City
Cops ordered to strip illegal tint from vehicles
Guyana's tax revenues sink ...as oil giants walk free with $493B waiver -
The Guyana Revenue Authority(GRA)incometax collection slipped during the first half of 2025 by 4.9 percent to $123.4 billion at the end of June, when compared to the same period in 2024. This is according to the Bank of Guyana HalfYearReport.
Central Bank noted that total current revenues, excluding inflows from the Natural Resource Fund (NRF), Guyana REDD+ Investment Fund (GRIF), and Carbon Credit Sales (CCS), grew by 3.6 percent to $235 4 billion The increase was driven mainly by a 2.3 percent rise in tax collection, which amounted to $221 billion, sustained by a favourable economic base from both the non-oil sector and the oil and gas industry, along with their wider sectorallinkages.
According to the report, the decrease in income tax collectionwasdrivenmainly by lower personal income taxes, which fell by 14.8 percent to $33.6 billion, and
a 21.7 percent reduction in withholding taxes, which stood at $30.8 billion. It was also stated that taxes from public corporations also decreased by 12.4 percent to $1.8 billion, while private corporation taxes rose by 17.1percentto$57.1billion. The country's midyear income tax collection pales against what Guyana
continues to lose under the Stabroek Block Production SharingAgreement(PSA)as it relates to income tax collection from the block's operator ExxonMobil Guyana Limited (EMGL) anditspartnersHessGuyana Exploration Ltd. and China National Offshore Oil Corporation(CNOOC).
According to the financial statements for the three companies Guyana
Police hunt suspects in Lovers' Lane shooting
Police are currently looking for two suspects
who were allegedly involvedintheLovers'Lane shootingonSunday Police in an update
W e d n e s d a y s a i d investigations are ongoing into the incident which saw a 32-year-old vendor of CentralAmelia'sWardanda 36-year-old carpenter of South Amelia's Ward being injured.
“Investigators later revisited the scene and conducted further inquiries. CCTV footage from nearby premises is being reviewed as part of the ongoing investigation. One of the injured men, who remains hospitalised in stable condition, was further i n t e r v i e w e d b y investigators,”policesaid.
Furthermore,“Policeare currently seeking two persons of interest as part of the ongoing efforts to advancetheinvestigation.”
The two men were on
Mid-year Report
waived a monstrous $493 billion in income taxes for ExxonMobil, Hess and CNOOC in 2024. Exxon reported an income tax e x p e n s e o f
$260,155,788,763 while H e s
$209,668,605,000 and C N O O C a n o
$22,933,000,000.
While Exxon, Hess, and CNOOC are not required to pay income taxes, the 2016 oil contract provides for the taxes to be paid to the GRA by the Government out of its share.
According to the PSA, the Stabroek Block partners are allowed to recover 75% oftheoilproducedtorecover
their investment costs; the remaining25%isconsidered profit,whichissplitbetween Guyana and the Stabroek Block consortium, giving each 12.5%. However, the consortium pays a 2% royalty from its share to Guyana. From its 14.5% Guyanathenhastopaytaxes fortheoilcompanies.
Notably, the provision of the Stabroek Block contract which gives Exxon and its affiliates a tax-free ride in Guyana has attracted criticisms locally and internationally Despite this, t h e I r f a a n A l i - l e d administration is adamant that the deal will not be renegotiated due to the
President of ExxonMobil Guyana Limited (EMGL), Alistair Routledge
implications of the sanctity ofcontract.
The contract states in Article 15 1 that the
Contractor (ExxonMobil Guyana Limited) as well as its affiliates shall not be subjectedtotax,value-added tax, excise tax, duty, fee, charge, or impost in respect of income derived from petroleum operations, property held or transactions except as specified under the agreement.
It goes on to state in Article 15.4 that the sum equivalent to the taxes owed by the company will be paid by the Minister responsible for Petroleum to the Commissioner General of the GRA. It should be noted that the contract also allows for the issuing of a receipt to ExxonMobil, indicating that it has met the local tax requirements to avoid the burden of double taxation in theUnitedStates.
Six years later… Region One still can't recover $5.2M paid to contractors who did no work
TSunday wounded in a driveby shooting incident at Lovers' Lane, Central Amelia'sWard,Linden.
According to police investigation, the vendor was standing in front of his shop, while the carpenter was walking close by, when a motor car drove up and came to a halt near them, during which someone inside discharged several roundsintheirdirection.
The vendor received a gunshot wound to the chest, while the carpenter sustained a gunshot wound to the foot. Both men were takentotheLindenHospital Complex, where they were seenandtreated.
The vendor has since been referred to the GeorgetownPublicHospital Corporation for further medical attention, while the carpenter remained at the Linden Hospital Complex receiving treatment. Their conditions were reported as stable.
h e A u d i t o r General's 2024 Report has once again flagged the Regional Democratic Council (RDC) of Region One for failing to recover more than $5.281 million in overpayments made to contractors since 2019, payments issued for projects where no work was done.
Detailing its findings for theRDC,theAGhighlighted that “The Regional Administration had still not recovered overpayments totalling $5.281M for the years2019…”
Accordingtothereport,a contractor was awarded the contract to construct a reinforced concrete bridge at Thomas Hill and some $2.167millionwasoverpaid. Another contract was awarded for the construction of a reinforced concrete bridge at Mora, Moruca and the AG noted that $3.114 million was overpaid to the contractor, bringing the total amountto$5.281million.
In the Auditor's General 2020 Report, it was revealed that the contract for the construction of the reinforced concrete bridge at the Thomas Hill main access road was awarded in 2019 to the value of $7.222 million. “The basis of award for this
Table showing the overpayments yet to be recovered by the Regional Administration of Region One.
contract could not have been determined, since the RTB (Regional Tender Board) minute was not presented for auditscrutiny
The contractor received a 30% mobilisation advance payment in the sum of $2.167M, even though the General Conditions of Contract (GCC) Clause 3.1 specified that mobilisation advanceshallbeattherateof 10% of the contract price,” the2020Reportstated.
In the same 2020 report, it revealed that the contract forthebridgewasterminated b y t h e R e g i o n a l Administration with effect from November 11, 2020 due to work being delayed for more than twenty-eight days without being authorisedbytheengineer
“The Regional Engineer has indicated that no work was done by the contractor and the contractor was required to repay the mobilisationadvance.
Audit checks revealed that there was no evidence
that the contractor repaid the mobilisation advance of $2.167M, either in cash or the Regional Administration levied on the advance bond guarantee, if any,” the AG 2020reportdetailed.
F o l l o w i n g t h e
termination of the initial contract, the project was reawarded to a new contractor inDecember2020inthesum of$5.500M.
Upon inspection in July 2021, it was disclosed that theprojectwascompleted.In the 2020 AG Report also, it notedthatthecontractforthe bridge at Mora in Moruca was awarded in 2019 to the valueof$10.381million.
According to the 2020 Report, “The Regional Engineer has indicated that no work was done by the contractor and the contractor was required to repay the mobilisationadvance.
Audit checks revealed that there was no evidence that the contractor repaid the mobilisation advance of $3.114M, either in cash or the Regional Administration levied on the advance bond guarantee,ifany.”
Notably, that project was also re-awarded to a new contractorinDecember2020 inthesumof$5.200M.
InrespondingtotheAG's latest examination, the Head of Budget Agency simply acknowledgedthefinding. Meanwhile, the Audit O f f i c e i n i t s recommendation urged the Head of Budget Agency to take steps to recover the overpaymentsandputproper systems in place to avoid recurrences.
Similarly, that contractor received 30% mobilisation advance payment in the sum of$3.114million. It was noted however, that the contract was terminated by the Regional Administration with effect from November 11, 2020, due to the contractor delayed work for more than twenty-eight days without being authorised by the engineer
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
Exxon expands as oil oversight crumbles
Guyana'sleadersnevertireofboastingabout“firstoil,” massive production increases and the supposed transformative promise of petroleum wealth. Every new Floating Production Storage and Offloading (FPSO) vessel istreatedlikeanationaltrophy
Every new ExxonMobil project is waved through with efficiencyourpublicinstitutionsrarelyenjoy Yetbehindthis gleaming façade lies a fundamental and long-standing failure,theState'sinabilitytostaff,equip,andstrengthenthe veryinstitutionsneededtoensurethatGuyana'soilwealthis fairly,transparently,andaccuratelyaccountedfor
The latest revelation from the Auditor General's 2024 Reportandhighlightedbythisnewspapermakesitclearthat Guyana's premier tax authority, the Guyana Revenue Authority (GRA), is still dangerously understaffed in the mostcriticaldepartmentsresponsibleforpolicingtheoiland gas sector This is not a short-term hiccup. This crisis was first flagged in 2023, reappeared in 2024, and as of September 2025 has only worsened All the while government continues to roll out the red carpet for ExxonMobil'sunrelentingexpansion.
ThePetroleumRevenueDepartment(PRD),thefrontline unit charged with petroleum tax audits, cost-recovery assessments,VATverifications, debt management, and risk analysis, should be a fortified institution with the nation's most skilled professionals. Instead, nearly half of its approved positions remain empty Of 67 sanctioned posts, only39arefilled.Thismeansthatatatimewhenbillionsof U.S. dollars are flowing through the sector, Guyana has barely enough officers to perform even the minimum oversightrequired.
Thestoryisevenmoretroublingwhenoneexaminesthe corefunctionsthemselves.Twenty-fivetaxauditofficersare required, but only 10 are on staff. Guyana needs nineteen cost-recoveryauditors—yetonly10areavailable.Theseare not cosmetic shortages. They translate directly into a weakenedabilitytoverifythemassivecost-recoveryclaims Exxon and its partners submit annually, claims that determine how much revenue Guyana ultimately receives. Everygapinstaffingisagapinprotection,agapinvigilance, agapthatcouldcostthecountryhundredsofmillions.
The Customs Petroleum Unit (CPU), tasked with monitoring imports, exports, tariff classification, valuation andexemptionsallessentialfunctionsintheoilsectorfacesa similarcrisis.Withanapprovedcomplementof33,only23 posts are filled. And yet a fourth FPSO has arrived, exponentially increasing the workload. Exxon's operations continue to expand aggressively, but the State's capacity to monitorthemfallsfurtherbehind.
This imbalance did not occur by accident. It is the predictable result of a government far more interested in facilitating oil production than in regulating it. The administration bends over backwards to approve projects, issuepermits,anddefendExxon'scontractualprivileges.But whenitcomestobuildingstrongregulatoryinstitutions,the backbone of any oil-producing country, the urgency evaporates. The GRA is not blind to the problem. Commissioner General Godfrey Statia has pursued extensive training partnerships, engaged the University of Guyana to create petroleum accounting degrees, and attempted both internal and external recruitment. But the pipeline of qualified applicants remains thin, and too many candidates fail even open-book examinations. Meanwhile, the oil sector itself lures away potential talent with salaries thepublicservicecannotmatch.
However,thisispreciselywhygovernmentintervention isneeded.Acountrysittingatoptheworld'sfastest-growing offshore oil reserves must treat petroleum oversight as a national priority, not a side project left to one understaffed agency We have seen government fast-track everything
Geography of our future
DearEditor,
The recent November 25 letter by Dr Walter H. th Persaud entitled “The Geography of our Future: A Pathway for Guyana for the 21st Century” provides undeniable proof why historymustbetaughtinour schools.
The main theme of his letter is captured in his own words “our nation cannot walkcreativelyintoitsfuture while drawing its poetry primarily from a heritage that reinforces memories of
captivity, plantation structures, and colonial domination, as they do not reflect the promise of the land beneath its feet If history ruled us in the first sixty years of our independence, geography must be the handmaiden of ourfuture”.
Dr Persaudcontinueshis argument that “the time has come for us to turn South”. When Guyana faces the SouthAmericanmainland,it discovers an entirely d
possibilities. The continent offers scale, diversity, creative inspiration, technological opportunity, and an economic landscape that rewards ambition Brazil, Suriname, Colombia andthewiderregionpresent Guyana with access to new languages, grand economic corridors, continental markets, renewable energy
systems and creative impulsesthatreflecttheland and the people of this hemisphere.
Perhaps the good doctor has degrees in science but surelynotinhistory,culture, geopolitics and common sense.
The countries he mentions, namely Brazil, Suriname, and Colombia ep
s
plantation structures and colonial domination he wants to run away from in the Caribbean. Brazil was the largest slave and plantationcolonyinthe
(Continuedonpage5)
Need for a sustained fight against alcoholism/ drug addiction
DearEditor,
Iwishtocongratulatethe Guyana Times for its editorial of November 25, 2025,titled“Alcoholismand Society”. While the focus was strictly on alcohol, the themecouldbebroadenedto include all substance abuse and gambling. These antisocial activities are having very serious negative consequencesinoursociety Many young lives are being destroyed in a variety of ways, destroyed health, depression, suicides, road accidents,etc.
While it is a general problem in the society, it is probably worse in the countryside. Most of our news are highly urban oriented and therefore the social issues in the villages are often not known and unreported.
Itisgoodthatthisisnow
being exposed by letters, articles as the editorials in thepress.
However,thetaskishow tochangethesethings.
It is possible that one of the reasons for the prevalence of alcoholism etc.,inthecountrysideisthe lack of entertainment and more wholesome activities inthevariousareas.
While it would be unfair to place the whole responsibility on the government to deal with the problems, because in fact, this situation affects everyone, therefore our institutions, including nongovernmental organisations has to make a contribution. Havingsaidthatthough,itis clear that the administration can give a push and encourageittoeventuallybe self-sustainable.
In a previous piece, the
point was made about the creation of facilities in the villages. Things like gyms and facilities for other types of sports both in and outdoors other than cricket andfootball.
The young in particular, but the whole community can be organised by the promotion of Cultural and Sports groups with assistanceofhowtomanage theiraffairs.Teachthemhow to conduct meetings, how to organise competition and otherbasicneeds.
Recall that at one time, Guyana had seven members playingfortheWestIndiesat the same time. This, it is believed, was due to the many competitions that we had in cricket A quick recountwouldshow,wehad White Cup, North Count Cup, Case Cup, InterCountycricket.Thatbrought
outmanytalentedcricketers. This can be reproduced in other sports and cultural activities.
To get the ball rolling maybe a task force comprising personnel from the Ministries of Health, Education,Youth,Sportsand Culture and Social Security could be formed to start the promotion (help to organise clubs).
While this is not an exhaustivelisttowhatcanbe done, it may make a good start and a valuable contributiontothequalityof lifeandtotheintegrityofour people.After all, “man shall notliveonbreadalone.”
Congratulation once more to Guyana Times and hopefully the other media outlets will weigh in on this task.
Former President –DonaldRamotar
A trapped Census and a blindfolded budget
DearEditor, The continuing delay in releasing the results of the 2022 Population and
from environmental permits to project approvals when it benefits Exxon.Why can't the same urgency be applied to staffingtheinstitutionsthatprotectthenationalpurse?Why aren't budget allocations, incentives, scholarship programmes, and long-term recruitment strategies being pursuedwithequalvigour?
Themostalarmingaspectofthiscrisisishowlongithas persisted. TheAuditor General has been ringing the alarm bellforyears.Yetinsteadofdecisiveaction,Guyaneseget thesameexplanationannually:recruitmentishard,thejobs are technical, and applicants fall short. These may be challenges—buttheyarenotexcuses.Theyarewarnings. If Guyana cannot staff the units that monitor costs, taxes, exports, and customs procedures, then Guyana cannot safeguard its flagship industry It is as simple as that.And while Exxon continues to enjoy seamless expansion, the StateagenciesresponsibleforensuringGuyanagetsitsfair shareareleftlimpingbehind. Agovernmentthatclaimsto act in the best interest of its people cannot allow this imbalancetocontinue.Forallthetalkaboutoilprosperity, the truth remains stark: without strong oversight, Guyana risks becoming rich on paper while losing real wealth through unchecked corporate advantage. The crisis is not new,butGuyanaisrunningoutoftimetofixit.
HousingCensusisnolonger atechnicalinconvenience,it has become a national liability Threeyearsafterthe data was collected, the country still has no official populationcount,noupdated regional distribution, no age profiles, and no migrationadjusted figures. And this week, when asked about the status of the long-overdue report, the Minister of Financerespondedthatheis “awaiting an update.” That casual remark reveals a deeper problem: a government that appears unbotheredbyadatavacuum thatnowaffectseverymajor nationaldecision.
This delay is not happening in a vacuum
Onlydaysago,theEuropean Union Election Observation Mission, in its 2025 Final Report, flagged the absence of updated Census data as a weakness in electoral transparency The EU noted that voter-registration figures, boundary allocations, and overall assessments of the electoral roll are being done without the most basic demographic information.
For a country that witnessed another tense electioncycle,thisshouldbe treated as urgent. Instead, it isbeingshruggedoff. But the consequences extend far beyond elections. Thegovernmentiscurrently formulating the 2026 National Budget, allocating billions for housing, health, education, infrastructure, d r a i n a g e , y o u t h programmes, and hinterland development, without knowinghowmanypeople (Continuedonpage15)
Book on Ramsaran's Family Launched in NY — beyond expectations autobiography
DearEditor,
Amidst a euphoric celebration attended by family, friends,associatesand elected officials, Ashook Ramsaran'sautobiographywas launched on Sunday, November 23, 2025 at the DouglastonManorinQueens, NewYork.
Thispublicationisawello r g a n i z e d a n d chronologically compiled book that is titled 'BEYOND EXPECTATIONS: The OdysseyofaVillageBoyfrom Guyana” Itchroniclesthelong journeyofAshook Ramsaran whose great grandparents, Poorye and Radhah, left India as indentured laborers and arrived in then British Guiana (now Guyana) in 1853and1857respectively
The book begins with an elaborate Journey Map detailing the journeys from IndiatoGuyanaandthenonto to USA It is in 3 parts: The EarlyYearsinGuyana;Settling in the USA; and Civic Engagement and the Global
Diaspora, with an extensive Appendix that includes family history, articles, Kolkata and other memorials, obituaries and tributes,recognitionawards, US Congressional Record and other historical documents The book is interspersed with selected photos in each section that provideperspectivesateach stage of the journey, as well as an emotional tribute to Ramsaran's late son Gerald to whom the book is dedicated.
The foreword is eloquently written by renowned Guyanese born Professor David Dabydeen, UniversityofCambridge,UK
The back cover includes advance perspectives by: Donald Ramotar, former PresidentofGuyana;Letitia James, Attorney General, StateofNewYork,USA;Ela Gandhi, Chairperson, Gandhi Development Trust; South Africa; Dr. Alina Camacho-Gingerich,
ProfessorofSpanish&Latin AmericanStudies,St.John's University, Queens, New York; Albert R. Ramdin, Secretary General of the Organization of American States (OAS) and former Minister of Foreign Affairs, RepublicofSuriname.
C o m p l i m e n t a r y, autographed copies were shared among the attendees whowereenthusiasticabout thehistoricalsignificanceof thebookanditsplaceamong the Guyanese who have achieved at such an extraordinary level in the USA and the global Indian diaspora.
Excerpts from the book were read by: Professor David Dabydeen (read by Sylvia RamgadooMarimuthu); Ben Jacob, formerly at Cambridge University, presently at Rutgers University, USA (read byArnold Ramsaran); former Fulbright Scholar to India, professor emerita at Wi l l i a m P a t e r s o n
University, writer Marina Budhos whose father grew upinletterKennyVillageas Ramsaran; as well as grandsons Jaden and Gavin Ramsaran.
US Congress Member Grace Meng was the chief guestandsharedRamsaran's professionalsuccess,aswell a s h i s e n o r m o u s contributions to his community and beyond Rep. Meng read Ramsaran's biography into the US Congressional Record in June 2025. New York State SenatorRoxannePersaud,of Guyanese origin, spoke
a b o u t R a m s a r a n ' s commitment to civic engagement and presented RamsaranwithaCitation.
Dr Sudhir Parikh, Chairman & PublisherParikh World Wide Media; Chairman-ITV Gold (24/7 TV Channel) spoke h o n o u r a b l y a b o u t
R a m s a r a n ' s m a n y contributions to the Indian Diaspora and organized an
Geography of our future...
Frompage4 worldandwasdominatedby Portugal. Suriname is the same and was a 200-year colony of the Dutch Colombia was a colony of Spain for over 300 years. Yes,300years.
Hasthegooddoctorever visitedthesecountries?
So, according to Dr H. Walter, tiny Guyana with a population fewer than 1 million, should leave its British and Dutch colonial slavery context and join Brazil and its Portuguese colonialpastanditsover200 million people and 200 million cows and also join Colombia with over 50 million people… to access “new languages, knowledge
systems, continental markets“etc.
Surely Mr Persaud does not understand the deepseated racism and
marginalizationofblackand brown people in these countries I wonder how Guyanese companies with littletechnology,littleglobal managementexperienceand expertise would survive when,forexample,thereare Braziliancompaniesthatare larger than all Guyanese companiescombined.
Oh yes, we can become an integral member of B R I C S w h e r e o u r companies, even if they had the technology, capital and management expertise, would become even less competitive.And Dr.Walter H.Persaudiseitherblackof brown,Iwouldpresume. And who would defend Guyana in America's backyard where Exxon and Chevron dominate. Where does the Unites States fit in this master plan of turning South. Guyanese are failing
mathandEnglishwithgreat abundance. But, to make us more competitive and cultural, Guyanese must now learn Portuguese and Spanish plus give up the vaunted US citizenship so manyGuyanesecravefor
I do love Dr Persaud's enthusiasm, namely, “This radical reorientation of national identity must be matchedbyatransformation in national strategy It requires that Guyana orient its trade, diplomacy, investment, transportation
infrastructure, and energy planning toward South America”.
More fantastically, according to Dr Walter H. P
accompany these geostructural changes South America is a continent of
extraordinary artistic depth. Its literature, cinema, visual arts, music, theater, and Indigenous traditions form some of the most powerful creative currents in the world Guyana has long admired these traditions fromadistancebuthasnever fully embraced them as mirrors in which we can see ourownpossibilities”.
How poetic. No more chutneysongs.
Perhaps, Dr Walter H. Persaud has mentally gone through this radical reorientation of national identityandhasdugintohis creature South American cultural instincts to have writtenthisletter.Perhapsan ambassador job in Brazil, Venezuela and Colombia would expand his political andculturalinnocence.
Yourstruly
EricPhillips
interview on ITV Guyana's Consul General in New York, Amb Michael Brotherson,issuedaletterof congratulations to Ramsaran,andthatwasread by Consul Nacifa Watson. Queens District Leader
R i c h a r d D a v i d congratulatedRamsaranand expectsthatthebookwillbe hugesuccess.
In the concluding remarks, Ramsaran stated that: “As I reflect on this chapter, I am aware that the journey continues perhaps not in me, but through those I have loved, taught, and beside whom I have walked. This record
speaksaboutmytravels,but above that, it speaks about what I have tried to hold on to along the way: family, purpose, and memory I am hopeful that it helps someone find a sense of purpose, whoever he/she is or from where he/she originated. Then it would certainlybeworthit.”
Several attendees made remarksextollingthevirtues andsignificanceofthebook. Thanks, and appreciated were given by Rachel Ramsaran after the sharing of the cake “BEYOND EXPECTATIONS.”
Yourssincerely, Dr.Vishnu
Bisram
Educational Theatrics
DearEditor,
“All the world's a stage, and all the men and women merely players; They have their exits and their entrances ” - William Shakespeare.
T e a c h i n g i s a performance Performance has always been part of the delivery of educational content As a result, educationtheatricsislargely grounded in a philosophy of performance and humour Education theatrics often refers to the performative characteristics of schooling where the emphasis shifts from genuine learning to appearances and symbolic gestures.
Intheworldofeducation
theatrics, there are overproduced lesson plans whichgobeyondthegeneral accepted 5E's The 5E framework of the 21st century learner speaks to Engagement, Exploration, Explanation, Elaboration, andEvaluationandreflectsa progressive bridging
between students' prior knowledge and new concepts; ensuring learning is active, intentional, and cumulative In many classrooms, teachers have become performers even without knowing. In an attempt to score big on their formative and summative appraisals, teachers are coerced and encouraged to takeontheroleofperformer T h e O p t i c s o f Performance
T h e “ o p t i c s o f performance” refers to how performance is perceived, measured,andpresentednot justtheactualresults,butthe waythoseresultsareframed, m o n i t o r e d , a n d communicated.
Regrettably, there is a cultureofpuppetryinglobal education systems that suppress critical thinking. It is the absence of a critical thinkingculturethatfostersa culture of theatrics in education Within this paradigmofculturalshift, (Continuedonpage6)
World Bank says road fatalities
'unacceptably high'
in Guyana – backs major push to fix deadliest corridors
As Guyana marks National Road Safety Month, under the theme “Careful Driving Saves Lives,” the World Bank is sounding the alarm that the country'sroaddeathrate-15 per 100,000 people remains “unacceptablyhigh.”
PrimeMinisterBrigadier (Ret'd) Mark Phillips recently confirmed a staggering toll: 574 crashes and 642 deaths between 2020and2024,including24 children - a road crisis this country can no longer ignore, according to the World Bank's Resident Representative for Guyana, DilettaDoretti.Writinginan OP:ED column Doretti said Guyana has now set an ambitious national target: reducing annual road fatalitiestofewerthan50by 2030. That goal, she said formspartofanewnational safetyinitiativeandonethat will be partially backed by the World Bank's latest investment.
Last October Finance MinisterDr AshniSinghand World Bank Vice President Susana Cordeiro Guerra formalised financing for the
Integrated Transport Corridors Project—a major upgrade of Guyana's road network.Theprojectaimsto strengthen key routes across Regions 3, 4, 5, 6 and 10, improving safety, climate resilience, and access to essential services such as schools, hospitals, and markets. According to the
Educational Theatrics...
Frompage5 the society clearly values presentation and optics, rather than depth of knowledge.
passed five subjects in a single sitting of the
Caribbean Secondary
U n d o u b t e d l y , ostentatious delivery has its place and assist in keeping learners attentive in the moment, however students' retentionremainshallowand problematic.
BarrierstoEducation
Diletta Doretti, World Bank Group Resident Representative for Guyana
Bank, this is not a simple “roads project ” It is a public-safety intervention aimed at protecting drivers, pedestrians, cyclists, senior citizens, children, and people with disabilities, Dorettiwrote.
Doretti said by increasing connectivity acrossRegions3,4,5,6,and 10, the project will enhance accesstomarkets,education and healthcare facilities, benefiting all road users, whetherdrivers,pedestrians, cyclists or vulnerable groups, such as children, seniors,andindividualswith disabilities Notably, she said the project aligns with the Safe System approach, an internationally accepted vision that designs roads to protect lives even when mistakes happen This involves implementing practical changes, such as safer crossings, traffic calming measures, crash barriers, and sidewalks and bike lanes, that enhance pedestriansafety
“
technical enhancements for Guyana; they are critical safety interventions. With speeding as a leading cause of road fatalities, measures targeting speed control, traffic calming, awareness, and safer school zones are a direct response to the country's realities,” the Bank's representative said. According to the World Bank, between mid-2018 and mid-2023, it financed projectsprovidedsaferroads for 65 million people worldwide In Tanzania, similarcorridorupgradescut fatalities by 79%, while in Iraq, improvements along major routes reduced crash deathsby81%.
“The project also incorporates adaption measures, such as elevated embankments, enhanced drainage, and nature-based solutions, to ensure roads remain safe during extreme weatherconditions.
(Continuedonpage10)
In performing theatrics, the education system pays scant regard to the root problems and treats only thesymptoms.
Professor Orlando Patterson's report reminded us: “There are two extremely different school systemsinthecountry One that is world-class and serves mainly the 'haves', the other, pertaining to the vast majority, that serves the 'have nots' and that is largelyfailing
ThePattersonreportalso identified other problems with Jamaica's education system, including a severe learning crisis with many students remaining illiterate and innumerate by the end of primary school Otherissuesinclude a lack of marketable skills among secondary school graduates, insufficient resourcesandashortageof qualified teachers, particularly in early childhood education, and systemic weaknesses Data from 2019 showed that a third of students could not read, 56% could not write, and 57% could not extract information fromasimplesentence.
Only 45% of students
Education Certificate (CSEC)examsin2019,and less than 28% of those included both math and English.
The issue of the underperformance of boys continues to be a sore point in Jamaica's education system Many boys have become disengaged and detached from the formal aspectofeducation.
While they are present in the classes, their mental and emotional faculties are elsewhere.
The World Bank states, in every region of the world,andinalmostevery country, boys are more likely than girls t
ng poverty, being unable to read and comprehend a simple text by the age of 10
The differences are substantial in some countries, particularly in theMiddleEast and North Africa (MENA) region and among middleincomecountries
For example, in lowermiddle-income countries, the learning poverty rate for boys is 56 percent, compared to 47 percent forgirls Thereneedstobe areimagining ofhowboys areengagedintheteaching andlearningprocess
There have been numerous journals, reports, research and articles on the subject matter of boys' underperformance Unfortunately, nothing concrete has been done to
address theproblemandas a result our boys continue to waste away So, while teaching has become a performance, our boys in particulararenotapplauding thetheatrics.
Sadly, the society is already reaping the bitter fruits from this none n g a g e m e n t a n d nonchalant attitude towards our boys Data indicates that the significant majority of perpetrators and victims ofcrimearemales.
Other issues which require attention are the reform of school boards. The composition of school boa
ds in too many instances comprises too m
s, many of whom have no expertise and or inte
education
This process of political interference inevitably
unbalanced and unfair dispensation of justice to stakeholders
Evidently, we must acknowledge the pockets of excellence throughout our
em However, the education system has too many actors, some of whom are grounded in politics and h
o n g memberships It is only when the society has had enough of the drama that w
instructional changes within the education system. Until then, we will continue to auditioninperpetuity WayneCampbell
neglect of workers’ ‘Aurora mine clash exposes deep,criminal
A Partnership for National Unity (APNU) Member of Parliament, Sharma Solomon says the recent confrontation between a frustrated underground worker and a manager at Zijin Mining's Aurora Goldfield must be treated as a national alarm bell,notanisolatedoutburst.
In a statement issued on Wednesday Solomon said the incident reflects a longstanding pattern of abuse, exploitation, and dangerous working conditions that has plagued
the former Guyana Goldfields operation, now underthecontrolofZijinand much of the broader extractiveindustry
Solomon said workers across the sector have long raised complaints about unsafe tunnels, persistent shortages of protective equipment, bullying, intimidation, and serious h e a l t h i n c i d e n t s underground Reports of men collapsing, bleeding fromtheirearsandnose,and sharing safety gear between shifts, he stressed, are “not only unacceptable, but criminallynegligent.”
The MPsaid all must be done to discourage and prevent such incidents from occurring. However, he said foryears,workersatthissite andacrosstheindustryhave raised alarms about unsafe tunnels,chronicshortagesof protective gear, severe h e a l t h e p i s o d e s underground, persistent bullying and intimidation.
Solomon referred to the Minister of Finance's MidYear Report, which he said shows that gold earnings, particularly the growth at Guyana Goldfield, are strongandrising.“Thislevel of profitability should directly benefit the workers who make it possible and should be afforded safer c o n d i t i o n s , f a i r compensation, and proper protections. Yet, despite the sector's growth, many workers continue to face unsafe environments and inadequatetreatment.Thisis unacceptable.”
“This situation did not emerge overnight. Guyana G o l d f i e l d s h a s a documented history of poor labourpractices,managerial hostility, and disregard for occupational safety standards Over the past year,abusesintheextractive sector have grown more visible through exposure of unsafe worksites, unregulated subcontracting, and recurring accidents across gold, bauxite, and quarrying operations. These aresymptomsofanindustry operating without proper oversight and without consequences,” Solomon, a former mayor of the mining town of Linden said. “What makes this current situation worse is the continued silence and absence of strong representation from those tasked with protecting theNationalWorkforce.The government's engagement has been sporadic, reactive, andoftenafterthefact,only
launchingfullinvestigations after public outrage or l e a k e d v i d e o s ” Solomonsaidthisabsenceof proper representation and oversightbythegovernment through its Ministries and agencies has left workers desperate, unheard, and increasinglyfearfulfortheir lives. He said it is against this backdrop that we are seeing incidents as those escalated on camera. This mustnowbeaturningpoint.
“The safety, dignity, and rights of Guyanese workers cannot be negotiable. The extractive sector is one of ourcountry'smostprofitable industries and cannot be allowed to function as a lawless zone where foreign companies benefit while Guyanese citizens bleed, c o l l a p s e , o r d i e underground A thorough investigation involving not only the Ministry of Labour but also occupational safety experts, medical personnel, and a parliamentary oversight committee from National Resources and Labour must be involved.A detailed report on working conditions of companies within the extractive sector, including Goldfields, must be conducted,” Solomon demanded.
He said the government mustalsoseektoestablisha NationalExtractiveWorkers Protection Framework, guaranteeing safe reporting mechanisms, whistleblower protection, and medical monitoring for underground workers. “Workers in the
mining sector are the backbone of a multibilliondollar industry, representing some of the largest earnings for our country Guyana owes them more than reactive investigations and promises As valued stakeholders, they are owed betterrepresentation.”
In a series of press releases and videos, the We InvestinNationhood(WIN) party first brought the issue atthecompanytolight.The party urged the government to take immediate action.
The party said that the company's underground miningoperationsarehighly profitable, yet employees say their health, safety, and overall wellbeing are routinely compromised According to the party, workers report inadequate safety measures, with personal protective equipment(PPE)oftenoldor unavailable for local staff, while Chinese workers receivepropergear Theparty said that equipment and vehicles, including loaders and lifting machinery, are poorly maintained, with some machinery lacking functionalbrakes.
Additionally, WIN says meals for local employees are transported in unhygienic conditions, exposed to dust and contaminants, sometimes spoiled and containing worms with no temperature control or designated dining facilities. In contrast, WIN said Chinese staff have access to air-conditioned
dining rooms. In the area of salary and other benefits, WIN says wage disparities and delayed payments further aggravate the workforce. The party noted that underground personnel, working more than 1,500 feet below ground, earn roughly $500 per hour during probation, with minimal increases after six months, despite hazardous conditions Workers say r e q u e s t s f o r f a i r compensation are denied, andcomplaintsaremetwith threats of termination and replacementbyforeignstaff, WIN reported The company's practices, the party said violate labour rights, safety standards, and fair treatment principles, leaving local workers vulnerableandunheard.
In reacting to WIN's statement, the Ministry of Labour in statement said it had moved swiftly to address growing concerns over the working conditions at the company Minister of Labour and Manpower Planning, Keoma Griffith, confirmed that no formal complaints had been lodged prior to the release of the videos.“Thisisthefirsttime these concerns have been brought to our attention in such a public manner, and we will treat them with the seriousness they deserve,” he said In response, Minister Griffith has instructed the Ministry's Occupational Safety and Health(OSH)Departmentto launch an immediate and
thorough investigation into theallegations.Theministry willalsoconsultallrelevant stakeholders to verify facts and determine the proper course of action. Regarding wage disputes and benefits, the minister urged both employeesandemployersto comeforwardandengagein a peaceful conciliation process at the ministry, in line with the Labour Act, which is designed to ensure fairness and resolution for allpartiesinvolved.
Minister Griffith reaffirmed the ministry's commitment to upholding workers'rightsandensuring that workplaces across Guyanaaresafeandhealthy He stressed that while the Labour Act and the Occupational Safety and HealthActprovidethelegal framework for employeremployee relations, the ministryremainsfocusedon strengthening protections and enforcing compliance across all sectors. Kaieteur News understands that the workers and the company held talks with the ministry on Wednesday, but up to press time there was no formal update on the situation.
Over 200,000 troy ouncesofgoldweredeclared in the first six months of 2025, marking a 10 9% increase.
AccordingtotheBankof Guyana's 2025 Half-Year
Report, total gold
declarations rose to 208,756 8 troy ounces, driven by a 14.9% increase from small and mediumscale miners, who declared 137,440.6ounces.
The bank attributed this performance to recent governmentreliefmeasures, includinga10%reductionin tributorstaxandtheremoval of the 14% VAT on mining equipment and lubricating oil Central Bank also credited an increase in the
distribution of concessions to small and medium scale miners, leading to a reduction in illegal mining practices, thus positively affectingthesector
Further, it stated that the sole foreign company, Aurora Gold Mines (AGM) declaration grew by 4 percent to 71,316 2 troy ounces, as the company's underg
n favourable. AGM is owned by Chinese state-run Zijin Mining Group and is the only foreign company operating a large-scale gold mineinGuyana.TheAurora Gold Project, located in Region Seven (Cuyuni-
Mazaruni), is wholly owned byAGM. It holds estimated reserves of 184 tonnes (approximately six million ounces)ofgold.
In August, this publication reported that AGM earned RMB1.4789 billion (over US$200 million) from the Aurora Gold Mine during the first halfof2025.Thecompany's interim report valued the mine's total assets at RMB4 5287 billion and disclosed that it produced 2,039 kilograms (over 71,000 ounces) of gold betweenJanuaryandJune. Moreover, the Bank of Guyana report also noted that diamond declarations fell by 22.6% to 22,749
metric carats, while the broader mining and quarrying sector grew by 5.9%, supported by surging bauxite output, growth in otherminingsubsectors,and c o n t i n u e d s t r o n g performancefromtheoiland gasindustry
Total bauxite production significantly increased to 1,728,317 tonnes, compared to 196,660 tonnes one year earlier Thereportstatesthat this outcome was primarily on account of a surge in the production of Metallurgical Grade Bauxite (MAZ) to 1,461,292 tonnes, compared to975tonnesoneyearprior. Further, production of ChemicalGradeBauxite (Continuedonpage10)
APNU, MP, Sharma Solomon
In the wake of loss
There is a tremor that passes t h r o u g h a householdwhendeathenters bywayofillness.Itisnotthe loud commotion of catastrophe but the quieter, disorienting sense of an emptied chair, a bed gone still, a voice that will not be heardagain.
Families who lose loved ones after days or weeks in or in and out of a hospital often stagger beneath a burden no visitor can fully appreciate. Their grief is a complicated weather—part storm, part fog—and within that confusion arises a deep human need: a need for answers.Themind,tryingto steady itself after loss, gropes for explanations the wayafrightenedchildmight reach for a railing in the dark.
In these moments, it is not unusual for sorrow to find a target. A hospital wing, an attending physician, a nurse who looked tired at the wrong hour any of these can become, in the distraught imagination, the villain of thestory Forwhentheheart breaks,theminddoeswhatit can to relieve the pressure.
Andsometimesthesimplest way to understand the unbearable is to assign the weight to someone else Blameisgrief’sfirstcrutch. This is not to say that medical errors never occur or that concerns should be brushed aside But the immediateinstincttoaccuse, to frame the hospital as a careless custodian of life, is oftenmoreareflectionofthe family’s trauma than of the facts.Wearecreatureswired to search for patterns, for causes, for someone who might have nudged fate in thewrongdirection.
When a loved one dies under medical care, the grief-stricken mind can rarely accept that nature, disease, biology, or simply the frailty of the human vesselmightberesponsible. It seems too random, too cruel, too indifferent A nameable culprit, on the otherhand,givesformtothe formless.
The public, moved by empathy, tends to form a sympathetic chorus around the bereaved. We hear the family’s account, feel the rawness of their loss, and instinctively align ourselves withthem.Thereisdecency
in this, for no one wishes to appearcoldorclinicalinthe faceofsuffering.
Yetthisinstinct,nobleas itisatitsroot,carriesdanger It tempts us to judge before listening, to decide before knowing And in our eagerness to stand with the grieving, we may inadvertently trample over thetruth.
There is a human tendency to reach conclusionswithmorehaste than care, and of not pausing—of letting the full story unspool. In matters of life and death, this pause becomes even more essential. For hospitals and the people within them operate in an environment where outcomes are never guaranteed, where even the most skilled hands cannot alwaysoutmaneuverillness. Doctorsandnursescarrythe burdenoftheseuncertainties everyday;they,too,feelthe weightofeachloss.Theydo notemergeunscathedbyit.
Still, institutions owe explanations. A family in mourning does not simply want facts; it needs them. It seeks a narrative that makes sense of its anguish, something that can bear the
DEM BOYS SEH
Start yuh Christmas early before the traffic tek yuh soul
DemBoysSehif you ain’t start
y o u r Christmas preparation yet, you better lef’this column right now and go find a broom,amop,oratleasta piece of cloth to start wiping somethinganything. Because, leh we tell you, Christmas in Guyanaisnotaseason;itis a full-blown construction project, spiritual revival, and social competition all inone.Andifyoudon’tget ahead of it, it gon run you down like de traffic on Sheriffindeafternoons.
Every year is the same thing: Guyanese wait until December 22nd to start “spring cleaning” that shoulda happen in spring. Suddenly everybody discovering a set of cobwebs, old curtains, mildewedornamentsanda mystery bowl in the fridge that predates the last election.Bythen,theentire country deh running ’bout like ants after somebody kickdownthehill.
Meanwhile, the wise ones are already sitting down in their clean, welldecorated homes by December 1st, legs crossed, remote in hand, listening to Andy Williams, Marcia Griffiths and “Long Time Ago in Bethlehem” blasting sweetly while the rest of allyuhpunishing. But no, some ah y’all like the adrenaline. Y’all like the panic. Y’all wait untilthetrafficstretchfrom Success to Giftland and then start wailing, “Why thislinesolong?”Asifthe roadsuddenlygetpregnant with cars overnight. So hearmeh:doyuhshopping early Because the traffic now bad like a wicked stepfather, and by midDecember, it gon be bad like a wicked stepmother thatloseshepensionbook. By Christmas Eve night, you should be home already, sittin’ down in a living room smelling like newpaint,newcurtain,and Pine-Sol. The fairy lights
load that the imagination, leftalone,wouldtrytocarry byitself.
When authorities delay inquiries or wrap them in opacity, they inadvertently deepensuspicion.Avacuum of information, like a vacuumofair,demandstobe filled—oftenbyspeculation, sometimes by resentment.
S w i f t , i m p a r t i a l investigationsarenotmerely bureaucratic exercises; they areactsofcompassion.They recognize the grieving family’sneedforclarity,and thewidercommunity’sneed forconfidenceinthesystem thattendstothesick.
The public, too, must tread carefully Mourning families deserve gentleness, patience,andunderstanding. They do not deserve to be thrust into an arena of judgment, nor should their
distress be amplified into mob conclusion. We must learntolovethemenoughto listen without leaping. To acknowledge their pain without immediately confirming their fears. To honour their grief without turning it into indictment before all voices have been heard.
There is wisdom in withholding verdicts until the story is complete. And thereisevengreaterwisdom in recognizing the fragile state of those who grieve.
Their search for meaning is not a failing it is a profoundly human response to a wound that cannot be seen but is felt constantly, likeabruisebeneaththeribs.
We, the observers, must not mistake this search for certainty
In the end, the call is a
simple one: let compassion guide our hearts, and patience guide our judgments. Loss is hard enough without the world rushing hastily to conclusions.Andifwemove with both tenderness and restraint, we may find that truth not sentiment, not suspicion has room to surface, offering the only kind of closure grief will everfullyaccept.
(The views expressed in this article are those of the author and do not necessarily reflect the opinionsofthisnewspaper.)
twinkling,thehamalready slice off, the ginger beer bubbling, the black cake hiding like it in witness protection. And there you are, listening to the Christmas playlist on your stereo, smiling because you don’t have to join the chaos on the road Meanwhile, the rest of Guyana stuck in traffic so long they coulda write a thesis before reaching town.
And best of all—you get to brag. Oh, Guyanese lovebragging.Imaginethe joyoftellingpeople,“Me? I done shop long time.” Watch how their eye turn red-red like pepper Is the little things that bring Christmas cheer So fuh mehboysseh—cleanearly, decorate early, shop early, then sit down like royalty in yuh pristine kingdom. Leteverybodyelsefightup withtrafficandlast-minute stress You? You just relaxing and pressing play on“FelizNavidad.” Talkhalf.Leffhalf.
H@RD TRUTHS
Thanksgivingforoil,cursingatragicdiamond
Th e r e i s thanksgiving for this national oil inheritance, all 11 billion barrels of it. Thanksgiving to divine providence and Exxon for the many other billions of barrels still to be disclosed.
Not undiscovered and waitinginthewaterydepths to be found, but those
discovered and not disclosed. In wishing Mr Alistair Routledge and the otherAmericansonhisteam a Happy Thanksgiving, I apologizeforplacingExxon
second and divine providence (God) first There is praise and thanks for this Guyanese oil bonanza, but I would be stiffingmyfellowcitizens,if I pretended not to know the tragic resource curse that it hasbecome.
Like the ill-fated Hope Diamond. Since I know, I must share, in the spirit of Thanksgiving.
Look at what the arrival of oil has done to the men and women leading the way inGuyana.
Thosewhowerefanatics whenever the word colonialism came up, are now the closest disciples of colonialism's bigger twin brother, the one known as commercialism.
From down with colonialism to up with commercialism. A UNDP team came here to study Guyana's always stormy elections, and delivered just what its British funders made a part of their terms.
Allisbrightandbeautifulat GECOM; magnificent elections, a majestic achievement. Money talks, theotherstuffwalks.
On this Thanksgiving Day, Guyanese absorb how leaders progress from cursing colonialism to welcoming the new colonizers, those who make the cash registers jingle, but
leave the poor masses more impoverished than before. Guyanesetopdogsandtheir p u p s f e a s t i n g o n Thanksgiving turkey and its trimmings, while the savages (I take the liberty) are left the turkey's teeth to consume.
FromAmericatoGuyana with love. Indoctrinating the natives has a price, and somebody has to pay it. In socialism, everyone gets a slice; in oil capitalism, it is survival of the cleverest and theslickest. Justtakealook andalistentotheswiveling, sizzling brothers, Ali and Jagdeo.
Happy Thanksgiving, captains.
I tell people that those who touch oil, do well to recalltherecordoftheHope Diamond. Playthefoolwith it, and be ready to collect a fool's reward. There was Trinidad. There was Iraq. There is Nigeria. There is Venezuela.
Somehow the fellas in charge here convince themselves that they are smarter than all the rest put together ButIcaution. Oil is a gun that shoots both ways. It is part of what's brandedbythebrightpeople asresourcecurse.
My definition is different. He who plays games with oil ends up in a lakeoffire. RecalltheShah of Persia swaggering on his peacockthrone.
Wasn't he the king of kings in a valley known for producingkings!
He couldn't even get a bricktocallhishome,layhis head.
Thesuperstarsherethink that they have all the bases covered Sanctity of contract. They cursed the contract first; now they sanctifyit.
Now they in the PPP consecratethemselvesasthe foremost champions of that samecontractthattheyonce
condemned Exxon
celebratestoday,butthereis the sacrilege of sanctity of contract. Dress that up in a SavileRowsuit,orwrapitin zinc sheet, and sanctity of contract is the new imperialism. Sanctity of con
s of men worshipping before the altars of hypocrisy, expediency, and slavery Theytellusthatsovereignty matters so much that territorial integrity must be defended with sweat and tears.
And the bugles moaning Taps (or the Last Post), shoulditcometothatfateful pass. Then the same PPP patriots turn right around, without a blink, and herald sanctity of contract. The sacred, incomparable integ
ity of national sovereignty made to bow down before sanctity of contract.
This is the curse that leading men call on themselves, when they sell thebirthrightofapeoplefor asecureplaceforthemselves ontheladderofgovernance. These are the same ones
urging Guyanese to put sovereignty and territorial integrity on the highest pedestal.
This oil has been a blessing for masters, local and foreign. The Curse of Caracas hangs right next to it, and exposing the vulnerable masses of Guyanese. Citizens don't need a Jagdeo to make their livesedgy
They have Maduro, or his successors, to do that in spades. Thanksgiving - a time of men making merry from the opulence of Guyana'soil. Thanksgiving -thecursethatcomeswithit: one imperial power to the North(acorporateone),and another imperial power (a neighbour)totheWest. This oil is like that Hope Diamond: glittering and exciting in the beginning; haunting and destroying in its owning Happy Thanksgivingtoall,all.
(The views expressed in this article are those of the author and do not necessarily reflect the opinionsofthisnewspaper.)
Frompage6
Guyana'sroadstandardswill alsobeupdatedtoreflectthe latest global best practices adaptedtolocalconditions. Beyond concrete and asphalt,theprojectinvestsin people, providing certified training for women in road c o n s t r u c t i o n a n d maintenance, challenging stereotypes, and fostering inclusive progress,” Doretti stated She added: “As Guyana observes Road Safety Month, it is essential to remember the impact infrastructurehasonshaping society's future The I
demonstrates Guyana's commitment to building not onlybetterroads,butafuture where safe, inclusive, and sustainable progress is the standard.
Theroadtowardafuture where no one loses their life on Guyana's roads is possible. As the Prime Minister affirmed, "Guyana's roads should not inspire fear; they should unite communities, enable commerce, and bring families safely to their destinations."
Over200,000ounces...
Frompage8 (CGB) and other bauxite increased to 156,868 tonnes and 21,841 tonnes respectively However, production of tailings bauxite declined by 56.6 percentto20,493tonnesand production of Refractory Aggregate Super Calcined Grade Bauxite (RASC) declined by 3.7 percent to 89,120tonnes. Moreover, crushed stone declarationincreasedby95.5 percent to 2,657,275 tonnes
from 1,359,546 tonnes, while sand declared increased by 8.1 percent to 6,041,445tonnes,duringthe reviewperiod.
Central Bank stated that the increase in declarations wasprimarilydrivenbyhigh demand fuelled by constructionactivitiesacross thecountry
Also, manganese productionincreasedby31.4 percent to 165,381 tonnes compared to 125,833 tonnes oneyearprior
Familyoftoddlerwholostbothkidneys seekinglawyerstotakeonGPHC
The family of 17-monthold Deandre Prashad, the toddler who died after reportedly losing both kidneysduringsurgeryatthe Georgetown Public Hospital Corporation (GPHC) is now actively seeking lawyers to represent them as they move to file a malpractice case
against the hospital
The 18-year-old mother ofthechild,ShenniaAllenof Belmont, Mahaica, East
Coast Demerara, is demanding justice for her son, alleging that doctors mistakenly removed both kidneys during a procedure that was intended to remove only one. She accuses the h o s p i t a l o f g r o s s malpractice, misdiagnosis, and negligence, which she believes directly led to Deandre's death on September 22, 2025. Allen said her son endured severe pain and suffering before he died, and she is pleading for
a c c o u n t a b i l i t y
After going public with their story, the family decided to take legal action against the hospital. A close relative speaking on behalf of the family said they are urgently seeking lawyers willing to assist with the case. “The family is willing and ready to accept any lawyer who can help us. We needjusticeforDeandre.We are planning to take legal actions,” the relative stated.
The family member further revealed that although they initially intended to pursue legal action earlier, they were unable to obtain crucial medical documents from the hospital “When Deandre was hospitalized, the family wrote and sent a letter requesting copies of all tests andscansdoneonhim.Upto the time he died, we never received the information They only gave us a medical report. They even made us pay $5,000 just to put the letter on a flash drive for them to retrieve it, yet they still refused to print and give us the documents We neededthoserecordstobuild our case, but they wouldn't hand them over,” she e x p l a i n e d
A request letter dated August 4, 2025, and shared with this publication, asked the hospital for a detailed report and copy of the patient's file, previous diagnoses and treatments, hospitaladmissions,surgical notes,andalldiagnostictests performed since birth, including lab results,
ultrasounds, CT scans, urine cultures, and other tests
Although the hospital respondedonAugust27with a report outlining Prashad's treatment and medical approach, it did not provide the requested copies of the d i a g n o s t i c t e s t s
According to a request letter dated August 4, 2025 issued by the family shared with this publication, states that the requests “detailed report on the patient file, previous diagnosis and treatment, previous hospital admissions, surgical notes, and all diagnostic tests performed by the GPHC since birth including lab tests, ultrasound, CT scans, urine cultures and other t e s t s . ”
The hospital responded to the letter on August 27 detailed Prashad treatment and medical approach but did not present copies of the tests to the family
According to the report, the hospital stated that Prashad was originally treated for “ s e v e r e L E F T hydronephrosis, suggestive of LEFT PUJO,” and was believed to have a nonfunctional left kidney and a normal right kidney After more than a year of followup, including cystoscopy, repeated ultrasounds, and management for recurrent urinary infections, doctors recommended a left nephrectomy to protect his r i g h t k i d n e y
The report notes that the surgery on July 21, 2025 “went smoothly, with minimal blood loss,” and that the specimen removed appeared consistent with a hydronephrotic, nonfunctioning kidney However,withinhoursofthe operation, Prashad stopped producing urine. By the next morning, he was “anuric,” (inability to produce urine” a n d n e w i m a g i n g unexpectedlyshowedthathe was “anephric” (person who is without kidneys)
A multidisciplinary review revealed that
Deandre actually had “fused cross renal ectopia with a single vascular pedicle and a single collecting system on the LEFT side,” meaning both kidneys were fused together on the left. As a result, the nephrectomy removed all functioning
r e n a l t i s s u e
The report confirms that Prashad went into acute renal failure and required urgent peritoneal dialysis. A dialysis catheter was placed
and dialysis began the following morning
P a t h o l o g y l a t
confirmed “crossed fused renal ectopia” as the true diagnosis. Since July 22, Deandre has remained on continuous peritoneal dialysis. The hospital noted complications including left ventricular hypertrophy and one episode of suspected peritonitis, but stated that “peritoneal dialysis has been successful in managing his fluid and electrolyte status.”
In a statement on We
, G P H C
a n investigation into the matter has been completed and is currently under review by the relevant authorities and oversight bodies “to ensure accuracy, fairness, and completeness.” The hospital further pledged that it will s
d recommendations arising from the investigation in a
Dead:17-month old Deandre Prashad
7-year-old suffers broken legs following road accident
...three others hospitalised
A student of the Overwinning Primary School, East Bank Berbice, is now hospitalised at the Georgetown Public Hospital Corporation (GPHC), while three others are also nursing injuries after they were involved in an accidentonMondayevening.
Dextroy Reid, of Islington, East Bank Berbice, was with his family in a vehicle returning home from the airport when their vehicle crashed into
a culvert at the Berbice River Bridge Access Road, Palmyra, East Canje Berbice.
His mother, Rayanna Hikel, told Kaieteur News that she is not fully updated on what really transpired, but confirmedthatherson,aunt,sisterand her brother-in-law were all in the vehicle at the time. Her initial theory was the vehicle may have swerved from an animal on the road, or may
havecollidedwithanothervehicle. Police reports later confirmed that the incident occurred at 11:59pm, involving motor car PAJ 1625, driven bya57-year-oldmaleofMartinLuther Housing Scheme, New Amsterdam, withthreeoccupants.
Preliminary enquiries indicated that the vehicle was proceeding east along the northern drive lane allegedly atafastratewhenthedriverreportedly lost control and collided with a culvert onthesouthernsideoftheroad.
As a result of the collision, the driver and occupants received injuries abouttheirbodies.Theinjuredpersons include the child, the 57-year-old (Continued on page 16)
Missing Stewartville woman died by drowning -
Autopsy
A p o s t - m o r t e m examinationonthebodyof38year-old Chandini “Savi” Persaud,whowasfoundonthe Stewartville seawall on November 16, revealed that shediedbydrowning.
Divisional Commander, Assistant Commissioner Mahendra Siwnarine, told this p u b l
h e examinationwasconductedon Wednesday and revealed drowningasthecauseofdeath.
“ P M
d drowning,”hesaid.
P
Dead: Chandini Persaud called ‘Savi’
We
C
Demerara, was reported missing at the Leonora Police StationonTuesday,November 18, after relatives said she had not been seen since November 14.According to police, ranks responded on November 16 to a report of a body lying along the Stewartville seawall. The scene was processed, and the unidentified remains were takentoEzekielFuneralHome for identification and a postmortem On Thursday, November 20, a friend of Persaud visited the funeral home and positively identified
Persaud as someone who struggled with mental illness. They said she lived alone and was employed as a teacher at a private school. A close friend also confirmed that Persaud had been experiencing “bouts ofdepression.”
“Savi struggled with her mental health and lately her mentalhealthhasn'tbeeninthe best state. She's been having bad thoughts… The condition shewaslastseeninwasknown to be fragile, but she knew herself,” a woman identifying herself as Persaud's friend wroteinaFacebookpost.
With the PME confirming drowningascauseofdeath,the investigation into the matter has been concluded, the commanderrevealed.
byadistinctivetattoo.
Little Dextroy Reid whose legs are both broken
Officers seen removing the injured victims
City shuts down illegal Cuban-run daycare
The Mayor and City
C o u n c i l o f
Georgetown, through its Public Health Department, has shut down an illegal daycare operation reportedly run by Cubannationals,afteruncovering unsafe and substandard conditions during a surprise enforcementexercise.
In a press release, the council said the operation was led by MedicalOfficerofHealthSuzette Reynolds, Chief Environmental Health Officer,Abiola Baker, and officers of the Childcare and Protection Agency (CC&PA), alongsideSeniorRegistrationand Licensing Officer Ms Canterbury
Upon inspection of the Robb Street location, CC&PA officers removed all children and their caregiver, transporting them to the agency's Broad Street office for processing and safeguarding. Parents were contacted and retrieved their children after interviews with authorities. They were subsequently referred to register at compliant daycare facilities closer to their workplaces to ensure proper care.
...children removed, parents alerted
School-aged childrenfound at the site were referred to the Ministry of Education for appropriate placementandfollow-up.
Authorities reported a series of troubling findings at the illegal
A26-year-old gold miner of
Angoy's Avenue, New Amsterdam, Berbice and a 30year-old female nursing assistant of Rosignol, West Bank Berbice, were arrested on Tuesday for having over 30kg of marijuana in their possession in the vicinity ofHarmonyHallMahaicony
Photos showing the unsanitary conditions at the illegal daycare facility
facility, including: Severe overcrowding; no potties and inadequate sanitary provisions; caregiver untrained and not naturalised as a Guyanese; poor environmental hygiene and other
Gold Miner, nurse arrested with over 30kg of ganja
Accordingtoastatementfromthepolice, ranks observed a motorcar parked on the northern side of the road in the vicinity of Harmony Hall while they were conducting a patrol. The vehicle was approached and contactmadewiththetwooccupants.
The vehicle was searched and three large garbage bags containing seven transparent compressed parcels with leaves, seeds and stems suspected to be cannabis were discovered.
They were placed under arrest and escorted to the Mahaicony Police Station alongwiththesuspectednarcoticswhichwas subsequently weighed in their presence.
Police said the narcotics were lodged, and both individuals were taken into custody as investigationscontinue.
conditions.
The Mayor and City Council is urging the public to ensure that any daycare service used is registered, licensed, and fully
compliant with national childcare andpublichealthregulations.The Council says it will continue working with relevantagenciesto protect children and hold illegal operatorsaccountable.
The seized narcotics
Guyana and France step up cross border crime fight
...meeting follows major fake-passport bust
Guyana and France have ramped up their security partnership as Commissioner of Police Clifton Hicken and senior ranks of the Guyana Police Force (GPF) sat down this week with a high-levelFrenchdelegationledby Olivier Plançon, Ambassador of France to Guyana. The talks centred on strengthening operational coordination and building a more muscular response to the growing web of cross-border criminalactivityacrosstheGuyana Shield.
According to a release from the GPF, the French Commander of Police, Jean-Michel Canestrier and Mr Maxence Kauffmann, his collaborator,werealsopresent.The meeting held on Tuesday focused on bilateral security cooperation as well as developing new areas of strategic collaboration between the twopoliceforces.
“Commander Canestrier, the French regional security advisor competent for Guyana and Suriname, joined senior GPF officers in detailed discussions on
strengthening operational partnerships Both sides acknowledged the strong and effective working relationship that already exists between the two entities, which was recently demonstrated in the successful handlingofacaseinvolvingFrench fake passports. The discussions emphasised the importance of continued joint action and cooperation,”GPFsaid.
Inclusive in the key points discussed was the proposal for the
signing of a memorandum of understanding between the French and Guyana Police Forces, formalising the cooperation framework and support sustained partnership in critical security areas.
Additionally, both sides explored ways to strengthen mechanisms for operational coordination, including real-time exchangeofinformationandcrossborder alerts alongside investigative support. All of this is
in the aim to improve effectiveness of joint responses to criminal activities that impact both jurisdictions.
“Arrangements were discussed for joint visits to police facilities and services. These visits would allow both sides to better understand each other's systems, capabilities and best practices, further supporting coordinated operations,”thestatementsaid.
Also addressed in the meeting was cooperation regarding the digitisation and computerisation of police work. The discussions examined the use of investigative technologies, systems to manage data and border security tools to strengthen modernisation efforts withinbothpoliceforces.
Capacity building and training were also key areas of focus, and both sides agreed that initial action could begin with training in the detection of fake documents. The training will cover the identification of features in the Guyanese, French and European Union identity and travel documents, as well as the methods that are used in the production and detection of fraudulent documents and investigative techniques for document fraud cases. A wider trainingplanwillbefinalisedlater
“Officials acknowledged that GuyanaandFrancethroughFrench Guiana, face similar criminal
threats across the Guyana Shield. These include narcotrafficking, gold smuggling, human trafficking and arms trafficking and illegal immigration. The meeting also noted that illegal immigration is expectedtoincreasewiththerecent launch of the direct flight between Georgetown and Amsterdam Schiphol, one of Europe's major airport hubs Strengthened cooperation will enhance both countries' ability to monitor, investigate and prevent crossborder criminal activity,” the GPF added.
Also attending the meeting were Deputy Commissioner 'Administration', Mr Ravindradat Budhram; Finance Officer, Senior Superintendent Bharat Persaud; Head of the Strategic Planning & Implementation Unit for Police Reform, Senior Superintendent, Dr Nicola Kendall and Second-inCommand 'Administration', Superintendent Ms Jewel Sullivan.
“The Guyana Police Force reaffirms its commitment to strong regional and international partnerships to ensure the safety, security and well-being of all citizens. The Force looks forward to deepening its cooperation with French authorities as both sides continue to confront shared transnational threats,” the police said.
High-ranking officials of the Guyana and French Police Forces pose for a photo.
APNU demands answers about Mandall's reinstatement
A Partnership for National Unity (APNU) is demanding clarity and transparency on the reinstatement of former Commander of Region
Three and Assistant Commissioner, Khalid Mandall.
Both the People's National Congress Reform
(PNCR) and the APNU coalition noted that it is concerning that Mandall would be reinstated without explanation.
Mandall was sent on administrative leave to facilitate the investigation intothedeathof11-year-old Adrianna Younge who was founddeadinthepoolofthe
Double Day International Hotel, Tuschen, East Bank EssequibobackinAprilthis year
“This development raises legitimate questions about transparency, accountability, and the processes governing such decisions The Adrianna Younge case touched the
Walrond orders police ranks to strip illegal tint from vehicles
Minister of
HomeAffairs,
O n e i d g e Walrond, has issued a firm directive to all members of the Guyana Police Force (GPF),warningthatanyrank found with illegal tint on their private vehicles will
f a c e d i s c i p l i n a r y consequences
In a strong statement issuedonherFacebookpage, the minister said all ranks who have tint that does not comply with national regulations and who do not possess a valid tint permit must remove the tint immediately Shestressedthatnorank isallowedtoreinstallanytint unless a formal application has been made and an approved permit has been
g r a n t e d Wa l r o n d
underscoredthatmembersof thePoliceForcemustbethe firsttoupholdthelaw:“Letit beclearlyunderstoodthatthe law applies to everyone equally Those empowered to enforce the law must be the first to uphold it,” she stated.
Back in October, Vice PresidentBharratJagdeohad said that government was movingtostreamlinevehicle tintpermits Accordingtothe Vice President, the Home Affairs Minister had received numerous requests for tint permits He said the government plans to lift the tint permit requirement by establishing a standardised tint level for regular road users,whichwillexceedthe current 35% limit A
separate, higher tint standard will be set for security forces and diplomats. “Now, everyone wants an exemption. We may just have two levels: one for security forces and diplomats, and another tint level, maybe a little higher thanwhatexistsnow There is no exemption, so you can't run down a minister every day for an exemption permit,”Jagdeostated. Under existing laws, applicants for tint permits must submit a letter to the Minister of Home Affairs, along with supporting documents justifying their request Jagdeo emphasised thattheMinister'stimecould be better utilised than addressing these permit requests
A trapped Census and a blindfolded...
Frompage4 live in the country or where they live. How can a budget be credible when its foundational numbers come from 2012 and guesswork?
How can planners meaningfully address migration surges, urban expansion, overcrowded schools, or shifting labourforce needs when the nation's baseline dataset is missing?
Guyana cannot boast of modern governance while operating without modern
data The economy is expanding rapidly, migration patterns are shifting dramatically, and demand for public services is rising unevenly across regions Yet the most essential planning tool, a Census, is trapped in unexplained delay, with no timeline, no accountability, and now, no urgency
conscienceofthenationand highlighted several unresolved issues that warrantedclearandcredible follow-up Given the seriousnessofthematter,the public reasonably expected full disclosure and a proper accounting of any i n v e s t i g a t i v e o r administrative review conducted.ThereturnofMr Mandall to active duty without any accompanying explanation has therefore contributedtopublicunease and the perception that important decisions affecting public trust are being managed without adequate communication,” thestatementsaid.
PNCR/APNU said it is reaffirming its longstanding position that accountability,
due process, and public confidence in the Guyana Police Force must remain paramount, holding to the belief that that the institutions of the state function best when the public is kept informed and when decisions are accompanied by clear justification.
“In this regard, we respectfully call on the relevant authorities to provide a full and transparent explanation to the people of Guyana. Key questions remain: Who a u t h o r i s e d t h e reinstatement? What review or investigation informed this decision? Why was the public not updated on a matter with significant implications for trust in law
enforcement?”itasked.
In this light, the party said citizens deserve clarity, fairness and openness in all mattersthattouchjusticeand national institutions, thereforethereshouldbethe s t r e n g t h e n i n g o f accountability, democracy, and transparency in order to promote confidence in the systems that serve the people.
“The PNCR/APNU remains committed to advocating for fairness, truth,andequalitybeforethe law We will continue to engage constructively and responsibly to ensure that national institutions operate withthehigheststandardsof integrity The people of Guyanadeservenoless,”the partysaid.
Bids out for outfitting of hospitality & tourism training facility
The Ministry of
Educationisseekingbidsfor theprocurementofanumber of equipment for the new hospitality and tourism training institute currently underconstruction.
According to a notice issued by the ministry, the government has received financing from the Caribbean Development Bank (CDB) towards the cost of building and outfitting a hospitality and tourismtrainingfacility The ministry noted that part of theproceedswillgotowards the project which is divided intosixlots.
openonDecember18,2025 at the National Procurement and Tender Administration (NPTAB)office.
In December 2020, the CDB approved a US$11 million(approximately$2.3 billion) loan for the developmentoftheinstitute.
The project was signed on December 12, 2023 and works on the structure are expectedtobecompletedon January21,2026.
and manage the growing tourism and hospitality sectorinGuyana.
At the sod-turning ceremony, then Minister of Tourism, Industry and
Commerce, Oneidge Walrond, said institute would equip students with hands-ontraininginaworldclass facility that would enhance their knowledge of thesector,includingmodern approaches required to operate at international industry standards Importantly, the skills acquired would allow for accesstodirecttourismjobs andotheropportunities.
TheMinistryofFinance, the Bureau of Statistics, and the wider government owe
immediate timetable for publication. Guyana cannot move forward on blind estimates. The data belongs to the people. It is time we seeit.
expressed by those responsible. The release of the Censusisnotoptional.Itisa m a t t e r o f p u b l i c transparency, electoral credibility, economic planning, and sound governance.
Yoursfaithfully, SherodDuncan,M.P
The lots include: Lot1butchery workshop equipment; Lot2 – pantry equipment; Lot3 – pastry kitchen equipment; Lot4 –hotkitchenequipment;Lot5 – mixology laboratory equipment; and Lot6 – food serviceequipment.
Bids are expected to
In February 2024, the sod was turned for the construction of the US$7,002,126 institute, beingfundedbytheCDBin collaboration with the education, finance, and tourismministries.
Kares Engineering Inc. and the architectural engineer,DeenandPartners, wereawardedthecontract.
When completed, the institute will equip personnelwiththeskillsand knowledgenecessarytostaff
“As we build out the curriculum, it will distinguish itself as being particularly tailored to our Indigenous services and our Indigenous communities andfocusonbuildingoutan eco-tourism product that is environmentally sound and friendly,”theministersaid.
Home Affairs Minister, Oneidge Walrond during a visit to the Dem Amstel Police Station back in September
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Avian influenza A(H5N1) continues
circulation in the Americas
Washington, D.C., November 25, 2025 (PAHO) –The Pan American Health Organization (PAHO) reported
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that avian influenza A(H5N1) continues to circulate in the Americas, with new outbreaks detected in birds, mammals, and sporadic human infections linked to exposure to the virus. Clade 2.3.4.4b—the region’s predominant strain since 2021—continues to drive the activity recorded in recent years.
Recent data indicates that 19 countries and territories have reported 5,136 outbreaks in animals since 2022, according to the epidemiological update released yesterday. Since mid October, 73 additional outbreaks have been recorded, primarily in domestic and wild birds. In 2025, nine countries have confirmed 508 outbreaks in birds, along with thousands of wild bird detections, especially in the United States and Canada.
cies—including dairy cattle—underscores the need to consider livestock and wildlife surveillance, according to the context of risk and epidemiological patterns.
PAHO reports that human cases remain rare. Since 2022, the Americas have reported 75 human H5N1 infections, with two deaths. In 2025, three cases occurred in the United States and one in Mexico. Additional zoonotic influenza infections include one human case of A(H5N2) in Mexico and one human case of A(H5N5) in the United States—the latter representing the first A(H5N5) infection reported globally.
been identified across three continents.
With the virus now detected in 22 countries on three continents, including mammal outbreaks reported in the Americas to the World Organization for Animal Health (WOAH), it is clear that the threat goes beyond the poultry sector. Since 2003, WHO has received reports of 991 human H5N1 cases, with a case-fatality rate of 48%, in 25 countries worldwide.
that there is no evidence the virus can be transmitted to humans through the consumption of properly cooked poultry products, and stresses the importance of having strong detection, reporting, and response mechanisms in place for new outbreaks or suspected cases.
Avian influenza virus
PAHO, in collaboration with WOAH and FAO, urges countries to strengthen animal and human surveillance in affected areas; reinforce biosecurity protocols; enhance intersectoral coordination; and ensure integrated analysis of epidemiological and virological data.
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The geographic spread and high frequency of outbreaks in poultry and wild birds continue to challenge biosecurity and food production across the region. The update also notes ongoing activity in mammals. Canada and the United States have reported 77 outbreaks in wild and domestic mammals so far this year. Since March 2024, the United States has detected infections in dairy cattle in 18 states, with more than 1,000 herds affected. The detection of the virus in non-avian spe-
These recent human cases highlight the importance of early detection through epidemiological, virological, and genomic surveillance—both human and animal—to identify any changes in the virus, as well as timely clinical management and contact tracing. Most cases have been associated with direct contact with infected animals, with no evidence of person-to-person transmission.
Globally, since 2020, clade 2.3.4.4b of H5N1 has caused extensive mortality in birds across Africa, Asia, and Europe and later spread to North, Central, and South America. Mammalian outbreaks have
Countries are also urged to actively monitor populations at higher risk of exposure—including poultry and backyard farmers, veterinarians, farm workers, and those involved in wildlife management—to identify early clinical signs such as respiratory illness, conjunctivitis, or neurological symptoms. PAHO also emphasizes the need to enforce strict biosecurity measures and the appropriate use of personal protective equipment (PPE) in farms, laboratories, and health facilities. The update reiterates
Avian influenza is caused by certain subtypes of the Influenza A virus, which primarily affect birds, although they can occasionally infect mammals, including humans. These viruses are classified into subtypes based on their surface proteins—hemagglutinin (H) and neuraminidase (N)—such as H5N1 or H5N2. Wild aquatic birds are the main reservoir and can transmit the virus to domestic poultry, leading to outbreaks that impact animal production.
Avian influenza viruses are also classified into genetic clades, which represent evolutionary lineages defined by specific mutations in their genome. Currently, clade 2.3.4.4b of H5N1 predominates in the Americas and has been responsible for most recent outbreaks in birds and mammals. Genomic surveillance is key to detecting viral changes that may affect spread, severity, or the ability to infect new species.
7-year-old suffers broken legs following...
From page 12 driver, and the child’s 30-yearold aunt of Islington Village, East Bank Berbice; and a 66year-old female of South Ozone Park, New York, U.S.A. They were assisted by public-spirited citizens and EMT personnel and trans-
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ported to the New Amsterdam Public Hospital, where they were seen and treated.
Three of the injured were admitted for fractures and other injuries.
The grade three pupil sustained major injuries;
both legs were broken as a result of the accident, and he was immediately transported to the New Amsterdam Regional Hospital that evening. However, on Tuesday morning, he was referred to the GPHC where he awaits surgery on Thursday.
The child’s aunt is undergoing emergency surgery at the New Amsterdam Hospital for soft tissue injuries.
Her brother-in-law suffered injuries to his hips, Hikel confirmed. The vehicle has since been lodged as investigations continue.
Govt. launches new jewellers association to shake up gold industry
The Ministry of N a t u r a l Resources, in partnershipwiththeGuyana Gold Board and the Guyana Geology and Mines Commission on Wednesday launched the Guyana JewellersAssociation(GJA) at a stakeholder meeting at Duke Lodge, Georgetown.
The launch of the association marks a major step in modernising and unifying the country's rapidly growing jewellery sector
The new association
forms part of the government's Guyana Gold and Jewellery Development
Strategy Programme (GG&JDSP)andisexpected to become the main representative body for jewellers, goldsmiths,
m
operators,andotherindustry players. Officials say the GJAwillstrengthenindustry
standards, sharpen competitiveness, support export readiness, and boost consumer confidence in locallymadejewellery
- move aims to boost standards, push Guyanese jewellery onto global markets
Department of Public Information (DPI) press
government's commitment todevelopingthecountry's gold value chain and supporting businesses
acrossthejewellerysector
Theministeremphasised the importance of greater organisation, adherence to improved standards, and d
tion across the industry, noting that the ministry stands readytoworkwiththenew Association as a strategic p
development
Technical Consultant
Mr Dominic Gaskin delivered a presentation outlining the proposed framework, governance structure, membership categories,andobjectivesof theGJA.
S
invited to provide feedback
and identify areas where additional support would be required as the association begins its work. During the meeting, members elected the inaugural nine-member Board of the GJA. Positions
filled included Mr Gowkaran Persaud Chairman,Mr VadePersaud
Vice Chairman, Ms
Deborah Phillipe Secretary, Mr Rampersaud Gopaul Treasurer, as well as Raj Pe
s
d and Stephen Naraine as Directors, the boardwillalsohavethreeex officio representatives from key government agencies. The Board will lead the initial establishment phase of the association and coordinate early sectordevelopmentactivities.
The event saw strong participationfromacrossthe jewellery value chain, inc
goldsmiths, retailers, w
o
s, equipment suppliers, and
s from nationalagenciessuchasthe Guyana National Bureau of Standards (GNBS), Guyana Revenue Authority (GRA), MinistryofTourism,andthe Guyana Gold & Diamond MinersAssociation.
The Ministry of Natural Resources welcomes the formation of the Guyana Jewellers Association and looks forward to continued collaboration as Guyana advances its value-added goldandjewellerysector
Some of the members of the board of the association
Palestinians struggle to live amid Israel’s attacks
(AL-JAZEERA) - Near a burned-out car that had beentargetedinfrontoftheir home,FaiqAjourstoodwith other family members cleaning up scattered debris andshatteredglass.
Faiqhadbeenonhisway to buy a few items from a nearby vegetable stall when the Israeli strike hit on Saturday.
“Isurvivedbyamiracle. Ihadjustcrossedthestreet,” he told Al Jazeera The Palestinian described his shock – and his fear that it was his house that had been hitbytheIsraeliattack.
Thatwasn’tthecase,and as he ran back towards the scene, he found his family, physically unharmed. But his three young daughters shookwithfear,worriedthat Israel’s genocidal war on Gaza – which was supposed tohavebeensuspendedafter the introduction of a ceasefire in October – had returned.
Israel has repeatedly attacked Gaza since that ceasefire began, accusing thePalestiniangroupHamas of ceasefire violations Hamas denies that, and Palestinians point out that it is Israel that has used overwhelming force since the ceasefire began,
violating it 500 times, and killing more than 342 civilians, including 67 children. The five killed in Gaza City’s al-Abbas area, where Faiq lives, were among24killedonSaturday across the Gaza Strip by Israel.
“Thisisanightmare,not aceasefire,”Faiqsaid.“Ina single moment after some calm,lifeturnsasifit’sawar again.”
“You see body parts, smoke, shattered glass, killed people, ambulances. Scenes we still haven’t
healedfromandthathaven’t leftourmemories.”
‘Losthopeineverything’ Faiq, 29 years old and originallyfromeasternGaza C i t y ’ s T u f f a h neighbourhood,hassuffered immensely during the war He described losing 30 members of his extended family in February 2024, includinghisparentsandhis brother’s children, after an Israelistrikeonahousethey were all staying in. The strike severely injured his wife, forcing doctors to amputateoneofherfingers.
“My mother and father were killed, my brother’s son,myaunt,mycousins thewholefamilywasgone,” Faiqrecalled.
Faiqhassincemovedhis familyacrossGazaCityand to central Gaza to escape Israeliforces,allinsearchof “a safety that doesn’t exist”, as he puts it. Since October, hehasbeentryingtoadaptto what he calls “the so-called ceasefire”, but says there is stillnosafety
“Every few days, there’s awaveofbombardmentand targeted strikes, and
everything is turned upside downwithoutwarning.”
“We are exhausted,” he added. “Life in Gaza is 99 percent dead, and the ceasefire was just 1 percent ofanattempttoreviveit.But we have lost hope in everything.”
Faiq used to work with his father in the clothing trade, but the war has meant that they have lost everything. He can’t reach his home, which is inside what Israel terms the “yellow line”, under total Israeli control, with access for Palestinians heavily restricted.
“There’s no construction there, no work, no infrastructure,nolife,andno safety,” Faiq said “So, whereistheendofthewar?”
“Today I just sit at home 24hoursaday,andthere’sno sign of life,” he added “We’re surviving on bitterness We’re not just frustrated We’re in a catastrophe.Letuslive let us reopen our shops reopenthecrossings letus liveourlives.”
Nosecondphase
The question of what comes next in Gaza continues to be endlessly debated, both inside and outside of the Palestinian enclave.
United States President Donald Trump’s 20-point planforGazanowcallsfora transitional technocratic government, made up of “qualified Palestinians and international experts”, all under the supervision of an international “board of peace”, to be headed by Trumphimself.
Theplanalsotalksabout an economic development strategyandaninternational stabilisation force, all designed to signal that stability and progress are on thecardsforGaza.
But the details are still unclear, particularly as the US and Israel reject any future role for Hamas, and the sheer amount of devastation left behind by Israel in Gaza, meaning that arebuildoftheterritorywill takeyears.Israelitselfisalso unwillingtofullycommitto anendtothewar,withPrime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu under pressure from his far-right political allies Ahed Farwana, a Palestinian political analyst and a specialist in Israeli affairs, believes that Israel wants the current state of limbo in Gaza to continue and avoid moving on to the reconstructionoftheStrip.
HongKong’sdeadliesthigh-risefireinyears leaves
(AP) Hong Kong’s deadliestfireinyearsblazed through high-rise apartment buildings into the night Wednesday as the city’s leader confirmed at least 36 people, including a firefighter, had died and another 279 people were reportedmissing.
Hundreds of residents were evacuated as the blaze spread across seven of the eight buildings in a housing complex in Tai Po district, a suburbintheNewTerritories
At least 29 others remained hospitalized Bright flames and smoke shot out of windows as night fell Investigators will be looking intofactorsincludingwhether material on the exterior walls ofhigh-risebuildingsmetfire resistance standards, as the rapid spread of the fire was unusual,authoritiessaid
Officials earlier said the fire started on the external scaffolding of one of the buildings,a32-storeytower,
atleast36dead,279reported
andlaterspreadtoinsidethe building and then to nearby buildings, likely aided by windyconditions.
“Police and the Fire Services Department have already set up a dedicated investigation team to investigate” the fire and its cause,JohnLee,HongKong’s chief executive, said The probe includes whether criminal elements are involved
ChineseleaderXiJinping on Wednesday expressed condolences to the firefighter who died and extended sympathies to the families of thevictims,accordingtostate broadcaster CCTV He also urged efforts to minimize casualtiesandlosses
The fire at three of the buildings was “coming under control” shortly past midnight, according to the FireServicesDepartment.
The housing complex consisted of eight buildings with almost 2,000
major
missing
column of flames and thick smoke rose as the blaze spread quickly on bamboo scaffoldingandconstruction netting that had been set up around the exterior of the buildings.About900people wereevacuatedtotemporary shelters.Authorities said that hundredsoffirefighters,police officers and paramedics were deployed Firefighters aimed water at the intense flames fromhighuponladdertrucks
The blaze, which started mid-afternoon, was upgraded alevel5alarm thehighest level of severity as night fell. Authorities said that conditions remained very challengingforfirefighters
“Debrisandscaffoldingof the affected buildings (is) falling down,” said Derek Armstrong Chan, deputy director of Fire Service operations “The temperature insidethebuildingsconcerned isveryhigh.It’sdifficultforus to enter the building and go upstairstoconductfirefighting
andrescueoperations”
The fire department said that it received “numerous” calls requesting assistance It said some residents remained trapped as of Wednesday night Firefighters deployed morethan140firetrucksand more than 60 ambulances to thescene
The dead included a 37year-old firefighter, while anotherreceivedtreatmentfor heat exhaustion, Director of Fire Services Andy Yeung said DistrictofficialsinTaiPo have opened temporary shelters for people left homelessbythefire.
“I’ve given up thinking aboutmyproperty,”aresident who only provided her surname, Wu, told local TV station TVB “Watching it burn like that was really frustrating.” Tai Po is a suburban area in the New Territories, in the northern part of Hong Kong and near theborderwiththemainland ChinesecityofShenzhen.
Raghda Obeid with three of her children in front of the tent that currently houses them in Gaza City
[Abdelhakim Abu Riash/Al Jazeera]
People look at flames engulfing a building after a fire broke out at Wang Fuk Court, a residential estate in the Tai Po district of Hong Kong’s New Territories, Wednesday, Nov. 26 2025. (APPhoto/Chan Long
BLUNT BLUNT
A Cybercrime Law that targets all or protects none
Over a year ago, Attorney General Anil Nandlall thundered that “something has to be done” about the weaponisation of social media in Guyana.
President Ali later echoed him, vowing to confront those who use online platforms to smear and abuse citizens. Now, talk of revising the cybercrime law has resurfaced, but Guyanese have heard promises before. The truth is simple: both sides of the political divide harbour digital bullies.
The Opposition has its cyber hitmen, but the PPPC Government is equally guilty of nurturing online agents who terrorise anyone daring to criticise the administration. That is why any new cybercrime law will mean nothing unless it applies equally to government-linked offenders, opposition-aligned trolls, and independent abusers alike.
Section 19 of the current law already gives the government power to act, yet enforcement has been selective and politically convenient. A new law will be worthless if it continues that pattern. The Commonwealth urges reforms that protect free expression while punishing real cybercrime. Guyana needs that balance. What the nation does not need is another law used as a weapon against critics while shielding political loyalists.
Stephen Curry scores 31 points as Warriors run away from Jazz
SAN FRANCISCO
(AP) StephenCurrymade six 3-pointers and scored 31 points,JimmyButlerhad18 points, seven assists and six rebounds and the Golden StateWarriors beattheUtah Jazz 134-117 on Monday night.
Curry shot 12 for 24 on the way to his fifth 30-point
game in the last six. Moses Moodyhad15pointsandsix rebounds, while Gary Payton II contributed nine points, career-best eight assistsandsixreboundsina rarestart.
KeyonteGeorgefinished with 28 points on 10-of-17 shooting, seven assists and six rebounds to lead Utah,
which has lost four straight andfiveofsixafterdropping the first game of a back-toback at home Sunday to the Lakers.
Coming off their first home loss of the season Friday against Portland, the Warriors shot 49 5%, committed only 10 turnovers, scored 14 points
off the 17 they forced and finished with 52 points by the bench — 20 by Buddy Hield.
Golden State debuted new “The Town” edition jerseysandamatchingfloor tohonorthefranchise’slong history in Oakland before moving across the bay into Chase Center for the 201920season.
The Warriors have won 10 straight at home against
Thursday November 27, 2025
ARIES(Mar.21–Apr.19)
Overall,theforecastfortoday is fairly good. The aspects seemtofavorfiguringoutthe meaning of all that's transpired over the past several weeks It's an opportunity for you to take a leisurely
TAURUS(Apr.20–May20)
Have you felt somewhat lost forthepastfewdays?Thefog maylifttodayandenableyou to situate yourself at last. You'reprobablyeagertosettle a question that has nagged at you and interfered with your judgment.
GEMINI(May21–June20)
You may have been feeling somewhat disillusioned. Perhapsyoulostsightofyour goals or misplaced your faith in yourself. You'll feel some reliefbeginningtoday
CANCER(June21–July22)
Youmightbetemptedtosettle certain matters by radical means. The visionary part of you means you're painfully aware of the world's wrongs. You see no reason not to take actiontocorrectthem.
LEO(July23–Aug.22)
Today will be fairly calm in terms of outside events, but yourinnerworldislikelytobe in a rush of activity Today you wish you could find the solutiontoyourheartachesas well as your career predicaments.
VIRGO(Aug.23–Sept.22)
You have a lot of thinking to do about your professional goals, Virgo. You'll go over the elements to see if there isn't some way to approach thingsdifferently
LIBRA(Sept.23–Oct.22)
Youjustcan'tdoeverythingat once, Libra. How do you expect to reduce your stress and recuperate while at the same time continue to be a superstar performer in every areaofyourlife.
SCORPIO(Oct.23–Nov 21)
Thisisagoodmomenttoadapt your logic and reason to reality, Scorpio. If you don't, you're going to run into some intellectual pr
s Everyone knows that you find newideasplentiful.
SAGIT(Nov 22–Dec.21)
It'sgoingtobealittledifficult talking to you today, Sagittarius. You, who can be easily influenced by others, will be listening to and criticizing everything that peoplesay
CAPRI(Dec.22–Jan.19)
Haveyoubeenreviewingyour family history lately, Capricorn? Of special interest is your cultural background. What educational, social, and religious environment were you born into? What are its values?Intheend.
AQUARIUS (Jan. 20–Feb. 18) It's time to elevate your senseofself,Aquarius.You're justasgoodasanyoneelse,so why don't you believe it? The problem is that you're very sensitiveabouthavinganego. Even though you know everyonedoes.
PISCES(Feb.19–Mar.20)
Today your intellectual and expressive abilities should receive a boost from the planets.It'sanexcellenttimeto organize your thoughts about presentingaproject.
the Jazz, whose last road victory at Golden State was 129-96 on Jan. 22, 2020. Utah dropped to 0-5 on the road against the Western Conference.
Draymond Green was sidelinedbyasprainedright foot that showed no significantinjuryonanMRI exam, the third game he has missedthismonthforillness andinjury CoachSteveKerr hoped to have his defensive
Frompage27
regainapowerfulQueenand awonposition.Knowingthe outcome,Clementconceded toheropponentonmove43.
In the Female Category with seventeen females, Joshi leads with 3.5 points, b u t f a c e s s e r i o u s competitionfromyoungstar Kataleya Sam, who secured an impressive draw against Joshitolandinsecondplace withthreepoints.
Treskolé Archibald and CielClementarealsotiedon three points. WCMs Jessica Callendar and Sasha Shariff are both tied on two and a half points, along with Italy Ton-Chung Maliha Rajkumar, Parnita Kishun, ChelseaHarrison,andSaura Ruplall follow up with 2 pointseach.
The tournament, which boastsatotalcashprizefund of $100,000, is set to conclude this coming weekend The remaining four rounds are scheduled for Saturday, November 29th,andSunday,November 30th, at the School of the Nations.
The top eight boards of the open category and top four of the female category are live
star back Wednesday night, while forward Jonathan Kumingaisstilloutbecause ofhistroublesomeknees. Golden State fell behind 11-0 out of the gate missing itsinitialsixshotsastheJazz hitfourofsixbeforeButler’s three-point play at the 8:42 mark. The Warriors then went on a 17-3 run to take control and led 67-55 at halftime following a 41pointsecondquarter
lichess org by John Lee, FIDE Arbiter and Technical Director of the GCF. Full results and pairings can be viewed on Chessresults.com.
The Guyana Chess Federation expresses its gratitude to its dedicated sponsor, I-CEE, for its continued support of chess developmentinGuyana,and to the School of the Nations forprovidingthevenue.
2025 England vs. West Indies Under-19 ODI Series Dawkins (97), Mohammed (74)
carry England to 2-wicket win
Ab r i l l i a n t openingstandof 158 from Ben Dawkins and Issac Mohammed steered England to a tense two wicket win over the West Indies yesterday at the National Cricket Stadium, Grenada.
England’s bowling was effective,ledbyLukeHands (2-52), Captain Farhan Ahmed (2-51) and Manny Lumsden(2-31).
England’s chase was led by openers Dawkins who
West Indies had another goodbattinginningsposting 276-9 after 50 overs, after Zachary Carter blasted 87 from59balls,nailing9sixes and4fours. Matthew Miller provided the last innings surgewithasteady44(3x4), opener Tanez Francis and captainJoshuaDornescored 24runsapiece,with28from Isra-elMorton.
stroked97off100(9x43x6) and Mohammed 74 off 75 (3x45x6). Windiesbowlingwasled byVitelLaweswhoreturned 3-42withhelpfromJakeem Pollard(3-39)andDeshwan James(2-49).
Contributions from Ben Myers (13), Ralphie Albert (14), Ahmed (16) Hands (16*) and Lumsden (15*) held their nerves to get the English lads to 277-8 after 49overs.
GGACelebratesBreakthroughYearofGrowth, YouthImpact&InternationalSuccess
The Guyana Golf
Association (GGA), together with Nexgen Golf AcademyandWestsideGolf Course,iscelebratingoneof its strongest years of development, delivering national expansion, major events, youth achievement a n d i n t e r n a t i o n a l recognition throughout 2025. This year saw significant growth in the GolfinSchoolsprogramme:
• Region 1 schools received donations of golf equipmenttosupportremote communities.
• Region 6 PE teachers were formally trained to deliver structured golf sessions.
• Region 3 Education Department expanded to include Golf in nursery and primary schools for the first time.
Across all regions, thousands of students were introduced to the sport Additionally, a remarkable 348studentsfromRegions2, 3, 4, 5, 6 & 7 passed CSEC
PEwithgolfastheirelective, strengthening Guyana’s reputation as a regional leaderingolfeducation.
And with international partnerships, Nexgen Golf Academy launched the nation’s first LPGA/USGA Girls Golf Club, advancing opportunities for young femalegolferswhomakeup an astounding 62% of all newgolfersinGuyana.
Major achievements in 2025:
• GuyExpo 2025 once again drew massive crowds
Cap The GGA has made huge strides during 2025 with eyes set on bigger endeavors for the new year
to the golf experience at the TourismVillage.
• The National Long Drive Championship at the Guyana National Park, held withtheMinistryofCulture, Youth and Sport and the N a t i o n a l S p o r t s Commission, attracted top competitorsandenthusiastic spectators.
• The 3rd Annual National Junior Golf Championship saw 330 young players from 5 regions participating with Bushlot Secondary taking
thecrownawayfrom2-time NationalChampionsLeguan Secondary
• Three major Hole-inOneChallengeswereheldto introducenewplayerstothe sport, adding fun and excitement for beginner golfers
• Introduced night golf with lighted balls to create accesstofamilyfunnights
•CharitablePartnerships through the Stride592 Heart SocaRun
• Cross-sport support with renovations to the
GNICCricketGround.
Under the GGA banner, Guyana’s players proudly represented the nation in tournamentsacrossTrinidad and Tobago, achieving Top 10 finishes against top regionalgolfers.
The GGA also earned major National Sports Awards nominations from the Ministry of Culture, Youth and Sport and the N a t i o n a l S p o r t s Commission,including: •AleemHussain–Coach oftheYear
•KevonJawahir–Coach oftheYear
• G u y a n a G o l f Association–Associationof theYear
President of the GGA, Aleem Hussain, thanked the dozens of sponsors and supporters whose assistance allows the GGA, Nexgen GolfAcademyandWestside Golf Course to remain committed to expanding access, empowering women and youth and elevating Guyana’s presence in regionalgolf.
Lady Jags confident as Guyana gears up for
CONCACAF Women’s Qualifier against Nicaragua
As the countdown continues to Monday’s CONCACAF Women’s Qualifier between Guyana LadyJaguarsandNicaragua National team, the Guyana Football Federation (GFF) has expressed confidence in the readiness of the Senior Women’sNationalTeam.
Atapressbriefingheldat the GFF Headquarters
yesterday, Technical Director Bryan Joseph and Head Coach Omar Khan
outlined the team’s preparations ahead of their opening clash with Nicaragua at the National Track and Field Centre, Leonora.
Guyana sits in Group B ofthe2025/26CONCACAF W Qualifiers, alongside
Jamaica, Nicaragua, Dominica, and Antigua and Barbuda. Ranked 12th in CONCACAF,theLadyJags enter Monday’s match as favourites against Nicaragua, who sit six spots belowthem.Afterthisclash, then follows two away fixtures schedule for March andApril.
These qualifiers provide theopportunityforsixgroup winners to advance into the p r e s t i g i o u s 2 0 2 6 C O N C A C A F W Championship, a major stepping stone toward regionaldominance.
During the briefing, Technical Director Bryan Joseph highlighted the Federation’s intensified focus on domestic development as a key factor in the national team’s upwardmomentum.
“Over the past few months, we’ve made a significant domestic push,” Joseph said “We just concluded a five-month Under-15 tournament with over 50 participating schools a massive undertaking. Our Women’s DivisionOneLeagueisalso playingweeklywith10very competitive teams. We’re building structures that support sustained success at thenationallevel.”
According to him, those effortsarealreadyproducing results. Earlier this year, the Junior Lady Jags broke into
the CONCACAF top 10 at the youth level, while the senior team continues to climb both regionally and globally “Ourseniorwomen are ranked 12th in CONCACAF and around 90th in the FIFA rankings,” Josephadded.
HeadCoachOmarKhan, who recently returned to Guyanatooverseethecamp, praised the team’s growth andcollectivemindset.
“We’ve achieved good results in the games we’ve played,” he said. “I’m very glad to be here again, working with these talented
LadyJags.Sincemyarrival, the progress has been evident, these players are committed, disciplined, and hungry.”
But preparation comes with its challenges “National team camps are always tight on time,” Khan noted.
“Players come from different leagues, geographic locations, and football cultures. We may only get a week or 10 days together, which is never enough. But we trust the process.Thegoalisnotonly to win Monday, but also to
raise our level of play heading into April,” Khan shared.
D e s p i t e p l a y e r availability issues, especially with athletes studying or working, Khan emphasizedthatthestaffhas been proactive. “We arrived early to train with the local groupandevaluatethetalent pool,” Khan explained. “It alsogavelocalplayersmore opportunities to push into thesquad.”
Veteran Isha Charles praisedthetoneofthecamp and the energy within the squad. “The intensity has beenamazing,”shesaid.
According to her, “Our coachingstaffhashelpedus grow tremendously. We’re working in smaller groups on attacking and defending principles, and the environment is so positive.
Everyone is learning, enjoying the sunshine, and staying focused, we just needthatbigwin.”
“The younger players bring great energy, and the moreexperiencedonesoffer guidance. Preparation has beenexcellent.”
With more staff on board, more structure, the team has a chance to improveeveryphaseofplay Coach Khan pointed out that: the goal is to improve aftereverymatch.
With momentum building both on and off the field, the Lady Jags are poisedtoopentheirqualifier campaign with confidence andpurpose.Awinonhome soilwouldsetthetoneforthe remainder of their CONCACAF journey, and perhaps bring the team one step closer to rewriting history in Guyana’s Women football.
Starting strong at home is crucial. Kickoff is set for 19:00 hrs on Monday, December 1, at the National Track and Field Centre, Leonora.
Midfielder Lakeisha Pearson also present at the briefing echoed similar sentiment, highlighting the balance of experience and youth. “I’m grateful to be part of this amazing team again,”Pearsonshared.
Golden Jaguars Women’s Head Coach, Omar Khan.
IndiasufferheaviestdefeatasSAcompleteseriessweep
BBC Sport - South Africa handed India their heaviest defeat by runs to complete a compelling 2-0 seriessweepinGuwahation Wednesday
The Proteas won by 408 runs in the second Test to claimjusttheirsecondseries win in India, and their first since 2000 under Hansie Cronje.
The defeat surpasses India’s previous heaviest loss,whichwasby342runs against Australia in Nagpur in 2004. It is India’s second home series defeat in two years,aftera3-0losstoNew Zealand last year Prior to that they had not lost a Test series on home soil for 12 years.
South Africa had declared their second inningson260-5ondayfour to hand India a record chase of 549 But the visitors bowled out India for 140 in 63.5 overs on the final day, with Ravindra Jadeja providingtheonlyresistance forIndiawith54.
Spinner Simon Harmer took six wickets for South
frica, while Aiden
Markram took a record nine catches.
“It’s a great feeling, a great effort by everyone to befair,”Markramsaid.
“As a group, you’ve got to believe that you can compete against the best in their backyard and get into the battle and see where it gets you... proud of the team.”
The win means South
Africa, who became World TestChampionswithvictory over Australia at Lord’s in June,havewon11oftheir12 Tests under the captaincy of TembaBavuma.
They won the two-Test series opener in Kolkata by 30runsandtheirsecondTest win sees the Proteas consolidate second place in the current edition of the World Test Championship, whileIndiasitfifth.
‘India’s aura is disappearing into the distance’ The defeat increases pressure on India head coach Gautam
Gambhir Since the former batter took charge in July 2024, India have won seven Testsbutlost10.
The defeats by New Zealand and South Africa are added to by a 3-1 defeat in Australia last December and January, while
Gambhir’s side drew 2-2 in Englandinthesummer
Theirtwoseriesvictories duringhistenurehavecome in Bangladesh and at home to West Indies - teams that are ranked ninth and eighth respectively in the
International Cricket Council’sTestrankings.
I n d i a c r i c k e t
commentatorHarshaBhogle postedonX,externalsaying: “There was an aura around the Indian team when playinginIndia.Youcansee it disappearing in the distance.
“Lots of places up for grabs in this Indian Test team. A few players not readyforthislevel.Question is: how many of the rest are ready?”
Former India bowler Venkatesh Prasad, who played 33 Tests between 1996 and 2001, said India displayed “rank poor tactics”.
“Rank poor tactics, poor skills, poor body language and an unprecedented two series whitewash at home. Hope this does not get washed off with Test matches nine months away and this negative approach changes.
“We all love Indian cricket and it’s sad to see what’s happening over the last year and a half just to somehow prove this flawed strategyright.Can’tfunction on such egos in the interest of Indian cricket, truly disappointing.”
India’snextTestseriesis settotakeplaceinSriLanka nextAugust. They will host the T20 World Cup, alongside Sri Lanka, from 7 February Scores:SouthAfrica489 (Muthusamy109,Jansen93, Kuldeep 4-115) and 260 for 5 decl. (Stubbs 94, de Zorzi 49, Jadeja 4-62) beat India 201(Jaiswal58,Washington 48, Jansen 6-48) and 140 (Jadeja54,Harmer6-37)by 408runs.
“Really disappointed by how India is going about in Testcricket.Theall-rounder obsession is absolute brainfade, especially when you don’t bowl them,” Prasad saidonX,external.
Cliff Anderson Sports Hall celebrates 50 years of Sporting Excellence
As Guyana prepares to kick off its longest-running international indoor hockey championship, the Diamond Mineral Water Indoor Championship, the nation also celebrates a milestone of profound significance
This year marks 50 years since the historic Cliff Anderson Sports Hall (CASH) first opened its doors,becomingthehomeof countless local and internationalsportingevents according to information by Statistician Charwayne Walker
Itwouldberemissnotto reflect on the extraordinary figure whose name the facilityproudlybears—Cliff Anderson, one of Guyana’s most prolific boxers of the 1940s.Knownwidelyasthe “Guyanese Tiger” or the “Dusky Thunderbolt,” Anderson embodied the perfect blend of strength, agility, and strategic brilliance.
Weighing just about 61 23 kg, he carved an indelible legacy in British
boxing, competing fearlessly against elite
opponents His most memorable bout came in 1947, when he faced British fighter Joe Louis for the heavyweight title Their clash lasted an intense ten rounds and concluded in a hard-fought draw, an achievement that elevated Anderson’s status on the international stage. Over his 13-year career, he appeared in 88 international matches, cementing his place in boxinghistory
Thefacilitywasbuiltfor growth, and still delivering today Commissioned in 1975, the Cliff Anderson Sports Hall was Guyana’s first-ever indoor sports
facility, established to expand and strengthen the c o u n t r y ’ s s p o r t s developmentframework.
The venue opened on November24,1975,withthe ChineseNationalBasketball Team becoming the first international team to competeonthisiconiccourt. Five decades later, CASH has not only lived up to its purpose, it has far exceeded expectations, serving as a central hub for athletic growth and high-level competition.
AstheDiamondMineral Water Festival gears up for its20thedition,itisfittingto recall the true origins of
indoor hockey at this iconic venue.
Guyana hosted its firstever indoor hockey tournament inAugust 1976, with Cliff Anderson Sports
H
tournament concluded with Le Manns Hockey Club securing the inaugural title, setting the stage for what
traditioninthecountry
According to Walker in one of the opening games
GFCbeatGCCby7goalsto one with the late Simeon Andrewsnetting4goalsand Compton DeSouza 3 for GFC The late Conrad Plummer was GCC’s lone goal scorer Cosmos also defeatedQueen’sCollegeby 8goalstotwomargin. Frank Chin netted 5 goals for Cosmos, while Jeremy Robertsscoredadoubleand M.Plummerone.
Police Sports Club defeated Mackenzie Sports Club 5 goals to 2. The marksmen for the lawmen were Cecil Glasgow, Cecil Skip Roberts, Junior Ross,
M. Layne and M. Smith. While Winsley Doris and Basil McLean netted for MackenzieSportsClub.
Today, as the Guyana Hockey Board prepares to swing off another thrilling edition of international championship, the sport continues to flourish, reflecting the broader development seen across several sporting disciplines inGuyana.
Meanwhile, as the Diamond Mineral Water Indoor Championship commences, the nation proudly celebrates both the growth of hockey and the enduringlegacyofthevenue thathelpedmakeitpossible. Cliff Anderson Sports Hall 50 years of championing indoor sports, nurturing talent, and preserving a rich legacy of athleticexcellence
CASH name bearer, Cliff Anderson
Action in the first ever indoor Hockey tournament in August 1976 at the Sports Hall.
South Africa players celebrate after sealing the 2-0 sweep. (Associated Press)
Sandiford leads I-CEE Grand Prix 2 Chess tournament
The Guyana Chess Federation (GCF) I-CEE sponsored Grand Prix 2 Chess Tournament got underway last weekend at the School of the Nations, setting the stage for a dramatic final weekend of play After four intense
roundsinclassicalstyleplay, Keron Sandiford has
established a decisive early lead in the Open Category, while Woman Candidate Master (WCM) Aditi Joshi headstheFemaleCategory In the Open Category, from among 30 players,
Sandiford continued his winning streak midway throughthetournamentafter his match with Gilbert Williams last Sunday Sandiford overwhelmed his fourth opponent with two unstoppable centre pawns, which were a major threat,
2025-26 CWI CG United Regional Super50 Cup Round 5… GHE vs. BP
Harpy Eagles looking to salvage season against Bajans, as teams pray for sunshine
With their season ruined by terrible weather, Guyana Harpy Eagles will now be lookingtogetasmuchoutof the remaining matches, should mother nature
permit; with today’s assignment versus the Barbados Pride at the Sir Frank Worrell Memorial Groundfrom9:00h;weather permitted.
Barbados have been one of the more fortunate teams recently,winninga7-wicket gameagainsttheWindwards as they continue to map a routetothefinals.
Guyana suffered a No ResultonMondayversusthe Leeward Hurricanes but some passage of play this morning could do wonders for their time spent in the dressing room for most of the season. The Pride will keep their faith in a strong batting core which clicked during their win, with former Test skipper Kraigg Brathwaite scoring a fifty and Zachary McCaskie missing out on one, to lead thecharge.
But with skipper Kyle Mayers, Leinko Boucher, Kevin Wickham and Joshua Bishopinthewings,Guyana will naturally want to neutralizethose threatswith theirmixedbowlingoptions.
Gudakesh Motie, Junior
Guyana will need to contain both Kemar Smith and Kraigg Brathwaitewho had big games with bat and ball during the Pride’s last win.
Sinclair and Richie Looknauthhaveyettoreally gel in the spin department, while seamers Ronaldo Alimohamed and Keemo Paulwillalsoberustydueto lackofplayingtime.
The Eagles batting managed to have just one solid performance in the opening game, with a string of half-centuries headlining theinnings. WithRaymond Perezoutduetoadislocated shoulder, the Eagles added young all-rounder Shamar Apple and left-arm spinner Anthony Adams to the XI, possibly fielding the same teamfortoday’sgame. Pride bowling was exceptional in the last win,
- Joshi in charge for the women
forcingWilliamstoresign.
In the second and third positions are FIDE Masters (FMs)AnthonyDraytonand newcomer Rawle Allicock, who are tied on 3.5 points. They were engaged in a fierce battle in the Fourth Round Both opponents mobilised their Rooks, Pawns, and Queens within striking distance to attack each other’s King. Faced with severe loss of material and on the verge of losing, Drayton held on tenaciously and courageously fought back.Headvancedhisactive queen and rooks to threaten Allicock’s King with checkmate. In a dramatic twist, Drayton offered his opp
(continuously attacking Allicock’s King without obtaining checkmate) and Allicock accepted. The two opponents shook hands and signed the truce after just
with off-spinner Kemar Smithreturninga5-ferwhile pacers Dominic Drakes, Akeem Jordan and other options could come into play
Both teams will be cautious of the weather which completely washed outthepreviousround,with Guyanahavingmoretolose fromanotherspoiledmatch. Trinidad and Tobago Red Force will play the Hurricanes also from 9:00h at the Queen’s Park Oval, with the Jamaica Scorpions and the Volcanoes set for a Day/NightbattleattheBrian Lara CricketAcademy from 14:00h; as part of today’s triple-header (CliftonRoss)
over40moves.
Champion Joshua Gopaul defeated reigning Junior Champion Kyle Couchman inRoundTwoinamarathon encounter Gopaul gained a decisive edge with his stronger Rook dominating Couchman’s weaker Bishop in an exciting endgame Gopaul’s Rook created mayh
gh Couchman stubbornly resisted. The former junior champion eventually scored a breakthrough, trading his Rook in exchange for Couchman’s Bishop and introduced a new Queen to checkmate Couchman’s Kingandsecurevictory
In the same Round, Sachin Pitamber went down to Prince Dunn in a surprise defeat.Dunn’spassedpawn, about to be promoted to a Queen, sealed his win against Pitamber on move 46. Dunn’s much stronger
position left his opponent without many options, and hesecuredthewin.
Followingcloselyonthe points table are Kyle Couchman, Joshua Gopaul, CM Sachin Pitamber, Leslie Campbell, and Micaiah Enoe, all on three points. Finishing off the top 10 are Shiv Nandalall and Kim ShingChong,bothwithtwo andahalfpoints.
On the distaff side,
reigning Women’s ChampionWCMAditiJoshi defeated three of her opponents and drew her matchwithpromisingyoung player Kataleya Sam. Joshi also defeated Ciel Clement, her fourth opponent on Sunday, in a gruelling endgame battle with both Kings and a Bishop each in battle mode to target the remaining pawns. With two extra pawns, the WCM consolidatedherpositionto (Continuedonpage19)
Opening Day scene from Grand Prix 2.
Lady Jags confident as Guyana gears up for CONCACAF Women’s Qualifier against Nicaragua
Guyana’s Women National team Head Coach Omar Khan (second left), along with Technical Director Bryan Joseph, Isha Charles and Lakeisha Pearson share photo-op at yesterday’s briefing ahead of their clash with Nicaragua in the CONCACAF W Qualifiers.
Keron Sandiford vs Kishan Puran Board 5 and Shiv Nandalall vs Kim Shing Chong at Board 6 during the GCF Grand Prix 2.