K
Friday Edition Eight countries NEWS ‘strongly denounce’ ongoing Israeli violations in Gaza
AIETEUR
August 07, 2026 - Vol. 28 No. 32
Online: www.kaieteurnews.com Online Price $200 readership
Guyana’s largest selling daily & New York’s most popular weekly
Foreign ministers of Arab and Muslim nations slam Israel's targeting of Gaza's hospitals, demand action to protect medics and patients.
yesterday, 50,330
ExxonM confirms
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3
Exxon CEO and Chairman, Darren Woods
US$55 billion
President of ExxonMobil Guyana Limited, Alistair Routledge
investment in
Guyana recovered …Govt silent as Vice President and Chief Policymaker for the Oil and Gas sector, Bharrat Jagdeo
full 50-50
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19
Minister of Natural Resources, Vickram Bharrat
profit split now due
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Kaieteur News
Friday August 07, 2026
Kaieteur News
Friday August 07, 2026
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ExxonMobil confirms US$55B investment in Guyana recovered ...Govt. silent as full 50-50 profit split now due
Exxon CEO and Chairman, Darren Woods By Davina Bagot
E
xxonMobil has recovered all of its investments made in Guyana to date, a development that now entitles the country to benefit from 50% or half of the oil being produced in the Stabroek Block. The revelation was made by the Chief Executive Officer (CEO) and Chairman of Exxon, Darren Woods during the company's July 31, 2026 earnings call for the second quarter. He told shareholders, “The success of this development has set a new standard for the industry, and frankly, has exceeded our own expectations. Delivering on tight schedules, at industry-leading cost - with strong reliability and optimised production - has resulted in recovering our capital and cost nearly two years earlier than anticipated, increasing NPV, and desaturating the cost bank.” Senior Vice President and Chief Financial Officer of Exxon, Neil Hansen offered clarity, “...as we mentioned, at this point, we've fully recovered the $55 billion of investment, along with all the operating costs and the way the contractor agreement works is we can recover that investment up to 75%. After that, the remaining production is shared 50/50 between us and the government of Guyana.” Hansen further noted that the company's share of oil from the Stabroek Block will decline as a result of the development. ExxonMobil discovered oil in commercial quantities in Guyana's Stabroek Block in 2015. The company later began producing oil in December 2019. To date, seven oil projects have been approved, with ExxonMobil eyeing two additional developments.
In accordance with the 2016 Production Sharing Agreement (PSA), the contractor is allowed to deduct 75% of the oil produced monthly to recover its investments. The remaining 25% is then split with Guyana as profits, meaning the country collects 12.5% of profits. After Exxon recovers its investment, the country will be entitled to 50% of the oil produced, after the operator takes out operating expenses. In March this year, President of ExxonMobil Guyana Limited (EMGL), Alistair Routledge said the country was on track to clear all
that's a significant acceleration. What that then means is that instead roughly the 14 and a half percent that the country has been receiving by way of revenues into the Natural Resource Fund from the Stabroek production and revenues, what will happen is that percentage will significantly increase.” At that time, he told reporters approximately US$5B was still to be recovered. Subsequently, in June, Kaieteur News reported based on an inhouse analysis that Guyana has paid off ExxonMobil the full cost of seven oil projects approved to date by government.
Minister of Natural Resources, Vickram Bharrat
Vice President and Chief Policymaker for the Oil and Gas sector, Bharrat Jagdeo
expenses related to the seven approved projects by the end of 2026. He explained, “We were anticipating sometime next year in 2027 that we were going to get to the point where we had recovered those historic cost probably largely because of just increasing volumes of production that were generating higher and higher revenues to offset the ongoing expenditures plus recover historic costs. What we are now seeing in this price environment is that will accelerate.” Be that as it may, the Country Manager did not specifically highlight Guyana's share moving to 50%. Instead, Routledge said, “If you stay at the current oil price then it will happen this year based on the level of expenditures and the production that we anticipate so
petroleum sector was announced by Exxon to its shareholders while government has not said a word to the nation regarding the increased revenue flow into the Natural Resource Fund (NRF) as a result of the cost bank now being empty. The government has repeatedly praised itself for its “transparent” management of the industry, yet this major development, expected to significantly impact the country's revenue generation was not shared with the public. In fact, questions sent to the Minister of Natural Resources, Vickram Bharrat requesting a cost recovery update since 31st July,
Using an average oil price of US$80 per barrel, considering daily production for the year so far at approximately 900,000 barrels per day (bpd), the Stabroek Block generated approximately US$12.3B in revenue up to 20th June, 2026. According to the oil deal, 75% of revenue is dedicated to cost, as such, it could be estimated that US$9.2B went towards cost, far more than the US$5B that needed to be recovered according to Exxon. This means that Guyana should already be receiving its full 50% profits outlined in the PSA as the cost of all seven oil projects sanctioned by the GoG has been repaid. Silence from Govt. N o t a b l y, t h e m a j o r development in Guyana's
2026 was ignored. Similarly, EMGL did not respond to queries from Kaieteur News sent since 23rd July, regarding the balance remaining in the cost bank or clarification on whether the company's total investment has been recovered. The public therefore must know when the cost bank was cleared and whether Guyana is now receiving its 50% profit in keeping with the PSA. Further, government must explain how future projects will be managed financially as approving another development will add more costs for the country to repay. This means that the country can go back to receiving 12.5% unless it implements a ring-fencing provision to ensure that new projects are self-financed or paid for when oil production starts at
President of ExxonMobil Guyana Limited, Alistair Routledge that development. Come clean Last month, the Leader of the Opposition, Azruddin Mohamed demanded answers from the GoG on whether the country has managed to repay ExxonMobil. He told this newspaper, “If indeed ExxonMobil and its partners have fully recovered their initial investment in the Stabroek Block, then the government owes the Guyanese people an explanation. Why has there been no official announcement? Why has the public not been updated on the current cost recovery figures, the amount remaining in the cost bank?” Mohamed highlighted that Exxon itself revealed that the country will clear all costs for the seven projects by 2026 yet government has been silent. He argued, “The government must tell us whether new development, exploration, and other recoverable costs are still being deducted from oil revenues and at what rate.” The leader went on to question, “Are these costs continuing to prevent Guyana from receiving a larger share of revenues, or is Guyana now receiving the full 50% share of profit oil after allowable expenses? If Exxon's initial investment has been fully recovered, where is the money going? Could the PPP provide information on the portion of that revenue allocated to the natural resources fund?” Mohamed stressed that the subject is of national importance involving billions of US-dollars in wealth that belongs to the people of Guyana. In fact, he maintained that the government cannot remain silent or leave the public to speculate on the costs being recovered by Exxon.
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Kaieteur News Printed and Published by National Media & Publishing Company Ltd. 24 Saffon Street, Charlestown, Georgetown, Guyana. Publisher: DR. GLENN LALL - TEL: 624-6456 Editor-In-Chief: NIGEL WILLIAMS Tel: 225-8465, 225-8491. Fax: 225-8473, 226-8210
EDITORIAL
MV Barima – What could be expected Guyanese now have a Commission of Inquiry (COI) into the MV Barima capsizing and much loss of life. There are Terms of Reference now part of the public record. What is to be expected, what will citizens get? On the more personal level, what will the families get? Where will the deliberations of this COI lead, with what recommendations made, what consequences applied? There is already much that is disputed about the composition of the COI, how it came about. Each member will be watched. Every action scrutinised. We at this paper can foresee that it may come in for a hammering whatever its outcomes. We shall withhold comment, allow its work to proceed, and give it a chance to prove itself. There will be more than enough opportunity later to hail its work, or to give it any other kind of treatment that is reasonable, deserving. No member of the COI has to be Guyanese to appreciate the emotional cauldron surrounding this disaster of a vessel and all the known and unknown issues surrounding its sinking to the bottom. Most importantly, no member of the COI can be unaware of the deaths so many, and of whom so many were children. It is now accepted that most were of poor local stock, with the majority from the indigenous community. To them belong the best of efforts. To their memory belong the right for each member of the COI to do his or her best duty. Despite the odds, in spite of its origins, the COI into the MV Barima capsizing can stand as a model of authentic inquiry. The very last thing for which it should stand is to give validation to the belief that it is yet another instance of how politics inserts itself and influences so much of what goes on locally. A general point could be made about COIs. The MV Barima has a tight schedule. We think that this has its positives. What would be even more positive is that its report should be before the public in the swiftest time. Every area of its mandate presented in a clear and unflinching manner, with nothing obscured by redaction. What is there to withhold from Guyanese, particularly in a tragedy of such catastrophic proportions? Even in mature democracies, there have been occasions when COIs were caught in political tug of wars. The families are due, the various impacted communities, and the country itself are all in urgent need of learning the truths behind this capsized passenger and cargo vessel. The group that matters the most is that of grieving families, some shaken to the bone by the loss of multiple members. These citizens have the right of first call on the best foot that each one can offer. From the ashes of this tragedy, there can be space carved out for national learning and growing. Healing will require a much longer period. It is a testing time. There have been serious failures at multiple times leading up to the tragedy. The same could be said of different levels, since the boat went down, took so many lives, and left huge wounds on the face of the nation. Every opportunity must be pursued with vigor and a commitment returning life to some state of normalcy. The worst possible outcome would be the same old politics to continue, as if nobody died. Or those who died do not matter that much. Evasive politics has condemned before, now the same raw, defensive politics is killing citizens in their numbers. There is sure to be enough blame to share around liberally, but that will have to bide its time. For now, the conduct of everyone that has some relationship in these still early days of the tragedy has to reach another level. Transparency at its best is key. Sensitivity relative to the hurts of those impacted is another. We have not excelled in either of the two areas. Now is the chance to make a start, a start that is genuine. The government of Guyana and the people of Guyana can manifest that there is the will and skill to make it happen. The fallen and the surviving are due.
Am I a second-class citizen in my own community? DEAR EDITOR, Last November I wrote to the BV/Triumph NDC to utilise part of the parapet (Council’s reserve) opposite my place of abode. In my letter to the council, I specified the boundaries of the reserve I intended to utilise and usage. · The area of interest is north of Jardim Street, bounded to the East and North by the Triumph Nursery School fence and ends at the west in line with the Eastern boundary of the plot owned by Ms. Clarissa Stephens (The Archers). ·I intend to have the area concreted for use as an extension of my workshop (welding of vehicles etc), storage of items produced and parking. I operate an engineering establishment and from time to time have need to handle jobs which cannot be accommodated within the boundaries of my premises. To date the Council have not responded to my request. However, after some months after sending the request, I met the NDC’s Chair-person and asked her about the status of the request and in a rather nonchalant way said “It was not approved” Today I observed an excavator working in the compound of the Triumph Nursery school.
· It took down the southern fence · It also did some landscaping on the southern side of the compound. I approached the person whom I assumed to be the contractor he told me that he was moving the most Southern portion of the fence to line up with what was once the drainage canal. I asked why he said the land south of where he’ll put the fence is gazetted as reserve. That would result in the reduction of the play area for pupils of the school. A bit of history of that canal it was filled up in the 70’s as it became defunct. However, recently a portion was reopened to the end, at the western boundary of where the abattoir once was. The land where the abattoir was and a vacant piece east of it now is the compound of the Nursery School. The land on which I live is the place of my birth. My memory of the neighbourhood stretches back to the late 50s, and I recollected that the southern fence of the abattoir in the general location of the fence that was removed yesterday. In other words that was never a part of village reserve, hence any such designation is of recent vintage. What I recognised is that the council is facilitating a Chinese business which is operating at the junction of Jardim and Surat Drive (next door to me) to have parking space the same I requested
to have and was not acted upon. The difference I requested to utilise Council’s reserve, while they are prepared to create (as the contractor said by gazetting an area which previously was not). In other words, it is an attempt to carry favour to the Chinese operating at the corner. Two years ago the Chinese who were erecting the structure which evolved to be this Supermarket intimated when a bit of violation was identified said MI GI SHI SHI TING. I mentioned the treatment meted out to me a villager to two business persons at the street end and was told by both, the council instructed that they occupy the reserve in front of me in order to create parking for another Chinese business which has only today opened its door at the junction of Jardim and Republic Drive (BV Main Road). Should these two vendors move their businesses would suffer as they would no longer be on what is considered a main thoroughfare. In closing I ask · Why are Chinese businesses given preferences before to businesses of villagers”? · Why is the play area for our children being taken away to facilitate a Chinese Business? Sincerely, Elton McRae
If Asking for Safe Ferries is Called Noise … then Make Noise Gen-Z DEAR EDITOR, Following the capsizing on 18th July of the ill-fated state-owned ferry MV Barima off Guyana’s Atlantic coast — the largest and deadliest maritime disaster to befall the nation — will the Government of Guyana face a political reckoning? This is the question of the moment, not least because this tragedy has spotlighted a bevy of concerns. Guyanese have rightly called attention to safety and regulatory issues, as well as corruption and associated systemic institutional failures. And then there is the matter of the broader accountability fallout, which authorities are attempting to grapple with via a much-vaunted Presidential Commission of Inquiry. In the face of the tragedy, the public’s outcry across the length and breadth of the country is palpable. For Guyanese, the scale of the disaster makes it difficult to grasp. The tragedy struck a chord with a cross-section of the populace, traumatised by the loss of so many lives and the wider impact on family members and entire communities. The number of children and babies who perished is especially heartwrenching, against a backdrop where the passengers were primarily Amerindians from rural Guyana. They are among the poorest and most vulnerable population groups, who typically do not have the means to travel to and from outlying rural areas to the c o u n t r y ’s m e t r o p o l i t a n c e n t e r
—Georgetown — leveraging up to standard means of transport. Amid the deluge of heartbreaking stories on this tragedy, it is heartening to learn of instances where the country’s Gen-Z have publicly voiced concerns that are widely shared. And yet the Government has likened such reaction — and dismissively so — to “noise.” Anyone who has followed India’s recent Gen-Z protests birthed on social media would be aware that establishment forces who promulgate such a narrative risk public backlash. In the Indian political context, this development forced a sitting government minister to resign, dealt a debilitating blow to the ruling Bharatiya Janata Party and ushered in wideranging education-related systemic changes. The jury is still out on whether — now two weeks after the MV Barima tragedy — a youth-led, India cockroach-styled movement will galvanize itself and hold the Government of Guyana to account. As a mother of two Gen-Z daughters, allow me to speak from the heart in the remainder of this missive. I want to make a direct appeal to Gen-Z — who I see as Guyana’s Oil Generation (OGz). One day, history will not view your generation as being synonymous just with Guyana having come into its own as a petrostate. Rather, you will be seen through a different lens; to my mind, a more important one: The standards and
behaviours you are all too quick to accept. Consider, if you will, the humaninterest stories that permeate the MV Barima disaster. A few days ago, I watched on social media a young father bury his wife and their three children. Four coffins. His cries echoed throughout the funeral service — as he called out for the family he would never hold again. But his grief was not his alone. At least seventy-three people never came home. More than thirty others are still missing. Behind every number is a name. A family forever changed. Children left without a parent. Parents left without a child. Dreams cut short. Futures that will never be realised. Later, I listened to the other survivors. Not one story shocked me more than the next. Because they all reflected a similar if not identical narrative: An overcrowded ferry. Also, families carrying hammocks because they expected there would be nowhere proper to sleep. Others arrived with bedsheets. Some with nothing more than a piece of cardboard tucked beneath an arm, hoping to find enough floor space to lie down. Mothers held their babies throughout the night because there was nowhere safe to place them in the boat. It appears that the passengers were not struck by the fact that such conditions on board are substandard. Continued on page 5
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You cannot If Asking for Safe Ferries is Called... throw money at every problem DEAR EDITOR, The poor damage control on display by the party is quite distasteful. Throwing money at the problem will not suffice. The General Secretary of the party and the President are doing their best to try to change the discussion and focus the people affected on selfinterest and financial gain, but the fact remains that empathy is lacking and sincere concern for the pain that the families are experiencing is absent. If the party’s leadership was in tune with the feelings of those affected, they would have already asked for the required resignations, and if those of whom it was requested were not forthcoming, the PPP’s leadership should have sacked the whole sorry lot of them before things got further out of control. In some respects, this is a case of criminal negligence that resulted in many deaths and should be considered manslaughter. It is extremely difficult to ask a nation in mourning to focus on your plans to wastefully spend our money while some of our fellow citizens lay on the ocean floor with the poor excuse for sea transport that took them there thanks to negligent management and oversight. Please do not misunderstand the point being made. Yes, housing and village models are important, but the timing is
far from ideal and corruption continues to p l a g u e t h e n a t i o n ’s investments. There is too much anger caused by the administration’s inability to act on what matters in the minds of most Guyanese. Simply put, the President and the General Secretary must clean house and show that they have the courage to hold one of their own if not two, accountable for the tragedy that has left everyone with the impression that they are not up to the task of leading our nation safely into its next phase of development. It will not be surprising if more protests occur nationwide until clear and meaningful actions are taken to hold senior members of the government accountable. Throwing more money at the problem will not resolve what money cannot bring back. People matter more and our safety matters more than any scarce dollar you can muster up to try to convince us otherwise. $100 dollars is worth the same as $1B dollars to a dead man, dead woman, or dead child. Try to understand and stop embarrassing our nation. Do what is correct in the eyes of the world. Have those responsible resign and try them for manslaughter. They must be held accountable. It will also send a clear message to others in the service of our nation. Sincerely, Mr. Jamil Changlee
From page 4 They came to see them as “normal.” That one word has haunted me ever since. When did carrying a piece of cardboard onto a passenger ferry become normal? When did slinging a hammock become part of preparing for public transportation? When did parents begin planning where their babies might sleep — not in a seat or a cabin — but on a deck? When did Guyanese stop expecting dignity? As I listened to those stories, I realised something that frightened me even more than the tragedy itself. The ferry didn’t create this problem. What the MV Barima tragedy has compelled all right-thinking Guyanese to come to terms with is the deplorable conditions that the most marginalised segments of society must contend with as they conduct t h e i r d a i l y a ff a i r s — including using the state’s ferry service. I am not writing this as a politician. I am not writing this as an engineer, a maritime expert or a policymaker. As I mentioned, I am writing as a mother. And perhaps because I am a mother, I cannot stop thinking about the children. Every one of those children could become Guyana’s future doctor. Its nurse. Its teacher. Its engineer. Its entrepreneur. And maybe, one day, its President. Their lives should never begin with us accepting less than their dignity deserves. My generation — GenX — has witnessed too many moments when the nation promised itself, “Never
again.” After Mahdia, we promised ourselves it would never happen again. Yet here we are, after the M.V. Barima, making the same promise once more. The question is no longer whether we care. We clearly do. The question is whether caring is enough to change what we have allowed to become normal. That is why I am writing to you — Gen-Z. You are growing up in a world that I could only imagine. You have artificial intelligence. Unlimited knowledge at your fingertips. Access to the world’s greatest ideas, universities and innovations. You can compare how countries solve problems. P e r h a p s m o s t i m p o r t a n t l y, y o u c a n challenge outdated thinking and modes of governance. You can build systems that are smarter, safer and more accountable than the ones you inherited. Please don’t perpetuate our lowered expectations (i.e., Millennials, GenX and those that came before). Raise them. D o n ’t a s k w h e t h e r something has always been done this way. Ask whether it is the right way. Don’t give anyone a free pass. Not because they wear your party’s colours. Not because you like them. Not because they’re family. Hold everyone to the same standard. For years we’ve heard about the Norway Model. One day, I hope the world begins asking how Guyana created its own. A country that used its oil wealth not simply to build
roads and bridges…but to build trustworthy institutions. A country where no mother has to wonder whether her child will return home safely from school. A country where boarding a ferry with a piece of cardboard tucked under your arm is no longer something anyone calls “normal.” A country where dignity isn’t reserved for a fortunate few. It is the standard for everyone. That is the Guyana Model I hope you build. Don’t defend failure because it is familiar. Challenge it because people deserve better. Real patriotism isn’t loving a political party, or about being a diehard party supporter. It is loving your country enough to expect excellence from everyone entrusted with serving it. The Guyana you inherit is not fixed. Every election you vote in, every question you ask, every institution you strengthen, every standard you refuse to lower — will help decide the country your children inherit. As a mother, I place my hope in your hands. Not because you are perfect. But because you are not yet burdened by the belief that the bare minimum is enough.
So, if asking for safe ferries is called noise … Then make noise. Make the kind of noise that asks difficult questions. Make the kind of noise that demands competence before another family has to bury their loved ones. Make the kind of noise that refuses to let preventable tragedies become commonplace. Make the kind of noise that expects dignity for every Guyanese, not just the fortunate few. Make the kind of noise that reminds every leader — regardless of party — that public office is a r e s p o n s i b i l i t y, n o t a privilege. Because silence has never built a better nation. Silence has never made a ferry safer. Silence has never protected a child. Don’t become the generation remembered only for inheriting oil. Rather, become the generation remembered for refusing to accept that “normal” was good enough. Become the generation that proved Guyana’s greatest wealth was never beneath its waters. It was always within its people. With hope, A concerned Guyanese mother
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Canadian firm engaging Govt. on mining licence for 5.4M ounces gold project Canadian mining company Aris Mining Corporation says it is activ ely en g ag in g th e Government of Guyana and the Guyana Geology and Mines Commission (GGMC) to secure a mining licence for its Toroparu Gold Project. The update was provided in the company’s secondquarter 2026 results released on 29th July to keep stakeholders informed as the project advances toward a targeted construction decision in early 2027. The Toroparu Project located in Region Seven (Cuyuni-Mazaruni), is one of the largest undeveloped gold deposits in Guyana. This project is being developed by ETK Inc. a subsidiary of Aris Mining. Overall, the project is expected to yield approximately five million ounces of gold, 4.9 million ounces of silver, and 260 million pounds of copper over its mine life. Aris said the Toroparu Prefeasibility Study (PFS) remains on schedule for completion in the second half of 2026 and will support a construction decision targeted for early next year. Moreover, Aris reported that its Guyana workforce has grown to approximately 100 employees, with several key leadership appointments made during the quarter to support project development and execution. The company further noted that project optimisation work is continuing and includes updated mine scheduling, engineering studies and other activities aimed at
An aerial view of the Toroparu Gold Project
advancing the project to construction readiness. It was also stated that preconstruction activities are already underway, including construction of the Puruni River Bridge, expansion of the workers’ camp, road improvements and the development of other site infrastructure. The Toroparu deposit is
located on a property that was originally subject to a M i n i n g J o i n t Ve n t u r e Agreement between Guyanese conglomerate Alfro Alphonso and Gregory K. Graham, effective 1st August, 1999. This arrangement, initially called the Upper Puruni Venture, was later amended and restated on 1stJanuary,2008, through an agreement
between Alphonso and ETK Inc. giving Aris’ subsidiary control of the massive gold project. Chairman and Chief Executive Officer (CEO) of Aris Mining, Neil Woodyer had said the Guyana project will require about US$800M in investment and is expected to produce about 250,000 ounces of gold annually for roughly 20
years. Woodyer had said that production from its Marmato and Segovia mines in Columbia to reach a combined 500,000 ounces annually as expansion works are completed next year and the addition of the Toroparu Project to push the company’s annual gold production to 750,000 ounces.
According to Woodyer Aris currently holds 9.3 million ounces in gold reserves grading 6.1 grams per tonne, spreading across four assets: Segovia, Marmato, Soto Norte and Toroparu in Guyana. Aris Mining was started about five years ago. The company is concentrating on Latin America following the build and buy strategy.
High Court denies VAMED injunctions against state ...orders both sides to preserve hospital sites pending arbitration The High Court presided over by Justice Renita Singh, on Thursday shut down applications from Austrian company VAMED Engineering GmbH’s for several temporary orders against the Ministry of Health (MoH) in the specialty hospitals dispute. In her ruling, Justice Singh found that while the court has jurisdiction under the Arbitration Act 2024 to hear applications for interim measures pending arbitration, VAMED failed to demonstrate the urgency required for such relief. Instead, the judge ruled that the dispute should proceed to arbitration, while ordering both parties
to preserve the project sites, equipment and related assets pending the appointment of an arbitral tribunal. VAMED had sought conservatory orders restraining the Ministry of Health from taking possession of or occupying the Georgetown Paediatric and Maternal Hospital and New Amsterdam Hospital sites, expelling its personnel or subcontractors, and enforcing a €14.9 million performance bond. It had also sought that the application be heard inter partes and that the conservatory orders remain in force pending an expedited inter partes
hearing and or the constitution of the Dispute Adjudication / Avoidance Board (DAAB) or Arbitral Tribunal clause 21 of the contracts,” this was also refused. The MoH and VAMED were ordered to preserve the 52 containers and equipment on the GMPH site, not opening nor interfering with them. Only security personnel of the latter are allowed to access the site for the sole purpose of securing the said containers and equipment. “The Ministry of Health is hereby ordered to preserve all contractor’s Continued on page 22
T N U L B . . . T B N U T L N T B . U . L . L T B . N . U . N U T L N B . U . T . L N T U N B . N U . . L U L LUNT B . T . . T T N N B U B . U . L . L T B . B . . N . . . T T LU N N T U U L N L B U . B . . L . . . T B T . . N . N A stubborn T U L N LU B U . . L N . T B U . . L N . T B U . Government . L N . T B U . . L N . T B U . . L N . N T B . . U N . L T U B L N . . B . U . . T L . N T B . . U N . L N T B U N . . L . U T B L . . N B . . . T U . L N T B U . . L . UN T B U . . L N . T B U . . L N . T B U . . L N . T B U . . L N B U U .BLUNT. . . L . T B . . N . T U . L N . T B U . UN .BLUNT.. UNT...BL T...BL . L N . T B U . . L LUN ...BLUNT. LUNT...B NT...BL T B U . . L N . T B U . . L N . T B B U . . L N . T B U . . L N . T B U . . L N . T B U . . L N . T B B U . . L N . T B U . . L N . T B U . . L N . T B U BBL T...BLUN BLUNT... ...BLU . T . N . N T T U L U N L B U T...BLU U B . L . N . B T . . . N T U N N N L U U U B L . L B T LUNT.. UNT...B BL B Friday August 07, 2026
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Italian police arrested Dutch salvage firm owner secretly invited by Govt. for MV Barima recovery Police in Italy previously arrested the owner of Koole Onshore and Koole Offshore (KMS), the Dutch firm secretly invited by the Government of Guyana (GoG) to salvage the sunken MV Barima that claimed the lives of over 100 persons. Research by Kaieteur News uncovered that the owner and founder of the demolition and salvage company, Paul Koole was arrested in Italy and was held in prison there for embezzlement. KMS is headquartered in the Netherlands and has established a base in Suriname recently where it can easily mobilise staff and resources to Guyana. The company completed multiple casualty-removal contracts for the government of Guyana in the Demerara River. A news report from AT5, a media house in Netherlands reported on 2ndAugust,2019 that there was an Interpol alert from Nigeria, where Koole has a company. The Italian police arrested him after he had
checked into a hotel. At the time, there was suspicion that Koole would be extradited to Nigeria. AT 5 r e p o r t e d t h a t Koole's lawyer, Niels van der Laan, assured that everything was being done to prevent the extradition. “It is terrible what is happening here. We don't understand it at all. It is unclear to us what the arrest is based on,” the lawyer added. Beyond the Italian detention, Paul Koole and his extensive constellation of corporate entities (including Koole Contractors, Koole Maritime B.V., Koole Mammoet Salvage, and various holding companies) have been deeply entangled in a series of high-stakes litigations and scandals over the past decade. These controversies range from fierce administrative battles with the Dutch state over international waste export laws and high-profile trademark infringement suits, to complex corporate discovery actions in United States Federal Court, and
CEO and owner of KMS, Paul Koole
intense, ideologically charged disputes over urban land redevelopment in Amsterdam. Kaieteur News reported on Tuesday that the Dutch firm was invited by the government to submit a proposal to raise the MV Barima, days before an official publicly opened a competitive bidding process. This raises questions as to whether the government has already selected a company to salvage the vessel and has merely launched a bidding process to satisfy the public and assure family members
and victims of the dreaded incident of a “transparent process”. This newspaper found that as Koole Contractors expanded its footprint in the 2020s, the legal exposure of the corporate structure escalated from domestic administrative and real estate disputes to high-stakes transnational litigation within the United States Federal Court system. Freemantle Highway salvage The most prominent, financially significant, and legally convoluted controversy involving Paul Koole in recent years surrounds the Fremantle Highway, a Panamanianflagged roll-on/roll-off vehicle carrier. On 25thJuly, 2023, the Fremantle Highway suffered a catastrophic blaze while transiting the North Sea off the coast of the Dutch island of Ameland. The vessel, which had departed from Bremerhaven bound for Singapore, was carrying approximately 3,783 vehicles, including nearly 500 electric vehicles. The fire rapidly engulfed the upper decks, resulting in the tragic death of one crew member and forcing the remaining 22 crew members to evacuate, many by jumping into the sea. After a prolonged and highly perilous firefighting effort by the Dutch Coast Guard and international salvage teams, the badly damaged, listing vessel was towed to Eemshaven to prevent an environmental disaster in the ecologically sensitive Wadden Sea, and was subsequently relocated to the Damen Shipyards in Rotterdam. Recognising an immense arbitrage opportunity, Koole Contractors engaged with the vessel's Japanese owners, Luster Maritime (a subsidiary of Shoei Kisen Kaisha Ltd.), and their insurers.
In October 2023, Koole purchased the heavily damaged ship for the symbolic, nominal sum of €1. Koole's strategy was to completely strip the burnedout upper superstructures and extract the thousands of destroyed vehicles, leaving only the structurally intact lower hull and engine room. Because there is a massive global shortage of vehicle carriers, an equivalent newbuild would cost upward of €160 million. Koole negotiated a contract to sell the salvaged hull to a Chinese shipyard (Qingshan) in Xiamen for €11 million. Under the terms of the financial arrangement, the transport to China via the semi-submersible heavy lift vessel Boka Vanguard would cost approximately €5 million; Koole would retain the first €3 million of profit, with the remaining €8 million split evenly between Koole and the original Japanese owners. Koole's highly lucrative plan immediately triggered a massive administrative and legal blockade orchestrated by the Dutch Environmental and Transport Inspectorate (Inspectie Leefomgeving en Transport, or ILT). The core of the dispute rested on a singular, highly contentious legal definition: was the Fremantle Highway a "vessel" or a "waste substance" (afvalstof)? T h e I LT f o r m a l l y blocked the export of the vessel, classifying the Fremantle Highway strictly as hazardous waste due to the extensive thermal damage to its upper decks and the presence of toxic residues from the burned electric vehicles. To break the regulatory deadlock, Koole Contractors initiated emergency summary proceedings (kort geding) against the Dutch State in the District Court of The Hague in the spring of 2024. The litigation, however, initially faltered on complex procedural and jurisdictional grounds. In April 2024, the civil judge ruled that the civil courts were the incorrect venue for the dispute. The judge determined that the classification of a highly complex maritime casualty as an "afvalstof" required a comprehensive review of a full technical dossier—a process that fell strictly within the jurisdiction of the specialised administrative courts. Consequently, Koole
Marine Service (KMS) was declared inadmissible in the civil summary proceedings, dealing a temporary but significant blow to the project. Following subsequent ILT inspections of this heavily modified structure, the regulatory authorities and Koole Contractors finally reached a negotiated agreement in August 2024. The Dutch authorities conceded that, stripped of its hazardous, non-viable superstructures, the remaining hull legally constituted a commercial asset rather than waste. The export permit was officially granted for its voyage to China. BMV litigation The Fremantle Highway saga also generated severe secondary litigation involving third-party corporate giants. When Koole Contractors removed the roughly 2,800 burned and damaged vehicle wrecks from the ship, attempts were made by various entities to commercialise, sell, or process the salvaged vehicles. This immediately prompted a swift and aggressive legal response from the German automotive manufacturer BMW, which had a significant number of vehicles aboard the stricken carrier. BMW filed an urgent summary proceeding (kort geding) asserting severe trademark infringement and brand dilution. The automaker argued before the court that selling the firedamaged, structurally compromised vehicles into the secondary market would not only violate their intellectual property rights but also pose an existential risk of reputational damage. BMW contended that the structural integrity, safety, and electronic reliability of the salvaged BMWs could no longer be guaranteed, and allowing them to be driven or sold would irreparably harm the brand's standing. The court ruled decisively in favour of BMW, issuing a strict injunction that legally prohibited the sale of the compromised vehicles, forcing them to be treated strictly as scrap metal to be fed into the furnaces of entities like Tata Steel in Velsen-Noord. Caribbean wreck removals Koole has also been heavily involved in post(Continuned on page 22)
Kaieteur News
Friday August 07, 2026
PAGE 09
The art of knowing everything before the evidence arrives There is a peculiar tendency among many local commentators to look at a disaster and see a conspiracy before the investigators have found the wreckage. These commentators possess the rare strategic gift of knowing not merely what happened, but why it happened, who benefited from it and what the government was thinking when it happened—all before the evidence has finished sinking to the bottom of the Atlantic. It is a remarkable i n t e l l e c t u a l accomplishment. Most ordinary people wait for the facts. But there are some commentators who apparently regard facts as something that can be collected later, once the conclusion has been safely reached. Their argument usually begins with the obvious: the death of seventy-three people is a national tragedy. It then asserts something that no one will disagree with: the circumstances surrounding the sinking deserve the most rigorous i n v e s t i g a t i o n . S o f a r, everyone is happily marching in the same
direction. From there, however, the argument performs a remarkable transformation. Questions become conclusions. Possibilities b e c o m e f a c t s . Disagreements become evidence of political motive. Administrative decisions become manifestations of a strategy. Errors become deceptions. Omissions become conspiracies. And, by the time the paragraph reaches its final sentence, the government is apparently engaged in a carefully orchestrated campaign of blame avoidance. It is an impressive journey from perhaps to therefore. The captain and others are charged while the vessel remains underwater, and we are invited to see a scandal. But the fact that two things occur simultaneously does not establish that one invalidates the other. The existence of a submerged wreck does not automatically suspend the operation of criminal law. A murder charge does not require the accused ship to be physically raised from the seabed before a prosecution can begin. Nor does the
existence of a Commission of Inquiry prevent the police or prosecutors from investigating suspected criminal conduct. These are separate processes, serving different purposes, and may proceed simultaneously. The existence of a statutory procedure for investigating marine casualties, by itself, does not establish that a criminal investigation or a Commission of Inquiry is unlawful, improper or politically motivated. The fact that Parliament has provided one investigative mechanism does not necessarily mean that every other lawful mechanism becomes unavailable. The argument becomes particularly strained when it treats the unrecovered wreck as though it were the only possible source of evidence. Criminal charges are based on evidence, not on whether a wreck has been physically recovered. Witness statements, inspection records, maintenance records, certification documents, loading records, communications, photographs, video, expert assessments and other
Dem Boys Seh...
De surprise inspection Dem boys does always say that Guyana is a country where law enforcement does have a strange relationship with surprise. Sometimes de law does take a nap for years, then suddenly wake up one morning and decide that everybody should have been ready all along. And this is so especially after a tragedy. Is sad it does have to take such an event for enforcement to tighten. Anyway, it is good to see that the Coast Guard is now paying attention to vessels travelling in our internal waters and checking whether boats are properly certified and whether the persons operating them have the necessary licences and qualifications. Nobody should quarrel with that. In fact, if dem boys had anything to do with it, every vessel should be properly inspected, every captain properly certified and every passenger properly protected. When yuh dealing with water, safety should never be treated like something yuh remember only after somebody has fallen overboard. But there is one small problem. If the Coast Guard is going to introduce rigorous checks in the Pomeroon, then the boat owners and captains should have been told beforehand. Because Guyana has a particular tradition when it comes to paperwork: people does know that the paperwork exists, but they does not necessarily know that they supposed to carry it around with them. A captain may have his certificate safely
stored at home. The vessel’s documents may be in he wardrobe drawer. The licence may be in a filing cabinet. And the captain may be somewhere on the Pomeroon wondering why the Coast Guard suddenly interested in documents that nobody previously asked him to produce. Is that an excuse for not having the required paperwork? No. Is it reasonable to expect that operators be given notice that enforcement checks will now be conducted? Absolutely. You cannot spend years telling people, by your actions, that something is not routinely checked and then suddenly behave as though everybody should have anticipated a new enforcement regime. That is not how compliance works. If the authorities want compliance, they should first communicate the standard, give operators reasonable notice, allow them to regularise their documents and then enforce the law consistently. Dem boys believe in enforcement. What dem boys don’t believe in is surprise compliance. Tell people the examination coming, then examine them. Tell captains what documents they must carry, then check them. Tell boat owners what certification is required, then enforce it. The Coast Guard should enforce the law—and enforce it firmly. But safety and fairness can travel in the same boat. Talk half. Leff half.
documentary material may all form part of a criminal investigation. Indeed, if physical recovery of a wreck were an absolute prerequisite to criminal prosecution, one wonders what the criminal justice system would do whenever an aircraft disappeared into the deep ocean, a building collapsed and buried its contents, or a body was never recovered. Would justice simply issue an apology and wait for the tide? One may reasonably question the sufficiency or credibility of the evidence. One may argue that the prosecution is premature. One may even ask whether the evidence satisfies the requirements for murder. Those are legitimate questions and should be asked. But one cannot simply announce that the absence of the wreck means the prosecution has somehow proceeded before the evidence exists. There is another curious leap in the argument: the suggestion that the existence of possible shipping offences somehow makes murder charges inherently suspect. It does not follow.
Different offences can arise from the same facts. A person may commit a regulatory offence and, depending upon the evidence and the applicable law, potentially commit a much more serious criminal offence arising from the same conduct. The fact that a ship may have been unseaworthy does not prove murder. But neither does the existence of a seaworthiness offence prevent investigators from examining whether other criminal offences may have been committed. It is perfectly legitimate to argue that every reasonable salvage option should be exhausted. If experts believe the vessel can be recovered safely and at a reasonable cost, there is a powerful argument for doing so. The families are entitled to expect that every reasonable effort will be made to determine what happened. But where is the evidence that the government is deliberately refusing to recover the vessel because it wants the evidence to disappear? None is presented. There is a difference
between saying, the government should do more to recover the wreck, and saying, the government does not want the wreck recovered because it fears what the wreck will reveal. The first is an argument. The second is an allegation requiring evidence. In the meantime, the Barima lies beneath the Atlantic. The Commission has work to do. The courts have work to do. Investigators have work to do. And the country has every right to demand answers. But until those answers exist, the honest intellectual position is not to pretend certainty. It is to preserve doubt. We should investigate everything, question everything and assume nothing that the evidence has not established. The sea, inconveniently, has not yet supplied the footnotes. The views expressed in this article are those of the author and do not necessarily reflect the opinions of this newspaper.
Kaieteur News
PAGE 10 UTHS
D TR
HAR
HK
BY G
LALL
Friday August 07, 2026
H@RD TRUTHS
BY GHK LALL
The art of deflection
Pres. Ali reminds of a wrestler who steps into the ring for a fight. He's under pressure but has an ace. The president walks into the square circle with his own bell. One of those newfangled contraptions that come with an on-and-off switch. No hand-wringing. Simply press the button, and the game's on. In the harrowing aftermath of a big Guyana tragedy, the PPP Govt has these gimmicks and gadgets to help sway hearts, spin heads. In the role of national leader, the president has had few winners. When the MV Barima headed down, the president was out-of-town. The government on the ropes (still is), knew that rabbits had to be pulled out of a white hat. Enter Dr. Ali with his bell and white attire to
mark the solemnity of the occasion. Nothing so ghastly as in-the-face red. White is that sign of peace and serenity. This is the art of deflection, how distraction works. In both areas, the PPP Govt is now a proven master. To Moruca in Region One went Mr. Ali. A onestop, government fullservice center is coming to Santa Rosa. These guys are good at this game. He rang his bell. Everyone straightened up, listened up. In the midst of catastrophe, before many who may have difficulty burying their dead, Pres Ali came with money and his bell. GRA (TIN certs). GRO (birth and death certs). Banking (ATM). Document renewal (passports). In scanning the media item, I couldn't hear
the president. I could read him. I hope that he didn't get too carried away in his customary out-of-place and out-of-synch fashion. People in a wide span across those lands are grieving. A cornucopia of gifts for a broad subset in Guyana's demographics. It took over 100 of the indigenous to return to their forefathers for the PPP Govt to remember them outside of election time. It took six years of oil at increasing daily production levels before Guyana's First Citizens are given the respect due. They have been divided and diminished. Their sacred lands snatched. Their people exploited even more ruthlessly. A hundred shouldn't have had to die for the people to hear what they did hear. Other communities will hear. Because whatever
has to be done to get the MV Barima tragedy away from the headlines, it will be done. The millions found. The contractors found. A busy leader and busy ministers found to deliver the news. Quick aside: was that really Mr. Parliament among the hinterland touring parties? They will go to other indigenous communities. I urge patience on residents in the other far-flung administrative regions of Guyana. A presidential or ministerial party would be touching down in a neighborhood by you soon. The dark arts of deflection and distraction now moving at express speed. From Region One in Moruca to Kaneville in Region Four: set to become a model city. Guyana's first. I
absorb those words, and shake my head: AI in action. Who reads a book anymore? Simply plug some words into a program and it does all the heavy lifting, the sweating, right down to that other lost art spelling. Grove and Diamond are next in line, the East Coast. GT type amenities in mind for villages and communities across Guyana. It is unbecoming of me, but what GT type amenities? Safe streets and drainage -where, Mr. President? Green spaces, Mr. President, where can I find outside of the National Park? At least, with the president taking the lead belatedly, the PPP Govt seems to have been shaken to its roots, now has its foot on
the gas pedal. Enmore is to get a $1.5 billion Assisted Living Facility at Enmore. Whatever was once stuck on drawing boards and in planning committee are all now galloping at breakneck speed. Ring that bell, Excellency. Ring dah bell. The art of deflection, distraction. Whatever the costs, get that tragedy off the frontpage. The views expressed in this article are those of the author and do not necessarily reflect the opinions of this newspaper
Kaieteur News
Friday August 07, 2026
Pegasus Suites rebrands as Atlantic Suites Hotel .... joins Hyatt affiliated network The Pegasus Suites
Pegasus Suites, the newer owner of Pegasus Hotel, has officially joined the Hyatt family as an Affiliated Hotel, operating under the new name Atlantic Suites Hotel, Chief Executive Officer,. Robert Badal announced on Thursday. The 80-suite hotel, located at Pegasus Corporate Centre, will initially be marketed as an independent property under the Hyatt Affiliated designation. According to the announcement, the hotel plans to transition further into the Hyatt Regency lifestyle brand and join the World of Hyatt loyalty
programme in 2028, once an adjacent 170room tower currently in development is completed. "We are excited at this transition to the Hyatt family and the opportunity it presents in serving the Business and Leisure travellers with trusted hospitality of the highest level," said Badal. The affiliation gives guests at Atlantic Suites Hotel access to the recognition and standards associated with the global Hyatt chain, while the hotel works toward full brand integration as its expansion moves forward.
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Kaieteur News
Drilling to begin this month at Kurupung Uranium project …as Canadian firm anticipates EPA's approval
C
anada-based U92 Energy Corp. is anticipating that Guyana's Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) will approve its Environment Management Plan this month so it can commence phase one of its planned drill programme at the Kurupung Uranium Project in Region Seven (Cuyuni-Mazaruni). The Kurupung Uranium Project spans approximately 92.2 square kilometres in Region Seven (CuyuniMazaruni) and carries a historical resource estimate of 20.6 million pounds of uranium. Canadian firm U92 Energy acquired the project earlier this year through the acquisition of LIA Industries Pte. Ltd., a Singaporean firm. In April, U92 Energy disclosed that it submitted an environmental application to the EPA for phase one of its drill programme. In a recent corporate update, U92 noted that it had subsequent correspondence with EPA and has submitted an environmental management plan as requested by the agency. “The Company has determined to proceed with completing the site infrastructure and anticipates that the phase one drill program will commence during the month of August, 2026 following receipt of the EPA's approval o f t h e e n v i ro n m e n t a l management plan,” U92
Map showing the location of the boundary of the two PLs that constitute the Project shown on a digital elevation model of topography.
said. Since taking control of the asset, U92 has finalised a commercial agreement with Orbit Garant for phase one 5,000 metre diamond drill programme and acquired the project's historical exploration data.
The diamond drill rig assigned to U92 is already in Guyana to commence phase one drilling on high-priority targets at the project. The company has also already sourced key machineries to support access road
upgrades and drill pad construction. Moreover, there have been concerns over the proposed uranium project from civil society and politicians. In fact, the Amerindian People's Association (APA) has called for the project to be halted, citing the absence of public and community-level consultations and a lack of information about the project.
LIA Industries local subsidiary, LIA (Guyana) Inc. was incorporated in Guyana on 20th March, 2023, and holds exclusive rights to occupy and explore the property under two Prospecting Licenses issued by the Guyana Geology & Mines Commission (GGMC) on 19thApril,2024. The licences permit exploration of uranium, other radioactive minerals, and rare earth elements for
three years, ending 18thApril, 2027, with an option to extend for up to two additional one-year periods through 18th April, 2029. U92 has described Kurupung as a project with a significant historical resource and a clear path to expansion, positioning it to meet growing global demand for nuclear energy as countries look to uranium as a low-carbon power source.
Kaieteur News
Friday August 07, 2026
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Families of Berbice MV Barima victims fully supported by RDC - Region Six chairman The Region Six (East Berbice-Corentyne) administration has reached out to affected families in the region following the sinking of the MV Barima on 18th July, 2026. This is according to Regional Chairman Junior Basant, who responded to a question posed by A Partnership for National Unity (APNU) regional councilor Mehalai McAlmont at Thursday's Statutory Meeting in the Regional Democratic Council's (RDC) New Amsterdam boardroom. Region Six lost four residents in the tragedy: 54year-old Orin Anthony Clarke of New Amsterdam,
28-year-old Kevin Wilson of Glasgow Village, 46-yearold Devon Mars of Sandvoort Village, and 54year-old Mark Abrams of No. 53 Village, Corentyne. A fifth resident, 56-year-old Raymond Somra of Islington Village, East Bank Berbice, remains listed as missing. McAlmont asked what substantial support — financial or otherwise — the RDC had extended to the families of the deceased. "The RDC, through c e n t r a l m i n i s t r y, h a s engaged with these families. We covered expenses at the families' desire. We provided substantial help," Basant said, adding that support for Kevin Wilson's family came
directly from the Ministry of Local Government and Regional Development, with the RDC working alongside the ministry to assist all five families. While declining to disclose specific amounts spent per family, citing p r i v a c y, B a s a n t s a i d assistance was provided without a cap. "I do not want to disclose publicly, in the interest of privacy and common dignity, how much we've spent primarily on each family, but we did assist them. It is the least we could do, given the current circumstances that we were faced with," he said. "Assistance was given to the
family without ceiling. It was up to the family's desire as to what they require, and we at the RDC, through central ministry, worked to provide those assistance as requested. We deal directly with the family." Basant also pointed to $25 million raised from the recently concluded Global Super League (GSL) in Guyana, which will be channelled through President Irfaan Ali's Hope, Empathy, Aid, Resilience, Trust (H.E.A.R.T) initiative to support affected families.
"That would be used and implemented to assist not only families in Region Six, but also throughout our country," he said, adding that he, the vice-chairman, and the REO had personally met with all five families on multiple occasions, both by phone and in person, in the lead-up to the funerals. The chairman further noted visits to the region by Agriculture Minister Zulfikar Mustapha and Finance Minister Dr. Ashni Singh since the tragedy occurred.
Region Six Regional Chairman, Junior Basant
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Disciplinary action pending against worker accused of withholding cash grant cheques - Region Six REO says Region Six's cash grant distribution exercise has hit a snag after a Community Support Officer/Help Desk worker attached to the Hogstyle/Lancaster Neighbourhood Democratic Council (NDC) allegedly failed to hand over several cheques that were under her responsibility, the Regional Democratic Council (RDC) heard at its statutory meeting on Thursday. Regional Executive Officer (REO) Ronald Harsaywack told the council the distribution exercise is now in its fourth phase, but the matter involving the worker, identified as Kia Wi l l i a m s - M o rg a n , h a s raised questions about compliance with Standard Operating Procedures (SOPs). APNU councillor Mehalai McAlmont pressed Harsaywack on what disciplinary action had been
Regional Executive Officer (REO) Region Six, Ronald Harsaywack taken to prevent a recurrence. Harsaywack confirmed he had been notified by the NDC chairman that cheques were not being lodged as required. "My instructions then and my instructions now are the government's cheques are to be lodged at the NDC
in the safe," he told the council, noting that NDC overseers are responsible for receiving, signing for, and safeguarding the cheques. He warned that any breach of that procedure would be met with "condign action" — that is, punishment fitting the offence — under the Fiscal Management and Accountability Act. On the steps taken so far, Harsaywack said he had requested and received a written statement from Williams-Morgan, and had since referred the matter to the Finance Secretary at the Ministry of Finance to determine appropriate action. According to the REO, 54 cheques were unaccounted for as of 14th July, after Williams-Morgan reportedly failed to hand them over to the overseer. Of those, 14 have since been
The Hogstye/Lancaster NDC in Corentyne
returned to the Hogstyle/Lancaster NDC in Corentyne, while the remaining 40 have already been distributed to recipients. Harsaywack added that 7,995 cheques were received o n We d n e s d a y f o r d i s t r i b u t i o n T h u r s d a y, following 6,983 received the previous week for dispatch to the NDCs. Pathway Workers McAlmont also raised concerns from Pathway Workers — government part-time employees — over recent changes to their payment schedule, and asked how the new system
would affect the more than 5,000 workers across the region. Harsaywack confirmed the change, explaining it was driven by the operational strain of the previous system, under which workers were paid on staggered dates throughout the week. "When I assumed the office of the REO, they were paid every four, five, six days every week, and it was very burdensome to the administration to have teams going to pay three people one day, ten people another day, seven people another day," he said, noting the arrangement also drove up
costs for police escorts, security, and repeated bank visits to service just a handful of workers at a time. Under the new system, payments are consolidated into two cycles: the first covering the 1st to the 10th of the month, with pay sheets due by the 15th; and the second covering the 16th onward, with pay sheets due by the 29th. Harsaywack said the RDC continues to encourage pathway workers to open bank accounts, which would simplify salary administration and reduce the need for in-person payments.
Bicycle bandits rob pensioner at gunpoint Two bandits on a bicycle robbed a 60year-old woman at gunpoint on Wednesday evening at Congress Drive, South Ruimveldt, Georgetown. Police said the woman was walking home around 20:45 hrs when the men pounced on her as she turned into an alleyway. One of the bandits, armed with a handgun, pointed the weapon at her and grabbed her shoulder bag, which contained a Samsung Galaxy cellphone, her ID card, and a bank card. He then escaped with his accomplice on the bicycle, heading in a northern direction. Police said several persons in the area
have since been questioned, and CCTV footage is being reviewed as investigations continue.
Friday August 07, 2026
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Friday August 07, 2026
Father of two killed in accident at Coverden A
2 4 - y e a r- o l d father of two d i e d o n Wednesday night in an accident at Coverden, East Bank Demerara (EBD), just moments after texting his wife that he was on his way home. Dead is Christopher Thomas, fondly known as 'Barn' of Yarrowkabra Village, Soesdyke-Linden Highway. His pillion rider, a 24-year-old man of Grand Sand Road, Soesdyke, was injured in the crash. Police said Thomas met with the accident around
21:10 hrs when a van driven by a Chinese national collided with his motorcycle. "Initial enquiries revealed that the motor van was proceeding north along the western driving lane of Coverden Public Road and, upon approaching the entrance to a worksite compound, allegedly turned right into the compound without stopping," police stated, adding that the van collided with the motorcycle, which was travelling south along the eastern lane at an alleged
high rate of speed. Both injured men were taken from the scene to the Diamond Regional Hospital, where Thomas died while receiving treatment. His pillion rider remains hospitalised. The Chinese national was taken into custody to assist with the investigation. Police said a breathalyser test recorded an alcohol content of 0.07 micrograms in his breath, which is below the legal limit. Traffic investigators are reviewing CCTV footage from the area as the probe continues.
Thomas's sister, Jennifer Defreitas, recalled the family's final moments with him before the tragedy. As was his daily routine, Thomas checked in with their mother early Wednesday morning before leaving for work. He left work around 17:00 hrs and stopped by a friend's birthday celebration in Coverden, EBD. His final message to his wife, sent as he left his friend's place, was that he was on his way home. He never arrived. The next word the family received was that he had
Killed in an accident at Coverden, Christopher Thomas
beautiful daughters, and our entire extended family heartbroken beyond words." Defreitas said the outpouring of messages from Thomas's friends has offered some comfort during an incredibly difficult time. "Their messages about the kind of friend and 'padna' he was have reminded us of the remarkable person he is," she said. She described her brother as hardworking, loving, intelligent, and caring — a man who touched many lives and worked tirelessly to provide for his wife and two daughters. "What makes this loss hit even harder is knowing that
Thomas and his sister, Jennifer Defreitas in happier times been in an accident — and shortly after, that he had succumbed to his injuries at the hospital. "Christopher, the baby of our family, you were taken from us far too soon," Defreitas said. "Your sudden and unexpected passing has left your mom, dad, sisters, your wife, your two
just this past weekend, we were all together," Defreitas recalled, noting the family had spent that Saturday and Sunday making memories with cousins, an aunt, and an uncle at the creek. "Looking back now, those moments have become priceless gifts that we will hold onto forever," she said.
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Trump signs orders to limit U.S. birthright citizenship, despite Supreme Court ruling Reuters - U.S. President Donald Trump signed two executive orders on Thursday in a new but narrower attempt to curtail birthright citizenship, renewing his challenge to a provision of the U.S. Constitution after the Supreme Court rejected his previous effort. Limiting birthright citizenship has been one of the top priorities in t h e R e p u b l i c a n p r e s i d e n t ’s crackdown on immigration, with the White House taking particular aim at what it calls “birth tourism,” in which pregnant foreigners travel to the U.S. to give birth. After his 30thJune setback in the Supreme Court, Trump called on Congress to act, but on Thursday he opted for executive orders, which set policy but are not legally binding. The court said Trump’s earlier effort to restrict birthright citizenship was unconstitutional. The administration argues the new directive does not fall within the limits of the Supreme Court ruling, allowing it to expand who would be considered ineligible for birthright citizenship, including those who would arrive for “birth tourism” purposes. The categories, Trump’s order said, “do not fall within the rule of birthright citizenship as announced by the Supreme Court.” “That `practice of birth tourism is, as of the signing of this order, hereby banned. What that means is that no one in the world is anymore allowed to obtain a visa for this fraudulent purpose,” White House aide Stephen Miller said at the Thursday signing ceremony in the Oval Office. The Center for Immigration Studies, which supports lower levels of immigration, estimated in an analysis in 2020 that between 20,000-25,000 mothers came to the U.S. for birth tourism in a year-long period between 2016-2017. There were 3.6 million births in the U.S. in 2025. The executive orders also limit the rights of children born to foreign government employees in the U.S. and children of people who are classified as alien enemies. The orders could also affect people born in U.S. territories, should Congress enact a proposed law to end automatic citizenship there. Trump’s new orders are likely to be challenged in court. ‘A VERY UNFORTUNATE DECISION’ “We had a very unfortunate decision in the Supreme Court concerning birthright. It was close, but a very, very unfortunate decision,” Trump said of the 6-3 vote. “People are building businesses around it,” he said. “That’s not the way it’s supposed to work. It’s a disgrace. They’re buying their way in, and `we’re not going to let it happen,” he said.
President Donald Trump, Secretary of State Marco Rubio and Secretary of Defense Pete Hegseth participate in a cabinet meeting at Camp David in Thurmont, Maryland, on July 31. (Daniel Heuer/Reuters) Trump’s prior executive order, issued on his first day in office in 2025 as part of a suite of policies to crack down on immigration, directed U.S. agencies not to recognise the citizenship of children born in the United States if neither parent is an American citizen or legal permanent resident, also called a “green card” holder –
barring babies of immigrants in the U.S. illegally or temporarily. The 14th Amendment has long been interpreted as guaranteeing citizenship for babies born in the U.S. with only narrow exceptions such as the children of foreign diplomats or members of an enemy occupying force. “This was `done for a different
reason. This was done right after the Civil War. This was for the babies of slaves, and what’s happening now?” Trump said in his White House remarks on Thursday. There are no official figures tallying the number of foreigners who come to the U.S. for the explicit purpose of giving birth and
obtaining citizenship for their children, or the cost to taxpayers. In any case, Chief Justice John Roberts wrote ‘in the Supreme Court ruling that the authors of the 14th Amendment extended that promise to every free-born person in the land. “Citizenship, then and now, was the right to have rights - to freely participate in our political community. We keep that promise today,” Roberts wrote. The 14th Amendment provision known as the Citizenship Clause states: “All persons born or naturalised in the United States, and subject to the `jurisdiction thereof, are citizens of the United States and of the state wherein they reside.” No U.S. law outright bars birth tourism, but a federal regulation implemented in 2020 during Trump’s first term prohibits using temporary tourist and business visas for the primary purpose of obtaining U.S. citizenship for a newborn. People who engage in birth tourism schemes could be prosecuted for fraud or other related crimes.
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Friday August 07, 2026
Kaieteur News
Italian police arrested Dutch salvage firm owner...
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From page 8 hurricane wreck removals in the Caribbean, particularly following the devastation of Hurricane Irma. In 2022, Koole Contractors secured a €5.5 million contract (heavily subsidised by European Regional Development Funds) to remove 140 abandoned wrecks on the French side of St. Martin, following similar operations on the Dutch side (Sint Maarten). These operations are legally fraught. They involve seizing private property (where owners have been stripped of their rights due to abandonment), managing highly toxic materials (fuels, fiberglass, engine fluids) in fragile lagoon ecosystems, and navigating complex geopolitical borders between the French Collectivité and the Dutch administration.
From page 6 documents, property designs, plan and intellectual property. Orders 4 to 8 expires upon the appointment of the Arbitration Tribunal. By consent of The Attorney General and Mr. Nigel Hughes, the crane on site is to be returned to VAMED Engineering forthwith. Each party to bear its own cost,” the ruling added. VAMED Engineering GmbH, a Vienna-based international healthcare infrastructure provider, had announced that it will pursue international arbitration against the Government of Guyana over unpaid, certified costs on two major hospital
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Koole Tanktransport, a massive liquid bulk storage and transport entity. In 2011, the Swedish private equity firm EQT acquired a majority stake in Koole Tanktransport, valuing the company at nearly €323 million. To finance this massive acquisition, EQT utilised a highly complex financial structure involving three subordinated loans. Notably, €110 million of this financing originated from a specialised entity set up in the Channel Island of Guernsey, a jurisdiction where no tax is levied on received interest. This capital was provided by sub-funds of EQT that were also indirect shareholders in Koole. The specific entity was established with the explicit goal of securing interest
deductions in the Netherlands to artificially lower the corporate tax burden. The Dutch tax authorities aggressively challenged the deduction of this interest from the company’s taxable profits. The litigation ascended through the judicial system to the highest authority in the Netherlands, the Hoge Raad (Supreme Court). The Supreme Court decisively upheld the ruling of the Amsterdam Court of Appeal, concluding that the separate entity in Guernsey was established exclusively for improper motives— specifically, to artificially reduce tax liabilities in the Netherlands. The Court ruled this a clear case of “misbruik van de wet” (abuse of law), heavily penalising the financial structuring of the Koole Tanktransport acquisition.
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The removal of vessels like the 100-ton Victoria, which had crashed into a house in Sandy Ground, required immense technical precision and constant coordination with local environmental departments to prevent toxic leakage into the groundwater. While Koole successfully navigated these operations, the environment is highly litigious, with local consumer protection groups frequently taking utility and infrastructure companies to court over post-hurricane recovery efforts, creating an atmosphere of constant legal vigilance. TAX EVASION While Koole Contractors (industrial demolition and salvage) is Paul Koole’s primary enterprise, the broader Koole family brand is deeply intertwined with
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construction projects — a claim the government had firmly rejected, calling VAMED’s account a “misleading narrative” that omits critical facts about the contractor’s own performance. VAMED said it is owed approximately EUR 45.53 million, including at least EUR 19.15 million in certified payments plus variations, indexation, additional works, and other contractual entitlements. The government’s own engineer has reportedly estimated Guyana’s indebtedness to VAMED at approximately EUR 37.94 million. The claims stemmed from two Design-and-Build
Contracts between the Ministry of Health and VAMED: a EUR 149 million agreement dated 8th June, 2022 to build the Guyana Pediatric and Maternal Hospital in Georgetown, and a EUR 150 million agreement dated 12th July, 2023 for the New Amsterdam Hospital Campus in Region Six. Together, the projects were intended to deliver specialised maternal and pediatric care in Georgetown and expand access to quality healthcare in Region Six. Government had pushed back against VAMED’s statement, rejecting what it called a “misleading narrative” that omits critical fact about the contractor’s
performance and the reasons behind the Ministry of Health’s actions. The government said it has remained fully committed to completing both hospitals from the outset, given their strategic importance to the country. It maintains it acted in good faith throughout, honouring its contractual obligations while repeatedly engaging VAMED to address delays, performance deficiencies, and contractual non-compliance flagged in reports from the projects’ supervising engineers. The government argues the dispute cannot be reduced to a question of payments alone. Like any contract, it said, the agreements impose reciprocal obligations on both parties, with payments tied to measured, approved works and the procurement of construction materials and equipment. Officials say they repeatedly documented concerns over execution delays, missed milestones, inadequate mobilisation of resources, and VAMED’s inability to sustain the pace needed for timely completion — issues that formed the basis of extensive contractual correspondence over many months. “The Ministry of Health exercised its contractual rights only after providing VAMED with numerous opportunities to remedy these deficiencies. The Notices of Intention to Terminate were issued pursuant to the contractual provisions after careful consideration of the contractor’s performance and in accordance with the dispute resolution mechanisms established under the contracts,” the statement said.
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Eight countries ‘strongly denounce’ ongoing Israeli violations in Gaza Foreign ministers of Arab and Muslim nations slam Israel’s targeting of Gaza’s hospitals, demand action to protect medics and patients. Aljazeera - Eight Arab and Muslim countries have issued a joint statement expressing their “strongest condemnation and denunciation” of ongoing Israeli violations in the besieged Gaza Strip. The foreign ministers of the United Arab Emirates, Qatar, Jordan, Indonesia, Pakistan, Turkiye, Saudi Arabia and Egypt reserved their strongest condemnation for the targeting of healthcare facilities and medical infrastructure, alongside attacks on civilian areas and the continued killing of Palestinians, including women and children. They said on Thursday that the deliberate targeting of hospitals, ambulances and medical personnel amounted to a “grave” breach of international humanitarian law. The group stressed that the protection of medical facilities and health workers, and the immediate and unhindered delivery of medical supplies and aid across Gaza, were legal obligations that could not be compromised under any circumstances. Palestinian group Hamas welcomed the statement, saying it reflected the gravity of Israeli violations of a “ceasefire” that
An Israeli air strike targeted the medical supplies and pharmaceuticals warehouse of Al-Aqsa Martyrs Hospital in Deir el-Balah, central Gaza, on August 1, 2026 [AFP]
threaten the entire agreement. The group urged the signatory states, the mediators and the United States administration to act immediately to stop Israel from “sabotaging the agreement” signed in October, adding that the Palestinian factions had engaged responsibly with the roadmap and that pressure should now fall on Israel to halt its violations and meet
its obligations. The warning comes as Gaza’s health system remains close to collapse despite the “ceasefire”. Only about half of the enclave’s 36 hospitals are partially functional. On 1stAugust, an Israeli air raid hit a pharmaceuticals warehouse at al-Aqsa Martyrs Hospital in Deir el-Balah, while the Health Ministry says shortages
of cancer and blood-disorder medicines have reached 61 percent, leaving oncology patients at “imminent risk of death”. The foreign ministers said the violations breached Israel’s commitments under the comprehensive plan to end the Gaza conflict and were undermining efforts to implement its second phase after U.S. President Donald
Trump announced that Hamas had accepted the roadmap, including provisions on the confinement of weapons. They linked the assault on Gaza to settler attacks in the occupied West Bank, accelerating settlement expansion and unilateral measures in occupied Jerusalem, calling them a “systematic policy aimed at imposing a fait accompli by force, undermining the foundations of the two-State solution, and marginalising the legitimate rights of the Palestinian people, in flagrant violation of international law and the relevant UN resolutions”. The Government Media Office in Gaza said Israeli forces had committed 4,091 ceasefire violations over 300 days, killing more than 1,254 Palestinians and wounding 4,121. It said just 35 percent of expected aid trucks had entered the territory, that only 10,703 people had been allowed out through the Rafah crossing, and that 159 Palestinians had been detained during the truce. Also on Thursday, the UN children’s fund (UNICEF) said at least 300 children have been killed in Gaza in the 300 days since the “ceasefire” came into effect.
U.S. diplomat Rubio targets Cuban military officials, companies in sanctions The U.S. says the five entities and eight individuals sanctioned have helped Cuba acquire military equipment from Russia and China. Aljazeera - Marco Rubio, the top diplomat for the United States, has announced sanctions against five Cuban companies and eight individuals accused of helping the island procure military equipment for its armed forces. In a social media post on Thursday, Rubio used the sanctions to renew President Donald Trump’s threats against the Cuban government, which he characterised as a danger to U.S. national security. “The Cuban Communist regime is a state sponsor of terrorism that spies on America, arms violent left-wing radicals, spreads poisonous Marxist ideology, and serves as a staging ground for Russia, China & Iran just 90 miles from our shores,” Rubio wrote. “As President Trump has said: the United States will not tolerate a rogue state harbouring hostile military, intelligence & terror operations on our doorstep.” The announcement is part of a trend of increasing sanctions on Cuba, an island in the Caribbean Sea long locked in a decades-long conflict with the U.S. over clashing political and economic ideologies. Trump, however, has tightened U.S. restrictions on the island since returning to
office for a second term as president in 2025, as part of his “maximum pressure” campaign. He also reinstated Cuba as a “state sponsor of terrorism”, a label he first applied in 2021, during the final month of his first term. Since January, Trump has suggested he could take military action against Cuba. That, in turn, has prompted reports to emerge indicating that the island has bolstered its defences, including by purchasing drones. WHO IS SANCTIONED? Thursday’s sanctions reference U.S. concerns about Cuba’s efforts to buy and maintain military equipment, while strengthening ties with countries like Russia, Iran and China. Among the businesses targeted is Tecnoimport, which the U.S. State Department says imports military equipment from Russia and China on behalf of Cuba’s armed forces. The sanctions also hit the Union de Industria Militar (UIM), which manufactures and repairs weapons systems, and EMI Yuri Gagarin, which the U.S. says repairs and maintains Cuba’s fleet of Russian-made military aircraft. The individuals targeted include some of Cuba’s top military leaders, like Defence
Minister Alvaro Lopez Miera and Chief of the General Staff Roberto Legra Sotolongo. The sanctions freeze any assets the targeted entities hold in the U.S. and bar Americans from doing business with them. Foreign banks and companies with business in the U.S. could also face sanctions if they continue working with them. A LONG-RUNNING TREND The sanctions are the latest in a series of aggressive economic moves by the Trump administration against Cuba. Last month, the Treasury Department sanctioned nine entities and two individuals, accusing them of helping the Cuban government maintain control over the country’s energy, financial and overseas medical labour sectors – and evading earlier U.S. sanctions. The State Department said the measures build on a 100-page report released last month titled “Cuba: The Capital of 21st Century Communism”. That report portrayed Cuba as the “connective tissue” of a global “anti-American coalition”. It even alleged that Havana exerts ideological influence over left-wing advocacy groups in the U.S.
U.S. Secretary of State Marco Rubio has taken a hawkish approach to Cuba, pushing for reforms on the island [File: Ezra Acayan/Getty Images] The report drew immediate criticism from academics and activists. Antoni Kapcia, an emeritus professor of Latin American history at the University of Nottingham in England, called its central claims “complete nonsense”. In May, Trump issued an executive order authorising broad penalties against people and organisations accused of supporting Cuba’s security apparatus. Rubio referenced that executive order in Thursday’s statement. He said the Trump administration would continue using “every tool” at its disposal to counter what it described as threats by the Cuban government.
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Infantino finds a friend in Africa as CAF backs FIFA president CAPE TOWN, (Reuters) - The Confederation of A f r i c a n F o o t b a l l ’s Executive Committee unanimously confirmed its support for beleaguered FIFA president Gianni Infantino on Thursday, at with its counterparts in Europe, North America and Asia. On the day UEFA said it is committed to boycotting future World Cups, opens new tab at all levels while Infantino remains in office, CAF’s top decision-making body sided with the FIFA
president as he seeks reelection in March next year. CAF makes up 54 of F I F A’ s 2 1 1 m e m b e r associations, and is a powerful voting bloc that has largely supported Infantino since he took office in 2016. “The `CAF EXCO unanimously reconfirmed its support for FIFA President Gianni Infantino and thanked him for his support for African football over the years,” CAF said in a statement. CAF president Patrice Motsepe welcomed FIFA’s
pledge, opens new tab to review the processes that led to the controversy which sparked the fiercest revolt of Infantino’s tenure as national federations complained they had been sidelined over the abandoned proposal to sell a slice of the World Cup’s commercial future. “CAF welcomes and endorses the “Joint Update” by FIFA President Gianni Infantino and Secretary General Mattias Grafstrom,” Motsepe said, but stressed the need for good
Friday August 07, 2026 ARIES (Mar. 21–Apr. 19) You have to reach out and help a friend (or even a stranger) in need. They might not be able to ask in a way that makes sense to you, but your intuitive side helps you make the most of what you've got.
LIBRA (Sept. 23–Oct. 22) Your display of adaptability is sure to help your people to relax and see that there are far more options than they had realized at first. Make sure that your time is spent on what matters most.
TAURUS (Apr. 20–May 20) You and a friend or maybe a colleague are on the same path, even though it might not seem that way at first. See if the two of you can brainstorm ways to work together toward common goals.
SCORPIO (Oct. 23–Nov. 21) You have much more power than you realize, and it's easier than ever for you to make things happen. You should be able to get your dreams a little closer to reality, and that can make life much simpler.
GEMINI (May 21–June 20) You should put off anything important for another day, especially if it involves communication. It's not like you're tongue-tied, but you should find that people are harder to reach.
SAGIT (Nov. 22–Dec. 21) You can't seem to find that positive attitude that was so helpful the other day. The good news is that it's right where you left it, but you might have to wait a while before you can head back to retrieve it.
CANCER (June 21–July 22) Big issues remain unknown to you, so get out there and figure them out. You may find that you have plenty of energy for such a challenge, and actually seek out new mysteries to solve.
CAPRI (Dec. 22–Jan. 19) You're just not reaching that one important person. Maybe they're ducking your calls, maybe they just don't get what you're saying. Try some totally new way to make your point and deliver it.
LEO (July 23–Aug. 22) You're in the middle of a firestorm of some kind, and might have to deal with several overreacting people at the same time. Try not to get too caught up in it all, as things can change quickly.
AQUARIUS (Jan. 20–Feb. 18) Your value system is more fluid than most, and now is the perfect time to check out what needs to change. You may find that some of your oldest beliefs are in dire need of a shift.
VIRGO (Aug. 23–Sept. 22) Opinions matter, and you need to treat them all with more or less the same respect. That can be difficult, but at the same time you should find that all your people feel better about the process.
PISCES (Feb. 19–Mar. 20) New ideas are perfect for a day like today. Give one a whirl! You might find a better way of doing things, or you may just find that things can be radically different and better without much more effort.
governance and transparency in global football. “We are committed to continue working together with FIFA, its member associations, other football Confederations and to `safeguard and adhere to governance, due process, and transparency global best practises and to contribute to the development and growth of football worldwide.” CAF’s support will provide some relief to Infantino, who has faced near global condemnation for his aborted plan to establish the FIFA Forward Enterprise (FFE) and sell commercial rights to the World Cup. Earlier this week, five of Africa’s most influential football leaders issued ‘statements in support of Infantino, while also welcoming the decision to
Left-arm wristspinners, T20 hitters... From page 29 broke into Texas Super Kings’ team and emerged as the breakout player of the most recent season with 13 wickets. Apart from fronting up to bowl with the new ball in the powerplay and older one at the death, de Silva is an exceptional fielder and can also contribute in with the bat down the order. Dwayne Bravo, who had a ringside view to those threedimensional skills when he was in charge of LAKR, has now brought de Silva into the TKR side. Sufyan Moqim (Antigua & Barbuda Falcons) Another left-arm wristspinner, Moqim was the Player of the Tournament in Peshawar Zalmi’s run to the PSL title earlier this year. Moqim set the tone with his 4 for 32 against eventual finalists Hyderabad Kingsmen in his second game, before going on a tear and ultimately spinning Zalmi to the title. Moqim, now 24, has since made it to the T20 Blast (Derbyshire) in the UK and GSL (Perth Scorchers). He will be available to Antigua & Barbuda Falcons for only seven games between August 21 and September 20 in his maiden CPL season, but is certainly one of the overseas spinners to watch out for.
FIFA President Gianni Infantino before the match France v Spain at Dallas Stadium, Arlington, Texas. (IMAGN IMAGES via Reuters/Maria Lysaker) drop his controversial plan to sell a stake in future World Cup revenue. CAF Vice President Fouzi Lekjaa from Morocco and fellow FIFA Council members Hany Abo Rida (Egypt), Hamidou Djibrilla (Niger) and Ahmed Yahya (Mauritania) ‘all pledged to support Infantino. Veron Mosengo-Omba, recently elected president of the football federation in the Democratic Republic of Congo and former CAF
general secretary, also lent his voice in support. Motsepe was also effusive in his praise for Infantino ‘days before the World Cup sell-off scandal broke. “I personally support Gianni Infantino,” he said. “He’s not just a good friend. He’s a loyal friend. He’s loyal to Africa. I come from a background where when people have been loyal to you, you never stab them in the back.”
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Friday August 07, 2026
Dutch shocks for Zverev, Medvedev FIFA delivers overdue prize money after as seeds fall in Canadian Open Jordan FA chief’s ‘blackmail’ remark
Alexander Zverev (GER) returns the ball to Tallon Griekspoor (NED) in second round play at IGA Stadium. (David Kirouac-Imagn Images)
Daniil Medvedev returns the ball to Botic Van De Zandschulp (NED) in second round play at IGA Stadium. (David Kirouac-Imagn Images) (Reuters) - Alexander Zverev and Daniil Medvedev both suffered upsets against Dutch opponents in the second round of the Canadian Open on Wednesday, while fellow title contender Taylor Fritz also crashed out in Montreal. World number three Zverev, playing his first
match since losing to Jannik Sinner in last month’s Wimbledon final, was beaten 6-7(3) 6-2 6-4 by Tallon Griekspoor, who arrived in Canada with one win in his last eight tourlevel matches. The defeat comes as a setback to the German’s preparations for the U.S.
Open, which begins on August 30. “I’ve been very close `to throwing in the towel a couple of times,” world number 69 Griekspoor said after claiming his third victory over French Open champion Zverev. “I’ve been working harder and harder lately and I’ve reached quite a good level in practice over the past couple of weeks. “I felt like it was just a matter of time. This one is special, especially against a player like Sascha.” Fourth seed Medvedev lost 6-3 7-6(5) to Botic van de Zandschulp, who scored his first win over the 2021 U.S. Open champion. “I played him a `of times, and it has always been tough,” said the Dutchman. “I never beat him before, but today ... I had to change it up, go out of my comfort zone and I think I did it well.” After winning his biggest title in nearly four years at the Washington Open ‘last week, U.S. seventh seed Fritz lost 7-5 63 to Argentine Thiago Agustin Tirante. Their departures left the ATP 1000 event with just four of the top 10 seeds still in the draw. Sixth ‘seed Flavio Cobolli and 10th seed Andrey Rublev lost their opening matches while fifth seed Felix Auger-Aliassime pulled out with a back injury. Wo r l d n u m b e r o n e Sinner and 24-times Grand ‘Slam champion Novak Djokovic decided to skip the U.S. Open tune-up tournament, while world number two Carlos Alcaraz is nursing a wrist injury that also ruled him out of the Cincinnati Open.
Prince Ali bin Hussein the President of Jordan football association is seen with FIFA President Gianni Infantino in the stands. (REUTERS/Amr Abdallah Dalsh/File Photo) (Reuters) - Jordan’s players and staff have received outstanding reward money for their participation in the 2025 Arab Cup, Jordan Football Association’s President Prince Ali bin Hussein said on Thursday, two days after he accused FIFA of blackmail. Prince Ali criticised FIFA President Gianni Infantino after he backed out of his proposal to sell a stake in the World Cup and found himself under pressure from ‘confederations and national associations, saying FIFA had offered to help solve the kingdom’s problems in exchange for his endorsement. One of the problems he listed was that the association had been waiting since December for prize money for reaching the Arab Cup final in Qatar. “Thank you to the FIFA administration for suddenly this morning delivering what was owed to our players and coaching staff, for the Jordan National team’s accession to the final of the FIFA Arab Cup in Qatar last December,” Prince Ali said on X. “This was funding that should have
`received eight months ago.” Prince Ali had alleged FIFA verbally communicated during the World Cup that backing the president “would go a long way to helping our FA out”. FIFA did not respond to requests for comment on the allegations. Prince Ali added that receiving the money was a welcome development but that ‘it would not change the concerns his organisation had about FIFA’s leadership. “It is symptomatic of those exact difficulties that we all face and that are usually linked to the FIFA presidential elections,” he added. “And `it does not change my clear position concerning the leadership of FIFA: my FA and I will not endorse President Infantino, nor will we vote for him.” FIFA apologised to ‘its members for mistakes made over its abandoned proposal to sell commercial rights to the World Cup but the body’s leadership reaffirmed its support for Infantino after a crisis meeting in Morocco on Wednesday.
Kerolin becomes most expensive women’s footballer ever after leaving Man City for Barcelona Hayters TV - Manchester City star Kerolin has joined Barcelona in a world record women’s football transfer. City are set to bank around £1.25m from the deal, making the forward the most expensive women’s footballer of all time. The previous record transfer was Olivia Smith’s sale from Liverpool to Arsenal last summer. Kerolin has signed a deal until
2030 with the Spanish club after scoring nine goals and assisting five in 15 WSL appearances last season. Barcelona have lost several key players this summer including Alexia Putellas, Mapi Leon and Salma Parraluelo. But the signing of the 26-year-old provides a huge boost to the European champions as they bid to defend their crown next season.
Kerolin becomes most expensive women’s footballer ever after leaving Man City for Barcelona.
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CPL PLAYERS TO WATCH: Left-arm wristspinners, T20 hitters, allrounders and more Cricinfo - The 14th edition of the Caribbean Premier League (CPL) will kick-off on August 7 and will be played in eight nations this year, with fixtures in Antigua and Barbuda, Barbados, Guyana, Jamaica, St Kitts & Nevis, St Lucia, St Vincent and the Grenadines, and Trinidad & Tobago. Here are some bright young talents to watch out for from each franchise. Vitel Lawes (Jamaica Kingsmen) A left-arm wristspinner is an especially rare breed in the Caribbean so much so that only two such West Indian bowlers have played in the CPL - Dave Mohammed and Kristopher Ramsaran - before Lawes. After being fast-tracked into the West Indies ODI team last month, despite not playing any form of senior cricket at the time, 19-yearold Lawes is now set for his CPL bow. While Lawes missed his lengths and erred short at some points, he displayed his unique ability to turn the ball both ways and turn it big during the home ODI series against New Zealand and
Vitel Lawes made his ODI debut last month. (AFP/Getty Images) then during his Global Super League (GSL) stint with Desert Vipers, the ILT20 champions, as a replacement player. ICYMI: go and watch his dismissal of Mark Chapman with a ripper that pitched on leg and ragged away past off to have the batter stumped on international debut at Providence. Lawes’ left-arm wristspin could provide Kingsmen’s attack a potent point of difference. Zachary Carter (Barbados Tridents) Like Lawes, Carter got a taste of top-flight T20 cricket in the Caribbean, before the CPL, with a GSL stint at
Vipers. A tall and powerful left-hand opening batter, Carter crashed Pakistani leftarm seamer Ghulam Mudassar, who was playing for San Francisco Unicorns in the GSL, for a six and four fours in a powerplay over. Carter also showed his power during his century against South Africa in the Under-19 World Cup earlier this year in Windhoek. Can he now make the step up in the CPL? Quentin Sampson (Guyana Amazon Warriors) A wildcard pick in West Indies’ T20 World Cup squad, Quentin Sampson
Cape Verde’s World Cup hero, social media sensation Vozinha joins Colo-Colo Reuters - Cape Verde Vozinha says he always believed ‘he belonged ‘at a major club after his standout performances at the World Cup earned him a move ‘to Chilean side ColoColo. “Despite playing in smaller leagues for clubs that weren’t exactly giants, deep down I always told myself I was `a ‘big club’ player,” Vozinha told reporters late on Tuesday. “So `when Colo-Colo came calling, there was no doubt. From day one, I knew where I wanted to play. I received many offers, but `Colo-Colo was always the priority.” The 40-year-old, who became a social media sensation at the FIFA World Cup, played a ‘crucial role in helping the small African island nation get past the group stage before suffering a narrow defeat to Argentina in the round of 32. Vozinha joined ColoColo, who won a record 34
returns to the CPL after gaining international experience and exposure. Between CPL 2025 and 2026, he also had stints in the Abu Dhabi T10 league and the GSL. The 26-year-old batter has certainly come a long way from playing softball cricket in Caria Caria village, which is located on the shore of Essequibo River and isn’t too far away from Saxacalli, Keemo Paul’s village. In CPL 2025, he had a strike rate of 151.57 across nine innings. When he was elevated to West Indies’ World Cup squad, captain Shai Hope delivered a glowing appraisal of Sampson’s clean ballstriking. Sampson will look to stave off sophomore syndrome in CPL 2026. Navin Bidaisee (St Kitts & Nevis Patriots) A legspinner who can also pitch in with the bat, Bidaisee is another rare commodity in Caribbean cricket. After impressing in the Breakout league, Bidaisee made his CPL debut for St Kitts & Nevis Patriots last season, showing sparks of promise - with both ball and bat. After playing a solitary CPL season, he was fast-tracked into West Indies’ T20I side and even earned an ILT20 gig with
Ackeem Auguste has already won the CPL with St. Lucia Kings. (CPL T20/Getty Images) Dubai Capitals. More recently, Bidaisee trained at former India bowling coach B Arun’s academy in Chennai, in the lead-up to CPL 2026. Ackeem Auguste (St Lucia Kings) A sleek left-hand batter who can slot in at the top as well as in the middle, Auguste won the CPL with Kings as an emerging player in 2024. In 2025, he became a regular for the franchise, scoring 229 runs in ten innings at a strike rate of over 160. He is only 22 and has overseas exposure, having been part of MI Emirates in the ILT20 and trained against mystery spinners at the Chennai Super Kings Academy in Chennai. He has
also had international success, most notably hitting a 24-ball fifty against Bangladesh in a T20I on a challenging Chattogram pitch last year. Amshi de Silva (Trinbago Knight Riders) Born in Galle, de Silva had success playing for Richmond College, and also represented Sri Lanka’s Under-19 and A teams before moving to the USA in 202324. Part of the Under-19 batch that produced Dilshan Madushanka and Matheesha Pathirana, de Silva had to wait until 2026 to make his MLC debut. After being a net bowler for a number of MLC franchises, the 24-year-old pace-bowling allrounder Continued on page 27
Guyana eyes breakthrough on Day 3 in Oregon
Colo Colo new signing Vozinha poses with the club shirt [File: Pablo Sanhueza/Reuters] Chilean top-flight titles, after leaving Portuguese second-tier side Chaves. He previously played for clubs in Angola, Cyprus, Moldova and Slovakia. In their first World Cup appearance, Cape Verde drew ‘0-0 with eventual winners Spain. They ‘also drew with
two-time champions Uruguay and Saudi Arabia to finish second in Group H. “The World Cup was the best thing that ever to me in football, but that is in the past now,” he said. “Being here representing Colo-Colo – a with a rich history – is the highlight of my club career.”
By Rawle Toney Guyana’s pursuit of its first medal at the World Athletics U20 Championships in 14 years continues today, with middle-distance standout Olivia Solomon and sprint duo Tishawn Eastman and Skylar Charles set to carry the country’s hopes on Day Three of the championships in Oregon, USA. Fresh off an impressive performance on Tuesday, Solomon will line up in the women’s 800m semi-finals today. The CARIFTA Games Under-17 800m gold medallist secured automatic qualification by clocking 2:06.55 in her heat, a performance that not only booked her place in the next round but also established a new Guyana National U20 record. Meanwhile, Guyana’s sprint hopes will rest with Eastman and Charles in the men’s 200m, where both athletes will be aiming to gain places in the next round and keep the country’s medal aspirations alive. Eastman has been drawn in Heat Four and enters the event with a personal best of 20.98s, while Charles, who boasts a lifetime best of 21.03s, will compete in Heat Five. Eastman returns to the track after an
positive showing in the men’s 400m yesterday, where he advanced to the semifinals, registering 46.34s to finish fourth his heat. Guyana also enjoyed encouraging performances in the men’s and women’s 400m heats, with Malachi Austin and Tianna Springer both winning their respective races to advance comfortably to last evening’s semi-finals. Austin, who earlier this season became the first Guyanese athlete to run under 45 seconds for the 400m, controlled his heat to victory in 46.48s. Springer, regarded as one of the world’s premier junior quarter-milers, also looked composed as she crossed the line first in 52.39s. Up to press time, the results of the 400m semi-finals involving Easton, Austin and Springer were not yet available. The Guyanese contingent continues its quest to secure the nation’s first medal at the World U20 Championships since Kadecia Baird claimed the women’s 400m silver medal at the 2012 championships in Barcelona, Spain.
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Friday August 07, 2026
Georgetown braces for wrestling spectacle as ACW ‘Georgetown Smash’ takes center WWE Hall of Famer Mark Henry, Homeboy stage tomorrow Kenny King, along with several international stars set to light up Cliff Anderson Sports Hall
On Wednesday afternoon several locals got the opportunity to witness and learn some professional wrestling moves as JB Cool demonstrates a tackle. Georgetown is set to become the Caribbean’s wrestling capital this Saturday when All Caribbean Wrestling (ACW) stages its much-anticipated “Georgetown Smash,” an entertainment-packed showcase that promises to deliver world-class professional wrestling to local fans at the Cliff Anderson Sports Hall. With excitement building across the city, children, young adults and long-time professional wrestling enthusiasts are counting down the hours to what organisers are describing as one of the biggest sporting entertainment events of the summer. The action gets underway on Saturday, August 8, with an impressive lineup of international stars joining Guyana’s own wrestling talent for an evening of bone-
rattling action, dramatic rivalries and championship clashes. The buzz surrounding the event intensified earlier this week with a two-day Professional Wrestling Masterclass conducted by ACW’s coach, writer, director Jeff ‘JB Cool’ Brazzle. The programme provided aspiring wrestlers and young enthusiasts with a unique opportunity to learn the fundamentals of professional wrestling from one of the creative minds behind the ACW brand. Several young enthusiasts gathered at the Sports Hall for some intricate knowledge, a one in a lifetime opportunity, discussing character development, use of the ring, personal promos, which prepares you for a future in wrestling. The sessions concluded on Wednesday
Former Wrestler Jeff ‘JB Cool’ Brazzle sharing knowledge with a few aspiring entertainers during the two-day seminar held at the CASH. evening, with participants praising the practical instruction and invaluable experience gained as anticipation continues to build for Saturday night’s blockbuster event. Now, all eyes turn to the ring as “Georgetown Smash” prepares to deliver an unforgettable spectacle featuring some of the sport’s biggest personalities. Headlining the event is Mark Henry, the legendary WWE Hall of Famer famously known as the “World’s Strongest Man.” Joining him will be Pope Elijah Burke, while reigning ACW Champion Prince Agballah is scheduled to defend his title on Saturday. Also featured on the stacked card, Leroy Jones will defend the Digital Media Championship, while Guyana’s own Kenny King, ACW Women’s Champion Kaylia
Capri, the Bollywood Boyz and Venezuela’s El Diablo Maduro are all slated to compete. With championship gold on the line and an international cast of performers ready to entertain, fans can expect an explosive evening of athleticism, storytelling and electrifying in-ring action. Following the two-day seminar, a fan-fair ‘meet n greet’ exercise featuring the performing superstars are billed for today (Friday) at the Soma Dream Hotel, starting a 5:00 pm. Gates to the Cliff Anderson Sports Hall on Homestretch Avenue will open at 4:00 p.m., on Saturday while the first bell is scheduled to ring at 6:00 p.m., setting the stage for what promises to be an unforgettable night of professional wrestling in Guyana.
GBA confirms attending cast for Caribbean Schoolboys and Juniors Boxing Championships The countdown to the 2026 Caribbean Schoolboys and Juniors Boxing Championships has gathered momentum, with the Guyana Boxing Association (GBA) confirming that several regional nations have already signalled their intention to compete in the prestigious tournament later this month. According to the GBA, Trinidad and Tobago, St. Lucia, Barbados, Antigua and Barbuda, Curaçao, The Bahamas, and Suriname have all indicated their plans to send teams for the championship, which will be staged from August 20-22 at the Cliff Anderson Sports Hall. T h e t o u r n a m e n t , conceptualised and first hosted in Guyana in 2016, is named in h o n o u r o f G u y a n a ’s 1 9 7 8 Commonwealth Games gold medallist, Winfield Braithwaite,
whose historic achievement remains one of the country’s greatest sporting accomplishments. GBA President Steve Ninvalle welcomed the positive response from the region, noting that the championship has become an integral part of amateur b o x i n g ’s d e v e l o p m e n t across the Caribbean. “The response from the participating countries once again demonstrates the importance of this championship to amateur boxing in the Caribbean,” Ninvalle said. He added, “Over the years, it has provided our young boxers with invaluable international exposure and has become one of the region’s premier developmental
preparations to ensure another successful staging of the event and is optimistic that additional countries will confirm their participation before the opening bell. Ninvalle also disclosed that further details regarding the championship, including participating teams, competition schedule, and other organisational matters, will be announced during a press conference scheduled for tomorrow (Saturday) at the Tower Hotel on Main Street. Since its inception, the Caribbean Schoolboys and J u n i o r s B o x i n g Steve Ninvalle, GBA President C h a m p i o n s h i p s h a s established itself as one of the premier youth boxing competitions.” Ninvalle pointed out, that the competitions in the region and a s s o c i a t i o n i s f i n a l i s i n g remains a cornerstone of Guyana’s
annual boxing calendar. Beyond regional bragging rights, the championship has earned a reputation as a launching pad for future international stars. Numerous young boxers who first showcased their talents in the tournament have since progressed to represent their respective countries at the Olympic Games and the World Championships, reinforcing the event’s significance within the international amateur boxing pathway. With regional interest already strong and more delegations expected to confirm in the coming days, organisers are anticipating another highly competitive edition of the Winfield Braithwaite Caribbean Schoolboys and Juniors Boxing Championships, further cementing Guyana’s reputation as a leading host of amateur boxing in the Caribbean.
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Guyana horse racing fraternity mourns the passing of Albert Pluck Former Jumbo Jet’s assistant trainer Albert Pluck has left the horse racing fraternity mourning after he lost his life in an accident. Pluck was a well-known figure in Guyana’s horse racing with a great amount of knowledge on the sport of kings. “It is with a heavy heart that we share the passing of one of our own, Albert Pluck, better known to all of us as “Blackmouth.” “Today is not only a sad
day for the Jumbo Jet Racing Stable, but for the entire horse racing fraternity in Guyana. We have not only lost our Assistant Trainer and Farrier, we have lost a true horseman whose life revolved around Thoroughbreds.” “Albert dedicated his life to this sport with love, pride, commitment and passion second to none. He was the type of person who never looked at the clock. From the early hours of the morning
until late in the evening, if there was a horse that needed attention, Albert was there. It was never about the money for him. His greatest reward was simply being around horses. He lived for them. He breathed this industry.” For many years, Albert worked as a farrier for countless racing stables across Guyana. His knowledge and experience made him one of the few people many trainers and owners trusted for advice on
Republic Bank CPL to offer free health testing for fans across eight host venues CPL will partner with regional health authorities and nongovernmental organisations to provide free health testing for fans at all eight of its host venues. (CPL)
The Republic Bank Caribbean Premier League (CPL) will partner with regional health authorities and non-governmental organisations to provide free health testing for fans at all eight of its host venues this season, as part of the tournament’s ongoing support for the fight against noncommunicable diseases. The programme will see CPL use its reach to signpost fans toward appropriate health services, with organisers planning for the initiative to become a permanent fixture of the tournament calendar. The initiative will run across Antigua and Barbuda, Barbados, Guyana, Jamaica, St Kitts and Nevis, Saint Lucia, St Vincent and the Grenadines, and Trinidad and Tobago, with health professionals stationed at CPL venues throughout the tournament, offering fans the opportunity to check in on their wellbeing while they take in the cricket. Services will include vital signs screening covering blood pressure, blood glucose testing, Body Mass Index (BMI) assessment, urinalysis, and PSA testing. Non-communicable diseases, including hypertension, diabetes, and certain cancers, remain a significant public health concern across the Caribbean. By bringing testing directly into stadiums, CPL and its health
partners aim to reach fans who might not otherwise access screening, using the reach of the region’s premier T20 league to support early detection and awareness. The programme reflects CPL’s broader commitment to the communities that host the tournament each year, extending the CPL family’s engagement beyond the boundary to matters of everyday wellbeing. Pete Russell, CEO, said: “Noncommunicable diseases have touched almost every one of us in some way, whether as patients ourselves or through a loved one. Being a good corporate citizen means using the platform we’ve built for something bigger than the game itself. Early detection is key to combating noncommunicable diseases – this programme puts that principle into practice. CPL reaches fans across eight territories every season, and we believe that reach carries a responsibility to give back. Bringing health screening into our stadiums is a simple, practical way to put that responsibility into action.” As Republic Bank CPL continues to grow and expand its footprint across the region, the league remains focused on using its platform to support health and wellness initiatives that benefit fans and host communities alike.
ill be uck w acing. l P t r r e te Alb horse The la Guyana’s d in misse
hoof care, soundness, shoeing and race preparation. His hands helped prepare hundreds of horses that competed across our country, and his wisdom quietly contributed to countless victories. His impact reached far beyond our stable. Albert also had the privilege of working abroad alongside some of the best farriers and equine veterinarians in North America, bringing that knowledge home to Guyana to help improve our horses and our industry. He never kept what he knew to himself. He was always willing to teach, advise and lend a helping hand to
anyone who asked. People often see the horses, the jockeys and the trophies. They rarely see the men working behind the scenes before sunrise and long after the races are over. Albert was one of those men. A quiet professional whose dedication helped make this sport what it is today. His passing leaves a void that cannot easily be filled. The Guyana horse racing industry has lost not just a skilled farrier, assistant trainer and horseman, we have lost a friend, a mentor, and one of the few individuals whose knowledge and passion for Thoroughbreds was truly exceptional.
On behalf of the entire Jumbo Jet Racing Stable and the wider horse racing community, we extend our deepest and most heartfelt condolences to Albert’s family, friends and loved ones. Our thoughts and prayers are with you during this unimaginable time of grief. “Rest in Eternal Peace, Albert Pluck “Blackmouth.” “Your passion, your knowledge, your dedication and your legacy will forever live on in the hearts of everyone whose lives you touched, and in every Thoroughbred that steps onto the track. You will never be forgotten,” Jumbo Jet Racing Stables posted.
Reboot gives boost to Lotto/Let’sBet T10... From page 33 public across all matches. Opening day action starts simultaneously at 10:00h across all four locations. At the No. 69 Ground, No. 70 Village Spartans take on Grillmaster Avengers CWC in Match 1, followed at 12:00h by Match 2 between Champ XI and No. 73 Young Warriors. The winners of those opening ties will meet at 15:00h in Match 3 to decide the first zonal semi-finalist. Down at Port Mourant, Match 4 pits 35 Xplosion against Grillmaster Sip N Play All Stars at 10:00h, before Line Path Raptors clash with Corriverton Spartan at 12:00h in Match 5, setting up a 15:00h quarter-final clash in Match 6. Simultaneously at the Albion Sports Complex, Ethan XI face Royal Warriors in Match 7 at 10:00h, followed by Match 8 between Meera Warriors and Lusignan Bulls DTP at 12:00h, with the victors advancing to Match 9 at 15:00h. At the Welfare Ground in Canje, Welfare XI host Blairmont Blazers in Match 10 at 10:00h, preceding Match 11 at 12:00h between The Mavericks and Cotton Tree Die Hard, with the winners meeting in Match 12 at 15:00h. Action shifts exclusively to the Albion Sports Complex on Sunday, August 9, where the Berbice Zonal Champions will be decided under floodlights. Semi-Final 1 begins at 14:00h featuring the winner of Match 3 against the winner of Match 6, followed by Semi-Final 2 at 16:00h between the winners of Match 9 and Match
12. The two surviving teams will meet in the Berbice Zonal Final at 19:30h. In a change from traditional knockout structures, the 2026 edition guarantees financial rewards for deep zonal runs. Losing quarter-finalists in each zone will receive G$25,000, while losing semi-finalists take home G$50,000. Defeated zonal finalists earn G$200,000, with the zonal champions securing a G$500,000 purse along with progress to the national playoffs. The national grand finale offers a G$2,000,000 first prize for the overall champions, G$1,000,000 for the runners-up, and G$500,000 for each losing national semifinalist. In a first for the tournament, the national final on October 11, 2026, will be held at the Anna Regina National Stadium in Region Two, taking the championship decider to Essequibo. Following the Berbice leg, the tournament moves to East Bank/West Demerara on August 15–16 and Essequibo on August 22–23. The competition will then take a hiatus for the Republic Bank Caribbean Premier League (CPL) before resuming with the Georgetown/East Coast Demerara zone across two weekends on September 26–27 and October 3–4. Teams in the remaining zones are urged to complete their squad registrations via official social media channels or WhatsApp (+592 635-2235) ahead of their respective zonal deadlines.
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Friday August 07, 2026
The 8 zonal school champion teams will now shift their attention to the final rounds of the tournament which bowls off this weekend.
MOE/Beharry U19 Secondary School’s T20 Tournament…
Finalists receive kits ahead of road to ultimate showdown The eight zonal champs of the Beharry School’s Under19 T20 tournament got their playing kits ahead of the final phases of the competition, which gets underway this weekend with huge encounters between some of the country’s highly-talented youth players. D u r i n g T h u r s d a y ’s presentation at the Ministry of Education Ground, Petra executive Nareeza Latif, Beharry Group of Companies Marketing Manager Malissa Sylvester, Nicholas Fraser, Head of the Allied Arts department (Ministry of Education), and tournament Co-ordinator Azizi Christiani gave remarks as well as updates ahead of the upcoming final Group fixtures. The teams who will be duking it out will be Abram Zuil, Essequibo Islands, Saint Stanislaus College, Queen’s College, Berbice Educational Institute, Covent Garden, West Side Secondary, and Annandale Secondary. Christiani congratulated the final 8 teams, adding that
Some of the players alongside Beharry Group of Companies Marketing Manager Malissa Sylvester (centre) alongside Petra executive Nareeza Latiff (far from left), Coordinator Azizi Christiani (far right) and MOE’s Nicholas Fraser (second from left) following the presentation of the playing kits ahead of the finals. teams were not only tasked with winning but also with having good Net-Run-Rates. After the two respective 4-team Group A and B have their mini-duel to see who will emerge as the respective
Group A and B winners who will head to the finals, while the teams will play for 3rd place. F r a s e r, d u r i n g h i s remarks, said it was a pleasure for the Allied
Arts/MOE to be at this juncture of such a sports activity, which a lot went into. He noted that having competition in what everyone believes is the
most popular sport in Guyana, cricket, makes sense to have it played at the school level. Fraser further added that he was pleased to work with Petra, while lauding the
teams who have qualified as possibly the best Under-19 teams in Guyana. Meanwhile, Sylvester said she recognized and welcomed the teams, organizers, teachers, parents, as well as the schools who would have been part of the journey to date; while commending them on the grit and team spirit shown heading into the final stages of the competition. She admitted that while the journey has not been easy, as organizers aimed to have some 80 schools involved, Slyvester believed that while they may not have met their benchmark, having 60 schools still is good; further praising organizers Petra for their resilience as she wished them additional luck ahead of the finals. Group A will feature the Essequibo Islands, Covent Garden, Queen’s College, and Abram Zuil. Group B consists of Annadale, West Side High, Saint Stanislaus, and Berbice Educational Institute.
Beharry Group of Companies Marketing Manager Malissa Sylvester presented the official playing kits for to the 8 final school’s during yesterday’s ceremony.
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Reboot gives boost to Lotto/Let’sBet T10 Tapeball Blast Permaul Trading and Distribution has joined the fourth edition of the Lotto/Let’sBet One Guyana T 1 0 Ta p e b a l l B l a s t , introducing a player incentive through its Reboot Energy Drink brand as the tournament prepares to launch its Berbice zonal leg on Saturday, August 8. Under the arrangement, every Man-of-the-Match performer throughout the competition will be awarded a case of Reboot Energy Drink. “It is a great pleasure for us at Permaul Trading to align Reboot Energy Drink with a tournament that sits at the very heart of local communities,” a representative for the company noted. “Tapeball cricket is where raw talent is forged across Guyana, and supporting grassroots sport helps us identify and nurture the stars of tomorrow. Rewarding every Man of the Match with a case of Reboot Energy is our way of celebrating individual excellence and energising players who give their all on the field.” The company handed over approximately $2M
The company handed over approximately $2M worth of stocks to the tournament.
worth of stocks to the tournament. Tournament Director John Ramsingh welcomed the sponsorship, highlighting the impact of commercial support on community-level cricket. “Corporate partnerships are vital to sustaining the growth of grassroots cricket in Guyana. Having a sponsor directly reward match-
winning performances adds extra drive for the players as we enter an explosive opening weekend.” The tournament begins with a straight knockout format across four venues in Berbice: the Albion Sports Complex, No. 70 Ground, Port Mourant Ground, and Welfare Ground in Canje. Admission is free to the Continued on page 31
Georgetown braces for wrestling spectacle as ACW ‘Georgetown Smash’ takes center stage tomorrow
WWE Hall of Famer Mark Henry, Homeboy Kenny King, along with several international stars set to light up Cliff Anderson Sports Hall
Performing act, ACW Champion Kayila Capri sharing some key tips to a few participants during the ACW two-day Wrestling Seminar.
Here’s a snippet of what to expect this Saturday … ACW Women Champion Kaylia Capri engaging in a shoulder lock with JB Cool on Wednesday.
s t r o Sp
Malachi Austin competed in the men's 400m semis.
Guyana eyes breakthrough on Day 3 in Oregon Olivia Solomon will run in today's women's 800m semis.
Tianna Springer topped her heat to book a place in the women's 400m. (TrackAlert photo) Printed and published by National Media & Publishing Company Ltd., 24 Saffon Street, Charlestown, Georgetown. Tel: 225-8458, 225-8465, 225-8491 or Fax: 225-8473/226-8210.