Kaieteur News

Pres. Ali complains to

Venezuela’s aggression

Woman sexually assaulted lives in fear

...asallegedperpetrator continuesharassment

Inwakeofdeadlyblasts…Massy trade-in campaign pushes regulator

President IrfaanAli on Tuesday evening attended a meet and greet with the Guyanese Diaspora in NewYork at Russo on the Bay in Queens.

“They are giving away our patrimony” - Patterson on approval of 7th project without additional revenue

While the A Partnership for National Unity and Alliance For Change (APNU/AFC)Coalitionwas accused of “selling out” the nation's patrimony in the lopsided deal with ExxonMobil and partners,

the ruling People's Progressive Party (PPP) government is now being blazed for “giving away” Guyana'swealth.

Former Minister and MemberofParliament(MP), David Patterson in an interview with Kaieteur N e w s b l a s t e d t h e administration for handing ExxonMobil another license toproduceoilintheStabroek Block, without seeking additional fiscal benefits for thecountry

OnMonday,government signalled a greenlight to ExxonMobil for its Hammerhead project, a s e v e n t h o f f s h o r e developmentintheStabroek Block.

Patterson believes that while the approval is being celebrated, the government has essentially given away the nation's resources to the American oil giant, by failing to secure any additionalrevenue.

According to him, “While the government will be celebrating the approval of the seventh development, inrealitywhattheyaredoing is giving away our

FormerMP, David Patterson

patrimonywithnoadditional fiscal benefits to the country.”

The Chairman of the Alliance For Change (AFC) waskeentonotethatGuyana is no longer an emerging market, with four Floating Production Storage and Offloading vessels (FPSOs) inoperation,almostsixyears afterfirstoil.

He told this publication, “The conditions that prevailed in approving that first FPSO no longer exist –this and all other future developments should be renegotiated to ensure greater benefits and safeguardstothecitizens.”

P a t t e r s o n w h o previously shadowed the Minister of Natural Resources,intheOpposition benches of the National Assembly,arguedthatatime must come where citizens say to Exxon and the GoG

“enoughisenough.”

“They (Exxon) are making a lot of profit. The country is making a lot of money, but we are not receivingit,”hestated.With the startup of its fourth project- Yellowtail- in August this year, Exxon is set to produce 900,000 barrelsofoilperday(bpd). Meanwhile, shifting his a t t e n t i o n t o t h e environmental aspect of the offshore oil and gas operations, Patterson mocked that the seventh project will proceed along the “traditional lane” where the Environmental Impact Assessment (EIA) approves a specific rate of production

whichwilllaterbeexceeded byExxon.

Tothisend,henoted,“It makes a sham of the whole EIA You doing public consultation that you're going for 250,000 barrels, but then within 6 months, you've exceeded that nameplate capacity. Of

c o u r s e , t h e f i e l d development document not even available. So, it's just simplyacontinuationofthis stewardship.”

The former MP added that while Guyanese are happyforthecontinuationof oil production, the fact r e m a i n s t h a t k e y environmental safeguards continue to be trampled on whilegovernmentallowsthe multinational oil giant to reapthehogofthiscountry's resources.

'Soldourpatrimony'

A passionate and almost angry Bharrat Jagdeo while functioning as Leader of the Opposition, under the APNU/AFC tenure in office saidtheCoalition“sold”the country to “foreigners” because the administration

failed to include ringfencing to shore up profits from the 2016 Production Sharing Agreement (PSA) with ExxonMobil and partners.

“They sold us out to the foreigners The oil companies, every time there isafindoutthere,ourpeople should be sad because nothing comes our way We are gonna renegotiate those contracts because that's not what we had in mind,” Jagdeosaid.

He added, “When we were in the early days, we were coaxing the people (ExxonMobil) to go along. They (Coalition) came into office – three billion barrels of proven reserves and they gave up zero royalties, no taxes,noring-fencing.”

TheGeneralSecretaryof the PPP and chief policymaker for the oil and gas sector has now changed hisstanceontheseissues.In fact, President Irfaan Ali made it clear that he has no interest in writing Exxon to renegotiate the lopsided Production Sharing

Agreement(PSA),signedby thepreviousadministration.

Stakeholders have arguedthatduetothedrastic changes in the Stabroek Block, Guyana would be well within its right as a sovereign nation to demand greater benefits for its resources. In 2016 when the agreementwithExxonMobil and its partners were made, the country's oil reserves stood at a just three billion barrels. Today the Stabroek Block is estimated to hold more than 11 6 billion barrelsofoil.

This means that the reserves have almost quadrupled while the country continues to receive a thin slice of the pie, with the oil companies enjoying over 85% of the revenue generated each month According to the 2016 PSA, Exxoncandeductupto75% of Guyana's oil monthly to cover its expenses The remaining 25% is split with Guyana equally as profits, with the country earning an additional 2% from the contractor'sshareasroyalty

KaieteurNews

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

Publisher:GLENNLALL-Tel:624-6456

Editor-in-Chief:NigelWilliams

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

EDITORIAL

Thehypertensioncrisis

Itisawell-knownfactthatthewell-beingofanation

is tied to the health of its people. When large swathes of a population grapple with chronic illness,thetollonproductivity,socialwelfare,andnational developmentisincalculable.Regrettably,Guyanaisinthe midst of such a crisis, as noncommunicable diseases (NCDs)particularlyhypertension,obesity,anddiabetesare ofgrowingconcerns.

O nTuesdaytheWorldHealthOrganisationunveiledits second Global Hypertension Report, revealing that 1.4 billionpeoplewerelivingwithhighbloodpressurein2024, yetonlyaboutoneinfivehavetheconditionundercontrol.

T he report underscores the urgency: uncontrolled hypertension is a major driver of heart attacks, strokes, kidney disease, and dementia. In low-income countries, only28%reportthatallWHO-recommendedhypertension medicines are reliably available at pharmacies or primary care facilities. These global findings must not remain abstract for us; they should galvanise concrete action. In Guyana, we already know that cardiovascular disease is a leadingcauseofdeath,andhypertensionoccupiesacentral placeamongourriskfactors.

A sstatedbyDr TedrosAdhanomGhebreyesus,WHO Director-General during the launch of the report: "Every hour, over 1000 lives are lost to strokes and heart attacks from high blood pressure, and most of these deaths are preventable." He said that countries have the tools to change this narrative With political will, ongoing investment,andreformstoembedhypertensioncontrolin healthservices,wecansavemillionsandensureuniversal healthcoverageforall."

E arlier this year, PAHO/WHO joined Guyana's MinistryofHealthinmarkingWorldHypertensionDayand renewing the call for urgent prevention, detection, and control efforts. Let us take these warnings seriously The burdenofhypertensioncanbedramaticallyreduced—but only if both the authorities and every citizen commit to change.Forcitizens:gettingscreenedandofteniscritical. Hypertensioniswidelyknownasthe“silentkiller”because it often shows no symptoms until irreparable damage is done as such early detection is vital. Adopting hearthealthyhabitsbyreducingsaltintake,eatinglessprocessed foodsisalsocrucial.

T he authorities must also ensure access to essential medicines and diagnostics. The WHO report warns that many low-income countries do not reliably stock hypertension drugs or basic diagnostics. Guyana must prioritise making essential antihypertensive medications and validated blood pressure devices widely available in primary care settings. Government must also scale up its public education and awareness campaigns, utilising the media, schools, workplaces, and community outreach to promote awareness of hypertension and preventive lifestyles.

T he WHO's latest data is no doubt a stark reminder: millions of preventable deaths globally are tied to hypertension,andtheeconomicburdenisstaggering. Here in Guyana, where hypertension already looms large, we cannot afford complacency We call on every Guyanese, young and old, urban and rural to take personal responsibility And we call on our leaders, health administrators, and policymakers to match that resolve with decisive, systematic action. Let this be the moment when Guyana redoubles its commitment to health, when preventionisnolongerawhisperbutthecenterpieceofour nationalagenda.Thelivessaved,thehealthpreserved,and the prosperity secured will make this a legacy we can all share.

Guyana Flag on the Floor

DearEditor, I refer to a Kaieteur News article in which Guyanese were informed of

Government of Guyana of the seventh oil extraction operation by ExxonMobil

https://kaieteurnewsonline.c

hammerhead-project/).

One of the depressing elementsofthisinformation is the picture showing the executivesofEMGLandthe Min

Resources all satisfied with their achievement; while the Guyana flag is dragging on the floor, with shoes almost trampling the green in the flag. See the picturebelow.

Mister Minister, please end the contempt and disrespect displayed for our National Flag, an important symbol of our Nation. You must do better, Mister Minister

Sincerely,

Dr C.KenrickHunte

Professor and Former Ambassador

The real issue is not the CRC, but the nature of constitution reform itself

DearEditor,

TheConstitutionReform Commission (CRC) has been criticised for underperformance. I am a member of the CRC, representing APNU, but I respond here on my own behalf as a citizen. In my view, while several criticismshavemerit,others havebeenmisdirectedorare too narrow in focus I therefore attempt here to redirect and widen the discussion on this critical nationalmatter

Firstly, I think we must distinguish between the Constitution Reform Commissionandthecontent and process of constitution reform itself On constitution reform itself, the nation has somehow adoptedthepracticethatthis reform must be conducted through a time-bound project to systematically review the entire constitution from cover to cover We must undertake thisreform,itseems,evenif there exist no or a few substantial legal, social, economic, and political conditions compelling such acompleteoverhaul.But,as the GHRA correctly points out in its recent media release, this is not what we intended as the follow-up to the first CRC project in 1999/2000. Back then, we envisaged that henceforth constitutional reform would be a continuous process of problem identification and fixing. Article 119A of the constitution therefore mandated the National Assembly to establish a

Parliamentary Standing C o m m i t t e e f o r Constitutional Reform “for the purpose of continually reviewing the effectiveness of the working of the constitution and making periodic reports thereon to the NationalAssembly with proposals for reform as necessary.” Of course, the assumptionherewasthatall the 1999/2000 amendments would be faithfully and promptly implemented to allow such a performance review – an assumption that did not fare well. Even so, the Standing Committee remained inactive for most ofitsexistence.

In the circumstances, with the Article 119A process in abeyance, our political parties chose to fulfill their election promises on constitution reform by restaging the 1999/2000 constitution reform project. There are several jeopardies with this all-at-once approach For instance,asthememoriesof the post-1997 election disturbances fade from the national consciousness, this approach has become more politicallyarduous–moreso since it involves the requirement that nothing is agreed until all is agreed. Building on these reasons, we can make the case to activate the Article 119A parliamentary process and deploy it to resolve the less controversial constitutional changes These lowerhanging fruits should be picked while the CRC, howevercomposed,wrestles with the more daunting task

ofseekingtotalunanimityon the entire document. In all this,letusheedtheadviceof thelateBrynmorPollardthat the primacy of the constitution as the supreme law should not be undermined by frequent changes.

Secondly, it is a mistake

to compare today's constitution reform process with that of 1999/2000, as their underlying subjective and objective social and political conditions differ drastically The 1999/2000 process was triggered and conductedatatimewhenthe nation was on the verge of implosion Then, our nation's continued existence depended on finding satisfactory resolutions on election integrity, racial discrimination, equality of opportunity, economic marginalisation, and political inclusion The 1999/2000 process thus benefitted from the urgency of that existential crisis and from the resulting strong national consensus on what neededtobefixed. Noneof that dynamic drives constitutionreformtoday

The nation must therefore ask itself several questions, such as: what outcomes do we want from this constitution reform process? A better legal document, devoid of ambiguities and vagueness?

A better society, with more justiceandequality?Abetter political system, with true inclusionary democracy? Enforceable economic rights, given our new oil wealth? Where is the

debate? Where is the persistent advocacy? Here, we must also note that each commissioner on the CRC represents his or her organisation as a delegate (reflecting the views of the organisation)ratherthanasa trustee (using their personal judgment to decide on their own). What and how much have those organisations been saying about the reformstheywishtosee?

Thirdly, and still focusing on constitution reform itself, the nation has failed to reconcile the dissonance where we have one of the most advanced constitutions in the region (as observed by the former CCJ President) yet have not benefittedsignificantlyfrom it. From the constitution commissions to the Parliamentary Sectoral Committees, to the restructured local government system, to the empowerment of women and Indigenous Peoples, to our human rights, what positive changes have the previous reforms delivered in the lives of citizens? We must not duck the fact that weareembarkingonanother roundofconstitutionreform when much of the previous round remains inactivated, disregarded, minimised, or forgotten. How serious can webe?

Let us instead clamour for a comprehensive review o f t h e 1 9 9 9 / 2 0 0 0 amendments. Such a review is in keeping with the spirit and intent of Article 119A. APNUhastabledsucha (Continuedonpage5)

Call for Independent Local Content Reporting

DearEditor,

I welcome ExxonMobil Guyana's reporting on its local content performance, including the disclosure of

vendor spending and Guyanese employment figures. These numbers add value to the national discussion on how our oil

and gas industry is unfolding.ButtheGuyanese people must be clear: the Local Content Act does not entrust the measurement of successtoExxonMobil.The law established the Local Content Secretariat with the

power to audit, verify, and publish official reports, and it requires the Minister of Natural Resources to account to the National A s s e m b l y T h e s e institutions, not corporate press releases, are the guardians of transparency and accountability in our oil

sector ExxonMobil's disclosures should therefore supplement, not substitute, government's independent accounting. I call on the Minister and the Secretariat topublishverifiedfigureson G u y a n

participation, workforce composition, training hours, and overall expenditure Only through independent government reporting can thepublicbeassuredthatthe benefits claimed are real, measurable,andinlinewith thespiritofthelaw

Ouroilwealthbelongsto the Guyanese people. We mustinsistthatitisGuyana's owninstitutions,notforeign operators, that grade our progress under the Local ContentAct.

Regards

SherodDuncan

The real issue is not the CRC, but...

Frompage4 proposal within the CRC.A reviewwouldbeofimmense educationalvaluebutwould also help to determine whether, say, the deficient performance of the ERC or PPC is due to inadequate constitutional design or its failure to fulfil most of its existing constitutional functions.

Ifwenowshiftthefocus to the current CRC itself, I agree with Chairman Carl Singhthatitsworkhasbeen severely handicapped by sporadic attendance, with many meetings called off because of a lack of a quorum As I indicated above, commissioners represent organisations, not themselves So, I would advise that complaints be d i r e c t e d t o t h e i r organisations. As the PPP will continue to have (and influence) the largest number of commissioners

(and with its own commissioners all being ministers),thatconversation about attendance and commitment should start there. But all organisations needtoaccountandsetup.

As regards resignations especially of those from political parties, the CRC Act 2022 (just like the 1999 CRC Act) allocates seats directly to parliamentary parties and not to the government or to the Opposition.

TheGHRAcriticisesthis asbadlegaldrafting.Ibegto differ The CRC is, rightly so, a body of political and other national stakeholders, eachgiventherighttospeak on its own behalf on this important national matter The Act correctly considers political parties in their own rights as stakeholders representing their own positions.

Any commissioner who

resignsthereforecanonlybe replaced by the entity that nominated him or her. As Chairman Carl Singh has already advised, the legislation will have to be amended to accommodate the new parliamentary configuration.

In conclusion, to focus criticismsonlyontheCRCis to distract from the larger i

conf

n

ng constitution reform today, issue

s

ch as the implementation status and impact of the previous reformsandthegoalswe,as a nation, want to achieve in reforming the reformed constitution.

Sincerely

SherwoodLowe

Dangerous lighting, sand on roads, and bus stop abuse - Time to enforce the law

Dear Editor, I write to highlight three growing threats to road safety and public order on the East Bank, particularly aroundGreatDiamond.

First, too many drivers are using extra-bright “fog lamps” or coloured front lights at night instead of proper headlamps, often blinding oncoming drivers.

Guyana's Motor Vehicles

a n d R o a d Tr a ff i c Regulations require that every vehicle during the hoursofdarknessmustshow twowhitefrontlampsvisible from a reasonable distance—notblue,green,or other colours, and not fog lamps substituting for headlamps Police have repeatedly charged drivers for illegal lights and unlighted vehicles, yet the problem persists and endangerslives.

Second, construction materials sand, stone, blocks are routinely dumpedontheroadwayand road reserves, sometimes blockingentirelanes.Under the Roads Act, road obstructions are unlawful and may be removed. The

Ministry has previously run national campaigns to clear encumbrances; it is time to reinforce and sustain enforcement so that pedestrians, cyclists, and motoristsarenotforcedinto dangerousmanoeuvres.

Third, taxis and private cars are stopping and parking in the recessed bus stop bay at Great Diamond, preventingbusesfromsafely pulling in and forcing passengers to board and disembarkinlivetraffic.Bus stop bays are no-parking zonesunderthetrafficrules; ticketing and consistent enforcement here will save time, reduce chaos, and preventinjury

These are not cosmetic issues. Dazzling lights can be the difference between life and death at closing speed. Obstructions on the carriageway create blind spots and collisions. Busbay blockage throws

passengers into harm's way andsnarlstraffic.

I respectfully call on the Guyana Police Force, the Ministry of Public Works, andlocalauthoritiesto:

1. Stepupthe“whitelight” enforcement—ticket illegal coloured/over-bright lamps and vehicles running fog lights in place of headlamps;

2. R e m o v e a n d p e n a l i s e r o a d w a y obstructions (sand, stone, equipment) and keep road reservesclear;

3. Enforceno-parking at bus stop bays on the East Bank, especially Great Diamond, with visible signageandregularpatrols.

Roadsafetyiseveryone's business, but it begins with clear rules and consistent enforcement.

Sincerely, SurajNazir Manager / Concerned Citizen

‘Constitutional make-up of GECOM’

outdated - Hinds

Co-leaderoftheWorking People'sAlliance (WPA), Dr DavidHindssaidWednesday that the current make-up of the Guyana's Elections Commission (GECOM) as enshrinedintheconstitution, may have very well outlived its usefulness Hinds, speakingattheparty'sweekly press conference, made the comments on the heels of post-election controversies, oneofthembeing,whoreally shouldsitontheoppositionof theGECOM,nowthatanew party will become the new opposition He said the situation warrants immediate constitutionalchanges

“No constitution could adequately anticipate sharp changesinelectoralbehavior and their impact on institutions In fact, the very make-up of GECOM as enshrined in the constitution may have outlived its usefulness,”hestressed

The way the 2025 electionswereconductedand the outcome of the recent elections, as well as the aftermath, raises once again the issue of constitutional reform

“It has been twenty-five years since Guyana had its lastmeaningfulconstitutional reform exercise Since that

th ...wants 13 parliament to urgently activate Constitutional Reform Committee

timetherehavebeencallsfor another look at the rules and lawsthatgovernourcountry, especially in the areas of governanceandelection,”Dr Hinds said The politician noted that both major parties have paid lip service to the issue as neither has made a movewithasenseofpurpose to ensure the much-needed reform In addition, the

commission in the last years of the previous term of government, in his eyes, turnedouttobenothingmore thananelectiongimmick

He highlighted that the

Ali, Rubio discuss transnational crimes, narco-terrorism

President Irfaan Ali on Tuesday held discussions withUnitedStatesSecretary of State, Marco Rubio, reaff

c partnership to advance regionalsecurityandsupport efforts in the fight against narco-terrorism and transnationalcrimes.

TheofficialsmetinNew York, on the sidelines of the 80th United Nations highlevelweek. Thedepartment of state said in a release, “They reaffirmed the strong partnership between both of our nations, highlighting ongoing cooperation to strengthen security, expand economic opportunity, and bolsterregionalstability.”

It was also noted that S e c r e t a r y R u b i o congratulated President Ali on his reelection and emphasised the importance of continued joint security andeconomiccollaboration.

It was disclosed that RubiocommendedGuyana's support of a UN Support Office for Haiti and for backingtheestablishmentof a new Gang Suppression ForceproposedbytheUS. In a Facebook post, President Ali said that the meeting also saw an exchangeofviewsonissues facing the hemisphere, including the situations in HaitiandCuba.“TheUnited States remain an important trade ally for Guyana. Both sides recognise the need to work closely to realise the fullbenefitsofbilateraltrade relations Discussion also examined progress on the

ongoing bilateral trade talks and the efforts aimed at ensuring a mu

ually beneficial agreement is reached GuyanaandtheUSA are also committed to continuingclosecoordination atvariousmultilateralforato address many global challenges,”hesaid.Further, Rubio reaffirmed support for Guyana's territorial integrity and further underscored the US' commitment to deepeningcollaborationwith the Guyana Defence Force (GDF) to strengthen counternarcotics capabilities and enhance bilateral cooperationtoaddressshared securitychallenges.

parliamentary standing committeehasnotengagedin any serious work, and noted that “a country which does not constantly review its bedrock rules and laws will ultimately end up where Guyanaisatthemoment,ina stateofchaosandtyranny”

“It should not be surprising that the country is viewed as an elected autocracy, a characterisation thatisafardistancefromthat ofafunctioningdemocracyA living constitution is one whichreflectsthetruenature of society in a fundamental way and keeps up with the inevitable changes,” Dr Hinds said The reports coming out of all the international observer groups,theoppositionparties andlocalcivilsocietygroups

in the wake of the recent elections are all pointing in the direction of the urgent need for constitutional renovation

“It is against this background that WPA calls ontherelevantauthoritiesto initiate a constitutional reformprocessforthwith.

It cannot wait another day longer, WPA will raise its voice both inside and outsid

ional assembly in pursuit of this cause.Inthisregard,wejoin

commission with a renewed mandate and a strict timetable,”hesaid.

The party is also calling forthecommissiontobenonpartisan, but reflective of all the major interest groups

Co-Leader of the Working People's Alliance (WPA)

Dr David Hinds

constitutional reform should not be treated as political footballoravictimofdivisive and corrosive politics

“Finally, WPA calls on the newparliamenttoactivateits

standingcommittee

We

instructed our parliamentary representative to make this task a priority Identification of areas of urgent need for reform and attendant recommendations from lawmakersareessentialtothe process,”Hindsadded

GWIestablishingspringwater catchmentsysteminMicobieVillage

Acknowledging the challenges in accessing adequate water supply in Micobie Village, Region Eight,theGuyanaWaterInc (GWI) said it is establishing a spring water catchment system in the community which is expected to be completedwithinaweek.

G W I m a d e t h e announcementinastatement responding to reports that schools in the village had to be closed due to the lack of runningwater

“We wish to clarify the facts of the situation and update the public on the interventions currently underway to ensure a sustainable solution for the community,” the agency noted.

GWI explained that Micobie is currently served by an existing well situated inthevillage.“Thiswellhas been supplying water on a continuous basis to the residents but is high in iron and may appear discoloured attimesduetothevolume.It is important to note that residents including the schools in the area were not left without water Notwithstanding the challengesposedbythewell water quality, GWI has already commenced the establishment of a spring water catchment system,” GWIstated.

The agency noted that work on the spring water catchment is at an advanced stage and is expected to be completed within a week.

“The construction of this spring catchment is being donethroughacollaboration oftheGuyanaWaterInc.and the Village Council. Once operational, the spring system will further complement the availability of potable water to the Micobie Primary and Nursery Schools as well as households in the area,” GWIrelated.

They further expressed that they regret the inconvenience faced by the students, teachers, and parents of Micobie and assure them that they are working with urgency to bring the complimentary watersystemonline.

“ G W I r e m a i n s committed to ensuring that all Guyanese, including our hinterland communities, haveaccesstosafewater We understand the critical importance of water to schools, not only for sanitation but also for programmes such as school feeding,”theagencynoted.

Kaieteur News had reportedthatthenurseryand primary schools in Micobie Village, were closed on MondayandTuesdaydueto the lack of water in the village.

Toshao Julie Singh said Tuesday that the entire village was without water, but noted that GWI was addressing the problem. In the interim, Toshao Singh said that the Regional Democratic Council (RDC) sent a few barrels of water

for the schools to use. “So, schools will be opened back tomorrow (Wednesday),” sheconfirmed.

The water situation at MicobieVillagewasbrought to the fore by leader of the We Invest in Nationhood (WIN) party, Azruddin Mohamed on Monday via his Team Mohameds Facebookpage.

Inastatement,Mohamed said he received reports that the village's nursery and primaryschoolswereclosed onMondayduetothelackof w a t e r

“Reportsfromoursourcesin RegionEightconfirmedthat Micobie Primary and Nursery Schools were today closed due to the lack of water Therefore, there is no water available for flushing toilets, washing hands, cleaning classrooms, or conducting the school feeding program. Since the start of the new term, students have endured days without meals from the feedingprogramme,asthere hasbeennowatertoprepare the meals Teachers are being forced to fetch water from the Potaro River, locatedapproximately1,000 feet away from their living quarters,”Mohamedposted.

M e a n w h i l e , o n Wednesday,whencontacted, the Toshao indicated classes return to normalcy She added however, that while GWIisaddressingtheissue, residents are sourcing water from springs nearby the villagetouse.

President Irfaan Ali and United States Secretary of State, Marco Rubio

A

mid a string of explosions of gas bottles, MassyGasProductsGuyana Ltd. has launched what it called a Regulator Trade-In Promotion, reinforcing the company’s commitment to household safety and the responsibleuseofLiquefied Petroleum Gas (LPG).The first trade-in activity was held last Friday in Sophia, followed by a second event on Sunday, September 21 at LaPenitenceMarket,Massy Gas said in a press release. These events marked the start of a nationwide

initiative aimed at encouraging households to replace non-recommended regulators with the certified Massy Gas–branded Kosan J u m b o Regulators.According to the company, the initiative is designedtoreducetheriskof leaks and accidents in domestic settings by removing unsafe and unapproved regulators from homesacrossthecountry “Safetyisacentralvalue of our company,” said

AugustusHarris,theCEOof Massy Gas. Harris added that “By introducing this programme,wearenotonly providing safer equipment but also demonstrating our continued commitment to protecting families across Guyana ”The campaign targets 1,000 households in Regions 3, 4, 5, and 6, and will continue until all

bring their old regulator, along with a valid form of identification and proof of address Once verified, participants can exchange their old regulator for a new KosanJumboRegulatorfree of charge.The Trade-In Tent will continue its journey in thecomingweekswithstops scheduled at Leonora, Mon Repos, and Port Mourant

Some of the defective regulators

available regulators have been distributed To participate residents should look out for the Massy Gas Trade-InTentwhenitarrives i

nity Participants are required to

Markets, among other locations.

Massy Gas is urging households to act promptly CEO Harris, in his appeal, said,“Thisisanopportunity to safeguard your home and

In wake of deadly blasts,Massy pushes regulator trade-in campaign statement on Chief Magistrate

family by replacing potentially dangerous equipment.Weencourageall customers to take advantage of the promotion when the Trade-In Tent visits their community.” Updates on locations and schedules will be available on Massy Gas’ social media pages.Only recently, a gas explosion in ‘C’FieldSophiaclaimedthe life of a 36-year-old mother of four, Harriet Ray, while leaving her 13-year-old son, Jaden Jarod, bedridden and in severe pain.The incident occurred on September 4, 2025, while Ray was cookingatherroadsidefood shop. Both she and her son

Bar Association condemns GPF for misleading

The Guyana Bar Association said it has noted with concern the recent increase in unjustified public criticism of judicial officers (magistrates and judges) over their decision to grant orrefusebail.

The bar association's concern follows a press releasebytheGuyanaPolice Force (GPF) criticising Chief Magistrate (ag) Faith McGusty,forgrantingbailto a defendant accused of throwing acid on two women. In a release issued on Monday, the association said while it recognises the right to critique judicial decisions,suchcommentary must be factual, balanced, andbasedonlaw

“In this instance, the GPF's statement omitted material facts, forcing the chief magistrate (ag) to clarify in court that the prosecution had failed to provide the promised evidence on which the criticismwasbased,”theBar Associationstated.

The association explained further that the granting or refusal of bail is based on the application of legal principles and bail is simply a mechanism to

ensure attendance at court andnotapenalty

As such, the council urged public institutions, including the GPF, to exercise responsibility in their statements on judicial matters.

“ I n a c c u r a t e o r incomplete criticism not only undermines judicial officers but also weakens public confidence in the justice system Judicial independenceandtheruleof law must be respected at all times.”

Last week, Magistrate Faith McGusty publicly condemned what she describedas“inaccurateand misleading” comments by the Guyana Police Force (GPF) following her decision to grant bail to Keron Daniels, a suspect accused of dousing two womenwithacidearlierthis month.

Magistrate McGusty said she felt compelled to take time out of her court scheduletocorrectwhatshe termed false claims. She expressed surprise that the police force acted on what appeared to be incorrect informationandemphasised that many of the assertions madeintheirstatementwere

courtroom.

To

, McGusty announced that henceforth all proceedings inhercourtwillberecorded, placing special emphasis on prosecutions statement. She stressed that prosecutors must ensure that the information they present in thepublicreflectsaccurately whattranspiredincourt.

“Ipreviouslyservedasa graduated lawyer and once as a prosecutor and I would never make a public statement about anyone in a seniorpositionlikethat.Ido not do trials by public opinion, ” McGusty declared.

The dispute centred around Daniels, who was remanded to prison last Tuesday for allegedly throwing a corrosive substance on 25-year-old Jilicia Leitch and Nirmala Sukraj on September 3, an attack that left Leitch visually impaired. The following day, he was releasedonbail.

The GPF in a press release had said it was “gravely disappointed” with the bail decision, citing the seriousness of the offence,

Chief Magistrate Faith Mc Gusty

the accused alleged relationship with one of the victims,thevictim'spleafor justicefromherhospitalbed, and the risk of offences being repeated given the accused reported access to thevictim.

The statement further claimed the police had in their possession a recorded confession and video evidenceoftheattack.

“Despite the heavy prevalence of violence against women in Guyana, magistratescontinuetoomit totakethiscrucialfactorinto account in exercising their discretion in respect to the grantingofbail.

The matter is further compounded by the high likelihood of these types

of offences being repeated, especially when the alleged offender continues to have ready access to the victim,” the policesaid

suffered serious burns and were rushed to the GeorgetownPublicHospital Corporation(GPHC),where Ray died. On the day of the incident, Massy Gas in a statement said it had conducted an initial assessment and stated that theLPGcylinderwasintact, showed no signs of leaks, and still had a full rubber seal. The company claimed that the explosion was caused by a nonrecommended and defective regulator that released gas even when in the OFF position The company replaced the regulator, hose, andclipswithapprovedones after the incident, and urged customers to use only

c e r t i f i e d

components However, George countered this narrative,sayingtheGuyana Energy Agency (GEA) also inspected the gas cylinder and found gas was indeed leaking. Back in April 19, 2025, a young couple from Adventure, along the Linden-Soesdyke Highway, died following a gas explosionattheirhome.The victims, 34-year-old Kevon Cadoganandhis20-year-old reputed wife, Mezona Ronaldo were badly burnt after a gas bottle allegedly caught fire, while they were cooking. Theyweretakento theGPHCbutsuccumbedto their injuries. Ronaldo died on Friday while receiving treatment, while Cadogan died early Saturday morning.In January, a tragic gas bottle-related explosion claimedthelivesofacouple from Foulis, East Coast Demerara. The victims, 58year-old Manu Sukhu and his 55-year-old wife, Basmattie Ganpat, suffered extensivethird-degreeburns during the incident, which occurredonJanuary4,2025, at their Fifth Street home. Both were admitted to the hospital the same day, with Ganpat sustaining burns to 80 per cent of her body and Sukhuto68percent.Despite medical efforts, they died three days apart from their injuries.On December 17,

2024, another explosion in Little Abary, Mahaicony, Region5,destroyedpartofa home after a Massy gas bottle reportedly leaked.

According to Oneka Williams, parts of their home, including the back door and walls, were blown apart.

Massy representatives laterdeniedthe gascylinder was at fault, despite initial police investigations suggesting otherwise On November 29, 2024, a similar incident occurred when a gas bottle exploded at a home in Better Hope, East Coast Demerara. The woman involved, Necolece recalled the explosion happening after she lit the stove.“Ithoughtthefirewas alloverme. Myfirstthought was, ‘Oh my gosh, the gas bottle exploded,’” she said. Afterward, Massy Gas representatives attributed the explosion to a faulty regulator but denied any faultontheirpart.Inanother incident earlier in the year, businesswoman Jaiwantie Samaroo suffered severe burns after a gas bottle exploded in her shop. Her husband, Randolph Pereira, suspected the gas bottle was leaking overnight and filled theshopwithfumes,leading to the explosion when Samaroo attempted to light the stove. Pereira noted that after the explosion, Massy G a s s e n t f i v e representatives, who focused more on removing the gas bottle than on the well-beingofhiswife.

Despite these incidents, there have been few regulatory changes In J a n u a r y, m u l t i p l e government agencies, including the Competition and Consumer Affairs Commission (CCAC), Environmental Protection Agency (EPA), and the Guyana Energy Agency ( G E A ) , l a u n c h e d investigations into the alarming pattern of gas bottle explosions. However, nosignificantimprovements or safety reforms from MassyGaswereobserved.

A section of the gathering at the La Penitence regulator trade-in exercise

Guyana has to look after its own interests

The local news is awash with the story of three US senatorstakinganinterestin Exxon’s taxes But what reallyisallthefussaboutand are these senators looking out for America’s or Guyana’sinterest?

Let us start with the beginning. Back in 2016, ExxonMobil, along with its partners Hess (which has since been bought by Chevron) and China’s CNOOC, signed a deal with the government of Guyana.

They truck literal gold black gold in a massiveoffshoreareacalled the Stabroek Block The deal,known as a Production Sharing Agreement (PSA), isincrediblylucrativeforthe companies but represents a major missed opportunity

forGuyana.Inshort,Guyana was shagged under the agreement.

AkeyfeatureofthisPSA wasthetaxholidaysgranted totheoilcompanies.Inplain English, the contract says Exxonanditspartnersdon’t have to pay corporate income taxes to Guyana on their profits from the oil. Instead,thecountrygetspaid through a different route: a share of the profits and a small royalty But here’s the accounting magic trick: Even though Exxon doesn’t actually cut a check to Guyana for taxes, the Guyanesegovernmentgives the company a tax receipt. Thisreceiptsays,essentially, “Yep, Exxon’s tax obligations here are met.” Whywouldtheydothat?It’s a common practice to avoid

what’s called ‘double taxation’—being taxed on the same income by two differentcountries.

ThisiswheretheU.S.tax codecomesin,andwhatthe US senators are concerned about.TheU.S.hasapolicy called the “foreign tax credit ” If an American company pays income taxes to a foreign government, it canclaimacreditagainstits U.S. tax bill. The idea is to prevent double taxation and encourage international business.Fairenough.

The problem is a loophole that blurs the line between a ‘tax’ and a ‘payment for a service’ Buying the right to drill for oil is an economic benefit, like leasing a building. It’s not an income tax But current rules are fuzzy,

DEM BOYS SEH

Dem oil companies snatch we dreams

Kenny Nolan did sing a song called: ‘I like Dreamin’.’ De lyricsgolikedis:

“I like dreamin’ cause dreamin’ can makeyoumine.

I like dreamin’ closing my eyes and feelingfine.

When the lights go down, I’m holding yousotight.

Gotyouinmyarmsandit’sparadise’til themorninglight.”

Dem boys like dreamin’ too but dreamin’isnotmagic.Whenyuhopenyuh eyesnuttin’reallydon’tchange.

Somepeopledoessellwenuffdreams. Wah dem seh is dat when de people dem wake up is de same nightmare dem will face. Exxon and dem oil companies does snatchwedreams.

Itreminddemboysofdeprofessorwho

bin tell he students dat dem future shaped by dem dreams. One student get up and shout,“Isdatwhywealwaysfalltosleepin yuhclass?”

De Prezzie gat to be careful when he askpeoplefuhdream.Someofdempublic sector workers gan get excuse when dem get find sleeping pon de job. Dem gan claimdatdemfollowingPrezzieordersfuh dream.

Onetime,awifesendaromantictextto she husband. It read: “If you are sleeping, sendmeyourdreams.Ifyouarelaughing, sendmeyoursmile.Ifyouareeating,send meabite.Ifyouaredrinking,sendmeasip. Ifyouarecrying,sendmeyourtears.Ilove you.”

Dehusbandreplied,“Iamonthetoilet seat.Pleaseadvise!”

Talkhalf.Leffhalf!

allowing companies to potentially classify these kinds of payments as taxes eligible for that valuable U.S.taxcredit.

In their letter to ExxonMobil’s CEO, the senators put it bluntly: “Payments to a foreign government in exchange for aneconomicbenefit[likethe right to extract oil] are not considered taxes at all ” TheyarguethatExxonmight beusingthetaxreceiptfrom Guyana—a receipt for a tax it didn’t actually pay—to claim a foreign tax credit from the U.S. Treasury If true, this would artificially lower Exxon’s U.S. tax bill on its massive Guyanese profits. The senators frame thisasaquestionoffairness: “Weareconcernedaboutthe possibility that American taxpayers may be subsidizing ExxonMobil’s foreign oil production, whichtheydoinpartnership with a Chinese state-owned

company.”

The numbers involved arestaggering.Itisestimated thatitwouldsavetheUnited States taxpayers US$71.5 Billiontoclosethisloophole aperiodofovertenyears.It isestimatedalsothatGuyana haslostUS$10Btaxrevenue from this deal since 2019, accordingtoreportsfromthe country It is also being contended that, first, U.S. rules might be subsidizing a highly profitable company Second, that company is drilling in partnership with CNOOC, a firm owned by the Chinese government—a strategiccompetitor

ExxonMobil defends its arrangement. It says that Guyana is receiving getting its share of revenue through the profit-sharing and royalty model. He says that whileit’snotlabeled“tax”in thecontract,ineffectitisthe same. It is payments to the state.”

The senators aren’t

buying it. They’ve given ExxonuntilOctober2025to answer detailed questions about its U.S. tax filings related to the Guyana deal. The core of this issue is a classic debate:Are complex tax rules simply smart business, or are they an unfair loophole that shifts burden onto everyday citizens?

But Guyanese must not be lulled into believing that its interests are being protected by these inquiries by the senators. No. this is abouttheUSanditstaxlaws.

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

H@RD TRUTHS

PNC challenge

The PNC finds itself attached to the horns of a dilemma. Work with the PPPandneutralizeWIN. Or partner with WIN and dig a holeforthePPP Inawhiff, thePNCwentfrompotential winnertosurpriseloser,and now for a chance to be spoiler or difference-maker Itisdelicious,ifanyonewere to ask me. Nobody did, but there is a question that must be addressed head-on, settled somehow How will the PNC be? Then - what will it do? What will

becomeofit?

The PPP's Bharrat Jagdeocamevisiting,andhe left his calling card for the PNC heads of divisions Open for business. It could be a godsend for the party that once ruled the roost in Guyana for 28 years, and held together for another 45. The2025electionsleftit looking like a pale and sunken shadow of itself What will it do, take up Dr Jagdeo's calculated roll of the dice (his preference to allywiththeknown)? Itisa difficult choice, as the party

is caught between the PPP andits36seatsandWINand its 16. Compared to the other two, the PNC's nine lookslikeifithastwozeros (009)infrontofitinsteadof one. Itisatoughworld,this onethatGuyanaoccupies.

The worst approach for the nine-seaters would be if itweretoallowitselftotake anibbleofDr Jagdeo'sbait. Onelickanditisover-hook, line,andsinker Stinker,too, letusallbesurenottoforget. How would the PNC look, that is the first question? Howlowwoulditsinkinthe

Efforts underway to implement single window system via Local Govt. organs

Effortsarebeingmadeto implement the Single Window System that will simplify how building approvals and extensions, both domestic and commercial are applied for

a n d g r a n t e d The project is being done in collaboration with the Ministry of Housing and Wa t e r, w h i c h h a s responsibility for the Single Window System, and the Ministry of Local Government and Regional Development. Minister of Local Government and Regional Development, PriyaManickchandduringa visit to the Caledonia/Good Success Neighbourhood DemocraticCouncil(NDCs) on Wednesday said that efforts to get the system working are ongoing. She noted that while the system attheNDCisinoperable,use of the Single Window System through these local bodies,willhelpcitizensend delays and struggles as it relates to processing their buildingapplication.

Shenotedthatthesystem willberolledoutthroughthe NDCs, which fall under the purview of the Ministry of Local Government and Regional Development

The Minister explained that

by working through NDCs, theGovernmentiscreatinga direct and predictable channelforcitizenstoapply forandreceivebuildingand extension approvals in their ownareas.“Thismeansthat citizenswillbeabletoaccess the service directly within their communities, bringing efficiency and predictability closer to home. The Single WindowSystemwillactasa central platform where applications can be submitted, tracked, and approvedwithouttheneedto visit multiple agencies. By reducing delays and duplication, the system will provide clearer, faster, and more transparent services for citizens and businesses seekingapprovals.”

During her visit on

Wednesday, Minister Manickchand held discussions with the NDC Overseer, Chair, workmen, and other officials on the stateofoperationswithinthe c o m m u n i t y T h e conversations centered on the challenges faced at the local level, the delivery of servicestoresidents,andthe ways in which the Ministry can provide greater support to ensure effective and efficient functioning of the NDC. The engagement at

eyes of a battalion of Guyanese,nonelikeitsown diehard supporters? For one, it would register as a bargain hunter, which isn't the end of the world. For another, it would give every impressionofbeingabottom feeder In other words, whateverhastobedonewill bedonetogetofftheground floor A bottom feeder of any stripe is in the same companyasaskunk,andjust ascuddly Thereislow,and thenthere'slow But,asIdo for the PPP, so I do for the PNC. Helpfulness and Kindness are my middle initials. The rest is up to them.

Caledonia/Good Success

NDCalsoincludedareview of the Single Window System,whichisdesignedto streamline the process of applying for and obtaining approvals for building and extension works, both residential and commercial, through a single, simplified p o r t a l M i n i s t e r Manickchand examined how the system is functioningattheNDClevel andwasmadeawarethatitis currently down She emphasized to officials and staff that the system must work in service to the citizens of Guyana, and those supervisory and mandatoryprocesseswillbe put in place to ensure this is done.Theministeralsotook the opportunity to interact directly with the staff and workmen, listening to their p e r s p e c t i v e s a n d encouraging accountability in carrying out duties that directly impact citizens' lives.MinisterManickchand reiterated the Ministry's commitment to working closely with NDCs to strengthen local governance andensurethatcommunities benefit from responsive, people-centered service delivery Theengagementat Caledonia/Good Success NDC forms part of Minister Manickchand's wider outreach to local councils across Guyana Through these interactions, the Ministry aims to strengthen partnerships, address community needs more effectively, and ensure that the work of NDCs directly improves the daily lives of citizens.

Let's jump into the future It would be a spectacle for the PNC to be voting in parliament more often than not with the PPP majority How would that appeal to Guyanese at a general level? The mere articulationofthethoughtis enough to generate some heat inside the PNC mainstream A bigger spectacle would be if the PNC snares a handful of ministerial portfolios alreadyreducedtorubble,in

terms of prestige, and a numberofStateboards. All the old conspiracy theories involving Burnham and Jagan and the PPPand PNC wouldenjoyaresurgenceof interest, if not unstoppable energyitself. Onpaper,this may seem implausible, but all Guyanese do well to remember that the PPP dodged a September silver bullet, and the PNC got clobbered by a sand truck. WhatIamlayingoutrelative to cooperation, pursuant to the Bharrat Jagdeo orchestration,ishowthePPP andPNCcouldjoinhandsto overpower a threat to both. An existential one, as I deduce.

My free advice to the PNC is to know when to abstain,andwhentosplitits affections between the PPP and WIN. Yes, I know: the PNC will have to kiss the hand that smacked it across theface. Itisabalancingact, and the party that is now in the doldrums should never be too skewed towards one group. It must always be aboutwhatisbestforitsown interests (and ambitions) first and always. Since Dr

Jagdeo has some ideas twirlingaroundinhishead,I suggestthatthePNCputson its negotiation cap Admittedly, since 2020, any wordthathasanyrelationto negotiation has taken on a traitorous cast. Still, the party with nothing to lose could collect some muchneeded luster for itself by havingalistoftodosandto musthavesthatwouldmake for an interesting environmentinthenexthalf yeartoayear.

WIN could find itself sandbaggedbetweenthetwo behemoths. Its people have to learn to navigate the rapidswiththefalls,andstay afloat. The PNC is now at that stage that it makes a misstepanditisover Even Jagdeo wouldn't be able to put the PPP's one-time nemesisbacktogetheragain. In fact, I am on the safest ground in saying that he would be the first to beat a hasty retreat from the PNC, orjumponitsprostrateform.

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

Mohamed's tax evasion case transferred to new magistrate

The multimilliondollartaxevasion

case against businessman and leader of theWeInvestinNationhood (WIN) party, Azruddin Mohamed, has been transferred to another magistrate.

The announcement was made on Wednesday by acting Chief Magistrate Faith McGusty at the Georgetown Magistrates' Court. Mohamed is facing charges of false declaration and tax evasion, stemming f r o m t h e a l l e g e d underreporting of the purchase price of a luxury vehicle imported in 2020. According to the Guyana Revenue Authority (GRA), Mohamed fraudulently declared that a Lamborghini Roadster SVJ, which had an actual cost of USD $695,000,waspurchasedfor onlyUSD$75,300.Thefalse declaration allegedly resulted in tax evasion amounting to G$383 million.

Businessman Azruddin Mohamed at the Georgetown Magistrates' Court

During Wednesday's hearing, Magistrate McGusty explained that she would not be presiding over the trial, citing an already heavy caseload. “I certainly would not be the magistrate doing this trial. I believe I have quite a lot on my plate already, so I propose to transferthemattertoanother magistrate,”shestated. The case will now be

reassigned to Court Three before Magistrate Fabayo Azore.The next hearing has beensetforOctober3,2025, for a report The commencement of the Case Management Conference (CMC) and subsequent trial dates will be determined by MagistrateAzore.

Before the matter was adjourned, GRA's attorney, Sanjeev Datadin, urged the court to set an early date to begin proceedings, emphasising that the case hasalreadyfacedsignificant delays.

“All we are asking for is not a very long time where wearereportingallthetime. Any date next week that the court is mindful to set for a report would be agreeable,” hetoldthecourt.

Mohamed is being represented by Attorney Siand Dhurjon. He was first arraigned in May 2025 and placedon$500,000bailafter pleading not guilty to the charges before Magistrate McGusty

Womansexually assaultedlivesinfear

...asallegedperpetrator continuesharassment

Averyaggravatedwoman who mounted complains of sexualharassmentcommitted against her is reviewing her already exhausted options, since so far, nothing has afforded her much security andpeaceofmind.

Even more unnerving for heristheapparentnegligence onthepartoflawenforcement officers to whom she made formal reports, to reel in the allegedperpetrator

Omeana Mars, a make-up artist of Sandvoort Village, WestCanjeBerbice,relatedto Kaieteur News that a male individual named Jamal La Fleur who was closely associated with her family, took advantage of their kindness and one evening staked out in their home and sexuallymolestedher

An evening in September of last year, upon returning home after making a few rounds, the 32-year-old womansaidshemetLaFleur and her father drinking beers andwatchingacricketmatch. After declining his persistent offerofbeers,shesettledfora juice, entered her room and closed the door to ready herselfforbed.

“Maybe about 15 to 20 minuteslater,Iheardaknock on the door When I opened the door, he was standing there. However, I'm thinking that he's gonna use my apartment to exit through the frontdoor,'causeit'seitherhe go up the stairs to the other front door, or he use the shop which was closed. I opened thedoor,hecamein,mymom followed shortly behind him, and they ended up talking another10minutes.”

Her mother, she explained, ensured that the young man was courteously sent off, and he went on his way Mars then resumed her preparationforbed.

“About10minutesafter,I started hearing a movement comingfromthesecondroom that is adjacent to my bedroom,” she said, after whichsheaskedhermotherto accompany her, having watched a horror movie earlier and therefore was too afraid to investigate the sourceofthesoundbyherself.

Thewindowintheotherroom was up, she noticed, and she proceeded to close it, “not knowing that when I closed the window, he was actually insidethehousealready.”

Mars recalled that “between sleep and wake,” sheobservedthemovementof

a shadowy figure, but held it to be merely the mental implications of the horror movie she watched Prayerfully she went back to sleep.

“Again, between and wake,theshadowmoved….I saw it move, and it moved from behind the blind and walked out. When it walked out, it was this person, Jamal La Fleur,” she shared, clad onlyinhisunderpants.

Her then four-year-old niece who also shared a bed with her, was present, and Marsrecountedherinstinctto protect her immediately comingintoplayasshethrew herselfoverher,whilesmitten withpanicanduncertaintyon whatwouldhappen.

“And this person just run up to me and started pulling andtuggingatme,andtelling me'Igaddagetyou'andstuff like that. I did realise who it was and we literally started a fight,” a struggle which she said lasted between two to fiveminutes.Duetothehome setup, her room is essentially sound-proof when the door is locked.

The keys were left in the frontdoor,sherecounted,and La Fleur seized his chance to escape. She then hurried to relate to her mother what had occurred In his haste to escape, he left his clothing, she said.Those were taken to thepolicestationasevidence. Aftersuccessfullyevadingthe policeforsometime,LaFleur was apprehended and placed beforethecourt.

Mars was left baffled and disappointedthatbecauseofa minor issue with details, he wasfoundnotguilty Shehad said that when she called out tohermother,hermotherwas on the stairs in the house, but that her mother, in her separate segment of questioning, had given that shewasonthebed.

“Keep in mind, right over mommy's bed there's a step goingupstairs.Whenshegave (Continuedonpage16)

Missing Golden Grove man found dead near home

A 45-year-old man who was reported missing three days ago, on Wednesday,wasfounddeadjustafew housesawayfromhishomeatGolden Grove,EastCoastDemerara.

The deceased has been identified asDwayneQuacyRobertson,ofLot41 TrotmanStreet,GoldenGroveMarket Road.Hewasthefatherofsixchildren. His body was discovered at the Nabaclis Side-line Dam, hidden in high grass. Around 06:00 hrs, his family was alerted that his remains werefound.

RobertsonwaslastseenonSunday evening, and his family made an official missing person's report on

Monday at the Cove and John Police Station. His relatives, shocked at the discovery, believe that his body may havebeendumpedatthelocationsince theyfrequentlypassthroughthatroute, which is also commonly used by residents.

His sister, Tamica Glasgow, tearfully recounted to Kaieteur News the last time she saw her brother She said Robertson was acting strangely when she returned home from church on Sunday. “I tried talking to him and hewastalkingasthoughhewasgoing mad,” she explained. Later that night, theylearnedhehadfallenatashopand hithishead,butsinceheappearedfine

afterward, they did not think much of it. Around midnight, he asked their younger sister to accompany him to buy icecream, but since shops were closed, she gave him money instead. “She was sitting at home waiting for (Continuedonpage16)

Omeana Mars

Dead: Dwayne Quacy Robertson

Guyana's First Electroconvulsive Therapy (ECT) Clinic opened at GPHC

The Georgetown Public Hospital Corporation (GPHC), in collaboration with the Center for Global Health at Northwell Health ( U S A ) , o ff i c i a l l y inaugurated Guyana's first dedicated Electroconvulsive Therapy (ECT) Clinic on September 19, 2025. This achievement represents a major advancement in the country's mental health care system and offers new, lifechanging treatment options for individuals with severe psychiatricconditions.

With the establishment of this clinic, GPHC is now equipped to deliver ECT, a p r o v e n t r e a t m e n t fordisorders such as major depressive episodes, schizophrenia, and catatonia, to patients who have not responded to conventional therapies Since the first procedure in September2024,28patients with complex psychiatric conditions such as major depressive episodes, schizophrenia,andcatatonia have been successfully treated. Outcomes have included reduced suicide risks, shorter hospital stays, andarenewedsenseofhope for families who had

previously exhausted all availabletreatmentoptions.

“This is not only a clinical advancement, but also a major step forward in strengthening our mental h e a l t h s y s t e m I t demonstrates what is possible when international collaboration, local leadership, and institutional commitment come together in service of our patients,” said Dr. Navindranauth Rambaran, Director of Medical and Professional ServicesatGPHC.

Dr Rambaran also outlined the capacitybuilding efforts that made theclinicpossible:

“ T h r o u g h t h i s partnership, ten physicians and anesthesiologists from GPHC received advanced training and certification in ECT In addition, Northwell Health has generously donated two ECTmachinestosupportthe establishment of our country's first dedicated ECTclinic.”

He also acknowledged the leadership of key partnersintheinitiative.

The inauguration ceremony brought together high-level stakeholders,

including Minister of Health, Dr Frank Anthony, who delivered the feature address. He described the ECT clinic as a vital step in the ongoing modernisation of psychiatric services in Guyana.

“...there are going to be some patients who are resistant to the form of treatment that we've been giving in pharmacotherapy You have to look at some other forms of therapy, and ECT has proven to be very effective.Ithinkwithalotof the work that is now being done in brain research, we areunderstandingalotmore about what is happening in someone'sbrain...”

Other key speakers

meeting with Hughes - GS AFC re-organising; awaits

TheAllianceForChange (AFC)ismovingaheadwith the reorganisation of the party as the delegation from the National Executive Committee (NEC) awaits a meeting with attorney Nigel Hughes.

AFC'sGeneralSecretary Raphael Trotman told Kaieteur News Wednesday, thatHughessaidthathewill indicatewhenheisavailable for the delegation to meet with him and discuss his resignation.

“In the meantime, the party is proceeding with its assessment and reorganisationefforts.

We are, naturally, assessingtheresults,notjust for the AFC, but for opposition parties as a whole, and seeking a pathway forward in what is obviously a transformed political landscape, ” Trotmanadded.

R e a c h i n g o u t simultaneously to Hughes for an update, he said that they“haven'tmetasyet.”

On September 21, this publicationreportedthatthe

party's NEC has assigned a delegation to meet with Hugheswiththehopeofhim retracting his days' old resignation.

The NEC met at an extraordinary session to consider, among other things, Hughes' resignation, theAFCsaidinastatement. Hughes resigned from thepartyonWednesdaylast. In his resignation letter, he took full responsibility for thedistressinglosstheparty suffered at the September 1, General and Regional Elections.

The AFC contested the electionsandscrapedamere 3,610 votes, upsetting any

Medical staff and Ministry of Health official present at the official opening of the Electroconvulsive Therapy Clinic at GPHC on September 19, 2025

chances of securing a single

Assembly.

“While recognising Mr. Hughes'clearintentiontoact responsiblyanduprightlyby accepting responsibility for

misfortunes, the NEC unanimously expressed its gratitude to him for his heroiceffortsandinvaluable contributions before and during the campaign. The NEC further affirmed that the responsibility for the

collectively on the entire executive, and not on Mr Hughes alone,” the AFC reportedonSaturday

Further, the NEC directed that a delegation of its members meets with Hughes to appeal to him to continue serving as leader untilanationalconferenceis convened to elect new leadership.

“In the interim, the party's chairman, David Patterson, will fulfill the duties as leader,” the AFC said.

Sohag Sanghani, Director of the Division of Interventional Psychiatry at Northwell Health, who spoke on the global significance of ECT, and Dr Timothy Morgan, DirectorofMentalHealthat the Ministry of Health, who praisedtheclinicasa“major step forward in psychiatric treatmentinGuyana.” Thishealthcareinitiative marks the beginning of a

challenges.

Govt. continues to engage millers on low paddy prices

Agriculture Minister Zulfikar Mustapha along withateamofseniorofficers from the Guyana Rice

Development Board (GRDB)metwithmillersto continue engagements amid complaints by rice farmers oflowpricesfortheirpaddy

With the second crop of the year ongoing, which is expected to yield over 800,000 tonnes, farmers c o n t i n u e t o s e e k government'sinterventionto securehigherpricesfortheir paddy. According to a Ministry of Agriculture press release, during the meeting,MinisterMustapha saidthattheGRDBhasbeen monitoring the global rice production and market trends. He also said that it wasinthebestinterestofthe sector for farmers to benefit frombestpricesandthatthe government is actively workingtoreducethecostof production, adding that approximately $2 billion was expended to procure fertilizer for farmers for 2025.

While acknowledging that global prices vary, the millers noted that global marketsarebecomingfewer and more competitive with large producers of rice like Indiahavinghugequantities of rice on the market India's exports accounts for around 40% of global rice exports, and expected to export22.5milliontonsthis year

According to Reuters, India's rice stocks in government warehouses

Agriculture Minister, Zulfikar Mustapha during the meetings

climbed over 14% from a year earlier to a record high for early September with state reserves of rice, including unmilled paddy, totalingarecord48.2million metric tons as of September 1, far exceeding the government's target of 13.5 milliontonsforJuly1.

Furthermore, as of September 1, the Filipino Government implemented a 60-day import halt on rice addingtowoesofglobalrice exporters.

The Philippines is the world'slargestriceimporter Minister Mustapha said that the government has been investing in research, inputs and critical infrastructure to support rice production in Guyana.Hesaidwhilethere are challenges globally as it relates to prices, farmers should be able to benefit betterprices.

Some millers said that they were losing given the current world market prices because of their cost of production While offers

weremadefortheGRDBto work along with millers to assessthecostofproduction, somemillersmaintainedthat thecostofproductioncannot be the determining factor when determining the price farmersreceiveforpaddy

One miller also said while one price is set in a contract,thosepriceschange based on the current market price at the time the rice is soldandinordertomaintain that market, those prices havetobeaccepted.

Minister Mustapha said that the government will continue to work with stakeholders to come up with immediate and longterm solutions to all issues facedinthesector

Last week, President Dr Mohamed Irfaan Ali, met with rice farmers from the Corentyne Coast reminded farmers that while government investments have boosted the sector through new high-yielding varieties and critical infrastructure, external pressuresremain.

He explained that global market conditions, particularly surpluses from major producers like India, have pushed down rice prices In response, the Head-of-State said that the government will move to establish modern storage facilities across all riceproducing regions to strengthen resilience and give farmers greater flexibility in storing their paddy over longer period of time.

Attorney Nigel Hughes

Govt. signs agreement with Northwell Health for implementation of emergency medical services - Pres. Ali

President Irfaan Ali on Tuesday announced that the Guyana Government has signed an agreement with NorthwellHealthoutofNew Yorkfortheimplementation of emergency medical servicesinGuyana.

The Head-of-State made the announcement while speakingduringameet-andgreet reception with the Guyanese Diaspora in New York The president is attending the 80th United

Nations General Assembly (UNGA)inNewYork.

“Only today (Tuesday) we signed another agreement with Northwell who will be implementing our emergency medical servicesinGuyana,andthey will be managing that service while we build the capacity over the next three years,”hesaid.

President Ali said his government is building a world-class healthcare

system and to achieve its goals is partnering with the best in the world, including Mount Sinai Hospital and Northwell located in the UnitedStatesofAmerica.

Further,theHeadofState said that the Government is building12newstate-of-theart hospitals, some of which have already been commissioned. He also told membersofthediasporathat the government is in the process of upgrading all healthcare facilities across thecountry

“No Guyanese, whether at home or visiting, should ever have to question the quality of healthcare they receive,”hestated.

Meanwhile, in February President Ali during an addresstothenationsaidthat discussionswerebeingheld (Continuedonpage18)

“We are witnessing mass extermination

of Palestinian men, women, and children”

Inapassionateaddressto the 80th Session of the United Nations General Assembly on Tuesday, President Irfaan Ali, reminded world leaders of the dark shadow looming genocideinPalestine.

The Guyanese leader reiterated his country's condemnation of the attacks by Hamas on Israel on October 7, 2023, and called for the immediate release of all hostages. However, he noted, “Israel's actions have long shattered any pretense oflegitimateself-defense.”

Thepresidentcontinued, “What we are witnessing is not warfare, but mass e x t e r m i n a t i o n a systematic slaughter and displacement of Palestinian

men, women, and children. Thosewhoescapethebombs andbulletsarecondemnedto die slowly, starved of food, water,andhope.Thisisawar crime.” He underscored that theinternationalcommunity must not remain paralysed while an entire people is

annihilated. “Impunity must never triumph over justice,” hedeclared.

President Ali further noted,“Wemusttakeurgent action to halt the genocide, return the hostages and accelerate our efforts towards the Two-State Solution. We urge Qatar, Egypt and the United States to continue their efforts in thisregard.”AccordingtoAl Jazeera, since the beginning of the war on October 7, 2023, at least 65,419 Palestinianshavebeenkilled and 167,160 wounded, with thousands more believed to beburiedbeneaththerubble. Israel launched what campaigners say is a war of vengeance after 1,139 people were killed in Israel

Palestinians walk on a dirt road lined with building rubble in the Shujaiya neighbourhood of Gaza City on October 7, 2024. Omar Al-Qattaa/AFP/Getty Images

in a Hamas-led attack in October 2023. About 200 were taken captive by the Palestinian fighters, out of which more than 40 still

remaininGaza.

On Wednesday, Al Jazeerareportedthatatleast 85 Palestinians were killed a

CNOOC donates US$1.5M solar grid to Batavia Village

For the first time in its history, the Indigenous village of Batavia in Guyana's Cuyuni-Mazaruni Regionnowenjoysaccessto stable and reliable electricity, thanks to the commissioningofastate-ofthe-art solar microgrid project donated by CNOOC Petroleum Guyana Limited (CPGL).

The grid costs USD1.5 million,thecompanysaidin a press release Prime Minister, Brigadier (Ret'd)

Mark Phillips, who commissioned the grid highlighted that the project was carefully designed to meet the specific energy needs of the Batavia community The facility

includes three solar microgrid systems with a

t o t a l c a p a c i t y o f approximately 220 kilowatts,a465kWhbattery storagesystem,morethan10 kilometers of distribution lines, and household connections for 79 homes, six public buildings, and six smallbusinesses.

The community had previously relied on small, fuel-based generators that could not provide adequate power He commended CPGL's vision and generosityinundertakingan initiative that has transformed the lives of Batavia's residents, aligning with the Government's Low

Carbon Development Strategy. He further emphasized that the project

was implemented in accordance with Guyana's Local Content Policy, with Green Energy Electrical

Batavia Toshao Murphy Gomez, Prime Minister Brigadier (Ret'd) Mark Phillips and CPGL President Lian Jihong (centre) with government and company officials at the commissioning of the Batavia Solar Project

Services (GEES), a local company, engaged to executethework.

The Prime Minister welcomed CPGL's continued partnership in future projects that uplift communities, promote social and economic development,andcontribute to building a Guyana where nooneisleftbehind.

In his remarks, CPGL President, Lian Jihong, d e s c r i b e d t h e commissioningasespecially meaningful during

Amerindian Heritage Month, a time when the nationcelebratestheculture, history, and enduring contributions of Guyana's First Peoples He emphasized that the solar grid stands as a testament to CPGL's commitment not only to Batavia but to the peopleofGuyanaasawhole.

Lian also reflected on CPGL's wider Corporate SocialResponsibility(CSR) effortsacrossGuyana.These include solar lighting in more than 20 Amerindian villages; US$300,000

annually in educational scholarships for both local and overseas degree programs; disaster relief assistance; refurbishment of schools; the donation of smartTVsandsportsgearto more than 20 schools; the furnishing of public spaces with outdoor gymnasiums; and ongoing support to the health sector through knowledge transfer and the provision of critical materials.

He noted that each projectisdesignedtodeliver lasting benefits while also strengthening the bond of friendship between Guyana and China. As a Chinese state-owned enterprise, he said, CNOOC is proud to contributetothesetieswhile playing an active role in Guyana's inclusive and sustainabledevelopment.

Mr. Lian reaffirmed CPGL's readiness to continue working hand-inhand with Government, the private sector, and communities to advance transformative progress across Guyana. CPGL is a

subsidiary of CNOOC International, which operates in more than 20 countries and is the largest Chinese investor in the Caribbeanregion.

Toshao of Batavia, Murphy Gomes, warmly

welcomed the project, describingitasthestartofa new chapter for the village.

Residents expressed that children can now study at night and access digital learning resources, health workers are better equipped

toprovidecare,andfarmers, miners,andsmallbusinesses will benefit from improved efficiencyandproductivity

The ceremony also featured remarks from Lee Hanqing, Counsellor of the Embassy of China, NTC Secretary and Toshao of Karrau, Shane Cornelius, Chairman of Region 7, Kenneth Williams, Deputy Permanent Secretary of the Ministry of Natural Resources, Vishal Ambedkar, and Alister Charlie MP, representing Minister of Amerindian Affairs, Hon. Sarah Brown. Guests were treated to v i b r a n t c u l t u r a l performances by Batavia residents,eagertoshowcase theirtraditionsandtalentson thishistoricoccasion.

including 12 at a makeshift shelter, as global leaders demand end to the war at United Nations General Assembly(UNGA).

President Irfaan Ali

Israel kills at least 85 in Gaza yesterday, as calls for ceasefire mount at UN

(AL-JAZEERA)Israeli bombardment has killed 85 people in warbattered Gaza since dawn Wednesday, with the United Nations saying the military is “inflicting terror on the Palestinian population of GazaCityandforcingtensof thousandstoflee.”

Atleast11ofthevictims wereaidseekersinthesouth of the enclave, sources said. Asource in Nasser Hospital said at least one person was killed in an Israeli drone strike on the centre of Khan Younis city in southern Gaza.

The Israeli army has bombedtentsintheNuseirat refugee camp, an area that hasbeenrepeatedlytargeted sincedawn.

As of Wednesday afternoon, al-Shifa Hospital andal-AhliHospitalinGaza City reported 17 and 25 deaths,respectively

Nasser Hospital in southern Gaza said Israel’s army killed another 16 people.

Thelatestkillingscamea day after UN chief Antonio Guterres said the “scale of death and destruction” in Israel’s war on Gaza was beyondanyotherconflicthe hasseenduringhistenure.

Footage circulating on Palestinian news outlets showed a man mourning overthebodyofatleastone person who was taken to hospitalafterthestrike.

HundredsofPalestinians gathered in mourning for two men killed by Israeli soldiers and settlers in separate incidents in the occupiedWestBank.

The residents of alMughayyir, northeast of Ramallah, held a funeral procession for Saeed alNaasan, 30, who was killed by live rounds fired by

IsraelisettlersonTuesday

The Wafa news agency reported that Israeli settlers alsofiredliveammunitionto intimidatepeopleduringthe funeral procession There werenocasualties.

The family of Ahmed Brahmeh, 19, who was shot andkilledbyIsraelisoldiers in the town of Anzah, near Jenin, carried his body on their shoulders in tears beforeburyinghim.

The Israeli military claimed he was a “terrorist” who threw an explosive.

Local news outlets said Israelitroopsstormedinand disrupted children going to school, leading to clashes with residents, followed by Israeligunfire.

In his address to the UN General Assembly, Syrian President Ahmed al-Sharaa has called for an immediate endtoIsrael’swaronGaza.

“We are among the

peoples most deeply aware of the horrors of war and destruction,”hesaid.

“For this reason, we standfirmlywiththepeople of Gaza, its children and women and all peoples facing violations and aggression. We call for an immediate end to the war,” hesaid.

The Houthis military spokesperson says their droneforcehassuccessfully hit Eilat, or Umm alRashrash, as he refers to it. Hesaidthisoperationcomes just 24 hours after a similar operation,duringwhichthey alsohitEilatandBeersheba.

So, we’re witnessing a spike of escalation between Israel and the Houthis, who say their operations are in s

Govt. signs

Palestinians.

There’s mounting pressureontheHouthistohit back at Israel after nearly 1,200 Yemenis have been killed or injured since midMarchuntilmid-September

It appears there’s no point of return for both parties.

The Houthis say they will continue their operations no matter what theyface.Meanwhile,Israel warns it will continue to strikeuntilitunderminesthe Houthiscapabilities.

So far, there’s one demand from the Yemeni people: they want an end to thewaronGaza.

Alexander Stubb, the president of Finland, has

called for an immediate ceasefireinGazainaspeech before the UN General Assembly

“The deepening humanitarian crisis has reached unbearable levels and represents a failure of theinternationalsystem,”he said. “At the same time, Hamascontinuestoholdthe hostages it has taken, and manyhavealreadylosttheir lives.”

Stubb also said he supportseffortstoadvancea two-statesolution.

“The negotiations must meet the Israeli and Palestinian security needs andPalestinianrighttoselfdetermination, its legitimate aspiration for statehood and sovereignty,”hesaid.

agreement with Northwell...

Frompage16 with Northwell to enhance Guyana's emergencyhealthcare.

“We understand also that the national emergencyhealthcaresystemthatwehaveto invest in this. So very soon we are going to puttogetherateamtolookatwaysinwhich wecanenhanceemergencyhealthcare,”the presidentsaidatthetime.

Henotedthatcitizenshavebeengoingto the Georgetown Public Hospital and other hospitalsforemergencyhealthcare.

“So,weareworkingnowonlookingata world-class scalable model Emergency Healthcare System and we have had discussionswithNorthwellforexampleasto ascalablemodelthatisapplicabletoGuyana inwhichwecanhaveemergencydiagnostic centre in every single region supporting the regional hospitals and delivering these very

essential and key services,” he explained backinFebruary

In terms of enhancing emergency medical services, both President Ali and Minister of Health, Dr FrankAnthony said thatthegovernmentisworkingtoestablisha droneblooddeliverysystemtoreachremote areas.

Lastmonth,MinisterAnthonydisclosed thateffortsarebeingmadetohaveasection of the COVID hospital at Lilendaal, East CoastDemerararetrofittedtoaccommodate anationalambulanceauthority

“From there you can have ambulances being dispatched You'll have a full command centre, and whether it's ambulances on land or in river, and we are working also to be able to call for airplanes that can go out to do the medevac,” the Ministerstated.

A displaced Palestinian woman cooks on a makeshift stove with her child in Khan Younis, southern Gaza [Omar al-Qattaa/AFP]

BLUNT BLUNT

Solidarity with Gaza

Today a group has planned a day of prayer and fasting for the people of Palestine. Those of us who can, must support this effort. Gaza is burning.

The ground is being scorched as Palestinian men, women, and children are forced to flee from what was once their homes.

The Israelis war machine and their allies, those who are responsible for what is this barbarous inhumanity are so shameless, so depraved, that they see no contradiction in “humanitarian area” dripping from their callous lips.

Day after gruesome day, dozens of Palestinian civilians, with no connection to the combatants, are killed in their beds, what is left of their streets, as if they are the lowest forms of animals. Those hunted down with impunity, and eradicated like unwanted dogs from the face of the earth.

An ancient maxim is that the greatest evildoers are not the actual perpetrators of blatant evils. The greatest evildoers arethe ones that support those who only know devastation, and have the diabolical written all over their soul.

SA-WI T20I series likely to be reduced due to clash with World Cup

(ESPN Cricinfo)South Africa may be forced to shorten their only men’s international home series this summer - against West Indies-forbothteamstoget to the 2026 T20 World Cup in India and Sri Lanka on time South Africa are scheduled to host West Indies for five T20Is between January 27 and February 6, but as reported by ESPNcricinfo last week, the T20 World Cup is set to

beplayedbetweenFebruary 7andMarch8. On August 28, the ICC sent participating teams a Member Information Pack, with information regarding warm-up matches The document, seen by ESPNcricinfo,statesthatthe ICC’s support period - the time in which teams are expectedtoarriveinthehost countries and play nonobligatorywarm-upgamesstarts on January 31. That

hasmovedupfromFebruary 3, while CSAhad drawn up their home fixtures with the understanding that South Africa would have enough time to travel to the T20 WorldCup.

It is not mandatory for countries to spend the entire support period in the host venue, but the ICC asked participatingcountriestolist by September 5 how many warm-upmatchestheywant toplay,withoptionsranging

betweennonetoamaximum oftwo.Onlyifacountryopts for two matches, will the support period become one weekpriortothetournament opener CSAarecurrentlyin discussionswithCWItosee when West Indies want to arrive in the subcontinent andhowmanymatchesthey want to play there. If teams opt for no warm-up games, the mandatory support period is four days prior to the first match on February 7. If a team opts for one warm-up then the support period will five to six days prior to the tournament opener

Thursday September 25, 2025

ARIES(Mar.21–Apr.19)

Some unexpected but very welcomevisitorscouldarrive today, Aries They might bring some people you don't knowbutshouldconnectwith rightaway Expectinteresting n e w s , f a s c i n a t i n g information,.

TAURUS(Apr.20–May20)

Taurus, who's that intriguing new person in your neighborhood? What is it about this new neighbor that makesitimpossibleforyouto stop wondering about them? Quitobsessing.

GEMINI(May21–June20)

An unexpected letter could arrive today, Gemini, with a check enclosed, perhaps a gift, bonus, or offer to make more money.This might be a welcomebreak.

CANCER(June21–July22)

If you're in the arts or sciences, Cancer, sudden inspirationcouldcauseyouto startorcontinueaprojectthat meansalottoyou.

LEO(July23–Aug.22)

Meditation, dreams, or visions could bring amazing insights your way, Leo. You mightfindthemtoobizarreto believe, at least at first, but follow-up research could reveal that what you've come upwithisquitecredible.

VIRGO(Aug.23–Sept.22)

You're an adventurous soul, Virgo.Areyouthinkingabout a little mischief today? Are yougoingtoproposethatyou and a friend or perhaps your partner skip town for a day andforgetaboutwork,

LIBRA(Sept.23–Oct.22)

A n u n e x p e c t e d communication may come

ne connected with your career, Libra.Thisisgoodnews,butit maybesooffthewallthatyou couldwalkaroundinadazefor awhiletryingtomakesenseof itall.

SCORPIO(Oct.23–Nov 21)

Anunexpectedchancetoflyto a faraway place, perhaps at someoneelse'sexpense,could cometoyoutoday,Scorpio.A group might be involved, perhaps one connected with education.

SAGIT(Nov 22–Dec.21)

Some bizarre and rather silly dreams might come to you tonight,Sagittarius.Theymay bethesortthatissocrazythat youactuallywakeuplaughing. Don't dismiss them. Silly or not,thesedreamsaretryingto tellyousomething.

CAPRI(Dec.22–Jan.19)

Ifyou'resingle,youcouldfeel a very powerful attraction to someone unusual and perhaps alittlewacky Ifyou'realready inarelationship.

AQUARIUS (Jan. 20–Feb. 18)Have you been looking for anewjob,Aquarius?Ifso,you might hear of an opportunity from an unexpected source, perhapsatasocialgathering,if possible.

PISCES(Feb.19–Mar.20)

If you're single, Pisces, love may come to you completely out of the blue today The person could be standing behind you in line at the store or sitting nearby you in the park.

twoofthefiveT20Is;thelast twogamesareonFebruary3 and6 Thefixturescannotbe played any earlier with the SA20 ending on January 25

CSA is currently deciding whichvenuesshouldhostthe matchesagainstWestIndiesat present, the venues are likelytobePaarl,Newlands, BuffaloParkinEastLondon, CenturionandJohannesburg

CSA always planned on having a less-crowded summer this year to prepare their venues for the 2027 ODI World Cup. Currently, drop-in pitches are in development around the country

T h e w a r m - u p information is significant only because it allows the ICCtoconfirmanarrivaldate foreachteam

EvenifWestIndiesdonot want to play any T20 World Cup warm-up matches, CSA will still have to cull at least

Frompage27

General Secretary Patrick Haynes.

Haynes, who is also a member of the FIBA 3x3 Commission, added, “The decisionstakentodayensure we build on the momentum fromParis2024andcreatea robust, fair, and exciting pathway towards LA2028 andbeyond.”

The meeting concluded with plans to continue supporting the global expansion and accessibility of3x3basketball.

The 3x3 Commission is responsibleforthegrowthof the 3x3 discipline, the organization and allocation of3x3competitions,andthe regulation and officiating of thegame.Italsooverseesthe d e v e l o p m e n t a n d interpretation of the FIBA 3x3 Basketball Rules, including drafting amendmentsforadoptionby theCentralBoard.

The 3x3 Commission members includes: Ms Carmen Tocala (Chair), AmbroseTashobya (Deputy Chair), Sergio Gatti (Argentina), Irán Arcos (Chile), Ms Katherine Plouffe (Canada - Player Representative), Chai Wensheng (China), Michaela Uhrová (Czech Republic), Amr Mouselhy (Egypt), Patrick Haynes (Guyana), Rae Lin D’Alie ( I

), Ms. MikikoYasuda(Japan),Ms.

SouthAfricadonothave a n y o t h e r m e n ’ s international fixtures at home this season, in part becausetheirall-formattour of India ends on December 19, which left no space for matches before the original window of the SA20 in the first week of January The SA20 has now been moved into the festive period and willstartonDecember26.

England and Sri Lanka narrowly escape this problem; their three-T20I series in Sri Lanka will be played between January 30 and February 3. They also have the benefit of being in oneofthehostnationsatthe time.

However, the league is not the only reason for the lack of men’s international fixtures CSA always planned on having a lesscrowdedsummerthisyearto prepare their venues for the 2027 ODI World Cup Currently, drop-in pitches are in development around the country Next season, South Africa play ten home Tests (eight men’s and two women’s), including threematch series against AustraliaandEngland.

Elvira Dushku (Kosovo), Raimonds Vejonis (Latvia), Myagmarjav Luvsandash (Mongolia), Martin HoSuie-Sang (Netherlands), Manuel Fernandes (Portugal), Saadoun AlKuwari (Qatar), Leslie Collymore (St Lucia), Ghass

suf A Tashkandi (Saudi Arabia), Ms. Jasmina Juras (SerbiaReferee Representative), andJasonDemings(USA).

GOA’s VP to attend IOC/INTERPOL workshop in Panama

The Guyana Olympic Association’s (GOA) Vice President,SteveNinvalle,is scheduled to attend a highlevelworkshophostedbythe International Criminal Police Organization (INTERPOL),scheduledfor October1–2inPanama.

The workshop is being organised in collaboration with the International Olympic Committee (IOC),

u

Movement Unit on the P

M

Competitions. I

c Committees (NOCs) from Guyana, Puerto Rico, Trinidad and Tobago, Panama, the Dominican Republic, Jamaica, and Mexico.

Participants will include Olympic A

on officials, representatives fromMinistriesofSportand Justice, as well as law enforcement agencies invited by INTERPOL Ninvalle is also Guyana’s Director of Sport and president of the Guyana Boxing Association A respected accross the Caribbean as a sports

administrator, Ninvalle was the first from CARICOM to be elected to the International Boxing Association (formerly A I B A ) E x e c u t i v e Committee The multisectoralapproachbytheIOC and INTERPOL underlines the seriousness of the issue, r e c o g n i z i n g t h a t safeguarding sport requires cooperation across sport,

government, and law enforcement.

At the heart of the event is the prevention of the m a n i p u l a t i o n o f competitions, a critical threattotheintegrityofsport worldwide.

INTERPOL, working closely with the IOC since 2014, has been at the forefront of fighting matchfixing and other forms of corruption in sport. Their jointeffortshavefocusedon strengthening investigative c a p a c i t y, s h a r i n g intelligence, and educating sports bodies about the dangersofmanipulation.

The importance of this workshop cannot be overstated Competition manipulation, often driven by organized crime and illegal betting markets, has damaged the credibility of severalmajorsports.

For instance, the 2013 Europol investigation uncovered widespread match-fixing across European football, linking over 380 matches to organized crime syndicates. Similarly, in tennis, the Independent Review Panel found systemic cases of players being targeted by betting groups to influence matchoutcomes.

These examples highlight how manipulation not only undermines fair play but also threatens athletes’careers, fans’trust, and the financial stability of

sportinginstitutions.

INTERPOL has had to intervene in many of these instances by providing intelligence support, facilitating cross-border investigations, and building frameworks to help sports organizations respond effectively

Through its cooperation with the IOC, INTERPOL hasdeliveredglobaltraining programmes, created awareness campaigns, and worked directly with law enforcement and NOCs to ensure athletes and officials u n d e r s t a n d h o w manipulation occurs and howitcanbeprevented.

For countries like Guyana, participation in suchworkshopsiscrucial.It ensures that sports administrators and government officials are equipped with the knowledge and tools to protect athletes a

d competitions from being exploited.

Badminton Association meets with new Minister Jacobs

New Minister

Culture, Youth & Sport

StevenJacobscontinuedhis meetings with the various localsportsbodies,thistime engagingwithexecutivesof the Guyana Badminton Association(GBA). The Minister recently kickedoffhisnewroleashe held discussions with executives and members of the Guyana Amateur Basketball Federation (GABF), Guyana Golf Association (GGA), the Guyana Football Federation (GFF), now adding GBAto thelist.

Via this Facebook page, theformernationalcricketer turnedMinisteroutlinedthat talkswiththeGBAbodyhad been fruitful; as plans to

further boost Badminton amongtheothersportsbeing a

y aspec

the Minister’sdirectiontowards continueddevelopment.

Moreso, with President Irfaan Ali’s recent new policy which earmarked Friday afternoons as Physical Education (PE) timeforallpublicSchools; further adding to the marriage between academics and a healthy lifestyle by virtue of sports

Meanwhile, Minister Jacobs is expected to continue his ground work as it relates to forging relationships with the various sports associations and federations with the aim of building a stronger, more cohesive sports fraternityacrossGuyana

GOA’s Vice President, Steve Ninvalle

Ally re-elected as President of the Lusignan Golf Club

Lusignan Golf

Club (LGC), G u y a n a ’ s preferredgolfinginstitution, held its Annual General Meeting and elections on Sunday, September 21, 2025, where members once

again placed their confidence in Anasha Ally, re-electingherunopposedas President. Ally, who made history last year as the first female to lead the club, will n o w c o n t i n u e h e r stewardship for a second consecutiveterm.

In her address following theelections,Allyexpressed gratitude to members for their continued support and confidence.

Reflecting on her leadership thus far, she emphasized both the challengesandopportunities thatlieaheadfortheclub.

“It is a pleasure to be reelected as President of the Lusignan Golf Club once again. I take it that the membershipwashappywith whatwedidinthepastyear We hope to build on that foundation, which was a great achievement for golf itself,”Allystated.

She noted that the club continues to grapple with recurring issues such as drainage during inclement weather,pestcontrol,andthe overall maintenance of the course However, she r e a f f i r m e d h e r a d m i n i s t r a t i o n ’ s commitment to overcoming these obstacles and advancing the long-term developmentoftheclub.

Among her priorities for the upcoming year are expanding membership,

with a specific focus on women and youth golfers, strengthening community engagement, and enhancing the facilities to provide an even more welcoming environment for both seasoned players and newcomerstothesport.

“We have plans to increase our membership, especiallywhenitcomesto females and youths in our club We need a greater presence We look forward to engaging the public and encouraging them to come and play this sport, which is very enjoyable and relaxing, in a pleasant environment, ” Ally explained

S h e f u r t h e r underscoredthestrengthof the incoming executive, which she described as “a

competentteam,filledwith experience, long-standing members, as well as a few newcomers ”

With this blend of continuity and fresh perspectives, Ally expressed confidence in the committee’s ability to realize its goals and c o n t r i b u t e t o t h e betterment of Lusignan GolfClub

Lusignan Golf Club has long been a cornerstone of Guyana’s sporting landscape.Astheonly9hole golf course in the country, it has played a central role in nurturing local talent and fostering cross-cultural sporting exchange Its continued growth and modernization are therefore not only vital to the developmentofgolfbutalso to the strengthening of Guyana’s wider sporting identity and recreational offerings.

The re-election of Ally marks a pivotal moment in the club’s ongoing journey, as the leadership team preparestoadvanceboththe sport of golf and the institution’s role as a vital part of Guyana’s sporting culture.

The newly elected executive committee is as follows: President: Anasha Ally, Vice President: Troy Cadogan, Club Captain: Ayube Subhan, Secretary: Chet Bowling, Treasurer: AasroodeenShaw, Assistant SecretaryTreasurer: Joseph Szeplaki, Public Relations Officer (PRO): Dr Joaan Deo and Grounds Superintendent: BrianHackett.

Unification One Guyana Softball Cup launched; bowls off today

The2025inaugural Unification One Guyana Softball Cup was officially launched TuesdayafternoonatGandhi Youth Organization ground, Georgetown,Guyana.

T h e f o u r - d a y extravaganza will bowl off on Thursday with the sixteam Women’s knockout category while the men will be start competing from Friday in the round-robin T20phase.

Regal Stationery and Computer Centre is the

Georgetown Softball Cricket League (GSCL) Inc collaborating with the Ministry of Culture, Youth and Sport to run off the tournament. Matches to be played at various venues in GeorgetownandontheEast Coast of Demerara before all roads lead to the renowned GCC ground, Bourda for all men’s and women’sfinals.

There will be three

GSCL executives, Regal family, Danny Persaud and representative of Rajiv Gandhi University pose with the top prize in the tournament

comprising of Legends (Over-50), Masters (Over40)andOpen(All-Stars) President of the GSLC Inc IanJohnspeakingatthe function expressed delight with this initiative by the Regal’sfamily.

He also expressed optimism of a successful

tournament and thanked all theteamsforregistering.

In both the Over-50 and 40Divisions,sixteamseach willbevyingforatopcashprize of $1,000,000 while thesecond-placedsidesetto pocket$200,000.

The girls’ championship sidewillcartoffatrophyand

prizesareamazingandheis anticipating some fierce but at the same time exciting cricketfromball-one.

TheMVPforthelegends category will drive home a ToyotaVitzCarwhileinthe MVP for the Masters, Open will ride away with a motor cycle each and the MVP in theladiescategorywillwina theee piece living room suite.

Tournament Director John Ramsingh elated with the launching of this mega softball event which attracts teams from New York Softball Cricket LeagueandacrossGuyana.

Ramsingh pointed out that this will showcase Guyana’s softb

$400,000.

AccordingtoJohn,these

cricketers’talent R

similar sentiments of John inexpressinghisprofound appreciation to all the teams and sponsors for theircommitment R a m s i n g h , a n International Broadcaster, waspositivethattheentire c

thrilling Ramsingh mentioned t

Softball Cup is a symbol of unity and that was why the tournament is being played in honour of the President, Prime Minister andVice-President.

A

the opening were Secretary of the GSCL Inc Telisha Ousman and Dr Rajendra Singh, who gave remarks of being one of the sponsors

Two Cricket Associations elections to be held in Berbice this weekend

Two cricket associations in Berbice, under the auspices of the Berbice Cricket Board (BCB), will be holding their longawaited Annual General Meetings (AGM) andelectionsofOfficebearersthisweekend.

The two bodies are the West Berbice Cricket Association (WBCA) and the BerbiceRiverCricketAssociation(BRCA).

These AGMs and elections of office bearers were due a few years ago, but were postponedduetovariousreasons.

The BRCAalso answers directly to the BCB.Ithasresponsibilityforcricketuptoa certain point along the Berbice River and several clubs also come under its responsibility.

TheBRCAAGMwillbeheldonFriday, September 26, at the BCB Office in New Amsterdamfrom10:00hrs.

The WBCA AGM will be held on Sunday, September 28, at the Fort Wellington Secondary School at 11:00 hrs. (SamuelWhyte)

TheWBCAanswersdirectlytotheBCB and is responsible for cricket on both the WestCoastandWestBankofBerbice.Ithas a number of clubs that are under its responsibility

FIBA 3x3 Commission charts course for growth at 2025 Meeting in Switzerland

T h e F I B A 3 x 3

Commission convened yesterday at the Patrick

Baumann House of B a s k e t b a l l ( F I B A

Headquarters), in Mies, Switzerland, for its fourth meeting of the 2023-2027 term, outlining a dynamic futureforthesportfollowing

asuccessful2025seasonand setting the stage for upcoming milestones, including the LA2028 OlympicGames.

Chaired by Carmen Tocala, the meeting brought

Secretary General Andreas Zagklis, to review progress and approve strategic

strengthening3x3basketball globally

ASuccessful2025 SeasonRecap

T

n reviewedahighlysuccessful 2025 national team season, highlightedby the inaugural FIBA3x3ChampionsCupin Bangkok and a recordbreakingFIBA3x3AsiaCup in Singapore. A landmark moment was the first-ever FIBA3x3WorldCuphosted in Mong

ich demonstrated the power of long-term planning and home-court advantage. The Youth Nations League also

GCB announces U13 squads ahead of Inter-county tournament

TheGuyanaCricketBoardispleasedto announce the squads for our muchanticipated 2025 Inter-County Under-13 Boys’Tournament.

The annual tournament will feature teams from Guyana’s three counties Demerara known as the industrial county, Essequibo the Cinderella County and Berbice the Ancient County and the GCB selectXI.

Demerara Under-13 2025 Squad reads: Lomar Seecharran (Captain), Nathaniel Ramkhelwan, Jaden David, Dashawn Ramnauth, Makai Dowlin (Vice-Captain), Caleb Bastian, Ajay Kissoon, Nathan Puran, Rakeeb Latif, Hezekiah Hoheknirk, Tyler Redd, Mario Singh, Jasane Craig, Afraz Khan, Ashton Collins, Jaden Kissoon Coach: Latchman Yadram | Manager: Richie Looknauth. Reserves: Jayden Emanuel, Tafari Softleigh, Jagdesh Latif, Andrew Narine, Ravindranauth Naikbarran,JamalSamuels.

Essequibo Under-13 Squad 2025 reads:Demarcus Thomas (Captain), Timothy Ramdat (Vice-Captain), Tufan Chatterpaul, Mark Anthony Obermull, SavirNarine,AidenSheriff,GarfieldJohn, Rondel Nurse, Devraj Persaud, Feyad Baksh, David Soman, Justin Henry, Wade Ferrier,EshwarTillak.Coach:CliveHolder |Manager:NankishoreAndrews.Reserves: AronDe’Costa,YogeshRamnarine,Harrod De’Mattos, Saif Hussain, Justin Burton, VidalNarine.

saw record participation, with Oceania joining for the first time thanks to Olympic Solidarityfunding.

Innovationonthe ProCircuits

TheMen’sProCircuitin 2025featured17WorldTour events and 19 Challengers, with new teams breaking into the top ranks, proving the circuit’s permeability For theWomen’s Series, the new “Invited Teams” concept was hailed a success,allowingcommitted national federations to enter a second team and increase player accessibility A collaboration with the All Women’s Sports Network (AWSN) has significantly boostedtheseries’broadcast profile.

LA2028Qualification PathwayApproved

Asignificantoutcomeof themeetingwastheapproval of the qualification system

for the LA2028 Olympics, where the number of teams per gender will increase to 12. The balanced pathway emphasizes universality, rewardsdevelopmentinboth genders, and offers multiple rou

nal federations to qualify, including through ranking, Olympic Qualification

Tournaments (OQTs), and specific National Team Cups.

FocusonDevelopment andIntegrity

The comm

sion unanimously supported key regulatory changes to reinforcethesport’sintegrity and reward long-term investment The Federation Rankingcalculationwillnow consider a two-year period andincludeonlyOfficialand Recognized Competitions where FIBA can ensure full sportanddataintegrity This change aims to benefit

committedtosustainable3x3 development Development p

highlighted, including pilot projects in Africa and Latin America to support team participation,plansforofficial FIBA 3x3 training hubs, and expandede-learningresources forcoachesandofficials LookingAhead

Updates were provided ontheupcoming2026Youth Olympic Games in Dakar and the ongoing efforts to potentially increase team quotas for future Olympics. Minor refinements to the Official 3x3 Basketball Rules, effective 1 January 2026,werealsoconfirmedto improve game clarity and officiating.

“The continued growth and professionalization of 3x3 basketball is FIBA’s clearfocus,”saidtheGBF (Continuedonpage23)

Berbice Under-13 Squad 2025: Shaid Gajnabi (Captain), Jayden Ganpat (ViceCaptain),Ashton DeJonge, Dequan Lewis, Solomon Hercules, Donovan Newland, Asif Nabi, Afraz Ali, Khemraj Bharrat, Timothy Ramsaywack, Brandon Grimmond, Austin Bridgelall, Sumit Samaroo,AdrianEmmanuel,KelvinHenry Manager:EdwardLyken|Coach:Leslie Solomon

GCBSelectXI:AronDe’Costa,Yogesh Ramnarine, Harrod De’Mattos, Saif Hussain, Vidal Narine, Andrew Narine, Tyler Nedd (Captain), Ravindranauth Naikbarran, Jayden Emanuel, Tafari Softfeig, Daniel Johnson, Nicolas Madramootto, Marvin Chappell, Afridi Khan Vice-Captain, Royston Crandon Coach: Assad Fudadin | Manager: Terry Newton.

President of the GCB, Bissoondyal Singh,saidthetournamentcontinuestobea vitalpartoftheyouthdevelopmentpathway inGuyana.

“We are excited to see the next generation of talent on display in this tournament. These young players have the chance to learn, grow, and showcase their abilityastheyaspiretohigherlevelsofthe game,”henoted.

The dates for the tournament are September27,28and30.

The GCB wishes all participating squads the very best as they prepare to competeinthisyear’stournament.

CBC President, Leslie Collymore (left) and Patrick Haynes at the FIBA3x3 Commission Meeting in Switzerland