‘BOMB IN BAG’
Sindicato bombers crossed over from
Crime Chief says main suspect admits Venezuela with deadly device in bag to planting bomb, visited Guyana before ploughsacrossJamaica, now moving toward Cuba
Informant claims $5 million reward
Accused bomber, Daniel Alexander Ramirez Peodomo
‘We have the right man’
12
...policeconfidentmainbombingsuspectcaptured
(See stories on pages 3 & 7)
‘DEATH FOR
TERROR’
...Pres. Ali
ready to sign execution order for gas station bomber
Hammerhead sanction ignites fresh hope for Eco Atlantic’s Jethro prospect
Chief Executive Officer
(CEO) of Canadian exploration company Eco (Atlantic) Oil & Gas Ltd., Gil Holzman, has disclosed that the company has been encouraged by ExxonMobil Guyana Limited's (EMGL)
sanctioning of the Hammerhead discovery in theStabroekBlocktotakea fresh look at its 2019 Jethro find.
Holzman made the disclosure during a recent fourth-quarter interview
EcoAtlantic currently holds a 100 percent working interest in the Orinduik Block, following the exit of formerjointventurepartners
TotalEnergies and QatarEnergy, who withdrew forstrategicreasons.Also,in November 2023, Eco Atlantic completed the acquisition of a 60% operated interest in the OrinduikBlockfromTullow Guyana for US$700,000 in cash, along with future
contingent royalty considerations.
The CEO acknowledged
Chief Executive Officer (CEO) of Canadian exploration company
Eco (Atlantic) Oil & Gas Ltd. Gil Holzman
that the company's planned farm-out process to attract partnersforthenextphaseof exploration in the block has taken longer than expected.
“InGuyana,weembarkedon a lengthy process of potential farm out after we managed to buy out Tullow Atfirst,wethoughtwefarm outjustinorderforsomeone to come and partner with us to drill the light crustaceous,”hesaid.
Prospects/Leads
Exxon Oil Discoveries
Eco Exploration Wells
Exxon Gas Condensate & Oil Discovery
Oil & Gas Shows
Holzman noted that recent developments, such as the Government of Guyana's September 2025 approval of a Petroleum Production Licence (PPL) forEMGL'sseventhproject, the US$6 8 billion Hammerhead development have renewed Eco's interest in the Orinduik Jethro discovery “Exxon decided to FID
[final investment decision] Hammerhead and now they're busy developing this field. First oil is expected 2028 and that gave a fresh lookonwhatcouldbefindin Guyana,”hestated.
According to Holzman, Exxon's move with the Hammerhead field has encouraged Eco to reexaminetheJethro1-billionbarrel heavy oil discovery madein2019.
Eco had said that it has (Continuedonpage6)
He added, “Until now, the sixth project that Exxon hadinGuyanawerelightoil cretaceous discoveries and all of the sudden they came up with Hammerhead and actuallyprovedthattheycan developandmakeeconomic a heavy oil discovery at the tertiary.”
Joe Jethro-Lobe
Turbot
Snoek Hammerhead Pluma
Pacora Yellowtail Payara
Liza Field
Tilapia
Longtail
Orinduik Block
Haimara
‘BOMB IN BAG’
The main suspect in Sunday night's deadlygasstation bombingatRegentandKing Streets, Georgetown, Daniel
Alexander Ramirez Peodomo, has confessed to travellingfromVenezuelato Guyana illegally with the explosive device, Crime Chief Wendell Blanhum disclosed.
Peodomo reportedly confessed to the crime telling investigators that he arrived in Guyana at around 08:00h on Sunday via boat, hours before the deadly bombing. The Venezuelan national and eight other accomplices including four Guyanese have been arrested.
Blanhum told reporters ata press conferenceheldat theMinistryofHomeAffairs that Peodomo and a Venezuelan accomplice [who entered Guyana illegally with him] have someaffiliationwitha“gang in Venezuela known as 'R'” which is linked to the Sindicatogang.
The Sindicato gang has been linked to several violent cross-border crimes.
The Crime Chief said investigatorslearnedthatthe explosive device was activated moments after the mainsuspectexitedacarand walked into the Mobil Gas Station at Regent and King Streets,Georgetown.
Thepowerfulblastkilled six-year-old Soraya Bourne and injured four others, including children and adults.Investigatorsarenow working to determine the motivebehindtheattackand whether it was linked to organised transnational criminalactivity
C l o s e d - C i r c u i t Television (CCTV) showed the suspect, clad in a blue jersey, what appeared to be black trousers and a khaki
hat, entering the gas station and first attempting to place a bulky black bag in a bin locatedatapumpstation.An attendant, who was seated there, forbade him from placing the bag in the bin.
Themanthenventuredtothe areaofthefuelstationwhere it is reported that cooking gaswasstored.
Shortlyafter,thecarlittle Soraya Bourne and her family traveled in was seen slowly reversing before the bomb exploded causing the girl and her relatives to be
pitchedintotheair
On Monday, the GPF released an Artificial Intelligence (AI) enhanced image of the suspect However, on Tuesday
morning, the Police Force issued another image of the suspectbeforeinformingthe public that his clothes were found.
LaterTuesday,thepolice
informed that Peodomo was nabbed at Vergenoegen on theEastBankEssequibo.
Given the sensitive natureofthecase,theCrime Chief said that investigators are restricted from releasing elements of their findings at this stage. Nonetheless, he assured that as the investigations proceed, information will be made public.
Further, the Guyana Police Force (GPF) said it has been pursuing all leads through collaboration with its local, regional and international counterparts, includingINTERPOL.
A Special Investigative Task Force was established comprising members of the Major Crimes Investigation U n i t , C r i m i n a l Investigations Department Headquarters, Regional Divisions3,4A,and4Band other key stakeholders, supported by intelligence andforensicexperts.
The investigation was also coordinated with continuous oversight by the CommissionerofPoliceand seniorofficers.
Blanhum assured the public that the suspect is
indicated to us that the devicehadaswitchwhichhe activatedwhenheexitedthe vehiclewhichwasparkedin the vicinity of the gas station.”Peodomo, who has declined to have an attorney present during the interrogation, is still being interviewedandaccordingto Blanhum, the questioning is being done through a translator.
The Crime Chief opted nottostatewhethertheman speaksEnglish.
“ W e a r e concerned…attacks of this nature are not only perpetrated in Guyana,” Blanhum told reporters giventhatgangattackshave since moved from the hinterlandregionstothecity
“I recently came back from an Interpol organized conference.
We had participants from the various South A m e r i c a n countries Guyana we made our position clear that we need to have more c o o p e r a t i o n a n d collaborationespeciallyasit relates to exchanging
information of individuals who are part of these organized criminal groups. For example, the Sindicato. There is another group in Venezuela that is creating havoc in other countries… that is “Tren de Aragua”,” saidBlanhum.
The Crime Chief disclosed that the GPF has also collaborated with its Venezuelan counterparts on thecase.
M e a n w h i l e , Commissioner of Police, Clifton Hicken disclosed that the police were able to catch the suspect utilizing intelligence and Guyana's SafeCityCenter
“ T h e F o r c e , i n collaboration with the Safe City Command Centre and allied intelligence agencies, utilized video-forensic analysis, digital tracking, and data correlation to trace the suspect's movements before and after the incident,”Hickensaidwhile notingthattheprimesuspect was captured after the investigativetaskforceacted on credible information and field intelligence to locate the suspect at Vergenoegen Sideline Dam, East Bank Essequibo.
He disclosed that investigators are working to establish the elements to support the charges of Sections 309A and 309B of theCriminalLaw(Offences) Act, Chapter 8:01, which addressactsofterrorismand conspiracy to commit terrorism.
Additional charges relatingtomurder,attempted murder,arsonandmalicious damage to property are also being actively pursued, pending legal advice from the Director of Public Prosecutions.
Mainsuspect:
Daniel Alexander Ramirez Peodom
Clifton Hicken
Wendell Blanhum
KaieteurNews
PrintedandPublishedbyNationalMedia& PublishingCompanyLtd. 24SaffonStreet, Charlestown,Georgetown,Guyana.
Publisher:GLENNLALL-Tel:624-6456
Editor-in-Chief:NigelWilliams
Tel: 225-8465, 225-8491. Fax: 225-8473, 226-8210
EDITORIAL
Ironyandagony
Infrastructure and more infrastructure, with Guyana moving along at a furious gallop. Then there is the other side,thehardanddarkside,ofthatglitteringinfrastructure coin,inthepresenceofhungryGuyanese.
The irony should not be lost on citizens in a country, wherethereisagovernmentthatboastsofbeinginahurry withinfrastructureprojects,butthereisanenvironmentwith numerous citizens who go hungry daily It seems that the PPPC Government has not learned anything from the reaction of the electorate in the 2025 elections, and it is business and more business with infrastructure projects headingthelistofpriorities.
MinisterofPublicWorks,JuanEdghill,wasinfineform recently “Guyana’sinfrastructuraldevelopmenthastaken centerstagelargelybecauseintheconstructofthings,when you’re battling hard for resources, you have to judge between what is extremely important and what can be done.” WethankMinisterEdghillforunveilingwherethe PPPCGovernment’sheartis,andinunmistakableterms. It bears repeating: “Infrastructural development” stands at “center stage” because it “is extremely important.”
According to Minister Edghill, that is the judgment of the government,oneinwhichheisaleadingpilot. Wehelphim to remember something that he apparently forgot from his otherlife. Thestronghasaresponsibilitytotakecareofthe weak,therichtogiveattentiontothepoor,andthepowerful tobeawareofthevulnerable,andtendtotheirneeds. Needs notwants,iswhatweputbeforeMinisterEdghill.
There are all those Guyanese living with heavy mental anguish, pure agony in the stomach, because they do not have that dollar to buy basic food items, so that there is a meal of some sort for their families. Why is their hunger, theirhopelessness,nottaking“centerstage”iswhatweask theminister?
Why in the judgment of his PPPC Government is their struggle not “extremely important”, of the highest importance,iswhatwelooktoMinisterEdghillforaproper answer? Itcouldbeanyanswerthatheiscapableofgiving, butonethathasonlywhatisgenuineaboutit. Thereisthe irony and agony of Guyanese being the most talked about countryintheworld,andalmosthalfofitscitizensgasping for air, because they can’t make it. Not enough money to buyfooditemsmeansthatthereisnotenoughtoeat. And why should that be in an oil rich country with a small population,acountrythatisproducing650,000barrelsofoil aday? Itisnotthepaltryquantityof6,000barrelsaday,or even 60,000 barrels daily, but 650,000 barrels of oil production daily. This is not only about the irony and the realityofGuyaneseagony,itisofthenationaltragedythat clearly the PPPC Government does not see fit to put at “centerstage”andkeepitthere,becauseitisso“extremely important”toleadersandministers.
To compound the irony and agony, President Ali took center stage to do what he does well. It is to demonstrate how excited he is to talk about food security Yet there is littletonoconnectionto,northekindofresolutionneeded by,somanyGuyanesewhoareforcedtogowithoutproper mealseverydayoftheweek.
Thepresidentstaresintothefuture,whilepresidingover massive infrastructure projects, and talks up food security Andrightnow,andrightathisfeet,beforehiseyes,thereare those masses of Guyanese who only know how much obtainingfoodhasbeenachallengeforthem.
Muchhasbeenpromisedduringtheelections,andnow that the PPPC Government has been returned to power, it mustdeliver
The concern is that the sum of the promises has its helpful side, but it is a matter of degrees only That alone should convey how difficult the circumstances of some Guyaneseareinacountrywhichhasbeenthebeneficiaryof somanynaturalresourcegifts,andinsuchquantities. Six yearsafterthefirstbarrelofoilwasproduced,noGuyanese shouldbegoinghungry
Query about the Gas Station Explosion and Ties with USA to deter terrorist attacks
DEAREDITOR,
Reference your report andlettersonthegasstation explosion It is not confirmed if the brain (planning and construction) behind the explosive device is from across the border A photograph is available of one of the al
ged perpetrators (there could be more)whoseethnicityseems tobefromacrosstheborder Ravi Dev and I repeatedly expressed concern about Venezuelan sleeper cells in our country? Is this explosion tied to a sleeper cell? Should Venezuela attack Guyana (invade seize Essequibo), will Hispanic Venezuelans in Guyana support our country that has been very hospitable to them? Indo and other Guyanese Venezuelans (thoseborninVenezuelaand of Guyanese parentage) seemverylocaltoGuyanaas do many legalised Hispanics.
Quick thinking and keen alertness of the attendant at the gas station helped to prevent what otherwise would have been a greater catastrophe if the exploding device was placed near gas bottles or closer to the gasolinepumporitsstorage.
DEAREDITOR,
All gas station owners and attendantsmustputthingsin place to deter a reoccurrence of this kind of explosion. The public must now be alert of their surroundings of all kinds of packagesontheroadornear energyfacilities.
On investigation of the explosion, the police responded quickly The forensicteamalsoresponded quickly collecting evidence andphotographingthecrime scene. Samples have been labeledforanalysis.Nowthe evidencemustbeanalyzed.I don’t think Guyana has the capacity to analyze the evidence; I don’t know the extentofourbombexpertise. The Americans should be invited to assist with reexaminingthecrimesceneas well as analyse the evidence – what kind of device was used, source of its components, its technology, and probable finger print (whodidit–anorganization, a lone individual, a terror group, or even political agents). Barbados, Trinidad, and Jamaica may want to be paid for any analysis. The Americanswilldoitforfree.
And that is why Guyana must cement ties with USA on national security. Would
therehavebeenanexplosion iftheAmericanshadastrong security presence in Guyana? Would the perpetrators have even thought of exploding a device if there were an American military or security presence in Guyana? Very unlikely! No nation or terror group or terroristwouldwanttogoup against the mighty Americans And no one would even think of challenging President Donald Trump especially that he has authorized the bombing of (narco) speed boats just off the coast of Venezuela and Trinidad, cancel the visa of the Colombian left-wing President, and publicly gave the go ahead to the CIA to toppleMaduro.
Because of the threat posedbyMadurotoGuyana and deep fear among Guyanese of an attack as well as similar unsolved explosions earlier this year, this writer and others proposed closer ties with USAasabulwarkagainstthe Venezuelan authoritarian regime. Freddie Kissoon and other left-wing ideologues and politicians opposeclosertieswithUSA. Even some Guyanese currently living in Guyana and receiving American pensions and social security as well as medical benefits oppose deeper ties with Washington; they should return their green card and American passport and stop collectingpensionandsocial security and going to USA forfreemedicalservices.But theywon’t.Theyareingrates orneemakharam!Theywant the American handouts but don’t want close ties. These left wingers and antiAmerican nationalists can’t saveGuyanafromMaduro’s military and sleeper cells. Fortunately,PresidentIrfaan and VP Jagdeo ignore these fools and have developed closer relations with USA. Guyana needs deeper security linkage with USA; making Guyana an adjunct of USA will provide even greater protection. Maduro will not even think of occupyinganinchofGuyana territory and certainly not whileTrumpisPresident. Guyana needs USA for physical protection and to deter terror attacks as well from the kind of explosions thatoccurredSundaynight.
Yourstruly,
VishnuBisram(PhD)
Care or optics?
Again,thepublicandthe online world are observing thelackofsystems,trustand policies by the media and otheroperativeswitha‘rush to the scene’ objective and motive.Thefamilies,helpers and witnesses who experience the recent tragic occurrence were bombarded by the media and the Opposition members to speak at length about a devastingtragedybetween5 – 20hrs of the incident.This is wrong Remember Madhia, Linden deaths and Adrianna, among others –haven’t we learned anything (gosh!).
What about bombarding the Minister, Police Commissioner and Fire Chief with questions? Who istheActingPresidentatthis time? Was the individual sworn-in according to law before the President exited the country? Are the key interviewers and visitors from the Opposition making thepainbetterorworse?Did the visitors take pastors, religiousleaders,caregivers, counsellors, etc to the
homes of the vulnerable families? Did they ask the families (especially the women)whataretheirneeds at this time (tangible or intangible)?Didtheywriteit downanddidtheypraywith them?
Editor,thelossofalifeis tragic; the loss of a child’s life is spiritually and psychologicallydevastingto parents, the community and nation.Allowmetopresenta few painful emotions an individual experiences within 24hrs of a major tragedy This is in no particular order and could varyfrompersontoperson. They could experience bereavement disorder, numbness,anxietyincluding PTSD, guilt, anger, depression, intense sorrow, pain, sleep disturbances, amongothers.So,pictureall the unqualified operatives whoimmediatelydescended on the families involved in the tragedy alongside the unstable emotions of the families as witnessed in the news and on social media. Wecannotbeinsensitiveand uneducated to the realities
imitating in peoples’ lives (they are not cattle). What support services should be available in any country? A working suicide and crisis line, a disaster distress helpline, a list of nongovernment organizations ready to assist families within one - two days of the tragedy, qualified members (i.e. Chaplains, counsellors, pastors, etc.) from a church, temple, or mosque, a government mental health crisis department located in at least three ministries, etc. May I suggest that families should ask a trusted caregiver, pastor or a strong family member/friend to speak on their behalf during painfulsituations.
The Government, the Opposition and the media need to do better First, may wepushtoseeareturntothe original parliament building constructed in 1834 which will be 191 years in 2025. Secondly, the buck stops with the President and the requisite Minister of government who should have the necessary educational background and
skills for the task(s). What about Opposition parties immediately appointing a qualified shadow Minister for every Minister of government? Allow me to highlightsomemodelsinthe formoftheMinister’sbioin Jamaica, T&T and Grenada for Education and Home Affairs. Some jurisdictions have chosen to discontinue the British-inspired name of “Home Affairs” Instead, they have created Ministries of National Security or MinistryofJustice. Education
J a m a i c a : P h D International Studies, Fulbright Scholar, BSc Economics and MSc Government
T&T: PhD in Education andMaster’sinEducation Grenada: Masters of Art andBAinGeneralStudies
Minister of Home Affairs, Justice, National Security
Jamaica: University of Oxford: Law, Honors degree: Math, Author: Understanding Crime, SeniorLecturerinLaw
Continued on page 6
Huge losses from failed projects
started by Jagdeo
DEAREDITOR,
Everyprojectinitiatedor controlled by Bharat Jagdeo -the self-anointed expert on Oil and Gas - has faced controversy ranging from delays, cost overruns to colossalfailure.
Two years overdue (and he was absent from the President’s5:00ammeeting for contract reporting) and incurring huge rising coststhelatestbeinganadditional US$M100 to strengthen poor soil conditions so pipelines can be laid - lays bare the result of not performing any feasibility studies. To make matters worse,thisambitiousproject reflectsthesheerhubrisofits creator has the hallmarks of all previous projects emanating from the chief honcho and de facto President,besideshavingthe sameplayersinAshniSingh and Mike Brassington, and with newcomer Brigadier Mark Phillips, the retired soldier
The sheer truculence in thedecision-makingprocess to spend peoples’ money defies all judgment and seemingly takes place faster than an episode of The Big BangTheory
After losing some US$200 million in the SkeldonSugarFactory,over US $100 million in the Amalia Falls Hydro Project, around US $100 million in the Surendra Specialty Hospital and a litany of impetuous sojourns like one laptop per family, it seems thatGuyanaiswitnessingan antithesis of The Midas Touch, now operating in
reversemode.
Much like the Marriot Hotel,themuchtouted‘jobs for Guyanese’ will witness Guyanese being employed,
as welders, janitors, waitresses, meal providers and drivers with a selected few embracing any management portfolio. This project will be operated and maintained by foreign expertise further solidifying there-colonizationcaveat.
This is by far the largest expenditure of taxpayers’ money yet neither public debate nor parliamentary approval was ever pursued. This deliberate concealment of cost – breakdown, overrunsandloaninterestsareofnationalinterest,nota one-man Lumumba Russian University graduate The prediction that electricity costs would be cut in half is most comical as electricity rates have doubled since the project was conceived - a ratheralienwordfortheman who aspired for a third-term President.
Over 100 years ago Spanish philosopher, Santayana, (1853-1962) declared: Those who forget the past are condemned to repeatit.
These immortal words mustformthecornerstoneof alldecisionsforanycountry; sadly, the proliferation of failedprojectsistheresultof not heeding these immortal words.
Today, Guyana faces yet anotherdoomsdayventurein theGas-to-EnergyProject.
Regards, Leyland Chitlall Roopnaraine
Ministry now on mute:The Home Affairs test no one can ignore
DEAREDITOR,
Since assuming office, Minister Oneidge Walrond has maintained a constant public presence: launches, p a r a d e s , a n d pronouncements about transforming the Guyana PoliceForce.Butinthewake ofthetragicexplosionatthe Mobil Gas Station, the Min
’s
vanished The silence is deafening. The country is reeling from its third
bombing in six months, yet the minister who never missed a camera especially in the last few days is now missinginaction.
Leadership demands steadiness under fire, not withdrawal when the headlinesdarken.Thisisthe defining test of Minister Walrond’s tenure The Ministry she leads has presided over repeated security failures and an overstretched, under-trusted
The department
DEAREDITOR,
The establishment of the Department of Citizenship under the APNU+AFC Coalition Government represented a forwardthinking and strategic initiative aimed at strengthening Guyana’s institutional and policy framework in managing citizenship, immigration, andborderaffairs.
Created under the Ministry of the Presidency, this Department ensured a coherent and coordinated approach to matters relating to naturalisation, migration, andtheprotectionofnational sovereignty Regrettably, following the assumption of
police force. The GPF must betoldplainly:itissuffering from a trust deficit. Citizens donotbelievewhattheyhear fromthepolice;theybelieve whattheysee,andtoooften, what they see are cover-ups, contradictions,andevasions. Every day without honest, factual briefings deepens that crisis of confidence.
Transparencyisnotafavour to the public; it is the foundation of policing in a democracy
Let this moment be a turning point. The Minister must speak, the police must come clean, and the country must see that our security institutions are bigger than any personality or party To those who would test us, foreign or domestic, know this:eveninourdarkesthour, Guyana’sresolvewillnotbe shaken, and our unity will notbebroken.
Regards, SherodDuncan
of citizenship must be reinstated
office by the PPP/C administration in August 2020, the Department of Citizenship was disbanded, and operations reverted to the pre-May 2015 fragmented structure. This regression has had serious implications for the State’s abilitytoeffectivelymanage migration and citizenship issues.
The weaknesses in the current structure have becomeincreasinglyevident with the influx of Venezuelan migrants across Guyana.Whileitisessential to show compassion and humanitarian support, there must also be effective systems for registration,
monitoring, and integration.
Venezuelansarenowwidely dispersed across all administrative regions, with many employed in retail stores, the construction industry, and as auxiliary staff at the Georgetown Public Hospital Corporation (GPHC).Othersareengaged as security officers in schools; positions that r e q u i r e e f f e c t i v e communication, training, andtrust,allofwhichcanbe undermined by the existing languagebarrier This situation raises legitimate questions about national policy direction, security oversight, and labour market regulation
Are these workers properly documented? Are their employers remitting contributionstotheNational InsuranceScheme(NIS)and the Guyana Revenue Authority (GRA)? Without proper institutional coordination, it becomes nearly impossible to ensure compliance, equity, and accountability
Moreover,concernswere raisedinthe12thParliament when inaccurate figures were presented by the then Minister of Home Affairs, RobesonBenn,regardingthe number of Venezuelans residing in Guyana. Those inaccuracieshighlightthe
Continued on page 6
Hammerhead sanction ignites fresh hope for... Venezuelan Parliament debates motion to declare Kamla Persad-Bissessar persona non grata
Frompage2
been assessing its Jethro-1 and Joe-1 finds both discoveries being located in the Lower and Upper Tertiary formations of the Orinduik Block.While both finds contain heavy oil, further analysis has been ongoing to determine developmentfeasibility Eco said it continues to evaluate these discoveries while assessingdeeperCretaceous prospects, believed to hold potentialforlightercrude.
Holzman stated, “Together with the government, we are in discussionstopotentiallyreevaluate and recall the noncommercialization notice that Tullow gave to the government and to have a fresh look into a potential heavyoildevelopment.”
He noted that the companywillrequirebotha partner and government support. “Understating that mightbeabigresourcethere thatmightbedeveloped,”he said.
“So the Hammerhead FID together with the fresh understanding of how the tertiary horizon in Guyana mightworkcontainingsome
heavyoilwhichisneededin many places around the world made us take a different approach to the farm out and a different approach toward the license and hopefully we’ll be able to be granted with the reevaluation right of the Jethro discovery,” Holzman added.
Eco has been in talks withprospectivepartners,as the January 2026 deadline looms for the company to drill an exploration well on theblockinkeepingwithits petroleum agreement. Eco enteredtheSecondPhaseof the Second Renewal Period of the Orinduik Licence on January14,2024.
This phase requires the drilling of one exploration
the Cretaceousformationbefore the licence term ends on January13,2026.
The Orinduik Block, which covers 1,354 square kilometers, is located approximately 170 kilometers offshore Guyana and lies adjacent to the prolific Stabroek Block operated by EMGL and estimated to hold 11 6 billionbarrelsofoil.
(Trinidad Guardian)The Venezuelan National Assembly (Parliament) on Tuesday discussed a motion to declare Prime Minister Kamla Persad-Bissessar persona non grata in accordancewithArticle111.
Reports from Venezuela said a notice posted on the National Assembly’s website indicated that the discussion began at 2.30 pm Venezuelantime.
The same agenda included the second reading of the “Commandos Bill for the Integral Defence of Venezuela,” a sweeping national security law that would empower special military units amid rising regionaltensions.
This latest development come
Nicolás Maduro announced that Venezuela will suspend all energy negotiations with
The department of... - Kamla questions “why not Trump?”
TrinidadandTobago.
Tensions between Venezuela and Trinidad and Tobago have reacheda peak following the arrival of the US naval ship USS Gravely at the Port of Port-of-Spain on Sunday. Hours later, Venezuela’s Vice President Delcy Rodríguez accused theKamlaPersad-Bissessarled Government of hostile provocation, claiming the vessel was part of a US-led plot, supported by T&T, to attackVenezuela.
The T&T Government has denied the allegation, saying the USS Gravely arrived as part of continued training and cooperation exercises with the United States. Meanwhile, Prime Minister Persad-Bissessar dismissedVenezuela’smove to declare her persona non grata, calling it “a useless declaration” and insisting, “ithasnoeffectonmylife.”
Frompage5 absence of a centralised and reliable data system, one that a functioning Department of Citizenship could have provided through proper registration, monitoring, and policy coordination.
ThedecisiontodismantlethisDepartmentwasbothshortsighted and detrimental. Its re-establishment is urgently needed to restore policy coherence and to ensure that Guyana’s approach to migration management balances humanitarian obligations with the preservation of national order,publicsafety,andeconomicintegrity
On a separate but equally distressing note, I extend heartfeltcondolencestothefamilyofyoungSoyaraBourne, whose lifewas tragicallylost due to the plantingof a deadly explosivedevicebyanunknownmaleataservicestationon RegentStreet.Thisheinousacthasshakentheconscienceof the nation and underscores the growing need for stronger national security and surveillance mechanisms, areas that, too, would have benefitted from inter-agency coordination underastructuredDepartmentofCitizenship.
Theeffectivemanagementofcitizenshipandmigrationis not merely administrative, it is foundational to national identity,publicsafety,andgoodgovernance.TheGovernment musturgentlyreconsideritspositionandreinstatethiscritical institution in the interest of transparency, national security, andtheorderlymanagementofourcountry’saffairs.
Yourssincerely, AnnetteFerguson
She questioned why Venezuelan authorities are targeting her personally rather than US President Donald Trump, pointing out thatthewarshipsinvolvedin recent drug interdiction exercises are American property “They should call PresidentTrump’sname.He is the commander of those warships,” she said. The PrimeMinistersaidTrinidad and Tobago will continue “ s u p p o r t i n g d r u g interdiction exercises against narco traffickers in internationalwaters.”
The National Assembly oftheBolivarianRepublicof Venezuela is today debating amotiontodeclareTrinidad
andTobago’sPrimeMinister Kamla Persad-Bissessar persona non grata, in accordance withArticle 111 ofitsinternalregulations. Relations have further strained following President N i c o l á s M a d u r
at Venezuela will suspend all energy negotiations with Port of Spain. The move follows the docking of a US naval vessel on Sunday and claimsfromCaracasthatthe US, with Trinidad and Tobago’s support, is allegedlyplottingtoprovoke a n a t t a c k o n Venezuela—allegations that the T&T government has firmlydenied.
Care or optics?
Frompage4
T&T: Former Police Senior Superintendent and years of experiencesinthepoliceforce Grenada: UWI: Law, current Prime Minister and private lawpractice
Editor, we need the same or better educational background, skills and years of experiences in Guyana to combat tragic and non-tragic situations. As the hundreds turned out in their pink and those who supported the Guyana/Gazamarches,willyouturnoutforapeacefulprotest andprayerforthetragicsituationsinyourowncountryorwill youcontinuetoburyyourheadinthesand?
Theologically, in 1 Samuel 30, David faced a great tragedy Several families, including his were carried away; they were taken captive. The people wept until they had no morestrengthtoweep.Davidasleaderwasgreatlydistressed, howeverhestrengthenedhimselfintheLordhisGod.Then, he inquired of the Lord; all was recovered. I encouraged the family of Samantha Roach and all Guyanese to “strengthen yourselfintheLord”duringaveryupsettingtimeacrossour country We need solutions. We need to follow the laws of Guyana.WeneedanewConstitution.WeneedGodalwaysin Guyana.
Sincerely,
Dr DeniseMurray
Prime Minister, Kamla Persad-Bissessar
ExxonMobil boasts of “significant investments in local businesses”
…but refuses to compare local content spend to overall expense
Each year, Guyana receives a hefty bill for the developmentofitsresources in the Stabroek Block, operated by American oil major,ExxonMobil.
To ensure Guyanese enjoy a portion of its wealth thatispaidouttocompanies for crucial goods and services to keep the operations afloat, the government of Guyana (GoG) introduced a Local ContentLawin2021.
Thelawrequiresspecific goods and services to be supplied by Guyanese. This means that locals are not
onlyprovidingservicessuch catering and transportation to the sector, but are also hiredtoperformotherduties intheindustry
ExxonMobil recently invited media personnel to share questions with the company that were not addressed at a press conference earlier this month.Tothisend,Kaieteur News sent a few questions, includingforthecompanyto state what percentage of its total expenditure is spent locally This information is vital in understanding how Guyanese benefit from
(PC: Guyana Energy Conference)
compared to the value enjoyedbyforeigners.
The company refused to share th
ic information requested and
company's dedication to local content development
investments in local businesses, workforce training, and communitydevelopmentinitiatives.”
D
engagement, President of E
instead presented a glorious figureonthesumithasspent for the first half of this year onlocalcontent.
Exxonexplained,“In the first half of 2025 alone, GY$87 billion was spent directly with 1,800 local vendors, reinforcing the
Limited (EMGL), Alistair Routledge said he sees no need to enhance the local contentrequirements,which force his company to utilize the goods and services of Guyanese His statement comes amidst calls by local private sector bodies for government to revisit the Local Content Act to
participationinthesector
The government has settled for low-hanging fruitsfromtheindustrysuch as local content benefits for itspeople,sinceitrefusesto renegotiate the lopsided oil deal which mostly favours theoilcompanies.
The 2016 Production Sharing Agreement (PSA) which has been globally condemned,allowsExxonto secure75%ofoilupfrontfor itsexpenseseachmonth.The remaining 25% is then split with the government as profit. Guyana also receives a royalty payment of 2%, paid every quarter into the Natural Resource Fund (NRF).
US launches strikes on 4 alleged drug-running boats in the eastern Pacific, killing 14
(AP) Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth announced Tuesday that the U.S. military has carried out strikes in the eastern Pacific Oceanonfourboatsaccused of carrying drugs, killing 14 people and leaving one survivor in the deadliest single day since the Trump administration began its divisive campaign against drugtraffickinginthewaters offSouthAmerica.
It was the first-time multiple strikes were announcedinasingledayas the pace of the attacks has escalated. The nearly twomonth campaign and U.S. military buildup have strainedtieswithalliesinthe region and opened speculation that the moves are aimed at ousting Venezuelan President Nicolás Maduro, whom the U S has accused of narcoterrorism.
Astatement provided by a Pentagon official, who spoke on the condition of anonymity to freely discuss theoperation,saidthestrikes were conducted Monday off thecoastofColombia.
Following one attack on aboat,themilitaryspotteda person in the water clinging to some wreckage The military passed the survivor'spreciselocationto the U.S. Coast Guard and a Mexican military aircraft that was operating in the area,theofficialsaid.
However, the Mexican navy says it is searching
about 400 miles southwest of the Pacific city of Acapulco, suggesting the possibility that the strike may have taken place far away from Colombia and closer to Mexico's coast. It wasn't immediately clear exactlywherethestriketook place, and the Pentagon did notgivemoredetails.
M e x i c o i s s t i l l conducting a search for the survivor and criticizes the strikes
Hegseth said Mexican searchandrescueauthorities “assumed responsibility for coordinating the rescue” of the sole survivor but didn't say if that person was successfully rescued or would stay in Mexico's custodyorbehandedoverto theU.S.
Mexico's navy still was attempting a search and rescue operation, the
militarysaidinastatement Tuesday, a day after the strikes occurred The American attacks drew renewed criticism from the regionalally
Mexican President Claudia Sheinbaum said during her daily press conferencethatsheaskedthe foreign affairs secretary and the navy to meet with the U.S. ambassador in Mexico to discuss the issue because “we do not agree with these attacks.”
“ W e w a n t a l l international treaties to be respected,”shesaid.
The strikes also have strained ties with other historicallieslikeColombia, acountrywhoseintelligence is crucial to American antinarcotics operations in the region.Inanescalatingclash betweentheRepublicanU.S. (Continuedonpage16)
The PPPC’s brilliant plan for the depopulation of Region 6
I f t h e P e o p l e ’s Progressive Party Civic (PPPC) were running a business, it would be the onlyenterpriseinhistorythat celebrated losing its customers. The irony of its “development” strategy for Region 6 that oncebustling stretch of Berbice now better known for its empty villages and migrating youth — is that it seems designed not to bring people in but to send them out. You almost suspect the party has mistaken “depopulation” for “progress.”
Let us begin with the data, or at least, the kind of data that politicians prefer not to mention at rallies. Between1992and2012,the population of Region 6 declined, making it the only region in Guyana where people decided en masse than anywhere else — the city,thediaspora,orMars— might offer better prospects. This was during the PPPC’s glorious reign, when the government was supposedly busy “transforming lives” (perhapsbymovingthemout ofBerbicealtogether).
It’s one of the great cosmic jokes of Guyanese politics that the leading man of that era, trained in rural economics no less, presided over the prolonged stagnation of what should have been a rural success story Imagine spending years studying rural economics only to return home and specialize in producing despair. One suspectsthatifthePPPChad beeninchargeoftheGarden
of Eden, the serpent would havemigratedtoTrinidad. But alas, the PPPC has now decided to correct its past neglect. The strategy?
Buildanoilandgastraining instituteinBerbice.And,for good measure, a hospitality institute. The logic here is breathtaking or perhaps just oxygen-deprived. The oil and gas industry is concentratedinRegion4and Region 3, hundreds of miles away. The hotel boom is in Georgetown. Yet, the PPPC is constructing these institutions in Region 6, as though graduates will learn how to commute via teleportation.
It’s a bit like building a ski school in Lethem. Or a space technology campus in the middle of the sugarcane fields. The graduates will indeed find employment, just not in Berbice. The region’s economic resurrection plan, it turns out, is to train its young people to leave It’s development that is surreal, illogical, and oddly decorative.
The party, of course, insiststhattherealvillainof Berbice’s woes is the APNU+AFC coalition,
which it accuses of
destroying the sugar industry The PPPC makes this claim with such indignation that one almost forgets who actually began closing estates in the first place. In truth, more sugar estates were shuttered under the PPPC than under the coalition.Thisisa historical detailthatthepartytreatsthe way one tr
Dem Boys Seh...
Yuh ever notice who is de people who does get promote at dem wuk place. Is dem wah does stay quiet and stay in dem corner and don’t try fuh show how smart or ambitiousdemis.
Dehgatsomeworkers,whendemcome fuhwuk,islikedembelievedemgatashare indebusiness.Sodemdoesalwayslikefuh talkupandevenopposedeboss.Butdehgat someotherswhodoesonlyseedeworkplace as somewhere where dem earning a living anddemdon’tgivetoomuchofahootabout what is right and what is wrong and who shoulddowhatandwhen.
Demisdepeoplewhodoesgetpromote becausedebossdoesnotseedemasathreat. But once you start fuh show that you gat brainsandyoucanoutshinedebossandyuh gatambition,debossanddeownersdoestek aseriouslookatyouandyuhgoosedoesbe
The reality is that Berbice needs a coherent plan, not a potpourri of poorly located institutions. The region’s problems are not mysterious Young people leave because there are few jobs, fewer opportunities, and a sense thatthegovernment’sideaof rural development is to give speeches about it in Georgetown.
The PPPC prefers to unveil gleaming new projects that make great headlinesbutlittleeconomic sense.It’sasthoughthegoal were not to develop Berbice but to give it a fresh coat of irrelevance.
So here we are: a government that has spent decades watching Berbice empty out, now investing heavily in training facilities that will accelerate the very same process. It’s almost poetic, a bureaucratic ouroboros, swallowing its own logic. Perhaps one day there will be an official opening ceremony for the new “Institute of Managed Migration,” where young Berbicians can earn diplomasin“LeavingHome withDignity.”
One can almost hear the speech already: “Our governmentisproudtoequip our young people with the skillstosucceed—wherever else they might find themselves.”Andthecrowd, bless them, will cheer, because old loyalties die hard.
ats an e m b a r r a s s i n g o l d photograph:hiddendeepina drawer, preferably under the Constitution.
Dem boss nah like ambitious people
cooked.
Guyanagatsomepoliticianlikedat.Dem nah want smart people around them. Just dem wah gan be like robots. Dem nah want independentopinions.Demonlywant“yes” peoplearoundthem.Datiswhydecountryis whereitis.
Soisnottalentorabilitydatain’tdemain thingwahdoescauseyuhfuhgetpromote,it isconformity Demboyswantyoufuhdoas youaretoldandnotasyoufeel.
We have a fellow in we company We used to call he “The Computer”. Is not because he know everything or because he wasquickathiswork.No,itwasbecauseif hewasnotdoinganythingfor15minutes,he wouldgotosleep.
Yuhknowhegetpromote.Todayheisde boss.
TalkHalf!LeffHalf!
Someone once said that 80% of success is just showing up. For Berbice, 100% of development may soon depend on leaving. If the PPPC’s plan continues along its current trajectory, the only thing left in Region 6willbetheinfrastructure— and perhaps a few governmentministersgiving press conferences congratulating themselves
on their “investment in humancapital.”
At that point, Berbice may become a model of success, the first region in Guyana to achieve full employmentbyexportingall its employable people. The PPPC will no doubt take a bow After all, in its own way, it will have achieved what few governments ever do: development without
people, prosperity without presence, and a region so improved that nobody lives thereanymore.
Now that would be progress—PPPC-style.
(The views expressed in this article are those of the author and do not necessarily reflect the opinionsofthisnewspaper.)
H@RD TRUTHS Press bomb
Abomb shatters the peace and silence of a Sunday night. A six-yearold child is snatched away from the warmth of her family,blownintothefrozen arms of eternity What happened? Who did it and why? When Guyanese needed to be informed of developmentsbytheminute, if only to calm their anxieties, that was when the blowout was accompanied by the equivalent of a press lockout and an information blackout. There are those who like to say that Guyana isnotNorthKorea. Maybeit isn'tjustthereyet. Butwhat
isGuyanathen,NorthKorea onthemove,NorthKoreain the making, and well along that road? That is, North Korea Lite, and one with a twist?
If those in charge can be soresourcefulastocomeup with ideas and ways to keep the press at bay in the immediateaftermathofsuch acrucial,nerve-wrackingset of circumstances, then Guyanesehadbettergetused to that kind of darkness saturatingtheirlives. Rather conspicuously, transparency was not one of the priorities mentioned in that second address of a few weeks ago, likely for a reason. The
Sundaynightbombblastdid more than tear a hole in the hearts of several grieving families. It drilled a hole in Guyanese heads Small parcelsofinformationtothe press for dissemination to t h e i r v a r i o u s viewers/readership would havehelpedcitizenstogeta solid sense of what Guyana is dealing with, and how measuredtheirownreaction must be. The fact that Spanish-lookingseepedinto the narrative coming out of thebombblastonlyaddedto theuneaseofGuyanese. If such a carefully selected target, such a craftily chosen hour, and
suchadeterminedlybomber crew to get the job done, after the setback of one human wall encountered, what does that say about what Guyanese are faced with, and the new realities that hang over their existence. Theycouldbein crowded Georgetown or in the deep interior, and it may not matter, for the safety shield that Guyanese long took for granted has just been ruptured. This was when those in charge had to have their people on the ground(whichtheydid);and when a stream of details, however scanty, had to be forthcoming. The press is not the enemy The detonation of that bomb points to who the real enemies of Guyanese are. Both those at the political level, and those who function as public servants, mustlearntodobetter They can quibble and quarrel in the old way, but they must findawaytowillthemselves to knowing what is right in certain circumstances, and doingwhatisbetter
When there are those with the power in their hands, who still resize and reduce this country to factions,thenapricelessgift isgivenonaplattertothose who covet so much of what
is the legitimate inheritanceofevery citizen born here
Somebody said it, intelligence from grounduprequireseyesand ears that are loyal, that are made to feel that they are a part of a national struggle against an unknown and unannounced adversary, a cancer,inthebelly
I am surprised that the foreign suspect has been caught; thought that he would be long gone back to wherever he originated from, will find ready, welcoming sanctuary Let there be no mistake: what split last Sunday night into pieces was not a random event, a moment of passion andheat.
It was well-planned and somewhat well-executed to inflict physical damage, and t h e m a x i m u m i n psychological injury God forbid, but how will Guyanesereactshouldthere be that most undesired of developments -another of such blasts wherever and wheneveritunfolds?
Inclosing,oneofthefirst actions that I would recommendtobetakenatthe highest level, after the dust hassettled,isforthatfemale pump attendant to be called in, saluted, and given a high
nationalhonour Plus,arich packageofthanksforsaving the night from being a greaterconflagration,andto what that could have led, whatthatwouldmeanttothe national psyche. The man whohelpedwiththechildren and braved the moment in a stunninginstanceofheroism mustalsocomeinforspecial mention and special reward. We need each other, and anyone who says otherwise is the worst of selfdeceivers.
Thepressmustbekeptin theloop,usedasanasset,so that Guyanese are kept abreast of worrying developments In that manner, rumour and speculation are limited in how much harm they can d e l i v e r Compartmentalization and regimentation hinder and hurt. No one is helped. If Guyanesearegoingtostand a chance, they had better be ofonemind.
(The views expressed in this article are those of the author and do not necessarily reflect the opinionsofthisnewspaper.)
E-ID system fast-tracked as new measure against illegal border entry – Min. Walrond
Minister of Home Affairs Oneidge
WalrondonTuesdaysaidthatGuyanawillbe fast-trackingitsElectronicIdentification(EID)cardsystemasameasuretocurtailillegal entrythroughthecountry'sporousborders.
Theministerwasatthetimeupdatingthe mediaonthebombingwhichoccurredatthe Regent and King Streets Mobil Gas Station on Sunday night which left six-year-old Soraya Bourne dead and several others injured.
Walrond said that the government is cognizant of the fact that its borders are porousandcanbeeasilybreachedandtheEID system will assist in monitoring the migrantshere.
The minister told reporters that any foreign national entering Guyana must be registered at legally designated points of entry
“For Venezuelan migrants who come here through our ports, they are all registered and their details are taken,” MinisterWalrondexplained.
The prime suspect responsible for bombing and his eight accomplices have been arrested and are assisting police with theirinvestigation.Policesaidthattheprime suspect, identified as Daniel Alexander RamirezPeodomo,enteredGuyanaillegally
onSundayataround08:00hviaboatwiththe bomb.
Meanwhile,MinisterWalrondalsonoted that persons who fail to register themselves willfacedeportationandsanctions.
“Whatwewilldoisthatforthepersons who are in Guyana illegally, they will be given a grace period to come to register andhavethisE-IDcard,”MinisterWalrond said The E-ID cards will differentiate betweencitizensandnon-citizens.Itwillalso integrate personal data into a secure digital and physical card for accessing government andprivatesectorservices.
“[Without] this card, you [noncitizens] will not be able to access any services,”theministerstressed.
This E-ID will link to other systems, including TIN, bank account, and immigration records, and can be used for bothdigitalandphysicaltransactions.
Theapplicationprocessisrelativelyeasy andinvolvesbookinganappointmentonline orataservicecentre.
The documents needed for registration willbelisted.Afteryoupreparethem,follow the steps at the service centre to finish your application. You will be notified when your card is ready for pick up. (Modified from DPI)
‘DEATH FOR TERROR’
PresidentIrfaanAli
could allow Guyana's death penalty law to work in the case of the Venezuelan gas station bomber, who is accused of planting an explosive device at the Mobil Gas Station Sunday evening, which resulted in the death of a six-year-old child and injuring several others.
M
Six-year-old Soraya Bourne
Affairs, Oneidge Walrond, addressing members of the media on Tuesday, said the Guyanese leaderis prepared to pursue legal routes to ensure the accused pay for hiscrime.
The minister was part of a security team, including Commissioner of Police, Clifton Hicken and Crime Chief Wendell Blanhum, updating the press on the ongoing investigation into thefatalbombing.
Walrond said the untimely death of young Soraya Bourne is still a devastating loss for the country “A young innocent child has been murdered. Had this man been able to put the device in the bin, more lives would have been lost,butoneGuyaneselifeis stilltoomuch.I'mabsolutely surethattheCommander-inChief will sign on to it,” MinisterWaldronsaidofthe deathpenalty
CCTV footage showed that the man sought to place theexplosiveinabinnextto a pump attendant, moments before the explosion. The video showed the woman motioning to him that he could not put the package there. He later took it to
Michael Archer and Peter Adams for murder Guyana'sconstitutionallows for the use of the death penalty for crimes such as murder, treason and some terroristacts.
AccordingtotheGuyana -HumanRightsCommitteeDeath Penalty, Guyana has not abolished the death penalty or acceded to the
SecondOptionalProtocolto the International Covenant onCivilandPoliticalRights (ICCPR). The death penalty could be abolished by Guyana's Parliament, but politically Guyana does not appearinclinedtodoso.
An informal, nonbinding moratorium on executionsexistsbecauseno one has been executed since
1997 Death sentences, however, continue to be issued.
Guyana's general criminal law statute was amended to limit cases in which a death sentence can beimposedandremovedthe penalty of mandatory death sentencesinalmostallcases under that law, the organizationstated.
another location at the gas station.
Sources said had the explosivebeenleftinthebin, the devastation would have b e e n m u c h m o r e catastrophic as more lives could have been lost and morepropertiesdestroyed.
In an earlier post on his Facebook page Tuesday, President Ali cited the Criminal Law Offences Act Chapter 8:01 which states that“Apersonwhocommits a terrorist act commits an offence and shall, on convictiononindictment,be liable to be sentenced to death,ifsuchacthasresulted inthedeathofanyperson.
Guyanese have been pressed about the terrorist suspect, Daniel Alexander Ramirez Peodomo, who is accused of planting the bomb at the Mobil gas station on Regent and King Streets, Sunday evening, which claimed the life of Bourne and injuring several otherfamilymembers.
The child was in a car at the time when the bomb exploded.
While the death penalty hasbeenlegalinGuyana,no one has been put to death since the 1997 hanging of
President Irfaan Ali
‘We have the right man’
...police confident main bombing suspect captured
ByRehannaRamsay
Amid widespread speculation that the Guyana Police Force had failed to apprehend the main suspect - Daniel Alexander Ramirez Peodomo, in Sunday night'sdeadlygasstationbombing, CrimeChief,WendellBlanhumhas assur
hat investigators are confident that they have the right individual in custody
The updated wanted bulletin issued by the GPF
The suspect's clothing recovered by the police
The AI image enhanced image of the suspect
Accused bomber, Daniel Alexander Ramirez Peodomo
Blanhum told reporters at a joint press conference at theMinistryofHome Affairs on Brickdam on Tuesday that confessions from boththemainsuspect and his accomplices have left no doubt about the suspect's identity
He said proper identification of the suspect is not an issue, seeking to quell rumours that the wrong person had been
arrested.Theexplosiveattackatthe Mobil Gas Station on Regent and King Streets, Georgetown claimed the life of six-year-old Soraya Bourne and left several others, including children, seriously injured. According to Blanhum, both the main suspect and his accomplice admitted to traveling from Venezuela and bringing the explosive device with them. The bomb was reportedly activated as soon as the main suspect exited a cartoenterthe
(Continuedonpage16)
CrimeChief, Wendell Blanhum
‘Small nation, giant impact’
...Pres. Ali tells global forum Guyana is keeping the world alive
Though Guyana spans just over 83,000 square miles and is home to fewer than a million people, this small nation continues to make a big impact on the globalstage.
Addressing world leaders, investors, and policymakers at the 9th Future Investment Initiative (FII9) in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia, President Irfaan Ali declared that “the size of a country should never determine its ability to compete.”
The president made a compelling case for small developing nations, like Guyana, to be viewed as models of transformation and sustainability, the Department of Public Information (DPI). The forum,heldunderthetheme “The Key to Prosperity –Unlocking New Frontiers of Growth”, brought together heads of government, international organisations, and private sector leaders to discussstrategiesfordriving inclusiveglobalgrowth.
During a high-level paneldiscussiononTuesday,
President Ali emphasised thatanation'spotentialmust not be measured by the size
geography, but by the boldness and innovation of its people. “We are shaped by the way we think and the boldnessinourthinking,”he said. “If we limit our ability to be transformative and innovativebythesizeofour population or our country, thenwewillneverbeableto compete That is why investmentinhumancapital, in technology, and in buildingtheinfrastructureto support competitiveness is soimportant.”
The president noted that
A section of the audience at the summit
Guyana's development model is rooted in a balance
environmental preservation. He reminded the audience thatwhiletheworldhaslost nearly 60 per cent of its biodiversity over the last half-century, Guyana has preserved more than 89 per cent of its forests, storing some 19 5 gigatons of carbon and maintaining one of the lowest deforestation ratesglobally
“This is the country that is keeping the world alive,” President Ali said, noting that“Hereisacountrythatis providingthesolutiontothe
deforestation and climate change, yet many do not knowofit.
Thatistheproblem;our priorities as a global community are not always aligned with the real solutionsthatexist.”
At the same time, he underscored Guyana's emergence as the fastestgrowing economy in the world, propelled by its recent oil and gas discoveries,insistingthathis country's transformation goes far beyond petroleum wealth.
“Every country must be able to compete in a global
system and to do that, regardless of how big or small you are, you have to havetherightinfrastructure, the right education system, health care, a food system that will keep your people out of starvation and hunger,”thepresidentsaid.
HehighlightedGuyana's plantoleapfrogintoadigital and AI-driven economy, positioning the nation for long-term competitiveness in the global market, while continuing to invest in traditional sectors such as agriculture, food security, andeco-tourism.
“When you think about Guyana,youthinkaboutthe case of Qatar, with a small population by citizen but a large population in terms of
the workforce. In Guyana's case,werecentlydiscovered oil, and that has really ignited the rate and pace of transformation and allowed us to make the right set of investments in human capita
, educationtechnology.”
The president affirmed Guyana's readiness to work with international investors andpartnerstobuildafuture defined by prosperity, r e s
n c e , a n d
n v i r o n m e n t a l sustainability. “We are bringing in talent, t e c h n o l o g y , a n d partnerships, because we do not have the time or the human resources to start from scratch,” PresidentAli said.
President Irfaan Ali at the Future Investment Initiative summit in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia
GGMC admits to not issuing Marvis Halliman mining permit despite tribunal ruling …says miner operating illegally
On May 20, 2024 a tribunal chaired by hearing officer Magistrate Allan WilsonruledthattheGuyana Geology and Mines Commission (GGMC), “ought to grant and approve the application of Mr WallaceEdgarDanielsdated th7 December2012.”
This ruling is in relation to a strip of unclaimed land parallel to the Puruni River in the Toroparu Backdam, Region Seven (CuyuniMazaruni), located near property owned by the Alphonsofamily
However, instead of granting the permit, GGMC moved to the court seeking judicial review of the tribunal's decision but was turned down on multiple occasions. To date, the agency has not issued the mining permit, leaving the land at the centre of an ongoingdispute.
In a statement on Tuesday, GGMC denied claims made by gold miner Marvis Halliman, the nephewofDaniels,whohas expressed his frustration with GGMC's refusal to issue the permit for the
Marvis Halliman's mining camp that was destroyed by GGMC.
parallel to the Puruni River that was unclaimed. After discovering the land was available,Danielsappliedto GGMC, and at that time there were no legal challengesorobjections.
miningoperationsevenafter the tribunal decision and being turned down at the High Court when the commission sought a judicialreview
In its statement, GGMC
Informant claims
$5M reward
...after leading cops to gas station bomber
An anonymous informant has reportedlyclaimedtheGYD$5million reward offered by the Guyana Police Force for information leading to the arrestofthemainsuspectinthedeadly RegentStreetgasstationbombing.
The tip provided by the informant reportedly played a crucial role in helping police locate and apprehend Daniel Alexander Ramirez Peodomo, the Spanish-speaking suspect accused of planting the bomb that killed sixyear-old Soraya Bourne and injured several others on Sunday night at the MobilGasStationinGeorgetown.“An informanthasclaimedtherewardbased ontheinformationthatprovided,which assisted the police in locating the suspect,” Crime Chief, Wendell Blanhum told Kaieteur News on the sideline of a news conference on Tuesday.
Another police source told this newspaper that the information suppliedleddirectlytothediscoveryof the suspect's hideout in Vergenoegen, East Bank Essequibo, resulting in his arrest and bringing the investigation a significantstepclosertojustice.Police launchedtherewardTuesdaymorning. In another update, police released a photograph, showing the clothing, which the suspect wore during the perpetrationofthedeadlycrime,which was found at a location in Region Three.
Thus far nine persons, including Guyanese and Venezuelan nationals, are currently in custody and are assisting with the investigation, Commissioner of Police, Clifton
Hicken told a news conference on Tuesday Policealsoconfirmedthatthe suspect has links to a Venezuelan criminal organisation known as 'R,' which is associated with the Sindicato gangandthatinvestigatorsareworking with Interpol and other international counterparts to verify his background and potential affiliations. Additional charges of murder, attempted murder, arson, and malicious damage to property are also being pursued pendinglegaladvicefromtheDirector of Public Prosecutions (DPP). “The Guyana Police Force remains resolute and relentless in its duty of protecting the public and ensuring that any act of terror or violence is met with decisive andlawfulaction,”Hickenasserted.
Meanwhile, at the same news conference Minister of Home Affairs, Oneidge Walrond, commended the GuyanaPoliceForceanditsleadership for their swift and coordinated response.“Theteamthatyouseeatthe table, the Commissioner of Police and his executive leadership, have shown, and their ranks have shown, the tremendous results of their work,” the Minister said “What I am also convinced about is the tremendous investmentthatthisgovernment,under the President's leadership, has been making in our crime-solving technology.”
The minister highlighted that the Smart City Programme, the Command Centres, and other intelligence-led technological capabilities have been instrumental in advancing modern policing “ We had a major
breakthrough, something that could have taken weeks or months. But we wereabletousethetechnologyandthe investmentsthegovernmenthasmade, andthatiswhatIwanteveryonetotake away We continue to lead the security sector with vision and strategy, ensuringthatourcitizensremainsafe,” sheemphasised.
Minister Walrond assured the public that the government will continue to invest in security, expand surveillance capacity, and strengthen inter-agency coordination Minister Walrond expressed condolences to the family of young Soraya Bourne and confirmed that the government has pledgedfullsupportforherfuneraland forthefamiliesoftheothervictimswho remainhospitalised.
“We've assured Soraya's mother, Samantha Bourne, of our continued support. The two children injured are recovering and have begun eating. Theywillremaininhospitalafewmore days,whiletheadultvictimisexpected to be released soon,” the minister stated.
GGMC said that
said that both Halliman and Daniels are operating illegallyintheToroparuarea alongthebanksofthePuruni River, as neither holds any permit,licence,ordocument i s s u e d b y G G M C authorizing them to mine or prospectthere.
Halliman began “illegal mineral operations” in June 2023 and allegedly facilitateddozensofpersons to work unlawfully on State lands The Commission noted too that its investigations revealed Halliman collected money from several individuals in exchange for access to mine in the area, a claim the Commission said has been supportedbystatementsand receiptsfromeightminers.
GGMC also noted that no gazetted notice of intentionwaseverpublished for the grant of the land to Daniels or Halliman, nor was any draft permit ever prepared for issuance “Assertions in the press by Mr Halliman that the Commission issued a gazetted notice of intention to grant the property to Mr Daniels,andthattheabsence of public objections constitutes validation of such a grant, are entirely false,”GGMCsaid.
However, documents and court rulings previously seenbythispublicationtella morecomplexstory
During a recent
confrontation at the Toroparu site, GGMC
officers and police dismantledHalliman'scamp and detained him and two security guards over an allegedly unlicensed firearm, which was later confirmed to be licensed. Halliman broke down in tears at the scene, saying he was “being bullied off the land” that legally belongs to hisuncle.
Informationfrom GGMCTribunaland HighCourtrulings In 2012, Daniels discovered a strip of land
Danielswaslaterinvited to a meeting by GGMC Commissioner Newell
De
nded by Andron Alphonso and his lawyers. The meeting was an attempt to mediate a compromise after Alphonso complained he would have applied had he known the land was available However, that mediationfailed.
According to the document,AndronAlphonso ownsriverclaimsfiledforin 2009, covering 34 claims along the Puruni River, one mile upstream and 300-feet inland on both sides D
on, however, was for the 300feet north and south of the river, adjacent to the Alphonso property The d
s
a
hat Daniels'actionswereneither injurious to Alphonso nor illegal.
However, in February 2016, Alphonso objected to Daniels being granted Prospecting Permits Medium Scale (PPMS), arguing that his 2009 river claims included the 300 feet inland.
While the dispute continued, Minister of Natural Resources Vickram Bharrat on May 3, 2023, issued a retroactive order closing the disputed area from December 6, 2012, which is the day before Danielsmadehisapplication toGGMC.
A tribunal chaired by MagistrateWilson heard the matter and in May 2024, ruled in Daniels' favour Magistrate Wilson held that under Guyana's mining regulations, river claims cannot by law include 300feet inland from the lowwater mark, meaning Alphonso'sclaimsdidnot (Continuedonpage16)
Marvis Halliman
GGMCCommissioner, Newell Dennison
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‘We have the right man’...police confident main...
From page 12 station, resulting in the devastating blast.
InastatementearlyTuesday, police reported that acting on information received, a team of police headed by a superintendent, went to Vergenoegen sideline dam, East Bank Essequibo where the main perpetrator (terroristsuspect),DanielAlexander Ramirez Peodomo, was promptlyarrested.Policesaid he is presently in custody, assisting with the ongoing investigations into the tragic explosion.
Blahnum said, “What we were able to confirm is that hehassomeaffiliationwitha gang in Venezuela known as R and R is linked to the Sindicatogang.Secondly,on the issue of identification –there is no issue about identification…the issue of identification does not exist. The prime suspect was positivelyidentifiedbyoneofhis accomplices. Moreso, the suspect as was mentioned before confessed to his involvement in this particular crime.Thereisnoissueabout identification any longer.”
Shortly after the explosion, surveillance footage containingahazyimageofthe suspect was released on so-
cialmedia.Hewasdressedin a blue jersey and black pants and had on a baseball cap. The suspect was recorded on CCTV footage planting two bulky plastic bags next to the gasbottlesbeforeleavingthe area.
The Guyana Police Force (GPF) in a release noted they had embarked on a manhunt for the perpetrator who is believed to be a national of a Spanish-speaking country
Police then issued an initialwantedbulletinfortheman seen in the video. The Force purportedly used AI to clear uptheimageswhichreceived widecirculationacrosssocial media platforms. The police later issued an updated bulletin identifying the suspect as a totally different person and offering a $5 million reward for information leading to his capture. Following investigation leads, the law enforcement agents recovered the clothing of the suspect in RegionThree.
Just hours after the GPF released another image and a statement announcing that they had nabbed the suspect at Vergenoegen, East Bank Essequibo(EBE).Citizenson social media reacted with skepticism and disbelief whether the right man is in
GGMC admits to not issuing Marvis Halliman...
From page 11
cover the disputed strip. Notably, the magistrate also ruled to strike out the minister order
In2024,GGMCmovedtotheHighCourtseekingajudicial review of the tribunal’s decision. Some of the respondents in the case sought a dismissal through their lawyers. The respondents argued that the case was improperly filed andlackedgrounds.ThecourtdismissedGGMC’scase,ruling that when Daniels applied in 2012, there were no objections, and that Alphonso only showed interest in the land after the application was filed. It was noted too that even after showing interest in the land, Alphonso never made a formalapplicationforthesameplotofland.
InDecember2024,GGMCagainmovedtotheHighCourt, this time seeking to quash Magistrate Wilson’s decision, arguing the permits granted overlapped with land already reserved by the 2023 ministerial order. GGMC contended that the order approved prospecting permits for Daniels in anareathathadalreadybeenreservedandclosedtomining. The Commission argued too that the tribunal decision was unlawful,unreasonable,unfair,andanabuseofpower.GGMC asked the court to quash this decision unless Magistrate Wilson can show cause. However, the court dismissed that challengeaswell.
Halliman told this publication that despite GGMC’s repeated failed legal challenges, the Commission has still not issued the permits.
their custody The police nonetheless remain positive that they have the right man.
Thoroughprobe
Speaking to reporters at the press conference on Tuesday, Commissioner of Police Clifton Hicken expressed confidence in the GPF capability to conduct a thorough investigation.
Hickensaid,“Theforceincollaboration with the Safe City Command Center and allied intelligenceagenciesutilised video, forensic analysis digital tracking to trace the suspected movements before and after incident. Acting on credibleinformation,through inter-agency coordination andfieldintelligenceinvestigators were able to locate the suspect at Vergenoegen Side Line Dam, East Bank Essequibowherehewascapturedearliertoday.”
He continued, “This suc-
US
cess underscores the integrationofmodernpolicingtechnology which today …demonstrates the forces growing capacityincounteringterrorism and difficult intelligence operations.” The CommissionerpromisedthattheGPF will update the public on the incident as soon as new informationbecomesavailable.
OnMonday,theMinistry ofHomeAffairsreportedthat an advance team from the Guyana Forensic Science Laboratory, which includes Indian forensic scientists specialisinginfireandexplosive scene investigations, is workingalongwithlocalspecialists providing technical support.“Followingtheirassessment, the team will advise on any additional resourcesormeasuresrequired to expedite the investigative process”,theMinistrysaidin a release on Monday
launches strikes on 4...
From page 8 presidentandColombia’sfirst leftist leader, the Trump administration imposed sanctions Friday on Colombian President Gustavo Petro, his family and a member of his governmentoveraccusations of involvement in the global drugtrade.Petrovehemently denies the allegations.
In a strike earlier this monthwithtwosurvivors,the U.S.militaryrescuedthepair and repatriated them to ColombiaandEcuador Authorities released the Ecuadorian man after prosecutors said theyhadnoevidencehecommittedacrimeinEcuador
Hegseth posted footage of the latest strikes to social mediainwhichtwoboatscan be seen moving through the water in separate clips. One is visibly laden with a large amountofparcelsorbundles. Both then suddenly explode and are seen in flames.
The third strike appears to have been conducted on a pair of boats that were stationaryinthewateralongside eachother Theyappeartobe largely empty, with at least two people seen moving beforeanexplosionengulfsboth boats.
Hegseth said “the four vessels were known by our intelligence apparatus, transiting along known narcotrafficking routes, and carrying narcotics.”
The Trump administration has shown no evidence tosupportitsclaimsaboutthe
boats, their connection to drugcartels,oreventheidentityofthepeoplekilledinthe strikes that began in early September and had been spaced weeks apart.
Fatalities rise as speculationswirlsabouttheUScampaign
Thedeathtollfromthe13 disclosed strikes has increased to at least 57 people. The Trump administration said several of the strikes have been off the coast of Venezuelaorblamedthemon the Tren de Aragua gang, whichoriginatedinaVenezuelan prison and has been declared a foreign terrorist organization by the U.S.
After the Pentagon announced Friday that it was dispatchinganaircraftcarrier tojointheeightwarshipsand thousands of troops already intheregion,Madurosaidthe U.S. government was “fabricating” a war against him.
Secretary of State Marco RubioinsistedtheU.S.istaking part in a counterdrug operation, while also accusing Maduro’s government of allowingandparticipatinginthe shipment of narcotics.
TheU.S.militaryalsoflew a pair of supersonic heavy bombers up to the coast of Venezuela.
President Donald Trump has said he has the “legal authority” to carry out the attacksontheallegeddrug-carrying boats and suggested similar strikes could be done on land.
Revised Amaila hydro project to generate
over 165MW of power
The Government ofGuyana(GoG)
last weekend issuedarevisedRequestFor Proposals (RFP) which could finally bring the Amailafallshydroprojectto life.
The Office of the Prime M i n i s t e r i n t h e advertisement published on Sunday hinted that the project will produce over 165 megawatts (MW) of electricity It said, “The size of the hydro may be reengineeredtotakeaccount of changes in turbine technology thus allowing more than 165MW to be generatedandtransmitted.”
Thescopeofworkforthe project,accordingtotheRFP includes a 165MW installed hydro dam, plant and a substationattheAmailasite, along with other related works and construction of a 23 square kilometer (KM) storage reservoir, consistent with environmental reports, studiesandpermits.
Governmentalsosaidthe project, to be built under a Build, Own, Operate and Transfer(BOOT)modelwill be executed via a new “Special Purpose Company
(SPC)” and will be issued with all previous permits, licences and permissions that previously existed in April 2015; however, the develop
be responsible for any updates requiredbylaw GoG also indicated that the transmission network willbebuiltseparately U
Government of Guyana (GoG) will purchase the electricity from the private developer As such, the RFP explained that government will select a suitable partner based on (i) lowest Power Purchase Agreement (PPA)
construction (EPC) price, operating cost and capital amortization;(ii)timeframes to complete and (iii) ability to finance the project on a PPAbasis.
Additionally interested firms and consortiums should note that they will only be considered if they havecompletedatleastthree hydroprojects,generatingat least100MWeachwithinthe last15years. Assuch,responsestothe
RFP should include a detailed track record of similar projects completed under(a)EPC(b)Operations and evidence of financial ability, including last three years of audited Financial Statements.
AlsorequiredintheRFP are details of proposed local contentgoals,includingsubcontractors, percentage of project costs that will be locally sour
supporting details of same; detailed project schedule
s
design/engineering, time for
sufficient detail; EPC price breakdown; description of key contractors and subcontractorsmanpower(local a
construction, and details of local content; outline of all provided agreements that will make up the project structure, including EPC
contract, PPA, and Government Agreement as well as a draft Terms of Reference for appointment ofindependentsupervision.
During the construction phase government plans to engage an independent c
supervisionofthedesignand ultimateconstruction.
The deadline for s u b m i s s i o n s o f prequalification is on February17,2025.
Governmenthadshelved the Amaila Falls project to focusonthedevelopmentof the Wales Gas-to-Energy (GTE)projectwhichislikely to be completed in 2026. That project will add 300 MWof electricity in its first phase.
The feasibility of the Amailaprojecthaslongbeen questioned by the political opposition who worry about the steady supply of water from the falls, among other issues. In 2024, government
engaged a Chinese
contractor, China Railway Group Limited but later disclosed that talks fell through.
The Amaila Falls Hydro project was first introduced b y t h e P P P / C Administration in 2011, but since then, it has never materialized, fac
ng setbacksonmanyoccasions.
The project faced obstacles in its realization when the A Partnership for National Unity (APNU) and the Alliance For Change (AFC) Opposition parties, stopped the project back in 2014. In its 2020 election man
,
he PPPadministrationnotedthatthe
projectwillberevived. In 2021, negotiations hit a stalemate after Cabinet granted a no-objection for the Prime Minister’s Office toengagetheChinaRailway Group Limited for construction.
Discussions faltered as the company reportedly sought to alter the project’s model due to financing challenges for the BOOT model, requesting a shift to a n E n g i n e e r i n g , P r o c
e n t , a n d Construction (EPC) model. The government was reluctant to switch to the EPC option, resulting in the talks with the Chinese contractorcomingtoanend.
Hurricane Melissa ploughs across Jamaica, now moving toward Cuba
NBC6 reports While Jamaica is feeling the brunt of Hurricane Melissa, Cuba is getting ready as outer bands are already affecting the eastern part of the island.
People in Cuba were bracing for landfall from Hurricane Melissa, which already struck in Jamaica. NBC6 reporter, Hatzel Vela was in Cuba back in 2017 when Hurricane Irma huggedthenortherncoastof theisland.
But this time, Hurricane Melissaisheadedrighttothe easternsoutherncoast.Inthe eastern province of Guantanamo, downpours have already started as HurricaneMelissamakesits waytothelargestCaribbean island.
Luis Suarez spoke exclusively to NBC6 about conditionsontheground. Where he lives, he said, people have already been without power for a day or two and are being forced to cookwithcharcoal.
It has nothing to do with the storm, as Cubans are
already dealing with a deep economic crisis where scarcities are common everydayoccurrences.
On Cuban TV, the country updated citizens on the storm’s latest information, including the thousands of people, who have been evacuated from theeasternprovinces. That includes tourists. José Luis Garcia is a
Mexican tourist, and said he isnotexactlysurewherehe’s going, only that he’s being takentoasafeplace.
No doubt this massive storm has Cubans on that side of the island worried aboutwhat’stocome.
AttheU.S.militarybase in Guantanamo, 1,000 residents were evacuated to Pensacola. Meanwhile,peopleinthe
southern Bahamas are also getting ready as evacuations continue.
Government officials saidmorethan500residents have been evacuated from severalislands.
In Jamaica, thousands slept in shelters overnight after Hurricane Melissa slammedtheisland.
More than 800 shelters were opened ahead of
Melissa’s impact, according to Jamaican officials. And some 15,000 people are in theseshelterstonight.
Melissa is now a category three hurricane, according to a new update from the US National HurricaneCenter
Maximum sustained windspeeds are currently 125mph (205km/h), a large dropfromthe185mphwhen it made landfall a few hours ago It warns that more “catastrophic” flooding is likelyinJamaica,withsome areas expecting 30 inches (76cm)ofrain.
The latest bulletin calls for Jamaicans to remain inside shelters until the stormisfullypassed.
It also calls on residents of Cuba, where up to 25 inchesofrainispredicted,to “seek safe shelter immediately”.
In the Bahamas, where Melissa is due to arrive in a few hours, “preparations to protect life and property should be rushed to completion”. St. Elizabeth Parish, in
Jamaica’s southwestern coast, is now under water, after the country’s infrastructure was “severely compromised”byHurricane Melissa, a local government ministersays.
Desmond McKenzie says the Black River Hospital in St. Elizabeth Parishisnowwithoutpower and 75 patients are being relocated.
The region of Clarendon has suffered extensive damage, he adds, and a fire station in Santa Cruz is flooded. “We’re still not out of the woods,” he warns, adding that assessment teams will make their way out to provide communities with necessary relief supplies when the opportunitypresentsitself.
“We are on standby Everything is ready, we are justwaitingforthesystemto pass and for some level of calm to come back to the system,”McKenziesays.
Close to 15,000 Jamaicans have gone to various shelters across the country,hesays.
An artist’s impression of the Amaila hydropower project
Israeli planes strike Gaza City after Netanyahu orders ‘powerful attacks’
(Reuters)-Israeliplanes launched strikes on Gaza City onTuesday after Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu accused the militant group Hamas of violating a ceasefire in the Palestinian territory and ordered the military to carry out“powerfulattacks”.
The Israeli strikes targeted an area close to Shifa hospital, the largest operational hospital in northern Gaza, witnesses and Hamas media said There was no word yet on anycasualties.
The Israeli military did not immediately comment on the strikes, which were thelatestviolenceinafragile three-week-oldceasefireand which followed a statement byNetanyahu’sofficesaying he had ordered immediate attacks. The statement did notgiveaspecificreasonfor the attacks but an Israeli military official said Hamas hadviolatedtheceasefireby carryingoutanattackagainst Israeliforcesinanareaofthe enclave that is under Israeli control.
“This is yet another
blatant violation of the ceasefire,”theofficialsaid.
The U S -backed ceasefire agreement went into effect on October 10, haltingtwoyearsofwarthat was triggered by deadly Hamas-led attacks on Israel on October 7, 2023 and that has devastated the narrow coastalstrip.
Both sides have accused each other of violations. On Saturday, Israel said its forcescarriedouta“targeted strike”onapersonincentral Gaza who was planning to attackIsraelitroops.
NETANYAHUACCUSES HAMASOFVIOLATING CEASEFIRE
Earlier on Tuesday Netanyahu accused Hamas of violating the ceasefire by turning over some wrong remains in a process of returning the bodies of hostagestoIsrael.
Netanyahu said the remains handed over on Monday belonged to Ofir Tzarfati, an Israeli killed during Hamas’ October 7, 2023 attack Tzarfati’s remains had already been partially retrieved by Israeli
troopsduringthewar
Hamas initially said in responsetothisthatitwould hand over to Israel on Tuesday the body of a missing hostage found in a tunnelinGaza.
However, Hamas’armed wing, Al-Qassam Brigades, said later it would postpone the planned handover, citing what it said were Israel’s violationsoftheceasefire.
Israeli media earlier reported an exchange of fire between Israeli forces and Hamas fighters in the southernGazacityofRafah. The Israeli military did not respond to a request for commentonthereports.
Hamas said it was complyingwiththeceasefire terms and Netanyahu was looking for excuses to back away from Israel’s obligations Under the ceasefire terms, Hamas released all living hostages in return for nearly 2,000 Palestinian convicts and wartime detainees, while Israel pulled back its troops andhalteditsoffensive.
SEARCHFOR HOSTAGEBODIES
People work at a site where searches for deceased hostages, kidnapped by Hamas during the October 7, 2023, attack on Israel, are underway, amid a ceasefire between Israel and Hamas, in Khan Younis, southern Gaza Strip, October 28, 2025. REUTERS/Haseeb Alwazeer
Hamashasalsoagreedto hand over the remains of all dead hostages yet to be recovered,buthassaidthatit will take time to locate and retrieve the bodies amid Gaza’s ruins. Israel says the militantgroupcanaccessthe remains of most of the hostages.
The issue has become one of the main sticking pointsintheceasefire,which U S President Donald Trump says he is watching closely The search for hostage bodies stepped up over the past few days after t
machineryfromEgypt.
Bulldozerswereworking in KhanYounis on Tuesday, in the southern Gaza Strip, andfurthernorthinNuseirat, as Hamas fighters deployed aroundthem.
Some of the bodies are believed to be in Hamas’ network of tunnels running below Gaza. Witnesses in Khan Younis said the Egyptian teams, working with armed Hamas fighters, were digging deep near the Qatari-funded Hamad Housing City in the western side of Khan Younis, reachingtunnelshafts.
Reuters images showed an excavation a dozen or so metres below the surface, with Hamas men at the bottomofthetrenchnexttoa tunnel opening in an apparent search for bodies inside.
Gaza health authorities say 68,000 people are confirmed killed in the Israeli strikes and thousands morearemissing. Israel launched the war after Hamas-led fighters stormed through southern Israel, killing 1,200 people and bringing 251 hostages backtoGaza.
VenezuelaasksTrinidadtoprovide detailsofExxonfieldtests,sourcessay
HOUSTON/CARACAS, Oct 28
(Reuters)-Venezuelaisseekinglocationand otherdetailsfromTrinidadandTobagoabout thefirstfieldteststobeconductedbyExxon Mobil(XOM.N)
Venezuela’s Vice President and oil minister Delcy Rodriguez demanded information on Exxon’s plans, including if potentialfindscouldextendintoVenezuela’s territory She relayed this in a meeting she called with the dual-island nation’s acting head of its mission to Caracas, Dayne-Marc ChinSlick,earlierthismonth,accordingtoa diplomaticnotehesenttoTrinidad’sForeign Minister
Exxonwasawardedtheblockearlierthis year,markingitsreturntoTrinidadforoiland gas exploration activities. The block is near the maritime border with Venezuela and northwest of the prolific Stabroek block Exxon operates in nearby Guyana Venezuela’s National Assembly declared Trinidad’s prime minister persona non grata on Tuesday, in a further deterioration of bilateralrelations.
Venezuela on Monday suspended a wide energy pact with the country, including several joint gas projects, after President Nicolas Maduro criticized what he called its pro-U.S. stance amid ongoing military escalation in the region. A similar standoff with Guyana in recent years led to the suspension of Exxon’s drilling in the north portion of the Stabroek block, which was declared in force majeure due to Exxon’s inabilitytocompleteexplorationworkthere.
Rodriguez told Trinidad’s acting head of mission Chin Slick that, underArticle 8 of a delimitation treaty on territorial borders, eithercountryhastoinformtheotherofany planned exploration as long as the area is within500meters(1,640feet)oftheborder, according to the diplomatic note. Trinidad andVenezuelasitjustsixmiles(9.7km)away
attheirclosestpoint.
TrinidadispreparedtoinformVenezuela aboutaseismicsurveyExxonplansnextyear, but will not give further details about the work plan or say if there is potential for a discovery extending into Venezuela, since none has been made, the internal Trinidad government memo showed “The GovernmentofTrinidadandTobagoisbound by confidentiality provisions and, as a consequence, specific and detailed informationonExxonMobil’soperationsfor Block TTUD 1 cannot be disclosed,” the ForeignMinistry’smemostated.
Exxon declined to comment. Trinidad’s energyministry,andVenezuela’sinformation and oil ministries did not immediately respond to requests for comment. Up until April,whenTrinidad’sgovernmentchanged, the two countries had close relations, with CaracasgrantingalicensetoShell(SHEL.L) , opens new tab and Trinidad’s National Gas Company (NGCTT.UL) to develop the 4.2-trillion-cubic-foot Dragon gas field in Venezuelanwaters.Venezuelaalsoagreedin 2020 not to object to Trinidad’s plans to develop its share of the 10 TCF LoranManateegasfield.About73%ofthereserves lieontheVenezuelansideoftheborder Venezuela’s Vice-President and Oil Minister Delcy Rodriguez
NA Chinese supermarket pleads for help after constant bandit attacks
The proprietors of a ChinesesupermarketinNew Amsterdam,RegionSix,are desperate for police assistanceinlightofaseries of seemingly coordinated robberies at their business place.
C h i n a Va r i e t y
Supermarket, located at Lot 19, Pope Street New Amsterdam, has over the course of this year, been a hub for robberies on a small tomediumscale.
One of the store's operators, Liangxing Lin, told Kaieteur News that a group of young men frequentlyloitersaroundthe building, which is also moderately lined with customers.
Linsaidhisbusinesshas onlyonesecurityguardwho worksintheevening.Onthe night the e-bike was stolen, theguardwasoffduty
One employee, who spokeunderanonymity,said the issue has been ongoing forquitesometime.
The men, most of whom appear to be under 30 years old, are somewhat emboldenedduetotheweak enforcement of security measures there, and police effort.
“One of them watched me full in my face and picked up a bread and a Heineken and walked out,” hesaid.
The employee said that almost every day, someone enters the store and casually walks out with an unpaid
The young men would then swipe beverages, eatables, gadgets, and accessories.Footageseenby Kaieteur News confirmed thetheftofanelectronicbike backinSeptember,valuedat $68,000.
item. The employee also sharedthathismobilephone was stolen on numerous occasions.
Itemscartedofffromthe supermarketoverthemonths alsoincludedshoppingcarts and costly alcoholic beverages.
Thesupermarketowners have since plastered images retrieved from video footage, and are soliciting the help of the police and public to help bring the thieves to justice. Several customers have helped in identifying the individuals, most of whom, are from the Angoy'sAvenuecommunity.
The supermarket operators said reports were made at the Central Police Station and have been assuredthatofficersfromthe Criminal Investigation Department (CID) will investigatethematter
‘Guyana targets zero leprosy by 2030’ ...ashealthministerreaffirmscommitment
Government has reaffirmed its commitmenttoeliminatingleprosyby2030, as the Pan American Health Organisation (PAHO) and the World Health Organisation (WHO) on Tuesday launched a Subregional LeprosyTrainingWorkshopinGeorgetown.
The five-day workshop, held at PAHO's Guyana Country Office, brings together participants from eight countries for intensive sessions designed to strengthen clinical,laboratory,andsurveillancesystems acrosstheregion,theMinistryofHealthsaid in a press release. It focuses on improving early case detection, accurate diagnosis, treatment, and patient follow-up, all critical elements in meeting the global leprosy eliminationgoal.
Delivering the feature address, Minister of Health, Dr Frank Anthony commended PAHO for leading the regional effort and emphasised that while Guyana has made major strides in controlling the disease, the ultimate goal remains complete eradication.
“We have made significant strides in controlling leprosy, but our goal is total elimination,” Dr Anthony said “This workshopistimely,asitwillequipourhealth
professionals with the tools and knowledge neededtoidentifyandtreatcasesearly,andto ensure that stigma does not hinder care and rehabilitation.”
The minister also noted that Guyana's Ministry of Health continues to scale up nationalprogrammestargetingotherpriority conditions such as epilepsy and cervical cancer — the latter being the second most common cancer among women in Guyana. Theworkshopcombinestheoreticallearning with hands-on clinical practice, supervised laboratorywork,andmodulesonprevention, documentation, and patient rehabilitation. It also supports the formulation of updated national strategies aligned with global eliminationframeworks.
According to PAHO, the initiative underscores the organisation's ongoing commitmenttostrengtheningnationalhealth systems, reducing disease burden, and advancinguniversalaccesstocareacrossthe Americas. “Through shared expertise and regional collaboration, we are building the capacity needed to achieve a future where leprosyisnolongerapublichealthconcern,” PAHOrepresentativesstated.
The China Variety Supermarket in New Amsterdam
League reviewing policies after federal gambling charges rock NBA
(Reuters) - The NBA is reassessing how sports betting is regulated and how leagues can best protect themselves, players and fans in the wake of a player and coach being arrested in connection with an illegal gamblingprobe.
The review was outlined in a memo that the NBA's legal department sent on Monday to all 30 teams, a
copy of which was obtained byReuters.
"Given the spread of legal betting to the majority of U.S. states, the recurrence of integrity issues across sports and the emergence of novel betting formats and markets, this is an opportune time to carefully reassess how sports betting should be regulated and how sports leagues can best protect
themselves,theirplayersand theirfans,"thememostated.
GAMBLING INVESTIGATIONS
Miami Heat guard Terry RozierandformerCleveland
Cavaliers player and assistantcoachDamonJones were among more than 30 people charged last week in connectionwithtwoseparate but related federal gambling investigations.
Rozier and Jones were alleged to have provided non-public information about games to allow criminal partners to set up bets on the outcome of games, or performances of individual players through propositionbets.
Federal officials allege Rozier conspired with associates to help them win bets based on his statistical performance in a game he left early due to "purported injury".
Wednesday October 29, 2025
ARIES(Mar.21–Apr.19)
You mustn't expect any enormous changes today The process you began three or four years ago will accelerate slightly You're changing the mooringsofyouridentity
TAURUS(Apr.20–May20)
Thedayaheadshouldbefairly positive. You'll begin to feel the faintest hint of a major change beginning. This new phase will last seven months. As it progresses, you'll find greaterfreedomofexpression.
GEMINI(May21–June20)
The solar system is liable to trigger a transformation that will last several months. The change will center on the means you use to fulfill yourself in terms of your careerandlovelife.
CANCER(June21–July22)
It's an excellent day for you! Although no major events occur today, there's the promise of freedom in the c o m i n g m o n t h s A fundamental shift is about to occur in your occupation and lovelife.
LEO(July23–Aug.22)
To understand the shift occurring today, you must look at events from a lofty perspective.Overthenextfew months you won't refuse an opportunity to rid yourself of an oppressive part of your past.
VIRGO(Aug 23–Sept 22)
The gentle winds of change are blowing through your life at the moment. Some outside events give you the impression that you're advancing in a concrete mannertowardanewlife.
LIBRA(Sept.23–Oct.22)
In your case, the phrase "turning point" has some meaning. This turning point could take the form of a new person or a key event that changesthingsforever
SCORPIO(Oct.23–Nov 21)
It may be that you've come back deeply changed from a long voyage. Of course, travel changes everyone to some extent, but in your case, the change is more profound You'regoingtohaveaproblem gettingbackintoyouroldlife.
SAGIT(Nov 22–Dec.21)
If you feel suffocated by your romantic relationship, if you feel it lacks spice or is too traditional, then why not liberate yourself? Today's planetary energy will help you turn even your craziest ideas intoreality
CAPRI(Dec.22–Jan.19)
You've met some strange people who have greatly influenced your attitude about your marriage or partnership. Some people have been pushing you toward more freedom.
AQUARIUS(Jan.20–Feb.18)
If you've yearned to modify somethinginyourdailylife,do it now The planetary energy is telling you that the hour has come to make concrete changes.
PISCES(Feb.19–Mar.20)
The planetary shift will probably be imperceptible today, but you'll have several months to understand how this change impacts you. It will dawn on you that you feel a strong need for liberation Changeisintheair!
UnitedStates.
According to the memo, the league is particularly concerned with proposition bets on individual player performance.
Portland Trail Blazers head coach Chauncey Billups was charged in a separate case involving alleged rigging of highstakespokergames.
"Chauncey Billups has never and would never gambleonbasketballgames, provide insider information, or sacrifice the trust of his team and the league," his attorneysaidinastatement.
Rozier's attorney said his clientwaspreviouslycleared by the NBA, and accused prosecutors of reviving a "non-case " Reuters was unable to reach legal representationforJones.
‘DIRE RISKS’
The high-profile arrests highlighted the potential risks posed by the close relationship the four major NorthAmericanmen'ssports leagues have cultivated with legalized betting in the
Blazers
overcome...
From page 24 of 27 from behind the arc. Portland scored eight of the first 10 points in the second half to open up a 65-53 advantage.
A short time later, Avdija drained consecutive 3pointers to give the Trail Blazers a 73-58 lead with 6:46leftinthethirdquarter Los Angeles trailed by seven inside the final minute before Holiday scored the final five points of the period as Portland took an 89-77 leadintothefourthquarter Holiday buried two treys in 36 seconds early in the final stanza to give the Trail Blazers a 97-79 lead with 10:28left.
Avdija had 17 points and Grant added 14 as Portland led57-51athalftime.Reaves had 23 points in the half for theLakers.
(Field Level Media)
"While the unusual betting on Terry Rozier's 'unders' in the March 2023 game was detected in real time because the bets were placed legally, we believe there is more that can be done from a legal/regulatory perspective to protect the integrity of the NBAand our affiliated leagues," read the memo.
"
concerns and require additionalscrutiny."
According to the memo, theNBAsaidthatwithsports
significantpartofthecurrent sports landscape, every effort must be made to ensure that players and
coaches are aware of the "dire risks" that gambling can impose upon their careersandlivelihoods.
COMPROMISE INTEGRITY
The Supreme Court in 2018 paved the way for states to legalize sports betting. The NBA, NFL, Major League Baseball and NationalHockeyLeaguehad long opposed legalization, fearingitwouldcompromise theintegrityoftheirgames.
Now, professional sports and online betting platforms are enmeshed in a tight
broadcasts and sportsbooks available to fans on their phonesandinsidearenasand stadiums Former NBA player Jontay Porter was bannedfromtheNBAforlife and pleaded guilty in 2024 after he was accused of
associates win wagers on his play
Chaitram Ramotar crowned Senior Grand Champion in Traditional Kata at the Epic Clash Martial Arts C/Ship
The Epic Clash MartialArts Championship 2025, held on October 26th at the Guyana National Gymnasium, was an exciting showcase of talent, strength, and discipline. The event brought together top martial artists from across the country, all competing for championship titles in various divisions.Amongthemostoutstandingperformanceswasthat ofChaitramRamotar,representingtheInvisibleKicksMartial ArtsAcademy,whowascrownedtheSeniorGrandChampion inTraditionalKata.
Ramotar’s flawless execution of his kata demonstrated precision, balance, and powerful technique—qualities that reflect years of dedication and training. His exceptional performance earned the admiration of both judges and spectators, making him a standout competitor in this year’s championship.
Master Lloyd Ramnarine, President of the Guyana Mixed MartialArtsKarateAssociation,congratulatedallathletesfor theircommitmentandeffort,especiallytheGrandChampions Chaitram Ramotar and young Naryan Sawh. He praised their achievementsasareflectionoftruemartialartsdisciplineand excellence.
With dedicated athletes like Ramotar leading by example, the spirit of traditional martial arts in Guyana continues to growstrongerandmoreinspiringeachyear
Blazersovercome AustinReaves’41,
Reuters - DeniAvdijascored17ofhis25pointsinthefirst halfandJrueHolidaynotched17ofhis24inthesecondhalfas thePortlandTrailBlazersrecordeda122-108victoryoverthe hostLosAngelesLakersonMondaynight.
Jerami Grant came off the bench to score 22 points as PortlanddefeatedtheLakersforthesecondstraighttimeafter losingtheprevioussixmatchups.
Austin Reaves had another big outing with 41 points for the short-handed Lakers and has scored 92 points in the last two nights. Reaves had a career-high 51 in Sunday's 127-120 roadwinovertheSacramentoKings.
Reaves made 13 of 22 shots -- including 3 of 8 from 3point range -- and was 12 of 14 from the line. However, he committedeightofLosAngeles'25turnovers.
Los Angeles once again played without LeBron James (sciatica) and Luka Doncic (finger/leg contusion). Marcus Smart (quadriceps) and Gabe Vincent (ankle) also sat out the contest.
Donovan Clingan had 16 points and 14 rebounds for Portland, which is 2-1 under interim coach Tiago Splitter Shaedon Sharpe added 16 points, seven rebounds and four steals.
Former Trail Blazer DeAndre Ayton had 16 points and eight rebounds for the Lakers. Rui Hachimura and backup DaltonKnechtalsohad16pointsapieceandJarredVanderbilt had14pointsandeightrebounds.
Reaves went over 40 points again when he drained a 3pointertopulltheLakerswithin115-105with3:08remaining. However, Toumani Camara converted a layup 24 seconds later and Clingan added a hoop with 1:24 left to make it a 14pointmarginasPortlandcloseditout.
TheTrail Blazers made 45.6% of their shots, including 14 of43from3-pointrange.
LosAngelesconnectedon47.1%ofitsattemptsandwas7 Continued on page 23
…Leaguecontinuestoday
Women’s Division One League… Upwards movement for Fruta Conquerors, Ann’s Grove after recent wins
There were wins on the cards for Fruta Conquerors and Ann’s Grove United’s Women’s teams which ultimately bettered those team’s standings in the ongoing Women’s Division One League, powered by FIFA.
A doubleheader at the National Training Center (NTC), Providence, East Bank Demerara (EBD) on Friday last saw Ann’s GroveUnitedcruisingtotheirfirstwinofthe tournament. Crystel Sutton drove the ball home for the first goal in the 9th minute, while Alestacia Adrian’s shot from just outside the penalty box in the 15th made it a 2-0 affair Ann’s Grove’s defences would hold off Monedderlust in the second half to sealthe2-0win.
Then, Fruta Conquerors steamrolled River’s View FC 5-0 in the following encounter It didn’t take long for Dellana Small to break the ice, sending an unsuspecting, flat shot past the River’s View keeperinjustthesecondminute.
As the half winded down, Rihonna DaCosta hit back- to- back, identical shots fromoutsidetheboxinthe30thand30th+1to pushFruta’sleadto3-0atthehalf.
In the second, National U14 player Shemia Hing, in her debut for the Tucvillebasedoutfitslippedonepastthekeeperinthe 48th minute, while Dellanza Small returned
in the 52nd to complete her brace and Fruta’s win.
On the account of the win, Fruta Conquerors have pushed themselves past SantosFC,intothethirdpositionwith3wins, 1drawand2lossesfor10pointsin6games.
The Guyana Defence Force (GDF) FC still leads the table with 21 points from a perfect seven wins in as many games, while the Guyana Police Force (GPF) FC are second with 18 points from 6 wins in 6 outings.
Santos are in fourth with 9 points from 3 wins and 2 loses in 5 games while Western Tigers’8 points have them in fifth place with 2wins,2drawsand3lossesin7games.
Following their first win, Ann’s Grove United have moved up one place from ninth to eight, with 4 points from a win, a draw and fivelossesinsevengames.
The Women’s Division One League will resumetomorrowwith2morefixturesonthe cards.At18:00hrs,Monedderlustwilllookto rebound from a loss against Den Amstel FC while at 19:00hrs, Fruta Conquerors takes on Santos FC in what is expected to be a nailbitingclash.
Theteamsarecompetingfora$1Mgrand prize in the League phase of the competition; a historic first for Women’s football in Guyana.
Navin Meighbarran wins ‘B’ Class Draughts
Navin Meighbarran has secured a promotion to the A class in the National Draughts Championship, while other top finishers have their chances in the A class this Sunday, with presentations for both B andAclassesscheduledforSunday
It was excitement throughout the day when the first leg in the Annual National Draughts Championship commenced last Sunday at the Transport Sports Club Pavilion.
The game saw Transport Club player, Navin Meighbarran, who was always consistent amongst other competitors in previous competitions, winning the B class eventfortwoconsecutiveyears,earninghim apromotionasaNationalAclassplayer He ended with 20 points the same as Aubrey Rowe. However, by virtue that Meighbarran defeated Rowe in the earlier rounds, he was automatically given the first place. Rowe earnedthesecondspot.
Roweisaveteranplayerwhohasbeenin the game since the eighties and always a consistentplayerinthisdivision,howeverhe isstilltomeetthecriteriasetbytheDraughts Associationforpromotion.
Dr Ivor Burnett English, President of Transportclub,endedwith15pointsgaining him the third position. English had a blisteringstarttakingmaximumpointsinhis firstthreegamesandwasaheadonpointsbut faltered in the other three rounds. All three top finishers would be given a chance in the 'A'classthisSunday
Inthesecondlegslatedforthisupcoming Sunday, Linden player Floyd Cumberbatch was the winner in this event last year Cumberbatchissettodefendhistitleagainst tough challengeslike Jiaram, Steve Bacchus and Devanand Persaud from Tuschen East BankEssequibo.
All A class players are invited to participate in the tournament. Please note that B class players would not be allowed to enter except those that are given permission. Startingtime10.30amsharp.
Please note that presentations for both the B andAclass would be held this Sunday. The final leg is billed for November 16th 2025.
Champion Navin Meighbarran
Guyana Beverage Inc. outfits participating teams in
the RBL U-18 SFL
In keeping with its promise to support
community and sports development, Guyana Beverage Inc (GBI), in collaboration with title sponsor Republic Bank Limited (RBL), has once again demonstrated its unwavering commitment to youth football with the rolloutofthesecondphaseof the 2025 sponsorship package for the RBL Under18 Schools Football League (RBLU18SFL).
Continuing its proud tradition of backing youth sports in Guyana, GBI hosted the official uniform presentation ceremony for the eight participating schools on Sunday at the Ministry of Education (MoE) Ground, coinciding withtheleague’sRoundTwo matches.
The presentation marked yet another milestone in the enduring Busta-Republic Bank partnership with the Petra Organisation, reaffirming the shared goal
ofnurturingyoungtalentand promoting football as a platform for education, discipline, and community building.
The schools receiving uniformsforthe2025season were: Chase’s Academic Foundation, Charlestown Secondary, West Ruimveldt Secondary, Abram Zuil
Secondary, Dolphin Secondary, President’s College, and Three Mile Secondary
During the ceremony, GBI officials were on hand to assist with the uniform distribution. Speaking at the event, GBI representative Colin Higgins commended the players, coaches, and organisers for their continued dedication to the sport.
He reiterated GBI’s belief that initiatives such as the Petra Under-18 Schools Football League play a vital role in fostering not only athletic excellence but also teamwork, leadership, and community pride among
Petra rep together with Chase’s Orande Chase exhibiting newly branded team shirt during Sunday’s uniform presentation with several members of the 2025 squad sharing the moment.
Guyana’syouth. Representatives from the Petra Organisation also expressed their gratitude to Republic Bank and Guyana Beverage Inc for their steadfast partnership and long-term investment in schoolfootball.
Petra Co-Director Troy Mendonca highlighted that the extended sponsorship has allowed the league to g r o w i n s t r u c t u r e ,
Brusches Basketball Classic
participation, and overall quality, providing young players with a combative platform to showcase their skills.
With GBI once again deliveringonitspromise,the newly uniformed teams will proudly represent their schoolsindistinctivecolours emblazoned with the Republic Bank and Busta insignia, symbolising unity, sportsmanship, and the
enduring collaboration between corporate and communitydevelopment.
Guyana Beverage Inc., one of the nation’s leading
remains committed to
education, sports, and youth empowerment.
The Republic Bank-
extended for a sixth consecutiveyear,bringingto you some of the best schoolfootball talent in a single organisedevent. Meanwhile, the Petra Organisation continues its dedicated efforts to develop grassroots and school-based football across Guyana, creating sustainable opportunities for young players to excel both on and offthefield.
Linden Clubs Royals and Jets reach semifinals
Linden clubs Victory Valley Royals and Amelia’s Ward Jets are through to the semifinals of the Brusches
C l a s s i c b a s k e t b a l l tournament which began in Linden last Saturday and Sunday
In the opening night’s matches Saturday at the Retrieve Hard Court, Retrieve Raiders scored an exciting 50-47 points win over Central Mackenzie Kings, and Kwakwani hammered their way past DUpAcademy,95-50.
The following night at the same venue the first game saw Victory Valley Royals whipping Retrieve Raiders,84-42.
The Royals were always in control of this encounter as they jumped to a 21-6 opening lead and by the half way mark, were leading 3513.
They maintained their hold by being ahead at the end of the third segment and cruisedhomewinners84-42, as Vibert Benjamin led a balanced scoring attack with 20 points. Clauvel Thomas got 28, Rakin McDonald scored15andShemarHenry added14.
Neil Marks Jr with 23 points was the top scorer for Raiders and teammate John Anthony contributed seven points.
Amelia’s Ward Jets then
staved off the challenge of Block22Flames53-47.
The Jets led 11-10, when the first segment came to a close, and Flames were able to counter the scoring with a 18-12advantagetobeahead, 28-23,athalftime.
However,Jetsrebounded to take advantage when the third period ended 39-35, in their favour and they outscored Flames in that final quarter by a basket 1412, to romp home winners 53-47, and book a place in thesemifinals.
Stephen George with 12 points was the Jets lead scorer was Donnell Benjamin He was ably supported by Shannon George and Quincy Easton as they both hit in eight points.
Last Saturday night Retrieve Raiders knocked out Central Mackenzie Kings 50-47, as John Anthony had 22 points and Alfie Robertson added six points, while for the Kings, Paul France top scored with 17points.
The other game saw Kwakwani demolishing D-
Up Academy out of West Demerara,95-50.
TheKwakwanisidewere never threatened and were leading at the end of the first period,21-15.
By half time they were cruising48-24.
The Kwakwani unit accelerated their grip 34-10 through the third session to have a 82-34 advantage going into the final period whentheyeasedthepressure tocomeoutwinners95-50.
Two more matches are tentatively slated for this evening (Wednesday) in Georgetown as Ravens collide with Kwakwani in one game and the other features Pacesetters and Eagles.
If no venue is available the matches will be played tonight at the Retrieve Hard Court according to the Brusches Basketball Foundation, organizers of theannualtournament.
This year’s competition concludesthisweekendwith semifinals set for Saturday andthefinalonSundayatthe Retrieve Hard Court in Linden.
On the attack: Raiders’ Neil Marks Jr. playing inside, goes for shot over Royals defensive player.
Young Karateka Naryan Sawh one to watch for the future
At age 11 years old, Naryan Sawh, of Great Diamond E.B.D. is one of the outstanding students of the Iron Fist Club, a member of the Guyana Mixed MartialArts Karate Association.
Sawh’s karate journey begun inAugust, 2024 and had been a remarkable one thus this far, with him being
dedicated to his training and performed in previous nd tournaments, maintaining many 1 and 2 places in his events. Sawh was crowned winner of The Junior Championship in Traditional Kata at the Epic Clash MartialArtsChampionship.
TheEpicClashMartialArtsChampionship2025,held onOctober26thattheGuyanaNationalGymnasium,was an exciting showcase of talent, strength, and discipline. Theeventbroughttogethertopmartialartistsfromacross the country, all competing for championship titles in various divisions Among the most outstanding performances was that of Chaitram Ramotar, representing the Invisible Kicks Martial Arts Academy, who was crowned the Senior Grand Champion in TraditionalKata.
Naryan Sawh’s flawless execution of his kata demonstrated precision, balance, and powerful technique—qualities that reflect his dedication and training His exceptional performance earned the admiration of both judges and spectators, making him a standoutcompetitorinthisyear’schampionship.
Master Lloyd Ramnarine, President of the Guyana Mixed MartialArts KarateAssociation, congratulated all athletes for their commitment and effort, especially the Junior Grand Champion Naryan Sawh. He praised his achievementsasareflectionoftruemartialartsdiscipline andexcellence.
With dedicated athletes like Sawh leading by example, the spirit of traditional martial arts in Guyana continuestogrowstrongerandmoreinspiringeachyear
Sensei Lloyd Ramnarine and Naryan Sawh
Naryan Sawh
Chaitram Ramotar