean India's voter list of duplicates and discrepancies.' In the course of the exercise, nearly a billion people in the world's biggest democracy are being asked to show documents to prove that they should keep the right to vote. The ECI claims it has discovered and aims to delete over 20 million dead people and 90 million others categorized as 'absent, shifted, and others' from the list. So far, it has expunged over 130 million names. The opposition political parties have mounted a political campaign branding the SIR 'Vote Chori' or 'vote stealing.' Protests marches are being held across India. Representation has been made at the highest level of the judicial system of India. The court has asked opposition leader Gandhi to prove vote stealing. In the midst of calls for the resignation of the Chief Elections Commissioner and the scrapping of the SIR, the
IEC is standing firm in the face of opposition parties united under the banner of the 'India Bloc' and Chalo Dilli' or 'Let's go to Delhi' call by Opposition Leader Rahul Gandhi. Meanwhile, the ruling BJP has rejected the claim of the united opposition deeming their protest actions as 'vote bank politics.' and that they should 'produce any evidence they have of 'vote chori' or vote stealing before the Supreme Court.' I will certainly miss the hustle and bustle of life in India; the streets that never sleep; the constant beeping and honking all at the same time, of horns of busses, trucks, cars, taxis, the TukTuks, scooters and motor cycles and their near but miraculous avoidance of colliding with each other and the traffic ranks who rather coolly and calmly do their jobs. India is a country where everyone everywhere seems to be in a hurry. Even the food and tea vendors are always busy. I will miss pondering over the sight of pavement dwellers and children playing in slums; thinking about the schoolchildren hurrying to or home from school held surprisingly on Saturdays and Sundays. And the youths who, with expressions of determination on their faces seem to be on missions to carve out for themselves one profession or another in a country that PM Modi described as one that “…lifted 250 million people out of poverty over the past decade, a number greater than the population of many countries in the world.” Yours faithfully, Clement J. Rohee
Wednesday October 28, 2026
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Wednesday October 28, 2026
Rowley joins call for UN support to end U.S. embargo against Cuba Former prime minister Dr. Keith Rowley has signed on to a letter seeking support at the United Nations General Assembly (UNGA) for the end of United States embargo against Cuba. The open letter to all nations of the world listed as signatories a dozen former Heads of State and Government of the Caribbean Community (CARICOM) including Rowley. It stated that they “ s t r o n g l y a n d unequivocally” urge all nations to vote in favour of the resolution in relation to ending the embargo. They added that the coercive actions of the USA against Cuba represent the law of the jungle and can in no way be justified by the Charter of the United Nations or any other source of international law and
justice. On Wednesday, the UNGA will consider a resolution on the necessity and desirability of ending the economic, commercial and financial embargo imposed by the USA against Cuba. It stated that the imposition is “contrary to international law and every civilised precept of life and living.” It was further stated that, every year since 1992, UNGA has been adopting a resolution on this subject but the US has been ignoring the voice of the international community, the requisites of international law, and the most elemental of civilising principles. “The vote on this UNGA Resolution this year is more urgent and important than ever before. In recent months, the US government has further ramped up its
Former Prime Minister of T&T, Dr. Keith Rowley illegal embargo against Cuba in an attempt to starve the Cuban people into submission through the imposition of third-party sanctions against any government or entity which grants, sells, or transports energy products, including gasoline and diesel, to Cuba.
“Surely, such US conduct is a crime against humanity and undoubtedly contrary to international law.” The letter further stated that it is imperative that the “blandishments and pressures” currently being deployed by the US to derail and defeat the proposed
resolution must be resisted. “The US embargo continues to be a threat to hemispheric and international peace and security; the embargo is a brazen violation of Cuba’s right to sovereignty and independence; the embargo derogates from the most elemental human rights of a people established and declared by international law. The unilateral, coercive actions of the USA against Cuba represent the law of the jungle and can in no way be justified by the Charter of the United Nations or any other source of international law and justice.” The former leaders further said that Cuba is not a threat to any nation or any person on planet earth. “Let us all contribute to the healing of the hemispheric fracture between the United States of America and Cuba
by supporting the UNGA Resolution on October 28, 2026. Let us all stand with Cuba and humanity on this matter!” they declared. The signatories were outlined as Rowley, former Prime Minster of Antigua a n d B a r b u d a Wi n s t o n Baldwin Spencer, former Prime Minister of Barbados Freundel Stuart, former prime ministers of Belize Dean Barrow and Saed Musa, former prime ministers of Grenada Keith M i t c h e l l a n d Ti l l m a n Thomas, former president of Guyana Donald Ramotar, former prime ministers of Jamaica Bruce Golding and PJ Patterson, former prime minister of St Lucia Kenny Anthony, and former prime minister of St Vincent and the G renadines Ralph Gonsalves. (TRINIDAD GUARDIAN)
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Wednesday October 28, 2026
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Time for a reset of economic strategy Guyana's economic gurus would do well to put aside, if only for a moment, their celebratory charts, their impressive growth statistics, the glossy Article IV IMF reports and their seemingly inexhaustible supply of reasons why everything is proceeding according to plan, and pay serious attention to the sobering analysis recently undertaken by Dr. Ramesh Gampat on the structural state of the Guyanese economy. The report is entitled, “Guyana's Oil Economy: Structural Challenges and Policy Responses , 20202026” and was recently highlighted in the Guyana Business Journal Magazine, October 2026. For beneath the dazzling claim of the world's fastest growing economy and surface of beyond the familiar chorus of self-congratulation lies a question that deserves far more searching scrutiny than it has received: Is Guyana transforming its economy, or merely growing richer from the extraction of a resource that has yet to transform the productive foundations of the country? The government would have us believe that they are using oil revenues to create a diversified, competitive and s u s t a i n a b l e e c o n o m y. However, the underlying concern of Dr. Gampat is that Guyana is using oil wealth primarily to expand economic activity rather than to create a diversified, competitive and sustainable economy. While admittedly engineering structural
change in an economy does require some time, serious questions are being raised as to whether Guyana's oil wealth is being primarily resulting in expanding economic activity rather than creating a diversified, competitive and selfsustaining economy. As Dr. Gampat establishes, Guyana's economy is increasingly operating as two economies. The first is an offshore oil economy that is dominated by foreign-owned companies, concentrated in the Stabroek Block and generating the overwhelming majority of export earnings, and which has grown elevenfold between 2020 and 2026. The second is the domestic economy where most Guyanese live and work, but which remains comparatively less productive, dependent on public expenditure and unable to generate sufficient foreign exchange through its own exports, and which has merely grown 1.9 times over the same period. According to my u n d e r s t a n d i n g o f D r. Gampat's analysis, the second major concern identified is the erosion of traditional productive and export industries. The worrying evidence of inadequate diversification is the weakness of non-oil exports. According to the analysis, non-oil exports earned approximately US$2.2 billion in 2025, of which gold accounted for about US$1.6 billion.
Exports other than gold earned approximately US$588 million, slightly less than in 2019 and no more than the 2016–2018 average. Earnings in several traditional industries have deteriorated substantially between 2015 and 2025. These include sugar by 76%, shrimp and prawns by 86%; timber and plywood by 61% and dried bauxite by 89%. Rice earnings grew modestly by a mere 10% over the period. The third structural weakness identified is construction-led growth rather than productive transformation. The analysis notes that while the non-oil economy has grown substantially, the composition of that growth is problematic. Between 2019 and 2025 construction accounted for 34% of non-oil economic growth. Construction and quarrying together accounted for 44%. Construction's share of non-oil GDP rose from 7.8% to 17.1%. On the other hand, the combined share of agriculture, gold, bauxite and manufacturing fell from 47.5% to 38.9%. To some extent that is understandable that oil growth would lead to the dwarfing of other sectors. But the underlying fear is that Guyana may be creating an economy increasingly organised around public infrastructure spending, building activity and services associated with oil development. The problem arises when construction expands faster than the productive industries that
DEM BOYS SEH
Traffic police need reinforcements Dem boys seh every morning, traffic police in Guyana deserve a medal, a bonus and possibly a breakfast allowance. From early morning, dem ranks out pon de road, waving dem hands, blowing dem whistles and trying to make traffic move as though dem conducting a symphony orchestra. But dem traffic ranks can only do so much. A man can have two hands and the patience of a saint, but he cannot grow six more arms to control six different streams of traffic. These ranks are being asked to perform miracles with manpower that does not always match de magnitude of de madness. Dem boys seh is time dem authorities stop expecting traffic police to be traffic engineers, human traffic lights and miracle workers all rolled into one uniform. Dem need reinforcements. More ranks must be deployed at strategic points, especially during peak hours, especially when the latest trend is the workers stopping on the side of the road to buy breakfast from some stand selling food. And while dem at it, somebody need to revisit road engineering. Roundabouts, for instance, seem to have escaped the attention
of some of our road transport planners. Perhaps dem planners believe roundabouts too round for Guyana, or that traffic must travel in straight lines even when it going nowhere fast! Dem boys seh every hour lost in traffic is an hour stolen from work, family, business and peace of mind. People leaving home before sunrise and reaching work after their patience expire. So let us salute dem traffic ranks, but let us also help dem. Give dem more manpower. Because a traffic rank can direct traffic, but he or she cannot widen a road, redesign a junction or manufacture another lane. Dem boys seh, if traffic is moving slower than a donkey carrying cement, is time the planners stop blowing hot air and putting more manpower on de job. Dem boys seh, whatever happen to de grand plan about employing traffic wardens? Dem wardens were supposed to help take some of de pressure off de traffic police, keep motorists in line and bring some order to de daily road circus. Was de plan abandoned, postponed, or did it get stuck in traffic too? Talk half. Leff half.
must ultimately use the infrastructure, generate exports and sustain employment. Another concern raised, and which most business persons in Guyana can identify with, is the persistent foreign-exchange shortage despite oil wealth. Dr. Gampat's analysis notes that the domestic economy's import requirements have grown much faster than its export earnings. Between 2019 and 2025 imports excluding mining capital goods increased from approximately US$2.3 billion to US$5.9 billion — a 2.6-fold increase, while nonoil exports increased only 1.5 times. Non-gold exports remained virtually stagnant. Non-oil exports covered just 37% of domestic, nonmining imports in 2025, down from 65% in 2019. In
the first half of 2026, the coverage ratio fell further to approximately 31%. This, it is contended, creates a serious external vulnerability. The oil sector generates large foreignexchange earnings, but much of the money is repatriated by foreign investors, used for offshore project expenditure or held abroad in the Natural Resource Fund. Consequently, the domestic economy cannot automatically access the foreign exchange implied by the country's total export earnings. The warning signs about the state of Guyana's economy are there. And it is becoming increasingly difficult to explain them away with glossy declarations, triumphant s t a t i s t i c s a n d o ff i c i a l assurances that Guyana is
firmly on the road to economic transformation. The time has come for a serious, unsparing national discussion about the direction of the economy, because beneath the rhetoric of diversification and development, the underlying economic realities suggest that Guyana may be travelling in a direction different from the one its planners profess to have charted. The views expressed in this article are those of the author and do not necessarily reflect the opinions of this newspaper
Mohamed questions if Govt. officials getting... From page 3 government planned adequately, managed the Wales project effectively, enforced contractual obligations and communicated honestly with the population about what could be delivered and when. To this end, she urged, “If the project is delayed, explain why. If additional money is required, disclose the basis. If a third powership is necessary, publish the full financial implications. And if the original deadlines can no longer be met, provide a credible, independently verifiable schedule. The public deserves more than repeated assurances that a project is progressing. It deserves evidence of progress, transparency in expenditure and consequences when contractual commitments are not fulfilled.” She also questioned the additional US$120 million to US$170 million being sought by the GTE contractor to complete the project at Wales and reports which indicate that Lindsayca has allegedly admitted that it would not be able to provide power by the December 2026 deadline. Ferguson said these claims require an official response and full disclosure, but their implications cannot be brushed aside. In fact, Ferguson called on government to publish a clear account of expenditure to
date, the remaining cost to complete the project, the status of contractual claims and the consequences of any further delay. “It must also explain whether liquidated damages will be applied if the contractor fails to meet its commitments. Taxpayers should not be left to speculate about whether they will ultimately bear the cost of project overruns, contractual disputes or emergency electricity arrangements,” she added. On Sunday, Kaieteur News reported that Lindsayca Guyana Inc, has reportedly informed the GoG of its inability to deliver any electricity to the national grid for Christmas, forcing policy makers to turn to its Turkish partner for a third powership. Sources close to the discussions told this newspaper that the GoG has renegotiated the Power Purchase Agreement (PPA) with the Turkish company, seeking a larger vessel to generate more electricity. The larger vessel, according to information reaching this publication, is expected to replace the two vessels already rented by the GoG. The nation currently rents two vessels from Karpowership – a 36-megawatt (MW) facility docked in the Berbice River and a 60MW vessel stationed in the Demerara River.
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Wednesday October 28, 2026
India’s cockroaches, Guyana’s parasites Police out in force. Tens of thousands in India. Is there a war? Indeed, there is. The Modi government apparently has scant tolerance for students, young unemployed and, of course, Muslims. Hence, that ready army of cops with sticks, and demonstrators ready to go to jail. What’s this America, Martin King and his ilk in the 1960s and India in the 1940s? What about Guyana’s unhappy with, angry at, and disillusioned by, their d i s f i g u r e d P P P Government? I see Guyanese patriots made differently these days. From wax. Facebook warrior standing for nothing, then the automatic next step. The long walk across the floor. Those who said black stay back and brown hang
around had it wrong. Formerly disruptive blacks and browns now belong at the front of the parade. Mannequins before microphones and parrots on podiums. Try telling Guyanese about steeling their constitutions and being ready for jail. What! And let Messenger, Twitter, X, and TikTok all go to waste, and zero stress? The youngsters in India register their distaste for government policies the oldfashioned way. On the streets. In the sun. In the jails. This new Indian subcaste has a derogatory name: Cockroaches. Their playbook is Jawaharlal Nehru’s and Mohandas Gandhi’s and the rest book, from what they did to the British. One man in a suit, the
other in a skimpy sari ran an Empire out of town. Now they go against the reincarnation of the subcontinent’s new legend, self-appointed holy man, Narendra Modi. They are ready for jail. Fancy that! tens of thousands of police to block some students and youngsters, while the Chinese and other neighbors make rings around the BJP. In Guyana, the PPP Govt hasn’t reaches as low as cockroaches just yet. Pests and parasites have been the preferred terms of appreciation. But put two men and two women (not two dozen of each) on a road where there’s a government office, and the Guyana Police Force no longer has a manpower shortage. Tw o p r o t e s t o r s i n Guyana can being out two
Police motorcycles, two vans, and two sets of sturdy looking police ranks. There must be a war going on in Guyana. At least, from the PPP Govt perspective, to callout that show of force. Bearing in mind, it is only a handful of citizens. But the Police flying squad, the riot squad, the spy squad, the dirty tricks squad all come out of the woodwork. One of these days, horses and helicopters will be dispatched just for an extra layer of official comfort. But where are all the people? Talk to Guyanese of all colors in private, and they rage against the PPP Govt. The language used to d e s c r i b e l e a d e r s i s n ’t printable, could put a lot of people out of business. But where are the public expressions of the same
outrage? Why when they g o o n p a n e l discussions, the same Guyanese who railed against corruption and criminal leadership suddenly switch to commending the same government and leaders they curse away from the cameras? How to figure this out? A space on Facebook and saying dishonest things is safer than a cell in jail. When Guyanese cannot stand for their sacred rights, the PPP Govt. blights on this land, how can they ever care about standing up for Essequibo and land that they never saw, and in which they don’t have any title? How do they dispel the fear that soaks this land so thoroughly? Will they ever? Listen to PPP Guyanese (there are those), PNC ones,
WIN ones, and they all are loudly unanimous. The PPP Govt. is a sinister entity. The PPP Govt. cohort, with an exception or two, is among the biggest selfenrichers in the world. BTW: sinister and selfenrichers are synonyms for words that were just used in the U.S. Senate in the Jack Smith diatribe that backfired. Despite so may Guyanese raging privately about how bad the PPP Govt. is, those same angry Guyanese are devious and pathetic in standing up and speaking their mind publicly. India had its troublemakers (Nehru and company) and now roaches (Abhijeet). America had its outside agitators (King et al). What and who does Guyana have? To a d i e s ? Poodles? Genderless? This country is drowning in liquid filth, starting from high up. (The views expressed in this article are those of the author and do not necessarily reflect the opinions of this newspaper.)
Wednesday October 28, 2026
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Cops visit Mohamed’s home over leaked video - Opposition Leader questions why constable arrested, Narine remains free - demands independent probe into October 12 shooting Members of the Guyana Police Force on Tuesday showed up at the home and business places of Leader of the Opposition, Azruddin Mohamed insisting on questioning over allegations that he bribed a policeman to obtain video surveillance footage of the shooting incident, which he was involved in with Head of Special Branch, Prem Narine recently. Mohamed reportedly told the ranks that they should speak to his attorneys and following a long wait, the officers left his Houston, East Bank Demerara home. On Monday night, police disclosed that a 20-year-old police constable stationed at the Guyana Police Force’s Command Centre was arrested after allegedly accepting an $800,000 bribe from Mohamed in exchange for surveillance footage linked to a shooting incident outside the residence of Senior Superintendent Prem Narine. According to a police press statement, the constable was arrested on Monday, October 26, 2026, by investigators from the Criminal Investigation Department (CID) Headquarters, acting on intelligence received. The statement said that, when informed of the allegations, the rank admitted that while on duty on Friday, October 23, he had discreetly downloaded surveillance footage relating to the shooting incident and saved it to a flash drive, allegedly on Mohamed’s instructions. The constable further told investigators that on Saturday, October 24, Mohamed dispatched an employee to transport him to his residence at Houston, East Bank Demerara. While there, Mohamed allegedly offered the rank $800,000 in exchange for the recording. The police statement said Mohamed subsequently paid the constable the sum in cash and collected the flash drive. The constable reportedly disclosed that he spent part of the money during a shopping spree and handed the remainder to his mother. The rank has since been placed under arrest. Detectives are making efforts to recover the money, while investigations into several alleged offences remain ongoing. Meanwhile, contacted for a comment on the matter, Mohamed said: “I
will protect my sources at all cost, I already mentioned I received this from a contact within Special Branch. I am happy the police are confirming this video is real and not an AI video like Minister Kwame McCoy stated. Why are they going after the Constable and not the shooter? Why isn’t Prem Narine on close arrest?” In a separate statement on Tuesday, the Office of the Leader of the Opposition expressed grave concern over the serious questions surrounding the October 12, 2026 incident in which Narine fired multiple shots at a vehicle carrying Mohamed. “The Office wishes to emphasise that the Hon. Azruddin Mohamed is the constitutionally recognised Leader of the Opposition of the Cooperative Republic of Guyana. He is entitled to the full protection of the law, the security of his person, and the same fundamental rights guaranteed to every citizen. The central issue before the nation is what the publicly released CCTV footage reveals about the assassination attempt against the Leader of the Opposition, the serious contradictions in the official police account, and allegations of a subsequent cover-up.” The office said the publicly released CCTV footage raises substantial questions about the official police narrative presented to the nation. “The Government and the Guyana Police Force have a responsibility to provide credible explanations for these discrepancies and to ensure that every aspect of the incident is subjected to independent scrutiny. Why has the shooting of a vehicle carrying the Leader of the Opposition not been subjected to a transparent and genuinely independent investigation? Why have the contradictions between the official police account and the publicly released CCTV footage not been adequately explained? W h o w a s communicating with Senior Superintendent Prem Narine before, during, and after the shooting, and were instructions given or received? The Office reiterates its demand for the immediate arrest of Senior Superintendent Prem Narine
in connection with the assassination attempt against the Leader of the Opposition. We further demand the immediate preservation, independent forensic examination, and lawful disclosure of his telephone and communication records for October 12 and 13, 2026, to establish precisely whom he contacted, whether he received instructions, who may have directed or assisted his actions, and whether any individuals were involved in the planting of a firearm or subsequent cover-up.” According to the office, no individual, regardless of rank, political influence, or position in Government, must be shielded from investigation or a c c o u n t a b i l i t y. “ T h e preservation and examination of all evidence relating to the October 12 incident must remain a priority. This includes CCTV recordings, ballistic evidence, firearm records, police communications, custody records, and the highly suspicious circumstances surrounding the discovery of a firearm that the Office maintains was planted in the vehicle. The Office calls upon the Minister of Home Affairs, the Commissioner of Police, and the relevant independent oversight authorities to urgently address these matters and ensure that the investigation is conducted i n d e p e n d e n t l y, transparently, and without political interference.” It added: “We celebrate the innumerable police officers, government employees, and individuals who expose criminality within law enforcement, corruption in Government, and all unlawful conduct by those entrusted with serving the people. To all those who have furnished us with information over the years, we praise you for your great service to this nation. We need whistleblowers now more than ever. In this country, we have no meaningful freedom of i n f o r m a t i o n . We a r e prevented from accessing our own records to establish the truth and hold those in power accountable. This Government appears unwilling to equip the people with the very tools necessary to scrutinise its conduct. This Government, it appears, wants to operate
without scrutiny while serious allegations of corruption remain unanswered. We are deeply concerned about the use of state institutions to pursue the extradition and imprisonment of effective political opponents, alongside allegations of suppressed evidence, fabricated accounts, and the presentation of falsified evidence.” According to the office, it is no surprise that the Access to Information Act is n o t b e i n g e ff e c t i v e l y adhered to, while the whistleblower protection legislation, the Protected Disclosures Act 2018, has reportedly not been brought into force. “These failures raise serious questions about the Government’s willingness to provide citizens with the tools necessary to expose wrongdoing, demand accountability, and sustain a meaningful political opposition. No Government must be permitted to use the
Leader of the Opposition, Azruddin Mohamed machinery of the State to intimidate, persecute, or punish whistleblowers for exposing corruption, criminality, and abuses of public office. This would constitute a grave abuse of power and a betrayal of the public trust. The Office makes it unequivocally clear that it will not voluntarily disclose the identities of its confidential sources or compromise individuals who have provided
information concerning matters of serious public interest. The Government’s responsibility is to establish the truth, preserve the evidence, protect constitutional rights, and ensure accountability.” According to the office, whistleblowers acting lawfully and in the public interest must be protected, not persecuted. The public interest is served when wrongdoing is exposed, not when it is concealed.
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Wednesday October 28, 2026
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Wednesday October 28, 2026
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New Canadian envoy to Guyana accredited Stolen bike recovered New Canadian High Commissioner to Guyana, Deborah Gomez Shultz on Tuesday presented her Letters of Credence to President Irfaan Ali at a ceremony held at the Office of the President. Following the ceremony the High Commissioner Gomes-Schultz and President Ali spoke about recent conversation Ali had with Prime Minister of Canada, Mark Carney, which included plans to enhance bilateral relations between the two countries. Guyana and Canada established formal diplomatic relations on May 26, 1966. Gomes-Schultz holds a BA in Political Science and International Development from the McGill University and a Masters in Human Rights from the University of Essex. She joined the Canadian International Development Agency in 1999. There, she was deputy director and head of Canada’s National Contact Point for Responsible Business Conduct, deputy director in the Office of the Deputy Minister of International Trade (2020 to 2022) and director of the Office
as thief bolts from cop
New Canadian High Commissioner to Guyana, Deborah Gomez Shultz and President Irfaan Ali toasting to continued strong relations between the two countries of the National Chair for the Government of Canada Workplace Charitable Campaign (2022). She has also served in the Strategic Planning, Operations and Policy divisions of the Africa and Americas
branches, as well as in the Child Protection Division. Overseas, she has served at the embassies to Egypt and Senegal. Most recently, she was director of the International Crime and Counterterrorism Policy Division.
New Canadian High Commissioner to Guyana, Deborah Gomez Shultz taking the salute at Office of the President
The motorcycle stolen from Herstelling, East Bank Demerara (EBD) on Monday has been recovered after the thief dropped it and bolted from a policeman who asked him for his license and registration. Speaking with Kaieteur News on Tuesday, the owner of the motorcycle said, he received a call from a man who identified himself a police officer, informing him that he was in possession of the stolen motorcycle. He contacted the police ranks who are investigating the case and together they went to check the information provided by the man who identified himself as a policeman. When they arrived, the
man was indeed a police officer and the stolen motorcycle was in his possession. The policeman related that after seeing the viral Facebook post that the businessman’s bike was stolen, he was on the look out. Later that afternoon he spotted a man riding a bike that looked similar to the one in the Facebook post and proceeded to pull him over. He then reportedly asked the man for his license and bike registration but instead of handing over the documents, the man abandoned the motorcycle and ran away. “They done strip it, start changing the skin and the key switch but we get it back”, he said. Police are now hunting the suspect.
The alleged thief was caught on camera stealing the bike on Monday
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Wednesday October 28, 2026
Pujari denies role in murder of six-year-old Orlando Jaikarran, released on $500,000 bail Ravi Ishwar Srikhnu, the Hindu priest (pujari) alleged to be associated with Bharrat Jaikarran in the murder of sixyear-old Orlando Jaikarran, has denied any involvement in the child’s killing. Srikhnu was released from police custody on Tuesday, one week after he was detained, after securing bail in the sum of $500,000. He was arrested alongside the elder Jaikarran last Tuesday, following the discovery of Orlando’s decomposing body in a canal at Bath Settlement, West Coast Berbice. During the investigation, police reportedly recovered six cutlasses from Srikhnu’s premises. He explained to investigators that the cutlasses were used to kill animals during sacrificial services. ‘I WAS NOT THERE’ Speaking to reporters on Tuesday, Srikhnu confirmed that he knew Bharrat, as both men reside in Bath Settlement. He said he had tried to avoid the man for nearly three years because of his behaviour. “...because of the situation and the things that he want to do, and if you don’t allow him to do it, he gon’ make problem with yuh,” Srikhnu said. He recounted an incident several weeks ago when Bharrat allegedly visited his temple and got into a dispute with his daughter, whom he reportedly attempted to take away. Srikhnu said Bharrat’s behaviour appeared disturbing, prompting him to contact the man by telephone. “I said, ‘Bossman, nah come back at
Bath Settlement pujari, Ishwar Srikhnu my place’,” he recalled. However, Srikhnu alleged that Bharrat subsequently used the telephone conversation to tell police that the two men had arranged for him to take his son to the waterside in the early hours of the morning for a human sacrifice. “He use that call and tell the police them that I call he and mek arrangements with he fuh leh he tek he son and carry he over at the waterside 12:30/1:00 in the morning, that we gon’ sacrifice duh lil boy neck,” Srikhnu said. “I know I call he and tell he about me daughter problem, I never call he and tell he fuh tek he son and carry he water top for us to mek sacrifice with he,” he added. Srikhnu further alleged that Bharrat told investigators that someone who had visited him had said the child was not Bharrat’s biological son.
The pujari denied telling Bharrat that Orlando was not his child and rejected the allegation that he encouraged the father to kill the boy. ALLEGATIONS OF FRAMING Srikhnu said his wife received a telephone call from a girl asking whether she had heard that a pupil from Bath Settlement was missing. His wife reportedly said she had not heard of the disappearance but later came across Facebook posts about Orlando. According to Srikhnu, they did not initially know that the missing child was Bharrat’s son. He claimed that he was implicated in the murder after the child’s body was discovered. He alleged that Bharrat told police he had seen him crossing the sea dam between 12:30 a.m. and 1:00 a.m. and walking towards the area beyond Waterloo Nursery School Street. Srikhnu further claimed that Bharrat alleged he had seen him sitting around the child with incense sticks, camphor and lime before using a cutlass to cut the boy’s neck. “He tell the police again that I cross the sea dam 12:30/1:00 and walk the sea dam to catch till past Waterloo Nursery School Street... that I sit down around the pickney and he see me light a set of agarbatti (incense stick) and camphor and lime and I don’t know what and what nonsense, and he ain’t know what come on me again, and that I talk a quick language and he see me tek a cutlass and Continued on page 16
Turkish captain robbed at gunpoint in G/town; suspect arrested A 29-year-old Albouystown man has been arrested after a Turkish national was robbed at gunpoint of a cellular phone and a gold chain during an early-morning robbery on Lombard Street, Georgetown, on Tuesday. The victim, Engin Kaymak, 38, a captain of mixed ancestry who resides at Friendship, East Bank Demerara, was reportedly standing on the western pavement of Lombard Street in the vicinity of Princess Street, around 00:05 hrs. when he was confronted by two men. Police said investigations revealed that the suspects approached from the northern direction along Lombard Street with one on foot and the other riding a black Honda XR motorcycle. The motorcyclist reportedly dismounted and pointed a firearm at Kaymak before relieving him of a blue Redmi cellular phone, while the other suspect allegedly snatched his gold metal chain. The two men then escaped south along Lombard Street. Kaymak immediately contacted ranks from the Impact Base, who were in close proximity. Police conducted checks in the surrounding area and subsequently arrested one of the suspects. The man was escorted to Brickdam Police Station along with the motorcycle, which bore registration number CM 2595. He was identified as David Hope, 29, an unemployed Guyanese of African descent, of Lot 23 Hogg Street, Albouystown, Georgetown. A search of Hope reportedly unearthed a blue Redmi cellular phone in the crotch area of his pants. The phone was subsequently identified by Kaymak as his property. The cellular phone and motorcycle were lodged, while Hope was placed in custody. Police said checks were made for CCTV cameras in the area, but none was found. Efforts to locate the second suspect were unsuccessful. No shots were fired and no one was injured during the incident. Investigations are ongoing.
Raw gold found stashed in haircutting machine at CJIA
Raw gold found stashed in haircutting machine at CJIA Officials at the Cheddi Jagan International Airport (CJIA) reportedly found a total of 4.1 ounces raw gold on Sunday concealed in a haircutting machine and in a woman’s hand bag during separate screening procedures. The first set of raw gold, some three ounces, were found around 21:25hrs. stashed in a haircutting machine found inside a brown pouch of a 39-year-old American man, who was travelling to New York. At around 21:47 hrs. officials found 1.1 ounce more of raw gold concealed in a 62-year-old American woman’s handbag. She too was destined for New York. Both passengers along with their gold were handed over to customs officials for further investigation.
Wednesday October 28, 2026
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(Times Magazine) Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu and his main rival, former Israel Defense Forces chief of staff Gadi Eisenkot, appear short of an outright victory, initial exit polls indicate. Israelis flocked to polling stations Tuesday to decide the political fate of Netanyahu, the country’s longest-serving Prime Minister who is facing one of the most consequential tests of his political career.From 7 a.m. to 10 p.m. local time (1 a.m. to 4 p.m. EDT), Israelis were able to cast votes for representatives in the Knesset. Numbers from Israel’s Central Elections Committee reflected a strong turnout, with 66.7% of eligible voters reported to have cast their ballots by 6 p.m., local time—the highest turnout logged at that time since 1973. Netanyahu was joined by his wife Sara as he cast his
(Reuters) - (Reuters) Brazilian Senator Flavio Bolsonaro has left the country for the United States after losing Sunday’s presidential election, three sources said on Tuesday afternoon, with the US State Department due to grant him and his family entry visas. Bolsonaro, who has yet to concede to leftist incumbent Luiz Inacio Lula da Silva, left Brazil after refusing to comply with Supreme Court order to surrender his passports. The ruling relates to a money laundering probe in which he denies wrongdoing. The location of Flavio, his wife and two daughters was not immediately clear. One source close to the family said Flavio had landed in Florida, but declined to say where.“ The State Department will issue visas to Flavio Bolsonaro and his family and
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own ballot just after midday, at a polling station in a Jerusalem school. “This is a very moving and fateful moment. My wife and I are truly overwhelmed,” Netanyahu told reporters after voting. “We know what is at stake, and since I am not allowed to say things explicitly, I will say: Vote correctly.” Not long after, Netanyahu told his supporters that “buses are heading to the polling stations and huge lines are being reported in the Arab settlements.” Complaining that “the right-wing strongholds are not waking up,” he again urged people to go out and vote. Netanyahu’s Likud party said in a statement that it had submitted a request to the Central Elections Committee
to extend voting hours past 10 p.m. The committee later announced it would not be extending voting hours past the scheduled closing time. This is the first election in the country since the Oct. 7, 2023 terrorist attacks by Palestinian militant group Hamas and the subsequent Israeli war in the Gaza Strip. Since then, Israel under Netanyahu has pursued an aggressive military campaign across the Middle East going to war with Iran, backing settler attacks and displacement in the West Bank, and carrying out strikes against militant groups in Lebanon and Yemen. The election was widely seen as a referendum on Netanyahu’s leadership and Israelis’ willingness to
Israel’s Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu casts his ballot, alongside his wife Sara, at a polling station in Jerusalem on Oct. 27, 2026.Yonatan Sindel AP change course amid uncertainty.“I hope this will be a true holiday for democracy,” Isaac Herzog, the Israeli head of state, told reporters
from a polling station in Rehavia, where he and his wife voted. “No one can be allowed to spoil or undermine it.”
Bolsonaro and family to receive U.S. visas after leaving Brazil-State Department
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allow them entry into the United States,” a senior State Department official said. BRAZIL-US RIFT GROWS Bolsonaro’s departure threatens to deepen a rift between the two most populous nations in the Americas. Lula has accused Washington of colluding with the Bolsonaros to put them back in power, and Reuters reported ahead of Sunday’s election on a US State Department campaign to restore them to office. Trump has previously alleged Flavio’s father, former President Jair Bolsonaro, was a victim of judicial persecution in Brazil. The elder Bolsonaro also went to the United States after refusing to concede to Lula in 2022, when former US President Joe Biden was in office. He eventually returned but was later given a 27-year
sentence for plotting a coup after his supporters stormed government buildings in Brasilia. Trump made no mention of Flavio Bolsonaro’s departure in comments to the press on Monday, but said the Brazilian vote “looked like another rigged election.” Lula, speaking in Brasilia, said he had just heard that Flavio had left the country, and called it shameful, saying he should have stayed in Brazil and proved his innocence.Bolsonaro was favored to win Sunday’s presidential election but ended up losing in a shock result to Lula. ORDERED TO HAND OVER PASSPORTS On Monday, he given 24 hours to surrender his passports, but they were canceled after the deadline lapsed, two sources said. In a court ruling seen by
Reuters, the Supreme Court cited the risk of Bolsonaro fleeing Brazil and his “significant financial resources” in ordering his passports seized.Bolsonaro, who loses his immunity from prosecution when his Senate term ends in February, said on Monday he had no plans to flee. “I have never thought about leaving the country,” he said. “I will hand over my passports and defend myself against this travesty, which is a clear attempt to intimidate me.”His departure appeared to have caught his campaign manager off guard. “We are surprised by the news because, just yesterday, we discussed the need for Flavio given the 60 million votes he received to take on this role as leader of the opposition,” Senator Rogerio Marinho told reporters. FOLLOWING FATHER’S
PATH Although Bolsonaro has yet to officially concede defeat saying on Sunday he
would seek the annulment of the result over alleged voter irregularities his Lib-
eral Party said on Monday it acknowledged Lula’s victory. It remains unclear how Bolsonaro was able to leave the country while he was facing a 24-hour deadline to hand over his passports. A senior Federal Police official said Bolsonaro had not exited the country via any regular migration point. Eduardo Bolsonaro, Bolsonaro’s younger brother who lives in the United States, said ahead of the vote that an election loss would require a move. “If my brother does not win, I’m in favor that he would leave the country,” he told podcaster Steven Crowder this month.
Pujari denies role in murder of six-year-old Orlando... From page 14 cut the pickney neck,” Srikhnu said.“I really vex at that part, because I was not there, and I don’t know nothing about that,” he added.He questioned why Bharrat would not have immediately alerted police or other people if the child had indeed been subjected to a sacrifice, noting that others could have been brought to the scene. Bharrat, who reportedly admitted to killing his son, remains on remand in prison. He made his first court appearance on Friday at the Weldaad Magistrate’s Court before Magistrate Shareefah Parks. PUJARI DEFENDS KALI
WORSHIP Srikhnu also defended Kali worship, which he explained is a tradition within Hinduism, insisting that the religion should not be blamed for the alleged actions of an individual.“The Kali worshipping nah tek no human being life. Is people who tek them own mattie life,” he said. He complained that details circulating about his alleged involvement in the case had severely damaged his reputation.“I never do no nasty work or dirty work for no one,” Srikhnu said, before becoming emotional. Bath Maha Kali Temple distances itself
Meanwhile, the Bath Maha Kali Temple has distanced itself from any alleged acts of violence or wrongdoing committed in the name of religion, stressing that there can be no justification for harming innocent children. The temple also appealed to the public not to condemn an entire spiritual tradition or its adherents because of allegations involving one individual.“Our spiritual healing services are conducted during our regular Sunday services. We do not endorse Madrassi worship in the private homes of pujaris; we encourage devotees to seek proper spiritual guidance and
practice within the temple setting. We ask the public not to condemn an entire spiritual tradition because of allegations involving one individual,” the temple stated. The temple called for justice in the case, saying the matter should be allowed to take its proper course. It also reaffirmed its opposition to violence, immorality and any act that exposes another person to harm. “We wish to clarify that our temple does not affiliate with or condone violence, harm, or wrongdoing in the name of religion, in the name of Mariamman,” the statement added.
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Govt. vows action over Deep-water port feasibility study to soaring demurrage charges be completed by December- Pres. Ali Minister of Public Utilities and Aviation Deodar Indar has vowed that the government will act to address demurrage charges, which he said place an additional financial burden on consumers and poor families. Speaking at the opening ceremony of the Caribbean Shipping Association conference in Georgetown on Monday, Minister Indar described demurrage as an added cost that should not be passed on to consumers. “Demurrage, we detest it. I repeat, we detest it. It is an added cost that should not be there. It is a strain on the consumer, on poor families across economies, including ours. We detest it, and we will act on doing something about it,” the minister said. Demurrage is a fee that must be paid when cargo remains at a port or terminal for longer than the agreed free time. Government's move to eliminate advance demurrage was announced earlier this year, disclosing plans to introduce a 21-day grace period before charges apply, measures authorities say could ease the financial strain on importers and stabilise the cost of goods. The proposals were outlined during a stakeholder consultation hosted yesterday by the Maritime Administration Department (MARAD) under the Ministry of Public Utilities and Aviation on laytime and demurrage. In April, Minister Indar said the move is aimed at addressing rising import costs driven by port congestion and current billing practices. “Imagine that you have to pay advance demurrage…the laytime for the vessel is 72 hours, but once that expires you
Minister of Public Utilities and Aviation Deodar Indar
begin to pay demurrage. This is carrying up the cost of importation in the country,” Indar said.He added that port activity has surged sharply in recent years without corresponding infrastructure expansion. “In 2020 we had 2,513 port calls. At the end of 2025, we had 3,700 – a 65 per cent increase. But there was not more built out of commercial wharfing facilities,” he observed, noting that congestion and scheduling delays are translating directly into higher demurrage costs that are ultimately passed on to consumers. Indar said at that time that government is working on a policy framework to implement the 21-day window before demurrage applies and to remove advance payments, which he described as administratively burdensome for importers.
Thirty fire service recruits trained to detect human trafficking
Fire service recruits and other officials at the training Thirty recruits of the Guyana Fire Service on Tuesday underwent specialised training to recognise the signs of human trafficking, identify potential victims and respond appropriately to suspected cases. According to a press release from the fire service, the training aims to strengthen frontline awareness and improve efforts to protect potential victims. Organised by the Ministry of Home Affairs through the secretariat of the Ministerial Task Force on Trafficking in Persons, the session was held on Tuesday at the Guyana Fire Service Training School in Leonora, West Coast Demerara. The programme covered the different forms of exploitation, indicators of trafficking and the vulnerabilities of adult and child victims. It also examines the importance of a human rights-based approach when dealing with suspected
victims. Inspector Marilyn Rodney, Head of the Guyana Police Force's Trafficking in Persons Unit, is among the presenters' guiding participants on identifying potential victims and understanding the circumstances that may indicate exploitation. The recruits are also being briefed on offences under the Combating Trafficking in Persons Act No. 7 of 2023, providing them with a better understanding of the legal framework governing the detection and prosecution of trafficking-related offences. Through case studies, role play and group discussions, recruits will explore practical scenarios and learn the appropriate reporting and referral procedures. The training brings together representatives of the Ministry of Home Affairs, the Ministerial Task Force Secretariat and the Guyana Police Force's Trafficking in Persons Unit.
…says US Exim, UK and Qatar investors interested in project
Despite American oil giant Chevron Corporation reportedly opting out of funding the preliminary studies for Guyana's proposed deepwater port, President Irfaan Ali said the feasibility study will be completed by December. During his address to the opening ceremony of the Caribbean Shipping Association conference in Georgetown, President Ali told the gathering that government is working with Bechtel and engaging potential international financiers and investors, including the US ExportImport Bank, the United Kingdom and the Qatar Investment Authority. “ Yo u h a v e t o b e aggressive. You have to be willing to open up the market. You have to be willing to bring partners together,” he said. The maritime executive in a recent report said Bechtel's Guyana Engineering Director Harry Pastuszek said Hess financed the preliminary engineering and design for the project. For the remaining parts of the feasibility study, Chevron declined to move ahead with financing. In 2025, Chevron secured 30 per cent interest in Guyana's Stabroek Block after completing the US$53 billion acquisition of Hess Corporation, following a favorable arbitration outcome regarding Hess' Guyana asset. Following the acquisition Chevron had said it would have to reconsider
President Irfaan Ali
supporting the pre-planning studies for the port. Moreover, it was during a sideline interview with Fueled, that President Ali disclosed that the study will proceed and is expected to be completed by year-end. When asked how the study will proceed without Chevron support, President Ali responded, “This is a study that has to be done. So, as a government and as a people, with all the development partners, we have to get the study done. U.S. Exim is also very keen on supporting the study because by December, when the feasibility is completed in all its dimension, then we'll be having a meeting with all
of the potential investors, especially the large ones, to move this forward.” Moreover, Ali underscored that deep-water port is critical for the building out of Guyana's economy, for diversification and competitiveness. “This port is extremely critical. So right now, we have the Bechtel. They are completing the studies, the feasibility studies, the initial work on looking at different sites and so on, then we'll move into, of course, full design. But this will give us this initial study will give us the opportunity to move towards having investors and investment ready,” President Ali said.
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Lawyer challenges police detention of cop, mother over bribery, leaked video claims Attorney-at-Law Dexter Todd has issues a 6:00 AM ultimatum to law enforcement authorities for the immediate release of police constable Ryan Greene and his mother, condemning their ongoing detention as a complete violation of due process and the rule of law. Speaking to Kaieteur News, Todd, who has officially stepped in to represent both individuals, asserted that authorities have failed to establish any legal foundation for the arrests. According to the attorney, neither Greene nor his mother has been formally informed of any specific offense allegedly committed. "Both parties... no allegation has been put to them. So, we start from the foundation that they don't know what offense they committed," Todd stated, calling the omission a massive procedural flaw. He noted that even after conducting an interview with Greene at the Criminal Investigation Department (CID) headquarters, investigators have yet to state what crime he is suspected of committing. Video Disclosure
...issues 6 am ultimatum for their release
Police Constable, Ryan Greene
The detention reportedly stems from the disclosure of a surveillance video. Addressing the legal i m p l i c a t i o n s , To d d questioned whether Greene was the proper party to release the footage, noting that while an unauthorised disclosure might violate internal police Standard Operating Procedures (SOPs) or attract departmental disciplinary action, it does not cross the threshold of a criminal offense under Guyanese law. "Our laws in Guyana do
not make that a criminal offense," Todd emphasised. "He might be answerable departmentally, but he is not answerable criminally for that." Addressing suggestions raised by other legal minds regarding the Secrecy Act, Todd strongly dismissed arguments comparing public surveillance footage to state secrets. He pointed out that contemporary laws were crafted before street-corner surveillance cameras became ubiquitous, labeling any claim that a non-court
disclosure of public footage constitutes a crime as "nonsensical." F u r t h e r m o r e , To d d warned against a dangerous precedent where police might withhold or suppress exculpatory evidence. "If the police have information, in this case a video, that can exonerate someone from a case... and you fail to help them, then, to my mind, we are in a dangerous place as a country," he cautioned. Addressing the Alleged $800,000 sum Todd also pushed back against media reports concerning an alleged $800,000 transaction involving the Leader of the Opposition. Clarifying that there was never any negotiation or admission that the funds served as a bribe f o r t h e v i d e o , To d d questioned the logic of investigators. "Even if you want to investigate the Opposition Leader for giving a bribe, it means that there has to be a complaint, a report from the complainant saying that he was approached and he was bribed. That complaint is not
GPHC receives new Ultrasound System The Georgetown Public Hospital Corporation has announced that it recently received a new Ultrasound System, which will help doctors better assess patients' conditions and make informed care decisions. A c c o r d i n g t o information shared by the hospital, the new Ultrasound System, valued at US$57,900, was donated by an overseas-based Guyanese who wishes to remain anonymous. “The new equipment, including accessories, has been placed in the Obstetrics and Gynaecology (OB/GYN) Department, where it will support ultrasound examinations and help healthcare professionals assess patients' conditions,” GPHC said.According to the hospital, as Guyana's national referral and tertiary hospital, GPHC cares for many inpatients and outpatients, many of whom require diagnostic
The new Ultrasound System donated to the Georgetown Public Hospital Corporation by an overseas-based Guyanese.
investigations to guide treatment. Access to reliable diagnostic equipment is essential in helping doctors make informed clinical decisions and support timely, appropriate patient
care, GPHC noted. This addition strengthens the hospital's diagnostic capabilities and its ability to respond to the healthcare needs of patients accessing obstetric and
gynaecological services, the hospital shared. “GPHC sincerely appreciates the donor for this meaningful contribution,” the health institution expressed.
with the police," Todd said, adding that investigators would face significant hurdles attempting to frame the situation as bribery or an effort to pervert the course of justice. "I have given them an ultimatum, and I have said to them publicly through the press that they have up to six
tomorrow to release Ryan and his mother," Todd declared. "If they do not release them, I am going to file a habeas corpus, and I am going to have an urgent hearing... in which they will be invited to produce them before a judge and justify why their continued detention is warranted."
Government spending $1.2B to building cricket academies The Ministry of Culture, Youth and Sport is currently seeking contractors to bid for two projects, the construction of a Cricket Academy at Good Hope on the East Coast of Demerara (ECD), and another at Albion, Region Six. This is according to two invitations for bids issued on the Government of Guyana's procurement opportunities website. The tender documents state that the project at Good Hope is estimated to cost $745.3 million, while the academy for Albion is estimated at $552.9 million, according to the government's engineer figures. In total, the two projects are estimated to cost $1.2 billion. Bids are expected to open on November 19, 2026 at the National Procurement and Tender Administration Board (NPTAB) office. Regarding these projects, it was reported by the Office of the President, that President Irfaan Ali during an outreach in Berbice back in April 2025 announced that his Government is going to make the necessary investments to transform the Albion Sports Complex into a world class cricket academy. He said that in spite of the construction of the new world-class stadium in the region, he has asked the Ministry of Finance to set aside resources to rehabilitate all of the stands of the Albion ground and to construct a hostel that will be used to develop an academy that will help to further develop young cricketers in the area. It was reported by the Department of Public Information (DPI) in August 2024 that with plans to
construct the state-of-the-art facility at Good Hope, Guyana wants to be recognised for having an academy that can create the best environment for the growth of the finest fast bowlers, elite spinners, and batsmen who can bat and bowl.“I am very pleased to say that Sir Clive Lloyd will be joining us full time in Guyana. He will be in charge of the cricketing academy. We are recruiting all of our former national West Indians players to be a part of this programme,” President Irfaan Ali was quoted in the DPI article. In September 2024, this publication reported that the Sport Ministry set aside approximately $99,997,569 to prepare the land earmarked for the Cricket Academy at Good Hope. During a recent opening of tenders at the National Procurement and Tender Administration Board (NPTAB) office, it was revealed that the ministry had tendered for a 'Land clearing, filling and leveling of Cricket Academy' project. Responding to this, 67 contractors have applied for the contract. It was reported earlier this y e a r, t h a t d u r i n g t h e presentation of the 2026 National Budget, Finance Minister Dr. Ashni Singh announcing in the National Assembly yesterday that $6 billion has been allocated to sport. Of the 2026 allocation, $1.3 billion has been earmarked for the maintenance and upgrade of grounds across the country. During his presentation, he mentioned works will advance on the construction of both Cricket Academies this year.
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Karimbaksh denies $5M hush money claims ...says audio recording is AI-generated Head of Head of the Special Organised Crime Unit (SOCU) and Deputy Commissioner of Police, Fazil Karimbaksh has denied that a voice heard on a taped recording is his asking to withdraw allegations against him in exchange for $5M. Karimbaksh through his lawyer, Rizwaun Mohamed went as far as to say that the recording was AI-generated. “We act for Mr. Fazil Karimbaksh concerning an audio recording circulating on social media and attributed it to him, which is AI-generated. Our client vehemently rejects the recording as an authentic account of a conversation involving him and denies making the statements attributed to him. The said AI generated material falsely reproduces his voice,” Mohamed said in press statement. “Our position is unequivocal: the allegations against Mr. Karimbaksh must be addressed through a thorough, fair and impartial investigation, free from
interference, speculation and prejudgment. Neither repetition nor widespread circulation of the AI generated audio recording establishes authenticity. Our client expressly reserves all rights and remedies available to protect his name, character and reputation, including the institution of proceedings against any person or entity responsible for creating, publishing or disseminating the disputed material, should the evidence establish a lawful basis for such action. In deference to the ongoing investigation, we will refrain from further substantive public comment on the recording pending its proper examination,” the statement concluded. Karimbaksh is under investigation on serious allegations of rape and threatening behaviour stemming from multiple formal reports made by a f e m a l e p o l i c e o ff i c e r detailing severe abuse, sexual violence, and intimidation. The Criminal
Investigation Department (CID) has completed its probe and dispatched files to the Director of Public Prosecutions (DPP) for legal advice. Meanwhile, the leaked audio recording a voice allegedly that of the senior officer can be heard attempting to negotiate away out of the issue offering $5M as a settlement. “I’m offering $5 million to get over…” the person is heard stating. In the audio recording, when confronted with the severity of the accusations, the speaker attempts to minimize the fallout, leaning on past service while pressing the complainant to consider the personal cost to her: “If I go down... you go live with the conscience all your life, how you going to benefit?” Adding to the audio recording, two official documents are also in circulation on social media alleging that Karimbaksh contacted a telephone company here to obtain the phone records of the
Letter confirming Digicel sent call logs of victim to Fizal Karimbaksh
complainant. According to the letters, Karimbaksh utilised SOCU’s letterhead to create the illusion of an active, legitimate law enforcement probe. Writing directly from the “Office of the Head, Special Organised Crime Unit (SOCU), Camp Road, Georgetown,” Karimbaksh requested and successfully extracted intimate subscriber details, tower locations, and comprehensive call logs belonging to the woman. Telecommunications provider U-Mobile (Cellular) Inc. (Digicel), located at 56 High Street, Kingston, Georgetown, complied with the requests under the assumption that they were responding to a legitimate exercise of State Security. Digicel forwarded sensitive records detailing the subscriber ’s name, address, call locations, and full outgoing and incoming call logs for the period between July 31, 2023, and August 20, 2023. In its official response,
SOCU Head, Fizal Karimbaksh Digicel noted its commitment to customer confidentiality but stated “I am confident you would like to ensure that your investigations are not hindered by any perpetrator escaping litigation through legal means. In this regard, I am forwarding the information as requested.”
Responding to a subsequent request from Karimbaksh, Digicel handed over an Excel spreadsheet containing the subscriber’s updated details, call locations, dates, and times for all incoming and outgoing calls spanning from November 1, 2023, to January 25, 2024.
Second letter confirming Digicel sent call logs of victim to Fizal Karimbaksh
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GFF announces expanded Super T 16 Cup with enhanced Prize Pot
he Guyana F o o t b a l l Federation (GFF) has officially announced the 2026/2027 GFF Super 16 Cup, introducing an expanded competition format that will bring together the nation's leading football clubs for Guyana's premier annual year-end knockout tournament. GFF President Wayne Forde emphasised the tournament's importance to the Federation's long-term development vision. “Our vision is to build a football ecosystem where the best clubs from every region have a genuine opportunity to compete on the national stage. The Super 16 Cup represents that ambition, bringing together excellence from across Guyana while inspiring stronger clubs, greater investment, and new
Western Tigers defeated Slingerz FC to win the GFF Super 16 Cup on New Year's Night of 2026.
Wednesday October 28, 2026 ARIES (Mar. 21–Apr. 19 Your time finally seems to be your own, Aries. There are probably no rush jobs to finish, no urgent phone calls to make, and no one looking over your shoulder. TAURUS (Apr. 20–May 20) A love relationship seems more stable than usual today, Taurus. The security wraps itself around you like a blanket as you consider the events leading up to this new sense of commitment. GEMINI (May 21–June 20) Today you may not feel much like working, and you might even decide to play hooky from your responsibilities If you have nothing urgent to do, consider indulging this whim. CANCER (June 21–July 22) A community issue may come up today concerning you and your neighbors, Cancer. Perhaps a meeting will be held. LEO (July 23–Aug. 22) A new opportunity could come your way today. There's no promise or guarantee, but there is an indication that if you devote yourself thoroughly, your chances of progress are pretty good over. VIRGO (Aug. 23–Sept. 22) Have you wanted to take a certain online course or workshop, Virgo? If so, this is a good day to consider all the details, make some phone calls, or enroll.
LIBRA (Sept. 23–Oct. 22) Decisions regarding investments, savings, or other financial matters might need attention today, Libra. Don't panic. You're in the right frame of mind for this.
SCORPIO (Oct. 23–Nov. 21) Have you and a friend been discussing the possibility of going into business together? If so, the two of you might want to have some serious discussions now about the nature of the business, how it should be structured. SAGIT (Nov. 22–Dec. 21) Don't be surprised if today you get your second wind. You're looking at your tasks in a practical manner, your interest in them is up, and you're able to accomplish them quickly and efficiently. CAPRI (Dec. 22–Jan. 19) Today you could complete a creative project that you've been working on for a while. You will be more than happy with the results and inspired to move. AQUARIUS (Jan. 20–Feb. 18) Things seem to be returning to normal after the hectic pace of late. Life has slowed down, and the energy is lower but more peaceful. PISCES (Feb. 19–Mar. 20) Have you been waiting for a letter or call from a business or romantic partner for a long time, Pisces? If so, you will probably receive it today.
pathways for emerging talent.” The competition kicks off on November 19, 2026, with 15 regional clubs competing in five groups of three. The five group winners will advance to the Round of 16, with qualification concluding on December 8. Beginning December 12, the knockout phase will feature ten GFF Elite League clubs, the Rupununi Football Association champion, and five regional qualifiers. The tournament culminates with the Grand Final on January 1, 2027. Over GYD$7 Million in Prizes and Incentives are up for grabs as the enhanced prize structure will see the Champions carting off with G$3,000,000, runners-up G$2,000,000, third place takes home G$1,000,000 while fourth Place will have to settle for G$500,000. The guaranteed team prize allocation totals G$7.3 million, comprising G$6.5 million in placement prizes and G$800,000 in incidental grants for the 16 finalists. Regional clubs will also receive transportation allowances, while individual awards will recognise the Most Valuable Player, Best Goalkeeper, and Highest Goal Scorer. The expanded tournament reinforces the GFF's commitment to regional development, competitive excellence, and strengthening the pathway between grassroots and elite football. One Cup, Sixteen Finalists, One Champion.
5th ISKF World... From page 24 competitor stood another important part of Team Guyana — the parents, guardians and supporters who travelled thousands of miles to stand behind the athletes throughout the tournament. When the 92-member delegation left Guyana, the question was simple: How would our karatekas respond when preparation met pressure on the world stage? Mérida provided the answer. Twenty-eight times, the Guyana flag made its way onto the medal podium. The medals will return home. But perhaps more importantly, so will the experience, confidence and knowledge gained from competing, coaching and officiating among some of the world's best. For ISKF-Guyana, the 5th World Shoto Cup is now part of its history. For the next generation watching at home, it may only be the beginning. (ISKF-Guyana Release)
Wednesday October 28, 2026
Kaieteur News
PAGE 24
5th ISKF World Shoto Cup Karate Tournament Team Guyana completes historic 28-medal haul in Mexico
T
he next update from Mexico would tell the story. And what a story Team Guyana has written. ISKF-Guyana concluded an outstanding campaign at the 5th ISKF World Shoto Cup Karate Tournament in Mérida, Mexico, capturing an impressive 28 medals — 6 Gold, 7 Silver and 15 Bronze — across individual and team competition. The performance capped months of preparation and three demanding days of international competition against Shotokan karate athletes from across the
world. Before the first medal was contested, the Guyanese delegation participated in two days of intensive international training seminars under Shihan Hiroyoshi Okazaki, Chairman and Chief Instructor of the International Shotokan Karate Federation. Then came competition and Guyana responded. Young Guns Set the Tone Guyana's Green and Purple Belt competitors opened the campaign on Friday, October 23 — and wasted little time putting the Golden Arrowhead on the
Guyana's was able to capture 6 Gold, 7 Silver and 15 Bronze medals podium. One of the standout performances came from Agnes Siju, who delivered a sensational double-Gold performance, winning both Kata and Kumite in the Female 14–15 division. The young trio of Katalina Carter, Arryann Sankar and Zenaide Marcus combined to capture Gold in Team Kata, while Carter added an individual Silver in Kata. Marcus secured two additional Bronze medals in individual Kata and Kumite. The medals continued through the teenage and adult divisions, with Jonathan Singh, Thalia Robinson and Geetanjali Ramnarace each securing Bronze medals in both Kata and Kumite. By the end of Day One, Guyana had announced its presence. Brown Belts Keep the Momentum Going Saturday belonged to the Brown Belts, and the medals continued. Myla Babb-Romney delivered Guyana's Goldmedal performance for the day with victory in Female 12–13 Kumite. Jadah Barnwell captured Silver in Kumite, while Shacquel Jerry produced a two-medal performance with Silver in Kata and Bronze in Kumite. Miah Sampson also doubled up with Bronze medals in both Kata and Kumite, while Kempton Carter battled his way to Bronze in Kumite. The stage was now set for the final day. Black Belts Take Centre Stage
On Sunday, October 25, Guyana's Black Belts stepped onto the floor against some of the tournament's highest-level competitors. Again, the Golden Arrowhead found the podium. Malakai Babb-Romney captured Gold in Male 14–15 Kumite, while Amario Tyrrell secured Silver in Male 12–13 Kumite. Trivena Tyrrell produced another two-medal performance, taking Silver in Kata and Bronze in Kumite, while Jasmin Dalgetty claimed Bronze in Kata and Silver in Kumite. Kelly Carter added another Silver medal for Guyana in Female 15–17 Kumite. Guyana also enjoyed significant success in Team Kata. The combination of Malakai Babb-Romney, Emily Ibbott and Jasmin Dalgetty captured Gold in the Mixed Male/Female 12–14 Team Kata division. Meanwhile, Jaden Dalgetty, Jonathan Yong and Kelly Carter secured Bronze in the Mixed Male/Female 15–17 Team Kata division. Guyana's presence at the World Shoto Cup extended beyond competition; Sensei Christopher Chaves, Alex Rodrigues and Storm Katchay were afforded the honour of serving as judges d u r i n g t h e Wo r l d To u r n a m e n t , g a i n i n g valuable international officiating experience that can now be transferred into the continued development of tournament standards in Guyana. For ISKF-Guyana, this represents another important
step in developing not only internationally competitive athletes, but also coaches, instructors and officials capable of operating at the highest levels of traditional Shotokan karate. At the centre of the campaign was Sensei Christopher Chaves, Country Director and Chief Instructor of ISKF-Guyana and Head of Delegation, whose leadership guided the team's preparation and participation in Mexico. ISKF-Guyana also recognizes the tremendous contribution of its instructors and coaches — Alex Rodrigues, Kristian Chaves, Kristalia Chaves, Shermon Best, Brandon Yong, Storm Katchay, Jessica Callender, Justin Sampson and Feonia Yong — whose countless hours of preparation helped ready the athletes for the world stage. Special appreciation is also extended to Stephanie Kerry for administrative coordination, Tammy Ibbott for assistance with travel documentation, Nisha Jose for medical support, and Marlon George and Ieda Harrison for their work alongside Sensei Chaves in coordinating the delegation's logistics, accommodation and tournament requirements. ISKF-Guyana further acknowledges the invaluable support of the Government of Guyana through the Ministry of Culture, Youth and Sport and the National Sports Commission, whose financial assistance c o n t r i b u t e d t o Te a m Guyana's participation in Mexico. And behind every (Continued on page 23)
Wednesday October 28, 2026 Monday June 15, 2026
Kaieteur News
Chase: We want newbies to approach Bangladesh conditions with open mind (Cricinfo) - West Indies will allow their first-timers in Bangladesh to figure out their own path in the two-match Test series starting on Wednesday. The visitors have only five players in the current squad who have played Test cricket in Bangladesh previously. Joshua Da Silva, John Campbell, Jomel Warrican and Kemar Roach are the other players who have toured Bangladesh for Tests in the last eight years. "We just tell them to play what they see," captain Roston Chase said. "We don't want them to come into the game with any preconceived mindset as to if a pitch is going to spin, if it's going to seam, whatever it's going to do. We just want them to come with a clear and open mind to do whatever is needed of them at any given time to succeed. We don't want to get too far ahead of ourselves in terms of thinking what the wicket is going to do. We just want to play every ball on merit. "I wouldn't say we're going to go with any specific style. I just think each individual player has their own style and their own strengths and weaknesses. And I just think that the way how we'll play will be dictated by the conditions and by the scoreboard and the
situation of the game." Chase said that he has had a close look at the pitch at the Shere Bangla National Stadium, the venue for the first Test. He expects the conditions to favour spin though there has been chatter in Bangladesh about playing on sporting pitches in Dhaka and Sylhet, where Pakistan recently lost 2-0 on pitches that had pace and bounce, but offered turn later in the game. "I still think they're going to probably shave down some grass or have a little more preparation," Chase said. "But the thing about a wicket, both sides have to play on it. It's not a wicket where one side gets to do something and the next team doesn't get to do it. You still have four innings of cricket, so whoever adapts and adjusts the best on the wicket, I think will come out victorious. "Obviously with the grass you would think that it may be more spin friendly, but looking at it, it still looks a bit dry underneath. And it's Bangladesh. It is really known for mainly spin, so we think that it will get some spin also." We s t I n d i e s a r e i n Bangladesh without their inform batter Shai Hope, who was rested after his heroics in India, where he struck four
centuries in ODIs and T20Is. "He's going to be a big miss for us having Shai Hope out, but he's been playing a lot of cricket," Chase said. "Obviously he's the captain of both white-ball formats, he's been in great form, but he's not here, so that's something that we can't worry about. We have to worry with the 15 guys that we have in the squad and just try to go out there and give our best of ourselves in the batting department." Chase also backs West Indies' batting to come good. "I think as a batting unit, we've been able to put some big first innings scores, over 300 runs in the first innings," he said. "And I think that adds a lot of pressure to the other team. "But I just think if we can consistently do it not only in the first innings but in the second innings, if we can get a decent total in the second innings with the bowling line-up that we have, I think we'll be challenging teams and winning more games." Chase was also pleased with the camaraderie in the Test side. "The guys are playing for each other, the camaraderie is good," Chase said. "I think the Test team is more of a family-based team because obviously it's more over five days and the Test
team spends a bit more time together than most of the other teams. I think this team is probably the best gelling team that we have right now in terms of the three formats."
PAGE 25
Roston Chase has toured Bangladesh in the past (CWI)
Kaieteur News
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Wednesday October 28, 2026
North Soesdyke to compete in SVG International Masters Independence Cup North Soesdyke Masters
East Bank powerhouse North Soesdyke Masters will represent Guyana at the SVG International Masters 2026 Independence Cup in St. Vincent and the Grenadines. The Over-40 tournament is scheduled to be played from October 24 to November 1, and will feature veteran teams from across the region.The Masters side heads into the tournament with confidence after North Soesdyke Legends captured the Pure Gold Grenada Cup in April.Captain Eyaaz Mohamed said his team is well prepared for the challenge. "My players have been involved in competitive cricket over the past few weeks and are raring to go," Mohamed said. He added that he is confident the team will once again be successful on the international stage.North Soesdyke Masters will open their campaign against St. Lucia Veterans at Park Hill on October 26. They will then face Mustique Company Masters on October 27, North East Masters on October 28, and RSVG Police Masters on October 29.The top four teams at the end of the preliminary round will advance to the semi-finals. The champions will take home a trophy and US$5,000. Squad: Eyaaz Mohamed (Captain), Sudesh Persaud, Elroy Fernandez, Kieth Fraser, Ucil Armstrong, David Dick, Delroy Hicks, Ramesh Thukur, Prahalal Singh, Ronald Jaisingh, Beshaam Seepersaud and Christian France. The manager is Raymond Reece.
Elliot Vieira breaks 10-year hiatus with return to Guyanese motorsport
IMC Over-40's World Cup...
Chattergoon (158) steers Windies to whopping 377-run win over Colombia I
t was another ultra-dominant showing by the veteran West Indies men, who surged to a humongous 377-run win over Colombia yesterday at Albion, courtesy of some fine batting led by Sewnarine Chattergoon's historic 1158, coupled with a string of halfcentury contributions from a few of their in-form players. The innings was anchored by a spectacular century from the home turf boy Chattergoon, who blasted 158 runs off just 101 balls, featuring 14 fours and 3 sixes before retiring hurt, adding to his string of fifties from the previous games as he provided some legendary entertainment in his backyard. The batting lineup sustained relentless pressure with explosive contributions down the order as another in-form batter, Randy Thomas, helped set the mammoth platform with
Windies middle-order star Jason Mohamed walks back to the dressing room following another pinch-hitting expo
a well-played 92. Fresh off a scorching 150 knock on Sunday against Wales, former Windies ODI star Jason Mohamed tore through the bowling with another blistering innings, this time a brisk 81 off only 39 deliveries (9x4, 3x6). All-rounder Imran Khan provided a late-innings surge by striking a lightning-fast 50 off 19 balls with 7 sixes and 4 fours, combined with 38 extras and smaller contributions from ex-ODI middle-order batter Guyanese Narsingh Deonarine (23), and the West Indies Masters would rack up an imposing 452-4 off their 45 overs. Colombia's disastrous collapse went from an early 1-1 in the first over to being bowled out for a pitiful 75 runs in 22.4 overs. With clinical performances from former Windies Test/Guyana spinner Devendra Bishoo (3-17 runs in 4.4
overs) and Guyana all-rounder Trevor Benn (2-4), a seasoned West Indies bowling attack methodically destroyed the opposition. The visitors suffered a major batting collapse, with most of the top order crumbling for single digits a g a i n s t f o r m e r We s t I n d i e s international players like Bishoo and regional veterans like Benn. Abhas Srivastava stood out as the lone warrior for the Colombian side, anchoring the innings with a resilient 41 runs off 57 balls, accounting for more than half of his team's entire total. Meanwhile, over at Everest Ground, defending champs South Africa whipped Namibia by 252 runs, while Australia beat Wales by 5 wickets during their encounter at the Guyana National Stadium, Providence. (Clifton Ross)
GEORGETOWN, Guyana, October 27, 2026 Elliot Vieira, one of Guyana's recognised motorcycle racing names, will return to local competition this weekend after a 10-year absence, adding further interest to the Caribbean Clash of Champions, the marquee circuit racing event hosted by the Guyana Motor Racing and Sports Club (GMR&SC). The son of Wayne Vieira and cousin of multiple-time champion Matthew Vieira, Elliot is preparing to renew his presence on the local circuit, where he will face a competitive field of riders. Vieira said he was pleased with the progress made in Guyanese motorsport during his time away, particularly the improvements in racing standards and facilities. “It's been 10 years since I raced in Guyana, and I'm glad to see that the level of racing and the venue have come so far from what they once were. Racing against such high-calibre riders is a great high for our sport because we can only improve from there,” he said. The returning rider explained that his preparations have focused on regaining race fitness and adapting to his new motorcycle, having last competed about 18 months ago.
He said the decision to return to competition came late, leaving him with limited time to prepare for the event. Despite the challenges, Vieira is encouraged by his progress during testing and believes he can be competitive when racing gets underway on Sunday. “I'm happy to say the transition was not too challenging, and we are doing great times. We should be very competitive come this Sunday once everything comes together,” he said. Vieira is also hoping to make his return memorable for spectators while providing a strong challenge to his fellow competitors. “So come Sunday, I hope to give the fans a great show and my competitors a greater challenge,” he added. Meanwhile, Participants can Register using this link: https://docs.google.com/f orms/d/e/1FAIpQLSdortvOv fhFBk1v8MfMP8opcttw_ed 6_F1KooDwK83eLAboA/viewform?usp=send_for m. Admission is set at G$5,000 for adults and G$2,000 for children, with the event being supported by the Ministry of Culture, Youth and Sport, One Guyana, ENet, KFC, GuyOil and Tropical shipping, among other partners.
Kaieteur News
Wednesday October 28, 2026
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Mars crowned inaugural Pegasus Weekly …Sandiford finishes second, Chess League Champion Oyeyipo completes podium The Pegasus Weekly Chess League has crowned its first-ever champion, with Davion Mars securing the historic title following the successful conclusion of its inaugural season on Monday, October 26, 2026, at the Pegasus Hotel. Mars established himself as the competition's d o m i n a n t p e r f o r m e r, securing the championship in Round 6 after building an unassailable 1.5-point lead over the chasing field. He concluded the seven-round season with six points, becoming the first player to hold the title of Pegasus Weekly Chess League Champion.Although the championship had already been decided, the final round was far from a formality. Three players entered the evening locked in a battle for the remaining podium positions, setting the stage for an exciting conclusion to the season. Chess coaches Keron Sandiford and Oluwadare Oyeyipo, along with Jaden Taylor, were tied on four points heading into Round 7, with second and third places
still to be determined. Sandiford faced Martin Poon, while Oyeyipo was paired against Taylor in a direct confrontation between two podium contenders. Sandiford secures second place Sandiford delivered a commanding performance against Poon, demonstrating strong preparation and positional understanding. Drawing on his experience competing at the Chess Olympiad, Sandiford outplayed his opponent to secure a crucial victory, bringing his final tally to five points. However, his finishing position would depend on the outcome of the encounter between Oyeyipo and Taylor. Oyeyipo and Taylor Produce Final-Round Drama The most dramatic encounter of the evening unfolded between Oyeyipo and Taylor, with both players aware that victory could determine their place on the podium.Oyeyipo emerged from the opening with a significant advantage,
Davion Mars capitalising on a seemingly quiet pawn recapture that created a tactical pin. By move 14, his position had reached an estimated evaluation of +5, reflecting a substantial advantage. The tactical sequence allowed Oyeyipo to collect several pawns before losing a bishop and appearing to lose control. Oyeyipo, however, refused to surrender. The momentum shifted again when Taylor made a critical miscalculation, allowing Oyeyipo to recover the bishop he had previously
lost. With the additional piece restored and a substantial pawn majority remaining, Oyeyipo converted his advantage into a winning position.Taylor eventually resigned on move 35, bringing an end to one of the final round's most eventful games.The victory moved Oyeyipo to five points, level with Sandiford. Following the application of the tournament's tiebreak system, Sandiford secured second place, while Oyeyipo claimed third. Inaugural Season's Champion Mars's championship victory marks the first major individual milestone in the League's history. His six-point finish placed him ahead of Sandiford and Oyeyipo, who completed the podium with five points each. Young chess player Sachin Beharry was also recognised as the League's Best Newcomer, adding another distinction to the inaugural season. With its inaugural season completed, the Pegasus
Kellogg's named title sponsor of 2026 National Senior Indoor Hockey Championships
Chess enthusiasts can follow Drayton's Chess Club on Facebook for tournament updates, results and roundby-round coverage. The Pegasus Weekly Chess League is organised by Drayton's Chess Club, in partnership with the Pegasus Chess Club and the Guyana Chess Federation.
Fireside Grill backs seventh Annual Republic Bank Football League
Fireside's Floor Manager, Shanaka Reid (left) handing over sponsorship to Petra's Co-Director Troy Mendonca during yesterday's ceremony
Several top clubs are set to battle for national title across the Men's division
Six days of fast-paced indoor hockey will take over the Cliff Anderson Sports Hall as Kellogg's team up the Guyana Hockey Board as title sponsor of the 2026 National Senior Indoor Hockey Championships. The Kellogg's National Senior Indoor Hockey Championships will run from November 3-8, bringing club teams together in the Women's, Men's and Over-40 Mixed divisions. National titles and club pride will be at stake throughout the competition. Building on its support for school
Weekly Chess League is preparing to return for Season 2 on Monday, November 2, 2026. The competition will continue its weekly Monday evening format at the Pegasus Hotel, providing players with regular opportunities for structured competitive chess.
hockey, Kellogg's is extending its commitment to the senior club game, giving players across generations the opportunity to showcase their skills and compete for national honours. This year's men's competition will introduce Premier and Open divisions. Each club's top team will compete in the Premier Division, raising the level of local competition as teams prepare for the upcoming DMW International Indoor Hockey Festival. The Open Division will offer additional club teams the chance to
compete for a national title. During the launch, the Guyana Hockey Board thanked Kellogg's for its investment in local hockey, saying the support strengthens the sport from school programmes through to senior competition and helps keep generations of players involved. Supporters are encouraged to wear their club colours and enjoy six days of skill, speed and spirited rivalry. Matches begin at 5:00 p.m. Tuesday through Friday and at 12 noon on Saturday and Sunday.
Fireside Grill has become the latest sponsor of the seventh Annual Republic Bank Under-18 Football League, extending its support at a presentation held yesterday at the business's Garnett Street location. Business owner Simeon Francis has supported the tournament for several years. At the brief ceremony, held ahead of the competition's third-round fixture, Fireside Grill Floor Manager Shanaka presented a sponsorship cheque to Petra Co-Director Troy Mendonca. Mendonca thanked Francis and his team, noting that Fireside Grill and Chill had supported the tournament over the years, to the tune of helping promote our matches through his programmes. “On behalf of Petra, I want to express sincere thanks to Fireside Grilland Chill for the support bestowed to us,” Mendonca said. He described the league as highly competitive, with no clear favourite. According to him, “Three schools are currently on four points, while the remaining sides are close behind. The tournament features eight schools and is scheduled to include seven rounds of competition. “We anticipate another exciting five rounds of football, starting from this Sunday when we host our third-round matches,” Mendonca said, adding that Fireside had recognized Petra's work and continued to support its programmes.Republic Bank Limited is the tournament's main sponsor. Other supporters include Guyana Beverage Inc., through its Busta brand, Yellow Steel Inc. and MVP Sports.The tournament continues on Sunday, November 1, at the Ministry of Education ground.
Elliot Vieira breaks 10-year hiatus with return to Guyanese motorsport Elliot Vieira is encouraged by his progress during testing and believes he can be competitive on Sunday (Damian Pereira Photography)
Elliot Vieira
Kellogg's named title sponsor s t r o Sp of 2026 National Senior Indoor Hockey Championships
WI Masters opener Sewnarine Chattergoon blessed his home turf of Albion with a legendary knock yesterday
IMC Over-40's World Cup...
Chattergoon (158) steers Windies to whopping 377-run win over Colombia
Some of the biggest names in Women's Hockey are ready to compete in Kellogg's Indoor Championship from Nov 3-8
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