‘Toxiccampaigntrail’ 4 years for $9M ganja bust open amid US pressure on Venezuela
...ERC flagged over 100 racist online breaches during elections
-earningsplunge
11.5%infirst halfof2025
Amanza Walton-Desir
OilslumpdragsdownGuyanaexports -
earnings plunge 11.5% in first half of 2025
Guyana’s export momentum faltered in the first half of 2025, with overall export receipts falling 11.5 percent to US$9.07 billion, according to the Bank of Guyana’s Half-YearReport.
Thedownturn,theCentralBank noted was driven largely by lower earningsfromcrudeoil,rice,sugar, timberandotherexports,whilegold and bauxite were the only major commoditiestorecordincreases.
Goldexportearningsclimbedto US$556.3 million, a rise of 36.1 percent or US$147 5 million compared to the end of June 2024. The report said this was due to higherexportvolumeandastronger average price. Declarations pushed gold exports up by 690 ounces to 195,486 ounces, while the average price per ounce moved from US$2,099.04toUS$2,845.95.
Bauxite also performed better, with earnings reaching US$68.6 million, an increase of US$31.1 million from the same period last year Thiswaslinkedtoasignificant jumpinexportvolume,whichgrew to 1,272,021 metric tonnes. Export prices, however, fell sharply from US$153.11toUS$53.91pertonne.
Meanwhile, sugar exports continued to struggle. Earnings dropped to US$3.6 million, down 47.6 percent, as export volume fell
by 47.2 percent. Exports totaled 4,533 metric tonnes, with CARICOM accounting for 95.9 percent of shipments. Despite the lower volume, the average export price saw a slight increase to US$784.77pertonne.
Rice export earnings also dipped, ending the period at US$123.1million—US$4million lower than last year This occurred evenasexportsgrewby5.5percent to224,963metrictonnes.TheEU’s share of Guyana’s rice exports fell sharply, while Latin America’s share rose to 54.6 percent. The average export price dropped 8.2 percenttoUS$547.35pertonne.
TimberearningstotaledUS$9.1 million, reflecting a 4.1 percent decline linked to reduced export volume. Timber exports fell to
14,032 cubic metres, though the average export price increased by 38.5 percent to US$649.53 per cubicmetre.
Crude oil, Guyana’s dominant export, recorded a drop in earnings to US$8.15 billion — a decline of US$1 28 billion year-on-year Export volume grew modestly to 116 1 million barrels, but the averagepriceslidfromUS$83.39to US$70.27 per barrel, driving down overallreceipts.
Other export categories, including fish and shrimp, diamonds, prepared foods, pharmaceuticals, wood products and re-exports, collectively fell by 30.2 percent to US$159 million. The decline was largely due to lower receipts from re-exports, whichdroppedbyUS$81.8million.
— Ramkarran warns of looming crisis for Guyanese workers ‘Auroraunrestexposescollapseoftradeunionpower’
Former Speaker of the National Assembly and Senior Counsel Ralph Ramkarran, SC has warned that the recent unrest at Aurora Gold Mines (AGM) is not an isolated labour dispute but the most visible symptom of a collapsed and weakened trade union movement in Guyana, one that is no longer capable of defending workers in a rapidlyexpandingeconomy Ramkarran points to
decades of political manipulation, historical fractures within the labour movement, and the gradual disappearance of union militancy that once defined Guyanese labour activism. His analysis comes days afterKaieteurNewsreported a major flare-up at AGM’s Region Seven operations, where workers without union representation protestedoverpoorworking conditions, food shortages, alleged disrespect by supervisors, and unpaid overtime The situation escalated to the point where the Ministry of Labour dispatchedahigh-levelteam to mediate issues normally handled by a recognised union.
This newspaper reported last week workers at the Chinese-owned Zijin Gold M o u n t a i n Ya M e i ConstructionInc.claimthey are treated like modern-day slaves The workers are assigned to the underground mine at AGM, a company owned by Zijin Mining Group Limited. Although
the Zijin owns and operates the mine, the disgruntled workers are not employed directly with the Chinese miningcompany Zijin has reportedly subcontracted another Chinese company called Gold M o u n t a i n Ya M e i Construction to execute works. However, according to its Facebook page, the company specialises in construction.
But workers have disclosed that they are not involved in construction but instead they work as miners carrying out mining activities which include blasting with dynamites and the extraction of ore in the underground mine They detailed that the working conditions, accommodation andfoodareatrocious.
Notably, following viral videos of workers and company officials fighting, the Ministry of Labour and Manpower Planning had disclosed that there will be an investigation and concerns over the working conditions at the company willbeaddressed
In his column Sunday column- Conversation Tree, Ramkarran a former central executive member of the PPP/CrecallsthatCaribbean tradeunionismwasbornout of the worker uprisings of the 1930s, when poverty drovemassunrest.
He traced the growth of the movement here, noting that the 1992-1997 PPP/C Governmentgavepriorityto theviewsoftradeunionsand
finally, after forty years, passed the Trade Union RecognitionAct.
However, he said the militancy and drive for expansionbythetradeunion movement, after its initial heightened profile in 19921997, has completely disappeared as the recognitionofitsimportance as a vital partner by governmentalauthoritieshas declined.
“Thedeclineofthetrade union movement has resultedintheworkersatthe Aurora Gold Mines having no union representation necessitatingtheMinistryof Labour having to intervene to do the work that a trade union ought to have done a long time ago. Today, in a rapidly growing economy, Guyana needs a rapidly growing and militant trade union movement to defend and protect the rights and interests of workers at Aurora Gold Mines and in
operations are highly profitable, yet employees say their health, safety, and overall wellbeing are routinelycompromised.
According to the party, workers report inadequate safety measures, with personal protective equipment (PPE) often old orunavailableforlocalstaff, while Chinese workers receivepropergear
during probation, with minimal increases after six months, despite hazardous conditions.
hundreds of businesses countrywide Unless the dynamism and militancy of thetradeunionmovementat thiscriticaltimeinGuyana’s history returns, and it holds employers to account with the support of the Government, basic rights and protections of workers willdisappear.”
Meanwhile, the Aurora flare-up has triggered swift responses from political actors. Last week in a series ofpressreleasesandvideos, theWeInvestinNationhood (WIN) party documented someoftheallegedatrocities at the company urging the government to take immediate action. The party said that the company’s underground mining
The party said that equipment and vehicles, including loaders and lifting machinery, are poorly maintained, with some machinery lacking functionalbrakes.
Additionally, WIN says meals for local employees are transported in unhygienic conditions, exposed to dust and contaminants, sometimes spoiled and containing worms with no temperature control or designated dining facilities.
In contrast, WIN said Chinese staff have access to air-conditioned dining rooms. In the area of salary andotherbenefits,WINsays wagedisparitiesanddelayed payments further aggravate theworkforce.
The party noted that underground personnel, working more than 1,500 feet below ground, earn roughly $500 per hour
Workerssayrequestsfor fair compensation are denied, and complaints are met with threats of terminationandreplacement by foreign staff, WIN reported The company’s practices, the party said violate labour rights, safety standards,andfairtreatment principles, leaving local workers vulnerable and unheard.
Stressing that the company has a history of treating Guyanese poorly, WINreferenceda2023case whereitsaidaGuyanesewas treated as second-class citizeninhisowncountry
“A husband, father lost his life in 2023 at foreignowned gold mining operation, Aurora Gold minesafterhewasforcedto driveatruckthathadknown mechanical faults His bereavedfamilystatedtoMr Azruddin Mohamed that the night before the tragic accident,hecalledhisfamily stating Truck#1 had brake p r o b l e m s a n d t h e management was aware of these issues. They further report that his body was callously dumped in a pickupandtakentoahealth
Continuedonpage10
Former Speaker of the National Assembly, Ralph Ramkarran, SC
The President IrfaanAli administration has once again made a public spectacle of its selective interpretation of democracy OnWednesday,PresidentAliconfidentlyswore in chairpersons and vice chairpersons for every Regional Democratic Council (RDC) across the country except Region10.Withstraightfaceandceremony,thegovernment celebrated democratic renewal everywhere else while Region 10, a long-standing stronghold of political independence,remainsdeliberatelytrappedinbureaucratic purgatory Thisisnoaccident.Itisacalculatedmanoeuvre.
Kaieteur News has been following this issue and the pattern has become unmistakable: when the government cannot control a process, it simply refuses to complete it. ThatispreciselywhatisplayingoutinRegion10,wherethe Regional Executive Officer (REO), operating as an arm of central government, has refused to reconvene the statutory meetingtoelecttheRDC’schairandvicechaireventhough the law demands it and even though the region has already helditsfirstattempt.
Atthatearliermeeting,therewasatieforthepositionof Chair TheLocalGovernmentActisunambiguousonwhat musthappennext:thetiemustbebrokenthroughasecond meeting and, if necessary, a prescribed lawful mechanism. But instead of following the law, the REO packed up his papers, walked out, and has since behaved as though the people of Region 10 must sit quietly until the government decideswhethertheirvotesmatter
Thisnewspaperhasrepeatedlywarnedthatgovernment control of statutory offices through handpicked REOs, politicisedboards,andstrategicallytargetedadministrative delays has become one of the PPP/C’s most effective tools forundermininglocaldemocracy Region10nowstandsas theclearestexampleofthiscreepingcentralisation.Yetwhat makes this episode even more troubling is the political silence surrounding it. Region 10 has historically been a fortress of the People’s National Congress (PNC), but the partyhasofferedlittlemorethanlukewarmstatementsand soft press releases. The very region that once took to the streetsattheslightesthintofconstitutionalabusenowfinds itselfwaiting,headsbowed,whilecentralgovernmentlocks itsdemocraticdoor
Thetargetofthishumiliation?Notthepeople,atleastnot officially but the We Invest in Nationhood (WIN) party, whichshockedtheestablishmentbyperformingstronglyin Region10.Thegovernment’sdisdainforWINanditsleader isopen,loud,andnowweaponisedthroughstatemachinery. It is no coincidence that the only region where the government is refusing to complete the lawful electoral processistheregionwhereWINholdsinfluence. Makenomistake:thisispoliticalpunishmentdisguised as administrative delay This newspaper previously editorialised that the government’s handling of the Region 10 RDC process mirrors its “barefaced constitutional contortions” over the election of the Leader of the Opposition where the administration stretched legal language to breaking point simply to avoid accountability Region10isnowwitnessingareplayofthatsamecontempt. The message is unmistakable: if the PPP/C cannot control theoutcome,itwillcontroltheprocess;ifitcannotcontrol theprocess,itwillpreventtheprocessfromhappening. Meanwhile,thePresidentproceedswiththeswearing-in of every other RDC chair and vice chair, smiling before cameras, while Region 10 is left leaderless—an orphan of thestate.
ButRegion10isnotpowerless.Anditmustnotbehave asifitis.Democracyisnotmerelyaconstitutionalword;itis a civic obligation. When the state refuses to honour its responsibilities, the people must insist that it does. Region 10mustdemandloudly,consistently,andunapologetically that the REO reconvene the meeting. The region must makeitclearthatGuyaneselaw,notgovernmentpreference, governstheRDC.AsforWIN,itcannotaffordtoretreatinto
Governing without consultation
DEAREDITOR,
Last month, the InterAmerican Development Bank released its Ten Findings about Poverty in Latin America and the Caribbean, revealing that an estimated 58% of Guyanese live in poverty, surviving on less than US$6.85 per day, while32%ofthepopulation live in extreme poverty, surviving on less than US$3.65daily
With Guyana now classified as a middleincomecountry,anumberof international social programmes that once provided critical support no longerexist,placinganeven greater responsibility on the governmenttodeliverforits people This report is alarming and demands urgent attention from political leadership and all stakeholders What it is telling us is clear: oil wealth is not reaching the masses, creating ever-widening gaps where the poor get poorer, seeing few opportunities to
escape poverty under a regime more obsessed with through billions behind infrastructural projects than humandevelopment.
We face serious problemsinthiscountry,and it’stimeweworktogetherto fix them. Unity must never bebasedonconvenience,but on necessity We cannot unite only around the Venezuela/Guyana border issue while ignoring domestic crises, as the two are intrinsically linked Basic services—education, h e a l t h , w a t e r , electricity remain i n a d
, o f
e n inaccessible, and in many cases, simply non-existent fortheordinarycitizen.
Billions are being funneled into programmes like GOAL and Coursera, while local institutions such as Critchlow Labour College, the University of Guyana,CyrilPotterCollege of Education, and nursing schools receive little or no support—some have even
been closed Public healthcare is underfunded, forcing citizens to rely on private hospitals at taxpayer expense, with patients often sentfrompublichospitalsto p
surgeries This system undermines public healthcare and worsens inequality
We f a c e g r a v e challenges, and we can no longer leave it solely to politicians to decide what is best for us, especially when they fail to prioritise a just and inclusive society We must not remain silent or complicit,hopingforcrumbs whenwedeserveafairshare.
Workers—past, present, andfuture—struggleevenin the world’s fastest-growing economy. Many cannot afford three nutritious meals a day, go hungry, or know someone who does. This is unacceptable in 2025! The focusshouldnotbesolelyon new roads and bridges, but on ensuring decent wages, salaries, and pensions that
reflect the cost of living. To address these urgent concerns,wedemand:
• Legislation for Article 13 of the Constitution –Ensure inclusionary democracy with greater citizen participation in decisions affecting their well-being.
• Establishment of Constitutional Commissions – Foster transparency and accountability
• Legislation for Power Devolution – Empower
regional and local governments as outlined in Articles75and76.
• Inclusive National Budget – Require at least 60% approval from elected Members for Appropriation Bills to promote cross-party cooperation.
• Affirmative Action Legislation – Ensure equity in employment, public contracts, education, and socio-economicresources.
• Direct Oil Benefits / CashTransfers–Implement Continued on page 6
Profiles of our notable business leaders can inspire future entrepreneurs
DEAREDITOR,
I am currently gathering information for my upcoming publication, NotableBusinessLeadersof Guyana – A Biographical Dictionary This work aims to be an important national resource, capturing the visionary leadership, strategic insights, and lived experiences of influential business figures whose contributions have helped shape the modern Guyanese economy Documenting theirstoriesisessential—not only for historical preservation but also for inspiring future generations ofentrepreneurs. Business leadership has long been a driving force of global economic and social development. From the Industrial Revolution pioneers such as Josiah
Wedgwood, Isambard Kingdom Brunel, and Titus
Salt, to more recent transformationalfigureslike Bill Gates, Steve Jobs, Jeff
politepressreleases.
Bezos, Tim Berners-Lee, Larry Page, Elon Musk, Jensen Huang, and Mark Zuckerberg, the world has been shaped by individuals whose boldness, innovation, andresiliencepushedsociety forward. Their biographies have influenced countless o t h e r s t o p u r s u e entrepreneurship.
Guyana, too, has produced remarkable business leaders whose legacies deserve similar recognition Starting with JosiasBooker—whoarrived in 1815 and later helped establishBookerBrothers& Company, a firm that reshaped the country’s economic and social landscape—our nation has seenmanyotheroutstanding leadersemerge. Individuals such as Ramsay Ali, Robert Badal, E.B. Beharry, Derek Chin, P S D’Aguiar, Chris Fernandes, Sattaur Gafoor, Gerry Gouveia, Glen Khan, Lyla Kissoon, Toolsie
Thepartynowsitsatahistoriccrossroads.Itwonvotes;it earned seats; it legally qualified to contend for the chairmanship. If the government is blocking the lawful conveningoftheRDC,thenWINmustescalateitsadvocacy That does not mean chaos, it means lawful, organised, sustained pressure: public demonstrations, legal challenges, communitymobilisation,andnationalexposure.
IfWINbacksdownnow,itwillsignaltothegovernment that small parties can be bullied into irrelevance. If it stands
Persaud, Yesu Persaud, Clifford Reis, Komal Samaroo, Kayman Sankar, BrianTiwarie,JosephVieira, and many more built their enterprises through determination, creativity, andcourage.
Some started with little or no capital; others overcame poverty or limited formal education. Yet each left an indelible mark on their industry and on Guyana’s standing in the globalbusinesscommunity
C a p t u r i n g t h e achievements, struggles, d e c i s i o n - m a k i n g approaches, and leadership philosophies of these individuals is important for researchers, students, policy makers, and professionals. Such a reference will help readerstracetheevolutionof business practices, study leadershipstylesacrosseras, understand how industries developed, and learn from real-world examples of resilience, innovation, and
strategicthinking.Itwillalso formthebasisforleadership d e v e l o p m e n t , entrepreneurship training, and broader appreciation of c o r p o r a t e s o c i a l responsibility
Thecriteriaforinclusion will focus on business creativity and innovation, notability, impact on industry and society, leadership,andcontributions tonationaldevelopment.My r e c e n t publications Biographical Dictionary of Guyana and History of Accounting & Auditing in Guyana—have providedastrongfoundation forthisproject.
I welcome suggestions, information, or leads from readers who may wish to contribute to this historic initiative. This will be the firstpublicationofitskindin the Caribbean—a national milestone of which we can allbeproud.
Sincerely, LalBalkaran
firm, it will send a message far beyond Region 10: the constitution is not a tool of government convenience. Kaieteur News has long argued that Guyana’s democracy survivesonlywhencitizensdefendit.Region10isnowbeing tested. The government’s actions are not simply political; they are constitutional violations And constitutional violationscannotbemetwithsilence.ThepeopleofRegion 10 deserve their chair, their vice chair, and their democratic dignity Anything less is lawlessness, no matter how presidentialtheceremonylookedlastweek.
President Ali’s caution about tempering expectations Illegal fare hikes
DEAREDITOR,
In recent remarks reported by the Department ofPublicInformation(DPI), President Irfaan Ali urged Guyanese to “temper expectations” even as he described the country’s future as “glorious.” For many families, however, expectations have already been tempered, not by cautionaryleadership,butby the daily reality of a rising cost of living, stagnant wages, and declining purchasingpower Guyanese do not need to be told to moderatetheiroptimism;the economy has already done thatforthem.
The President is right that the energy sector is price-sensitive, costsensitive and technologysensitive.Butthisadmission carries implications far beyondoilandgas.Itmeans that Guyana’s success depends on competent longtermplanning,credibledata, and a well-prepared workforce.
Yet this is precisely where the Government
continues to fall short Guyana still awaits the full results of the G$2B 2022 Population and Housing Census—data essential for p l a n n i n g l a b o u r development, housing policy, education, and n a t i o n a l
g investments A country
“technology-readiness” while withholding the very demographic and economic data needed to guide those decisions.
The President also admitted publicly what businesseshavebeensaying foryears:thecountryfacesa severe shortage of human capital.Thiscrisiscannotbe fixed by scattered online programmes or politically t i m e d e d u c a t i o n announcements. The Staffordshire University scandal,whichexposeddeep weaknesses in oversight, accreditation, and due diligence within the GOAL scholarship system, shows that the Government’s training initiatives remain
vulnerable to misalignment and poor-quality control Coursera,likeGOALbefore it,isbeingpromotedwithout a clear national skills frameworkorapathwaythat connects courses to jobs, accreditation, or wage mobility
These shortcomings matter because, as the President himself said, workforce immaturity and inefficiency can undermine national competitiveness. If that is true, then Guyana urgently needs more than slogans. It needs a coherent national human-capital strategy, not a collection of disconnected training opportunities; a properly resourced technical system, not a patchwork of unassessed programmes; and reliable data, not withheldcensusreports.
At the same time, as the President cautions against being “swept away by optimism,” he must grapple withtheeconomicpressures families face right now Recent reporting from Belle West reveals that many
households cannot afford basic items such as fresh vegetables, that workers are surviving on “one and two days” of employment a week, and that public assistance remains slow and unreliable When the Government tells citizens to “look beyond” immediate relief, it risks appearing disconnected from the lived realityofthousandswhoare not swept away by optimism, they are swept underbyexpenses.
Tempered expectations must not become tempered responsibility Leadership
requires confronting weaknesses, not glossing over them; delivering relief now, not deferring it to Christmas; and grounding policy in real data and real planning. Guyana’s future may indeed hold promise, but families need relief today, and the nation urgentlyneedsatransparent, credibleplanforbuildingthe workforce and economy of tomorrow
Sincerely, SherodA.
Duncan,M.P
World AIDS Day and Adolescents
DEAREDITOR,
Globally, this is a very new World AIDS Day, differentfromanyinthelast 22years.
Formany,HIVnolonger carries the threat of a lifeendingdisease. Sadly,thatis not the case for millions of others whose lives were protected by funding through USAID. What was onceaproudUSPresident’s Emergency Plan for AIDS Relief (PEPFAR) was cruelly and arbitrarily dismantled by the current occupantofthatoffice.
Bill Gates, a very rich man himself, put it best:
“The world’s richest man is killing the world’s poorest children.”Hewasdescribing Elon Musk The world’s richest and most powerful country is killing hundreds ofthousandsofpeopleinthe world’s poorest and most
fragilecountries. The USAID funding of about US$ 20 billion was less than 1% of the US budget. In 2024, it was a mere 0 3% Yet most Americans believe USAID is about 25% of the federal budget.
Atul Gawande, a distinguished physician, estimates that USAID saved 92 million lives in two decades Now, Brooke Nichols, an epidemiologist at Boston University, estimates that the closure of the programme has already resulted in more than six hundred thousand deaths, two-thirds of them children, at a rate of almost 90 per hour
So, on this World AIDS
Day we face a new challenge.
We have no right to USAID funding. We must
findwaystotakecareofour owncitizens.
Arguably, in the Caribbean, Guyana has created the widest legal space for adolescent access to sexual and reproductive healthcare Its Medical Practitioners Regulations 2008 allows service to 16year-olds; its National Sexual and Reproductive Health Policy permits the use of the Gillick competency test for adolescentsyoungerthan16 years. Thereisnominimum ageforaccesstoHIVtesting withoutparentalconsent.
Yet Guyana’s adolescent fertility rate is 63.1, far above the regional average of35.4. Thisisnotamatter of law; our challenge is culture and education. We must find inexpensive ways of reaching adolescents in a sustained programme. One
of the most effective and proven mechanisms is schools. Thatcanbeourbig platformforprevention. We must teach our children abouthygiene,interpersonal relations, inclusion, abstinence, sexuality, and, yes,aboutresponsiblesex. Health and Family Life Education (HFLE) is not an examinable subject. It is therefore largely ignored Yet,asweallknow,failurein that subject has vastly g r e a t e r l i f e - l o n g c o n s e q u e n c e s f o r adolescents than failure in any other ‘examinable’ academic subject. We are profoundly ignorant of the catastrophic state of adolescent sexual relations inourtinyregion.Wearethe second worst, or the worst regionintheworldbyalmost anymetric–ageofsexual
Continued on page 6
DEAREDITOR,
There is a troubling and well-known situation within G u y a n a ’ s p u b l i c transportationsectorthatcan only be described as a dereliction of duty by the relevant authorities. Their persistent inaction and apparent indifference have allowed the widespread overcharging of passengers tobecomeentrenched.
On the 42 and 32 bus routes—particularly during the morning and afternoon rush hours operators routinely demand $1,000 from passengers traveling between Timehri and Georgetown, despite the legally approved fare being $260.
The “short drop” fare, officially set at $100, is frequentlyincreasedto$200.
Over on the West Demerara corridor,operatorsplyingthe Wales to Vreed-en-Hoop routehaveunilaterallyraised the fare from $200 to $300, with some demanding as muchas$500.
The situation on the waterways is no better Boat operators and bowmen on theGeorgetowntoVreed-enHoop route often verbally abuse passengers while illegally charging above the approved fare of $100, with somedemandingupto$500.
MARAD, the Police Traffic Department, the United Minibus Union, and the Ministry of Tourism, Industry and Commerce routinely advise passengers to report these violations. While such advice might be
reasonableiftheabuseswere isolated,thisisnolongerthe case. These practices have become the norm, and almost every bus and boat now demand illegal f a r e s o f t e n w i t h intimidation or threats of violence.This is no longer a matter that can be addressed by relying on individual passengers to report misconduct.
There is an urgent need for the Guyana Police Force to deploy transit lawenforcement officers on buses and boats daily, in plain clothing Once an operator is found guilty of p r i c e g o u g i n g o r intimidation, immediate action should follow: arrest, suspension of licence, and appropriatelegalpenalties. This crisis undermines Guyana’s efforts to promote tourism and, more critically, imposes an unreasonable burden on schoolchildren, workers, and the wider public who rely on affordable transportation This is fundamentally an issue of public order The police must respond decisively Operators who break the law should be arrested, placedincustody,havetheir vehicles impounded, and be brought before the courts. Any increase in public transportation fares must follow the proper legal procedures procedures that exist to protect commuters.
Sincerely,
ModiSankar
Urgent need for transparency after oxygen-related drug death at Linden Hospital
DEAREDITOR,
AsaresidentofLinden,I feel compelled to address a matter that is deeply troublingandpainfulforour community In less than six months, two persons have died while in the care of the Linden Hospital Complex, reportedly due to suspected oxygen-related drug issues. These are not just incidents
on a chart, these are human beings, loved ones who left home expecting care and healing, but never returned. Their families are grieving, and our community is hurting.
What makes this even more heartbreaking is the fact that these tragedies
appear connected to something as basic as
oxygen—one of the most essential elements of healthcare.Itforcesustoask some difficult but necessary questions.
Why are critical lifesaving essentials like oxygen not being kept in sufficientsupply?
Why are stronger safeguards, contingency plans, and backup systems
Poor delivery of public services mostly affects working class and poor families
DEAREDITOR,
For approximately thirty years, successive People’s Progressive Party (PPP) governments–fromBharratJagdeothrough DonaldRamotartothecurrentadministration ofPresidentIrfaanAli–havepresidedovera steadyandshamefuldeclineinthedeliveryof basic public services in Guyana. Road’s crumble,hospitalsrunoutofessentialdrugs, newborns and their mother too frequently being injured or dying during or after child birth, land titles take years, driver’s licenses areforsale,andwaterandelectricityremain unreliable in many communities.This is not badluckorBurnham;itisthedirectresultof PPP created centralisation, corruption, nepotism and political interference in institutions that were meant to serve the people. The latest promises of “digitisation” are being sold as the miracle cure. They are not. Computer systems cannot compensate for the deliberate understaffing of regional offices,thesiphoningoffunds,ortheculture of “facilitation payments” that citizens now accept as the only way to get what they are alreadyentitledto.
While ordinary citizens queue for hours or pay bribes for basic documents and services, the political class enjoys a parallel universe: duty-free vehicles, state-funded medicaltreatmentabroad,generouspensions that bypass the broken National Insurance
Scheme,andVIPlanesateveryministry The same leaders who tell us to be patient fly to Trinidad, Barbados or the United States the moment they or their families need serious medical care They have insulated themselves from the consequences of the systemtheycreated.
Bi-monthly “regional outreach” exercises, heavily branded and funded with taxpayers’ money, are little more than political theatre. They temporarily ease pressure on a few citizens, create photo opportunities, and allow the government to claim it is “close to the people,” yet the underlying rot remains untouched. Real improvement would mean empowering the Regional Democratic Councils, rooting out corruption, ending political appointments in the public service, and making ministries directlyaccountablefordelaysandextortion. Noneofthisishappening.
Until the PPPleadership experiences the same public hospitals, the same passport office, the same land registry, and the same electricity blackouts that ordinary Guyanese endure every day, nothing will change. Cosmetic digitisation and staged outreaches are not solutions; they are distractions. The working people and the poor of this country deservefarbetterafterthirtyyearsunderone party’srule.
C.A.Singh
not in place especially knowing that emergencies canhappenatanymoment?
And how did our hospital, the place we all depend on in moments of fear and vulnerability, find itself unable to protect the livesentrustedtoit?
Our hospital is supposed to be a place of comfort, a place where we bring our sick relatives and trust that theyaresafe.Whenthattrust isshaken,itaffectstheentire community
Webegintoworryabout ourelderly,ourchildren,and anyone who might one day needurgentmedicalcare.No
one should have to question whether their hospital has somethingasfundamentalas oxygen.
Iamthereforecallingon the Minister of Health, Dr FrankAnthony, to intervene with urgency, compassion, and transparency Lindeners deserve a full and honest investigation—not to cast blame,buttopreventfurther heartbreak We need to understand what went wrong, why it went wrong, and what steps will be taken so no other family has to experiencethiskindofpain.
ThepeopleofLindenare strong, caring, and patient,
but we cannot stay silent when lives are at stake. We deserve a hospital that is prepared, equipped, and attentive.
We deserve a healthcare system that protects us, not one that leaves our families shattered by preventable loss. It is time for answers, time for improvements, and above all, time to restore trustintheinstitutionwerely on in our most vulnerable moments.
Sincerely,
LorenzoJoseph United Workers Party (UWP)Activist
Region10
World AIDS Day and Adolescents
Frompage5 debut, incest rate, rate rape, adolescent fertility rate, unintended pregnancy rate, abortion rate, and rate of gender violence. Weareincrisis.
Andyetweremainoblivious. Wedonot speaktoourchildrenaboutsex–only5%of parentsdo,almostalwaysmothers. Teachers arereluctanttoaddress‘sensitive’areasofthe HFLEcurriculum. Theyareoftenuntrained. The responsibility for HFLE is typically passed on to the youngest, newest, and most unprepared staff member And for the most part, religious leaders stigmatise and horrify sexuality
If we truly understood the life-saving importance of HFLE, we would set about making it a top priority It would be examinable. Wewouldassignthesubjectto ourbestteachers. Wewouldholdallschools strictlyaccountablefordelivery Asamatter ofurgency,wewouldconvenesessionswith parents, urge them to speak with their children, and provide them with material, hard copy or digital, to make those conversationseasier
A recent assessment of the ComprehensiveSexualitycomponentwithin
HFLE showed that no country in the region had met the minimum international s t a n d a r d s N o t e v e n o n e https://caribbean.unfpa.org/en/publications/f ormative-assessment-comprehensivesexuality-education-within-health-andfamily-life. Indeed,nonewasevenclose. We should not depend on any country to care for our children That is our responsibility as parents, teachers, social workers, healthcare workers, and neighbours To begin with, we must acknowledgethatwehavefailedmiserablyin ourdutyasparents. Wemustgetbeyondour culturalinhibitionstospeakaboutsex. Ifwe truly care about our adolescents, we must speakwiththemearlyandoftenaboutsex. IneveryCaribbeanIsland,therearemore churches, mosques, and temples than schools. We cannot accomplish our goal of moralandprudentsexualbehaviour,without the engagement of religious leaders. They must climb above their denial and stigmatisationofsexualitytofacerealityand join actively in becoming trustworthy sourcesofmoralguidanceandinformation.
Sincerely,
FredNunes
Governing without consultation
Frompage4
structured cash transfers guided by World Bank objectives to alleviate poverty and improvequalityoflife.
•Eliminate/ReduceIncomeTax(PAYE)
– Restore child allowances and provide monthly grants for those 18 and older, with educationalconditionalities.
• Unemployment Benefits –Activate the NISUnemploymentRegulationandcreatea fundtosupportthosebetweenjobs.
• Expanded School Meal Programme –Provide balanced meals to all public-school children,nurserytosecondarylevel.
•ImproveMedicalServices–Buildfully equipped referral hospitals with trauma centersanddiagnosticfacilitiesinallregions, andinvestinpreventativecare.
• Reduce Utility Costs – Lower electricity, transportation, and gas prices; reintroduce public transportation to improve accessforvulnerablecommunities.
• Property Improvement Support – Offer interest-freeorlow-interestloanstoimprove homesandcommunities.
•StrengthenNIS–Addressthedeficitto safeguardworkers’incomeandprovidevital benefits for industrial injury, sickness, old age,anddeath. In the face of these grave deprivations, workers and citizens must unite and challenge both Government and Opposition toactinthepublicinterest.Athreattooneisa threat to all, and solidarity must be demonstratedthroughdecisiveaction. Itisoutrageousthatintheworld’sfastestgrowing economy, poverty and extreme poverty remain so high. The real numbers maybeevenworse,sincesurveysoftenfailto capturethefullrealitiesontheground.Thisis ashamefulsituation.TheAli/Jagdeoregime, which has managed the oil economy while shutting out broader participation, has done an abysmal job Their arrogance has convincedthemtheyaloneknowwhatisbest, governing without consultation and excluding the very people whose lives they claimtobeimproving.
TheAllianceForChange (AFC) has joined calls for thedismissalofExxonMobil Guyana President, Alistair Routledge over a series of grievous infractions which thepartybelieveshasledtoa loss of confidence in his leadership.
During its last media engagement, the party through its executive member,Dr VincentAdams highlighted the recent misleading reports on the company’s earnings by Routledge.The former head of the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA)
added that the inaccurate statements were later exposed and corrected by Chartered Accountant and A t t o r n e y - a t - L a w, ChristopherRam. “In Guyana we have a proud tradition of show of kindness, warmth and respect to visitors but disappointingly we find Mr Routledgetobeatoddswith these values, interpreting them to mean that we are weak, stupid, subservient and inferior We therefore join Mr Ram in calling for the removal of Routledge and call upon the
governmentofGuyanasthe clientdemandhisremovalin the best interest of the nation.”
Prior to the inaccurate information shared by Routledgeonthecompany’s earnings, Dr Adams highlighted that several billboards were erected across the nation with misleading content on the country’s profits from the StabroekBlockoperations.
Further to that, he h
ExxonMobil has publicly disagreed with the priorities of government where the d
country’s resources is concerned.
Dr Adams recalled that Exxon previously told reportersthatthecompanyis prioritising the gas project whilegovernmentlatermade itclearthatitwillbepushing to monetise the resources Similarly, he noted that the company was against updating the Local Content Legislation but government subsequently made it clear thatthelawmustbeamended tobenefitGuyanese
To this end, Dr Adams argued, “Jagdeo is like a littlemousewhenitcomesto RoutledgeandExxon.Could you imagine anyone of us disagreeing with Jagdeo on suchimportantmatters?And Jagdeo like a little mouse just brush it aside and say manyouknowit’sjustalittle disagreement.”
Inlightoftheseandother issues, the former EPAhead called on the Vice President to request that ExxonMobil
removes Routledge. On October 25, Kaieteur News reported that Ram exposed Routledge’s attempt at misleadingthenationonthe company’s earnings in Guyana During a press conference in October, Routledgeclaimed,“…prior to2023,wewerenotmaking profits here in Guyana, so there were no tax credits fromthat.”
Exxon’s audited financial statement, that Routledge manufactured those inaccurate remarks Ram pointedout,“Intruth,Exxon recorded profits of G$132 billion (2021) and G$637 billion (2022).” He even attached a screenshot of the company’s income statement to support his argument.
Consequently,thelawyer reasoned, “For his serial misrepresentations to the FourthEstate,Mr Routledge has lost the confidence and respectofhishosts Underhis watch, ExxonMobil Guyana has resisted transparency, delayed relinquishment, and overseen the improper reductionofUS$214million indisallowedauditcosts” Ramwaskeentonotethat an executive with such a pattern of mistrust in the United States (US) would have been summoned before Congress or shown the door, whereas in Guyana, he remains a “guest of honour” Ram therefore made it clear that Routledge should be dismissedforhisinexplicable behaviourinGuyana
Former EPA Head, Dr. Vincent Adams
No new taxes, just bigger budgets and maybe bigger headaches
If governments had theme songs, the PPPC would long have released two platinum hits on heavy rotation: “No NewTaxes”(remixfeaturing selective amnesia) and “The Largest Budget Ever” (extended version, new verses added annually)
These two mantras have become the party’s spiritual c o m p a s s , e c o n o m i c philosophy, and Budget jingleallinone.
Let us begin with the doctrine of no new taxes.
Claiming “there are no new t a x e s ” d o e s n o t automatically mean the public is better off, because governments have many indirect ways of extracting more from citizens without formally introducing a new tax Utilities such as electricity can become more expensive and inflation, especially when driven by government spending, operates like a stealth tax, eroding purchasing power and forcing households to paymoreforthesamebasket of necessities. In practice, peopleoftenendupspending more of their income, even though technically no “new tax” has been announced, making the slogan far less meaningfulthanitsounds.
Of course, this vow of taxation purity was conveniently borrowed from a famous American administration. The famous “no new taxes” pledge
comes from U.S. President George H. W Bush, who used the line during his 1988 presidential campaign. His exact words were: “Read my lips: no new taxes ” Although it helped him win the election, he later approved a budget deal that included tax increases, which became a major politicalcontroversy
Not that the PPPC has ever publicly credited the source. But imitation is the sincerest form of flattery, and what better to imitate than a slogan whose main political objective is to lull taxpayers into a warm, soporificsenseofgratitude?
Then comes mantra number two, delivered with the pomp of Santa Claus unveilinghis“largesttoybag ever”: “Ladies and gentlemen, THIS is the largest budget in Guyana’s history!” In fact the PPPC prides itself in ensuring that every Budget is larger than its predecessor Every new Budget is declared the largest, as though divine law requires budgets to expand perpetually like the universe, but with more line items and fewer stars Somewhere in the Ministry of Finance there must be a chalkboard with a single instruction written in bold red ink: “Whatever you do, make it bigger than last year.”
One imagines budget planners huddled over
Dem Boys Seh...
calculators, sweating profuselyastheysearchfora few billion more to tack on so they can retain the sacred title It does not matter whether the economy is overheating, cement is disappearing faster than a politician’s promise after Election Day, or labour shortages are forcing contractors to hire anyone with a pulse and two hands. What matters is that the number at the bottom of the page is bigger than the numberlastyear
Guyana could be kneedeep in supply-chain bottlenecks, construction overruns, inflated contracts, and labour scarcity, yet the grand BudgetTradition must be upheld. God forbid the country wakes up one January morning to discover a budget3% smallerthanthe previous year the shock might rupture the fiscal space-time continuum Meanwhile, despite its own spectacular missteps, the APNU+AFC, at least outshone the PPPC in terms of timely budgets. Under the coalition,budgetsshowedup earlier than some ministers to their own press briefings. But the PPPC, after a brief imitation period, now seems ready to abandon early budgetingaltogether
It says it wants and early Budget. But its idea now of anearlyBudgetisintheNew Year
De meaning of ‘vending’ change
Dem Boys seh long, long ago when yuh talk’boutavendor,yuhmindusedtopicture a lil tray pon two sticks, or a rice bag spread neat-neat on de ground. Deh man or woman deh deh with a handful of mangoes, a bunch of bora, a few cigarettes, and a smile that couldpassfuhcustomerservice.
That was vending Simplicity Discipline. A hustle, yes,but a humble one. Dem Boys rememberin the 1970s one chap who had a carrier bike outside Demico House. In de carrier was a small glass case wid pholourie, dhal puri, and egg ball. De man used to sit down pon he bike like he is chairmanofdeboard.
Within two hours he sell out clean-clean and ride home satisfied. He didn’t need nuff space.Hedidn’tblocknobodydriveway,nor build Rome in de middle of de pavement. That was vending then. But today? Lawd father “Vending” turn big business. We got people setting up full bar and lounge under tent, with chair, table, and atmosphere. Next thing yuh know is waitress and happy hour Someofdemgotmulti-million-dollarcanter
challenge is that these budgets aren’t anchored in a development plan. They’re a yearly ritual of numerical inflation an exercise in throwing sweets at businesses, sugar packets at citizens, and hoping the headlines look favourable. Development planning takes time. Expanding a number takes a calculator and courage Guess which is easier?
And so, every year the scriptrepeatsitself.“Nonew
taxes!” declares the party “This is the largest budget ever!” they add, in case you didn’t hear it last year But beneath the marketing, the simpletruthglowslikearedhot steel rod: Guyana’s economy is overheating, prices are rising, materials are scarce, contractors are overwhelmed, and labour is stretched thin Yet the
unexamined,unbothered.
In the future, perhaps
they’ll add a third: “If the economy trembles, just remember no new taxes andthebiggestbudgetever!” Because nothing says responsible governance quite like clinging to slogans whiletheeconomybegsfora coldtowelandaquietroom. (The views expressed in this article are those of the a u t h o r a n d d o n o t necessarily reflect the opinions of this newspaper.)
Drunk cop waves
AK-47 in Port Kaituma
- rank under close arrest
A police constable stationed in Region Onehasbeenplacedunderclosearrestaftera video posted to social media showed him walking around Port Kaituma, North West District, with a force-issued AK-47 while reportedlyintoxicated.
The video shows the rank, dressed in casual clothes and holding the rifle while arguingwithanotherindividual.Atonepoint, he threatened to shoot the person he was confronting while pacing up and down the street. During the exchange, two gunshots were heard and several persons, who referred totherankas“Henry,”attemptedtocalmhim downandeventuallygothimtowalkaway
In a statement issued after the footage began circulating, the Guyana Police Force said, “The Commissioner of Police has immediatelyorderedathoroughinvestigation
into the circumstances surrounding the incident.”
The police noted that the rank seen in the video “has since been placed under close arrest and the Office of Professional Responsibility has been instructed to commence a detailed investigation immediately.”
According to the GPF, “The contents of the video form part of the ongoing investigation which will determine the full extent of both disciplinary and criminal actionstobetaken.”
The Force said it remains committed to maintaining the highest standards of professionalism and accountability and further information will be provided at the appropriate stage as the investigation progresses.
trucks converted into rolling kitchen stadiums. Stainless steel everything. More appliances than some restaurants. The only thingmissingisthetaxreceipt.
Dem boys seh some pavement vendors now have more stock and tek up more space than 10 whole supermarket aisle.And when yuhsqueezeby,islikeyuhwalkingthrougha wholesalebond.
Yet every minute somebody hollering how “de illegal vending people need a chance.” Chance? Guyana is de only place where chance is a constitutional right. We giving out chance like sweetie. But wah we encouragingispurelawlessnessandchaos.
If everybody decide fuh do as dem please, we might as well rename de city “Stall-ketch-you-ketch.” Dem Boys seh order is order, and if we gon build a real country, we can’t have vending turning into urban colonization Say what yuh want—cussifyuhvex—DemBoysgonkeep talking it, because sometimes de truth does selloutfasterthaneggball. Talk half. Leff half.
TheMohameds-What’sgoingon,reallygoingon
I begin with the factual. When the US government wants someone, they don’t stay wanted for long. The US usually gets them, by a variety of means. Some on the table, others at lower depths.
There was one local kingpin, then another that couldn’t be snatched in Guyana, so the US devised other means to nab their quarries right within the c o n f i n e s o f m o r e cooperative regimes in the region.
Remember one Osama Bin Laden, and how the balking, reluctant Pakistani governmentwasmadetosee the light. So, what is going onwithMr NazarMohamed and his son, political leader, AzruddinMohamed?
What really going on, fellow Guyanese? Though my first addressees are Guyanese, I humbly invite Excellency Nicole D Theriot, US Ambassador to Guyana not to consider herselfexcludedinanyway There are these
shambling, bumbling, lengtheningstepsinthehalls of Guyanese jurisprudence. Something doesn’t add up, with more subtractions occurring. Here’s my first question. Who wants to get theMohamedsmore,sothat free entry is gained into what’sintheirheads?
Thesecondiswhattakes precedence? Playingasleek political game here, and keepingthemhere? Or,who istrulyseriousaboutgetting them out of here? Either way, I smell sticks of unlit dynamite.
The US Office of Foreign Asset Control (OFAC), made a grand flourish with its slate of sanctions and three Guyanese fingered, one a seniorpublicservant. When OFAC in America had its grandflourish,thatproduced agrimintestinalconstriction in Guyana With the Mohameds definitely, but that was nothing compared towhatafflictedtheextreme upper elevations of the PPP Government.
Three PPP Govt assets, and three close companions of senior PPP leadership, snared in America’s radars must qualify as a major catastrophe for government, party,andleaders.
I know how the US system works, and can appreciate the significance of the sanctions that OFAC rolled out on June 11, 2024, which triggered such severe constipationhere.
One aspect of that was whether OFAC was being weaponised for political purposes. Idon’tknow;not as much as I should. But now there is this next questionthatpromptsothers.
Alleged wire fraud, mail fraud, and gold smuggling occurred in the State of Florida,withtheMohameds and government official, Mae Thomas, identified as principalactorshere. OFAC can conduct its own enforcement, or coordinate with other US agencies, including the US Dept of Justice, and/or the appropriate US attorney’s office.
What word went to Florida, what detail, was presented to the Federal Grand Jury in Florida that led to exclusion of government official Mae Thomas from any charges, anymention?
Was there governmentto-government horsetrading that led to the permanent secretary’s exclusion? Once again, what did the PPP Govt surrenderinexchange?
And why is it that one year and five months after OFAC’s sanctions, seven weeks after the US Grand Jury charges, and subsequent US extradition request that the government effortshavebeenplaguedby starts and stops, and followups that grind to one suspicious halt after another?
Again, what’s really going on here with the extraditioneffortsofthePPP Govt with the Mohameds? It already took care of its own insider, Mae Thomas.
Are the Mohameds settofollowthatsame obscured justice path?
Ifnot,thenwhywhenUS assets were already on the ground here, that Guyanese agents were dispatched ahead of them to secure the Mohameds?
and dance relative to evidence unfolding in a Guyana court, what’s really goingon?
Questions, questions, leading to more questions and dead ends. Frankly, if I were in the upper hierarchy of the PPP Govt (or party), therewouldbeabsolutelyno readiness to part with the Mohameds.
They know too much. Their close friendships included presidents, prime ministers, vice presidents, the cream of Guyana’s highest government officials.
Plus, the rich commerce that their political friendships (govt officials) facilitated. IamnotthePPP Govt,butIwouldwantthem where I can spy on them, control them, hold them hostage.
Or stir old loyalties, and rekindle past friendships Theyrepresentmuch. Thus, in checking out this song-
A charade with the highest official fingerprints (despiteallthenoise)? Ora locally sanctioned masqueradepretendingtobe genuinelegalgoods. Somethingisnotstriking therightspot. Forsure,there is some politics involved. The first iron law of politics is self-preservation. Keep the Mohameds here, the threatening, pending loss of the PPP paradise could be regained.
I take OFAC seriously Thereafter,therest(fromUS federal developments in Florida, and Guyana’s PPP Govt) hovers very shakily overhead.
(The views expressed in this article are those of the author and do not necessarily reflect the opinionsofthisnewspaper.)
‘Auroraunrestexposes...
Frompage3 facilitybecausetherewasno a m b u l a n c e a t t h e multibillion-dollarworksite.
The family has given permission for the story and images to be shared publicly,”WINsaid.WINis calling for answers and an immediate, transparent report from the Ministry of Labour on these recurring issues with foreign Chinese companies. “No Guyanese worker should die under questionable circumstances while their families are left without information or justice,”thepartysaid.
Similarly, TheAssembly for Liberty and Prosperity (ALP) headed by former woman miner, Simona Broomesinastatementsaid, “Guyana cannot boast of being the “fastest-growing economyintheworld”while some of our workers face conditionsthatmirrorlabour trafficking, and are paid wages as though we were stillathird-worldcountry.”
Leader of the A Partnership for National Unity (APNU) Aubrey Norton on Friday stated that feedback from miners and interior communities’points to deepening failures in the country’s governance systems, particularly those
responsible for public safety and oversight in the mining sector
At the party’s press conference, Norton said that recent outreach by APNU, along with reports from workers, observers, and independent stakeholders, highlightlong-standinggaps in accountability that threatencitizens’well-being.
APNU noted that frustration over mining safety has intensified, with citizens raising concerns about what they describe as government neglect, a lack of transparency, and an unwillingness to address problems affecting workers in one of the country’s most dangerousindustries.
Norton said it is especially alarmed by allegations coming out of Aurora Gold Mines (AGM), whereworkershavereported hazardous underground conditions, inadequate protective gear, poor a c c o m m o d a t i o n , inconsistent wages, and unfairtreatmentofGuyanese when compared to foreign employees The party pointed out that public testimonials and earlier grievances mirror issues raised repeatedly over the pasttwodecades.
Suriname begins seismic study in shallow waters - Staatsolie
3D
November 2025
Map showing areas with existing studies and where the new ones will be carried out.
CARPHA donates Portable PCR instrument to strengthen Guyana’s public health response
Chief Medical Officer (CMO) Dr. Narine Singh receives the donation from CARPHA’s Executive Director, Dr. Lisa Indar
The Caribbean Public Health Agency (CARPHA)lastweekhandedoverastate-ofthe-art portable, mobile PCR instrument along with a supply of testing cartridges to the Ministry of Health’s National Public Health Reference Laboratory (NPHRL), marking a significant boost to Guyana’s capacity for rapid disease detection and outbreakresponse.
TheequipmentwashandedovertoChief MedicalOfficer(CMO)Dr NarineSinghby CARPHA’s Executive Director, Dr Lisa Indar
Valued at USD $300,000, this advanced diagnostic equipment enables results within twohours,allowinghealthofficialstoswiftly identify priority pathogens and respond to public health threats with greater efficiency The portable system is designed for flexibility and can be deployed across regions, including remote and hinterland communities, ensuring equitable access to timelytesting.
The PCR platform can detect a wide range of infectious diseases, including dengue and other vector-borne illnesses, the Ministry of Health stated in a press release. Additionally,thecartridgesprovidedsupport testing for foodborne pathogens, norovirus,
and leptospirosis, enhancing Guyana’s abilitytomanagebothendemicandemerging diseases.
Dr Frank Anthony, Minister of Health, emphasised that this new machine will be extremely valuable in delivering timely resultsandsignificantlyimprovingthespeed andaccuracyofdiseasediagnosis.
Meanwhile, Indar, emphasised the importance of this technology in strengthening regional health security She noted that the machine’s rapid turnaround time and portability will significantly improve the country’s ability to respond to outbreaks quickly, safeguard communities, andsupportongoingsurveillanceefforts.
The Ministry of Health expressed deep appreciation to CARPHA for its continued partnership and commitment to enhancing public health capacity The donation to the NPHRL forms part of broader regional initiatives to modernise laboratory systems, strengthenpreparedness,andbuildresilience againstcurrentandfuturehealththreats.
With this new equipment, Guyana is better positioned to protect its population, support faster clinical decision-making, and reinforce national and regional disease monitoringsystems.
State owned Surinamese oil company, Staatsolie has announced that the Dutch speaking country has begun a seismic study in shallow
waters offshore to ascertain potentialoilandgasdeposits.
In a statement via its website on Thursday, the company said the area
involvedinthestudyisoffthe coast of Saramacca and Coronie “This survey is a joint project between Staatsolie Maatschappij Suriname NV, the Chinese Bureau of Geophysical Prospecting (BGPOffshore), andtheNorwegian/American company Tomlinson Geophysical Services Inc. (TGS)”
The area in which the study is being conducted measures approximately 2,000 km², having water depths that range from 20 to 50 metres. Seismic highqualitydatawillbecollected overatwo-monthperiod.
“This survey is an important step in further exploiting Suriname’s offshore oil and gas potential, aligning with the open-door offering that started on November 24, 2025 The open-door offeringinvitesinternational investors to participate in new exploration and development opportunities inouroffshoreareas.
These initiatives are in linewithStaatsolie’svision Continuedonpage17
‘Endthepettypolitics’
Walton-Desir calls for election of Opposition Leader, activation of parliamentary committees
...says
political standoff putting citizens at risk
Opposition MP and leader of Forward Movement Guyana (FMG), Amanza Walton-Desir, is demanding the immediate reconvening of Parliament and the activation of key oversight committees, as the political deadlock over the swearing-in of new Opposition Leader Azruddin Mohameddragson.
In a forceful social media statementonSunday,Walton-Desir warned that the paralysis in the National Assembly is eroding the country’s credibility and putting citizensatrisk. Shealsocalledfor the Speaker Manzoor Nadir to call the meeting for the election of Mohamed, leader of We Invest in Nationhood(WIN).
“I’maskingaseriousquestion, how are we to be taken seriously when we have a parliament that will deliberately not meet to appointaleaderoftheopposition? How are we to be taken seriously
whenweareonthevergeofsucha shift geopolitically, and we do not have a foreign relations sectoral committee meeting so that we can go and in a bipartisan manner,
continue to help the people of Guyana to remain calm, because panic is not going to serve anybody,”shestated.
T h e O p p o s i t i o n parliamentarian stressed that the refusal to convene committees jeopardisespublicsafety WaltonDesirsaid,“Doweunderstandwhy people take us for granted? Because we take ourselves for granted,andwetakeoursafetyfor granted, and we take the affairs of this nation for granted. What is more sad for me is that there are Guyanese who chair that posture on, ‘oh yes, don’t convene no committee for them’ not understanding that they’re endangering and jeopardising themselves.”
Further, she called for unity across political lines. She noted thatleadersandcitizensalikemust demand that Parliament resume its work,includingtheswearing-inof
President Irfaan Ali has announcedthatthegovernmentwill soon unveil a sweeping national economic expansion and infrastructure integration plan, one he says will transform Guyana at a scale “unmatched” in the nation’s history
SpeakingattheGuyanaOiland Gas Energy Chamber’s Annual Awards Presentation Dinner at the Marriott Hotel on Friday night, President Ali told industry leaders and private-sector executives that Guyana is entering a hyperaccelerated phase of development, powered by historic investments in energy, infrastructure, logistics and newindustries
“This journey is now getting firedup,”thePresidentdeclared “In
thecomingdays,Iwilllayoutwith great clarity our economic expansion,infrastructure
At the centre of the upcoming nationalplanaretworegionsthatAli says will form the backbone of Guyana’s new energy ecosystem
The president said that Guyana is entering a phase of unprecedented investment,withWalesandBerbice emerging as the nucleus of a new nationalenergyecosystem
At Wales, he said more than US$4 billion will be invested over five years in the gas-to-energy project, power plants, fabrication facilities, industrial zones, marine infrastructure,andlogisticsservices
InBerbice,asecondgasproject, a deep-water port, industrial expansion, and the massive gas
thenewOppositionLeader
“Even if you don’t like Azruddin Mohamed, he is to be sworn in as the leader of the opposition simply because our Constitution demands it…and so when we begin to embrace that mindset as the people of Guyana, we are going to see our lives radicallyshift.Wearegoingtosee this government understanding a bunch of people who understand thattheyhavethepower,”shesaid.
The13thParliamentofGuyana was convened early November, with the government and opposition MPs taking their oaths. However,sincethentherehasbeen no word on when the Speaker will chairthemeetingfortheswearinginoftheOppositionLeader
Inrelationtotheswearing-inof the Opposition Leader, President Irfaan Ali last Thursday said that Speaker, is currently out of the country,andasaresult,themeeting
toelectaLeaderoftheOpposition cannotbehelduntilhereturns.His comment comes amid threats of legalactionfromtheWIN,overthe Speaker’s failure to convene the meeting with opposition MPs to electtheleaderoftheopposition. ClerkoftheNationalAssembly Sherlock Isaacs explained that while the constitution outlines the process for electing the opposition leader,itdoesnotspecifywhenthe meeting must be held “The constitution doesn’t say when the meeting is to be held, if it’s at the first sitting or the second sitting or thirdsitting;it’satthediscretionof thespeaker,”Isaacshadexplained.
pipeline, estimated alone at over US$2 billion, will anchor another wave of national development. Combined, these regions will drive close to US$10 billion in new infrastructure and energy-linked investment, he said according to a Department of Public Information report
“This is remarkable,” President Alisaid “Ifthisdoesnotexciteusas apeople,Idon’tknowwhatwill” Guyana is projected to end the year producing approximately 930,000 barrels of oil per day, up from 650,000 barrels earlier in the year By 2030, production is expectedtoreachaconservative13 million barrels per day The President,however,cautionedthat Continued on page 16
Guyana’s rice industry has expandedby139percentinthefirst halfof2025,accordingtothehalfyearreportreleasedrecentlybythe BankofGuyana
This equates to a total of 410,1940 tonnes in comparison to 362,0295 tonnes in 2024 “In the firsthalfoftheyear,96,715hectares were sown, an increase of 11,742 hectares or 138 per cent when compared to one year prior Hectares harvested amounted to 95,788 hectares, an increase of 13.2 per cent when compared to end-June2024,”thereportsaid.
Theperformanceofthesectoris on account of larger numbers of acres being cultivated alongside greater productivity from the high yielding rice varieties, distribution offertiliserandavailabilityinputsas these were VAT exempted by the government.
The finance ministry had reportedthatGuyana’sriceindustry wasexpectedtogrowbysome124 percentthisyear
The projected growth was expected despite the glut in the world market and the depressingly lowpricesofferedbylocalmillersto ricefarmersherethiscrop
Local rice farmers have been lamenting what they said are the ridiculously low prices being
offered to them for their paddy, muchofwhichislefttospoil BackinSeptember,ricefarmers inEssequiboheldamassiveprotest in Anna Regina over the prices being offered for the paddy, along with the huge amounts that have beenlefttospoilontheirhands
In October, Kaieteur News spoke with rice farmers in Mahaicony, who relayed that they were pressing ahead with their harvests, even as they await the long-promised talks with governmentofficialsoverthecrisis levelpricesbeingofferedbymillers forthiscrop.
Farmer Roopnarine Etwaroo told this publication that despite multipleappeals,therehasbeenno directengagementwithgovernment representatives
“We’re still waiting on that appointment to meet with the minister,” Etwaroo said “Our farmersareharvesting,yes butat $2,800 a bag, it’s below the breakevenpoint Wesimplycan’tsustain this”
Farmers said the current price represents a sharp fall from the $4,000 per bag earned last crop, even after factoring in the government’s previous subsidy Manywarnedthatifthesituation
Continued on page 16
Leader of Forward Movement Guyana (FGM) and Opposition Member of Parliament (MP), Amanza Walton-Desir
Speaker of the National Assembly, Manzoor Nadir
President Irfaan Ali
GuyanaairspaceopenamidUSpressureonVenezuela
Guyana’s skies remain open and domestic and international flights continue uninterrupted, Director of the Guyana Civil Aviation Authority (GCAA) Retired Lt. Col. Egbert Field has confirmed, despite rising tensions surroundingVenezuelanairspace.
According to a report by the Caribbean Media Corporation (CMC) and also Demerarwaves field assured the public that all flights within Guyana’s airspace, includinginteriordestinationsnear theVenezuelaborderareoperating normally, with international routes to Trinidad and Colombia temporarily rerouted without disruption.
The reassurance comes as the UnitedStatesescalatespressureon Venezuela, with President Donald Trumpurgingairlinesandpilotsto avoidVenezuelanairspaceentirely, while military assets and intelligence operations increase in the region. Regional authorities, including Trinidad and Tobago’s Ministry of Defence, echoed Guyana’s message: commercial aviationintheCaribbeancontinues safely, even as the geopolitical stakes rise on Venezuela’s doorstep.
Meanwhile, Trinidad and Tobago’s Ministry of Defence on Saturday said local, regional, and international airlines continue to operate flights into and out of that twin-island without interruption. Commercial airlines operating in Trinidad and Tobago have not reportedanydisruptions,according to the Ministry Defence Minister Wayne Sturge emphasised that the travelling public can continue to planflightsnormally
CNNreportedonSaturdaythat the United States continued its pressure campaign against Venezuela as President Donald Trump issued a broad directive on social media, warning airlines, pilots and criminal networks to
Director of GCAA, Retired Lt. Col. Egbert Field
avoid Venezuelan airspace
“Pleaseconsidertheairspaceabove and surrounding Venezuela to be closedinitsentirety,”hewroteina TruthSocialpost.
According to CNN, the announcementmarksthelatestturn of the wheel as the Trump administration intensifies its efforts to force Venezuelan President Nicolás Maduro out of office.
Officially,theTrumpadministration says it is working to cut down on illegal flows of migrants and drugs but regime change is a possible sideeffectofthoseefforts
Venezuela’s foreign minister denounced Trump’s Saturday directive, calling it a “colonialist threat” that constitutes an “extravagant, illegal, and unjustified aggression against the people of Venezuela.” The US can’t close another country’s airspace The Federal Aviation Administration last week warned major airlines of a “potentially hazardous situation” when flying over Venezuela and urged them to exercise caution. Direct flights by US passenger or cargo carriers to Venezuela have been suspended since2019,butsomeUSairlinesfly over the country for South Americanflights.
As Trump has sought to clamp down on illegal flows of migrants
anddrugsfromtheSouthAmerican nation, in recent weeks the president acknowledged he had signed off on plans for the CIA to operate inside Venezuela And Trump designated Maduro and his governmentalliesasmembersofa foreign terrorist organization earlier this week, a move administration officials argue will give the US expanded military options for striking inside Venezuela. On Thursday, Trump suggested land strikes inside the countrycouldcomeimminently
“In recent weeks, you’ve been working to deter Venezuelan drug traffickers, of which there are many Of course, there aren’t too many coming in by sea anymore,” Trump told service members during a Thanksgiving call. “You probablynoticedthatpeoplearen’t wantingtobedeliveringbysea,and we’ll be starting to stop them by landalso,”thepresidentcontinued. “Thelandiseasier,butthat’sgoing tostartverysoon.”
Republican Sen Lindsey GrahamonSaturdayapplaudedthe president’ssuggestionthatUSland action in Venezuela would start soon. “Iverymuchappreciateand respect the determination by President Trump to deal with the drug caliphate countries that inhabit our backyard chief amongthemVenezuela,”theSouth Carolina Republican said in a statementprovidedtoCNN.
The US military has amassed more than a dozen warships and 15,000 troops in the region as part of what the Pentagon has branded “Operation Southern Spear ” Dozens have been killed in boat strikes as part of the anti-drugtraffickingcampaign.
Forhispart,Madurohassought to project strength and control. “I ask you to remain unshakeable in your composure, ready and prepared to defend our right as a nation.Wearearepublicinarms!”
he said in a televised address to troops Thursday evening. Trump aides, led largely by Secretary of StateMarcoRubio,havecontinued todiscussaslewofmilitaryoptions against Maduro. Trump cut off all diplomatic talk with Venezuela in October, but he seemed to soften last week when he told reporters that Maduro “would like to talk” and later suggested he would be open to speaking with the Venezuelan leader “at a certain time.”
Maduroandhisassociateshave reached out to the White House throughanumberofchannels,and thereareongoingdiscussionsabout what communication between the two countries might look like, multiple administration officials said. TrumpandMadurospokeby phone last week, according to The New York Times and The Wall StreetJournal.
Earlier last week, Trump framed the change of heart as a matter of saving lives. “If he’s the leader, if we can save lives, if we can do things the easy way, that’s fine,andifwehavetodoitthehard way, that’s fine, too,” Trump told reporterswhenaskedwhyhewould engagedirectlywithMadurogiven the terrorist organization designation During earlier informal talks between the US and
Venezuela, Maduro signaled an openness to eventually stepping down,thoughitwouldnotbeforat least 18 months, a source familiar with the discussions told CNN. While some US officials thought this might be a solution, theWhite House eventually concluded it wouldonlysupportaplanthatsaw Maduro’simmediatedeparture.
Meanwhile, Venezuelans are reacting to the growing isolation with a mix of resignation and apprehension. For Venezuela, the recentgeopoliticalinstabilityisnot withoutprecedent.Overthelast10 years,thenationhasseeneconomic collapse, mass street protests, failed coups and countless conspiracies. “Will they bomb? Will they not bomb? Who knows.
I don’t really follow the news, and to be honest, nobody knows nothing,” said Marilyn, a waitress at a cafe in Caracas, who asked to use only her first name for fear of retaliation from government officials.
Trump’s threats of potential military action are yet to trigger a tangible impact in the lives of millions of Venezuelans like Marilyn, but the government repression remains palpable. At least 54 people were detained for expressing dissent in October alone, according to the human rights group PROVEA, some arrested simply for sharing antiMaduromessagesonWhatsApp. The possibility of US strikes is on everyone’s mind, but any mention of it is confined to the private sphere. In public, life carriesonasusual,withChristmas carols and Black Friday announcements blending with Maduro’salmostdailyappearances ontelevision. OnMonday,Maduro said publicly that no matter what the United States does, “they will not be able to defeat Venezuela,” claiming the South American countyis“invincible.”
Thegovernmentisassessingways to improve conditions at the Bourda Market, aiming to deliver a cleaner, safer and more comfortable environment for vendors and shoppers.
Minister of Local Government and Regional Development, Priya Manickchand, conducted a walkthrough of the Bourda Market and Bourda Grain section on Wednesday She met vendors who raised long-standing concerns about deteriorating infrastructure and weak oversight.
Vendors highlighted recurring problems, including poor drainage, inadequate sanitation, faulty sanitary facilities,leakingroofsandwhatthey described as inattentive responses from the Mayor and City Council (M&CC) and its staff Minister Manickchand said the current environment is uncomfortable for bothsellersandcustomers.
Shesaidit“cannotcontinue.”
She further reiterated President Mohammed Irfaan Ali’s broader vision for
new resources it will not only be about high rises and bridges and roads and good infrastructure, it is goingtobeeverycitizenfeelinglike they have a steak and like their life has gotten better whether a market vendororamarketshopper.”
Minister Manickchand pledged thatcitizenswillseeandexperiencea very different Bourda Market once plansarefinalised.
“Wehavetogobackandlookata whole host of implications for building back Bourda Market including how not to disrupt people whohavetoselleverydaytomakea livingwhilewebuildbackaBourda market,”sheexplained.Akeyfocus, she added, is maintaining the traditional feel of Bourda Market whileintroducingmodernfacilities.
“How do we keep the feel of BourdaMarketevenaswegetthose facilities… we are looking at right nowandyouwillseeactionshortly.”
The ministry is expected to outline the next steps once assessments are complete.
(DPI)
US President, Donald Trump
Minister of Local Government and Regional Development, Priya Manickchand inspecting drains at the Bourda Market
‘Toxic campaign trail’
...ERC flagged over 100 racist online breaches during elections
Chief Executive Officer of ERC, Gomin Comancho
The Ethnic Relations Commission (ERC) has reported 111 social media
infractions involving racially discriminatory content during the 2025 elections period. In a report released on Sunday, the commissionstatedthatracial slurs and prejudicial or intolerant statements accounted for the highest number of violations, with 35and32casesrespectively, followed by 15 instances of raciallychargedcomments.
According to the ERC, “racially divisive remarks which would primarily feature negative sentiments expressed toward the two dominant groups (Afro and Indo-Guyanese) accounted for eleven (11) infractions during the three-month period.”
The commission explained that infractions were manually tracked from public pages of media
houses, social media programmes, and political party platforms. To manage the high volume of content reviewed, the ERC noted
that “three in-house temporary monitors were hiredtooffsetthevolumeof contentthatwasassessed.”
Comparingitsfindingsto the previous election cycle, the ERC stated that “when compared with 2020, it was observed that thirteen (13) times, the unit observed socialmediainfractions:one was elevated to the level of the swift Response Committee involving a post by political partyANUG (A New and United Guyana), whiletwelve(12)resultedin the Unit issuing cautionary warnings.”
For the 2025 elections, the ERC reported that 37 cautionary warnings were issued in July and 27 in August, while 47 warnings were issued in September, marking the highest singlemonthtotalfortheyear “The total figure for the pre and post-election periods was one hundred and eleven (111),” the commission confirmed.
The ERC further revealed that “the highest
number of infractions was found on the News Source page with 16 infractions,” while KAMS TV recorded eight and Credible Sources seven.
Among political parties, APNU accounted for four infractions, while the PPP/C recorded 11. Despite these online violations, the commission said there were “no reports of racial discrimination in political participation.” According to the ERC, “voters were treated with respect and professionalismbyGECOM personnel, and ERC observers noted no disenfranchisementonracial or ethnic grounds, nor otherwise.”
Reviewing issues observedduringtheelectoral process, the ERC stressed theneedforimprovementsin several areas The commission stated that improvementsmustbemade in accessibility for persons w i t h d i s a b i l i t i e s , standardisedvotereducation and signage and stronger uniform procedures to ensure ballot secrecy in futureelections.
Althoughnovoterwitha d i s a b i l i t y w a s d i s e n f r a n c h i s e d , “accessibility challenges persisted,” the ERC noted, recommending that GECOM establish criteria forselectingpollingstations, conduct site visits, install ramps, remove obstructions, and provide suitable polling compartments It also advised implementing “standardised protocols for pollingstaff.”
The ERC reported that “votereducationandsignage were largely effective. Clear instructions were provided on voting procedures, locatingpollingstations,and prohibited devices Information clerks assisted voters effectively at most stations Minor issues included improperly placed signage and inconsistent engagement by information clerks.”
To address these issues, thecommission Continuedonpage16
WANTED VACANCY
SalesClerkwantedtowork in store. Attractive salary offered.Call:661-1000.
Wanted Drivers To Drive Canters , Experience Is An Asset . Porters To Work In Warehouse. Attractive Salary.Tele:673-7373.
WantedoneMaid.Formore information please Call: 680-1282.
Wanted , one night guard and one handyman . Call : 612-2125
Job opening:Truck Driver, ACTechnicians,Excavator andSkidSteerOperator To apply send application via WhatsApp:689-1111/6082114.
SalesRepneeded,ages1830years.Knowledgeofvehicle model will be an asset.Contact:619-1237.
Maleandfemaletoworkat a car wash located in Campbellville. Please call: 669-4676or604-1980
VEHICLES FOR SALE
1HondaCRV,includesTV, music system, alarm, reverse camera, spoiler, low mileage PTT Series (first owner).Call:649-0956.
Two Fielder Wagons (2012 –2014),
OnePitbullminibus, One Toyota Takuma pickup, Call:Mr.Ralph@220-4203 orWhatsApp 917-287-2767
Transboundary animal diseases pose urgent threat to global food security, FAO warns
Rome – The DirectorGeneral of the Food and Agriculture Organisation of the United Nations (FAO), QU Dongyu, on Friday urged Member Countries to reinforce global partnerships to prevent and control transboundary animal diseases (TADs), warning they are one of the most urgent threats to global food security and economic stability
crease, these diseases are spreadingfaster-fromanimal to animal, farm to farm, and country to country
626-7040.
One clerk for TSI Eccles office English 1, Maths 2 call 615-9132oremailapplication to techserigy@yahoo.com. Drivermustbeabletoassist in workshop at Eccles, age 23-50,Car/Vanlicence.Call 615-9132.
MaidforEastBankareacall 615-9132.
One (1) female cleaner for Ecclesofficecall645-8443.
Painter and Electrician call 615-9132.
Experiencedofficeclerk,30 yrs or older, proficiency in MicrosoftOffice,sendapplication to: lawofficevacancy014@gmail.com
PITMENNEEDEDforinterior location. Applicants must be experienced. Call: 231-2250.
FORRENT
Spacious Two Bedrooms , Two Bathrooms Apartment Available For Rent . Lot 16 Ketley Street Charlestown . Tel:687-6008.
Aracari Hotel, WBD (Versailles,Vreed-en-Hoop)A/C, all amenities & breakfast included. From $78 US. Call:264-2946.
Speaking at an Information Session on the new Global Partnership Programme for Transboundary Animal Diseases(GPP-TAD)atFAO headquarters in Rome, Qu cautionedthatrecentfunding cuts risk undermining decades of progress in managing and responding to these diseaseswhenglobalrisksare intensifying.
For more than 20 years, the Emergency Centre for Transboundary Animal Diseases(ECTAD)hasservedas FAO’s operational backbone on animal health, supporting more than 50 countries and consistently demonstrating that prevention costs far less than responding to crises. “We cannot afford to destroy what has taken decades to build,” Qu said. “The cost of prevention is far lower than the cost of inaction.”
Agrowingglobalthreat TADs are highly contagiousdiseasesthatcrossborders rapidly As animals and humansliveincloserproximityandglobalmovementsin-
Recent major outbreaks include African swine fever, which since 2007 has spread to over 50 countries across Africa, Europe,Asia, and the Americas; Foot-and-Mouth Disease (FMD), endemic in Africa and the Near East but causing a major outbreak in Europe in 2025; and Highly Pathogenic Avian Influenza. Theglobalfarmedanimalsector,valuedatUSD1.6–3.3trillion, faces severe risk from TADs. Annual livestock losses range from USD 48–330 billion, with aquaculture experiencing an additional USD 10 billion in yearly disease-related losses. In endemic regions alone, FMD outbreaks,asanexample,lead to an estimated USD 21 billion per year in lost production and vaccination costs.
TADs disrupt food production, food safety, trade, livelihoods, and farmer incomes - erasing years of developmentgainsindays.Outbreaks can devastate smallholders, disrupt trade, strainbudgets,fuelantimicrobialresistance,andevenspill over to humans. These risks are amplified by expanding trade,increasedanimalmovements, and the impacts of the climatecrisis.Withglobaldemandforlivestockandaquaculture products rising, and with livestock underpinning
Guyana’s rice industry...
From page 12
persists, small rice farmers could go under
Despite these concerns, the minister assured farmers that the government will support them to ensure the sustainability of the industry
Minister ofAgriculture Zulfikar Mustapha at a meeting in October with rice farmers along the Essequibo Coast, highlighted the significant progress being made in rice production under the People’s Progressive Party/Civic (PPP/C) administration.
Mustapha,acknowledgingthatthereareglobalchallenges affectingrice,toldfarmersthataninfluxfrommajorproducers, has led to a dip in international prices. However, he disclosed that he has been having engagements with millers to secure a better price for paddy
Theministersaidthegovernmentwillsooncommenceconstruction of a $2 billion modern drying and storage facility at OnderneemingontheEssequiboCoast.Thefacility,henoted, willhavethecapacitytoaccommodateasignificantamountof paddy, and will significantly reduce post-harvest losses while improving quality control and price competitiveness.
‘Toxic campaign trail’
From page 15
recommended that GECOM “ensure all signage is consistently placed at eye level and clearly visible,” “maintain proactive engagement by information clerks,” and “standardise verbal instructions and public messaging to reinforce voting procedures and ballot secrecy.”
The ERC also called for enhanced public education efforts, stating that public awareness campaigns should be expanded to educate voters with disabilities about their rightsandavailablesupport,includingguidelinesforproxy voting. The commission emphasised that addressing these issues is essential to strengthening inclusiveness and safeguarding the integrity of future elections.
the livelihoods of 1.9 billion people, the stakes are higher than ever Aquaculture now provides half of all seafood and freshwater fish. These sectors are vital for nutrition, jobs, and economic opportunity, especially in low- and middle-incomecountries.
“Now, we must protect those achievements, and scalethemup,beforethenext crisis strikes,” the DirectorGeneralsaid.Since2004,FAO and the World Organisation for Animal Health (WOAH) haveco-ledtheGlobalFrameworkfortheProgressiveControlofTransboundaryAnimal Diseases(GF-TADs),coordinating efforts to reduce TAD threats to food security, livelihoods, and safe trade.
ECTAD’sglobalnetwork ofover400professionalshas also provided essential disease intelligence, rapid field response, surge support, and coordination with partners to help countries contain outbreaks at their source —preventinglocalthreatsfrombecoming global emergencies. Duringthe44thSessionofthe FAO Conference earlier this year,Memberscalledforarenewed initiative to safeguard this core work by mobilizing resources,strengtheningpartnerships, and ensuring sustained long-term support to countries.
In response, FAO has developedanewmodeltoclose existinggapsandincorporate Member guidance for stronger, more resilient animal health systems. FAO’s proposedGPP-TADintroducesa sustainableapproachbuilton sharedresponsibility,country leadership,andexpandedengagement with regional bodies, the private sector, and financial institutions. The new funding model focuses on
four key features: innovative partnerships; an integrated system for coordinated action; country-led mechanisms;andsustainable,longterm impact. This approach aimstoreduceoutbreaks,disruptions to trade, economic losses, and health risks –while expanding opportunities for growth.
Through a tiered funding model, all countries can contribute meaningfully, ensuringlonger-termsustainability and broader participation by Membersandpartners.Highincomecountriescanprovide base funding to support those with fewer resources, while middle-income countriescanoffermoderatefinancial or in-kind contributions, gaining access to advanced surveillance,diagnostics,and co-financing options. Lowincome countries including Small Island Developing States (SIDS), Least DevelopedCountries(LDCs),LandlockedDevelopingCountries (LLDCs)contributeprimarily in-kind support, backed by solidarity funds and tailored assistance to meet specific needs.
This inclusive structure reflects countries’ diverse capacities while reinforcing global solidarity and collectiveprotectionagainstTADs. “No country can manage these diseases alone,” Qu said.“Thisprogrammeishow we protect our livestock, our economies, and our shared future.” Through the GPPTAD,FAOwillbringtogether Members, development banks, regional organisations, the private sector,andphilanthropicpartnersinonecoordinatedeffort to reduce risks, strengthen systems and prevent the next crisis.
Pres. Ali to unveil “unmatched” 5-year...
From page 12
the global energy outlook indicates an oversupply environmentbetween2025and2030,meaningGuyanamustcontinue tobuildacompetitive,efficient,andtechnologicallyadvanced energy ecosystem.
“This industry is price, cost, technology and regulatory sensitive,” he stressed, noting that every risk associated with globalcommoditymarketsismagnifiedinoilandgas.“Thatis why disciplined, careful planning is essential.” President Ali emphasised that the nation’s success depends heavily on human capital readiness.
“The greatest complaint in the private sector today is a shortage of human capital,” he said, urging workers to embrace upskilling, higher productivity, and a culture of excellence to match the pace of national transformation.
A lack of workforce maturity or inefficiency, he warned, can threaten competitiveness and undermine national development. Despite Guyana’s rapid ascent, the President urged discipline and long-term thinking. “We cannot afford to be swept away by the tide of optimism,” he cautioned.
“Ourfutureisglorious,butwemusttemperexpectations.” HereaffirmedthattheGovernment’sapproachistoconvertoil wealth into productive assets such as roads, ports, energy infrastructure,humancapitaldevelopment,anddiversifiedindustries. “The economy is in safe hands, your hands, our hands, the nation’s hands,” he affirmed.
Gold miner jailed for possession of $9 million worth of cannabis
KevinWaldron,a26-year-oldgoldminer of Angoy’s Avenue, New Amsterdam, Berbice was handed a four-year prison sentence for possession of narcotics for the purposeoftrafficking.
He made his court appearance at the Mahaicony Magistrate’s Court on Friday before Magistrate Alan Wilson, where he pleadedguiltytothechargeandownedupto having the illegal substance on his person at the the time of his arrest, for which also he wasissuedafineof$500,000.
AccordingtoPoliceProsecutor,Sergeant Persaud, ranks of the Guyana Police Force (GPF) intercepted Waldron along with a female occupant, Annastacia Wilson, on Tuesday last at about 21:18 hrs. They were heldupalongtheHarmonyHallPublicRoad, Mahaicony, East Coast Demerara while parkedinmotorcarPRR5752.
Sergeant Alder, who oversaw the operation,approachedthevehicleandprobed the two regarding their presence in the area, to which Waldron reportedly answered, “we are breezing out.” Police then proceeded to conduct a search of the vehicle and both individuals.
The trunk of the car was searched, in which was discovered three black garbage bags containing seven compressed transparent parcels filled with leaves, seeds, andstemssuspectedtobecannabis.
Waldron, who admitted to owning the substance, informed the police that Wilson was unaware of them being in the car
escorted out of court.
Notwithstanding, the two were taken to the Mahaicony Police Station, where the cannabis was weighed in their presence, amountingto30,625grams.
representation, and opted against giving any explanationbeforethecourt.
Magistrate Wilson, after being informed of the estimated $9,187,500 street value of the items, noted that by law, the offence accompanies a fine three times the street value—inthiscasejustover$27million.
With the defendant unable to pay the mandatoryfine,themagistratehandeddown thefour-yearsentenceandthe$500,000fine.
Rodrigues says Rupununi set for takeoff as Expo opens
The Rupununi is on the brink of major economic expansion, Minister of Tourism, Industry and Commerce Susan Rodrigues declared on Friday evening as she delivered thekeynoteaddressattheofficialopeningof theRupununiExpo.
Minister Rodrigues was joined by Minister of Amerindian Affairs Hon. Sarah Browne-Shadeek, Guyana’s Consular General to Brazil Rodger King, Deputy Mayor of Lethem Indira Singh and other special guests as exhibitors from across Region Nine showcased products, services andculturalofferings.
In her address, the Tourism Minister emphasised the importance of expos nationwide, noting that events like the RupununiExposerveascriticalplatformsfor business development, networking, and highlighting Guyana’s rapidly expanding economic potential Calling the event “uniquelyRupununi,”sheurgedexhibitorsto maximise the opportunity to forge new partnerships, explore emerging markets and demonstratetheregion’sgrowingstrengthin
Pregnant woman in Good Hope crash thankful for life, unharmed baby
Yurajwatie Hussain, the pregnant woman who survived the horrific crash along the Good Hope Public Road on Saturday, which claimed the life of her reputed husband, said medical checks haveconfirmedthatherunbornbabyis unharmed.
Hussain,alongwithher44-year-old husband,JuliusHaniff,wastravelingto the city in motor vehicle PAG 9310 whentheaccidentoccurred.Reportsare that the road was slippery due to rain, whichcausedHanifftolosecontroland slamintoaconcreteutilitypole.
Haniff, a constable attached to the Mayor and Town Council (M&TC) New Amsterdam, and of Edinburg Village,EastBankBerbice,perishedin theaccident,whilehiswifewastreated forminorinjuries.
Speaking to Kaieteur News on Sunday,thepregnantwomansaidultrasound and other assessments performed on her confirmedthatherbabyisrelativelyfine.She did, however, complain about experiencing painstoherribsandbeneathherrightbreast. Anx-rayexamalsoindicatedthatshehadno internaldamages.
Hussain informed this publication that she and her husband left New Amsterdam almost to midnight on Thursday to uplift goodsfromGeorgetown.
Almost nearing the Mahaica bridge, she saidherhusbandsuggestedthattheyrelaxin the car for a few before continuing their journey
The couple would remain asleep for almostfourhoursinthevehicle.Hussainsaid shewokeataround3:25amonFriday,asdid Haniff,andtheyresumeddriving.
“Notfarfromthebridge,Ifeellikeahoist upandlickdown,andIfeellikehehandpush me back. Like I got knock out, and when I catch back myself, I hear ‘blam’. When I watch, is the (utility) post deh in the car When I watch under it.....blood coming throughhisnose,”sherecalledthroughtears.
The couple was subsequently removed from the mangled vehicle and rushed to the MahaiconyCottageHospital.Themunicipal constable succumbed to his injuries while undergoingtreatmentatthefacility
At the hospital, Hussain said medical personnelwereprioritisedherhusbanddueto hiscondition.
Medical reports indicated that Haniff’s skull was cracked due to the heavy blow sustained from slamming into the concrete post.
“Theyputheontheirchairtositdownand theytekalilwhile,thentheycarryhiminand put he on the bed and they checked him. He wasbringingupthebloodallthetime.”
Hussain disclosed that her reputed husband was slated to be transferred to the Georgetown Public Hospital Corporation (GPHC). This was not done, she said, and Haniff was placed and removed from the ambulancethreetimessinceitreportedlywas notworking.
Haniff and Hussain shared a three-year relationship and had a son together They were eagerly awaiting the birth of a next offspring.
Suriname begins seismic study in...
Frompage11 to position Suriname as an attractive and competitive destination for international investors,”Staatsoliesaid.
agriculture, tourism, and value-added production.
She noted that the completion of the Linden–Lethem Road and the Kurupukari Bridge will significantly improve access to theregion,makingtraveleasierforresidents and strengthening the movement of fresh produce, livestock, and value-added products.
Once completed, the Linden–Lethem corridor is expected to evolve into an economic zone, and businesses along the routeareencouragedtoprepareforincreased commercialactivity.
Importantly, for the first time, the MinistryofTourism,IndustryandCommerce has secured membership on the planning committeefortheRupununiRodeo.Plansare underway to enhance the event, and businesses are encouraged to expand accommodation to meet growing demand duringRodeoseason.RegionNineispoised for growth, with new opportunities and stronger economic prospects on the horizon.
(DPI)
The project is being executed by two international companies: BGP Offshore and TGS that have extensive experience in seismic research having previously carried outsuccessfulprojectsinSuriname.TheBGP Prospectoristheshipthatwillbeusedforthis research.
“The boat will tow eight streamers, each sixkilometerslong,atadepthofninemeters. Streamers are long cables that record the reflection of sound waves from the subsurfacebeneaththeseabed.Thislimitsthe ship’s maneuverability, so it is accompanied bysupportvesselstoensurethatfishingboats and commercial ships keep a safe distance,” thecompanyadded.
Theresearchisconductedonthebasisofa
multi-client agreement, which allows the consortium to collect and sell data to third parties. However, Staatsolie who owns the data, can use it for its own exploration activities,andreceiveashareoftheproceeds from its sale. This model provides access to high-quality data without bearing the full costs.
The statement went on to say that, “the project is being carried out in accordance withtheNationalEnvironmentalAuthority’s (NMA) guidelines. The MMMP, which was approved by the NMA, guarantees that the research will be conducted in an environmentally responsible manner From AugusttoOctoberofthisyear,stakeholders, including Coronie and Saramacca residents andfishermen,wereinformedandconsulted forthecompositionoftheMMMP,andtheir feedback was incorporated into the final plan.”
Kevin Waldron being
Minister of Tourism, Industry and Commerce Susan Rodrigues.
Julius Haniff (deceased) and his wife Yurajwattie Hussain in happier times
GAZAdeathtollreaches356sincetheceasefire
(AL-JAZEERA) Three morePalestinianshavebeen killed by Israeli attacks on Gaza,raisingthedeathtollto 356 since the ceasefire went into effect, the enclave’s healthministrysays.
Israel’sgenocidalwaron Gaza has killed at least 70,100 Palestinians and wounded 170,965 since October 2023. A total of 1,139 people were killed in Israel during the October 7, 2023 attacks, and about 200 weretakencaptive.
The Palestine Red CrescentSocietyisreporting that two Palestinians have beeninjuredbyIsraeliforces inthetownofar-Ram,north ofoccupiedEastJerusalem.
Wafareportsthatsoldiers entered the village this evening and began storming homes,searchingthem.
No one from Marda, which is north of Salafit in theoccupiedWestBank,was arrested in the raid, Wafa said.
Israeli forces have launched a campaign of arrests at dawn during an incursion into the village of Mas’haintheoccupiedWest Bank, and intensified drone operationsoverJenin.
The Organisation of Islamic Cooperation strongly condemned the assault by Israeli forces in the Damascus countryside two days ago that killed 13 people.
Meanwhile, It has been morethanamonthandahalf since a ceasefire was concluded in Gaza. As part of the deal, 600 trucks were supposed to cross daily into the Strip carrying food, medicine, tents, fuel and otherbasicnecessities.
We have grown used to
official statements talking about hundreds of trucks crossing the border every day Photos are released, crossings are documented c a r e f u l l y , a n d announcements are made withcelebration.
“4,200 trucks carrying humanitarian goods are entering Gaza weekly, since thestartoftheceasefire.70% oftrucksthatenteredcarried food Over 16,600 trucks of food entered Gaza since the start of the ceasefire.
Over 370,000 tons of food,” claims a November 26 update from the Israeli occupationauthorities.
One would think the Palestinians in Gaza are the most well-fed people in the world.
To many of us, it is not clear how Israel counts the “trucksoffood”,asthereare indeed many commercial trucks allowed in that carry foodoflownutritionalvalue, like chocolate bars and biscuits, or food that is too expensive, like frozen chicken for $25 a kilo or a
trayofeggsfor$30.
H u m a n i t a r i a n organisations also seem to doubt the official count
AccordingtotheWorldFood Programme, only half of required food aid is entering Gaza According to Palestinian relief agencies, only a quarter of necessary aid is actually allowed to go in.
And then only a fraction of that fraction actually reaches the displaced, the impoverished, the injured and the hungry That is becausemuchoftheaidthat does make it inside Gaza disappears into a “Bermuda triangle”.
Thedistancebetweenthe border and the displacement camps, where aid should be distributed, looks short on the map, but in reality, it is the longest distance politicallyandsecurity-wise.
Yes, many trucks that go through never reach the families that need the suppliesthemost.
Peoplehearabouttrucks, yet see no humanitarian
packages. They hear about tonnes of flour, but they see nobread.Theywatchvideos of trucks entering the Strip, but they never seen them come to their camps or neighbourhoods.Itfeelsasif the aid enters Gaza only to vanishintothinair
Recently, talk about the missingaidhasgrownlouder in the streets, especially as basic food items have suddenly appeared in local markets while still carrying l a b e l s t h a t s a y : “Humanitarian Aid Not for Sale”. I have seen cans of chicken meat with this label beingsoldfor$15apiece.
Even when aid parcels reach the needy, they are often lacking in promised items For example, my familyreceivedafoodparcel thatwassupposedtocontain rice,lentils,andsixbottlesof cooking oil, but when we opened it, there was no rice or lentils, only three bottles ofcookingoil.
This is not simply a matter of corruption. After two years of genocidal war,
governance in Gaza has collapsed, its institutions systematically targeted by the Israeli army There is no unifiedauthority,andthereis no force able to provide publicorderandsecurity
According to the UN mechanism for aid monitoring, from May 19 to November 29, 8035 aid trucks made it to their destinations inside Gaza; 7,127 were “intercepted” either “peacefully” or “forcefully”.
The Israeli army sets restrictions on the roads that truckscantake,oftenforcing them to take routes that are full of danger Some roads cannot be used without coordination with powerful l o c a l f a m i l i e s o r neighbourhood committees, others are controlled by armedgroups.Allthismakes a trip of a few dozen kilometres a very fragile process that is easy to disrupt. This is how aid disappears into Gaza’s “Bermudatriangle”.
I n t e r n a t i o n a l
organisationsarealsounable to enforce security They cannot accompany trucks because of the danger, cannot supervise unloading inrealtime,anddonothave enough staff to track every shipment. Their dependence on local committees and volunteers means they rely on a system full of gaps that differentpartiesquicklytake advantageof.
Amid all this, one big questionremains:Whotruly benefits from the disappearanceofaid?
There are the merchants looking for quick profit There are the local armed groups seeking a source of cash.Andthereis,ofcourse, the occupation and its allies who want to continue using hunger as a tool of political pressure. All of them are benefitting from the pain of ordinaryPalestinians.
The problem here is that attention to what is happening in Gaza has diminished since the ceasefire. The global public feels reassured that the genocideisover,anditisno longer asking why aid is not reaching the Palestinian people.
Meanwhile, within policy and political circles, the disappearance of aid is being normalised, as if it were a natural outcome of conflict.Butitisnot;itisan engineered crisis meant as yetanotherkindofcollective punishment for the Palestinianpeople.
Astheworldchoosesyet againtoturnablindeye,itis not only trucks that are vanishing into Gaza’s “Bermudatriangle”,itisalso the strength of Palestinians tokeepgoing.
Ramaphosa dismisses Trump’s threat to bar South Africa from 2026 G20 summit
(Reuters) - South African President Cyril Ramaphosa dismissed on Sunday U.S. President Donald Trump’s threat to exclude Pretoria from next year’s G20 summit, reaffirming South Africa’sstatusasafoundingmemberofthegroup.
Washington boycotted the Group of 20 leaders’ summit held under South Africa’s presidencyinJohannesburgonNovember22-23, with Trump repeating allegations, widely discredited, that the host country’s Blackmajority government persecutes its white minority
TrumpsaidlastWednesdaythatSouthAfrica would not be invited to the summit to be held in Florida next year because it had refused to hand overtheG20presidencytoaseniorrepresentative ofitsembassywhowasattheclosingceremony Pretoria says it handed over the rotating
presidencytoaU.S.embassyofficial.
“SouthAfricaisandwillremainafull,active and constructive member of the G20,” Ramaphosasaidinastateofthenationaddresson Sunday
Healsodescribedas“blatantmisinformation” Trump’s repeated claims that South Africa was committing “genocide against Afrikaners”descendants of Dutch settlers - and confiscating landfromwhitecitizens.
Ramaphosa noted that despite the diplomatic rift, U.S. businesses and civil society groups engaged actively in G20-related events in JohannesburginNovember
“We value those constructive ties and will continuetoworkwithintheG20framework,”he said, signalling Pretoria’s intention to maintain dialogue.
South African President Cyril Ramaphosa (Leon Neal/Pool via REUTERS)
A tent camp housing displaced Palestinians stretches across Gaza City [Jehad Alshrafi/AP]
TrumpconfirmsconversationwithVenezuela’sMaduro
WASHINGTON,Nov30
(Reuters) - U S President Donald Trump confirmed on Sunday that he had spoken with Venezuelan President Nicolas Maduro, but did not provide details on what the two leaders discussed “Idon’twanttocomment on it. The answer is yes,” Trumpsaidwhenaskedifhe hadspokenwithMaduro.He was speaking to reporters aboardAirForceOne.
The New York Times first reported Trump had spoken with Maduro earlier this month and discussed a possible meeting between themintheUnitedStates.
“I wouldn’t say it went wellorbadly,itwasaphone call,” Trump said regarding theconversation. The revelation of the phone call comes as Trump continues to use bellicose rhetoric regarding Venezuela, while also entertaining the possibility ofdiplomacy
OnSaturday,Trumpsaid the airspace above and surrounding Venezuela should be considered “closed in its entirety,” but gave no further details, stirring anxiety and confusion in Caracas as his administration ramps up pressure on Maduro’s government. When asked whether his airspace comments meant
U.S. President Donald Trump. (REUTERS/Anna Rose Layden Purchase Licensing Rights)
strikes against Venezuela were imminent,Trump said: “Don’t read anything into it.”
Monday December 01, 2025
ARIES(Mar.21–Apr.19)
Youmaythinkonlyadvanced surfers can handle the big waves.Buthowareyougoing to improve your ability if you don't test your limits? This is your day Take control and pushbeyondyourboundaries.
TAURUS(Apr.20–May20)
Finding solutions won't be hard, thanks to your detective sidetoday Youmayfeellikethe realtruthliesbelowthesurface Attimesyou'retemptedtoskip along the top of things without reallyconsideringwhat'sgoing onbelow
GEMINI(May21–June20)
Ifsomethingisgood,it'slikely to feel like utopia. If something is bad, it's like the end of the world. There's no middleground.Thisisadayof emotional extremes. You feel like you're giving it all or nothing.
CANCER(June21–July22)
Moveawayfromtheproblems instead of stepping into them. Youmaynotbeabletoseethe potholes, so consider taking anotherroad.Don'twastetime falling into a hole you can avoid.
LEO(July23–Aug.22)
This is a terrific day in which you'll be able to cut through the falsehoods and get to the essence of the issue. Don't wasteyourtimeonsuperficial conversationsandsituations.
VIRGO(Aug 23–Sept 22)
There's a terrific intensity to today that may have you runningforcover Youmaybe temptedtosayyourpeaceand run for the hills. Your selfconfidence may not be at its strongest.
The socialist Venezuelan president has denied having any links to the illegal drug trade.
Reuters has reported the options under U S consideration include an attempt to overthrow Maduro, and that the U.S. military is poised for a new phase of operations after a massive military buildup in the Caribbean and nearly three months of strikes on suspected drug boats off Venezuela’scoast.
Caribbean that killed survivors during a Septemberoperation,adding he would not have wanted suchastrike.
U.S. Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth has said the strikes are lawful but are intendedtobe“lethal.”
Trump told military service members last week the U.S. would “very soon” beginlandoperationstostop suspected Venezuelan drug traffickers.
LIBRA(Sept.23–Oct.22)
There's a terrific, warm, and nurturing quality to the day. The people around you are validatingyourinnerandouter aspects. Emotions could get intense, but your grounded perspective helps you see throughthesituation.
SCORPIO(Oct.23–Nov 21)
You may be uncomfortable with the emotional intensity that's likely to seep into every part of your day You may wonderwhatthebigdealisand why people are so hopped up overnothing.
SAGIT(Nov 22–Dec.21)
There's intensity in your relationships now, and you mayfeellikeeverysituationis life-or-death Calm those voices in your head. Meditate, takeayogaclass.
CAPRI(Dec.22–Jan.19)
Youmayfeelweigheddownby theemotionalpallhangingover everything Don'tletthisfeeling overwhelm you, although at timesthismaybeimpossible A goodfriendcouldcallonyoufor helpandemotionalsupport
AQUARIUS(Jan.20–Feb.18)
Whateveryoudo,infuseitwith passion You tend to overanalyze things when you should follow your intuition. You know in your heart which waytoproceedandhowtotreat thepeoplearoundyou.
PISCES(Feb.19–Mar.20)
Today you might find it necessary to turn down an invitationtoasocialevent, and thehostmightforsomereason seem offended. Your friend is probably overworked and stressedandapttooverreactto justaboutanysituation.
T h e T r u m p administration has been weighing Venezuela-related optionstocombatwhatithas portrayed as Maduro’s role in supplying illegal drugs that have killed Americans.
Kohli scores century as...
Frompage26 from 120 balls, which included seven sixes and 11 fours, gave Rahul and Ravindra Jadeja (32 off 20) the stability they needed to hammeraway,asIndiaadded 72runsinthelastsevenovers topost349-8.
YADAVTAKESFOUR WICKETS
South Africa got off to a terrible start with Harshit Rana sending back Ryan Rickelton and Quinton de Kock for ducks, before Arshdeep Singh got Aiden Markram (7) to edge it to keeperRahulinthefifthover tomakeit11-3.
But Matthew Breetzke (72) and Marco Jansen (70 off39)gotSouthAfricaback in the game, getting them to 227-5 before KuldeepYadav (4-68) got them both out in the34thover
SouthAfricaneeded50to win from the last six overs withtwowicketsleft,butthe Indianbowlersdidnotallow Corbin Bosch and Nandre Burgerasingleboundaryfor the next two overs, forcing Burger to risk it with a big swingthatgothimcaughtby Rahul.
Bosch (67 off 51) completed his maiden fifty buthisstandendedinthelast over when he got caught trying to hit big, ending SouthAfrica’sinningsat332.
The two teams face off again on Wednesday in Raipur
Scores: India 349 for 8 (Kohli 135, Rahul 60, Rohit 57) beat South Africa 332 (Breetzke 72, Jansen 70, Bosch 67, Kuldeep 4-68) by 17runs.
Human rights groups have condemned the strikes as illegal extrajudicial killings of civilians, and some U S allies have expressed growing concerns that Washington may be violatinginternationallaw
Trump said he would look into whether the U.S. military had carried out a second strike in the
Maduro and senior m e m b e r s o f h i s administration have not commented on the call Asked about it on Sunday, JorgeRodriguez,theheadof Venezuela’s National Assembly, said the call was not the topic of his press conference, where he announced a lawmaker investigation into U.S. boat strikesintheCaribbean.
Ramdhani Memorial Tournament, produced thrilling matchups, standout performances, and a major upset in the Men’s Doubles division In one of the biggest surprises of the tournament, Nkosi Beaton / Daniel Tan upset favourites Akili Haynes / Tyrese
Jeffrey – 21-17, 17-21, 2116 The match was a gripping three-game battle,
showcasing excellent resilience and teamwork fromBeatonandTan.
President of the Guyana Badminton Association, Emily Ramdhani, thanked alltheathletes,andextended heartfelt congratulations She said, “Whether you securedamedalornot,your effort, dedication, and love forthegamemadethisevent
a success You have representedyourselves,your clubsandGuyanawithpride. This tournament is more thanjustacompetition;itisa celebration of Gokarn’s lifelong commitment to badminton and the foundation he built for the sport in Guyana. Watching our athletes compete with suchpassionremindsusthat his legacy continues to live on in every shot played and everyyoungplayerinspired.
Averyspecialthankyou goes out to our sponsors. Massy Distribution, under the Blue Waters and Ocean Spray brands, and SOL Guyana, your generous support has once again
s t r e n g t h e n e d t h i s
tournament and helped create a memorable experience for all The Guyana Badminton Association deeply values yourcontinuedpartnership.”
“We also acknowledge the ongoing support of the National Sports Commission and the Ministry of Culture, Youth & Sport, who remain instrumental in the growth and development of badminton across the country
As we close this year’s event, we the GBA remains committed to advancing badminton throughout Guyana, expanding opportunities for our youth,
and building stronger pathways for excellence
Together,withthecontinued support of our partners and the dedication of our badminton community, we will carry Badminton forward,”sheconcluded.
This year, The Gokarn
R a m d h a n i M o s t Outstanding Player of 2025 was presented to Mishka Beharry In 2023, this prestigioustitlewasawarded toAkiliHaynes,andin2024 to Frank Waddell. Mishka our U19 Girls Champion exhibited exceptional performance,discipline,and unwavering determination throughout2025whichtruly
exemplify the spirit of excellence that this honour represents. Congratulations to Mishka on this welldeserved recognition. The perpetualtrophy,donatedby Trophy Stall, will be presented by Medhi Ramdhani.
Chase’s Academic finish as RBL U-18 League champions
Chase’s Academic Foundation capped off a flawlesscampaignyesterday at the Ministry of Education Ground, retaining their Republic Bank Under-18 Secondary Schools Football League title with an unblemished record The
defending champions wrappedupthe2024season instyle,easingpastDolphin Secondary 3-0 in the final round of the sixth edition of thetournament.
Already crowned champions before kick-off, Chaseenteredthematchatop the standings with a commandinggoaldifference and showed exactly why, registeringaseventhstraight victory Isaiah Ifill got the Blue Rangers off to a flying start in the 22nd minute,
rifling home a well-placed effort to break the deadlock.
Captain Bryan Wharton doubledtheadvantageinthe 30thminute,nettinghis15th goalofthecampaign,before ShaquanDavidtuckedhome three minutes later to put Chase3-0up.
Despite several secondhalf chances, neither side added to the scoreline as Chase comfortably saw out thematch.
In what was effectively the “virtual final,” West
Ruimveldt Secondary brushed aside Charlestown Secondary5-1tosecuretheir place in the upcoming KFC International Goodwill Football Series West Ruimveldt were handed an early chance from the spot and made no mistake, with
- West Ruimveldt secure
Jeremiah Griffith driving home a powerful eighthminutepenalty Charlestown responded four minutes later—also from the spot, after a handball in the box, with Cambie Deanglo levellingthescoresat1-1.
Griffith restored West’s lead before the interval, sending the crowd into a frenzywithaloopingheader that dipped under the crossbar After the break, Charlestown had no answer for West Ruimveldt’s attackingpressure.Donovan Welcome extended the lead in the 52nd minute, and
Griffith completed his brace soon after, rising at the back post to steer home another expertly taken header for 41.
Westsealedthe5-1result when a defensive error left Dellon Philadelphia with a simple finish, putting the match well out of Charlestown’s reach and sealing West Ruimveldt’s qualification for the internationalseries.
Silver Bullets dethroned holders YMCA to win the ExxonMobil Guyana Futsal Championship,prevailing20 on penalty kicks at the RetrieveTarmac.
Each team was allowed threeattemptsinthepenalty shootout, which was required in front of the mammoth crowd to decide the outcome after full-time ended5-5.
Takingthefirstkickfrom the distance, Silver Bullets, via Omar Williams, scored withafinishdownthecentre ofthenet.
Silver Bullets then securedtheleadattheendof the first round as YMCA failed to score from the distance after Keyshawn Deylashedhiseffortontothe crossbar
YMCAthen surrendered the lead as Keyshawn Dey lashed his effort onto the crossbar
Silver Bullets then doubled their advantage to start the second round after DamionWilliamsblastedhis effortintothetopleftcorner.
Needing to convert to keep his team’s hopes alive, Jermaine Padmore sealed YMCA’sdefeatasheblasted hiseffortintothecrossbar Priortotheending,Omar led Silver Bullets with a brace, while Rodensio Tudor, Colwyn Drakes, and SigmundCobenascoredone goaleach.
For the loser, Dey and Kevin Gittens bagged
In the other fixtures, Three Mile Secondary denied South Ruimveldt a third-placefinish,claiminga 3-1 victory thanks to goals from Durell Washington (30’), Joshua James (20’) and LeBron Mendonca (43’). Meanwhile, Abram Zuil Secondary earned their first points of the league, defeatingPresident’sCollege 2-0 with second-half strikes from Daniel Bumbury (50’) andJadenEvans(59’). At the conclusion of the four matches, Chase’s Academic Foundation were officially crowned champions. Their skipper, Bryan Wharton, collected the Golden Boot for his 15goal haul, while teammate Shaquan David was named MostValuablePlayerforhis tactical intelligence and consistent match-winning performances Flavio La Rose captured the Golden Glove for his outstanding workbetweentheposts.
Silver Bullets went the distance against title holders YMCA to clinch the 2025 ExxonMobil Futsal title in Linden.
respective braces, while KymaniSealeynettedonce. With the result, Silver Bullets walked away with $1,500,000 and the championship trophy, while YMCA pocketed $750,000 andthesecond-placeaward. On the individual side, the Silver Bullets goalkeeper was adjudged the Most Valuable Player and rode awaywithamotorcycle. Meanwhile, Hardknocks squeaked past DC Ballers9-8inthethird-place playoff. Dexter Milo and Kemani Field recorded respective hat-tricks, while Kendolph Lewis bagged a
double.Addingagoaltothe scorewasSeseNorville.For the loser, Andre Mayers tallied six goals, while Antwoine Gill and Nicholas Gentle scored one goal apiece.
With the win, Hardknocks pocketed $350,000 and the third-place trophy, while DC Ballers received $ 2 0 0 , 0 0 0 a n d t h e correspondingaccolade.
CompleteResults
Final
YMCA-5 vs Silver Bullets-5
Bullets won 2-0 on penaltykicks.
SilverBulletsscorers:
OmarWilliams-2
RodensioTudor-1
ColwynDrakes-1
SigmundCobena-1
YMCAscorers:
KeyshawnDey-2
KevinGittens-2
KymaniSealey-1
3rdPlace
DC Ballers-8 vs. Hardknocks-9
Hard-knocksscorers:
DexterMilo-3
KemaniField-3
KendolphLewis-2
SeseNorville-1
DCBallersscorers
AndreMayers-6
AntwoineGill-1
NicholasGentle-1
Tournament MVP Shaquan David (on ball right) of Chase’s Academic Foundation keeping things tidy in final round matchup of the RBL U18 SSFL.
Wi t h t h e P e t r a Organisation bringing the curtains down on another successful edition of the Republic Bank School League, Chase’s Academic Foundation and West Ruimveldt Secondary will nowrepresentGuyanainthe KFC International Goodwill Series. They will join top youth teams from Jamaica, Trinidad and Tobago, the Bahamas, and Brazil when the tournament gets underway from December 14–21inGuyana. The tournament was made possible through generous sponsorship from Republic Bank (Guyana) Limited, with support from Demerara Mutual, Guyana Beverage Inc (Busta), Ronoca Concrete Inc., and theMinistryofEducation.
DearMr.Editor,
Please allow me ask a few questions regarding the Guyana men’s Cricket Team that is participating in the RegionalCGUnitedSuper502025CupinTrinidad.Whatis surprisingisthatMr KevinSinclair,aWIplayerisnotpartof thatteam.Ishetooold?Isitfordisciplinaryreasons? Ishe notthatgoodaplayeranymore?
InarecentlyconcludedInter-Countytournament,hehad somegoodcontributionsforBerbicewithbothbatandball. Heisalsoperformingataveryhighlevelforhisclub,Rose Hall town locally This past summer in NYhe did perform verywellforhisteam.
wicketkeeper/batsman benefitted from one cricket bat, compliments of this noble joint initiative between Anil Beharry of Guyana and Kishan Das of theUSA.
At a simple presentation done recently, the Lower
y School student and Albion
C
C
yer, collected his bat from Hubern Evans, former nationalseniorcricketerand coach Young Ramsarack was encouraged to work hardonhisgameandtostay in school He expressed gratitude and promised to heed the advice This
benefitted from this project, many of them went on to represent West Indies at all levels. T
continuetoimprovethelives
community We are pleased tobepartofthedevelopment of young cricketers in Guyana. Our aim is to keep them off the streets and get them actively involved in sports,cricketinparticular Cricket related items, used or new, are distributed free of cost to young and promising cricketers in Guyana. Skills, discipline and education are important characteristics of the recipients. Talent spotting is being done across the countryandclubleadersalso assist to identify same Progressive and well managedcricketclubswitha youth program, will also benefit.
Anyone interested to contribute can contact Anil Beharry on 623 6875 or Kishan Das on 1 718 664 0896.
Virat Kohli and Harshit Rana celebrate Quinton de Kock’s wicket. (AFP/Getty Images)
(Reuters) - Virat Kohli’s recordextending52ndone-dayinternationalcentury laid the groundwork for India’s 17-run win over South Africa on Sunday, getting the hosts off to a winning start in their threematchseriesafterthevisitorssweptthetests lastweek.
FormercaptainsKohliandRohitSharma, who have retired from tests and Twenty20 internationals, delighted the Ranchi crowd with a 136-run partnership for the second wicket, helping India set a target of 350 that got them the victory despite Corbin Bosch’s heroiclast-wicketstandforthevisitors.
“It’s always fun to watch them play like that,playwiththatfreedom...putoppositions underpressure,makethemlooksillyattimes and just show the world why they are who theyare,”IndiancaptainKLRahulsaid.
departed in the fourth over, making way for Kohli.After Tony de Zorzi dropped Sharma in the same over, the veteran duo made few mistakes.
Sharma (57) hit spinner Prenelan Subrayen (0-73) for back-to-back sixes before completing his fifty in 43 balls, his third half-century in a row He fell lbw to MarcoJansen(2-76),whoseballkeptlowand hitSharma’shindleginfrontofthestumps.
Ottniel Baartman (2-60) dismissed Ruturaj Gaikwad and Washington Sundar soon after, leaving India on shaky ground at 200-4.
But Rahul (60) helped Kohli steady the ship as the two added 76 runs for the fifth wicketuntilKohlimis-timedanefforttohitit overextracover,andRyanRickeltonraninto takethecatchwithadive.
Kohli’splayer-of-the-matchknockof135 Continued on page 23
Timothy Ramsarack the Lower Corentyne Secondary School student and Albion Cricket Club player, collected his bat from Hubern Evans.
Demerara, Berbice win big as Women’s Super50 action heightens
Essequibo and Demerara notched up commanding wins yesterday as action in the Women’s Senior 50-Over Intercounty tournament continued across the East Coast of Demerara. In a low-scoring game at LBI, Kumarie Persaud (11) and Laurene Williams (14) managed to reach double figuresasEssequiboreached70-10in21Overs.
NootherbatsmangotouttheblocksforEssequibo,asthe Berbice pair of Sherica Campbell (4-17) and young spinner DanielleManns(3-15);keptatightlidonthebatting.
ShenetaGrimmondthenblasted38off41with5foursas openerCampbellreturnedtoscore10,asBerbicefinishedon 71-3 after 15 overs. A wicket each from Persaud (1-22), TramaineMarks(1-18)andAnaleisaD’Aguair(1-5)returned wicketsforEssequibo,whosufferedatoughdefeat.
DemerarabeatHinterlandby3wickets
At Lusignan, newbies Hinterland Women posted 105 all outafter28overs,SarahBheirhitaclassyyetgritty34off76 balls(3x4),FeonaBenjamin(15*),TifenyLaRose(11)ledthe batting efforts. Demerara skipper Kaysia Schultz (5-16) and partner Letisha Jordan (4-39), spun webs around the oppositionbatting.AstrongbattingchargefromDemerara,led bytheirtopordersawthemfinishon106-7in30.2overs.
Openers Naomi Barkoye (20) and Tilleya Madramatoo (16) set the tone, while Jordon (12), Mahaden Dass (11) and Schultz(12*)steadiedthechasefortheirteam.
Benjamin bagged 3-30 to complete a good game while Grazil Thomas (2-14), added further confidence to the Hinterlandladiescamp.
Action continues on Tuesday with another exciting double-header (CliftonRoss)
Boxing team off to Dubai for IBA Elite World Championships
The Guyana Boxing Association (GBA) team of star pugilists Desmond AmsterdamandKeevinAllicockalong with Coach Lennox Daniels have departed Guyana for the 2025 IBA Men’s Elite World Championships, set for December 2–13 in Dubai, United ArabEmirates(UAE).
The event, which forms part of the International Boxing Association’s (IBA) two-week festival of boxing, marks a significant return for the pair, whoaredeterminedtoimproveontheir previous outing at the sport’s premier globalcompetition.
Allicock, an Olympian and one of the top talents in Guyana’s current generationoffighters,enterstheWorld Championshipswithrenewedfocus.
Amsterdam, meanwhile, stands as oneofthemostaccomplishedboxersin the Americas, picking up a historic bronze at the AMBC Elite Championships, the first ever for Guyana.
Both boxers recently transitioned into the professional ranks, but GBA President Steve Ninvalle believes their experience, discipline, and hunger for success will serve them well on the amateurworldstage.
“They have competed with and defeatedworld-classopponentsbefore.
We expect them to rise to the occasion againstthebestintheworldinDubai,” hestated.
Thereisevengreatermotivationfor themtodowellinthistournamentasit presents groundbreaking prize structure, with IBA offering US$300,000 for gold, US$150,000 for
silver, US$75,000 for bronze, and US$10,000forfifth-placefinishers.
The 2025 Championships will also commemorate IBA’s 75-year legacy, accompanied by the IBA Business Forum on December 12 and the IBA Congress on December 13, creating a landmarkweekforthesport.
Demerara skipper Kaysia Schultz bagged a 5-fer to help secure a win for her team.
Desmond Amsterdam (right) and Keevin Allicock (left) along with Coach Lennox Daniels are in Dubai for the Championships.
