kills Lebanon brigadier general, 11 others ...Pakistan urges end to war
Govt. to control Development
Bank with no oversight from Opposition, transparency
bodies or civil society
All Directors, Chairperson and Deputy Chair to be appointed by Finance Minister
Some loans to attract interest, collateral
No penalty for corrupt banking officials seeking kickbacks
Loophole in Bill allows foreign nationals to cash in
No deal yet on $3.4M demand
Police have arrested the suspect in the murder of seven-year-old Adriel Aftab
Mohamed, and the attempted murder of 72year-old Halima Itwari of Zeelugt New Housing Scheme.
Crime Chief Wendell Blanhum told Kaieteur News that the suspect was arrested on Saturday at his residence and is being interviewed by detectives. Mohamed was found dead
early Friday morning with his throat slashed in his Phase 3 Zeelugt New HousingScheme,EastBank Essequibo(EBE)home.
The deadly home invasion also left his 72year-old great-grandmother, nursing injuries. She was admittedtotheDeKinderen RegionalHospital.
TheGuyanaPoliceForce (GPF) late Saturday night saidthesuspectisa23-yearoldfarmerofZeelught,EBE.
“Thearrestwasmadeon Saturday, June 6, 2026, following continued investigations,” the police said in a statement while noting that the accused is assistingwithinvestigations.
Police said the heinous crimes occurred around 04:45 hrs. on Friday, when the lad and his greatgrandmother were home alone.
At about 05:05hrs, a relative went to the home,
where he discovered the 72year-old woman injured and the child motionless in the house The police were called and the injured woman was rushed to the hospital.
Ranks visited and processed the scene “A knife, suspected to have been used during the incident, was recovered at the scene and lodged,” the police reported, noting that several persons were questioned and closedcircuit television (CCTV) cameras were reviewed as partoftheinvestigation.
Mohamed'sbodyisatthe Ezekiel Funeral Home, where it awaits a postmortemexamination.
The little boy, who attendedtheZeelugtPrimary School, was described as an energetic and friendly person.
Relatives told this publicationon Saturdaythat theelderlywomanisstillina stablecondition.
“She is in a lot of pain, she is still traumatised and afraid of the whole situation,” a relative briefed Naseeb Mohamed, the woman's son and the boy's great uncle, told reporters on Friday that his wife was alerted by one of theneighboursthatsomeone wasinhismother'shouse.
“One of the neighbours calledmywifethismorning, minutestofiveandtoldherI mustcomedowntocheckon my mother because somebody is in the house. And I came and when I came, I pushed the door and went inside, I put on the
lights because the place was dark.Isawmymotherlying on the ground, the first thought that came to my mindwasthatshewasdead, and then I look up, a little more in the house I saw my great nephew on the ground,”themanrecalled.
Whenhewentovertohis nephew,“Iseehehadacutto hisneckandthewholeplace wasfilledwithblood,alotof blood all over the place.” Seeing that his mother was alive, he alerted the neighbours while he rushed her to the hospital for treatment.
The distressed man told reporters that he cannot understand the motive behind this brutal attack.
“My mother is not a rich woman, and then she is 72years-old and had stroke overayearnow I don't know if it's a robberyortheyjustcometo molest her or whatever the casemightbe,”hesaid.
The 7-year-old boy resided with the greatgrandmother and his father His father was away for workinEssequibowhenthe incidentoccurred.
A 54-year-old cattle owner of Garden of Eden, East Bank Demerara (EBD), was on Friday charged with four counts of Suffering AnimalstoStray,contraryto Section28(1)(a)oftheRoad Act,Chapter51:01. The offences were allegedly committed within t
Scheme and Farm Housing Scheme,EBD.
DeneshRohitappearedat the Diamond Magistrates' Court before Magistrate Dylon Bess, where the chargeswerereadtohim. He pleaded not guilty to all four charges and was granted$40,000bail.
Proposed legislation to g o v e r n t h e G u y a n a Development Bank was on Friday afternoon tabled in theNationalAssemblybyan energetic Finance Minister, Dr AshniKumarSingh.
News of the financial i n s t i t u t i o n s p a r k e d e x c i t e m e n t a m o n g
G u y a n e s e a s t h e Government of Guyana (GoG) marketed the facility as one that would offer zero interest to Guyanese on loans up to $3 million with nocollateralrequired.
The legal framework to govern the bank however reveals a different picture than that promised by government.
According to Section 5 (2)oftheBill,“Subjecttothe other provisions of this Act, the Bank may- (a) assist small and medium-sized enterprises in establishing, carrying on or expanding theiroperationsbyproviding loans with or without collateral and with or withoutcharginginterest.”
The proposed law does not clearly outline what specific projects will require collateral or attract interest andatwhatspecificrates.
Govt.controloffinancial resources
Perhaps more disturbing is the fact that $40B or approximately US$200M initially- as the sum can be revised in Parliament- will be dispersed at the sole discretion of government appointees. The Bill makes no provision for any nominees to be submitted by the Opposition, civil society or any transparency bodies, raising concerns over the direct control of billions by the administration and the likelihood of selection based on“politicalalliance”.
The involvement or appointment of individuals
stemming from these sections of society will undoubtedly provide an added layer of scrutiny with more eyes overseeing the rollout of billions of state resources.
A c c o r d i n g t o t h e
The Guyana Development Bank Bill was tabled in the National Assembly on June 5, 2026
proposed legislation, the bank will be governed by a Board of Directors which shall consist of not less than five or more than nine directors which are to be appointed by the Minister of Finance.
The Minister shall also appoint the chairperson and deputy chairperson along withotherdirectorsbasedon “ q u a l i fi c a t i o n s a n d experience in finance, economics, banking and law.”
Remuneration and allowances are also to be determined by the finance minister for the directors of thebank.
A director may serve for three years and can be reappointed.TheBoardshall also appoint a Chief
Executive Officer and establish one or more committeesto“dealwithany m a t t e r w i t h i n t h e competenceoftheBoard.”
The bank will be financed through allocations made by the National Assembly and revenue generated from interest. The loan ceiling has been set at $3M and can be revised through the Parliamentary process.
The Bill makes no reference to how persons interested in co-investing in business ideas will be treated.
Vague criteria and eligibility
Moreover, the proposed law provides vague details on criteria and eligibility for persons interested in
financing. In fact, it does not single out Guyanese as the s o l e o r p r i m a r y beneficiaries. This loophole means that citizens of other countries can possibly apply for a loan under the Guyana Development Bank to fund their small or medium-scale business.
PartV, which sets out the criteria for financing ambiguously states at Section 23: “A small and medium-sized enterprise applying for financing shall provide such information, documents and statutory declarations as may be prescribedorrequiredbythe Bank.”
Finance Minister, Dr Ashni Singh
Meanwhile, Section 25 explains that the bank shall “adopt written c
edit policies” to address (a) eligibility criteria: (b) risk assessment; (c) approval t h r e s h o l d s a n d ; ( d ) monitoringandrecovery.”
Lackofstrictpenalties
Five offences have been singled out under the (Continued on page 11)
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TheFrenchhavebeenpatient,contenttobidetheirtime. Now they have made their intentions clear: 20 French companies interested in planting stakes in Guyana. Oil partnershipsandoilinvestments,aswellastakingadvantage of the local infrastructure boom. We need investment, and theFrencharecoming,salivatingattheopportunitieswaiting inthelocalmarket.
WhenFrancesetupanEmbassyherein2025,thatwasthe firstindicationofwhatwastocome Thepoliticalenvironment iseasy,theregulatoryenvironmentmadesimpleandtroublefree for foreign investors Guyana has a watchdog Environmental Protection Agency that is as good as unconscious Guyana’sleadershipissoecstaticwhenpotential investment is heard that there is readiness to continue the giveawayofthewealthofthepeople.
TheAmericanstooktheearlyleadingrabbingtheirshare ExxonMobil, Hess Corporation, and the latter’s more recent successor,Chevron TheyareingoodcompanywithAmerican Airlines, Schlumberger, and LindsayCa-CH4, to name a few others TheBritishhaveJamesFisherandSons,PLC,Tullow Oil was here, and others have visited, are still weighing their options The Canadians have established a formidable presenceintheminingsectorofGuyana. FromEurope,there havebeenRepsolofSpain,TotalEnergiesofFrance,witha QatariandaMalaysiancompanyallinvolvedbeforeandnow in Guyana’s ballooning oil sector Now the French want a biggerinvestmentandcorporatefootprint.
The environment could not have been riper Guyana is morethanopenforbusiness Guyanahasabig‘ForSale’sign hanging over its head Under the APNU+AFC Coalition government,theoilandgasweregivenawayfortheequivalent of a handful of crumbs Under the PPPC Government, the giveaways have been of monumental proportions The old ExxonMobil oil contract enjoys total immunity, with PPPC Government’soptingforthebetrayalofsanctityofcontract.
Gold companies come to Guyana and invest some seed capital,thenpromptlyfliphugesectionsofprimegoldlandsto othersforbillionsofGuyanadollars UnliketheExxonMobil oil contract, the terms and conditions of the gold contracts, especiallywhatGuyanaisgettingforitshospitalitytoforeign investors,areacloselyheldsecretbythegovernment Weat thispaperwouldnotbesurprisedifthemoneyaspectsofthose gold contracts are a continuation of the cheap deals worked outovertheyearsunderdifferentgovernments.
WhywouldtheFrenchnotwanttocometoGuyanaintheir numbers,andgrabasmuchastheycan,thankstoaspineless government? It amazes that the FrenchAmbassador took so longtoringhisbellannouncingthatascoreofcompaniesfrom hiscountryarepreparingtocomehereintheirnumbers The PPP/C Government is sure to climb on a pedestal and make fools of citizens There will be the usual boasting. About foreign investments pouring into Guyana. About the jobs generated. About French contributions to Local Content. Aboutthetrainingandcapacitybuildingbenefits. Andabout the miscellaneous community and infrastructure works that arepartofthecontractsnegotiated.
Wearenotoptimistic,aswehaveseenandheardallofthis before It seems that almost the whole global alphabet has rushedhereandputdownstakes FromAmericanstoChinese to British and Canadians fastened in between those two investment superpowers, with many others continuing along thealphabet Thatusuallyhappenswhencheapdealsarethe standing order of business The PPP/C Government is only too happy to put up for sale the many rich patrimonies of Guyanese for pittances. Frankly, the French have been slowerthanitspredecessors. Butnowplanningtheirmoves, readyingtopounce. Onehastobenumbtowhatishappening here,nottoexpecttheFrenchcreatingsomespaceforitself ontheGuyanainvestmentbandwagon.
When respect for territorial sovereignty was heard from theFrenchandoneofitswarshipsmadeanofficialcallhere last year, it was just a matter of time before France’s investment warriors prepped to get their piece of Guyana. What has Guyana received from these investment relationships? Fair, transparent, contracts that benefit Guyaneserepresentthesumofourpriorities.
Reference President Ali’s visit to Nimitz, the US Aircraft carrier It is brilliant, strategic, in our national interesttovisitAmericanmilitaryship. It is a symbolic visit to show Guyana’s solidarity with America on combating drugtraffickingandamessagetoother powersnottomeddleinregionalaffairs. It is a direct message to Caracas not to mess with Guyana. It is noted that leaders of other countries in the region alsovisitedtheNimitz.
The handful of left-wing Guyanese politicians who are critical of the President’s presence on the deck of an American military ship don’t
understand Washington’s geo-strategic politicsandGuyana’snationalinterests. GuyananeedsUSAmorenowthanever before. This is not the 1950s thru the 2010s when third world leaders can be anti-American; anti American administrationsknewtheconsequences then.
The consequences are worse today GuyanamustallywithUSAforsecurity andeconomicinterests.PresidentAliis smartlyallyingwithUSAandpursuing an unprecedented close relationship with Washington that no other leader everdidorthoughtabout.
Under President Ali, strategic alliance with the United States is
anchored in deep mutual interests, primarily centered on national security cooperation, energy, and economic stability AmericaisGuyana’sprimary economicpartner
SincebecomingPresidentinAugust 2020, Ali has been strengthening Guyana’s security alliance and economic cooperation with the United States, marked by high-level geopolitical collaboration and highprofile visits by leading American cabinetofficialsandmilitarypersonnel. Ali has expanded our partnership with USA. The Nimitz visit further strengthenstiesbetweenourtwo
Continued on page 5
DEAREDITOR,
I’ve had to commute to and from Cheddi Jagan International Airport over the past five years, on an averageofthreetimesayear, and on every occasion, the tripsseemtobegettingfrom bad to worse. I’ve been intending to write on this nightmare for over two years, but procrastination intruded.
I felt some degree of hope, after a particular incident when travellers were seen in photographs, “pulling suitcases” to reach theAirport,whichprompted His Excellency, to summon the contractor(s), Minister and others responsible to an urgentmeeting.
However, after an initial alleviationofthetrauma,the issue has reverted to utter CHAOSonceagain.Ihadto travel this route two weeks agoandsawlinesofvehicles extending for MILES with little or no movement for periods in excess of fifteen minutesatatimes.
I was reminded of this long overdue letter after seeingatraveladvisory,that passengers should leave for the Airport, in enough time
(?) in order to reach three hoursbeforecheckintime.I know as a fact that persons, who can afford it, have resorted to staying at the newly opened hotel in close proximitytotheAirport.
I can only imagine what persons travelling to and from the CJIA, who live in Essequibo, Berbice and Hinterland areas have to go through.
I confess that I am NO expertinconstructionbuton many occasions, I’ve seen very few workers “on site” doing actual work, with equipment both on and off the carriage ways, just parked.
I often wonder if this project doesn’t have a supervisor, and if it does, how often reports are required and who these are sent to. I know the weather has been unpredictably adverse and erratic, but surelyaftersomanyyearsin construction, much better canbedone.
I’veheardcommentsthat too long “stretches” of construction are being done simultaneously, with sometimesnotrafficcontrol, forcing the “law of the
jungle” to take over, obviouslycausingadditional CHAOSandfrayednerves.
I know there would be criticism for not suggesting s o l u t i o n s t o t h i s unacceptable situation, but my answer to that is two fold:
Wholistens?
Anddon’tweanylonger havetheexpertswhoweare already paying to provide efficient and workable solutions to this seemingly endless “Cassandra Crossing”?
Iknowasafact,thatfor contracts of this type, a clause for liquidated damages is mandatory, for delays which are not force majeure.
Can the responsible agency please let the Guyanese people know when this contract is supposed to be completed, and if the time stipulated in the contract has elapsed, whether this clause in being enforced.
Anxiously awaiting someresponse,editor,ifitis found useful to publish my concerns.
Regards, HNNawbatt
Frompage4 countries.It comes on top of Ali recently meeting President Trump in Florida to solidify security and antinarcoticcooperation.
The Nimitz visit highlights deep bilateral integration between U S Naval Forces Southern Command and Guyana’s maritime units. The USS Nimitz is a supercarrier deployed in the Southern Seas.
The encounter on the carrierallowedourforcesto align tactical operations for multi-national missions to combat drug trafficking and other threats to the region and to protect Guyana’s integrity
The tight alliance b e t w e e n t h e A l i
Administration and Washington faces criticism from left wingers and proRussian and pro-Chinese advocates.
They forget that America was responsible for the restoration of democracy in 1992 and again in 2020.It was under the Trump Administration
that democracy was restored in 2020 after
repeated attempts at rigging Russia and China
did not support the struggle for restoration of democracyinGuyana
A handful of us lobbied Washington to intervene in Guyana to restore democratic governance in1992 and again in 2020. Washington pressured the dictatorship in Guyana to pursue political and economic reforms allowing for the left wing Cheddi JaganandthePPPtowinthe elections and assumed power Rigging was abandoned in 2020 after threats from Trump administration.
The pro Russia and proChina advocates also forget that American companies have invested heavily in Guyana’s economy over the lastdecade.
Also, American troops have been protecting our border against Venezuelan threat and those huge Americaninvestments.
Wi t h o u t E x x o n investment in deep water drilling, oil and gas would nothavebeenfound.Guyana would have remained a backwaterplace.
Guyana’s economy
w o u l d h a v e b e e n floundering None of the development Guyana has
The recent engagement held on June 2, 2026,betweentheMinisterofPublicService, Government Efficiency and Implementation and representatives of the Guyana Public Service Union is a welcomed development. Dialogue is necessary. Consultation is important.Engagementbetweengovernment and workers must never be viewed as an inconveniencebutasaresponsibility
However, while much attention appears to have been given to efficiency, modernization, digital transformation and reform of the public service, there remains a glaringomissionthatcannotbeignored.The most important issue affecting public servants today is not efficiency, it is not digitization, neither is it administrative restructuring,itiswagesandsalaries.
For teachers, nurses, government employees and thousands of other public servants, the issue is simple, they are asking whether their earnings can adequately support their families in an environment wherethecostoflivingcontinuestorise.
They are asking whether their salaries reflect the sacrifices they make every day to keep government and government systems functioning. They are asking whether their commitmenttoserviceisbeingmatchedbya commitment from the State to improve their standard of living. These are the bread and butterissuesconfrontingpublicservants.
This comes at a time when international assessmentscontinuetoindicatethat38%of Guyanese live abject poverty, government cannot place efficiency over livelihood. A public servant who is worried about rent,
transportation, utility bills, food prices and school expenses cannot be expected to deliverpeak performancewhile carryingthe weight of economic uncertainty on their shoulders.
Therealityisthatefficiencyisnotcreated by policy papers alone. Efficiency is producedbymotivatedworkers.Efficiencyis sustained by fair compensation. Efficiency grows when workers feel valued and respected.
The Government’s 2026 Budget offered little comfort to public servants seeking clarity on their future earnings and incentives. Months into the year and that uncertainty still remains. Public servants are yet to receive a clear indication of the government’slong-termvisionforimproving their wages, salaries and benefits. Workers deservecertainty Theydeservetransparency They deserve a roadmap that demonstrates how their lives will improve as Guyana continues to experience unprecedented economicgrowth.
The APNU has long recognized that strengthening the public service requires morethanspeechesaboutproductivityasour “Putting People First Manifesto” clearly outlines. It requires practical incentives that improvethequalityoflifeofworkers.Public servantsmustbesupportedthroughaccessto affordablehousingopportunities.
Theymusthaveeasieraccesstofinancing through partnerships with financial institutions They should benefit from concessions that assist with transportation, mobilityandotheressentialneeds.Such Continued on page 6
beenundergoingsince2020 would have been possible without American support Exxonhasbeenresponsible for our growth and development and
operations have been rapidly
g resounding to enormous
ts to continue to fund our infrastructure
American’sobjectivesin Guyana coincide with ours. America’s top goals in Guyana are to promote inclusive growth, support human rights, combat drug trafficking, strengthen democracy, protect our border andsecureAmerican interests in the region
G u y a n a b e n e f i t s enormously: gains access to U.Sfunding,equipment,and advanced training for our armedforce.
American security investment in Guyana
benefits us. Ali’s cooperation with USA serves our interests. He should ignore critics like Freddie and others from the lunatic left who oppose the strong American military presence in Guyana and our alliancewithUSA.
Yourstruly, Dr VishnuBisram
utilising crops to their
As a craftsman with years of experience in the tourism industry, I believe Guyana is uniquely positioned to capitalize on the many byproducts generated by its agricultural sector
Atatimewheneconomic
diversification and sustainabledevelopmentare national priorities, greater attention should be given to transforming agricultural waste into valuable commercialproducts.
These resources can be convertedintoproductssuch as charcoal for export, natural oils, organic fertilizers, animal feed, handicraft materials, and a range of environmentally friendly goods that can support local and internationalmarkets.
The tourism and craft industries, in particular, stand to benefit from the increaseduseofagricultural byproducts. Coconut shells, husks, rice straw, and sugarcane residues can be transformed into unique
Farm and processing waste from crops such as coconuts, sugarcane, and rice are often underutilized despite their versatility
souvenirs, home décor items,andartisanalproducts that showcase Guyana’s creativity while promoting sustainability
Too often, valuable agricultural scraps are discarded after
productionandconsumption By utilizing crops to their fullest potential, Guyana can significantly reduce waste pollution, contribute to climate change mitigation efforts, protect biodiversity, and create a more circular economy that benefits both c o m m u n
businesses.
Furthermore,investment
in professional training, technical development, and entrepreneurship programs would equip citizens with t
ded to transform agricultural waste into profitable ventures Such initiatives could s
especially among young
people seeking employment andbusinessopportunities.
Ifirmlybelievethatwith strategic planning and support, Guyana can build thriving export-oriented industries based on agricultural byproducts
This would not only create jobs and generate foreign
exchange earnings but also strengthen our position within the Caribbean Community (CARICOM) and international markets as a leader in sustainable production and green enterprise.
Sincerely,
BlaneRBunbury
Frompage5
measures do not merely reward workers. They strengthen the capacity of the State by attractingandretainingtalent.
Training and professional development are also important, but training must be purposeful. It must respond directly to the operational needs of the public service. Workers should not be enrolled in programmes simply because programmes exist.Trainingmustbealignedwiththeskills required to improve service delivery, strengthen institutional performance and advancecareerdevelopment.
Equallyimportantisthegrowingconcern among public servants regarding the Goal programmes and educational initiatives being promoted through government channels.Questionshaveemergedregarding accreditation, recognition, relevance and long-term value. These concerns deserve seriousattention.
Currently, we have public servants who are denied promotion and incremental increases on their salaries because their qualifications acquired through the Goal programmearenotbeingrecognizedbytheir employer
Public servants who have invested years pursuing diplomas, degrees, postgraduate qualifications and master’s programmes should never be placed in a position where uncertainty surrounds the value of their academicachievements.
Such uncertainty can discourage participation and weaken confidence in
futuretraininginitiatives.
Professional development should inspire workers. It should create opportunity It should reward ambition. It should never createconfusion.
Beyond wages lies another reality Governmentcannotdemandefficiencywhile failingtoprovidetheresourcesnecessaryfor efficiencytobeachieved.Aspublicservices becomeincreasinglydigitized,workersmust be equipped with reliable technology, functioning systems, adequate connectivity, proper workspaces and the tools required to performtheirdutieseffectively Expectations mustbematchedbyinvestment.
A public servant cannot be expected to delivertwentyfirstcenturyperformancewith twentiethcenturyresources.
The path to a stronger public service beginswithpeople.Beforeefficiencycomes dignity Beforeperformancetargetscomefair compensation. Before technological reform comes investment in the men and women who carry the responsibility of serving the nationeveryday
Guyana’s public servants deserve more than promises of reform. They deserve a government that understands that the foundation of an efficient public service is a respected, properly compensated, properly trainedandproperlyequippedworkforce.
That is the conversation that must now takecenterstage.
Regards, Hon.K.SharmaSolomon MemberofParliament
By Christopher Ram
For almost every
decade since Independence, Guyana has produced a
project that promised t r a n s f o r m a t i o n a n d delivered disappointment, andsometimesdisaster
The1970shadtheUpper Mazaruni hydroelectric scheme and the Feed, Clothe and House programme Later came nationalisation
followed by Skeldon, Amaila Falls, the Specialty Hospital and a succession of
country's economic future
Different leaders conceived them Different ideologies inspiredthem.
Different circumstances surrounded them. Yet they s h a r e d
m m o n characteristic They all promised transformation only to founder on the rocks of poor planning, weak financial management and inadequateexecution.
Theproblemwasseldom ambition. Guyana has never l a c k e d a m b
Governments of every political persuasion have demonstrated a willingness to think big, spend big and promise big. The recurring weakness has been the inabilitytoconverttheseinto r
d estimates Timelines slip Financing arrangements change. Assumptions prove unrealistic Expectations outrun capacity Some projects fail outright. Others s u r v i v
i v e r substantially less than promised.
The lesson from half a
century of experience is not that Guyana should stop thinking big. It is that vision without planning, discipline and execution is often an expensiveillusion.
That history deserves attention as the Government returned to Parliament this week seeking an additional $54 9 billion, including approximately $19 billion for the Gas-to-Energy Project.
The issue is not the legality of supplementary a p p r o p r i a t i o n s Governments sometimes require additional resources during the course of a fiscal y e a r T h e i s s u e i s competence Four months after Parliament approved a budgetof$1.558trillion,one of the most important projects in the country's history requires another substantial injection of publicmoney
If there is one project in Guyana whose financing r e q u i r e m e n t s a n d implementation timetable ought to be known with a high degree of certainty, it is thisone.
Itisexpectedtocomeon stream this year. As projects move towards completion, uncertainty should diminish rather than increase Contracts are in execution. Costs should be clearer. Financing requirements should be better understood. Mature projects should becomeeasiertoforecast.
Whatmakesthesituation particularly troubling is that no project in Guyana's history has enjoyed greater advantages, and limitless resources.
President Ali retains responsibility for finance and remains the ultimate custodian of the country's fiscal architecture Vice President Jagdeo owns the policy dimensions of the projectandhasbeenitsmost visible advocate Prime Minister Phillips is responsible for its execution and implementation Dr. Ashni Singh is responsible for financing, budgeting and appropriations. Few projects h a v e e n j o y e d s u c h concentrated political oversight.Fewprojectshave had access to so much expertise, authority and information. If any project should have benefited from rigorous forecasting, disciplined budgeting and
c a r e f u l fi n a n c i a l management,itisthisone.
Yet four months after Parliament approved the budget, the Government is seeking another $19 billion fortheproject.
The significance of that requestliesnotintheamount itself Guyana has the money Oil revenues have altered that reality. The significance lies in what the request reveals about the systems responsible for planning, forecasting and m a n a g i n g p u b l i c expenditure.
Dr Ashni Singh has built his public reputation on competence in fiscal management. Few ministers have projected greater c o n fi d e n c e i n t h e i r command of public finance, b u d g e t i n g a n d m a c r o e c o n o m i c management Guyanese have repeatedly been invited to judge the Government's stewardshipbythequalityof itsmanagementofthepublic finances.
The supplementary request therefore raises an unavoidable question. Were theoriginalestimateswrong, or was Parliament presented with figures that should never have inspired confidence in the first place? Neither answer reflects well on those responsible for preparing and defending the numbers.
I n a n y s e r i o u s organisation, a variance of this magnitude on a flagship investment would trigger difficult questions How were the original estimates prepared?
What assumptions proved wrong? Why were the financing requirements not foreseen? What controls failed? Yet in Guyana's public sector, departures from approved estimates increasingly risk becoming normalised The danger is n o t t h e a d d i t i o n a l expenditure itself The danger is the gradual acceptance of lower standards of planning and accountability, at the highest levelsoftheAdministration.
The implications extend farbeyondGas-to-Energy If the State encounters difficulties forecasting the financing requirements of a project receiving direct attention from the President, theVicePresident,thePrime Minister and the Minister of
Finance, what should citizens expect elsewhere? Should anyone be surprised when problems emerge at NDIA, CHPA, GPL, GWI, Public Works or the regional administrations? Those agencies operate with fewer resources, less political attention and weaker technical capacity Gas-toEnergy should represent the gold standard of public administration. If the gold standard itself is revealing weaknesses in planning and execution, then the deficiencies evident elsewhere in the public sectordonotsurprise.
F o r d e c a d e s governments explained failure by reference to a shortage of resources. That excuse has disappeared Guyana now has money It has access to technical expertise and advice. It has political stability. Most importantly, it has a project that enjoys the direct attention of the President, theVicePresident,thePrime Minister and the Minister of Finance.
I f u n d e r t h o s e circumstances one of the country's most important projects still requires an additional $19 billion only months after the budget was approved, then Parliament and the public are entitled to ask difficult questions. Not about the project alone, but about the quality of the planning, budgeting and financial management that underpin it.And they expect a n s w e r s f r o m t h o s e responsible.
The Government has assembled what it should regard as its strongest team. The project has enjoyed e v e r y c o n c e i v a b l e advantage If this is the outcome, then the problem lies beyond money and resources That is the ultimatedisaster
T h i s c o l u m n fi r s t appeared on chrisram.net. It is reproduced with the courtesy of its author
Backin2009,legislation was passed by the then PPP/C government giving former presidents a wide range of benefits and facilities These included security, vehicles, staff, utilities, medical expenses and other support, many of which were not subject to clearlimits.
Critics argued that the package was too generous andlefttaxpayersexposedto potentially unlimited costs. Theysaidtherewerenoclear capsonmanyofthebenefits andthatthesystemwasopen toabuse.
After winning office in 2015, the APNU+AFC administration moved quicklytochangethelaw It
passed the Former Presidents (Benefits and Other Facilities) Act 2015, which replaced many of the unlimited benefits with specificlimits.
The new law capped utility payments at $25,000 per month each for electricity, water and telephone services. It also limited staffing to a maximum of three persons, including household and personalstaff.
Medical expenses were cappedat$200,000annually for the former president, spouse and children under eighteen years old. Security was limited to two personal security officers and transportation was restricted totwostate-ownedvehicles.
The law also provided a
equivalent to two first-class return airfares. In addition, benefits would cease if a former president entered business, accepted paid employmen
was convicted of a criminal offence resulting in imprisonment.
The PPP/C fiercely opposed the changes It argued that the benefits had already been established in law and therefore represented legitimate expectations that could not simplybetakenaway
The party also argued that the issue was being exaggerated by its political opponents.Itmaintainedthat the benefits available to former presidents were not unusual when compared withinternationalpractice.
PPP/C leaders further contended that former presidents continue to face security risks long after leaving office. They said these individuals require transportation, staff and protection because of the positionstheyonceheld.
The party also stressed that former presidents often continue to perform ceremonial, diplomatic and advisory functions. Because of this, it argued that their benefits should not be viewed as ordinary pension payments.
Another argument advanced by the PPP/C was that reducing benefits could underminethedignityofthe
office.Aformerpresident,it said, should be able to maintain a level of standing and respect consistent with having once served as Head ofState.
APNU and theAFC saw things differently They argued that while former presidentsdeservedbenefits, those benefits should be transparent, measurable and subjecttoreasonablelimits.
They maintained that taxpayers should know exactly what they are funding. Unlimited benefits, theyargued,createunlimited liabilities.
Now,in2026,thePPP/C hasreturnedtoofficeandhas moved to reverse many of those restrictions. The party now seeks to restore uncappedbenefitsforformer presidents.
That development is hardlysurprising.Oneofthe e
f Guyanese politics is that governments often spend considerable time undoing whattheirpredecessorsdid.
What is remarkable, however,ishowfamiliarthe arguments now sound. The same PPP/C that once criticized APNU+AFC for increasing ministerial salaries is now asking taxpayers to shoulder p
presidents.
When APNU+AFC i
al salaries, the PPP/C accused it of fattening ministers
Dem boys seh if yuh ever see a kitchen with three cooks and one big pot but no cover, yuh don’t need to be a nutritionist to know what happen next. One pot, three hands,andsuddenlyonepersonswearingde souptasteperfectwhilederestwonderingif saltgetrationed.
That is how dem watching this whole “uncapped”businessgoingon.Onesideseh leaveitopen,deothersidesehputacapon it.Butdemboyssehderealtroubleain’tthe cap itself—it is what happen when there is nocoverondepot.
Because once de pot uncapped, heat doesdostrangethingstofairness.Oneladle start to behave like a shovel, another like a teaspoon,andbeforeyuhknowit,somebody stirring with confidence while somebody elsestudyingdebottomlikearchaeology
Dem boys seh in theory, everybody got access In practice, access does have personality One hand does always reach first, reach longest, and reach most comfortablelikeitpayrentindekitchen. And den come de argument: “But is all desamepot!”True.Butifonemandipping tentimeswhileanotherdippingtwice,then isnotdepotthatwrong—itisdeabsenceof rulesoverdepotthatcausingdefight.
Dem boys seh this is why people does like caps.Acap does behave like a lid, like
while public servants struggled.The criticism was that government leaders shouldnotenrichthemselves while ordinary workers receivedlittleornothing.
Thatargumentresonated with many Guyanese It appealed to a sense of fairnessandequity
Today, however, a similarquestionarises.Why should former presidents enjoy uncapped benefits while teachers, nurses, police officers and public servants must live within strictlimits?
There is another important consideration
Three of Guyana’s four living former presidents are membersofthePPP/C.
That fact does not make the legislation wrong It does, however, make public scrutinyentirelyreasonable.
Theanswerisnottostrip former presidents of benefits.Norisittocreatea blank cheque funded by taxpayers.
A sensible compromise exists between those two extremes.Formerpresidents should receive generous benefits, but those benefits should be subject to reasonablelimits.
Security should be capped, but at levels that adequately protect former
heads of state. Staffing and transportationshouldalsobe capped, but at levels sufficient to allow former presidents to carry out ceremonial and advisory duties.
Utilities should likewise be subject to reasonable limits.Taxpayers should not berequiredtofundunlimited consumption.
Atthesametime,thereis one area where caps make little sense Health care shouldremainuncapped.
Illness does not respect budgets. A former president who develops a serious medicalconditionshouldnot be denied treatment because anarbitraryceilinghasbeen reached.
Afterall,thecountryhas an obligation to care for those who once occupied its highest office Medical support should therefore be based on need rather than a fixeddollaramount.
Such an approach would preserve both accountability anddignity.Itwouldprotect taxpayers while ensuring that former presidents are treatedwiththerespecttheir servicedeserves.
U n f o r t u n a t e l y, compromise is becoming an endangered species in Guyanese politics Too often, every criticism is
treatedashostilityandevery suggestionasanattack.
That is unfortunate because good policy is usually found somewhere in the middle Unlimited benefits invite abuse, while excessively restrictive benefitsdiminishtheoffice.
Reasonable caps combined with uncapped medicalcareofferapractical solution Whether that solution receives serious consideration is another matterentirely
The PPP/C has every right to disagree with its political opponents But disagreement should not prevent it from recognising that some of the concerns raised in 2015 were legitimate then and remain legitimatetoday
A balanced system can provide a suitable compromise.Thequestionis whether anyone in power is preparedtolisten.
(The views expressed in this article are those of the author and do not necessarily reflect the opinionsofthisnewspaper)
discipline, like that one strict auntie who doesstandupindekitchenandseh,“Ifyuh takeagain,yuhwashingdishes.”
Without de cap, everything does become interpretation One man calling it “a reasonable serving,” another calling it “justaliltaste,”andsomebodyelsealready packing takeaway like is a survival exercise
Anddeironysweetlikecondensedmilk. Because when de pot full and steaming, everybody does talk unity But the moment one ladle start behaving like it own Parliament, unity does suddenly need clarificationandcommitteereview
Dem boys seh fairness is not about making everybody eat same spoon size, because life ain’t kindergarten lunch line. Fairness is making sure nobody turn de pot into personal property while telling everybodyelse“yuhwelcome.”
So dem boys seh put a cap on de pot—not to starve anybody, but to stop de soupfromdevelopingpoliticalambition. Because once de pot start serving one hand more than de others, it don’t matter howgoodderecipeis.
De argument does always end up over who drinking broth and who only smellingsteam. Talkhalf.Leffhalf.
What's up, doc? Yeah, that'sthesadreflectionofthe state of the Guyana presidency Dwindled to a cartoon.
Ifit'snotshovelingsnow, it'sshovelingthatotherfourletterwordthatstinksupthe environment The great office of presidency shrunk toashell. Tocompensate,to signal life, there are those
spasms with which Guyanese have become familiar Volume at high pitch.
Messages lacking substance Where's the follow-up? Togiveskeleton and muscle to all the grand thingsbeingsaid. Sixyears
ago, and all the days in between, are recycled
T u r b o - c h a r g e d presentations. Excitements stirred.
The bubble then bursts quickly enough. From an empty barrel to an empty paper bag. What's up with that,doc?
From the broad lands of theRupununitotightspaces in the capital city, it is the same sob story of spending and sucking air Citizens trappedbyrisingwatersthat add to their difficulties and national governance is of a picture that's worth a thousand words. Make that 10,000 A shovel and
thoughtful souls ensuring that's captured on camera. The local world a stage. If therearestillGuyanesewith some spark in them, outrage wouldreign.
People are struggling to keep their dignity, to keep dry,tokeepsomesemblance of calm. There is what I labelthemoronic.
Whohastimetosavefor posterity such a selfsavaging, self-wounding moment?
But this is the priority Paint a picture. Create an impression. Maintain the usual political fabrications. Now that that newest instanceofpoliticalobeahis
over, Guyanese by the thousands are still soaked to thespirit.
Homes in disarray Crops under stress. Sellers licking their lips. Buyers compelledtofaceoldfriends that're such doggone leeches. Prices. Piercing more deeply, unearthing moreanguishedcries.
Who knows, but it could be that a deeper hole was being dug right in public to burythosecitizenswhohave becomeadragontheengine oftheOneGuyanamachine. People who are loud when there'ssufferingarethebest. Look at real life and how it works: those who promise much and have nothing to give usually find some spin to keep their human objects guessing. Isthisahalf-truth orahalf-lie?
It is only when the hammer drops that victims realize how they have been led on. Again. Keep a victimdistracted,keepheor she hanging. Study the situation and decide on something. Something that
doesn't cost anyhing. A shovel doesn'trequiremuch.
Nor a willing, helpful, forward-thinking videographer All that's needed is a soothing, convincing voiceover My hand is raised. Never have sofewshoveledsomuch(the same stuff not collected overnightanymore)toshore up the spirits of so many Blessings from above! Not the liquid kind that hasn't stopped. Rememberthatit's only the beginning of June.
it's not the rain gods Remember those who collected the billions, and promised to be back. They are back and all over the place Holding hands Identifyingwiththestricken. Insisting how much they care.
The soak-and-soggy season isbackwithGuyanese.
Look at what happens in a country where there's a shell presidency Nothing works. Not drains. Not pumps.
Notplans. Notpractices. Of all things, the heads of politiciansareingoodform. Come up on the run with something. Anydamnthing, to distract the Guyanese people from their predicaments.
One more thing: and who's responsible. Ahem,
IthinkthatGuyanesecan dobetter Pressforhonesty Accept only a straight story Noshovels. Somesubstance helps.
Begin all over with the money and basic truths Wherearethepeople? Who inthePPPGovt.isreadyfor thattypeofattitude,canlive with that kind of cheap action? Guyanese wanted a shell presidency They got whattheywanted.
(The views expressed in this article are those of the author and do not necessarily reflect the opinionsofthisnewspaper.)
From page 3 proposedAct.Theseinclude “(a) provides false or misleading information to the Bank; (b) obstructs or hinders the Bank in the exercise of its functions; (c) falsifies, conceals, alters or destroys any record or document relating to the affairs of the Bank; (d)
improperly discloses confidential information obtained under this Act; or (e) willfully misapplies or misuses the funds, property orassetsoftheBank.”
While the fifth offence under the Act speaks to misapplication or misuse of thefunds,itdoesnotcapture a n y u n a u t h o r i s e d withdrawals by those entrusted with managing the resources.Itmerelysuggests that persons who have obtained a loan must use the funds for the purposes intended.
A d d i t i o n a l l y , nopenalties have been identified for corrupt banking officials who may seek special and secretive paymentsorfavourstogrant loanstothepublic.
Nonetheless, the Bill states that if a director, manager, secretary or
similar officer is found to be in “connivance” or gave consent to any offence listed above, that person also commits an offence and will be liable on summary conviction to a fine of not less than $5M and not more than$10M.
Similarly, any person or corporatebodythatcommits an offence will face these penalties.
Meanwhile, the Bill at Section Six highlights prohibited activities of the Bank which include: (a) accepting deposits from the general public; (b) engaging inspeculativetradingand(c) carrying out business inconsistent with the developmentmandate.
T h e G u y a n a Development Bank will be audited annually by the Auditor General, with its Annual Report and Audited Financial Statements to be tabled in the National Assembly.
T h e p r o p o s e d framework to govern the Guyana Development Bank is expected to be debated in the National Assembly before it is officially approved and assented to by PresidentIrfaanAli.
Machel Montano won the title for a record 12 occasions, with his tune, Encore
DespiteaJune1deadline setbytheTurkishpowership operator,theGovernmentof Guyana and the company
r e m a i n l o c k e d i n negotiationsoveraproposed increase that could cost taxpayers an additional US$5.8 million annually, as thecountrycontinuestorely on rented electricity due to delays in the Wales Gas-toEnergyproject.
Public Utilities Minister Deodat Indar told Kaieteur News on Saturday that government has submitted a counteroffer and is still awaiting the company's response, insisting that efforts are focused on
securingalowerratethanthe onebeingdemanded.
"The contract is up for renewal and during this p
l negotiating.Thegovernment has put forward a counter offer and we are currently under negotiations as of now,” he confirmed on Saturday
Indar noted that the government is awaiting the company's response to its proposal.Hepointedoutthat Guya
y benefitted from a “very c
US$0.762centsasitwasthe firstbusinesswiththepower company some two years
ago. Thecompanyishowever demanding a new rate of US$0.95centsfromGuyana w
a whopping$3.4Mmoretobe pulled from the national purse.
Indar assured, “The government of Guyana maintainsseriousnessonthis negotiation and will do the bestfortheGuyanesepeople in trying to get the best commercial rate possible fromthisarrangement.”
When asked about the currentdailyratethecountry is required to pay the power company to supply 36megawatts of electricity to t
minister explained that this hasnotbeenfinalized.
Accordingtohim,“Right now we are between the old contract and what the new contract will be so that is what we are working out now A month has not gone yet They bill us on a monthly basis. The last bill wasMay21,thenextbilling cycle will be a month from now We hope to get it (the negotiations) finished by then to agree on the rate. Based on what they are asking, it cannot be higher than that, it has to be lower thanthat.Wearenegotiating down.”
Under the now expired energycontract,Guyanawas r e n t i n g p o w e r a t US$0.076/KW, forking out US$23,008,665.6 on an annualbasis.
The new demands by Karpowership could add about US$5 8M in rental fees, driving up Guyana's annual bill for that vessel to US$28,780,832.
Inajointletterdated25th May, 2026, sent by Karadeniz Powership Yasin Bey Company Limited and Urbacon Concessions Investments to minister Indar, the foreign entity threatenedtopullitsservices
if government fails to meet its demands by 1st June, 2026 Th
government moves swiftly, stating that “alignment and u n i
c a t i o n o f t h e commercial terms and pricing structure across all country operations remain essential requirements for the continuation of the arrangement.”
They ominously concludedthattheytrustthe matter will be settled “to avoid any interruption to operations.”
Guyana is being forced to pay billions to rent electricity as a result of the
WalesGas-to-Energy(GTE) project failing to meet its 2024deadline. That power project is now expected to startup by theendof2026.
The two-year delay will cost the country more than double the cost of theWales development which was initially pegged at US$759M. On May 28, this publication reported that thesedelaysarelikelytocost the nation an eye-watering US$884M more due to the increasinglyhighimportbill for Heavy Fuel Oil (HFO), rental of powerships and a costly legal dispute with the contractor,Lindsayca/Ch4.
A23-year-old porter of Wismar, Linden was on Thursday killed in an accident at Long Creek, Soesdyke-Linden Highway
The dead man has been identified as Isiah MalachiWilliams.
According to the Guyana Police Force (GPF), the fatal accident occurred at about 21:30h and involved a truck bearing registration number GRR7067 that was driven by a 31-year-old man of One Mile, Wismar,Linden.
“Initialenquiriesrevealedthatthemotor lorrywasproceedingsouthalongtheeastern driving lane of the highway, reportedly at a fastrateofspeed,whenthedriverlostcontrol ofthevehicleandcollidedwiththeleft-side railofaconcretebridge,”policesaid.
Asaresultofthecollision,thedriverand
Williams were flung from the vehicle
Another occupant, a 27-year-old porter of Wismar,Linden,waspinnedinthevehicle.
Thedriverandbothoccupantsweretaken to the Linden Hospital Complex, where Williamswaspronounceddeadonarrival.
The driver and the other occupant were examined by a doctor for lacerations about their bodies. They were treated and sent away Williams' body was taken to the Memorial Gardens Funeral Home, where it awaitsapost-mortemexamination.
Abreathalysertestwasconductedonthe driver of the truck; no trace of alcohol was detected.
The driver is in police custody assisting withinvestigations.
In case you haven’t heard, please be informed that as part of our continued effort to channel positive changes in our country, our publisher, Dr. Glenn Lall, has dedicated our Page Seven to be “BLUNT” about on-going indecencies in our land that should matter, not only to us at this publication, but the entire nation.
MONDAY –JUNE 01, 2026
AshniSingh'scharge Finance Minister, Ashni Singh's call for Guyanese businessestolookabroadfor
opportunities sounds inspiring, but it sidesteps a glaringreality
Whileforeigncompanies continue to flood Guyana
b
opportunities in their own country
It is difficult to tell Guyanese entrepreneurs to conquer regional markets when some cannot fully participate in the boom unfoldingathome.
Before preaching
overseas expansion, government must explain why foreign firms dominate so many sectors and why local businesses still complain about barriers, unequal competition and limitedaccess.
Y e s , G u y a n e s e companies should strive for world-class standards and regional growth. But strong regional players are first built on a solid domestic foundation Government cannot celebrate foreign investment while expecting locals to look elsewhere for success.
The first frontier for Guyanese business should beGuyanaitself.
TUESDAY –
JUNE 02, 2026
Held hostage Guyana's energy crisis is not merely a failure of planning; it is a national
embarrassment The government has allowed itselftobecomedangerously dependent on a foreign powership operator that now
appears to hold the country's electricity supply hostage. Faced with looming contract expiration and no viable backup plan, officials are reportedly scrambling for extensions while taxpayers braceforhighercosts.
This predicament is the direct consequence of years of delays, missed deadlines,
a n d p o o r o v e r s i g h t surrounding the Gas-toEnergy project. Promises of cheaper, reliable power have c o l l a p s e d u n d e r mismanagement, leaving G
commercial pressure at the worstpossiblemoment.
C i t i z e n s d e
v e transparency, accountability, andanswers.
How much more will taxpayers pay? Who is responsibleforthesedelays? Every additional dollar extracted from the public purse reflects a costly failure of leadership, planning, and execution.
THURSDAY –JUNE 04, 2026
Franceapplyingpressure F r a n c e ' s s u d d e n enthusiasm for Guyana's deepwater port should be viewedwithcaution. While dressed up as a partnership to boost trade and regional integration, the reality is that the biggest beneficiaries may well be foreign interests seeking easier access to Guyana's resources and markets France complains that the absence of a deepwater harbour limits trade with Europe, yet it is Guyana that would be expected to shoulder the debt, risks, and long-term maintenance costs.
The push for loans and large-scale infrastructure projects raises a familiar question: who profits most?
Guyanese taxpayers could be left repaying billions while foreign companies enjoy cheaper shipping routes and expanded commercial opportunities Development is important, but Guyana must avoid being press
to borrowing heavily for projects whose primary value lies in serving external economic interests rather than the country's own strategicneeds.
SATURDAY –JUNE 06, 2026
Abridgeforforeigners
The announcement of a US$6M bridge across the Puruni River is being celebrated as development, but development for whom? Once again, taxpayers' money is being deployed to support large-scale mining operations, many of them controlled by foreign companies, while ordinary Guyanese continue to
struggle with inadequate roads, unreliable healthcare, poor schools and limited economicopportunities.
The government proudly highlights thousands of m i n i n
infrastructure linked to gold extraction.
I
e expansion of Canadian mining giants that stand to earn billions from Guyana's r
communities still wait for b a s i c s e r v i c e s a n d meaningful investment in theirdailylives.
A bridge that primarily facilitates the movement of gold and mining equipment raisesatroublingquestion:is national development being shaped around the needs of foreign investors rather than the aspirations of Guyanese citizens?
Too often, the answer appearspainfullyclear
A Partnership for National Unity (APNU) on F r i d a y a c c u s e d t h e government of undermining local democracy by creating parallelstructures.
Member of Parliament (MP) Saiku Andrews told reporters that there is grave
c o n c e r n o v e r t h e deteriorating state of the l o c a l g o v e r n m e n t administration across the country pointing to the increased partisan and discriminatory manner in which the local democratic organs are being treated by thecurrentadministration.
He explained that local government authorities were established to provide accountable, responsive and c o m m u n i t y - b a s e d governance However, he said citizens are instead witnessingadeliberateeffort to undermine the elected localauthorities,specifically the ones controlled by his party
H e a c c u s e d t h e government of establishing parallel structures to advance narrow political interests.
“Equally troubling is the emergence of what appears to be a deliberate effort to b y p a s s a n d w e a k e n democratically elected local authorities by creating and financing handpicked Community Development
C o u n c i l s ( C D C s ) , particularlyinRegion#6.
The PNCR/APNU notes w i t h c o n c e r n t h a t
m u l t i m i l l i o n - d o l l a r allocations have reportedly been handed over to these C D C s [ C o m m u n i t y Development Councils], many of which are widely perceived to comprise PPP/C friends, family, supporters, and political favourites These groups p o s s e s s n e i t h e r t h e democratic legitimacy nor thestatutoryauthorityvested in elected councils and NDCs Such actions undermine local democracy, create parallel systems of governance, and raise serious questions about transparency, accountability, a n d t h e e q u i t a b l e distribution of public
resources,”Andrewsstated.
The politician is also accusing the government of continuing a campaign of interference in APNUcontrolled NDC's without engagement, approval or consultation with the elected council He said the government is installing party affiliates as “help desk p e r s o n n e l ” w i t h o u t consultationwiththeNDCs.
“These actions represent an unacceptable intrusion into the administration of local democratic organs and
g o v e r n a n c e . L o c a l authorities belong to the people of their communities, not to any political party or government minister,” Andrewsadded.
Further, the APNU politician told reporters that the responsibility of the M i n i s t e r o f L
l Government is to support
threatening elected councils because they are controlled byapoliticalopponent.
further erode the principle of local autonomy guaranteed under Guyana's system of localgovernment.
The PNCR/APNU is particularly concerned about recent public statements attributed to the Minister of Local Government and Regional Development that suggest an intention to "take over" APNU-controlled NDCs.Suchdeclarationsare deeplytroublingandreflecta m i n d s e t t h a t i s fundamentally inconsistent w i t h d e m o c r a t i c
Pointing out that the situation exits within several municipalities, with the inclusion of the Mayor and Town Council of Linden, he said that this is a further illustration of systematic neglect.
Furthermore, he said the party also notes the ongoing concerns in relation to the conduct of administration officers, specifically town clerks and overseers, who in s o m e i n s t a n c e s a r e continuously disregarding decisions lawfully made by electedcouncils.
“The persistent failure to i m p l e m e n t c o u n c i l resolutions, coupled with a lack of accountability for suchactions,underminesthe authority of elected representatives and weakens public confidence in local governmentinstitutions. No administrative officer should be permitted to frustrate the will of an elected council with impunity Respect for local democracy requires respect for the decisions of elected representativesactingwithin thelaw,”hesaid.
In light of this, the party (Continued on page 48)
“Manycouncilscontinue to operate under severe resource constraints, with o ffi c e s l a c k i n g t h e necessities required to serve residents effectively, including internet access, printers, office equipment, and adequate administrative support These conditions areunacceptableinacountry currently experiencing unprecedented levels of revenue and economic growth,” MP Andrews stressed.
HEBRON, West Bank
(AP)—Israelitroopsshotat a car in the occupied West Bank, killing a 7-month-old
Palestinian baby and wounding his parents, the Palestinian health ministry said, with the bullet striking theboyintheface.
The Israeli military said thatsoldiersshotatavehicle perceived to be accelerating towardthemnearHebron.It said an initial inquiry found that the three Palestinians wounded were uninvolved civilians.
Israeli military activity, and settler violence against Palestinians, have surged in theterritorysincethewarin GazabeganinOctober2023.
The baby's father, Bethlehem University lecturer Fahd Abu Haikal, told The Associated Press that a bullet struck the windshield before piercing his right hand and striking his son and wife in the back seatFridayevening.Another bullet struck the hood, according to AP journalists whosawthecar.
The bullet passed
through Sam Fahd Abu Haikal'sface.
“He was the entire world,” Haikal said of the boy, who turned seven monthsonFriday
The mother was in critical condition, with shrapnelclosetoherheart.
The baby's body was wrapped in a Palestinian flag. His father carried him.
The men placed the small bundle at their feet and bowedinprayer
The father demanded justice. “At the end they tell you it was a mistake,” he said “Nothing is called a mistake.”
Thebaby'sgrandmother, FeryalAbuHeikal,wasalso in the car She said that they were driving near a checkpoint and stopped when they saw Israeli military vehicles and soldiers in the distance. She saidsheinitiallythoughtthe gunfirewaswarningshots.
“The scene was horrific to see a 7-month-old baby with a smashed face,” she said. “What kind of army in theworlddoesthis?”
Israelisoldiersarerarely punishedinsuchcases Israeli soldiers accused of harming Palestinians are seldom penalized, and were indictedinfewerthan1%of cases based on 2,427 complaints alleging wrongdoing between 2016 and 2024, according to Israeli rights group Yesh Din.
On Saturday, the
Palestinian Red Crescent said that eight people were woundedinsettlerattackson the town of Huwara, near Nablus, including from tear gas inhalation and rubbercoatedmetalbullets.
Israel's military said that riots broke out between Israelis and Palestinians, withrocksandbatons,aftera
reported theft of livestock andsoldiersdispersedthem. The military said that it was aware of footage showing a soldier using violence against a Palestinian and it was under review Images appeared to show someone being thrown to the ground andbeaten.
Huwara has seen numerous attacks in recent
years In February 2023, scores of Israeli settlers rampaged there, burning dozens of cars and homes, after a Palestinian gunman killedtwosettlers.
The United Nations said last month that more than 1,000Palestiniansincluding at least 240 children have beenkilledintheWestBank and east Jerusalem since the war in Gaza began with the attack by Hamas-led militants on southern Israel onOct.7,2023.
More than 700,000 Israelis live in the occupied
We
B
captured by Israel in 1967 from Jordan and sought by the Palestinians for a future state The international communityoverwhelmingly considers Israeli settlement constructionintheseareasto be illegal and an obstacle to peace.
Strikekillsat least7inGaza
An Israeli strike on SaturdayinGazaCitykilled at least seven people, (Continuedonpage48)
Ma j e s t y Ta l e n t
Management Inc
(MTMI),theexclusive national franchise holder for Miss World Guyana and Mister World Guyana, formally announced Jenica Walcott as the Miss World Guyana 2026 Heiress and first runner-up during the 2026 Coronation Ceremony held on Sunday, May 24, 2026, at the Pegasus ExhibitionHall inGeorgetown.
Wallcott was presented in absentia during the landmark coronation ceremony, which culminatedinthecrowningofKelcia NelsonasMissWorldGuyana2026. Though she was not physically presentattheevent,herappointment as Heiress marked an important part ofthenewMissWorldGuyana2026 reign cycle and the franchise’s expandednationalstructure.
In her capacity as Heiress, Walcott will undertake national and local representational duties throughout the Miss World Guyana
2026 reign cycle. Her role will supporttheworkofthereigningMiss WorldGuyana,whilecontributingto theorganisation’sbroadermissionof talent development, advocacy, cultural representation, and social impact under the Beauty with a Purposemandate.
The Heiress title forms part of MTMI’s renewed direction for the MissWorldGuyanafranchise,which now places greater emphasis on regional visibility, national
community impact beyond the coronationstage.
As Miss World Guyana 2026, KelciaNelsonwillrepresentGuyana internationally at the 75th anniversaryeditionoftheMissWorld Festival in Vietnam, while Walcott will serve as a key national figure withinthefranchise,representingthe brand locally and supporting its initiativesacrossthecountry
The 2026 Coronation Ceremony also marked the formal unveiling of
MTMI’s evolving national structure and its plans for expanded editorial, philanthropic, and youth-focused programming through the future establishmentoftheMajestyPurpose Foundation.
Walcott’sappointmentasHeiress reflects MTMI’s commitment to c
opportunities for young women within the Miss World Guyana system, extending the platform’s reach beyond competition and into national service, leadership, and purpose-drivenrepresentation.
MajestyTalent Management Inc. (MTMI) is the exclusive national franchise holder for Miss World Guyana and Mister World Guyana. The organisation operates across pageantry, talent representation, advocacy initiatives, and creative development, while promoting Guyanaonregionalandinternational stages.
The lovely Zalika Samuels is a former Miss World Guyana This melanated queen who hails from Linden, Region 10 and is a teacher-in-training who has a passion for education beyond the classroom. Zalika loves being creative, serving others, modeling, photography, and dancing. This week's beauty is especially passionate about helping vulnerable individuals and making a positive impact in her community through compassion, support, and encouragement. Her favourite quote, “God is within me; I will not fail,” which reflects the faith, resilience, and determination that guide her personal and professional journey.
BySirRonaldSanders
Antigua and
Barbuda is one of the smaller countries of the Caribbean. Yet small states have often advanced ideas that have significance beyond their size. The decision by the Government ofAntigua and Barbuda, led by Prime Minister Gaston Browne, to make Spanish the country’s second official language mayprovetobeoneofthose ideas.
When I announced this decision at the Permanent Council of the Organization of American States on 3 June, the response from Latin American delegations
was immediate and enthusiastic.
Theirreactionwasaclear indicationthattheyregarded the decision as a serious signal of Antigua and Barbuda’s readiness to develop deeper and more meaningful relations with them.
The decision reflects both a present reality and futureopportunities.
Over many years, Antigua and Barbuda has
become home to a
substantial Spanish-
speaking community, particularly from the Dominican Republic. Many have worked, invested, raised families, and become part of the country’s social and economic life. Their children and grandchildren are citizens by birth, while others seek citizenship after yearsoflawfulresidenceand contribution to national development.
RecognisingSpanishasa second official language is therefore an important step in integrating these communitiesmorefullyinto national life. But it is much morethanthat.
The countries of Latin AmericaaretheCaribbean’s closestneighbours.Weshare the same hemisphere, many common interests, and significant opportunities for cooperation. Yet language hasoftenlimitedthedepthof engagement between the English-speaking Caribbean and Latin America in trade, tourism, education, culture, security,anddiplomacy
By making Spanish a permanent part of national lifeandrequiringitsteaching throughout the education
system, Antigua and Barbuda is seeking to equip
future generations with a skill that can broaden economic opportunity and strengthen regional relationships.
Tourism is one area where the benefits could be significant. Latin America represents a nearby and growing source of travellers that has not yet been fully tapped. Opportunities exist in countries such as the Dominican Republic, Colombia,Panama,Mexico, Peru,andChile.
If tourism professionals c a n c o m m u n i c a t e comfortably in Spanish, if marketing is undertaken in Spanish, and if hospitality services become more responsive to Latin American visitors, Antigua and Barbuda will be better positioned to compete for thismarket.
Language alone will not createnewairlineroutes.But greater engagement with Latin America can help create the commercial conditions that make stronger air links viable Particularly promising are closer connections with the Dominican Republic, where important social and economic ties already exist, andPanama,whoseaviation hubconnectsvirtuallyevery majorcityinLatinAmerica.
Trade and supply diversification present anotheropportunity
Thedisruptionsofrecent years have reminded small states of the risks of dependence on a narrow range of suppliers. Antigua and Barbuda should therefore actively explore
stronger commercial relationships with Mexico and Central America while expanding links with South Americaneconomiessuchas Colombia, Brazil, Peru, and Chile.
These countries can becomeimportantsourcesof f o o d p r o d u c t s , pharmaceuticals, medical technologies, and manufactured goods Mexico, in particular, has developed into one of the w o r l d ’ s l e a d i n g manufacturing economies and a major exporter of medical devices and industrialproducts.
This is not about
replacing traditional suppliers It is about broadening options, improving resilience, and strengthening supply security
Antigua and Barbuda is well positioned to pursue suchopportunities.Italready possesses a modern international airport and a redeveloped deep-water port,bothofwhichcontinue to be enhanced as gateways to the Eastern Caribbean. Thechallengeistousethese assets more effectively to position Antigua and Barbudaasapracticalbridge between the Englishspeaking Caribbean and the widerAmericas.
There are cultural benefits as well Closer engagement with Latin America can encourage exchanges in music, theatre, visual arts, sports, and education Antigua and Barbuda’s ambitions in football and basketball, for example, could benefit from greaterexposuretocoaching a n d d e v e l o p m e n t programmes elsewhere in theregion.
The initiative also has implications for security The Caribbean continues to confrontseriousthreatsfrom transnational organised crime, including drug trafficking, the illicit movement of firearms, and cybercrime. Many criminal networks affecting Caribbean countries have links to Central and South
America Effective responses require close cooperation among law enforcement agencies, customs authorities, coast guards, prosecutors, and judicial institutions throughout the hemisphere.
Officials who can communicate directly with th
counterp
s in Spanish-speaking countries are better positioned to exchange intelligence, coordinate investigations, and build the relationships upon which successful cooperation depends. In this sense, language becomes anotherinstrumentofpublic safety
T h e d i p l o m a t i c advantages are equally important In most international organisations, Antigua and Barbuda belongs to the Latin American and Caribbean group.WhetherattheUnited Nations,theOrganizationof American States, or other regionalinstitutions,success oftendependsuponbuilding supportfromLatinAmerican countries.
Diplomats who can communicate effectively in
Spanish are better able to negotiate, develop relationships,andparticipate fully in the informal consultations where many important decisions are shaped.
Spanish fluency also e n h a n c e s t h e competitiveness of
Antiguans and Barbudans seekingpositionsinregional a n d i n t e r n a t i o n a l organisationswhereSpanish isaworkinglanguage.
PrimeMinisterBrowne’s initiativeisapracticalpolicy with implications for development,tourism,trade, education, security, diplomacy, and regional cooperation. Language is an economicandstrategicasset. It influences how countries trade, how tourists are w e l c o m e d , h o w
governments cooperate against crime, how communities integrate, and how diplomats build partnerships.
Implementing the policy presents real challenges for the education system, not least the need for qualified Spanishteachers.
External partnerships will be needed for teacher training, curriculum development, resource planning, and potentially the establishment of a Spanish language institute But the first step has been taken
Oncefullyimplemented, this policy could become an exampleofhowasmallstate can use language to expand tourism, strengthen trade, i m p r
diplomatic engagement, and build closer ties with neighbouringcountries.
Prime Minister Browne des
recognising that in the
opportunity And, like all infrastructure, the benefits grow over time for those willingtoinvestinit.
(The Author is the Ambassador ofAntigua and Barbuda to the United States and the Organization of American States. He is also Chancellor of the University of Guyana. The views expressed are his own)
SUNDAY
Turkishpowercompanyholds Guyanaatransomformore$$$ ascontractexpires
The Government of Guyana (GoG) is currently being held at ransom by the Turkish powership company – Karpowership – which is reportedly demanding higher ratesinordertokeepthelightsonin Guyana, while State officials scramble behind closed doors, beggingforextratimetonegotiate.
A damning joint letter dated May25,2026,exclusivelyseenby this publication, exposes the chillingrealityofGuyana’senergy crisis The document sent by Karadeniz Powership Yasin Bey Company Limited and Urbacon Concessions Investments to Minister within the Ministry of Public Works, Deodat Indar, reveals that the government is currentlybeingstrong-armedintoa rapid,secretcontractrenewalunder the threat of immediate disconnection at the New Amsterdamlocation.
The country rented two vessels from Karpowership – a 36megwatts (MW) facility is docked in the Berbice River, while the 60MW craft is stationed in the DemeraraRiver
According to the letter, the initial “Powership Time Charter PlusAgreement”officiallyexpired on May 21, 2026. Recognising the crisis they are in, the Ministry desperately wrote to the company on May 22, begging for an additional30-dayextensiontohash outanewcontract.
The powership operators however flatly rejected the government’s plea, informing that itcouldnotfacilitatesuchalengthy extension, granting instead a limited one-week window which closesonMonday,June1,2026.
Signed by Beyza Özdemir, Americas Director of Commercial Operations, and Antonio Neto, ManagingDirectorofUrbacon,the letter explained, “We are unfortunately unable to accommodate a further thirty (30) daysextension.”
The executives explained that they have already continued to provide services beyond the expiration date of the contract and urged that the negotiations and approval process be expedited to allow the continuation of service beyondJune1,2026.
The operators demanded that the government moves swiftly, stating that “alignment and unificationofthecommercialterms and pricing structure across all countryoperationsremainessential requirements for the continuation ofthearrangement.”
Inotherwords,Guyanaisbeing forced to accept the new pricing arrangement, which is likely
exorbitant, by June 1, or the lights gooutastheexecutivesominously concludedthattheytrustthematter will be settled “to avoid any interruptiontooperations.”
The situation leaves Guyana, a sovereignnation,beingbulliedbya barge operator with just days’ notice,theresultofthecatastrophic handling of the much-touted Gasto-Energy(GTE)project.
The emergency power rental, alreadybleedingtaxpayersbillions inunscrutinisedpaymentswasonly necessarybecausePhaseOneofthe GTEprojectfailedtodeliveronits promises – cheaper electricity by theendof2024.Theprojectisnow instead “on track for delivery” by the end of 2026 according to government.
The two-year delay falls squarely at the feet of GTE Task Force head Winston Brassington and the engineering, procurement, and construction (EPC) contractor, CH4-Lindsayca.
Despite the billions of taxpayers’dollars pumped into the Walesdevelopment,LindsaycaInc. hasdraggeditsfeet,missingcritical deadlines and leaving the national grid starved of the promised baseloadpower
Because Lindsayca could not finishthejobontime,andbecause Brassington’s task force failed to manage the timeline, the government was forced into a desperate panic and turned to Karpowership to rent emergency power, throwing away money on temporary barges instead of securing long-term assets for the country
The government is now being held at ransom by Karpowership which knows that the GoG has no backupplan;asaresultoftheGTE delays,theforeigncompanyhasthe ultimateleverage.Theycandictate theirterms,demandtheirpricingto their maximum benefit, and deny standard 30-day extensions, taking advantage of the fact that the Ministry of Public Works has its handstiedbehinditsback.
The power crisis however exposesadeepertroublingreality,a nation that is fed only with convenient information by its governmentthatcontrolsbillionsof oil revenue. The nation was only madeawarethattheirenergysector is days away from a contract cliff after this newspaper accessed leakeddocuments.
The government remains tightlipped on exactly how many millions of US dollars this “unification of commercial terms” will cost the public purse On Saturday, Minister Deodat Indar did not respond to a request for a comment on the power deal involvingKarpowership.
Everyextradollarsqueezedout of Guyana by the energy company isadollarwasted—andreflectsthe incompetence of those tasked to manage the project, the failures of Lindsayca Inc., and the questionable legal maneuvering surrounding the entire Gas-toEnergyfiasco.
Exxoncommences 3-monthoffshoreinspection ofGas-to-Energypipeline
ExxonMobil Guyana Limited (EMGL), the operator of the Stabroek Block has commenced a three-month long inspection of the subsea pipeline for the Gas-toEnergy(GTE)project.
This was revealed by the Maritime Administration Department (MARAD) in a notice publishedonFridayintheKaieteur News.
The inspection activities commenced on May 27, 2026 and areexpectedtoconcludeonAugust 15, 2026 MARAD said five vessels will be engaged in the process,includingTelesto,Gilligan Island, Sea Ark-SSC Adelaar, DN 87 and Rainbow Dolphin All mariners “are required” to stay clear of these vessels and navigate with extreme caution when in the vicinity
“The inspection ar
commencesfromtheWestCoastof Demerara, approximately 2 15 nautical miles (4 kilometres) to 4.32 nautical miles (8 kilometres) along the pipeline and covers an area of 5.6 square nautical miles (18 2 square kilometres),” accordingtothenotice.
A few months ago, a notice appeared in the newspapers regarding aerial drone monitoring of the onshore pipeline, which lands at Crane and passes through several villages on the West Bank of Demerara before ending at Wales,whereaNaturalGasLiquids (NGL) facility and 300-megawatt powerplantisunderconstruction.
Althoughtheseinspectionsand monitoring activities are ongoing, the government previously indicatedthatthedormantpipeline isnotcostingthecountryacent.
The220-kilometerpipelinewas completed by ExxonMobil since December 2024 even as the agreements between the company and the Guyana Government continue to be hidden from the public.
In a previous public notice, MARADexplainedthatpipelaying workscommencedinJuneof2023.
ExxonMobil was granted a Permit by the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) for the project on November 25, 2022 Further, it explainedthata500meter-pipeline protectionareaoneithersideofthe structure has been established and covers an area of 56 8 square nautical miles or 194 9 square kilometres.
Although the structure is now completed,Guyaneseareyettosee the deal signed between the GoG and Exxon with regard to the structure.Infact,thecountryisalso in the dark on the final cost of this componentoftheproject.
When President of EMGL, AlistairRoutledgewasaskedabout the final cost of the project by Kaieteur News he said, “I don’t haveafinalnumber.”Eventhough he previously highlighted that all contracts were awarded for the
structure.
Exxon’sCountryManagerlater told this publication that the company is confident that the project is on budget since all contracts have been awarded. He, however, noted “there will always be some final negotiation on any sort of details that the contractors might want to confirm. We’re on thatbillion-dollarnumber.”
When pressed in 2024 to say when the final price tag for the projectwouldberevealed,hesaid, “It would be some time next year whenwewrapupallthecontracts.”
AlphonsofamilyJVdeals handforeignfirmscontrol ofover600sq.kilometersof Guyanagoldlands - one project alone targets five million ounces of gold
Through a series of joint venture agreements, the Alphonso family has facilitated foreign mining companies gaining control ofmorethan600squarekilometres (km²) of gold-bearing lands in Guyana.
The arrangements involve the 5.4 million ounces Toroparu Gold Project and the Greater Oko Gold Project,whichtogetheraccountfor approximately 634 km² of mining lands in Region Seven (CuyuniMazaruni).
Mostrecently,Australian-listed AltairMineralsLimitedsecuredan agreement to acquire up to 70% of the Greater Oko Gold Project which is 590 km² contiguous mining lands. The company had disclosed that after nine months of negotiations, it was able to enter into a binding heads of agreement inAugust 2025, withAdamantium ExplorationInc.,acompanyowned by the Alphonso family Adamantium Exploration Inc is part of Adamantium Holdings, conglomerate which is involved in mining, construction, agriculture, real estate, and petroleum productionsupport.
Continued on page 21
Frompage20
According to Altair, the Greater Oko Project, which is in an advanced exploration stage, is considered the largest gold exploration in Guyana and in the Guiana Shield. The company also spotlighted that Greater Oko is twice the combined size of every activegoldprojectinGuyana.
Altair in its disclosure said the agreementcatersfortheexpansion ofupto3,500km²ofmininglands, positioning the company as the “most dominant explorer” in Guyana. The company also stated that the strategic acquisition positionsthecompanyasaleading explorer in the Guiana Shield, adjacent to nearly nine million ounces of recent high-grade discoveries.
Altair has boasted that its 590 km² contiguous landholding agreement cannot be replicated in Guyana. It highlighted that mining permitsheldbylocalsmostlyrange from0.5to5km²,therebycreating barriersandcreatinganexhaustive and impractical process to negotiatewithcountlessindividual citizens.
The landholding consists of four advanced targets: South Oko (Soko), North Peters (NP), Old Granny (OG) and Kmung (KM). Altair’s initial exploration work is focusingonSokoandNP
Notably, Chief Executive Officer (CEO) of Altair Minerals Limited,FaheemAhmedhasnoted thattheGreaterOkoProjecthasthe potentialtobea“companymaker” forAltair
Similarly, the Toroparu deposit is located on property that was originallysubjecttoaMiningJoint Venture Agreement between Mr. AlfroAlphonsoandMr.GregoryK. Graham, effectiveAugust 1, 1999. This arrangement, initially called theUpperPuruniVenture,waslater amendedandrestatedonJanuary1, 2008, through an agreement between Mr Alphonso and ETK Inc. – referred to as theA&R Joint VentureAgreement.
ETKisasubsidiaryofCanadabasedArisMiningCorporation.
According to an October 2025 report, in March 2020, ETK exercised its option under that agreementandacquiredtheOption Interest, paying US$20 million to finalisethepurchaseandextinguish its obligations to make further payments under the A&R agreement. Meanwhile, Alphonso retained rights to conduct alluvial miningonspecificlandsnottiedto the Toroparu Project, along with access to certain roads and an airstripbuiltbyETK.
As part of that transaction, Alphonso issued a written affirmationanddeclarationoftrust, acknowledging that he holds all lands and permits under the A&R Joint Venture in trust for ETK, pending the conversion of the small-scale licenses into large-
scalemininglicenses.
TheToroparuProjectlocatedin RegionSeven,isoneofthelargest undeveloped gold deposits in Guyana.
This project is expected to produce an average of 235,000 ounces of gold per year over more than two decades, yielding approximately five million ounces ofgold,4.9millionouncesofsilver, and 260 million pounds of copper overitsminelife.
The company has already begunpre-constructionactivitiesat the site, including the construction of a bridge at the Puruni River crossingandongoingroadworksto improve access to the project. The Toroparu prefeasibility study is expectedtobecompletedthisyear, as the company positions for a potential construction decision by early2027.
Lindenmanstabbed todeathduringrow …suspect arrested
Police are investigating an alleged murder which occurred on
Sunday, May 31, 2026, about 18:07hrs at Lovers Lane,Amelia’s Ward,Mackenzie,Linden.
Dead is Tafawa Alexander, a 23-year-old labourer of Scheme Hill,Wismar
In a press release, police said preliminaryinvestigationsrevealed that Alexander and a 38-year-old man of Lovers Lane, Central Amelia’s Ward, Linden, were involved in an altercation, during which the suspect allegedly armed himself with a knife and dealt Alexander several stab wounds abouthisbody
The injured man was escorted to the Mackenzie Hospital Complex, where he was pronounceddeadonarrival.
The body was examined and stab wounds were observed on the leftupperchest,leftupperarmand theleftsideofhishead.
The suspect was subsequently arrested and escorted to the Mackenzie Police Station, where heispresentlyincustody
Aknife suspected to have been used during the incident was recovered and lodged.The suspect
investigationscontinue.
TUESDAY
‘Pay$3.4Mmoredailyor faceblackouts’–Powership companydemands …as Wales gas project fails to come onstream since 2024 to cut electricity bills by half
Karpowership, the Turkish power company that was hired by Guyana to provide additional electricity to the national grid, pending the startup of the delayed Gas-to-Energy (GTE) project, is demanding an additional $3 4M daily from the Government of Guyana (GoG) to continue its service.
The company’s contract with theGoGendedon21stMay,2026. Recognising the crisis they are in, the GoG desperately wrote to the company on May 22, begging for an additional 30-day extension to hashoutanewcontract.
The powership operators however flatly rejected the government’s plea, informing that
itcouldnotfacilitatesuchalengthy extension, granting instead a limited one-week window which closedonMonday,1stJune,2026.
Former Minister of Public Infrastructure, David Patterson who held responsibility for power generationbetween2015and2020, on Monday revealed that the company originally agreed to supplyGuyanawith36-megawatts (MW) of electricity at US$0.076 perKilowatt(KW).
It is now demanding
US$0 095/KW- the same rate Guyana is currently paying for the secondpowership,stationedinthe Demerara River That vessel provides 60-MW of electricity to thenationalgrid.
As such, Patterson told this newspaper, “This means that they are demanding a US$0.019/KW –inmoneytermstheywillbegetting an additional US$15,760 (G$3 4M) per day from this increasedrentalfees.”
Under the now expired energy contract, Guyana was renting power at US$0.076/KW, forking outUS$23,008,665.6onanannual basis The new demands by Karpowership will add about US$5.8Minrentalfees,drivingup Guyana’sannualbillforthatvessel toUS$28,780,832.
“The power ship owners are holdingtheGoGtoransombecause theyareawareofthisgovernment’s incompetence,”theformerminister argued.
Withitsbackupagainstthewall due to gross incompetence and unmatchedcorruptionattheWales project,hearguedthatthepromised delivery of cheaper electricity remains distant. Patterson pointed outthattheprojecthasnofirmend date and lacks any guarantee of providingitspromisedobjectives.
Patterson added that Guyana’s current peak demand, as at May 2026, is some 205 MW while the country’s total generating capacity with all units working is 250 MW Consequently, he pointed out, “So when the 36MW stops providing power–thecountrywillonlyhave 214MW – way below the industry established reserve level of 15% aboveyourpeakdemand,meaning that we should have at least 236MWpowergeneration.”
The new yearly rental of US$28,760,832 at an average exchange rate of G$215 means Guyana will be losing a whopping G$6.2B due to incompetence, as pointed out by the former Member ofParliament.
Minister of Public Utilities and Aviation, Deodat Indar did not respondtoquestionsfromKaieteur News on Monday, regarding whetheranewagreementhasbeen inkedwiththepowercompany
Although recently touting his availability to the media via phone callandmessages,PresidentIrfaan Alitoodidnotrespondtomessages Continued on page 22
Frompage21 from Kaieteur News on the issue.
A damning joint letter dated 25th May, 2026, sent by Karadeniz Powership YasinBeyCompanyLimited and Urbacon Concessions Investments to minister Indar highlights the chilling reality of Guyana’s energy crisis.
The foreign entity threatenedtopullitsservices if government fails to meet its demands by 1st June,
2026 The operators demanded that the government moves swiftly, stating that “alignment and u n i f i c a t i o n o f t h e commercial terms and pricing structure across all country operations remain essential requirements for the continuation of the arrangement.”
They ominous ly concluded that they trust the matter will be settled “to avoid any interruption to operations.”
While Guyana continues tobebulliedintosubmission by foreign companies, the government remains tightlipped on the financial arrangement that is milking thenationaltreasurydry
At the heart of foggy transaction is the delayed GTE project which government promises will come online by the end of this year- a timeline that energyexpertsquestions.
Thetwo-yeardelayinthe project will cost the country morethandoublethecostof the Wales development whichwasinitiallypeggedat US$759M.
On May 28, this publication reported that thesedelaysarelikelytocost the nation an eye-watering US$884Mmore.
Franceeyesdeepwater portinGuyanatoexpand Europeantrade …urges govt. to fast-track project
Francehassetitseyeson Guyana’splanneddeepwater port as a gateway to expand trade between the country andEuropeandhasurgedthe President Irfaan Ali government to fast-track the project.
French Ambassador to Guyana, Oliver Plançon on FridaytoldthePrivateSector Commission (PSC), 34th Annual General Meeting thatFranceisanintegralpart of the Caribbean region and hasitsoverseascommunities tothankforthis.
“Actually, France and Guyana are neighbours, and wefullysupportthemoveof our communities in the Caribbean, our French communities in the
Caribbean, to join
CARICOM, and the upcoming admission of Martinique as an associate member is for us a major development, and French Guiana will most likely be next. Please keep in mind that we are no strangers in the Caribbean, ” he reminded.
Ambassador Plançon wentontosaythateveryone is neighbours, a part of the same region and sharing a largely common culture, with much to offer as was illustrated during the Caribbean Public Health
Agency (CARPHA)
conference While he expressed that he would be very happy if the gap between the English and French speaking Caribbean can be bridged, he warned that the challenges lying ahead must not be overlooked.
“Trade between our countries remains limited, particularly due to connectivity issues. The absenceofadeep-waterport in Guyana is a barrier to exchanges between Guyana and Europe, as well as the w e a k n e s s o f a i r connectivity, ” the ambassadorsaid.
In the same breath he commended the efforts of a local airline which is working on establishing a route between Georgetown, Paramaribo, and Cayenne, sayingthatitisapushinthe rightdirection.
In April of this year the Kaieteur News reported that the United States Export Import(USEXIM)Bankhas signaled its interest in another key infrastructure development to Guyana, the deep-waterport,expectedto beconstructedinBerbice.
partnership,” the embassy explained.
WEDNESDAY
Govt.silentondemand formillionsmoreby powershipcompany …as blackouts increase across Guyana
EastBankDemerara. Dr Singh bluntly informed reporters that he knows nothing about the arrangement and directed questions to the executives of the Guyana Power and Light(GPL)Inc.
During a meeting with President Irfaan Ali and other Cabinet members at State House, Chairman of the U.S. EXIM Bank, John Jovanovic said a letter of interest was issued to the leader
This was disclosed by one of the members of the visiting delegation of the
y PresidentAli.
Accordingtotheofficial, “One of the highlights from the lunch was our chairman issuingaletterofinterestfor the deep-water ports and so this is yet another project in which we can support the
Top government officials,includingPresident IrfaanAli,FinanceMinister, Dr AshniSinghandMinister of Public Utilities and Aviation, Deodat Indar have gonesilentontheexorbitant demands by Karpowership, the Turkish company that was hired to supply electricity for the nation throughtwopowerships.
Leaked information obtained by this newspaper from credible sources indicates that the company demanded an additional $3 4M more daily from government to continue providing 36-megawatts (MW) of power from the vessel stationed in the BerbiceRiver Karpowership originally agreed to supply 36-MW at US$0 076 per Kilowatt (KW).
It is now demanding US$0 095/KW- the same
infrastructure requirements oftheGuyanesepeople.”
TheU.S.EXIMBankhas providedtheGovernmentof Guyana (GoG) with a US$527 million loan to finance the Wales Gas-toEnergy(GTE)project.
In a statement, the U.S. Embassy noted that the leaders discussed exciting opportunitiesahead.“EXIM stands ready to finance additional development projects that align with Guyana’snationalpriorities, b r i n g i n g t h e s a m e transparency, competitive terms, and reliability that c h a r a c t e r i s e U S
When he was told that these efforts have proven futile, he insisted, “On that matter,Istronglyurgeyouto makecontactwiththesector minister…I don’t speak on things outside of my competence I really honestly would not be able say I think the people who wouldbethebestabletosay arethepeopleworkinginthe sector.”
Meanwhile, when asked what assurances he could give that the country would not be faced with power outages as a result of the demandsofthecompanynot being met, Dr Singh promised that government would do everything in its powertoensurethisdoesnot occur
“Icantellyou,aswithall othermatters,PresidentAli’s government unwavering concern is about service to theGuyanesepeopleandwe will take all actions necessary to protect the
rate Guyana is currently payingforthesecondpower ship, stationed in the DemeraraRiver Thatvessel provides 60-MW of electricity to the national grid.
This means that the company is demanding an additional US$15,760 or G$3.4M per day under the newrates.
On Tuesday, the finance ministerwasaskedaboutthe status of the negotiations with the foreign company at the sidelines of the Local Content Summit, held at Four Points by Sheraton, Houston, Heroes Highway,
deal with Karpowership, Guyanawasrentingpowerat US$0.076/KW, forking out US$23,008,665 6 on an annualbasis.
The new demands by Karpowershipwilladdabout US$5 8M in rental fees, driving up Guyana’s annual bill for that vessel to US$28,780,832.
The company’s contract with the GoG ended on 21st May, 2026. Recognising the crisis they are in, the GoG desperately wrote to the company on May 22, beggingforanadditional30day extension to hash out a newcontract.
Thepowershipoperators however flatly rejected the government’s plea, informing that it could not facilitate such a lengthy extension,grantinginsteada limited one-week window whichclosedonMonday,1st June,2026.
A damning joint letter dated 25th May, 2026, sent by Karadeniz Powership YasinBeyCompanyLimited and Urbacon Concessions Investments to minister Indar highlights the chilling reality of Guyana’s energy crisis.
The foreign entity
interests of the Guyanese people and to ensure their continued convenience and comfort as with all other matters,” the government officialstated.
Since Saturday, Kaieteur News requested a comment from minister Indar on the issue. Questions sent again on Tuesday were ignored Likewise, President Irfaan Ali has not responded to questions posed by this newspapersinceMonday
In the meantime, Guyaneseacrossthecountry have begun complaining of anincreaseinblackouts.
Undertheexpiredenergy
threatenedtopullitsservices if government fails to meet its demands by 1st June, 202
the government moves swiftly, stating that “alignment and u
i c a t i o n o f t h e commercial terms and pricing structure across all country operations remain essential requirements for the continuation of the arrangement.”
They ominous ly concluded that they trust the matter will be settled “to avoid any interruption to operations.”WhileGuyana
Continued on page 32
If you think Guyanese children are failing in math, check their parents’ math skills In Guyana, the
national mathematics assessment at the primary level(NGSA)is55.51%,and at the secondary level (CSEC), it is 32% In previous years, the result was far below The ministry
interventions include providing students with free scientific calculators, geometry sets, graph books, organised past papers, and specialised videos on the GuyanaLearningChannel.I amputtingittoyouthat44% ofNGSAand68%ofCSEC
students who fail in mathematics most have dyscalculia.
Dyscalculia is a specific learning disability that affects a person’s ability to understand, learn, and perform mathematical concepts and calculations. It is often described as “math dyslexia,” although it is a distinct condition with its owncharacteristics.
S t u d e n t s w i t h dyscalculia have aboveaverage intelligence yet experience significant difficulties with numberrelated tasks Learning disabilities do not affect intelligence and are not a measure of intelligence Learning disabilities refer to a non-traditional learning method that the education system needs to understand and support. It is part of the neurodivergencecategory
In Guyana, where academic success is often measured heavily through e x a m i n a t i o n s a n d mathematical performance, studentswithdyscalculiaare oftenmisunderstoodaslazy, careless, inattentive, or lacking ability Without proper identification and support, these students frequently experience frustration, low self-esteem, anxiety, and poor academic outcomes WHAT IS DYSCALCULIA?
Dyscalculia is a neurodevelopmental learningdisorderthataffects the brain’s ability to process numerical information Dyscalculiaispartofagroup of learning disabilities, such asDyslexiaandDysgraphia. Individuals with dyscalculia struggle with understanding numbers and quantities, learning basic arithmetic facts, recognising numbers,
place-valueconcepts,mental mathematics, sequencing numbers, mathematical reasoning, time concepts, money management, e s t i m a
, a n d measurement Dyscalculia occurs across all cultures, l a n g u a g e s , a n d socioeconomicgroups.
COMMON SIGNS
In early childhood, there was difficulty learning to count, trouble recognising numbers, difficulty understanding “more” and “less”orthesigns.Thereare problems sorting objects by quantity and difficulty learning number songs and rhymes.
In primary school, persistent finger counting, there is difficulty remembering addition and multiplication facts C o n f u s i o n w i t h mathematical symbols, difficulty understanding place value and slow mathematicalprocessingare common.
In secondary school, there is difficulty with fractions and percentages, problems understanding
algebra, difficulty interpreting graphs and trouble solving word problems. Poor estimation
skills and difficulty managing time and money arealsocommon.
CAUSES
Dyscalculia results from
differences in brain
d e v e l o p m e n t a n d functioning rather than poor teaching or lack of effort. Learning disabilities are cooccurring with other developmentaldisordersand learning disabilities like ADHD, Dyslexia, Motor Disorders, Communication Disorders, etc. The origin is 75% geneti; neurological differences in the number processingareasofthebrain.
Dyscalculiaisnotcausedby laziness,poorparenting,low intelligence, or lack of motivation.
IMPACT ON LEARNING
Guyanese students and
a d u l t s e x p e r i e n c e
c o n s i s t e n t l y p o o r mathematics performance,
difficulty passing mathematics examinations, challenges in science and technicalsubjects.Theyalso
experience difficulty understanding financial literacyconceptsandtendto have limited confidence in academicsettings.
Emotional impact is
mathematics anxiety includes fear of failure, shame and embarrassment, lowself-esteemandfeelings of being “stupid” These
repeated negative experiences are what is very cripplingandleadstudentsto avoid mathematics entirely or to approach it with fear, which then produces the negativeresults.
Social impact is so significant that students compare themselves negatively to peers. Avoid classroom participation Become withdrawn and develop behavioural problemsduetofrustration.
L
t fo
dyscalculia affects career opportunities and financial management, daily living skills, employment performance and hampers opportunities for higher education.
Several factors make dyscalculia difficult to identify and support in Guyana.LimitedAwareness: Many parents and educators have little formal training in learning disabilities An
d culture, with a strong
p
n, CSEC Mathematics, and CAPE Mathematics, increases stress for students with dyscalculia.
With large class sizes, teachers may struggle to provide individualised instruction. Due to limited assessment resources, formal psychoeducational assessments may not be readily available across all regions Students with stigma are sometimes labelledratherthanreceiving appropriatesupport.
Although mathematics may be challenging, many students possess significant strengths.
They may excel in creativity in art and design, music, leadership, sports, andproblem-solvinginnonmathematical situations or interpersonal relationships. Educators should focus on both strengths and challenges.
TeachingMathtostudents withDyscalculia
1 Build Mathematical Understanding before Memorisation.
Students should understand concepts before
learning procedures For example, instead of memorising, allow students, even at ages 8, 12, or 16, to use counters, blocks, or objects to visualise the r e l a t i o n s h i p U s e Concrete–Representational–Abstract (CRA) Teaching Concrete Stage Use, counters, bottle caps, beans, blocks and coins. Students will physically manipulate o b j e c t s , w h i c h i s significantlyhelpful.
Representational Stage. Usedrawings,numberlines, diagramsandpictures.
2. Abstract stage moves to mathematical symbols only after understanding develops.
3 Use Multi-Sensory Learning This concept involves seeing, hearing, touching and movement for exampledrawingnumbersin sand, using number tiles, clapping counting patterns and walking along number lines.
4. Avoid overwhelming students. Break lessons into small steps to understand quantities. Mastery should precede the introduction of newskills.
5. Use Visual Supports. Helpful tools include hundreds of charts and number lines. Place-value charts. Colour coding and other graphic organisers Visual supports reduce cognitiveload.
6 Encourage Verbal Reasoning Ask students, “How did you get that answer?”“Whatstrategydid you use?” “Can you explain your thinking?” This strengthens mathematical
understanding.
7 P r o v i d e
Frequent Practice Practice should be short, repetitive, structured and success-oriented. Ten minutes daily is often more effective than onehouronceweekly
By Dr. Telford Layne Jr. PsyD, MSc. Postgrad, BSc. Clinical and Developmental Psychologist - Psychoanalyst Unwrapping Gift -Clinic
8. Reduce Mathematics Anxiety Teachers should normalize mistakes. Praise
embarrassment Celebrate
A supportive environment improves
ng significantly EFFECTIVE CLASSROOM TECHNIQUES
Number lines help students visualise numerical relationships.
Real-life mathematics
connects lessons to shopping, markets, farming, sports statistics, and household budgeting. These relevant examples improve understanding. Technology is also a useful tool, including calculator support and interactive mathematics software. Educational apps. Digital number lines as technology compensates for processingdifficulties.
Teachers should provide extra time on tests. Allow
p instructions. Give worked
exampl
U
e oral explanations. Provide visual aids.Breakassignmentsinto smaller
sks. These accommodations promote fairness rather than giving
unfair advantages Avoid criticismandpunishmentfor struggles in mathematics After all, your child likely got it from you or the other parent Use everyday opportunities to teach number concepts. Practice counting during shopping trips Have this child involved in real-life math activities, such as shopping and paying bills. Use games i
rs Celebrate effort rather than perfection Communicate regularlywithteachers.
B
Schools in Guyana can improve outcomes by training teachers about dyscalculia.Itisencouraged that the education sector develops an early screening programme at the nursery level Many Guyanese students with dyscalculia remain unidentified and unsupported, leading to unnecessary academic struggles and emotional distress. T
y identification, teacher awareness, multi-sensory
support, and
practices, students with dyscalculia can develop mathematical competence, confidence,andsuccess.
By Karen Abrams, EdD, MBA, AA
Dr. Karen Abrams writes a weekly column on technology, education, and business. She is a co-founder of STEMGuyana and Pathway Online Academy
Last week, I argued that artificial intelligence is about to make customer service, trust, and brand more valuable than they have ever been because those are the things AI cannot easily replicate. I ended with a question; does our market in Guyana actually reward firms that competeonthosethings?
The answer reveals something important about our economy Most Guyanese can recognise the symptoms: high prices, uneven service, limited responsiveness, and wages
Why more wealth does not automatically produce better service, lower prices, or broader opportunity
thatoftenseemdisconnected from the wealth being created around us It is temptingtoblameindividual businesses, but the bigger issue is the structure of the marketitself.
Two ideas help explain what is happening. The first is shallowness, a market w
w customers. The second is concentration, a market where a small number of firms control most of the supply They are not the same thing, but they are closely connected Small markets naturally limit the number of competitors that can survive, which often leadstoconcentration.
Smallness produces c o n c e n t r a
Concentration reduces competitive pressure
C
c
normally pushes prices down, service quality up, w
innovationforward.
C
Opening a serious bank requires substantial fixed costs: capital, technology,
y
em
, branches,security,andstaff.
In Brazil, those costs can be spread across hundreds of millions of customers. In Guyana, they are spread across fewer than one million.
Historically, that reality favoured concentration. Oil, however, complicates the picture. Guyana remains a small country, but economic activity has expanded dramatically and banks are reporting record profits. If the economics have changed, why do many customers feel service
standardshavenotimproved atthesamepace?
Partoftheanswermaybe culture For decades, businesses operated in an environment of genuine scarcity Cost control often mattered more t
n customer experience Customers had limited alternatives Those habits
became embedded in organisational culture. Oil changed the economy rapidly Institutions tend to changemuchmoreslowly
Many executives and managers are still making decisions through assumptionsformedduringa verydifferentera.Whatwas rational in a poorer Guyana may be less rational in a wealthier one Yet organisations often continue operating according to old assumptions long after the conditions that created them havedisappeared.
This pattern extends beyond banking. It appears in telecommunications, wholesale distribution, logistics, construction, media, and many other sectors where competition remainslimited.
The consequences are visiblethroughoutdailylife. Consumers face high prices. Serviceimprovementsarrive slowly New entrants struggle to gain scale
Entrepreneurs with innovative ideas often find themselves competing against firms with entrenchedadvantages.
International research supports these observations.
The Inter-American Development Bank and the WorldBankhavebothlinked shallow, concentrated markets to weaker innovation, lower productivity growth, higher markups, and slower improvements in wages and servicequality
Somereadersmayobject that Guyana is growing rapidlyandthatgrowthitself shouldsolvetheseproblems. Growth certainly helps. But growth and competition are not the same thing An economy can expand while r e m a i n i n g h i g h l y concentrated if the largest opportunities continue to be captured by a relatively small number of firms. The
important question is not whether the economy is growing The important question is whether enough firms a
ly competing for the opportunities that growth creates.
This brings us back to artificial intelligence. Last week’sargumentwasthatAI will make many technical capabilities easier and cheaper to access Businesses will increasingly be a
operational processes using the sam
g technologies As that h
competence becomes less scarce.
The differentiators becomethethingsAIcannot easily replicate: trust, relationships, customer s
n, responsiveness, and brand. Yet concentrated markets often weaken incentives to invest in exactly those qualities. If customers have few alternatives, firms face less pressure to improve. Servicestandardsthatwould be unacceptable in highly competitive markets can persist for years Organisations become comfortable. They optimise around what worked yesterday rather than what customers may demand tomorrow
That complacency may become one of the greatest risks facing established firms in the AI era. The encouraging news is thatAI is also lowering many traditional barriers to entry Young entrepreneurs can build products, automate operations, and reach customers with fewer resources than previous generations required. At the same time, many sectors remain underserved in trust, service, transparency, and responsiveness.That creates anopening.
The entrepreneur who genuinelycommitstoquality and customer satisfaction
may find themselves competing in territory that incumbents have never fully occupied. Policy matters as well. A country with fewer
than one million people will always face the realities of a shallow domestic market One of the most effective ways to address that challengeistoexpandthesize ofthemarketitself
This is why CARICOM integration matters For Guyana,regionalintegration is not merely a diplomatic project. It is an economic strategy A genuinely integrated CARICOM marketwouldprovideaccess to approximately seventeen millionconsumersinsteadof fewer than one million Regional firms would compete more aggressively for Guyanese customers, while Guyanese businesses would gain access to larger markets.Competitionwould increase.Newentrantsoften bring different expectations around customer service, efficiency, and innovation. They force incumbents to adaptmorequicklythanthey otherwisewould.
Thesecondpolicytoolis competition enforcement itself. Guyana already has a Competition and Consumer Affairs Commission. In a small economy, competition policy is not a luxury It is oneofthefewtoolsavailable to offset the concentration that naturally emerges from market size. That requires resources, expertise, independence, and public support.
Here is where I want to land.AIisabouttomakethe things only humans can do morevaluablethanever,but the structure and culture of oureconomyarenotyetfully designedtorewardthefirms thatdothembest.Fixingthat i
entrepreneurs It requires strongercompetition,deeper regional integration, better institutions, and business leaders willing to challenge assumptions that were formed during a very differenteconomicera.
The reservoir of wealth in Guyana is filling rapidly The question is whether the benefits will circulate broadly through the economyorcontinuetopool in a relatively small number of firms. Widening those pipes is the work of this generation,notthenext.
Scientificname:Panthera TigrisTigris
Type:mammals
Diet:carnivore
Averagelifespaninthe wild:8to10years
Size:headandbody:5to6 feet;tail:2to3feet
Weight:240to500pounds
NationalGeographic-Tigers are the largest members of the cat family and are renowned for their power andstrength.
Bengal tigers live in India and are sometimes calledIndiantigers.Theyare the most common tiger and numberabouthalfofallwild tigers. Over many centuries
they have become an important part of Indian traditionandlore.
BEHAVIOUR
Tigers live alone and aggressively scent-mark largeterritoriestokeeptheir rivals away They are powerful nocturnal hunters thattravelmanymilestofind buffalo, deer, wild pigs, and otherlargemammals.Tigers use their distinctive coats as camouflage (no two have exactly the same stripes). They lie in wait and creep close enough to attack their victims with a quick spring andafatalpounce.
Ahungrytigercaneatas much as 60 pounds in one
night, though they usually eatless.
Despite their fearsome reputation,mosttigersavoid humans; however, a few do become dangerous maneaters.
These animals are often sick and unable to hunt normally, or live in an area where their traditional prey hasvanished.
Females give birth to
litters of two to six cubs, whichtheyraisewithlittleor nohelpfromthemale.Cubs cannothuntuntiltheyare18 months old and remain with theirmothersfortwotothree years, when they disperse to findtheirownterritory.
TigerPopulations
There were eight tiger subspecies at one time, but three became extinct during the 20th century Over the
last 100 years, hunting and forest destruction have reduced tiger populations from hundreds of thousands of animals to perhaps fewer than2,500.Tigersarehunted astrophies,andalsoforbody parts that are used in traditional Chinese medicine.Allfiveremaining tiger subspecies are at-risk, and many protection programmesareinplace.
World Environment
Day (WED) was observed on Friday, June 5, under the theme “Inspired by Nature. For Climate. For Our Future ” The Guyana National Bureau of Standards (GNBS) strongly supports the protection
and preservation of the environment to secure a safer, healthier, and just future for generationstocome.
This year’s theme focuses on climate action and responding to adverse changes with sustainable action. On the occasion of World EnvironmentDay,GNBSisurging proprietors and managers of businesses to review their operations and adopt practices that
contribute to long-term environmental protection, including constructing energye
ficient and sustainable infrastructure,usingcleanerenergy sources, reducing methane
emissions and practising proper waste management to minimise pollution.
Caringforourenvironmentcan start with standards. The GNBS encourages compa
o implement an Environmental Management System (EMS) in accordance with the International Standard ISO 14001:2026, Environmental Management Systems – Requirements with GuidanceforUse,whichisadopted for use in Guyana This standard provides a framework for organisations to design and implementanEMSandcontinually improve their environmental performance. The document was updated inApril 2026 to provide a clearerstructure,easiernavigation, and stronger alignment with today’s environmental priorities.In line with this year’s WED theme, the 2026 edition is updated to consider climate change,
biodiversity, pollution, and natural resource availability It is also strengthened to influence the environmental impacts throughout the life cycle of a product/service and facilitates easier integration with the ISO 9001 Quality Management System Standard and theISO45001OccupationalSafety andHealthStandard.
Implemented by over 500,000 companiesglobally,theISO14001 standard enables businesses and organisationsofanysizeortypeto control the environmental impact of their activities, products, or services. For interested clients, the GNBS Business Development Department offers training and technical assistance to those implementing the Standard In March 2026, the department successfullytrainedemployeesofa Guyanese beverage company on therequirementsofthestandardas wellashowtoaudittheEMS.This
traininghassuccessfullyhelpedthe company to improve its environmentalmanagement.
In addition to the ISO 14001 Standard, there are other environmental standards available tobusinesses,includingtheGYS9 – 10: 2014 for the Labelling of equipment, items and parts containing refrigerants This standardiscurrentlyunderrevision to align with updated regulations.
There is also the GYS 263: 2010 Guidelines for noise emission into the environment, which specifies the permissible/allowable noise levels.
It is applicable to commercial, industrial,residential,institutional,
transportation and recreational receptors in Guyana and operates
Protection (Noise Management) Regulations2000. Further, there is the GYS 207:
2002 Interim guidelines for industrial effluent discharge into the environment, which prescribes methodsofsamplingandtestingfor Biochemical Oxygen Demand in waterandwastewater;andtheGYS 229: 2004 Methods of sampling and testing for water and wastewater: Part 16 - Oil and grease, Copper, Iron, Zinc, etc., which specific companies can implement.
Following the observance of World Environment Day 2026, the GNBS urges businesses and organisations to implement National and International Standards in their operations, which can help to protect the environmentforfuturegenerations. To learn more about the available standards, please visit the GNBS website at www.gnbsgy.com or contact us via WhatsApp at (+592) 692-4627 (GNBS) or call 219-0064-66.
Frompage22
continues to be bullied into submission by foreign companies, the government remains tightlipped on the financial arrangement that is milking the nationaltreasurydry Attheheartof foggy transaction is the delayed GTE project which government promises will come online by the end of this year- a timeline that energyexpertsquestion.
The two-year delay in the project will cost the country more than double the cost of the Wales development which was initially peggedatUS$759M.
On May 28, this publication reportedthatthesedelaysarelikely to cost the nation an eye-watering US$884Mmore.
‘IsWe’pleadsguiltyto2021 murderofgirlfriend
ShaquawnAlleyne,alsoknown as “IsWe” has pleaded guilty to murdering his girlfriend 20-yearoldShonnetteDoverwhowasshot totheheadandburiedinashallow grave in his backyard at Canvas City, Wismar, Linden, Region 10, backin2021.
Alleyne entered a guilty plea when he appeared before Justice Sandil Kissoon at the Demerara High Court onTuesday The judge orderedapsychiatricassessment,a probation report, and also a report from the Guyana Prison Service (GPS), all to be submitted to the courtbeforesentencingonJune17, 2026.
Afterbeingontherunfornearly t
e authorities in 2024, who handed him over to Guyanese authorities. While in custody, Alleyne reportedly confessed to the crime, claimingitwasanaccident.
Following a preliminary inquiry (PI), Magistrate Rushelle Liverpool at the Linden Magistrates’ Court in March 2025 concludedthattherewassufficient evidenceforAlleynetofacetrialat the Demerara Assizes A postmortemexaminationconductedon Dover’s body concluded that she died from a single gunshot to the head.
According to reports, Dover’s decomposingbodywasdiscovered onApril30,2021,28daysaftershe wentmissing.
After Dover was reported missing,Alleyneinavideothatwas widely circulated on social media, appeared to be heartbroken and deeply concerned about his girlfriend’sdisappearance.
He reported her missing on April 4, 2021, claiming he had no knowledgeofherwhereaboutsand assumed she had left for work However, Alleyne later fled the jurisdiction and a wanted bulletin wasissuedforhim.
Meanwhile, Dover’s 15-yearold relative had confessed to
helpingAlleyneburyherbodyand subsequently led police to the burial site The relative was charged with accessory after the factofmurderandwasremandedto theJuvenileDetentionCentre.
THURSDAY 3dieinsmash-up
Adevastatingtwo-vehiclecrash on Tuesday afternoon has resulted in the death of three young males, inclusive of a 16-year-old student, all of whom resided in Corentyne, Berbice,RegionSix.
The incident, which reportedly occurred at approximately 16:00h, claimed the lives of Priyas Mursalin, 23, of Chesney Front; Porshatam Hoolasia, 16, of Haswell,PortMourant,andAmeer Khan,19,ofJohn,PortMourant.
Reportsindicatethatthevehicle in which the three males were occupants crashed into a Toyota Harrier on the Maida Public Road, Corentyne.
Theyweresaidtobedrivingata fast rate, and were reportedly overtaking two vehicles but failed toavoideventualcollisionwiththe Toyota Harrier that was driving in theoppositedirection.
Police in Region Six have confirmed that motorcar #PAL 9292, which is owned by a Georgetown-based church, was at the time driven by a 44-year-old man of Corentyne, Berbice, while #PLL4312 was driven by the now deceasedKhan,butisownedbyan Albion, Corentyne resident, ArvindraArjune.
Based on investigations, motorcar PAL #9292 was headed west along the southern driving lane,whilethevehicletransporting the three young men was proceeding east, was reportedly speeding.
Khan unfortunatelyenteredthe path of #PAL 9292, leading to a head-on collision on the southern driving lane, as a result of which, the vehicle with the trio slammed into a Guyana Power and Light (GPL)poleonthesouthernsideof theroad.
The drivers and occupants sustained critical injuries about their bodies, and were taken to the Port Mourant Public Hospital, where Khan, Mursalin, and Hoolasiawereallpronounceddead onarrival.Theirbodiesweretaken to a funeral parlour where they awaitapost-mortemexamination.
The driver of the Harrier was treated at the hospital and sent
away Hewasdetainedbypolicefor a short period, during which a breathalyzer test was done His results indicated no trace of alcohol.
Hoolasia,whowasseatedinthe front seat of the other car, was a student of J C Chandisingh Secondary School. He celebrated his sixteenth birthday only three daysago.
MoreFrenchcompanies topourintoGuyana …Ambassador says focus to be on oil, infrastructure boom
French companies are
heighteningtheirinterestintapping into Guyana’s oil, logistics and infrastructure sectors, French Ambassador to Guyana, Olivier Plançonhasrevealed.
Speaking at the Private Sector Commission’s (PSC) 34th Annual General Meeting (AGM) held last Friday at the Guyana Marriott Hotel, Plançon said that since his countryopenedanembassyherein 2025, there have been genuine expressions of interest by French companiestoinvestinGuyana.
“Today, there are about 10 French companies operating in sectors as diverse as aerospace, transportation, logistics, engineering,oil,andevencatering.
Atthesametime,weattheembassy have supported about 20 other French companies expressing strong interest in investing in Guyana,”hesaid.
The ambassador reminded that there was a delegation of French companies led by Mouvement des Entreprises de France (MEDEF) whichvisitedGuyanain2024,and is working with the Georgetown Chamber of Commerce and Industry (GCCI) to organize a business mission to Guyana this year
“France has internationally recognised expertise across strategic sectors, including aerospace,withgloballeaderssuch as Airbus, Tsalas, Safour…France accounts for 18% of EU agricultural production, and as we make the subjects within the EU renewable energies, batteries with six giant factories under development, AI, healthcare, and together these strengths create significant opportunities for Guyanese businesses seeking partnerships, investment, innovation, and access to the broader European market,” he highlighted.
The ambassador noted that the embassy’s opening also reflects a clearandsharedcommitmentto Continued on page 33
Frompage32
strengthening the bilateral economic, security and friendship ties,whileplayinganactiverolein regional integration, particularly through the French overseas communities in the Americas and theCaribbean.
“Our countries are both democracies, and both our countries are fiercely attached to our democratic values As democracies, we face similar challenges here in the region in terms of security, in terms of economic and sustainable development,”headded.
Ambassador Plançon disclosed thatthedecisionbyFrancetoopen an embassy in Georgetown was influenced by several key factors that underscore France’s desire to develop a future oriented relationship between the two countries.Thiswillinturnaidinthe strengthening of trade and investment relations, while developing and promoting
development,whichisapriority
“I would like to highlight the central role of our regional economic department, based in Bogota,whichworkstosupportour activities in Guyana. Our French foreign trade advisors, Jean Francois Journal and Christophe, whomyouknow,actasfacilitators for French companies wishing to invest here Our foreign trade advisors for Guyana are a part of a regional group of 11 advisors for CARICOM,chairedbyMr Sureau. The French foreign trade advisors, forthoseofyouwhodonotknow,is anoriginalityoftheFrenchsetupto support international business initiatives,”theambassadorsaid.
The French diplomat said that theappointmentofaneweconomic affairs officer last December, the volunteers and entrepreneurs who have an official mandate from the French government helped to pave thewayforinvestorstoparticipate in the Guyana Energy Conference inFebruary.
“Nottomentionthefactthatwe are now working in close coordinationwithBusinessFrance, a government agency supporting French companies abroad, as well as foreign companies wishing to expand to France, including first and foremost, Canadians,” he added.
FRIDAY
Guyanatokeep getting12.5%profits …asExxonadvances8thand 9thprojectswithoutringfencingprovisions
Guyana is on track to continue receiving a measly 12.5% profits from the Stabroek Block, while ExxonMobil and partners bag a whopping 87 5% of revenue generatedfromthenation’soil. InMarchthisyear,theoperator
revealedthatthecountryhadabout US$5B more in the cost bank remaining to be repaid. Once the country repays those expenses it willbeabletoreceive50%ofallthe
operationalexpensesarededucted.
ExxonMobil is however gearing up for two more projects thatcouldaddUS$20Bmoretothe cost bank, further delaying the country from receiving a greater shareofitsresources.
The company has submitted planstotheGovernmentofGuyana (GoG) for its eighth and ninth projects offshore To date ExxonMobilhasawardedanumber ofcontractsfortheeighthproposed development- Longtail- which is yet to receive approval from the GoG.Thismeansthatcostsforthe project are already being incurred oraddedtothecostbank.
Additionally, the contractor commenced consultations with the public on Wednesday for its ninth project-theHaimaraDevelopment.
Meetings for the proposed development commenced on Wednesday and will continue acrossthecountrythroughJune18, 2026.
Intheabsenceofaring-fencing provision,theoperatorisallowedto use revenue from the projects that are currently producing oil to pay for developments that are still to startup.
This severely hampers revenue flow to the country as the operator takes money that should flow into the Natural Resource Fund (NRF) to pay for these developments and stillrecoversitas“investments”.
Following the revelation by Exxon on the remaining expenses in the cost bank, the Minister of Natural Resources, Vickram Bharrat in an interview told this newspaper that government was expectedtomakeanannouncement on how the process would operate inthefuture.
He explained, “No new project is added because there is no approvalandyouwouldhaveheard from several persons that we are comingtoadesaturationpoint…so we’llbeabletomaybeholdapress
after the Publisher of this newspaper, Glenn Lall reiterated callsfortheGoGtoimplementthis provision, highlighting that Exxon was no longer investing into the
Stabroek Block, but using Guyana’sprofitstodoso.
Independent institutions such astheInternationalMonetaryFund (IMF), the United Nations
Development Programme (UNDP), Chatham House and the World Bank all previously urged Guyana to ring-fence its projects giventhebenefitsforthecountry
Mahipaulslamsgovt’s movetorestoreunlimited benefitsforfmr.presidents …says proposal “unconscionable”
conference or the president might say something publicly on that issueonthedesaturationofthecost bank and how it will operate movingforward.”
Regarding increased revenue flow for Guyana, he noted that although no other project cost has been added to the cost bank, other expenses relating to exploration is stillbeingincurred.
“Onyourquestionabout50/50, remember there is still some amountofexpensesbeingincurred intermsofexplorationactivitiesin the Stabroek Block. Now they still have a year more on that exploration licence, so those are costs that will still be accumulated too. That’s why we say we didn’t payoffthecostbank,butit’sbeing desaturatedsowewillnowhaveto lookatthenumbersandlookatthe workongoingintheblocktoseeat what point in time we will get to that50/50profitsharingofoil,”the ministeradded.
Guyanesedemandring-fencing
Guyanese from various walks oflifehavebeencallingontheGoG to implement a ring-fencing provision to increase revenue flow to the country Last month the former Leader of the Opposition, AubreyNortonmadeaboldcallfor the government to ring-fence all futureprojectsfortheoperator
Hisannouncementcameweeks
A Partnership for National Unity (APNU) Member of
Parliament(MP)GaneshMahipaul hasraisedconcernsaboutthemove by the IrfaanAli-administration to repeal the Former Presidents (Benefits and Other Facilities)Act of 2015, to bring back uncapped and unlimited benefits to the country’sformerpresidents.
In a statement this week, Mahipaul labelled the move by as “unconscionable”andan“insultto hardworking,taxpayingGuyanese, ablatanteye-passtothepublic,and an open invitation for the abuse of stateresources.”
Parliamentarians will gather today at the Arthur Chung Conference Centre in Liliendaal, Greater Georgetown, where the Former President’s (Benefits and Other Facilities) Bill will be read forthefirsttimewhentheNational Assemblyconvenes.
According to the Attorney General (AG) and Minister of LegalAffairs,AnilNandlalSC,the 026billseekstoprovideunlimited benefits to the country’s former presidents by repealing the 2015 changesthatweremadetothe2009 former Presidents’ Benefits (and other facilities)Act 2009 by theA Partnership for National Unity + A l l i a n c e f o r C h a n g e (APNU+AFC) Coali
government.
Back in 2015, the APNU government amendments repealed the former open-ended 2009 Act and placed specific caps on statefundedbenefitsforformerHeadsof State. Nandlall this week stated that the Bill that will be tabled contains minor changes aimed at bringing normalcy to the benefits allformerpresidentsshouldreceive and also ensure that future presidents receive the same packagewhentheyretire.
For his part, Mahipaul noted that the 2015 Act did not deny former presidents reasonable benefitsandprotections.“Rather,it introduced tra
a
ency, accountability, and sensible limits on benefits funded by taxpayers. Repealing those safeguards and returning to a system of uncapped and unrestricted benefits would take Guyana backwards at a time when citizens are demanding greater accountability in the management of public resources,” hestated.
The opposition MP noted that while APNU is not opposed to former presidents receiving benefits that reflect the dignity of the office they once held, those benefits must be transparent, justifiable, and subject to reasonablelimits.
“Iftheexistingcapsestablished in the 2015Act require revision to reflect current realities and costs, then let that discussion take place. Whatwecannotsupportisareturn tounlimitedbenefitsfundedbythe taxpayersofGuyana,”headded.
Mahipaul noted that the proposedBillshouldnotberushed throughtheNationalAssemblybut instead be referred to a Special Select Committee for meaningful consultationtotakeplaceamongall parliamentary parties and relevant stakeholders. He said this would allowforcarefulexaminationofthe legislation, consideration of appropriate revisions to existing benefitlevels,andthecraftingofa modern framework that balances respect for former presidents with accountabilitytotaxpayers.
Registering APNU’s disapproval of the repeal of the 2015 Act, Mahipaul noted, “The goal should not be political advantage. The goal should be the creation of a fair, transparent, and sustainablepieceoflegislationthat can earn the unanimous support of the National Assembly and the confidence of the Guyanese people.”
Moreover, the opposition MP outlined that the former presidents of Guyana currently receive a monthly pension of approximately $2.2M. In addition to this pension, the2015Actprovidesanumberof benefits and amenities at the expenseoftheState.
These benefits include: utility allowancesofupto$25,000per Continued on page 34
Frompage33 month each for water, electricity, and telephone services; services of one attendant and one gardener; clerical and technical staff, where requested and medical treatment and reimbursement of medical expenses for the former President, spouse, and children under the age of 18, subject to the provisions of theAct.
Other benefits include: fulltimepersonalsecurity,includingup to two security personnel and the services of the Presidential Guard Service at the former president’s residence; up to two State-owned and maintained motor vehicles; toll-free transportation and an annual vacation allowance equivalent to the cost of two firstclassreturnairfares.
“Thesebenefitsareprovidedin addition to the monthly pension receivedbyformerPresidents.The PPP/C is moving to the National Assembly to make the benefits unlimited Is this fair to the taxpayers of this country?” Mahipaulfurtherquestioned.
SATURDAY
7-year-oldboy’sthroatslit ...granny badly wounded during home invasion
ByAllyiahAllicock
The family of seven-year-old AdrielAftabMohamedwasthrown into a state of mourning early Fridaymorningafterhewasfound dead with his throat slashed in his Phase 3 Zeelugt New Housing Scheme, East Bank Essequibo (EBE)home.
The deadly home invasion also left his 72-year-old greatgrandmother, Halima Itwari, nursing injuries. She was admitted to the De Kinderen Regional Hospital.
Accordingtoapolicereport,the murder and attempted murder occurred around 04:45 hrs. on Friday, when the little Mohamed and the elderly, bedridden woman werehomealone.
Police revealed that based on initial investigations, about 05:05hrs, a relative went to the home,wherehediscoveredthe72year-old woman injured and the child motionless in the house. The injured woman was rushed to the hospital was admitted and is in stablecondition.
Ranksvisitedandprocessedthe scene, and while examining the body of the child, injuries were observed. “A knife, suspected to havebeenusedduringtheincident, was recovered at the scene and lodged,”thepolicereported,noting that several persons were questioned and closed-circuit television (CCTV) cameras are being reviewed as part of the investigation.
Thepolicestatedthateffortsare beingmadetolocatealonesuspect. Mohamed’s body is at the Ezekiel
Funeral Home, where it awaits a post-mortemexamination.
Thelittleboy,whoattendedthe Zeelugt Primary School, was described as an energetic and friendlyperson.
Speaking with the media at the scene,hisuncle,NaseebMohamed said little Mohamed is his great nephew and the 72-year-old womanishismother
Naseeb explained that his wife was alerted by one of the neighboursthatsomeonewasinhis mother’shouse.
“One of the neighbours called my wife this morning, minutes to fiveandtoldherImustcomedown to check on my mother because somebody is in the house. And I cameandwhenIcame,Ipushedthe door and went inside, I put on the lightsbecausetheplacewasdark.I sawmymotherlyingontheground, the first thought that came to my mind was that she was dead, and then I look up, a little more in the houseIsawmygreatnephewonthe ground,”themanrecalled.
He said when he went over to hisnephew,“Iseehehadacuttohis neckandthewholeplacewasfilled with blood, a lot of blood all over the place.” Seeing that his mother wasalive,healertedtheneighbours to come over and stay with the child’s body, while he rushed his mothertothehospitalfortreatment.
The distressed man told reportersthathecannotunderstand themotivebehindthisbrutalattack. “My mother is not a rich woman,
and then she is 72-years-old and hadstrokeoverayearnow.Idon’t know if it’s a robbery or they just cometomolestherorwhateverthe casemightbe,”hesaid.
Naseeb recalled that on Thursdayhetookhismothertosort out some matters at the National InsuranceScheme(NIS)andthe7year-oldboywaswiththem.
“I drop them home around 9:30hrs, we didn’t expect this, you don’t know these things would happen. This is just a really sad situation and in my family setting thisisthefirsttimesomething[of] thismagnitudehaseverhappened,” themanrelated.
Hementionedthatthechildand the great grandmother reside there withhisnephew(thechild’sfather) and his niece and her husband live nextdoor Hesharedthatthechild’s father went away to Essequibo to work.
“Idon’tknowifthisperson(the suspect) knows what’s going on, mek he come now, because maybe he know that my nephew not around because my nephew is living here. But both of the adult maleisnotaroundsothepersonhad to know some information,” Naseebopined.
He told reporters that he is pleasedwiththepoliceresponse,he hopes that the person who committed the heinous crime is arrested and placed before the courtsandhisfamilygetsjustice.
Distraught relatives who were atthescenearetryingtocopewith
collect him. “I said I gon go and collect this man this morning before he deh run, run ah road and thingknackhe,Igofacollecthebut meoldmansaywatchIgoncollect me grandson, so me just left it as duh,”hedisclosed.
Upon hearing the news about his son, he said he caught the first boat from Essequibo and made his wayhome.
“Me son mean everything to me, I does rip me muscle to mek suremeyouthmangetnursingand go to school as a single parent,” a sadMohamedexpressed.
“Iwantjusticeformyson”
A Partnership for National Unity’s (APNU) Members of Parliament,Dr TerrenceCampbell and Dr Dexter Todd visited the grievingfamilyattheirhome.Inan interview with the child’s mother, the grieving woman said all she wantsisjusticeforherson.
community because
oftentimevisitedtheshop.
Sheexplainedthathehelpedto careforhisgreatgrandmother(her mother)whowasunabletowalk.
“Hedoesdehwithmymommy, mymomgetstroke,shecan’twalk, so he does climb pon a stool take she food out and give she fa eat, wipeshemouth,hedoesbetherefa she all the time,” the devastated womanshared.
She noted her daughter, who lives next door, was at home with her daughters when she heard screams.Thewomansaidshelearnt that the Zeelugt Primary School studentwasawakenbynoiseinthe house. He reportedly screamed for helpandwasattackedandkilled.
Another female relative disclosed that the 72-year-old woman who was brutally stabbed told relatives that while she was being attacked, the intruder demanded money from her The relativestatedtheelderlywoman’s underwear was removed, that she suffered a hit to the face, has a cut on her jaw and was stabbed in the neck.
“Mesonmean everythingtome”
Meanwhile,adevastatingAltab Mohamed, father of the boy told reporters, “Right now me aint get nofeelings,mewholeskinnumb,I missmeson,IsorryIdindehhayto protectmeson.Thereasonwhyme sonstayhomehayhealonebecause Igottogoandgetmoney.”
He said his son lives with him because he and the mother are separated.“Itakeheawayfromhe mother because me aint want he growwithstepfather,soIwukand tekcareofmeyouthman.Ijustleft he fa go and ketch this hustle and comeagain,”heexplained.
Altab said he planned to return fromEssequiboonFridaymorning to collect his son, but his father (child’s grandfather) said he will
Shesharedthateventhoughshe and his father have been separated for a while and he lives with him, she never stopped loving and looking out for him. Questioning whysomeonewouldlaunchsucha brutal attack on an innocent child, thetearfulwomanexpressed,“how you could live with yourself, how you could watch a child and just swipeaknifeacrossheneck?Who does do these things? This is my oneandonlyson,Iknowhefather take him away from me, yes, but I neverstoplovingmyson.”
Followingthenewsofthetragic incident,MinisterofHomeAffairs, Oneidge Walrond on Facebook extended condolences to the parents, siblings, and other relatives of the little boy She also wishedhisgreat-grandmotherafull andswiftrecovery.
Minister Waldron said that she was briefed on the matter, and that the Guyana Police Force has been directed to utilise every available resource in the investigation “Every effort is being made to identify those responsible, bring them into custody, and ensure they face the full consequences of the law The circumstances surrounding this crime demand a thoroughandurgentresponse,”she saidinherpost.
“TotheresidentsofZeelugtand surrounding communities, I understand the fear and concern this tragedy has caused. When a childandanelderlywomancanbe attacked in their own home, the sense of safety that every family deservesisshaken.Beassuredthat thismatterisbeingtreatedwiththe seriousnessitwarrants,”sheadded.
The Minister urged persons with information that may assist investigators to go to the nearest policestation.
“Even the smallest detail may provecriticalinsecuringjusticefor Adriel and his family A family is grieving, a community is in mourning,andayounglifehas Continued on page 35
Frompage34 beentakenfartoosoon.May God grant strength and comfort to Adriel’s family duringthisdifficulttime,and may his soul rest in peace,” sheexpressed.
Minister of Human ServicesandSocialSecurity, Dr Vindhya Persaud, who
was accompanied by
Director of the Child Protection Agency (CPA), Levine Gouveia, visited the family of the boy where she offeredwordsofcomfortand support.
MinisterPersaudassured the family that they would nothavetofacethisdifficult journeyalone.Shenotedthe Ministry will continue to provide psychosocial support, counselling, and any additional assistance neededtohelpthemthrough thispainfulperiod.
Govt.seeking$55billion morefourmonthsafter passing$1.558trillion budget …$19B for Gas-to-Energy project
The Government of Guyana (GoG) has approached the National Assembly for an additional $54 889B, a mere four months after the $1 558T budget for 2026 was approved.
Financial Paper Number
One of 2026 was tabled in the House by Finance Minister, Dr Ashni Singh duringFriday’sSittingofthe NationalAssembly
According to the document, government is seeking $4,745,434,053 for current estimates and $50,143,825,110 for capital
estimates- a total of $54,889,259,163 in supplementary funding for the period ending 2026-1231.
The supplementary budget includes $19B more forthecontroversialGas-toEnergy (GTE) project in Wales, under the Office of the Prime Minister. The FinancialPaperexplainsthat the additional funds are to “facilitate an accelerated workprogramme.”
The request for more financing to support the project comes after some $10B was allocated in this year’sbudget.Thisrequestis thelargestsumbeingsought bygovernment.
In addition to the Prime Minister’s Office, the Ministry ofAgriculture also
applied for $4.5B more for the National Drainage and IrrigationAuthority(NDIA); $8.5B more for the Ministry of Public Works; $496.3M more for the Ministry of PublicUtilitiesandAviationspecificallyforcoastalwater supply and maintenance of Hinterland and coastal airstrips.
Meanwhile, the second largest chunk of the supplementary provision falls under the Ministry of Housing for $175B being sought to” facilitate an e x p a n d e d w o r k programme”.
The Ministry of Health has also requested $337.9M to facilitate rental of buildingswhiletheMinistry of HomeAffairs applied for $60M in additional resources for an accelerated workprogramme.
The Financial Paper is expected to be debated in Parliament during the next Sitting,atadatetobefixed.
Once approved, this year’s budget will jump to a staggering $1.613 trillion or approximatelyUS$8B.
Financialrecklessness
In an invited comment, parliamentary leader of the People’s National Congress Reform (PNC/R), Dr Terrence Campbell told this newspaper that he was shocked that less than four months after the budget was passed government has returned to the House for morefunding.
“Generally,atleastinthe businessworldthesekindsof supplementaryprovisionsor adjustments to budgets suggestalackofplanningin the first place and I believe thatthisisthecaseinrelation
to the supplementary provision,” Dr. Campbell reasoned.
reserved for unforeseen circumstances has become an annual feature of government spending,” the partysaid.
It believes that the National Assembly is increasingly being reduced to a “rubber stamp”, with billions of dollars being broughtforapprovalmonths aftertheoriginalbudgetwas passed- a practice that undermines the spirit of parliamentary oversight and weakens the accountability
mechanisms that are essential in any democratic society
He pointed out that this year’s budget already allocated $10B for the GTE project, yet a whopping $19B more is being sought for that development The Member of Parliament explained, “This $19B will supposedly lead to an accelerationofthismaligned project.Asubstantialamount ofmoneyisbeingspentona projectthatwasmismanaged from the start and for which wehaveneverseenaproper feasibilitystudy.”
While short on detailed information regarding the request for additional resources, the businessman
calculated that the supplementary budget accounts for about three or four percent of the fiscal blueprint for 2026, a mere four months after the plan wasapproved.
To t h i s e n d , h e concluded, “I think it is an i n d i c t m e n t o n t h e government of a lack of planning of course what is presentedhereisreallyscant on details and again, $19B for a Gas-to-Energy project that has already blown its budget I think it’s just a further example of financial recklessness by this government.”
I n a s u b s e q u e n t statement, the PNC/R said the annual budget process is i n t e n d e d t o b e a comprehensive exercise through which government priorities, programmes, and expenditures are carefully examined, debated, and approved by the National Assembly
“Yet, under the PPP/C
A d m i n i s t r a t i o n , supplementarybudgetshave become routine rather than exceptional.Whatshouldbe an extraordinary measure
accounted for with the h i g h e s t l e v e l s o f transparency, prudence and accountability,” the group urged, pointing out that fiscal indiscipline cannot be afforded.
Accountingfailure
limited accountability for how previously approved monieswerespent.”
“The PNCR and APNU maintain that Guyana’s rapidly growing revenues, particularly from the oil and gas sector, demand stronger, not weaker, financial oversight.Everydollarspent belongs to the people of
Meanwhile, Opposition Leader,Azruddin Mohamed flaggedwhathedescribedas a “serious oversight” issue affectingthecountry Hetold this publication, “The Government sought and received approval to spend over $1 558 trillion, yet continues to return for more funds while providing
Further, he noted that with its parliamentary majority, he anticipates the continuedoverridingofdeep scrutiny and avoidance of checks and balances to protectthenationalpurse.
The leader of the We InvestinNationhood(WIN) party argued, “Guyanese deserve transparency, accountability, and answers about how their money is being managed. They are so corrupt;theyaskedfor1.558 trillion and they recklessly spentmostofthat.”
Once upon a time, in a cozy little den beneathahill,therelivedayoungfoxnamed Pip.Pipwasusuallycheerfulandcurious,but one morning he woke up feeling very grumpy Before breakfast, he accidentally knocked over his cup of berry juice, which splashed across the table. Then he tripped overhisowntailwhiletryingtocleanitup. His fur stuck out in every direction, and nothingseemedtobegoingright.
Pip sighed and stomped around the den The more he thought about his mistakes, the grumpier he became. Soon, hefoundhismotherstirringapotofsoupin thekitchen.
“Mom,”Pipsaidquietly,“ifIamgrumpy, andalittlebitloud,andImakeabigmistake, doyoustillloveme?”
Hismotherputdownherspoonandknelt beside him. She gently brushed a leaf from hisfurandwrappedhiminawarmhug.
“Always,”shesaidwithasmile.
Pipthoughtaboutheranswer Itsounded nice,buthewantedtobesure.
“What if I turned into a giant, prickly green monster that roared all day long?” he asked.“Wouldyoustilllovemethen?”
His mother laughed softly “Of course. I wouldbuildaspecialsoftcouchforyoutosit on, bring you warm soup, and love you just thesame.”
Pipgiggledatthethoughtofbeingagiant monster Then another question popped into hismind.
“What if I went far away?” he asked. “What if I traveled to the other side of the world?Orevenallthewaytothemoon?”
His mother took him by the paw and led himoutside.Eveningwasbeginningtosettle over the forest.The sky glowed with shades of orange and pink, and the first stars were appearingabovethetrees.
Together they sat on a grassy hill and watchedthenightarrive.
“Look up at the stars,” his mother said gently
Pip tilted his head back and stared at the sparklinglightsscatteredacrossthedarksky
“Someofthosestarsaresofarawaythat theirlighttakesmanyyearstoreachus,”she explained. “In fact, some stars burned out long ago, but their light is still traveling through space. Even though we cannot see thestaranymore,itslightkeepsshiningdown onus.”
Piplistenedcarefully
“Loveislikethat,”hismothercontinued. “Evenwhenyoucannotseeit,itisstillthere. Ittravelsthrougheverydarknight,everylong distance, and every difficult day No matter whereyougoorwhathappens,mylovewill alwaysfinditswaytoyou.”
Pip looked up at the sky again.The stars seemed to stretch forever, like a giant sparkling blanket spread across the world. Forthefirsttimethatday,hefeltcalm.
Herealizedthateveryonemakesmistakes sometimes. Everyone has grumpy days. But noneofthosethingscouldchangehowmuch hismotherlovedhim.
Pipsnuggledclosetohersideasthestars twinkled overhead. The cool night breeze rustled the leaves, and the forest grew quiet. Wrapped in his mother's warmth and the blanket of stars above, Pip felt safe, happy, andloved.
Andfromthatdayon,wheneverhehada difficult day, Pip would look up at the night sky and remember that love, like starlight, nevertrulyfades.Itkeepsshining,evenwhen you cannot see it, guiding you home whereveryouare.
ThisfunFather'sDaycraftlookslikea handsawandopenstorevealaspecial messageorphotoinside.
MaterialsNeeded
• Brownconstructionpaperor cardstock(forthesawhandle)
• Tan,beige,orlightbrown constructionpaper/cardstock(for thesawblade)
• Child'sphoto(optional)
• Blackmarker
• Pencil
• Scissors
• Gluestickortape
• Ruler(optional)
• Heart-shapedpapercutouts (optionaldecoration)
Step-by-StepInstructions
Step1:CreatetheSawBlade
1.Drawalongrectangleontanorbeige cardstock(about20–25cmlong).
2.Alongonelongedge,drawzigzag trianglestoresemblesawteeth.
3.Cutoutthesawshapecarefully
Step2:MaketheHandle
1.Drawalargeroundedrectangleor handleshapeonbrowncardstock.
2.Drawanovalopeninginthecenter forthehandgrip.
3.Cutoutthehandleandcarefullycut outthecenteropening.
Step3:AttachtheHandle
1.Glueortapetheleftsideofthesaw
bladetothebackofthehandle.
2.Makesurethebladeextendsoutfrom thehandlelikearealsaw
Step4:AddaPhoto
1.Cutasmallcirclefromthecenterarea ofthesawblade.
2.Glueaphotoofthechildbehindthe circlesothepictureshowsthroughthe opening.
a.Youcanalsodrawapictureinsteadof usingaphoto.
Step5:WritetheMessage
1.Useablackmarkertowrite:
a.“YOU'RETHEBESTDADIEVER SAW”
b.oranotherFather'sDaymessage.
2.Decoratewithdrawings,stickers,or colorfuldesigns.
Step6:AddDecorations
1.Gluepaperheartsaroundthesawif desired.
2. Letallgluedrycompletely
SometimesIfind,whendoingsomething, ThatItrytodoanother, LikewhenIamathomework, Iwanttoplaywithmybrother
IevenknowwhenIamatschool, Doingsomeworkformyteacher, Istoptochatwithsomefriend, Andthencannotfinishwhatever
SoInowseethatwhateverIamdoing, Imustputmywholemindtoit; ThisistheonlywayIcandomybest, Andsomakethemostofanyeffort.
Thisisalsotrueofeverythingelse, ThatIhavetodoeachday, Whethereating,bathing,oranyworkathome, Itisonethingatatimealways.
When taking a written test, you can improve your chances by following the first rule of going prepared totheexaminationroom.
Firstly,ensurethatyour pen, pencil and other instruments are in good order Having a good night's rest is also a necessary preparation. Be sure that you arrive at the testroomintimesothatyou can get settled down and comfortable with the surroundingsbeforethetest begins.
When the test starts, followtheserules:
1. First read over each question twice so as to ensure you understand exactlywhatisrequired.
2. Quickly preview the entire test and determine which are the easy and difficult questions, with the intention of working on the easier ones first. This will also work towards giving you the confidence needed in solving the harder problems.
3 Write down on a
separate sheet any informationyouarelikelyto needlater,soastoavoidthe worry of trying to get these while you are actually working on any problem, e.g. equations, dates, rules, etc.
4 Read all the instructions carefully and trytofollowthemprecisely 5. Write legibly so that there would be no doubt as
towhatyouhavewritten.
6. Work at a steady but unhurried rate, and try to finish with enough time to review your answers at the end.
7.Lastly,theimportance of checking and rechecking your answers cannot be over-stressed. Check all your answers in a critical manner so that you do not overlook any mistakes you mighthavemade. This means that in planningyourtime,youwill need to leave some space at the end of your answers to review your effort, correct any mistakes and include any omissions. If you have followed these tips, and if you have previously put yourstudytimetogooduse, you should feel fairly confident about taking a test. However,youmaystill
find that during the test you can get stuck or “draw a blank”. Suchasituationcan easily lead to panic, with thoughts like: “I can't do this”;“Idon'tknowmuchof thisstuff”;“I'mgoingtofail thistest”.Gettingstuckona problem does not mean that you cannot do well on the rest of the test. Instead of telling yourself negative things,saytoyourself:“I've done harder than this before”; “I will remember howtodothis ifIrelaxand try to recall what I have learnt”; “This is only one problem, and I will do well intheothers”. Takeacouple of deep breaths, build up your confidence and concentration with the problemsthatyouknowyou can readily do, and then returntoanyyouwerestuck on.
In a Slitherlink Puzzle, you connect horizontally or vertically adjacent dots to form a meandering path that forms a single loop, without crossing itself, or branching
The numbers indicate how many lines surround
each cell Empty cells may be surrounded by any number of lines (from 0 to 3). There is one unique solution, and you should be able to find it without guessing You may find it helpful to make small x's between dots that cannot be connected
Youhavewhatittakestosucceed, Youhavewithinyoueverythingyouneed tobecomeanythingyouwanttobe, andthespirittoapproachyourtasksenthusiastically Youhavepowerwithinyou toapplyyourselfenergetically; Youhavewisdomwithinyou towiselytaketherightstepstoyourgoals; Youhaveimaginationwithinyou toseeinyourmindwhatyouwantmanifested; Youhavelovewithinyou tobelovinginallyourmethodsandways; Youhavelifewithinyou topursuethehappinessthatisyourbirthright; Youhavestrengthwithinyou toholdandpursuetrueideas; Youhaveintelligencewithinyou torenounceeverybadthoughtandaction; Youhavefaithwithinyou tofulfilyourdestinyandmakethemostofyourself. Thisprovesyouhaveallwithinyou toanswerthecalltobewhateveryouwanttobe; Sodon'tbeafraidtousewhatyouhave, Andyouwillreaptherewardofalifewelllived.
Proper preparation for any examination will ensure that you make your best effort towards passing it.
Solutions
to last week’s
ByDr.EonAndre George,PhD,EdD
Many families have stories that everybody knows but nobody talks about The uncle whose drinking got out of control. The aunt who disappeared for years and returned without explanation The cousin who struggled with depression. The child who was treated differently The father who had another family The relative who attemptedsuicide.Theabuse nobody acknowledged. The conflict everyone witnessed but pretended never happened.
Everybody knows Nobody discusses it. And if someonedarestobringitup, the response often arrives quickly “Leave that alone.” “Thatdonepass.”“Whyyou digging up old things?” “Keepfamilybusinessinside family.”
What begins as an attempttoprotectthefamily often becomes a culture of silence. Over time, entire generations learn which subjects are acceptable and which subjects must remain hidden. Certain stories are discussed openly at family gatherings, while others exist like invisible walls in the room. Everybody sees them.Everybodyfeelsthem. Yet nobody speaks about themdirectly. The problem is that pain rarely disappears simply because it is ignored. More often,itchangesform.What is not discussed is often expressed through behaviour, relationships, emotions, and patterns that quietly travel from one generationtothenext.
ThePsychologyofFamily Secrets
F a m i l i e s , l i k e individuals, develop identities. Every family tells itselfastoryaboutwhothey are.” We are respectable people ” “We are strong people.” “We don’t have those kinds of problems.” “We handle our own business.”
P s y c h o l o g i s t s understand this through Family Systems Theory, developed by Murray Bowen. Bowen argued that
families operate as emotional systems rather than collections of separate individuals What affects onepersoneventuallyaffects everyone else because family members are emotionallyinterconnected. When a serious problem entersthesystem,thefamily must find a way to respond. Sometimes the response involves openly addressing the issue. However, many families respond differently Instead of confronting the problem directly, they protectthefamilyidentityby protecting the secret. The focus slowly shifts from healing the wound to hiding the wound. Over time, the secret becomes part of the family’semotionalstructure. People learn what can be discussed and what must remain off limits New generations inherit the silence without always understandingwhereitcame from.
WhenSilence BecomesSurvival
In many homes, silence did not begin as denial. It began as survival. Previous generations often carried burdens that left little room for emotional processing
Economic hardship, migration,familyinstability, social pressures, loss, and trauma required people to keep moving forward
whether they were emotionallyhealedornot. Many learned to survive by compartmentalising pain. Youworked Youprayed You endured You moved on At leastthatiswhatitlookedlike onthesurface Thedifficulty is that survival skills do not automatically become healing skills A person may learn how to function while carrying pain without ever learninghowtoprocessit Asaresult,childrenoften growupobservingemotional avoidance without realising it They learn that certain topics create discomfort Certain questions produce tension Certain experiences are simply not discussed Eventually silence becomes normal
TheBurdenof UnspokenTrauma Modern psychology increasingly recognises the
impactofIntergenerational
Trauma, a concept describing how unresolved emotional wounds can influencefuturegenerations. Thisdoesnotmeantraumais magically inherited. Rather, the effects of trauma are transmitted through behaviour, communication p
responses, parenting styles, andfamilybeliefs.
A parent who never learned healthy emotional e x p r e s s i o n m a y unintentionallyraisechildren who struggle to express emotion A family that handles conflict through avoidancemayraisechildren who fear confrontation A household where nobody discusses mental health may produce adults who suffer silentlybecausetheylackthe languagetoexplainwhatthey areexperiencing
The original event may disappear into history, but the emotional patterns often remain long after the details have been forgotten. In this way, families sometimes inherit the consequences of wounds they never personallyexperienced.
AFamiliarStory
Consider a young man knownthroughouthislifefor having a quick temper Teachers described him as disruptive. Employers viewed him as difficult. Friendssimplyacceptedthat he was “hot-headed.” For years, the behaviour appearedto be an individual problem.
Then, as he grew older, family stories slowly began surfacing.Helearnedthathis father struggled with anger His grandfather was known for explosive outbursts Several male relatives had historiesofviolence,alcohol abuse, and broken relationships Suddenly, what appeared to be an isolated personality trait looked more like a family pattern.
Theangerdidnotappear from nowhere. It developed within an emotional environment that had been shaping behaviour for generations The problem wasnotonlytheangeritself. The problem was that nobody had ever talked
aboutwhereitcamefrom.
TheCostofProtecting Appearances
Many families remain silent because they fear judgment This connects directly to the themes explored in previous parts of thisseries Oftentheconcern isnotonlytheproblemitself The concern is what people might think if the problem becomes known A family dealing with addiction may hide it A child struggling emotionally may be told not todiscussitoutsidethehome
A marriage may be falling apart while everyone continues presenting the imagethateverythingisfine. In these situations, the family often becomes focused on protecting reputation rather than addressingreality Psychologist, Erving Goffman described this process through the concept o f I m p r e s s i o n Management According to Goffman, people often behavelikeactorsonastage, carefully managing how they appear to others Families frequently do the same thing. They develop a public version and a private version. The public version says everything is fine. The private version carries the pain. The longer that gap exists, the harder honesty becomes.
AnotherFamiliarStory
A teenage girl begins strugglingacademically.Her grades drop. She becomes withdrawn and irritable Family members describe heraslazyanddisrespectful. What nobody discusses is that she is grieving. A few years earlier, a major family event shattered her sense of security The adults agreed
Dr. EonAndre George, PhD, EdD
nevertodiscussitagain.The householdmovedforwardas though nothing happened. But she never moved forwardemotionally
Without language to understand her pain, her grief emerged through behaviour Years later, counseling helped her identify what had been affecting her all along. The issuewasnotlaziness.Itwas unprocessedloss.Thefamily had buried the story, but the emotionsremainedalive.
WhyHealingBeginswith Naming
One of the most important principles in counseling is that what remainshiddenoftenretains power Naming a problem does not create the problem. Talking about pain does not s t r e n g t h e n p a i n
Acknowledgingtraumadoes notcausetrauma.
In many cases, the oppositeistrue Whenpeople finally have language for what they are experiencing, confusion begins giving way to understanding What once felt like a personal weakness can often be understood as a response to a particular experience
This is one reason therapy,supportgroups,and honest conversations can be so transformative. They create space for stories that were previously locked away Healing often begins whensilenceends.
Breaking generational patterns does not require
b l a m i n g p r e v i o u s generations. Many people did the best they could with the resources, knowledge,
and circumstances available to them They survived difficult realities and passed along what they believed wouldprotecttheirfamilies.
However, understanding where patterns come from givespeopletheopportunity to choose differently A parent can learn healthier emotional communication
A family can begin discussing mental health openly Achildcangrowinto an adult who seeks help without shame.Ahousehold can create space for honesty where silence once existed. The cycle does not continue simplybecauseithasexisted foralongtime.
UnderstandingBehaviour ThroughContext
When viewed more closely, many family struggles begin making psychological sense. What appearsasstubbornnessmay be fear What appears as emotional distance may be learned protection What appears as denial may be an attempt to preserve family identity What appears as silence may be inherited survival.
Understanding these dynamics does not excuse unhealthy patterns, but it does explain them. More importantly, it creates the possibility for change. Becauseintheend,manyof the stories that shape families are not the stories people tell. They are the storiespeopleavoidtelling.
Every belief has a history
Every reaction has a root.
Understanding them is wherewisdombegins.
Randy
Randy Mangal of
Skeldon Line Path
Secondary School is this year's 'Top National Youth Environmental Advocate' after winning Recover Guyana's SHOUT4Change Competition
Thefour-phasedcompetition,open to secondary schools across Guyana to engage more youths in environmental protection and preservation, concluded on World Environment Day, Friday, June 5, 2026.
Thisisthefourtheditionofthe National Env
nmental Competition hosted in collaboration with the Ministry of Education, with support from ExxonMobilGuyana.
Founder and President of RecoverGuyana,Dr DaveLalltoo, noted that the 2026 edition of the competition represents a significant advancement in the NGO's commitment to youth empowerment through Science, Technology, Engineering and Mathematics (STEM) integration and practical environmental learning.
This year, he said, “the competition welcomed national finalistsfrom20secondaryschools across Guyana, reflecting
geographic diversity and ensuring youth representation from various regions of the country Through a
competition process and extensive capacity-building engagements, finalists have been supported not only to strengthen their public speaking skills but also to deepen their environmental awareness, e
leadershipcapabilities.”
They began with the submission of one-minute videos from grades nine and ten students from secondary schools across Guyana detailing the sustainable changes they would make to their school's environment if given one milliondollars($1,000,000).“This phase commenced on February 9, 2026, and attracted over seventy (70) submissions from which twenty (20) candidates were identified as national finalists by a selectionpanelusingsetcriteria.”
Friday's event at the Ramada Georgetown Princess Hotel featuredphasestwo,threeandfour of the competition. This entailed candidates delivering prepared environmental speeches, engaging in an impromptu speech segment, and the four top students being asked one environmental question
to determine the national winner: How would you incorporate STEM-based solutions in the execution of your project idea to address the major environmental issues affecting your school environment, should you be given $1,000,000todoso?
Randy Mangal of Skeldon Linepath Secondary School emerged as the winner of the
competition Mangal'sprojectaims toconvertwasteintoopportunities at his school Delivering his responseinthefinalsegmentofthe competition,henotedthathewill invest his $1,000,000 win in converting waste materials into seating and vertical gardens, among other initiatives. With the implementation of water refill stations, he also intends to reduce
plasticbottleuse.
Mangal also received 1 HP laptop, 1-year of free ONE Fibre internet service, and an education advancement voucher valued at $100,000.
Coming in second place was Bhomika Singh of Tagore Memorial High School who received1HPlaptop,1-yearoffree ONEFibreinternetservice,andan education advancement voucher valuedat$75,000.
Third and fourth places were coppedbyBrandonHolderofHope Secondary School and Orlando Reynolds of President's College who each received 1 HPlaptop, 1year of free ONE Fibre internet service, and an education advancement voucher valued at $50,000and$25,000,respectively
Thecompetitionwassupported by ExxonMobil Guyana The c
mic ManagerLornaCarlsonlaudedthe initiative by Recover Guyana, which creates a platform for students to be action thinkers who (Continuedonpage48)
Guyana Fashion Festivalisslated to return from July 3 to July 5, 2026, bringingwithitafreshfocus on style, identity, and expression.
This year, the country's fashioncommunityhasbeen handed its most significant brief yet: tell the nation's story through design
Guided by the theme “A D i a m o n d L e g a c y : Fashioning 60 Years,” this year's showcase highlights the creativity shaping Guyana'sfashionlandscape. Atthelaunchoftheevent in April, Minister of Tourism, Industry and C o m m e r c e , S u s a n Rodrigues, who delivered the feature address,
describedthethemeasbotha creative challenge and a national responsibility urgingdesignerstointerpret six decades of Guyanese culture, resilience, and identity in ways that are, in her words, “bold, modern, andunforgettable.”
She noted that “Origins is not just an event, it's a statement that Guyana's
fashion industry is evolving. Our creatives are ready, and we are buildingalegacythatwill shine for years to come,” Minister Rodrigues posited.
The festival will include nightly runway showcases of 10 designerseachnightanda formal awards ceremony on the final evening Thirty designer slots are available, with each selected participant receivinga$250,000cash
grant to support p r e p a r a t i o n a n d production.
The $250,000 perdesigner grant represents a notable shift in how the government is approaching Origins, framing financial support not as event sponsorship but as direct
investmentincreativetalent. Rodrigues said the funding isintendedtoarriveupfront, beforeproductionbegins.
“Each designer will
receive upfront support — notjustasassistance,butas a strategic investment in theirtalentandpotential.”
Beyond the festival itself,theministeroutlineda longer-term vision linking designers to market access, integrationintonationaland international events, and financing through the upcoming Small Business Enterprise Development Bank.
She asser
“C
es structure, access to capital, andscale.Wearebuildinga sustainable industry, where talent transitions into enterprise.”
Five award categories wereannouncedforthefirst time at Origins 2026. Each carries a runner-up prize of $500,000. (Source: Potsalt MediaandEvents)
Aljazeera - Highranking Lebanese army officersareamongatleast12 people killed in Israeli attacks across southern Lebanon, days after the countries agreed to a conditional ceasefire during United States-mediated talks.
Lebanon's army said a brigadier general, a captain and a soldier, died in an Israeli strike on a military vehicle on the KhardaliNabatiehroad.
The Israeli army said Saturday's attack was in an “active combat zone”, and that“movementinacombat zone requires coordination” with the Israeli army It added that “the incident r e m a i n s u n d e r investigation”.
The Lebanese army said that “the continuation of the deliberate and repeated brutal Israeli aggression is aimed at thwarting all effortstoreachasolution”.
Lebanon's President JosephAouncondemnedthe attack as a “flagrant violation of Lebanese sovereignty and of international laws and norms”.
LebanesePrimeMinister NawafSalamdescribeditas “a heinous crime and an attack on Lebanon and all Lebanesepeople”.
In a statement, Salam extended his condolences to the families and colleagues of Brigadier General WassamSabra,CaptainElie Khoury and soldier Hussein Ghozal, as well as to the Lebanesearmyitself.
Later on Saturday, Lebanon's army said that its commander General Rudolf Haykal was heading to Pakistan for talks with his Pakistani counterpart, Field MarshalAsimMunir
Haykal's visit comes as Pakistancontinueseffortsto mediatetalkstoendtheUSIsrael war on Iran, with Israeli attacks on Lebanon oneofthestickingpoints.
'Heinous crime against Lebanon'
The Lebanese armed group Hezbollah said Saturday's attack was a “heinous crime” and accused the Lebanese government of exposing its country to bloodshed through the “complete surrender to the enemy's demandsinWashington”.
Iran's Foreign Ministry spokesperson Esmaeil Baghaeisaidthatthekillings reaffirmthatIsrael“islaying
claim to Lebanon in all its components”.
Inapostonsocialmedia, Baghaeidescribedtheattack as “a heinous crime against Lebanon, its army, and its sovereignty, and a clear message of aggression stating that Israel desires no security, stability, or prosperityforLebanon.”
Regional countries also denounced the attack. In a statement on social media, SaudiArabiacondemnedthe attack and “the continuing Israeliaggressionagainstthe sisterly Lebanese Republic, affirming its total rejection ofanytargetingofLebanon's sovereigntyanditsarmy”.
Jordan said it was “a flagrant violation of the sovereignty, security, and stability of brotherly Lebanon, and a blatant breachofinternationallaw”.
Its foreign ministry “affirmedthenecessityofan immediate halt to Israeli aggressionsagainstLebanon [and] the consolidation of theceasefireagreement”.
Qatar said it was a “dangerous escalation and a blatant violation of the sovereignty” of Lebanon
The foreign ministry called on the international community to compel “the Israeli occupation authorities to cease their repeated attacks on Lebanon, to respect international conventions and laws, and to fully implement UN Security CouncilResolution1701”.
The United Nations peacekeeping force in southernLebanon(UNIFIL) saidsuchattacks“constitute gross violations of Lebanon's sovereignty, territorial integrity and SecurityCouncilResolution 1701”. That UN resolution ended a war between Israel and Hezbollah in 2006. It also formed the basis of a November 2024 truce betweenthetwosides.
AlJazeera'sAliHashem, reporting from Beirut, said that this is not the first time Lebanese army soldiers or officers have been killed in Israeli attacks, adding that more than 50 have been killed since the start of the conflictonMarch2.
However,“thisisthefirst time that such a highranking general was killed,” hesaid.
A lot of rhetoric has come from Lebanese officials,“butthere'snothing that the government can do. Afewweeksago,morethan
An Israeli strike as seen from Nabatieh in southern Lebanon, June 6, 2026 [Reuters]
13 national security personnel were killed and nothing was really done by the government,” said Hashem.“Theonlythingthe government could do over the past weeks was to withdrawitstroopsfromthe southern villages and towns that, at the moment, the Israelisareapproaching.”
Lebanon's'realfoe' Separately, an Israeli air strikeonthesouthernvillage of Saksakiyah in Sidon districtkilledsixpeopleand wounded four others, reportedLebanon'sstate-run National News Agency (NNA).Another person was killed in an Israeli drone striketargettingacarinDeir
al-Zahrani in Nabatieh district.At least one person waskilledinanIsraelidrone strike on the Zifta-Nabatieh highway later on Saturday, reported NNA, with another person killed in a separate Israeli air raid in the Habboush municipality in Nabatiehdistrict. Israel also renewed
forced displacement orders for the southern Lebanese v
, Mashgara,KafrHuna,Sajad and Ansariya, ordering residents to move north of theZahraniRiver
Israel's military said it had struck around 150 H
southern Lebanon over the pasttwodays.
“Over the weekend, [the Israeliarmy]struckweapons storage facilities, command centres, rocket launchers, and additional Hezbollah terrorist infrastructure sites,” it said in a statement, adding the sites had been used “to advance and execute terror attacks against[Israeli]soldiers”.
Late on Saturday, the Israelimilitarysaidthattwo ofitssoldiershadbeenkilled in southern Lebanon, one after sustaining serious injuries,whiletheotherwas killedduring“anoperational activity”inthearea.
Hezbollah said its fighters struck a Merkava (Continued on page 48)
The intersection of technology and press freedom took center stage SaturdayattheHerdmanston Lodge, as the United States (U S ) Embassy, in collaboration with the Guyana Press Association (GPA), launched an intensivetwo-dayworkshop titled “AI and Democracy:
Promoting Ethical TechnologyGovernanceand MediaLiteracyinGuyana.”
The opening of the June 6–7 workshop featured
addresses from U S Ambassador to Guyana Nicole Theriot and Minister within the Office of the Prime Minister, Kwame McCoy Facilitated by U.S. media consultant James LeMay, a former CNN Deputy Managing Editor, thetrainingaimstoarmlocal journalists with the tools necessary to navigate a m e d i a l a n d s c a p e increasingly altered by artificialintelligence.
Ambassador Theriot opened the session by highlighting both the staggering economic potential of AI and its profound threat to democratic systems To illustrateitslocalimpact,she pointed to the energy sector “There is no question that we're living through a technological revolution
ExxonMobil recently announced that anAI model
built using Guyana's offshore seismic data was
"never seen a human being so excited about anything in my life" regarding technology's capacity to "leapfrog Guyana into the nextera."
However, Ambassador Theriotpivotedtothedarker side of the digital age, reminding the room of how AIcanbeweaponised.“Like any powerful technology AI has some challenges. It can be used to spread disinformation, manipulate public opinion, and u n d e r m i n e o u r democracies... We saw it verystronglyhereinGuyana at the height of the tensions
able to identify already discovered crude oil accumulation at a 90% success rate. By extension, they're going to be able to i d e n t i f y n e w o i l accumulations using this same technology That is absolutelyincredible.”
The Ambassador recounted taking President IrfaanAli and a government delegation to Silicon Valley last April, noting she had
withVenezuelainlate2023, early 2024, when they were using very sophisticated disinformationtotrytosway international opinion about theEssequibocontroversy.”
In light of these threats, Ambassador Theriot emphasised that the role of independent journalists has "never been more important or more challenging," explainingthattheworkshop willteachpracticalskillsfor
detecting deepfakes, synthetic media, and AIgenerateddisinformation.
Following Ambassador Theriot, the President of the GPA reflected on how rapidly the future has arrived, drawing from her background in education “…Artificial intelligence is no longer a distant concept. It is here shaping our societies, our economies, and our democracies. More
than 20 years ago as an information technology teacher, I was excited to discuss AI as something of the future. Today we are living that future and it c o m e s w i t h b o t h opportunities and responsibilities.”
Wharton expressed deep appreciation for the collaboration, stating that the "Guyana Press Association deeply values
thepartnershipoftheUnited States Embassy Its continuedsupporthighlights thevitalroleofcollaboration and advancing media literacy and safeguarding democratic principles." She
noted that seeing interconnected institutional databasesbecomearealityin Guyanawas"veryexciting," r e f e r e n c i n g t h e
remarks.
Wharton further groundedtheconversationin thepress'sultimateduty,not tothestate,buttothepublic.
Minister within the OfficeofthePrimeMinister
Kwame McCoy who followed Wharton anchored his political identity in a lifelong devotion to free speech,tracingitbacktohis childhoodhome.
“I embrace freedom of expression fully Growing up in my environment at home where we had the opportunity every fortnight as a family to sit at the table and to freely express ourselves And so, you couldunderstandthepassion I have for freedom of expressionbecauseIbelieve itisoneofthebestthingsthat couldhelpshapeindividuals and get our society to the point where we could have the best ideas all issues because we're not suppressing the freedom of expression,”hesaid.McCoy
“We hear all the challenges of artificial intelligence.Thethingabout itisthatwehavetoembrace it. We have to understand that, like anything in life, there are negatives and positives. But we have to understand what our role is when it comes to ensuring that the public has credible information, ensuring that governments are held accountable, ensuring that the information we give to the public can empower them.So,wearenotjusthere tojustshareinformation.We are accountable to the citizens,”shesaid.
(Continuedonpage 48)
Billboard - Latto appears to be heading toward the strongest opening week of her career According to projections from Hits Daily Double, her latest album, BIG MAMA, is expected to debut around No. 16 on the Billboard 200 with nearly 33,000 albumequivalentunitsearnedduringitsfirstweek. While the projected chart position is slightly lower than some of her previous releases, the unit total tells a different story
Sugar Honey Iced Tea debuted at No. 14 in 2024 with roughly 29,000 first-week units, while 777 opened at No. 15 in 2022 with approximately 15,000 units If current projections hold, BIG MAMA will become the highest-selling first-week release of Latto's career.The album arrives as one of Latto'smorepersonalprojectstodate.
The cover artwork which features the rapper while pregnant immediately sparked
conversationamongfans.Musically,listeners have gravitated toward tracks such as “Business and Personal” and the album's intro, while “Hostage,” featuring 21 Savage, has emerged as one of the project's strongestperformingsongs.
With four major projects now in her catalog,youcansayLattoisabigdawginthe game. Let's just hope her retirement talk from afewweeksagowasajoke.
Dancehall Mag-The collaboration, titled Hype Life, is one of several features announced for the album, which is due Friday, June5,viaTJRecords/Vybz Kartel Muzik and Zojak WorldWide.
Kartel's team revealed the full guest lineup on
Monday It includes Nigerian Afrobeats star
Wizkid, Dancehall heavyweights Mavado and Spice, Puerto Rican artist Farruko, Shenseea, and Skillibeng.
He and Mavado have col
e, released in 2006 on the Ghetto Whisky riddim, and Happiest Days, released in 2007 on the Laminated riddim.
Thei
r dominated Dancehall in the late 2000s, with the “Gaza” and “Gully” camps becoming shorthand for one of the genre's most intense publicdivides.Theirclashes at Sting, including the 2008 festival, remain part of
Dancehalllore.
They also appeared together on DJ Khaled's 2025singleYouRemindMe. Their new collaboration arrives ahead of Reggae Sumfest, where both artists areexpectedtoheadlinelater thissummer
God & Time spans 14 tracks Spice appears on “Confession,” Wizkid on “Stay For The Night,” Farruko on “Casi Casi,” Shenseea on “Panic,” and Skillibengon“TryAgain.”
Kartel has already
Vybz Kartel
released the title track and “Panic”withShenseea.
“I love the wellroundedness of this album, andthefeaturesreflectthat,” Kartel said in the release
“Wewantedtogivepeoplea little bit of every vibe they wanttohearthissummer No matterwhatmoodyouarein, there is something on here
foryou.Andasyoucansee, some of the collaborations could only come together throughGodandTime.”
ThealbumfollowsParty With Me and Heart & Soul, both of which received Grammy nominations. It is also being positioned as one of Kartel's most personal projects since his release
from prison in July 2024, after spending 13 years in custody
The project was produced by Kartel and longtime collaborator TJ Records, the team behind Viking (Vybz Is King) and King of the Dancehall, which included the RIAA Gold-certifiedsingleFever
PEOPLE-Simone Biles says she is home resting after ‘almostdying’fromthe‘scariestexperienceofmylife’
“Almost dying wasn’t on my bingo card earlier this week,”thegymnastwroteonsocialmedia
SimoneBilesrevealedthatsherecentlyexperienceda terrifyinghealthscare,“Thiswasoneof,ifnotthescariest experienceofmylife,”shewroteonherInstagramStories alongsideaphotoofherarmcoveredinpatientwristbands from the hospital. The gymnast said she’s since been “in bedresting”whileleaningonsupportfromherclosefriends andfamily
Simone Biles revealed that she recently faced a terrifyinghealthscare OnSaturday,June6,thegymnastics star, 29, shared a photo of her arm covered in patient wristbandsfromthehospitalwhileexplainingthatshehas been“inbedrestingthisweek”after experiencing one of theworsthealthscaresofherlife.
“I’mnotonetonormallysharethingslikethisbecauseI valueprivacyintoday’sage,”BileswroteonherInstagram Stories “Butalmostdyingwasn’tonmybingocardearlier thisweek.”“Thiswasoneof,ifnotthescariestexperience ofmylife EspeciallysinceJonathan[Owens]wasinIndy forpractices,”shecontinued
Simone Biles says she is home resting after ‘almost dying’:‘thescariestexperienceofmylife’
Owens,whomarriedBilesinApril2023,signedaoneyeardealwiththeIndianapolisColtsinMarch2026 Atthe time,Bilessaidshewas“excitedtocallIndyhome”during theupcomingfootballseason.
“I’vebeeninbedrestingthisweek,I’llexplainsooner orlaterbuts/otomyclosecirclewhoreachedout,checked in, visited & or sent flowers,” Biles continued on her InstagramStories.“Loooovveeeey’all.”
SimoneBilesAsksFanstoShowHer‘LovefromAfar’ AfterRaisingPrivacyConcernsinNewPost
American gymnast Simone Biles looks on before the game between the Chicago Bears and the Los Angeles Rams in the NFC Divisional Playoffs at Soldier Field on January18,2026inChicago,Illinois.
Inthefollowingposts,theOlympicathletesharedtwo photosofflowerbouquetssittingonacounteringlassvases asshecontinuestorecoverfromhernear-deathexperience.
Another snap showed Biles lying in bed with her two dogsalongsideascreenshotofherrestingheartrateandthe caption,“I’llbehere.”
Followyourfavoriteathletesonandoffthefieldwith PEOPLE’sfreesportsnewsletter signupnow!
Simone Biles says she is home resting after ‘almost dying’:‘thescariestexperienceofmylife’
Biles’postaboutherhealthscarecomesjusttwodays after she gave her 11 million followers a look into her bedroom and outdoor kitchen at her custom-built Texas mansionwhilehintingthatshewasfollowingthedoctor’s ordersbyenjoyingsomerestandrelaxation.
“Breakfast in bed Just what the doctor ordered,” she wroteoveraphotoofherselfholdingaplateofeggs,toast andsausageinbed
One day before that, she put her gymnastics on full displaybysharingararevideoofherselfperformingstunts inaredbikiniamidherbreakfromthesport
Alongsideavideoofherselfperformingaseriesofflips onhermassivein-groundtrampolinewithfellowgymnast Zoe Miller, Biles wrote, “Summer nights playing stick it d’<9=<<Sß”
The Deeds and Commercial Registries Authority has received six bids for the construction of the Berbice SubRegistryBuilding. The National Procurement and Tender Administration Board (NPTAB) office disclosed that the six contractors bid between$1.6billionand$2.7billionfortheproject.
KaieteurNewsunderstandsthatthereisnosinglebuilding that houses the operations of the Deeds and Commercial Registries in New Amsterdam; it is being operated from the High Court building. Back in January 2022,Attorney General (AG) and Minister of Legal Affairs Anil Nandlall announced the government's plan to construct a building for the Berbice Sub-registry
Nandlallduringhisweeklycommentaryprogramme'Issues intheNews'backinJuly2025said,“CurrentlytheDeedsand Commercial Registry at [New Amsterdam] occupies very cramped conditions beneath the High Court building which theysharewiththeregistryofthecourt.
Belowarethecompaniesandtheirbids:
Deeds&CommercialRegistriesAuthority
ConstructionofBerbiceSub-RegistryBuilding. Bidder AmountTendered
NabiConstruction
LongReachInvestments&ConstructionInc
GeneralSupplies&
VarayaGuyanaInc
MSConstructionInc
ShandongHi -SpeedDejianGroup
GuyanaWaterInc.
1,965,569,189
ConstructionofGWIOfficeBuildinginMahdia.
The conditions have become almost intolerable. I visited recently and there is hardly any space for persons to walk and thedocumentsthatarebeingstoredtherearelargevolumesand you don't have space. So, a headquarters is badly needed in Berbiceandwearebuildingabrand-newbuildingatEsplanade Road”.
At that time, the contract sum was estimated to be approximately$767million.
N, June 6 (Reuters) - U.S. forces struck Iranian coastal radar sites on Saturday after shooting down drones launched by Iran toward the Strait of Hormuz, the U.S. military said, in the latest escalation complicating efforts to end the war betweenthetwocountries.
The U S military believed the four Iranian drones were targeting regional maritime traffic, a U.S. official told Reuters.
U.S. Central Command said onXthattheU.S.thenstruck Iran’s surveillance sites in Goruk and Qeshm Island, bothintheStraitofHormuz.
Iran’s foreign ministry said that the U.S. action broke an April 8 ceasefire and that such repeated violations showed Washingtonhadnointention of reducing tensions It warned that the United States would bear responsibility for the consequences of its “illegal actions.”
Iran’s Revolutionary Guard said it had attacked U S bases in Kuwait and Bahrain in retaliation for U S strikesandfiredatfour tankers trying to cross the strait without its permission
Kuwait’s army said on Saturday it engaged seven ballistic missiles that passed over residential areas, resultinginmaterialdamage butnocasualties.InBahrain, sirenssoundedandresidents were urged to seek shelter.
Kuwait and Bahrain condemnedthestrikes.
PAKISTANIMINISTER
LANDSINTEHRAN
Iran later said it had hit U.S. bases in both countries with ballistic missiles, but the U.S. military said six missiles were intercepted and a seventh did not reach itstarget.
The U.S. and Iran have been engaged in largely indirect negotiations for an interimdealtohaltthethreemonth-old war that would leave issues including Iran’s nuclear programme to furthernegotiations.
But a deal has remained elusive while the two sides h a v e p e r i o d i c a l l y skirmished.
Tehran wants access to
billions of dollars in oil revenue, waivers on sanctions on crude exports, the lifting of a U S blockade on its ports and leverage over the Strait of Hormuz Iran has effectively blocked the waterway, where about a fifth of global oil traffic transitedbeforethewar Iranian state media reported that Pakistani Interior Minister Mohsin Naqvi arrived in Tehran on Saturday for talks with Iranian officials including Foreign Minister Abbas Araqchi. Pakistan has been mediatingtalksonanendto theconflict.
Black smoke billows at a strike scene following an Israeli strike on a car as seen from Nabatieh, Lebanon, June 5, 2026.
REUTERS/Stringer
“They have some missiles, they have some drones I would say percentage wise, maybe 21%to22%oftheirmissiles. It’s a lot of missiles, but it’s notwhatitwaswhenwefirst attacked,” Trump told NBC News’ “Meet the Press” program, according to excerpts released by the networkonFriday
AskedwhyIran’sleaders were not more inclined to strike a deal, if they were as desperateashehasportrayed them,Trumpsaid:“Because they are strong They’re proud.There are things they never thought they’d be doing that they’re going to
have to do, they’ve got no choice, and it takes a little while.”
After the U.S. and Israel launched the war against Iran on February 28, Tehran attacked Gulf states hosting U S bases and largely stoppedshippingthroughthe StraitofHormuz.
The conflict has driven up oil prices and disrupted supply chains for other g o o d s , i n c l u d i n g humanitarianaid.
Mohsen Rezaei, an adviser to Iran’s supreme leader, told CNN on Friday that a peace deal hinged on the Trump administration unfreezing $24 billion in
Iranian assets, and warned that the U.S. would “enter into a dark corridor” if it resumedattacks.
DESPITECEASEFIRES
In a parallel conflict in Lebanon, two Lebanese army officers and a soldier were killed in an Israeli strikeonamilitaryvehiclein south Lebanon, the Lebanese army said. The Israeli military said it was investigatingtheincident.
Iranhasmadeaceasefire in Lebanon between Israel andIran-alignedHezbollaha conditionforanypeacedeal withWashington.
Lebanon’s army said on Saturday its commander, General Rudolf Haykal, left forPakistanattheinvitation of his Pakistani counterpart, without giving further details.
The surprise visit was notable given the insistence by Washington — and by Lebanese leaders including the president that ceasefire talks for Lebanon remain separate from U.S.Iran negotiations mediated byPakistan.
Hezbollah leader Naim Qassemthisweekrejecteda U.S.-brokered pact between Israel and the Lebanese government to halt the fighting in Lebanon. The deal did not provide for an Israeli withdrawal and Hezbollah had not been partytothenegotiations.
Israel has said its forces would not withdraw or halt operations in the country amidincreasingfrictionwith theU.S.
Aljazeera - Jamaica has emerged from a rare islandwide power outage that struck the Caribbean nationovernight.
On Saturday morning, Daryl Vaz, Jamaica’s minister of energy, telecommunications and transport,announcedthathe
had received an update that “allaffectedcustomershave beenrestored”.
He added that residents should contact him if they arestrugglingwith“isolated issues” related to the blackout. But he and Prime Minister Andrew Holness both shared statements
Regionurgedto adoptunifiedapproach tofightingcorruption
N a t i o n N e w s -
Executive Director of Jamaica’s Integrity Commission, Craig Beresford, is urging Caribbean countries to strengthen collaboration and align their anticorruption laws, warning thatfragmentedapproaches undermine efforts to tackle corruption.
Addressing a press conference at the 12th Annual Commonwealth Caribbean Association of Integrity Commissions and Anti-Corruption Bodies (CCAICAB) Conference here this week, Beresford argued that corruption should be treated as a regional crisis requiring a coordinated response from governments and oversight agencies.
“The time has come to treat anti-corruption as a regional public good,” he said, noting that a cohesive approach would strengthen the fight against corruption throughouttheregion.
B e r e s f o r d s a i d
differences in anti-
corruption laws and enforcement mechanisms amongCaribbeanstatescan hamper regional efforts, makingitmoredifficultfor agencies to combat increasingly sophisticated formsofcorruption.
HeoutlinedtheIntegrity Commission’s approach, which focuses on prevention, detection, investigation and
p r o s e c u t i o n , a n d highlighted efforts to advanceJamaica’sNational Anti-Corruption Strategy throughgreaterstakeholder
engagement and public education.
TheCommissionisalso investing in technology to strengthen its detection capabilities, including bigdata analytics, forensic tools and enhanced casemanagement systems aimed at identifying and investigating suspicious activitiesmoreeffectively He stressed the importance of partnerships with agencies such as Jamaica’s Major Organised Crime andAnti-Corruption Agency (MOCA), saying joint investigations and information-sharing arrangements have helped bolster the country’s anticorruptionefforts.
Meanwhile, MOCA Director-General Colonel Desmond Edwards said advances in technology have transformed the corruption landscape, with fraud, money laundering and other illicit activities increasingly shifting into cyberspace.
He said the trend accelerated during the COVID-19 pandemic as businesses and consumers relied more heavily on digital platforms, prompting MOCA to expand its cyber-forensics capabilities and establish specialised cyberinvestigation and dataanalysisteams.
Edwards revealed that one investigation required analysts to examine approximately 17 terabytes of data, illustrating the growing complexity and scale of modern corruption probes.
online communicating that the situation was “unacceptable”.
Only one business controls electricity distributionontheisland:the Jamaica Public Service Company (JPS), a firm that was briefly nationalised in the 20th century, before switching back to private hands.
JPS reported that the islandwideblackoutbeganat about 9pm local time on Friday (2:00 GMT Saturday).
“Our teams will be working throughout the night to restore additional customers as safely and quickly as possible,” it said atthetime.
Jamaicaisanislandwith 2 8 million people The sudden blackout, happening
right at the start of the Atlantic hurricane season, quickly spurred alarm about howtheelectricalgridmight withstand a future weather event.
JPS has said it is “investigating the cause of the cause of this incident”. No official explanation was provided as of Saturday morning.
By 2am on Saturday (7:00 GMT), the company said that 20 percent of customers, or 140,000 people, had seen power restored in areas like Kingston, St Andrew and Clarendon.
Three hours later, Minister Vaz shared an update that electricity had returnedto500,000ofJPS’s 700,000 customers overnight. The rest were to
be restored in the coming hours,headded.
Still, he called an emergency meeting with government and JPS officials to discuss the blackout and added that a newsbriefingwouldfollow
Get instant alerts and updates based on your interests.Bethefirsttoknow whenbigstorieshappen.
Yes,keepmeupdated
“I have been closely monitoring the situation all nightandwillcontinuetodo so until full restoration is completed,” Vaz wrote on hissocialmediaplatform.“I committokeepingthenation advised and updated on this U N A C C E P TA B L E SITUATION.”
A c c o r d i n g t o a government statement, Vaz has “demanded a full report
from the JPS within 24 hours, including an outline of what caused the power outage”.
It is unusual for Jamaica to experience an islandwide power outage, except in c a s e s o f w e a t h e r emergencies.
Last October, for instance, Hurricane Melissa struck the island, knocking the electrical grid offline in partsofthecountry.
A powerful Category 5 storm, Melissa caused billionsofdollarsindamage andkilleddozensofpeople.
As of December, the government had confirmed 45 deaths directly related to thehurricane,with32deaths still under investigation Thirteen people also remainedunaccountedforat thetime.
From page 15 is calling for the government to bring an end the practice of bypassing elected local authorities through politically connected CDCs and to ease the unilateral imposition of personnel within local democratic organs.
“Respect the autonomy and authority of elected NDCs and municipalities regardless of political affiliation. Ensure the equitable allocation of resources to all local authorities. Hold administrative officers accountable where they fail to implement lawful decisions of elected councils. Reaffirm its commitment to the principles of local democracy and constitutional governance.”
Thepartysaiditiscommittedtodefendingtheintegrityof local government, while ensuring that municipalities and NDC’s are empowered to serve their communities in an effectivemanner
APNU said that as Guyana approaches another local governmentelectioncycle,thecitizens“mustremainvigilant against attempts to centralise power, weaken democratic institutions, and marginalise elected representatives. Local government belongs to the people, and it must remain accountable to the people.”
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From page 42 furtherinsistedthatGuyana’s technological progress must remain “anchored in democratic values, including transparency, fairness, freedomofexpression,access toinformation,andrespectfor fundamental rights.”
For the journalists sitting in the room, the irony of McCoy’s statements was palpable. As the government’s chief communications official, McCoy has frequently been at the center of a highly contentiousrelationshipwith the independent press. The Guyana Press Association, the very co-host of the workshop, has repeatedly clashed with McCoy’s office over state-driven attempts to fracturetheexecutivebodyof the press association, heavyhanded state media control,
and a systematic lack of access to government information.
McCoy’s familial anecdote of “not suppressing the freedom of expression” stands in contrast to the daily realities faced by local reporters, who frequently navigate aggressivepushbackfromstate apparatuses when asking the “hard questions” Ambassador Theriotchampioned.
Furthermore, McCoy heavily qualified his defence of free speech, pivoting to a well-worn legislative talking point:
“Butthisfreedommustbe exercised responsibly And I’ve said this more than 1.5 million times in my entire lifetime. The responsible use of AI requires us to protect open debate while guarding against manipulation and
falsehoods that can deceive the public or destabilize the societyrather.Ourtaskisnot to choose between innovation and regulation or between freedom or responsibility. Our task is to find the right balance.”
Tomanymediaobservers, the state’s preoccupation with defining “responsible” journalism and finding a “balance” via regulation reads as a thinly veiled mechanism for censorship andmediacontrol.
Despite the political undercurrents, the focus of the workshop remains squarely on building local journalistic capacity Ambassador Theriot closed herremarksbyreiteratingthat long-term US support for the Guyanese media is aimed at preserving democratic integrity during a time of
rapideconomicexpansion.
“By building capacity to identify and counter the efforts of malign actors, we ensure that as Guyana experiences unprecedented economic growth and expanding digital connectivity, you do so in a way that protects your sovereignty, your rights, and yourfreedom...Thefutureof AI in Guyana will be determined right here by journalists, Guyanese journalists, educators, policymakers, and citizens. The U.S. is proud to support you in that, but ultimately it is your future to shape.”
The workshop continues today at the Herdmanston Lodge, focusing on source verification, ethical AI frameworks, and practical digital literacy for newsrooms.
From page 41 tank at the newly established Blat outpost in the Bint Jbeil area,usinganAbabilswoopingdroneandclaimingaconfirmedhit.
Aceasefirethatwassupposedtoendthefightingbetween Israel and Hezbollah started on April 17, but has never been fully respected. Hezbollah and Israel have frequently exchanged accusations of violations, with each justifying its own attacks by citing alleged violations committed by the other side.
A further conditional ceasefire was announced by Lebanese and Israeli envoys this week in Washington.
HezbollahleaderNaimQassemrejectedthatceasefireasit did not include Hezbollah or provide for Israel’s withdrawal from southern Lebanon.
WhileIsraelandHezbollahcontinuetofight,theLebanese army has historically avoided confrontations and has not
From page 16 including two women, a girl and her father, all from the same family, according to Shifa Hospital. Director Mohamed Abu Selmiya said that a tent near the Rimal school was struck. Israel’smilitarysaidthatitattackedwhatitcalledmilitants in the area.
Meanwhile,HamassaidthatnegotiatorschairedbyKhalil al-HayyahbegananewroundoftalksinCairowithmediators fromEgypt,QatarandTurkey,inanefforttobreakadeadlock and move forward in implementing the Gaza ceasefire deal that took effect in October The previous round of talks was a month ago.
engaged in the current conflict.
The latest outbreak of conflict between Hezbollah and Israel began at the beginning of March after the group said it was acting in support of Tehran. At least 3,593 people have been killed and 10,990 others injured in Israeli attacks across Lebanon since March 2, according to the latest figures from Lebanon’s Health Ministry
On Saturday morning, Iranian Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi rejected comments made by President Aoun that BeirutwasabargainingchipforTehranduringitsnegotiations withtheUS.
“Had Lebanon been a bargaining chip for Iran, we’d have a deal long ago,” he posted on social media.
“SaveLebanonfromyourrealfoe,Mr. President.”
From page 39 identify issues and develop sustainable remedies. She noted that “at ExxonMobil, we’reguidedbyaverysimple model, and we live it every day: Protect tomorrow today –ourcommitmenttoprotectthe environmentwhiledeliveringthe energy the globe needs. This means responsibly developing Guyana’s resources while also safeguarding its rich natural environment.”
and and Bhomika Singh of Tagore Memorial High School was presented with the Go Green Award by Recover Guyana. Reynolds also received the prize for Best Environmental Impact Speech
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SpokespersonHazemQassemsaidthetalkswereaimedat fullyimplementingtheceasefire’sfirstphaseandendingIsrael’s near-daily attacks in the territory The fragile ceasefire began inOctober Whiletheheaviestfightinghassubsided,thetruce has seen almost daily Israeli fire.
NickolayMladenov,theheadoftheU.S.-createdBoardof Peace that oversees the ceasefire, acknowledged last month thatthetrucehasstalledoverthekeyissueofdisarmingHamas. Qassemsaidthetalkswilldiscuss“approachesacceptable to all parties” to implement the second phase, including addressing weapons of Palestinian militant groups and the entry of an international stabilization force.
Othersinthetoptenwere Elijah Ryan Toolsie of Stewartville Secondary School, Hadassah Harris of Friendship Secondary, Ruqayyah Mohamed of Qayyim Academy, Emma Munro of St. Joseph High School,JolenaCamachoofJC Chandisingh Secondary and Raphieal Jacobis of Leguan Secondary School. They received prizes, including an EcoAward,a$35,000Dental VoucherfromFlawlessDental and recognition for their efforts.
The Best Speaker Award was won by Orlando Reynolds of President’s Collegewhiletheprizeforthe Most Influential Speech was awarded to Brandon Holder of Hope Secondary School
Other sponsors and partners for the competition were: Scotiabank Guyana Inc., Flawless Dental GY, RamadaGeorgetownPrincess Hotel,OneCommunications, GuyOil, Massy Stores Guyana, Pixel Perfect Productions,SEVAMarketing Inc.,ELEVATE,andAnthony Indar Photography
Thecompetitionwasfirst hosted in 2023 on World Environment Day, and the winner, declared after extensive judging, was Vassana Persaud of Queen’s College. Vasanna later went on to launch a water purificationprojectwithinher school’s premises to combat plastic bottle waste.
The winners in 2024 and 2025wereGabriellaArjunof Queen’s College who launched a Hydroponics KitchenGardenandAnushka SinghalsoofQueen’sCollege who launched a cycle smart project.
Severe penalties await database insiders who leak information from Guyana's proposed National Sex O ff e n d e r D a t a b a s e , according to the newly tabled Sexual Offences (Amendment) Bill The piece of legislation aims to overhaul the country's
framework for handling sexual offences, introducing the centralised registry alongside measures to prevent data breaches from within According to the Fourth Schedule, Section 7 of the Bill, any individual granted official access to the database who "unlawfully
distributes, transmits, or reproduces any information contained therein" commits a criminal offence Upon summary conviction, insiders face a fine of $100,000, a three-year prisonsentence,orboth.
This specific penalty is s
t i n g authorized personnel, such as law enforcement officers or registry administrators, who abuse their security clearance, rather than a blanket restriction on the generalpublic.
The Bill seeks to amend the Sexual Offences Act, Cap 8:03, creating a centralized system to record individuals convicted of sexual offences both locally andinternationally
The application of the database extends to Guyanese citizens and residents convicted of "enterable offences" within
G u y a n a o r a b r o a d , regardless of whether they have completed their sentences. The database will not be open to the public, however, requests can be made to the Commissioner ofPolice.
The legislation creates carve-outs for vulnerable populations The database provisions will not apply to individuals who were children at the time of the offence, or those suffering from mental disabilities that substantially impaired their mentalresponsibility
The Bill also establishes s t r i c t p r o t o c o l s f o r community reintegration and victim safety Under Section 91H, the Director of Prisons must inform the Commissioner of Police of an offender's scheduled release three months in advance The Police Commissioner is then legally mandated to notify
the victim and their family within two months of receivingthatnotice.
Furthermore, in a bid to bridge geographic gaps in public safety infrastructure, the Bill dictates that in Indigenous villages or communities where no police station is present, registered sex offenders must report directly to the localToshao.
Beyond the registry, the Bill introduces substantial procedural reforms to modernize trials and protect vulnerable complainants Clause 5 allows witnesses to give pre-recorded video evidenceortestifyviaaudiovisual links. To prevent the exploitation of this sensitive footage,theBillcriminalizes theunauthorizeddistribution or reproduction of these recordings without a lawful excuse.
ing indigenous leaders are held
regarding abuse of authority as other custodial figures The term "child-minder" is a l s
o "caregiver.”
Employees of state and non-state institutions working with children or vulnerable adults will face a statutory duty to report any reasonable suspicion of sexual abuse. In the absence of a local police station in interior communities, these reports must be submitted in writing to the Toshao. In a bid to protect due process, Clause 7 strictly prohibits the publication of any information that could identifyapersonwhohasnot yet been formally charged undertheAct.
The legislation also expands the legal definition of a "position of trust " Clause 3 explicitly inserts "Toshao" into these provisions,
Sooryavanshi has received hisfirstinternationalcall-up by making the India T20 squad to tour England and Ireland.
If he plays, the 15-yearold would break Sachin Tendulkar’s record as the youngest man to play for India Tendulkar was 16 years and 205 days when he p l a y e d a o n e - d a y internati
Pakistanin1989.
Thecall-upcomesonthe back of Sooryavanshi’s
stunning Indian Premier League campaign, where he scored776runsin16innings at a strike rate of 237.30 for theRajasthanRoyals. The left-hander was named the IPL’s Most Valuable Player and also picked up the emerging playerawardandtheOrange Cap, given to the highest run-scorer,aswellashitting 72sixesinthetournamentto break West Indies great Chris Gayle’s previous recordof59,setin2012.
He also scored 175 in February as India beat
ARIES(Mar.21–Apr.19)
Today is all about communication, and your ease with words should help you to make the most of it! Now is the time to let people know just where they stand withyou.
TAURUS(Apr.20–May20)
You worry about that one friend a little They're acting kind of strangely But take a secondlook,becauseitmaybe you who's out of sorts today. Trytotakeiteasyfornow
GEMINI(May21–June20)
You've got plenty going on today,butnottoomuch!It'sa good idea for you to step up and take care of the big, important stuff first, because youknowyou'llgettothefun stuffeventually
CANCER(June21–July22)
Youtakeyourresponsibilities seriously,andtodaybringsat leastonenewoneyourway It could be that you've got to have a serious talk with a family member or maybe worklaterthanyouwantto.
LEO(July23–Aug.22)
You'refeelingquiteimpressed with someone new today, so make sure that you're turning that energy around and impressing them right back! You're more than up to the task,sogoforit!
VIRGO(Aug.23–Sept.22)
Yourmentalenergyissharper thanusualtoday,somakethe most of it! You can reason through things more quickly than usual, and that could meanthatyou'reaheadofthe packbytheendoftheday
England in the final of the Under-19WorldCup.
“We’veseenwhathecan do, almost single-handedly carrying Rajasthan Royals towards the play-offs,” said selection panel chairman AjitAgarkar
“Hehadagreatstartand backeditupinacompetition that is as competitive and high-pressure. He’s a gamechanger We’ve got high hopesofhim.Hehaspicked himself.”
Former England captain Michael Vaughan said he is “
LIBRA(Sept.23–Oct.22)
You see both sides of everything, which sometimes carries a cost, but not today! Your energy is just right for makingsurethatpeopleareon your side, so say yes to as muchasyoucan.
SCORPIO(Oct.23–Nov 21)
You're feeling more cautious thanusual,andyouneedtogo with that feeling, especially when it comes to work or business.Seeifyoucanplayit safefortherestoftheday
SAGIT(Nov.22–Dec.21)
Someonecloseisalltalkright now, so much so that you might decide that you need to grabthembythehandandtake them away with you on your adventures. That might work outforthebest!
CAPRI(Dec.22–Jan.19)
Today is perfect for clearing outyourdesk,closet,orto-do list. Any extra stuff needs to go!Onceyou'vetakencareof the obvious stuff, hunt down anything that seems to get in yourway
AQUARIUS (Jan. 20–Feb. 18) A deep conversation might turn into something even deeper if you're feeling theromanticurge.Letyourself fall for someone's mind They're sure to fall for yours! It'sagoodtimetoexpressyour feelings.
PISCES(Feb.19–Mar.20)
Don't let anyone nail you down on any specific plan today Makesurethatyou'reas flexible as possible when it comes to plans. Fortunately, most people are accepting of ambiguity T
Vaibhav Sooryavanshi (Getty Images)
Sooryavanshibats.
“Thiskidcanjustdeliver when it really matters,” he told BBC Test Match Special.
“We’re studying and watching something very, very,veryspecial.Honestly, atthisminute,Ithinkhe’sthe bestT20playerintheworld.
“His strike-rates are beyondanythingwe’veever seen. He’s hitting Jasprit Bumrah’s first ball for six, Pat Cummins’ first ball for six, Josh Hazlewood’s first ball for six – so he’s not hittingtrundlers.
“He’s damaging the best bowlers in this generation. People are already having hugedebatesonhowtobowl toa15-year-old.”
India play two matches in Ireland later this month, thenfiveT20sinEnglandin July
Meanwhile,ShreyasIyer has been named as the new captain, replacing SuryakumarYadav,whohas been dropped from the squad.
Suryakumar led India to victoryattheT20WorldCup inMarchbutthe35-year-old struggled with the bat at the tournamentandattherecent IPL.
“It’satoughone,having justwontheWorldCup,but ashappensaftermostWorld Cups, you try to reassess what your best way forward is,”Agarkar said explaining Yadav’somission.
“Wethoughtthiswasthe bestwayforward.”
Shreyashasnotplayeda T20internationalsince2023 but he led the Kolkata KnightRiderstotheIPLtitle in 2024 and captained PunjabKingstoarunners-up finishin2025.
Fast bowler Jasprit Bumrah and all-rounder Hardik Pandya have been rested, with uncapped fast bowler Prince Yadav called up.
Full squad: Shreyas Iyer (captain),AbhishekSharma, Sanju Samson, Ishan Kishan,ShivamDube,Tilak Varma, Nitish Reddy, Axar
(Reuters) - The New York Knicks survived a late rally by the San Antonio Spurs to win 105-104 and take a 2-0 lead in the NBA Finals as they seek a first championshipin53years.
With nine and a half seconds remaining on the clock, Jalen Brunson stole possession after Spurs’ VictorWembanyamapassed the ball into team-mate StephonCastle’sback.
Wembanyama then fouled Brunson, who converted the free-throw to give the Knicks the decisive point.
There was still time for Wembanyama to attempt to tie the game for the Spurs, buthemissedfrom20feeton the buzzer to hand the Knickstheir13thsuccessive play-offvictory
Wembanyama has been at the centre of much of the drama in the NBAFinals so far - in game one, he was approached by a spectator who ran on to the court, filming himself on his phone.
Appearing in the Finals forthefirsttimesince1999, theKnicksarethethirdteam towinthefirsttwogamesof
aFinalsawayfromhome.
The Chicago Bulls did it in 1993, and the Houston Rockets in 1995. Each side went on to win the championship.
After a quiet first-half
performance, Wembanyama ledaSanAntoniocomeback, scoring 22 second-half pointsastheycaughtupwith 14-in-a-row in the final quarter
In the final seconds, the
NewYork Knicks guard Jalen Brunson (11) drives to the basket (1 past SanAntonio Spurs forward Julian Champagnie (30) and forward Victor Wembanyama (1) during game two of the 2026 NBAFinals at Frost Bank Center. (Imagn Images) Center New
thewinningbasket.
In a post-match news conference, Wembanyama
conceded that he was not at his best, having starred on theSpurs’routetotheFinals.
“Weneedtonevergettoo highandnevergettoolow,” said the 22-year-old, appearing in the Finals for
the first time. “Personally, I think I could have been betterinrecoveringfromthe highoftheconferencefinals.
“I threw that [misplaced pass]away Imessedup.
“AmIgoingtoregretit? Yes,ofcourse.AmIgoingto usethattofuelmeandtofuel usnextgame?Absolutely.”
Meanwhile, matchwinnerBrunsoncreditedthe team environment for his sparkling form after his final-quarter scoring also won game one for the Knicks.
“ I t h i n k m o s t importantly, knowing we’re ontheroad,andknowingmy team-mates have my back, I thinkthat’sthebiggestthing inanenvironmentlikethis,” Brunsonsaid.“Thetrustthey have in me and the trust I have in them, it’s got us to thispoint.”
The best-of-seven series continues on Monday, when the Knicks host the Spurs at Madison Square Garden in NewYorkCity
US president Donald Trump, who was born in New York City, plans to attend as the Knicks hunt their first championship since1973.
The inclement weather has forced a postponement oftheNewAmsterdamInter Secondary School female Cricket competition which was slated to be during this month.
This is according to organiser and sponsor, overseas-based Guyanese, Petula Angela Samuels, aka PetalSamuels.
According to Samuels, she was determined to have thetournamentplayedonthe scheduled da
T
e competitionwasslatedtobe held from the 12th -14th June, at the Berbice High
School(BHS)ground.
But the continuous rainfall has left the BHS ground in an impassable state. With more rainfall in the making, playing the competition during this monthseemsimpossible.
She stated that the schools are in agreement to push back the tournament.
The competition will be known as the Georgia WomenCricketAssociationNew Amsterdam Inter Secondary Schools Girls’ T10CricketTournament. Thetournamenthasbeen rescheduled for September
atthesamevenue.Attractive incentiveswillbeawardedto
outstanding individual players.
Samuels, during her previous visits to Guyana met with Mayor of New Amsterdam,WainwrightMc Intosh,representativesofthe Ministry of Education and theschools.
Theschoolsscheduledto participate were Berbice
, Vrymans Erven Secondary School (VESS), Berbice Educational Institute(BEI),
Multilateral Secondary(
School((TASS).
en inducted into the Cricket Hall of Fame in Hartford, CT Shewasalsohonoredby the Georgia House of
Representativesforherwork in promoting youth and women’s cricket and was presented with a Resolution at a ceremony held at the GeorgiaStateCapitol. She was also presented with a proclamation by the Mayor of the City of Forest
ParkdeclaringMarch8,2016 as“PetulaSamuelsDay” She is the founder and presidentofGeorgiaWomen C
(GWCA) andAtlanta Pearls Women’s Cricket team. She is certified Cricket Umpire andcoach.
Georgetown,Guyana–Organizersofthe Need for Speed Karting Championship have announcedachangeofvenuefortheopening round of the competition, which was originallyscheduledtobeheldatWestBank Demerara.
The event will now take place at the GMR&SC Thomas Lands facility, Albert Street, following unforeseen venue preparation challenges at the original location.
According to organizers, routine renovationworksattheWestBankDemerara venue have affected the completion of track preparations within the required timeframe forsafetytestingandeventreadiness.
“The venue will be undergoing routine renovations, and we will not be able to complete the necessary track preparation withinthestipulatedtimeforsafetytesting,” organizersexplained.
Despitethechange,organizersexpressed confidenceinthenewlocation,notingthatthe
GMR&SC Thomas Lands facility is wellsuitedtohostthechampionship.
“Assuch,ourmanagementteamdecided that we needed to look for an alternative venueandwethoughtofnobetterplacethan the home of motorsport, the GMR&SC Thomas Lands facility,” a spokesperson stated.
Organizers added that while work remainstobecompletedattheoriginalvenue, the revised location will ensure the championship proceeds as planned and providesasafeandcompetitiveenvironment forracersandspectatorsalike.
Meanwhile, the planned Meet and Greet event scheduled for West Central Mall has been postponed. A new date for the activity willbeannouncedinduecourse.
The Need for Speed Karting Championship is expected to attract some of thecountry’stopkartingtalentascompetitors battle for championship honors throughout theseason.
Windball cricket continues in National Sports Commission/Ministry of Culture, Youth and Sport, Janet & Cheddi Jagan Secondary Schools WindballCricketTournament.
The competition, which is being coordinatedbySeniorSportsorganisers Allister Munroe, saw the latest match beingplayedintheRegion4zoneatthe NationalGymnasium.
IntheCheddiJaganboy’sfinal,lack luster fielding and too many dot balls cost last year’s national quarter finalists and Region 4 defending champions, CoventGardenSecondary La Bonne Intention Secondary won the toss and chose to bat first. They scored123–0withKyleGibsonhitting 71(9x6)andMuneshOutar,29.
CoventGardeninreplyputupagood fight but fell short, ending on 103 – 1 with Jarrele Shultz, 42, and Orwin Jordan-32.
Theotherregionsinthenationalplay offsofarareRegion2defendingchampAbrams Zuil, Region seven winnerThree Miles, Region 10 - Mackenzie High and Georgetown winner - Saint StanislausCollege.(SamuelWhyte)
Thelocalbasketballfraternity,sportsfans, and others in the Diaspora are in deep shock andgriefafterlearningofthedeathofformer Chronicle sports journalist 72 years old Al McDonald, who died on May 25 following burns to his body while being treated at a hospitalinFlorida,intheUnitedStates.
‘AlMc’ashewascalledinhislateryears effected a name change toAl Naisan Vivian Chapman, one of the foremost sports journalists of Guyana, who had a penchant forbasketballfromthemid-1970suntil1984 when he left these shores to cover the 1984 LosAngelesOlympics.
His remains are to be cremated on Monday,8thJuneinFloridaandhisashesare tobereturnedtoGuyanaaccordingtohissister PaulettaandAubrey
Reports are that he was trapped in an apartmentfireinFloridaonMay10,wherehe suffered30percentbodilyburns,accordingto one of his sons Sean, and was taken for treatment,butlaterperishedduetotheextent of his burns on May 25, while receiving treatmentinhospital.
Alsaidhewasintroducedtothefineriesof coveringbasketballbyJoseph‘Reds’Perreira andwasthejournalisttotheCentral,American and Caribbean (CAC) Games in Santo Domingo with the National Men’s team in 1975.
LaterthatyearhewassenttoLindenasthe Chronicle’s sports correspondent where he, after consulting with the Linden national players Harold ‘Zar’Caesar, Gavin ‘Poppy’ Kendall, Clifton Brusche and Hubern “Zunty’Clarke to form the LindenAmateur BasketballAssociation(LABA)in1976and becameitsfirstpresident,withFrankFraser asSecretaryandNevilleRigbythetreasurer in1976.
Twoyearslater,therovingjournalistwent back to Georgetown and in 1980 due to his administrative skills, he became President of the Georgetown Amateur Basketball Association (GABA). Al also served as the Public Relations Officer of the Guyana OlympicAssociationfrom1982to1984.
ALwas also known as a key reporter for the well-known sports magazine Sports Special which was published by Robert Sam backintheearly980s.
He and his family migrated to the United StatesofAmericaafterhehadtraveledthereto cover the Los Angeles Olympic Games in 1984
Fast-food giant KFC Guyana has officially renewed its partnership as theofficialFastFoodPartner for the upcoming One GuyanaT10Blast.
T h e c o r p o r a t e heavyweight secures its return to a tournament that has rapidly evolved into the pinnacle of community tapeballcricketnationwide.
The partnership reinforces the tournament’s skyrocketing commercial value and its deep-rooted cultural impact, setting the stage for an explosive 2026 seasonscheduledtobowloff onAugust8.
Jonathan Milford, Business Analyst for KFC Guyana, highlighted the tournament’s phenomenal trajectory over recent years as the driving force behind the company’s continued backing.
“Overthepastfouryears, from my time being here, I have seen this tournament grow into something great,”
Milford stated “The community is heavily
involved, and our commitmenttosupportisan absoluteno-brainer
We a r e d e e p l y committedtosupportingour c o m m u n i t i e s , a n d competitions like this are exactly where we want to place our backing. We are devoted to investing in our peopleandourlocalsports.”
Tournament organiser
John Ramsingh welcomed the return of the global franchise, emphasising that corporate synergy is pivotal to elevating the overall tournament experience this year
“Having a powerhouse brand like KFC back on boardvalidatestheimmense strides the One Guyana T10 Blast has made,” Ramsingh
said.
“Their return injects tremendous energy into the tournament, and our key interest this season will be heavily focused on improving the fan experience, making it more interactive, thrilling, and family-oriented.
KFC understands community spirit, and together, we are going to deliver a spectacle that resonates far beyond the boundaryropes.”
With the tournament rapidly approaching, organisers are issuing an urgent call to teams across the nation to lock in their spots immediately rather than delaying their entry while attempting to perfect theirrosters.
Ramsingh emphasised thatregistrationoperatesona strict first-come, first-served basis,acknowledgingthatthe fierce, high-stakes nature of the competition often leads captains to overthink and deliberate over their lineups fortoolong
To guarantee entry, teams must pay the G$35,000 entry fee now This allows captains the necessary flexibility to finalize their ultimate 15man talent pools closer to their respective zonal start dates.
Entry caps are being strictly enforced to effectively manage the intensive schedule The Berbice, East Bank/West Demerara, and Essequibo zonesarerigidlycappedat16 teams each Meanwhile, the denselypopulatedEastCoast Demerara/Georgetown zone will accommodate up to 32 teams
Registration forms are currently available on the tournament’s official social
FLSport’s John Ramsingh (left) and KFC Guyana’s Business Analyst, Johnathan Milford
,
interestedteamscanregister viadirectWhatsAppat+592 635-2235.
The high-octane action begins with the Berbice ZoneonAugust8–9.Sixteen teams will battle across four premier venues, including t h e P o r t M o u r a n t Community Centre Ground, No. 69 Ground, and the WelfareGroundinCanje.
The regional action will culminate with the zonal finals on Sunday, August 9, at the Albion Sports Complex.
From there, the tournament caravan moves swiftly to the East Bank/West Demerara leg on August 15–16, followed quickly by the Essequibo zoneonAugust22–23.
In a strategic move designed to maximise fan engagement and support local cricket festivities, the competition will pause during the Caribbean Premier League (CPL) window
This thoughtful scheduling allows fans to
fully immerse themselves in the professional franchise season without distraction.
Action resumes post-CPL with the highly anticipated Georgetown/East Coast Demerara leg, spanning September 26–27 and October3–4.
This gruelling regional phase leads directly to the historicnationalgrandfinale onOctober11,2026.
For the first time in the tournament’s history, the ultimate prize will be contestedattheAnnaRegina
National Stadium in Region Two, bringing elite tapeball action directly to the passionate and cricketstarvedfansoftheEssequibo coast.
The stakes for the 2026 season have reached an alltime high, courtesy of a revampedfinancialstructure that introduces guaranteed cash prizes for every single team that reaches the quarterfinal stage of their respectivezone.
Rewards begin at
$25,000 for losing zonal
quarterfinalists and scale up significantly, culminating in a hefty $500,000 purse pocketed by the zonal winners before they even advance to the National Finals.
At the nationallevel,the rewards become lifechanging for grassroots cricketers Teams will compete for a massive $2,000,000 grand prize, whilethenationalrunner-up willtakehome$1,000,000.
Beyond the financial windfall, the four national finalists will also earn the prestigiousrighttorepresent Guyana at the upcoming International T10 Tapeball Tournament later this October
Individualbrilliancewill be celebrated just as handsomely alongside team success. The tournament’s eventual Most Valuable Player (MVP) will walk away with $150,000 and a brand-newmotorbike.
Furthermore, specialised awards for the leading runscorer and the top wickettaker will see both players receive $100,000 and a new television each, ensuring that historic personal milestones are met with premierrewards.
Concacaf has confirmed key details for the 2026/27 Concacaf Nations League and will once again include the men’s senior national teams of all 41 Concacaf Member Associations and serve as the qualification pathwaytothe2027ConcacafGoldCup.
Thecompetitionwillbeplayedduringthe FIFAMatchWindowsofSeptember-October and November 2026, before culminating in March 2027 with the Concacaf Nations LeagueFinalsforLeagueAand,forthefirst time,centralisedChampionshipsforLeagues BandC.
Guyana’s Golden Jaguars will be competing in League B: this League will feature 16 teams divided into four groups of four
During the September-October and NovemberFIFAMatchWindows,eachteam will play home-and-away matches against everyopponentinitsgroup,foratotalofsix matches per team. Following Group Stage play, the four group winners will advance to theLeague’sChampionship,wheretheywill competeforthetitleofLeagueBChampions.
Group Stage matches will be played at centralised venues, a format change
introducedinthelasteditiontoreducetravel demands and support Member Associations indeliveringthehighestpossiblestandardsof competition. The matches in September and October will be hosted by the third- and second-highest-ranked teams in each group, respectively, with the November matches hostedbythehighest-rankedteams.
The competition’s official draw to determinethegroupsforallthreeleagueswill takeplaceonThursday,July23,2026.
The Concacaf Nations League will continuetobecontestedacrossthreeleagues –LeagueA,LeagueB,andLeagueC–with national teams distributed based on results from the previous edition and the competition’s promotion and relegation system.
League B (16 teams in alphabetical order): Barbados (promoted), Belize (promoted), Bermuda, Bonaire, Cayman Islands (promoted), Cuba (relegated), Dominica, French Guiana (relegated), Guadeloupe (relegated), Grenada, Guyana (relegated), Puerto Rico, Saint Kitts and Nevis(promoted),SaintLucia,SaintVincent andtheGrenadines,SaintMaarten
T h e O rg a n i s i n g
CommitteeoftheIMCOver 40sCricketWorldCup2026 announced that Aqua Sun Designs Inc. has joined the tournament as an Official Bronze Sponsor and Design Partner for the prestigious
vent scheduled to take place in GuyanainOctober2026.
Aqua Sun Designs Inc.
has more than fifteen years
o
architectural design, interior
development consulting
The company has built a reputation for progressive, innovative, and costeffective solutions across a diverse range of residential, commercial, industrial, and institutionalprojects.
Aspartofitssponsorship and partnership with the Over40sCricketWorldCup, Aqua Sun Designs Inc. will support the tournament and showcase the expertise and professional services that have made the company a respectednameinthedesign andconstructionindustry
T h e f i r m ’ s comprehensive range of s e r v i c
n c l u d e s architectural planning and design, interior design, project management, site planning, space planning, costestimating,construction administration, building alterations, feasibility
studies, and roof design and engineering.
Aqua Sun Designs also works with leading industry
Au
oCAD
Architecture and Revit, and maintains compliance with internationally recognized BuildingStandards(BS)and American Institute of Architects (AIA) standards.
In addition to its in-house capabilities, Aqua Sun Designs collaborates with a network of specialist
engineering, landscape
suppression engineering, project planning, computer rendering, and graphic design.
Roy Singh, Secretary of CricketWest Indies Masters Association (CWIMA), welcomed the partnership: “We are delighted to welcomeAqua Sun Designs Inc. to the Over 40s World Cup family Partnerships w
forward-thinkingcompanies such as Aqua Sun Designs are critical to the success of major international events. Their commitment to excellence, professionalism,
perfectly with the values of ourtournament.”
The IMC Over 40s CricketWorldCup2026will
Colin Ross, one of Guyana’s most decorated jockey in this era, created history, when he made his international debut in Barbados on Saturday afternoon.
Ross saddled up for two races in the World Heritage at the Garrison Savannah.
Ross saddled up on ‘Barnabas’ in his maiden race and he piloted ‘Gun Smoke’inhissecond.
ThefirstracetoRosswas the Chamberlain Bridge (Condition Race) for West Indian Bred Three-YearOlds, running over 1100m with a purse of US$16,500, while his second event was the Carlisle Bay (Handicap) for Three Years and Older rated 45-20, going at a distance of 1100m with a
bring together sixteen nations and hundreds of p
a
y
, supporters,andvisitorsfrom around the world, making it one of the largest Masters cricketeventseverhostedin theCaribbean.
The tournament will feature 72 matches played across multiple venues throughout Guyana and will be supported by extensive
coverage, live streaming, community engagement initiatives, and tourism p
CWIMAandtheOrganizing Committee extend their sincereappreciationtoAqua Sun Designs Inc. for its support and commitment to helpingdeliveraworld-class tournament experience. For sponsorship and tournament
www.windiesmasters.org
purse of US$15,000. Jockey Ross who has won multiple champion jockey titles in Guyana’s horse racing, secured third on his debut outingwithBarnabas. Barnabas, owned by RoundTableStudFarm,and trained by Antonio Burch wasinthebettingat3-1. In Ross’ second appearance of the day, with GunSmoke,hedidnotplace inthetopfour,buthewalked away with valuable lessons. Gun Smoke is trained and ownedbyEddieBell. Ross is expected to return to Guyana for the CARICOMCupwhichisset forJuly5atthePortMourant Turf Club. This will be the f i n a l c o m p e t i t i v e preparation ahead of the GuyanaCuponAugust23.
