Guyana’s largest selling daily & New York’s most popular weekly
...Ababygirlandherparentshavebeenkilledin theal-Mawasiarea,oncedesignateda‘safezone’byIsrael Palestinians to southern Gaza Israel preparing to forcibly displace non-sanctioned
The recently renovated City Hall building onAvenue of the Republic and Regent Street, Georgetown.
OFAC says in response to queries: remain key regions for deepwater Japanese shipbuilder: Brazil, Guyana and West Africa and the ultra-deepwater projects
Three killed in Linden/Soesdyke Highway smash-up willbeavailableby
Shelly Joseph KeironWells
Jagdeo attacks local media for not questioning WIN with equal force as him
Takingastancethatalignswith United States (US) President Donald Trump's famous "fake news" gibe, Vice President (VP) Bharrat Jagdeo on Thursday took severalswipesatmediahousesfor lingering below the standard and principles of acceptable journalism.
At his most recent press conference at Freedom House in Georgetown, Jagdeo, who is also the general secretary of the governing People's Progressive Party/Civic (PPP/C), condemned what he regards as bias displayed byvariousnewsentitiesinGuyana whichheperceivestobepolitically aligned.
In the heat of the election race, J a g d e o e x p r e s s e d h i s dissatisfaction with billionaire businessman Azruddin Mohamed,
who is also the presidential candidate of the We Invest in Nationhood (WIN) party being “given a free pass” by local journalistsonnumerousmatters.
Jagdeo accused journalists of not asking Mohamed questions related to the US Treasury Department's Office of Foreign Assets Control (OFAC) sanctions that have been hounding the businessman and political newcomer, even as he seeks to unseatthecurrentgovernment.
The VPsaid that his party, and the government, remains accessible and are frequently engaged on a range of matters adding that some of the media outfits,“don'tseethisbigelephant that's staring there, that's running for the presidency of the country, that has all of these pending
allegations, that poses a threat to ourcountry.”
"Nowhere else in the world he [Mohamed] would get off," the general secretary asserted According to him, in various parts of the world where the media is thorough and dutiful in its profession, the young presidential aspirant would have already been corneredstrategicallytorespondto all the pressing issues relevant to himandhisfamilyinthecontextof their business as well as his political prospects. On many of these matters, the VP said that the news agencies should camp out at the WIN's office and thoroughly questionMohamed.
Further,Jagdeoaddressedwhat he perceives to be factions in the media corps noting that some mediaentitiesareanti-PPP TheVP
- complains of journalistic bias and falsehood
sought to downplay the credibility of news outlets that hold the governmentaccountable.
agdeo also criticized Mohamedfordeliberatelydodging the media, and deflecting public relations responsibilities to other partyofficials.
Additionally, the VP accused some media workers of being beneficiaries of financial tokens and other attractive benefits from the Mohameds in exchange for favourable reporting and positive publicity
Furthermore, the VP singled out popular journalist, Travis Chase and overseas-based Opposition political activist Rickford Burke as “part of this campthatsupportstheMohameds, that would spread rumors about what'sgoingon.”
“You have some news entities who may or may not receive moniesfromhim,butalotofthem, they are anti-PPP…so they think that by giving him a free pass and enabling him, somehow they are harmingthePPP.”
The party leader's remarks stemmed from the United States 2024HumanRightsReport,which summed up hostility and discrimination meted out to local journalistsandreporters.
Brazil, Guyana and West Africa remain key regions for deepwater and the ultra-deepwater projects – Japanese ship builder
JapaneseshipbuilderMODEC recently noted that Latin America (Brazil and Guyana) and West Africa remain key regions for deepwater and the ultra-deepwater projects.
In its half-year 2025 presentation highlighting the industrylandscape,MODECnoted solid operating environments with competitive deepwater fields. The ship builder noted that oil is expected to remain the leading source of energy supply even though alternative energy is expectedtogrow MODEC said that its primary target market is the deepwater and the ultra-deepwater reserves, noting that these markets are costcompetitive and will remain profitable even in a depressed oil priceenvironment.
To this end, the company highlighted Brazil and Guyana in Latin America and West Africa, noting that these regions will remain key for deepwater and the ultra-deepwaterprojects.
MODECisacompanythatwas awarded a Limited Notice to Proceed (LNTP) contract by ExxonMobil Guyana Limited (EMGL)inApril2024inrelationto aFloating,Production,Storageand Offloading (FPSO) vessel for its seventh project, Hammerhead, which has not yet received regulatoryapproval.
To date, Dutch ship builder SBMOffshorehasconstructedfour FPSOsforExxon'sStabroekblock
Exxon had recruited the services of MODEC, for its fifth FPSO, Errea Wittu and SBM was awardedacontractlastyearforthe sixthFPSO,Jaguar
With no government or regulatory approval for the Hammerhead project, Exxon in April awarded the LNTP contract. This contract allows MODEC to start activities in relation to the FPSO design in two phases to ensure first oil by 2029. Phase one covers Front-End Engineering Design (FEED), while Phase two covers Engineering, Procurement, Construction, and Installation (EPCI), which is subject to Final Investment Decision (FID) by ExxonMobil.
Notably, MODEC will also provide Operate and Management (O&M)servicesfortheFPSO.The FPSOfortheHammerheadproject will be capable of 150,000 barrels ofoilperdayandwillbemooredat a water depth of approximately 1,025meters.
The Yellowtail Development is now up and ready to roll. The One Guyana FPSO has a daily production capacity of 250,000 barrels per day (bpd) (bpd), which couldpushGuyana'sofficialoutputto900,000bpd. Now that there is total capacity for 900,000 bpd, ExxonMobil andpartnerswillwastenotimeinratchetingupproduction, while oil demand is still 'strong.' In an oil-producing countrythatwasat650,000bpd,andnowequippedtorise to900,000bpd,theexpectationisthatitscitizenswouldbe livingwell. ItisacertaintythatGuyanese,nowtheenvyof theworld,thecenterofworldwideattraction,areenjoying the kind of standard of living and quality of life that First Worldcountriestakeforgranted.
FiveyearsafteroilproductionbeganinGuyana,twoout ofeveryfiveGuyanesearestilltryingtopullthemselvesup bytheirbootstraps. Ithasbeenagruelingstruggleduetoa suffocating cost-of-living environment. Prices for basic food items started out high, and keeps going higher The ironyisprofound:themorethatGuyanaincreasesitsdaily oil production capacity, the more Guyanese struggle with thepressuresofcripplingprices.
Almost a million bpd in a country with fewer than a millionforitspopulation,and40percent,someinsistthatit iscloserto50percent,ofcitizensareforcedtoeconomizeto survive. People can tighten their belts for clothes and leisure,buttheycannotdothesameforlongwithfoodand medicine, and the monthly bills. In a country ready to produce900,000bpd,thereareGuyanesewhoareleftwith no choice but to scramble to manage on US$5.50 (GY$1100)aday Guyanaisproducingmorebarrelsofoil perdaythanithaspeople,andthosesamepeoplearenow forcedtolivewiththreefearednightmares. Theyarewhat basic food items they can access, how much they have to offertheirchildrentoeat,andwhatlittlewouldbeleftback forthemtoconsume.
In the minds of the leaders of the PPPC Government, theyhavedoneexceedinglywellforallGuyanese. Sowell, thattheyareovertakenbyhumilityor,mostlikelyshame,to publish the statistics that means so much to Guyanese, because they pinch so sharply What are the real food inflation numbers? How many are still forced to join the two-jobline,orarebelowthepovertyline,becausetheyare locked in the nightmare of $60,000 a month minimum wage, since June 2022. We at this publication think we have an idea of how these Guyanese have managed to survive that $60,000 monthly minimum wage for three years, while food prices and prices overall continue to climb steeply The Guyanese living with that harrowing nightmareknowwhatitistodoso. Howmanyarethere,in a country that was producing 650,000 barrels of oil daily, andisnowflexingitsmusclestoballoonto900,000bpd? Guyanese are appreciative of the new roads that the PPPC Government has made among its bigger priorities. Theoilmoneymadethatpossible,andit'sisanicetravel,in someparts. Thehumanconditionandhumanchallengeare howtofindsufficientmoneyforproperdailymeals,since they can't consume either oil or roads. At the soon-to-be 900,000 bpd, no Guyanese should be struggling with the nightmareofhowtopaytheirmonthlybills. ExxonMobil andGuyana'scontractorclass,andthelessthanonepercent class of Guyanese having it extremely good are already busycountingtheadditionalprofitstheywillrakein. The have nots in Guyana already know, and will continue to know,whatitistolivewithpoverty'snightmaresamidthe profitsofforeignoilcompaniesandlocalpoliticalcabals. Morethanhalftheworldwouldlovetoliveinacountry that has the capacity to produce 900,000 bpd, with individual prosperity imagined. Almost half of Guyana's population would sharply differ, given the unending nightmaresthattheysomehowendure. Oilshouldmeanso muchmoretoallGuyanese. Forhalfofthem,ithasbeena nightmarethattheiroilwealthshouldhaveended.
Kaieteur M@ilbox
One dozen reasons why Linden will not vote for a racist PPPC
DearEditor,
Abiding by VP Jagdeo's maxim that Guyanese are “stupid” , the PPPC obviously takes Lindeners for fools, hoping we forget theirunmercifulinflictionof racism and neglect upon Linden under 28 of their reign in the last 33 years, especially the last five when awashwithoilmoneyfreely spentontheirpeopleandnot Linden Added to their obstruction of critical projects and programmes handed over by the
APNU/AFC Coalition, the PPPC cannot point to a single transformational project they conceived or completedinLindenintheir 28 years; yet, President Ali insults our intelligence promising Linden, “Deliver
Region 10 to PPPC and receivetheprioritiesforyour communities in the next 5 years.”
First, despite their 28 years of abandonment, the PPPC thinks we are so imbecilic to trust that they will do in 5 years what they rebuffed in 28; second, to hold the priorities hostage for “delivery of Region 10” is openly discriminatory, since such a condition is unheard of, in any PPPC community; third, these promised priorities are most basic human necessities and thecoreresponsibilityofthe Government to do anyway, without any political conditionto“deliverRegion 10”; and fourth, Ali obviously believes in the adage that “to promise and
give nothing is comfort to a fool”,forhefullywellknows that his promise could never be kept because of the impossibility of the PPPC winningRegion10.
To follow the advice of Ali and Jagdeo that votes must be casted based upon trust and the track record of parties, here are 12 reminders of the PPPC's racist and spiteful track recordagainstLinden.
1 I n t h i s overwhelmingly AfroGuyanese Linden, the PPPC appointed an all IndoGuyaneseBoardofGuardian which heartlessly removed 800oftheverypoorfromthe p u b l i c a s s i s t a n c e programme,takingbreadout oftheirchildrenandfamilies' mouths including the disabled. This is undeniable racism!
2 Despite Guyana's damning nurses' shortage, the PPPC shut down the Linden Nursing School, but kept the other schools in the c o u n t r y o p e n , discriminatingly denying our nurses opportunities for professional development and good health care for Linden. Consequently, 200 nurses were forced to leave forforeignlands,alongwith 30 doctors who resigned or were relocated, sabotaging the Region's constitutional righttogoodhealthcare;and to add insult to injury, the PPPC implemented a most bigoted policy to import nurses from Bangladesh and CubatoreplacetheLinden's (Continuedonpage6)
Guyana must be told, the Truth, the Whole Truth about the Mohameds and Venezuela
DearEditor,
The integrity of a nation'sgovernmentrestson its unwavering commitment to truth, particularly in matters of national security and public trust If, as credible suspicions suggest, the People's Progressive
Party/Civic (PPP/C)
administration has misrepresented the alleged visits of the Mohameds to Venezuelaortheirpurported applications for Venezuelan visas, Guyana faces a profound and insidious threat. Should the claims of the VenezuelanAmbassador regarding visa applications prove to be fabrications, or w o r s e , d e l i b e r a t e falsehoods, the implications transcend mere political maneuvering. Such actions would signal a government willing to manipulate truth for political persecution, undermining the very foundation of democratic governance.
The allegations are particularly serious: that the PPP/C, through its Ministry of Foreign Affairs, has propagated a narrative unsupported by evidence to discredit political opponents. This is not a trivialdisputebutamatterof nationalconsequence.Asthe eminentjuristLordDenning once observed, “The law does not stand still when justiceisatstake;itmovesto protect the truth and the rights of the individual against the overreach of power.” If the government's assertions about the Mohameds'tiestoVenezuela are false, they constitute a betrayalofpublictrustanda
dangerous erosion of democraticprinciples.
A g o v e r n m e n t ' s legitimacyhingesonitsrole as a steward of public confidence, not as a purveyor of fear or deception.Intimesofcrisis, when Guyana faces escalating threats to its territorial sovereignty from Venezuela,thestatemustact with transparency and accountability To falsely accuse citizens of colluding withaforeignadversaryisto weaponize patriotism for political gain, a tactic that risks fracturing national unity and weakening our collective resolve. As U.S. SupremeCourtJusticeLouis Brandeis aptly stated, “Publicity is justly commendedasaremedyfor social and industrial diseases. Sunlight is said to bethebestofdisinfectants.”
The PPP/C must heed this wisdom and produce verifiable evidence to substantiateitsclaims.Letus be frank: if the Mohameds applied for Venezuelan visas, the government must present the applications. If theytraveledtoVenezuela,it must disclose passport records, flight manifests, or borderentrydocumentation. These are not unreasonable demands but the minimum standard of accountability owed to the Guyanese people. A government that claims to possess evidence mustbringitintothelightof publicscrutiny Failuretodo so, whether through silence, obfuscation, or shifting narratives, raises a singular question: what is being concealed,andtowhatend?
The absence of evidence wouldconfirmsuspicionsof a calculated campaign to vilify political opponents. Such deception, particularly inthecontextofVenezuela's ongoing threats to Guyana's territorial integrity, is not merelyapoliticalmisstep;it is a profound betrayalof the nationalinterest.Fabricating ties between citizens and a hostile foreign regime underminesthecredibilityof Guyana's foreign policy and imperils our sovereignty It transforms national security into a tool for political vendettas, eroding the public's faith in governance and weakening the social contract This is not hyperbole. The deliberate distortion of truth by a government, risks plunging a nation into the shadows of
authoritarianism When facts are subordinated to narrative, and evidence is supplanted by assertion, the state ceases to serve its people and instead seeks to controlthem.Thisisalineno democratic government
must ever cross To manipulatediplomacyinthis manneristowieldareckless blade against the heart of public confidence, threateningtheveryfabricof ournation;notfromexternal aggression,butfrominternal betrayal.
The stakes could not be higher Guyana stands at a critical juncture, facing external pressures that demand unity and resolve. Internaldeception,however, isafargreaterthreatthanany foreign adversary. A government that fabricates
threats to silence dissent does not strengthen the nation; it weakens it It diminishes our moral authorityontheglobalstage and sows division at home.
The PPP/C must recognise that transparency is not a concessionbutacornerstone o
c legitimacy Torestorepublic trust, the government must act decisively. It must present irrefutable evidence of the Mohameds' alleged actionsoradmitthatnosuch evidence exists. Silence is not an option; it is an indictment. The people of Guyana deserve answers, notambiguity Theydeserve a government that respects their intelligence and upholds their right to the truth. The path forward is c l e a r. T h e P P P / C
administration must either substantiate its claims with concrete evidence or retract them unequivocally Anythinglessisanaffrontto the principles of justice and accountability that define our nation Guyana's sovereignty is not merely a matter of territorial borders; itisamatterofthetrustthat binds its people to their government. To jeopardise that trust is to imperil the verysoulofourdemocracy
We are living in serious times. Guyana cannot afford division born of deception. The government must come clean, or it will stand condemned, not by its critics, but by its own silence. The truth is not negotiable. Guyana demandsit.
RoysdaleFordeS.C.
Kaieteur M@ilbox Kaieteur M@ilbox
Region 2 Rice Sector Starved of Development Under the PPP Government
DearEditor, Fordecades,RegionTwo has stood firmly behind the PPP government Our economy is built on agriculture, with rice farming as our backbone.
Nearly 60% of residents depend on it, while another 20% grow cash crops and 10% raise livestock Yet despite our loyalty and our criticalroleinGuyana'sfood production, the rice sector here has been left to deteriorate.
Every crop season, rice farmers face the same exhaustingbattletogetafair priceforpaddy
The Guyana Rice
Development Board (GRDB)andthegovernment have never taken proactive steps to set a standard price beforeharvesting.Onlyafter farmers protest do the Minister or Vice President rush in to “negotiate” with millers.
Thisisnotgovernance,it ispoliticaldamagecontrolat
the expense of hardworking farmers.
Over the years, the situation has worsened. At times, only one miller has dominated the market, leaving farmers with no choice.
Many have been forced todumppaddylastcropdue to spoilage or leave crops unharvested.
Trucks loaded with paddy have sat for days before reaching the mill, causingspoilage.Ifthissole
buyer were to stop purchasing in coming crop, our entire rice sector could collapseovernight.
The Ministry of
Agriculture has failed to provide a backup plan for Region Two's rice farmers. Instead of pouring billions into soybeans and corn projects, why not invest in initiatives that give rice farmersoptions?
Why not build a government-ownedricemill in Region Two to break the
monopoly?Thegovernment should ask people benefittingfrom thesoyand corn initiative for their votesratherthan thefarmers who have stood by them for decades?
We all know that competition drives better prices. In the past, farmers sold to multiple millers like Guyana Stockfeed Ltd. and Abdool Hack Rice MillHarlem. But recently, this government, eliminated such opportunities. During
One dozen reasons why Linden will not vote for a...
Frompage4
nurses, paying them much higher salaries with living quarters and transportation costs to Guyana. This is alloutracist!
3. Like in other AfroGuyanesecommunitiessuch as Mocha, the PPPC inhumanely bulldozed the homes of poor residents, insultingLindenashavinga “culture of squatting”; and sided with migrant Venezuelans, trashing Lindeners that they are lazy and charge 3 times what the migrants charge for doing work.Thisisnotonlyracist, butalsoeconomictreasonto promote depressing of the already low wages in Linden.
4. The PPPC shut down the Linden Enterprise
Network programme, withholding $300 million
handed over by the Coalition, thus axing a highly successful 20+ year programme advancing the community's economic development with small businesses financing. This vile action which has put several small companies out ofbusiness,isnotonlyracist, but also a deliberate act undermining the region's economicsustainability
5. The PPPC spitefully broke their 2020 promise to deliver “good drainage to prevent flooding”, and neglected the sound technical recommendations from community leaders to alleviate flooding, resulting in the disastrous worsening of the drainage system causing numerous never before seen floods that continue to wipe out Lindeners personal belongings and properties and creating grave health risks including mosquito infestations. If the frequent floods aren't bad enough, in one instance, 300 hampers sent by the Civil Defence
Commission for distribution tofloodvictims,wereleftto spoil at the residence of a PPPCactivist.
6. The PPPC intends to shut down the Region 10 EPAOfficeinLindenwhich, along with the Corentyne Office, were set up by the CoalitionaspartofitsPlanto have offices in all 10 Regions to ease the cost and inconvenienceforhinterland communities doing business with the EPA. The PPPC abandoned the Plan for offices in all Regions and intends to discriminatingly closetheLindenofficewhile keepingtheCorentyneoffice open and fully supported withstaff,transportationand measuring equipment. On the other hand, the Linden officehasbeentreatedlikea step child without any vehicle or equipment to conduct basic functions, resulting in a recent law suit becausetheofficelackedany capability to conduct investigations of a complaint Besides close monitoring and timely response to environmental issues,closingtheofficeisa slap in the face of the Region, inflicting tortuous inconvenience and costs to residents having to travel to Georgetown to conduct businesswithEPA.
7.Overoneyearago,the LindenTownCouncil(LTC) d i s c o v e r e d r o a d s contaminated with d a n g e r o u s l y h i g h concentrations of toxic materials dug up from areas where wastes from aluminum manufacturing were dumped. The levels of contaminationareashighas 400timesthesafelimitsand can cause cancers;
behavioral issues in children; and neurological, reproductive, cognitive, liver, lung and kidney
damages The PPPC uncaringlyrefutedtheLTC's
analyses,butcannotproduce any supporting evidence. In the meantime, these dumps remain the major source of thesetoxicmaterialsusedfor construction, meaning that thecontaminantsareallover Linden in homes, roads, streams and river - more clearevidenceofthePPPC's wicked attitude towards the health, safety and e n v i r o n m e n t o f predominantly AfroGuyaneseLinden.
8. Though regarded as the mecca of Guyana's track & field manifested by it producing the most national athletes and winning the national championships 8 consecutiveyears,thePPPC has willfully deprived Linden of any sports activities The Coalition handed over a partially completed all-weather athletictrackforcompletion in 2022, but still not completed with no end in sight. The McKenzie Sports Club (MSC), Linden's only sports facility was seized by the PPPC and demolished, rejecting any input from Lindenersrelativetoitsnew design and purpose, with no end in sight for completion. Meanwhile, all Lindeners, especially the youths, are stripped of crucial opportunities to participate in sports. Yours truly was honoured to represent Linden at table tennis and Guyana at cricket, only because I, and the many otherswhoworethenational colours,grewupintheMSC, luckily before its destruction Besides dragging down the athletic p r i m a c y o f t h i s predominantly AfroGuyaneseLinden,thisPPPC action attacks development of the physical, mental and healthful wherewithal necessary for making productive citizens of our Linden'syouths.
9 Afro-Guyanese Lindener, James Joseph, 2time Olympian and only Guyanese world record holder in cycling, ever, boughtapieceoflandonthe Linden highway next to Linden to build a center for f r e e t r a i n i n g a n d development of Guyanese cyclists;but,truetoform,the PPPC corruptly took away the land, sending him to a desolate undeveloped area soastogivethelandtotheir richfriendsandcronies.That is unquestionable racist and disdain for Lindeners to its core, no matter how much weserveourcountry
1 0 T h e P P P C shamelesslyattemptstofool Lindenersintakingcreditfor the Wismar/Mckenzie
b r i d g e a n d t h e Mabura/Lethem/Linden and Soesdyke/Linden roads, when the truth is that all 3 projects were handed over from the Coalition. Moreso, the PPPC never put any funds in their budgets for theseprojectsuntilpressured by the Coalition to do so.
They even brazenly attempted to divert the United Kingdom (UK) funded Mabura road to their region, but forced to recant when threatened by the UK to cancel the funding Further, they altered the Coalition's Soesdyke Road
design from a new international standard, welllit 4-lane, safe road, to a dangerously second-hand, resurfaced, 2-lane, unlit death trap road; though, this road will be the gateway to Brazil and South America, makingitmostvulnerableto intensive traffic, and environmental and safety risks due to the massive amountsofhazardousgoods andchemicalstransportedto and from the mining areas and Brazil. In contrast, the Corentyne, West Demerara, East Bank and East Coast
the last crop, they deliberately docked one of the ferries for “repairs” at the start of harvest season, creating massive congestion at Supenaam and Parika stellings and preventing farmers from transporting paddy to alternative buyers. This was not an accident it was a decision that directly hurtfarmers.
roads servicing the PPPC areas,enjoythebenefitsand safety of new and modern designed4-lanehighways.
11 The PPPC could never hoodwink any Lindener into forgetting the cold-bloodedslaughteringof 5 of our young men under theirreignofpower;norwill we forget the rewarding of the responsible individuals with the highest level of promotions, instead of accountability as any decent a n d l a w - a b i d i n g Government would do. We will also not forget Ali's broken promise to compensate the affected families, cruelly leaving them and the fatherless children to a lifetime of suffering.
12.Lastly,Iconveydeep solace to our few beloved Lindeners who dedicated theirlivestothePPPC,only to be humiliated to find out thatnotasingleoneofthem werefoundtobequalifiedor fit and proper to be on their party's very long top-up list of 126. On top of that, the geographic list of four, comprised two Ministers living in G/town, including the gross insult of Juan Edghill who has no connection to Linden, thus guaranteeing that there is absolutely no chance of any ofourPPPCLindenersbeing in Parliament. Our closely knit and proud community takesthisasaninsulttoallof us, and the fact that they wouldbelittletheirsupposed own in such a disdainful way, affirms the PPPC's unabashed scorn for all of Linden I challenge the PPPCtodotheimpossibleof refuting any of the above factsandammosthappythat the information provided herein will no doubt make the choice very easy for Lindeners.
Respectfully, Dr.VincentAdams
The much-hyped crop insuranceschemealsoraises serious questions. Why are we paying millions in premiums to a private insurancecompanywhenthe same money could be invested directly in the rice sector?
Not all farmers face flooding or drought, meaning many will never b e n e f i t f r o m t h i s programme.
A far better approach wouldbetogiveeachfarmer $200foreverybagofpaddy harvested,adirectbenefitto all.Worsestill,theschemeis open to abuse, with some farmers able to deliberately flood their crops to claim insurance, then replant weekslater
If the goal is truly to protect farmers, why not investinbetterdrainageand irrigation to prevent these problems altogether? In addition, the PPP has promised a storage facility, but we all know this alone isn't feasible. Again, who will be responsible for the purchasingofpaddy,drying, andmarketing?Ricefarmers cannot simply take paddy to a storage facility and then return to collect whatever was stored,the process and responsibility go far beyond that.
Billions are budgeted every year for agriculture, yet the rice farmers of Essequibo have seen no meaningful improvement in theirlivelihoods.
We have been loyal. We have been patient But loyalty should not mean neglect.
Now that the PPP government has finished their campaign in Region Two,ricefarmershaveheard what are their plans for the rice sector which, frankly, arenotanythingsignificant. Which ever political party, whether theAPNU or the WIN, decides to implement practical solutions to help our rice farmers will earn their supportandvotes.
Yoursfaithfully, S.Mohamed
U.S. banks would not violate sanctions for maintaining –OFACsaysinresponsetoqueries accounts of non-sanctioned members
Fi n a n c i a l institutions in the United States of America(U.S.)wouldnotbe inviolationofasanctionfor maintaining accounts of non-sanctionedpersonswho are associated to sanctioned persons.
This is according to a responsetoaqueryposedto the U S Department of Treasury'sOfficeofForeign AssetsControl(OFAC).
This revelation comes at a time when three local commercial banks have cut ties with several candidates
of the We Invest in Nationhood (WIN) Party that is led by sanctioned Guyanese businessman
Azruddin Mohamed Mohamedwassanctionedin June 2024 by OFAC. The local banks have cited the OFAC sanctions on Mohamed as a reason for
theirdecisiontocuttieswith themembersofhisparty
According to an email inquiry seen by this pub
implications of transacting with a political party led by an individual sanctioned by OFAC, or with members of such a political party, would depend on whether the sanctioned individual is involvedinthetransaction.
For example, U S financial institutions would not violate sanctions for maintaining the account of or processing a transaction involving a non-sanctioned organization or nonsanctioned members of that organization solely because another member of that organization is sanctioned. However, U S financial institutions would be
prohibited from engaging in such transactions if the sanctionedindividualhasan interest in the accounts or transactions.”
However, the email also states, “Unless exempt or otherwise authorized by a general or specific license from OFAC, transactions with sanctioned persons by U.S. persons are generally prohibited, and non-U S persons could also face sanctions risk for certain ac
ving sanctioned persons, such as providing material support tothem.”
Theclarificationcamein response to a
y referencing the June 2024 sanction on Azruddin, his
l” Mohamed, their businesses and former Permanent Secretary of the Ministry of Labour, Mae Thomas under
Executive Order 13818, which implements the Global Magnitsky Human RightsAccountabilityAct.
OFAC sanctioned the M o h a m e d s c i t i n g allegationsofdefraudingthe Guyanese government of US$50 million in taxes through gold smuggling, as well as bribing public officials. The local banks had cited the sanction as reason the decision was made to ensure the banks comply with international financial sector rules governing relations with sanctionedindividuals.
On August 6, speaking withreportersonthesideline of an event, U S Ambassador to Guyana, NicoleTheriotstressedthere is “absolutely no association” between the OFAC sanctions and the decisions made by local
financialinstitutions.
The ambassador explained that OFAC sanctions are targeted specifically at the U.S. and apply “solely” to what happensthere.
AmbassadorTheriotalso notedthatlocalbanksdidnot engage with the U S Embassy before making their decisions “The decision by the banks was entirely independent We werenotconsulted;wewere notasked.
We have no opinion on thematter.Banksheremake
their own decisions,” she said.
Notably, she added that she was unsure whether there had been any correspondencebetweenthe local banks and their U.S. bankingpartners.OnAugust 1,WINcalledforcitizensto boycott two commercial banks for cancelling the accountsoftheircandidates. Thepartysaidthatthebanks and their associated businessesarebeingusedby the government to destabilise and demoralise thetwo-month-oldparty
BLUNTNESS ON INDECENCIES!
In case you haven’t heard, please be informed that as part of our continued effort to channel positive changes in our country, our publisher, Dr. Glenn Lall, has dedicated our Page Seven to be “BLUNT” about on-going indecencies in our land that should matter, not only to us at this publication, but the entire nation.
MONDAY–AUGUST11,2025
Corruption
Eveninthemiddleofan election campaign, when parties especially the incumbentshouldbeattheir best, corruption allegations
continue to swirl in governmentcircles.
A minister's name was called in a corruption scandal about lands. The Guyana Power and Light consultancy contract stinks to high heavens and more and more people are talking about how sickening the situationis.
Corruption and Guyana are now as inseparable as identical twins In their e x i s t e n c e s i n c e Independence, citizens have been betrayed by their elected representatives, paid harshpricesfortheirtrust.
The advent of oil has made matters worse, with those in charge carrying on likerecklesshoodlums,with theircroniesimitatingthem.
Thecorruptionisatsuch anacutestagethatthosewho need the benefits of their patrimony the most, end up being the ones that receive theleast.Governmentthatis clean doesn't have to resort
to criminal conduct. Clean leaders fear none. But both the PPP/C Government and itsleadershipoperateinsuch acorruptworldthatprinciple andreasonhavefled.
TUESDAY–AUGUST12,2025
Electricityforhalf-price? When?
ThePPPCGovernment's chief policymaker, Vice President Bharrat Jagdeo, has repeatedly promised half-priced electricity to energy-challenged Guyanese.
In turn, Guyanese have longedforbothanelectricity supply that they can be confidentinandtheprospect of their energy bills being reduced by 50 percent.Who wouldn't want something like that? The roadblock beingencounteredisthatthe chief policymaker's promise continuestobestretchedand twistedtosuchanextentthat those hanging on his words question when (if ever) they will see that half-price cut. Thisyearisout,anditshould be sometime in 2026, accordingtoJagdeo.
WEDNESDAY–
AUGUST13,2025
Thosepolicepromotions
The recent police promotions coming now, on the eve of an election cycle, suggests a strategic political ploy rather than a genuine correctionofpastoversight.
For years, these same officers were left stagnating inthesystemwithoutproper acknowledgment or reward. The sudden burst of p r o m o t i o n s , t i e d conveniently to a renewed interest in winning support from law enforcement, a group traditionally skeptical of the ruling PPPC reeks of opportunism rather than leadership.
This pattern reflects a broader issue in governance o f w h i c h i s t h e instrumentalisationofpublic servants to secure votes, ratherthantoservejusticeor fairness.IfPresidentAliand the PPP/C were genuinely concerned about equity withintheranksofthepolice force, these officers would have been promoted based on merit years ago, not paraded now as symbols of benevolence to curry favour w i t h a t y p i c a l l y disenchantedvotingbloc.
Using public service
r e c o g n i t i o n a s a transactional tool in the political marketplace diminishesboththeofficeof thePresidentandthemorale ofthepoliceforce.
THURSDAYAUGUST14,2025
TrumpvstheFools
DonaldTrump,lovehim or hate him, is notorious for one thing - going after countriesthathebelievesare taking advantage of the UnitedStates.
Whether it's China, the EU, Canada, or Mexico, Trump has slapped tariffs, renegotiatedtradedeals,and bullied foreign leaders into payingmore,allinthename of protecting American economicinterests.
Now, contrast that with Guyana's approach to American oil companies operatinghere.ExxonMobil and its partners are extractingbillionsofdollars' worthofoilfromourwaters, yet Guyana isn't charging them any corporate taxes underthelopsided 2016ProductionSharing Agreement.
In fact, Guyana is even
coveringtheirtaxesforthem on paper, so they can claim deductions in the US, while our leaders smile for photoops with oil executives, defend the deal like it's holy scripture and pretend it's in ournationalinterest.
If Trump can fight tooth and nail for every cent America is owed, why can't Guyana do the same for its people? Instead of being tough negotiators, we've chosentobethewillingfools oftheoilgame.
FRIDAY–AUGUST15,2025
PPPandthePress
No one is surprised by the U S Department of State's assessment of press freedom in Guyana and the challenges members of the media face by this PPP/C Government. In its 2024 human rights report, it was stated the Irfaan Ali-led People's Progressive Party g o v e r n m e n t h a s monopolised state-owned media and that while independent news media were active and expressed a wide variety of views, some members of media reported they faced discrimination
and hostile personal verbal attacksinresponsetopublic inquiries.
The PPP's record on press freedom is not one of progress or safeguarding democratic norms – it's a narrative marred by economic coercion, statec o n t r o l l e d m e d i a manipulation and selective enforcementoffreedoms.
Journalists under PPPC administrations have long faced a chilly reception Independent media outlets, particularly those critical of government policies, have been targeted through economiccoercion,denialof stateadvertisingrevenue.
Harassment, vilification, censorship, suspensions of media licences, misuse of defamation laws, and even statements that condoned violent threats against journalists.
E v e n w h e n improvements are claimed, they lack the depth and consistency needed to rebuildtrust.
Without meaningful reform that ensures safety, independence, and fairness for journalists, talk of press freedom rings hollow in Guyana.
Govt. still to find solution to address the rise of the US dollar
- Norton says there should be balance between govt. expenditure and private sector demand
The Government of Guyana is yet to find a solution to address the shortage of United States dollars as the exchange rate continuestoclimb.
Vice President Bharrat Jagdeo on Thursday was asked to provide an update on the government's handling of the situation given complaints by the business community and other sects that it is difficult to access the foreign currency Jagdeo sought to remind themediathattherehasbeen anincreaseindemandforthe US currency attributing that demand to “better consumption” of citizens as theygainwealth.Hepointed to the increase in prices for notonlygoodsbutvehicles.
“If you have to finance 40,000 vehicles coming in per year, you need more foreigncurrency Thenmore people are investing… lots of small business… so they have to buy the capital
equipment so the demand hasgrownsignificantlyfrom the past. We, have been supplying quite a bit of foreign currency… selling money into the markets, to thebanks,”hesaid.
The vice president assured that the government is committed to the process ofinjectingcurrencyintothe system at intervals but referenced the hoarding of the US dollar as a major challenge.
“So, if you go and try to buycash,thenthepricewill behigherbecauseyesthere's ashortagebutrememberwe can't be bringing in thousands of US dollars or millions of US dollars. We have to work with the US government too, to get that cash money down into the system.We'rehopingpeople would use more of the financial tools like credit cards, debit cards where the settlements are done, not using cash, credit cards, debit cards, paying into
people's bank account directly (or) they transfer money through bank orders etcetera,”theVPsaid.
Jagdeo assured that the government is keeping a closeeyeonthesituationand the public can rest assured that government will continuetoinjectlargesums of money into the banking system. However, he said that the government will be
c a u t i o u s w i t h i t s intervention as it does not want the money to be siphoned off to Trinidad to meetthatcountry'sdemand.
“That is what's happening. A bit of that is happening now We don't wantittobedonethatwayor to be hoarded. And then some people are buying up thecurrencyandthenselling to people fromTrinidad at a little higher rate. So, they're making an arbitrage now because those people in Trinidadaredesperatetoget the business community their foreign currency They
can'tget…theyhavetowait somethinglikeeightmonths and all of that. So, we will continue to look into it,” he explained Meanwhile, Leader of the Opposition, AubreyNortonspokeonthe issue at the launch of the A Partnership for National Unity's (APNU) manifesto on Friday saying that there needstobebalancebetween governmentexpenditureand privatesectordemand.
“The supply of foreign currency from non-oil exports has grown by only 25 percent from 2020 to 2024. At the same time, the demandforforeigncurrency to meet the importation of goods and services grew by 296percent.Theonlysource of foreign currency to meet the disequilibrium in demand and supply is that gottenfromtheoileconomy However, this money goes into the government's account.Therefore,accessto adequateamountsofforeign currencyisbeinginfluenced
by the government's own need for that money,” he said. Further, Norton said, “ there is a need for balancebetweentheneedsof theprivatesectorandthatof thegovernment.Inourview, if the non-oil economy is to grow, it would be necessary forthegovernmenttoadjust its spending to prevent the continued crowding out of the private sector from access to adequate amounts offoreigncurrency.”
The Opposition Leader saidtoothatnomanufacturer would be persuaded to engage in large-scale production, without having access to export markets, and this is due to the size of Guyana's domestic market. Giventhedesiretodiversify the production structure, the export market is vital and therefore major focus must beontheopeningofforeign markets for the country's non-oilexports.
Vice President, Bharrat Jagdeo
Jagdeo is clueless when it comes to the cost-of-living
Republished - If you do not understand a problem, youcannotfixit.Itisaplain truth that sits quietly at the heart of the PPPC administration’s repeated failures to bring relief to Guyanese households groaningundertheweightof risingprices.
Localjoblistings
Last Thursday’s press conference offered a rare admission, although I suspect the speaker did not intend it as such Vice President Jagdeo, acting as the party’s General Secretary,explainedthatthe government had intervened with success in five areas electricity, water, transportation, mortgages, and internet but had failure in respect to food prices. Five out of six! It is the sort of report card you would hand to your parents and hope they did not ask too manyquestions.
However, had Jagdeo and his party kept their feet firmly in the streets and markets they claim to serve, their strategy would have looked different. It would have been more targeted, morenuanced,morealiveto
the realities of the p o o r a n d , m o s t importantly, more successful in keeping prices subdued.
Electricity was the first boast.Yes,tariffsdidnotrise with imported fuel costs, because the government absorbedtheincreases.This, however, is not cost-ofliving relief; it is simply
holding the line where it alreadystood.Ifyourpatient hasafever,youdonotcallit acurewhenthethermometer stopsclimbing—youbringit down. Jagdeo neglected to mention that electricity prices could fall by more than 30% if his government had been able to cut the massive technical and commercial losses that have dogged the system for decades.Hightariffsarenot only the offspring of oil
prices; they are the inheritance of inefficiency andelectricitytheft.
Then there was water
Water tariffs have never been a meaningful driver of thecostoflivinginGuyana. To announce the removal of VAT on water and call it cost-of- living relief is like tossing an ice cube into the Demerara River to cool it down harmless, wellmeaning,andirrelevant.
Transportation is trickier For the poor, the mini-bus and the pay-perseat short-drop car that ply rural Guyana are lifelines. Their fares have remained relativelystable.Butspecial hires’ rates have gone the other way, with some short drops leaping from $300 to $800.IfMr Jagdeohadever needed to take a ‘special hire’, he might have known ofthisextortion.Butthevice presidency offers a cushion fromsuchexperiences.
Mortgages and internet roundedoutthelist,andhere the detachment from reality became most apparent. Mortgages are not the daily
worry of the poor, young office assistant or domestic help. Rent is. Over the past five years, rents have c l i m b e d i n t o t h e absurd $160,000 per month for an unfurnished two-bedroom flat A government serious about cost-of-living relief might have leaned on landlords with taxes, nudging them away from predatory pricing. Instead, rents went unmentioned.
The greatest failure, however, has been food. This was admitted, but without reflection The government needed no expensive study to see the trouble Stabroek News’ “Cost of Living” series practicallyspelleditout:the poor complained. But most of the complaints revolved around the rising cost of brown rice, imported milk powder,andcookingoil.
Two of these are produced locally and the government should have asked why these prices increased. Thesethreeitems werethestaplesthatstrained exactinghouseholdbudgets. Greens and vegetables, by the government’s own measure, rose more than 75% Poultry, despite generous concessions to producers, soared in price when it should have fallen. Evenachild’slunchkitisnot immune from the rising prices. Can you imagine a one-litrebottleofsoda,prior to the pandemic, cost $240? Today it is $360, a 50% increase.
DEM BOYS SEH
Sanctions and outsourcing justice
Republished - US got a new way of dealing with people dem don’t like. It call OFAC sanctions. Once upon a time, when yuhaccusesomebodyofacrime,yuhhadto prove it. Bring evidence, charge de person, and let de court decide. Now? All de US doingispointingfinger,callingnames,and expecting everybody else fuh do de dirty wuk.IslikeUncleSamseh:“Thismanfrom yuhcountryiscorrupt.Trustus.”Butwhen yuh ask dem fuh de proof, dem seh, “Well, that confidential Go investigate fuh yuhself.” So wait nah… yuh accusing peopleofcriminalacts,butyuhain’tsharing de evidence? That is like telling a man he thief yuh chicken but yuh ain’t showing de coopordefeather
Demsanctionsnowisdenewweaponof foreignpolicy Itain’taboutcourtorlaw It’s about pressure and public embarrassment. Yuhnamegetblacklist,bankaccountfreeze, and next ting yuh know, yuh own country got to run behind papers and WhatsApp
Oneofthegovernment’s preferred response tools has been to increase disposable income. In theory, this lets theconsumerbreatheeasier In practice, it has been like pouring water into a sieve. The faster the extra money comes in, the faster it runs out—swallowed whole by therisingprices.
Thetroublewithallthese interventionsisthattheyare scattered, cosmetic, and unrooted in a proper understanding of the problem. They resemble the sortofadviceyougetfroma
d
Christmas earnest, confident, and entirely inapplicabletoyourlife.
IfMr Jagdeohadwalked the markets quietly, without entourage or camera, and asked the women buying a pintofoiloraquarterpound of rice what they feared most,hewouldhavehearda different story than the one he told last Thursday He would have seen that the cost-of-living crisis is not a single balloon to be popped with one neat pin, but a tangle of strings—transport, rent, electricity, food—that pulloneachotherinstrange ways. To understand it is to respectitscomplexity What you do not understand, you c
T h e government’s efforts have been many, their intentions
perhaps genuine But without that first act of comprehension of standing among the people and listening they will remain the sort of cures that vanish the moment you go shopping.(Thiscolumnwas firstpublishedonAugust12, 2025)
(The views expressed in this article are those of the author and do not necessarily reflect the opinionsofthisnewspaper.)
messagestofigureoutwhatreallygoingon.
DemboyssehifdeUSserious,whydem don’t just apply for extradition? Bring de case to court in Washington or New York. Let a judge and jury decide if de person guilty But no, that gon mean dem got to show evidence, cross-examine witnesses, and face lawyers. Too much wuk. So instead, dem throwing de accusation like confetti and telling small countries, “You dealwithit.”Islikeoutsourcingjusticetode same governments they accusing of being softponcrime.
Dem boys seh justice can’t be a press release. And a sanction ain’t no substitute fuh a trial. If yuh accusing somebody of tiefing, corrupting, laundering, or rigging—then do de decent thing: charge dem and prove it. Otherwise, it look more like politics than law And plenty people smellingdedifference.
(This column was first published on August11,2025)
Trust betrayed; trust destroyed
“ R e v i e w a n d renegotiate.” Three little words Like heartfelt promisesto“loveandobey.” When they are shattered, then walked allover, then mocked, then disowned, “review and renegotiate” represent much more than three words reinforcing ironclad commitments “Review and renegotiate” then embody a failure of will, a betrayal of trust, the destructionoftrust.
The president uttered those three fateful words. Vice President Jagdeo said the same three. Both were taken for granted as honourablementhen. What kind of men since? Unless my hearing, unless my faculty (of reading and understanding, are not of yore, the president and vice president promised, committed,sworethat,given achance,theyweregoingto “review and renegotiate”
from oil contract to gold contract to their contract with the Guyanese people. The head-of-state had informedGuyanesethatheis busy (a million matters a minute) Memory fails under such pressures, things committed to get lost in the shuffle, the races to address other priorities. After all, whether head-of-state or headcase, the head can only holdsomuch. Whetherthat is so or not, that's not my
concern. Thepresidenthasa problem. It looms large today He asked the Guyanese people to believe in him, to trust him, to “review and renegotiate.” Guyanesedid. Andwhatdid Guyanese get for the investment of their precious trust? Theygotanewslate, one with three fresh words. Sanctity of contract. Thus, thesacredtrustofGuyanese betrayed and destroyed Andbywhomofallpeople?
When a man, whether a nationalleaderorauniversal loser,giveshissolemnword, he must move heaven and earth to keep it. Only death releases him from that bond given. Itmustbehonoured, whatever the sacrifice required. They tell me that
the president is an honourablecitizen. Ipocket my pen. For there is this yawning gap, this profound void that is also perverse. Whither fulfillment of commitment to “review and renegotiate.” But now the president is back, and he is smarter this time: bland, careful, verbally stealthy, pickingsafeplacestoresthis head, present his promises. Inafingernail,itistrustme. Thisonce. Thislasttime.
Vice President Jagdeo, a mannolesshonourablealso placed his hand on the Communist Manifesto miraculously translated to the Wealth of Nations and took an oath to “review and renegotiate.” All Guyanese knew what, and what that meant for them. They are still waiting five years later Guyanesecounttheirlosses.
Promise eroded and discarded. Isuggesterecting that one on Exxon's billboard, or on top of the PPP elections manifesto
Trust violated and invalidated. Whetheraking oracommonmanorwoman, their trust should never be mangled in such a contemptuous manner I think, therefore I assert, that when there is a violation of trust that signals a probable decline into corruption of character Atleast,thereare indications of corruption of thespirit.
As an aside, a stranger came to my door yesterday and said his daughter has to have surgery He had a ragged piece of paper in his hands. Igavehimthedollar thatIwasabletospare. Fora daughter's surgery, or for someothertypeofsickness? Actions are better proofs
thanwords. His,Imaynever know,forhecouldbelostin the wide ether of the environment. Neither the president nor the vice president has that luxury for their cry to 'trust me' to review and renegotiate was public, is still global. The billisstilldue. Andnowthe Guyanesepeoplehaveaday of reckoning to face. Mice and men may mumble and mangle, and leave in a maimed state. But a sitting head-of-state and a former one has a special category reserved for their princely echoes, their national shadows. Those have been contorted and driven to wretchednessinthepastfive years. By the tarnishing of their own oaths, and in the self-incriminating and selfdestructive lava that has spilledfromtheirlips. Like a man who owes a debt that he cannot repay (or refuses to honour), so the president and vice president hide themselves from review and renegotiate. Theysaidit,not I,sire.
After five years of disowning the trust, they asked Guyanese to give them,theyarebackbigtime. Trust me. Trust us. The Americans have a saying, which they could confirm with Exxon's majestic Alistair Routledge. Spit on meonce,it'syourfault. Spit onmetwice,surelythatcrap is not being tried again on me. It'swherethepresident andvicepresidentareinthis un-silly season. Try sick season, sicker promises Trust me. Trust betrayed before (review and renegotiate);trustdestroyed. Still both men return. Trust me.
(The views expressed in this article are those of the author and do not necessarily reflect the opinionsofthisnewspaper.)
Elections results will be available by Sept. 3
With no delay encountered following the casting of votes on September 1, the GuyanaElectionCommission(GECOM) has disclosed that the results of the 2025 GeneralandRegionalElectionscouldbe disclosedbySeptember3.
This was disclosed by GECOM'S Deputy Chief Elections Officer (DCEO) AnealGiddingsduringtheCommission's ElectionMediaTrainingheldonSaturday attheRegencySuitesinGeorgetown.
The training involved engagements and presentations by key GECOM officialsontheelectionprocess.
The following has been revealed duringthetraining:
1.10,481membersofthedisciplined
– GECOM
forces are eligible to vote onAugust 22, 2025 ahead of the General and Regional Election scheduled to be held on September1.
2.757,715citizensareeligibletovote onSeptember1.
3. On Election Day, there will be 2,790pollingstationsacrossthecountry
4. No more than 400 electors are allowedtovoteatapollingstation.
5. In the absence of public buildings, GECOM will be using an undisclosed number of private residences as polling stations.
Media workers at GECOM's election training on Saturday
Cattle thieving on the rise in Berbice …police unable to curb situation
ByShervinBelgrave
Farmersarecomplaining that cattle rustling is on the rise in Region Six and it is costing them millions in losses. Police have agreed that the offence is very common in the region but
solving cases and prosecuting the offenders is evenmorechallenging.
One businessman, Ron Soogrim is so fed up that he returnedtoGuyanafromthe United States of America (U.S.) after learning that cattle rustlers had again stolenoneofhiscattle.
Speaking with Kaieteur
News on Wednesday, Soogrim an entrepreneur in theU.S.(founderofDevsoo FarmsLLC)saidthatoneof his calves was stolen from the backlands in the vicinity of Number 70 Village, East Berbice Corentyne, Region Six.
He was abroad when an employee informed him of thetheft.
“The caretaker, Bhola, said that a few individuals from the area loaded my animal on a (Canter) truck going to Leguan (an island
Cattle grazing in the Corentyne, Berbice backlands
Cattle Farmer,Ameir Rajpaul take Kaieteur to meet healthy bulls in the Corentyne Backlands
Businessman Ron Soogrim, speaking Kaieteur News on Friday
on the East Bank of Essequibo, Region 3),”
Soogrim told Kaieteur News
The businessman then advisedhisemployeetocall the Springlands Police Station at Number 51 Village, Corentyne to report thematter
He too reportedly called the Regional Police Headquarters in New
Amsterdam and informed themofthesituation.
K a i e t e u r N e w s understands that the Canter wasstoppedbeforeitleftthe districtandtheanimalswere impoundedatthestation.
Several cows onboard the truck were allegedly stolenandtheemployeewas able to identify Soogrim's calf. Recognising the severity of the situation, Soogrim decided to come to Guyana to have the matter properly addressed since it was not the first time his cowswerestolen.
Police in Region Six have confirmed that the cattle were impounded and an investigation has been launched. Several persons were arrested, Commander of Region Six Shivpersaud BacchustoldKaieteurNews Twopersonswerereportedly placedbeforethecourt.
Meanwhile, Soogrim who said he has been losing significant funds as a result of cattle theft invited Kaieteur News toBerbiceto observe cattle rearing and talk to persons about the situation.
On Friday, Kaieteur News visited the Corentyne backlands where cattle grazed and listened to concernsofthoseaffected.
Ameir Rajpaul told this publication that cattle rearingishismainsourceof income but he also rears sheep, goats and ducks and chicken.
Hesaidonegoatorsheep is worth about $100, 000 whenhesellstoabutcher Rajpaul highlighted the importance of cattle rearing in contributing towards feeding Guyana but cattle rustling is chasing investors andkillingthebusiness.
Like Soogrim, Rajpaul expressed frustration with (Continuedonpage42)
The Alliance For Change (AFC) on Friday expressed major concerns about ExxonMobil GuyanaLimited’s(EMGL)planto continue debottlenecking efforts for every new project brought onstream – an exercise to increase the vessels’ output beyond the nameplatecapacity
Exxon’s plan was recently
disclosed by ExxonMobil Corporation Chairman and Chief Executive Officer (CEO) Darren Woods.Woodssaidthatitsstrategy tomaximiseoilproductionbeyond the nameplate capacity of Exxon’s vessels operating in the Stabroek Blockwillultimatelysecurehigher returns on the company’s investmentsinGuyana.
On Friday, Exxon announced the startup of its ONE GUYANA Floating Production Storage and Offloading(FPSO)vesselwhichis its largest vessel to date, with an initialannualaverageproductionof 250,000barrelsperday(bpd)anda storage capacity of two million barrels.
At the AFC’s weekly press conference held on Friday, former Head of the Environmental ProtectionAgency(EPA)andparty member Dr Vincent Adams welcomed the announcement However, Dr Adams noted that while Exxon is taking care of its interest to produce as much oil as possible to maximise returns, he contended that the Government of Guyana continues to neglect its responsibility to ensure Exxon’s operations are done safe and in an environmentallysoundmanner
Referencing the comments made by Woods, Dr Adams reiterated his position that debottlenecking exercises are both dangerous and reckless He contended that, at the current pace of operations, which he said is in violation of safety rules, there is a higher likelihood of an incident occurring.
It was during ExxonMobil’s second-quarter earnings call when the CEO was asked to speak about EMGL’s debottlenecking efforts and how sustainable it is for the vesselsoperatingattheLizaPhase 2 and Payara projects to continue producing above their nameplate capacities.
Woods first said that the companyisfocusedonmakingsure that it maximises the value of its investment without compromising any of the necessary integrity and safety parameters. He noted that this is a consistent practice across all of Exxon’s global operations andcreditedthecompany’sfocused technology organisation for
playing a major role in those efforts.
“So,myviewiswe’regoingto continuetoseethatwitheverynew projectthatcomeson.Iwouldalso tell you that as we find those debottlenecking opportunities and we think they’re applicable to the next project, we build that into the basis, so that we have a clear understanding of what capital is needed to deliver on the volume,” Woods explained. He said too that Exxon will continue updating its investment and design basis based on lessons learned from previous debottleneckingefforts.
In response, Dr Adams said, “You’re already hearing Exxon is boasting, they’re boasting they cannotdothisintheUnitedStates,I knowthatforfact,”Dr Adamssaid.
He added that debottlenecking is a non-sensical term to confuse Guyaneseandsaidthatitisnotpart of Guyana’s environmental laws and regulations Dr Adams explained, “it means is they’re making adjustment in equipment andtheproductionrateetcetera.”
Dr AdamsarguedthatExxon’s practice to make adjustments and push the vessels’ production capacity beyond their nameplate capacityislawless.Heoutlinedthat the Environmental Impact
Assessments (EIAs) that took months and sometimes years to be evaluated and approved is the document that sets the production
rate. He argued that no amount of debottleneckingcouldchangewhat isoutlinedintheEIAs.
“The environmental impact assessment, that is the legal documentsays,forexample,thisis therate,forexample,LizaOne,the rate enshrined in that document says the safe operating limit cannot be greater than 120,000 barrelsperday Weareoperatingat 165,000 bars per day, almost 40% above.That’sputtingusatrisk,and they’re doing that for all of the projects So that’s what that debottlenecking means, so its lawless,”henoted.
Dr Adams continued, “It’s unlawful for them to be talking about increasing above the nameplate production rate It’s illegal, but this government is allowingthem…”
Notably, though first oil was achieved at the ONE GUYANA FPSO, Exxon’s production level is currentlyaround650,000bpd.The company explained that while the installed capacity is 900,000 bpd, production level is not there as yet as the ONE GUYANA vessel productionlevelwillberampedup tomeetitsinitialcapacity
ONEGUYANAjoinedtheLiza Destiny,LizaUnity,andProsperity FPSOs The Prosperity FPSO began production in November 2023 and reached its nameplate capacity of 220,000 bpd within months With subsequent
modifications, Exxon was able to ramp up output to around 260,000 bpd. Similarly, in 2022, the Liza Unity vessel came online producing 220,000 bpd and was alsooptimisedto260,000bpd.The LizaDestiny,Exxon’sfirstFPSOin Guyana, began production in December2019at120,000bpdand waslaterupgradedto165,000bpd.
ThegovernmentofGuyanahas not received proposals from any C a r i b b e a n C o m m u n i t y (CARICOM)countryforthesaleof Guyana’scrude.
This is according to Vice PresidentBharratJagdeowhoathis Thursday press conference was informed of recent comments by President of the African ExportImport Bank (Afreximbank) Prof. BenedictOkeyOramahsuggesting that given Guyana’s status as a major oil producer, the country couldbethesolutiontotheregion’s energyneeds.
The Bank’s president asked whether CARICOM had consideredaggregatingitsdemand forpetroleumbytalkingtoGuyana to refine and supply it collectively He noted that this move would allow the region to reduce its petroleum expenditure dramatically
“So, we have never explored this with anyone in the region, I don’t think there has even been such a demand ” Jagdeo told reporters.
Thevicepresidentstatedthat,to date, the government has not received any joint proposal from CARICOM about the sale of Guyana’s crude for refining to supplyrefinedproducts.
“There’s no such thing. So, I think maybe the president of the African bank…he is saying that given we’re a major producer that may be an option but there’s no
formal proposal before us and if and when it’s made, we will then examine it on its merit. But right now, there is no proposal,” Jagdeo said.
Further, when asked if Guyana would be open to a deal with CARICOM countries at a discounted price for the sale of crude, given that the government’s preferenceistosellitscrudeopenly ontheinternationalmarketinorder to get the best prices, Jagdeo said, “That is something we have to examine only when we have a specific proposal. I don’t want to dealwithhypotheticalshere.”
The vice president reminded that the government is already exploring the refining and storing of a quantity of its crude with United States firm Curlew Midstream.
Curlew Midstream would in turn, resell Guyana the refined product at a lower cost than the country is now procuring globally thereby significantly lowering coststoGuyaneseconsumers.
MONDAY
‘Guyanaisanelectoral autocracy’–Int’lreport
Guyana has been catergorised as an electoral autocracy by VarietiesofDemocracy(V-Dem),a research project that takes a comprehensive approach to understanding democratisation aroundtheglobe.
V-Demisdescribedasaunique approach to conceptualising and measuring democracy, providing m u l t i d i m e n s i o n a l a n d disaggregated dataset that reflects the complexity of the concept of democracy as a system of rule that goesbeyondthesimplepresenceof elections The V-Dem project distinguishes between five highlevel principles of democracy: electoral, liberal, participatory, deliberative, and egalitarian, and collects data to measure these principles. In its 2025 report, VDemnotedthatthemostpopulous Continued on page 17
AFC member and former Head of the Environmental ProtectionAgency (EPA), Dr. VincentAdams
ExxonMobil Corporation Chairman and Chief Executive Officer (CEO), Darren Woods
ONE GUYANAFPSO
Frompage16 type of regime is clearly electoral autocracies with 46% of the world population, or 3.7 billion. It said someoftheworld’smorepopulous countries belong to this regime type, such as Ethiopia, India, and Pakistan.Indonesiaalsodescended to this regime type in 2024, although to the autocratic “grey zone”,thereportnoted.
According to the report Latin AmericaandtheCaribbeanhasfive democratisingcountries(or20%of the region): Bolivia, Brazil, Ecuador,DominicanRepublic,and Honduras.Threeofthem–Bolivia, Brazil,andEcuador–areamongthe “U-turn”democratizers–countries that are success-fully reversing autocratisation processes of the p r e v i o u s y e a r s “ Ye t , autocratisationiswidespreadinthe region, with seven countries (or 28% of the region) currently regressing:Argentina,ElSalvador, Guyana,Haiti,Mexico,Nicaragua, andPeru,”thereportnoted.
According to the report, the dividing line between electoral autocracies and electoral democracies deserves a special note. Categorical classifications like the RoW measure sacrifice some nuances and risk misclassifying countries when the underlying data puts them at, or very close to, thresholds Some uncertaintythereforeremainsabout regimes that are close to the threshold between democracy and autocracy
Guyanaisclassifiedamongthe fivegreyzoneelectoralautocracies that could potentially be misclassified. The countries with Guyana are: Benin, Indonesia, Mauritius, and Mongolia According to the V-Dem data, the bestestimateisthatthesecountries nolongerqualifyfortheminimum standards of electoral democracy “All of them except Benin are in episodes of autocratisation but Mauritiusheldasurprisingelection in 2024 that could mean a turnaround after years of autocratisation,” the report added. Overall, according to V-Dem taking the grey zone uncertainty into account, the number of democraciescouldrangefrom76to 93,with88beingourbestestimate, while the number of autocracies might range from 86 to 103 countries, with 91 being our best estimate.
OnitswebsiteV-Demsaidthat the study of democracy and democratisationliesatthecenterof politicalscienceandisincreasingly importantineconomics,sociology, andhistory ItnotedthatinthepostCold War world, democracy has also become a central foreign policy objective for many countries, and is often a critical condition for the distribution of international development assistance The transition to democracy and its consolidation
Chief Executive Officer (CEO) of SBM Offshore, Øivind Tangen
remains a key issue in global development today “Yet, uncertaintypersistsoverwhysome countries become and remain democratic and others do not Despite much study, few propositions have been decisively rejected or confirmed. Additionally, the persistent uncertainty stems from a lingering dataproblem.Noextantdataset,or setofdatasets,hasbeensufficiently broad and sufficiently disaggregated to measure the diverse components of democracy acrosscountriesandthroughtime,” theorganisationsaid.
ChiefExecutiveOfficer(CEO) of SBM Offshore, Øivind Tangen onFridaysaidthatdebottlenecking exercisesonthefirstthreeFloating, Production, Storage and Offloading (FPSO) vessel it supplied for ExxonMobil Guyana Limited (EMGL) operations in the Stabroek block, has resulted in an increased daily production of 125,000barrelsofoil.
“Debottleneckingofprocessing
facilitiesonourinitialthreeFPSOs has increased production capacity by 125,000 barrels of oil per day,” Tangen said during the company’s second quarter earnings call Debottlenecking is an exercise to increaseavesseloutputbeyondthe nameplatecapacity.
reached its nameplate capacity of 220,000 bpd within months. With subsequent modifications, Exxon was able to ramp up output to around 260,000 bpd. Similarly, in 2022, the Liza Unity vessel came online producing 220,000 bpd and wasalsooptimisedto260,000bpd. The Liza Destiny, Exxon’s first FPSOinGuyana,beganproduction in December 2019 at 120,000 bpd and was later upgraded to 165,000 bpd.
SBM’s CEO outlined that the experience gained from debottlenecking of processing facilities has allowed for learning and data gathering. He said this allowsSBMtocontinuouslyrefine its value proposition and reinforce their ability to execute complex projectsatpaceandatscale.
producing above their nameplate capacities.
Woods first said that the companyisfocusedonmakingsure that it maximises the value of its investment without compromising any of the necessary integrity and safety parameters. He noted that this is a consistent practice across all of Exxon’s global operations andcreditedthecompany’sfocused technology organisation for playing a major role in those efforts.
To date, SBM has constructed four FPSOs for the Stabroek block operations, the Liza Destiny, Liza Unity, Prosperity and ONE GUYANA.Exxonhadrecruitedthe services of Japanese ship builder, MODEC, for its fifth FPSO, Errea Wittu and SBM was awarded a contract last year for the sixth FPSO,Jaguar SBM is retained on a 10-year Operations and Maintenance Enabling Agreement for each FPSO it supplied for Exxon’s operat
Th
ONE
UYANA
PS
ek achievedfirstoil.Withtheaddition of this fourth vessel, Exxon’s installed production capacity is now over 900,000 bpd – though production remains around 650,000 bpd – as the ONE GUYANAFPSO works to achieve its initial production target of 250,000bpd.
The Prosperity FPSO began production in November 2023 and
This disclosure comes amidst concerns raised about Exxon’s debottlenecking exercises by Alliance for Change (AFC) member and former head of the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA),Dr.VincentAdams.
Dr. Adams recently reiterated his position that debottlenecking exercises are both dangerous and reckless. He contended that, at the current pace of operations, which he said is in violation of safety rules,thereisahigherlikelihoodof anincidentoccurring.
Hiscommentswereinresponse to ExxonMobil Corporation’s chairman and chief executive officer (CEO) Darren Woods, who said that the company’s strategy to maximise oil production beyond the nameplate capacity of the vessels operating in the Stabroek blockwillultimatelysecurehigher returns on the company’s investmentsinGuyana.
It was during ExxonMobil’s second-quarter earnings call when the CEO was asked to speak about EMGL’s debottlenecking efforts and how sustainable it is for the vesselsoperatingattheLizaPhase 2 and Payara projects to continue
However, Dr Adams argued that while Exxon is taking care of itsinteresttoproduceasmuchoilas possible to maximise returns, he contended that the Government of Guyana continues to neglect its responsibility to ensure Exxon’s operationsaredonesafelyandinan environmentallysoundmanner He said that debottlenecking is a nonsensical term to confuse Guyaneseandsaidthatitisnotpart of Guyana’s environmental laws and regulations. Dr. Adams explained, “it means is they’re making adjustment in equipment andtheproductionrateetcetera.”
Dr Adams highlighted that Exxon’s practice to make adjustments and push the vessels’ production capacity beyond their nameplate capacity is lawless. He outlined that the Environmental Impact Assessments (EIAs) that took months and sometimes years tobeevaluatedandapprovedisthe document that sets the production rate. He argued that no amount of debottleneckingcouldchangewhat isoutlinedintheEIAs.
International Lawyer Melinda Jankisaidthatthebigpolitical Continued on page 18
Frompage17 parties in Guyana: PPP, APNU andAFC cannot and should not be trusted to run the country’s oil sector and queried whether it was not time to find an alternative. She also asked whether voters are finally ready to give“ournationaParliament in which no single party can dictateanddestroyourfuture butallParliamentarianshave to work together in the nationalinterest?”
In a letter to this newspaperonMondayJanki urgedtheelectoratetoaskof the new political parties exactly how they intend to stop ExxoxMobil getting
away with the 2016
Production Sharing Agreement (PSA) Guyana
signed onto with the company She lamented that
Guyanese voters are currently plagued with a “slew of underwhelming aspirants”, and as such they should be asking all of the new parties to reveal their plans,onhowtheyintendto stop the US oil giant from getting away with what she described as, “the current rapacious deal and from dictating policy that is detrimental to this country, the environment and earnings.”
The attorney made it clear that it is not necessary toaskthecurrentorprevious administration, namely the People’s Progressive Party Civic (PPPC) or A Partnership for National Unity (APNU) and the Alliance for Change (AFC) these questions as their records demonstrate that they cannot and must not be trusted and put in charge of the country’s petroleum sector “The APNU+AFC Coalition burdened Guyana with this ‘rapacious deal’by which Exxon and partners take 87.5% of Guyana’s oil without paying Guyana for it. VikramBharratestimates that the Stabroek Block has around11.6billionbarrelsof oil.Theoilmarketisvolatile buttakingareasonablerange ofUS$60toUS$90abarrel, theoilintheStabroekBlock would,ifsoldonthemarket, fetch a price between US$696,000,000,000 and US$1,044,000,000,000,” sheexplained.
The attorney went on to say that the Stabroek Block operatoranditspartnerswill take 87 5% of that i e b e t w e e n
US$609,000,000,000 and US$913,500,000,000 and they do not buy the oil from
Guyana. It is simply taken out to cover their expenses, whose figures are pretty controversial and their profit.
“They pay a royalty of 2%butsincetheyareentitled to take as much free oil as they want for their own use, we do not know how much oil is in fact royalty free.
RaphaelTrotman’s response to public anger over this unprecedented transfer of wealthfromasovereignstate to a foreign corporation was a ‘Nuremburg’ style bleat that he was following instructions from President Granger,”Jankistressed.
She reminded that while in opposition the PPP/C had lambasted the coalition for thisverydeal,withnowVice President Bharrat Jagdeo while he was Leader of the Opposition then saying, according to Hansard 21 December 2018, “Our incompetent government trudged in there unprepared and stuck us with a contract that would harm us for decadesintothefuture.They soldourpatrimony…”
However now in office, shehighlightedthatthesame PPP/Chas,“defendedExxon andopposedandcondemned patriotic citizens seeking to protectGuyanafromExxon.
Attorney-General Anil Nandlall joined the Collins and Whyte v EPA and ExxonMobil Guyana, in order to oppose Justice Kissoon’s order for an unlimited parent company guarantee to indemnify Guyana.”
Nandlall has also criticised persons bringing cases to enforce the law in relationtoExxon’sactivities which he has described as ‘obstructionist’ and ‘meddlesome busybodies’ –a statement firmly rejected by Justice SewnarineBeharrywhodescribedthem
2025 is scheduled to be disbursed this month (July 2025).
“Without a resolution to theoutstanding10%,weare deeplyworriedthatthisnew increase may also be misapplied or withheld, continuingapatternofunfair treatment,”theletteradded.
e m p l o y e e s o f a constitutional body The 10% increase announced in 2024 should be paid forthwith, along with the relevant retroactive adjustments, so that we may also receive the correct 8% increase for 2025, based on theaccuratesalarybaseline.”
as‘publicbenefactors’.
“President Ali in an underhand and secretive manner assented to an oil spill bill which was condemned nationally, r e g i o n a l l y a n d internationallyandisacrude unconstitutional attempt to protect ExxonMobil at the e
Guyanese voters should not be s
p
sed In the ExxonMobil Corporation Earnings Call 31 July 2020, Neil Chapman an Exxon Vice President, assured investors that, “What we know is that all parties in Guyanawanttoprogressthis development Of course, we’reinregularcontactwith both President Granger and the APNU+AFC coalition, andwe’realsoindiscussions withthePPPandJagdeoand Irfan Ali. The PPP/C took office a few days later on 5 August,”shesaid.
Staff members of the E t h n i c R e l a t i o n s Commission (ERC), have expressed deep frustration over the non-payment of the 10% salary increase announced by President IrfaanAliin2024.
In a letter addressed to Chairman of the ERC, Sheikh Moen-ul-Hack last July, the staff noted their deepdisgustatthecontinued non -payment. “As of today, July16,2025,ithasbeen240 days and counting since this public announcement, yet we remain excluded from receiving the increase that waspromisedtoALLpublic servants,”theletteroutlined.
Tofurtherexacerbateour concern, the staffers noted that they have learned that the 8% salary increase for
Theletterfurtherpointed out need to clarify misunderstandinginrelation to the statement made by Minister of Parliamentary AffairsandGovernance,Ms. Gail Teixeira, during the F e b r u a r y 3 , 2 0 2 5 , consideration of the budget estimates regarding salary adjustments received by certainstaffin2023.
“We respectfully submit that the adjustments in q u e s t i o n w e r e n o t unauthorized, nor were they arbitraryorexcessive. They were salary corrections undertaken to address l o n g s t a n d i n g underpayments, not salary increases We understand that these corrections were necessitated by an accountingoradministrative e r r o r w i t h i n t h e Commission, which is entirely outside the control of the affected employees,” the staff explained in the missive.
Accordingly, the staff hasformallyrequestedafull and transparent explanation of the error that led to the misrepresentation of our corrected salaries as increases; the identification o f w h o w i t h i n t h e C o m m i s s i o n w a s responsible for these incorrect salaries in the first place; disclosure of what actions, if any, have been taken with regard to the individual(s) responsible, as it appeared the aggrieved s t a f f a r e b e i n g “PUNISHED” for the error of another person and confirmation of whether the Minister of Parliamentary AffairsandGovernancewas fully and accurately informed of all details surrounding the situation before her statement in Parliament.
The affected staff explained in their letter, that they will endeavour to pursuethoseMinistrieswith authority for financial oversight to lobby on their ownbehalf.
The letter further stated “Ourcurrentsituationisthat we have to take the matter intoourhandstoensurewhat is legally, morally, and rightfully owed to us as
In light of this, the aggrieved ERC staff members have requested all c o r r e s p o n d e n c e , documentation, and records related to this matter, from the initialadjustments to the current date, including the “strong letter” reportedly sent to the Commission, as stated by Minister Teixeira.
The letter added, “Let it be clearly stated that if this matter remains unresolved, we will be left with no alternative but to initiate all necessary legal and industrial actions to safeguard our rights and pursue the compensation that we have been unfairly denied for far too long. We would sincerely regret having to take this option in lightofthiselectionperiod.”
To this end, the staff expressed hope that the Commission will sincerely treat the matter with the urgency, seriousness, and transparency
Businessman and Presidentialcandidateofthe We Invest in Nationhood ( W I N ) p a r t y h a s categorically denied claims madebyMinisterofForeign Affairs that the Mohameds have been visiting the Venezuelan Embassy
frequentlyinabidtosecurea visatotraveltoCaracas.Ina statement released to the press, Mohamed denounced what he described as “baseless, malicious, and politically motivated” lies being peddled against him. “I never visited the Venezuelan Embassy, nor have I applied for a visa to traveltoVenezuela,”hesaid.
The WIN party leader’s response comes hours after Foreign Affairs Minister, Hugh Todd claimed that he had summonedAmbassador to Guyana, Carlos Amador Perez Silva, to a meeting on theissue.
Todd noted that Congressman Carlos Gim
had raised concerns over what he had described as Venezuela’s attempt to influence internal affairs in Guyana, specifically through Mohamed.
“I’m encouraged to informyouthatonlyrecently we found out that the Mohameds have been frequently visiting the VenezuelanEmbassyherein Georgetown. Now, you can recall that we’ve had Congressmen in the United States ofAmerica who have been very vocal in connectingtheMohamedsto Nicholas Maduro and his regime, particularly as it relates to smuggling and the sanctions that have been placed on Venezuela, gold smuggling that is, and money laundering,” Todd d
n interview conducted by the Department of Public Information.
In a press statement last even,thebusinessmancalled out the government on the allegations.
“Thissmearcampaignis meant to be a distraction from the PPP alleged corruptionbeingexposed
Continued on page 28
International Lawyer Melinda Janki
YDrive and Air Dash in strategic partnership to transform travel in Guyana
YDrive and Air
D a s h h a v e
launched a landmark partnership to deliver a fully integrated travelexperienceinGuyana, offering seamless, premium mobility solutions that connect air and ground transport with unmatched convenience, safety, and comfort.
Thiscollaborationmarks atransformativemilestonein Guyana’s transportation sector,combiningAirDash’s executive air mobility services with YDrive’s professional chauffeur and ground transport to redefine howpassengersmoveacross thecountry
A New Standard in C o n n e c t e d Tr a v e l Passengers flying with Air Dash can now seamlessly pre-book YDrive chauffeur services to take them from Ogle Airport to their final destination, or to Ogle for departure.
Whetherarrivingfromor
traveling to Lethem,
Timehri, or Berbice, travelers enjoy seamless door-to-door mobility eliminating the stress of separate transfers and e n s u r i n g s m o o t h , uninterrupted travel from runwaytoroadway
“This partnership delivers exactly what modern travel demands: speed, comfort, and no friction. From the moment a passenger steps out of their hotel lobby, they’re under
our VIP service and care—right to the aircraft door,” said Captain Gerry Gouveia Jr., Founder of Air Dash and Chairman of the Private Sector Commission of Guyana. “It’s a gamechanger for how people experience domestic travel inGuyana.”
“We’reproudtointegrate YDrive’s luxury transport service with Air Dash’s aviation excellence,” said Lorenzo Persaud, Business Development Manager, ANSA Mobility “We’re offering something no one else does: seamless, fullspectrum mobility from groundtoairandback—with total professionalism every stepoftheway ABOUTYDRIVE
YDrive is the premium chauffeurs and ground transportation service under theANSAMobilityDivision of ANSA Motors, operating in Guyana, Trinidad, and Barbados. Services include: Airport transfers, chauffeurdrivenrides,shuttleservices guidedtoursandmore ABOUTAIRDASH Air Dash, launched in early 2025, is Guyana’s leading executive air mobility provider, offering fast,safe,andefficientpointto-point flights between, Ogle, Cheddi Jagan International (Timehri), Berbiceand Lethem Air Dash is the first and onlyproviderofa10-minute flight between CJIA and Ogle, and a 25-minute servicebetweenGeorgetown and Berbice routes that previously took over two hoursbycar AirDashisled by Captain Gerald Gouveia Jr, a veteran pilot and current Chairman of the Private Sector Commission (PSC) of Guyana, who brings a bold, customerfocused vision to regional aviation.
Together,YDriveandAir Dash are setting a new benchmark for connected travelinGuyana,seamlessly integrating air and ground transportation to deliver a smarter, elevatedexperience foreverypassenger
When we say yes to others, we are saying notoourselves.Sayingnois healthy and should be encouraged. Between birth and age 4, we say no to everyone with ease and comfort. This is the age humans begin to assert their independence and freedom of choice and preferences. Saying no to parents, relatives and friends at this ageisasignofpsychological health and development in a child.
By age five, something begins to go wrong, and by late adolescence, we have a peoplepleaser.Anadultwho is unable to say no without feelingguiltyandfearfulfor the rest of their lives, unless they get professional help from a psychologist.We say yes to events we don’t want to attend, favours we don’t want to do, nights out with people we aren’t sure we even like, food we don’t want,andjobswehate…and thelistgoeson.
Whathappenedbetween 5 and 18 is called childhood trauma in the form of poor parenting, emotional abuse and or neglect that altered their thinking about themselves and others Feelings about themselves and others, and their behaviour towards themselves and others. This is not an alteration of positivity but an adverse i n t e r p e r s o n a l a n d intrapersonalrelationship.
Towards a better life with your psychologist I AM UNABLE TO SAY NO
T h i s c h i l d h o o d environment created by parentsandcaregiversmade children feel they could get love simply by being themselves Somehow, despite their very best intentions, our parents or caretakers left us feeling we hadtoconformorperformto ‘earn’theiraffections.
Parentalexamplessuch as: Strict parenting where you were rewarded for meeting expectations and shown displeasure if you didn’t.
M i x e d m e s s a g e parenting, lenient one momentthendemandingthe next,wherethechilddecided it was best to conform over riskrejection.
Distracted parenting where your caretaker suffered with a difficult relationship, stress, or depression, and you learned to fit their needs over become another stress for them.
Unresolved parenting where your parent has not solvedtheirissueswiththeir parents and thus played out their faulty dynamics with you.
Insecureparentingwhere a parent doesn’t love themselves and uses their child to shore up their selfesteem, leaving you pressured to make your parentfeelgood
1.FearofRejectionand Disapproval:
·Manypeoplestruggleto saynobecausetheyfearthat
declining a request will lead to rejection or disapproval fromothers.
· This fear is rooted in past experiences where saying no resulted in negative consequences or a lack of validation. Now you havebeencultured.
· Some individuals may equate saying no with being selfish or uncaring, leading them to prioritise others’ needsovertheirown.
2. People-Pleasing Tendencies:
· People-pleasers often haveastrongneedtobeliked and accepted, making it difficult to turn down requests, even when it’s detrimental to their wellbeing.
· This behaviour can be linkedtoalearnedpatternof seeking approval and validationfromothers,often stemming from childhood experiences where love and acceptancewereconditional.
3. Lack of Confidence andBoundarySetting:
· Individuals with low self-esteem or a lack of confidencestruggletoassert their needs and boundaries, makingithardtosayno.
· Not feeling worthy of prioritising their needs or may be unsure of how to communicate their boundarieseffectively
· Setting boundaries is a crucial aspect of self-care and maintaining healthy
relationships, and the inabilitytodosocanleadto feeling overwhelmed and resentful.
Thepsychologicalcostof notsayingNO
Bad relationships. It might seem to make your relationship better if you alwayssayyestotheoneyou love or to good friends. But inthelongrun,whetheryou admit it to yourself or not, you are going to start to feel manipulated. And if you can’t say no, it’s not likely you are the sort to be honest withyourpartneraboutyour real feelings (or even know what they are most of the time). Instead, you resort to passive-aggressive behaviour to ‘win back’ some of the energy you are letting your partner, friends and colleagues take. This mightfeelfairatfirst,butin thelongrun,itcanleaveyou feeling bad about yourself and leave others losing their respectandinterestinyou.
Anxiety Asthetimeand energy to accomplish your own goals is surely and steadily eaten up by other people’s demands, you will begin to experience anxiety attacks Anxiety happens because, on an unconscious level,youareawarethatyou are moving farther and fartherawayfromachieving your personal goals and creatingthelifeyousecretly hopefor
Depression Always giving in to the demands of otherscanmakeyousecretly
feel bad about yourself and lead to low selfesteem And low selfesteem is one of the leading symptoms of depression, so muchsothatit’sstilldebated which one comes first. So if you are the type to give too muchandfeeltirednomatter how much you sleep, have lost your libido, and/or are under- or overeating, you might be suffering from depression.
Lack of personal identity.Ifwedon’tfocuson what we really want and spend all of our time doing what others want, it is possible to eventually not even know what we want. You can become so numb fromdoingwhatotherswant andexpectyoutodothatyou don’t even know what you do and don’t like and who youevenare.Andnothaving asenseofselffeedsrightinto the depression, anxiety and stress.
Breakup and divorce
Sayingyescanseemtomake youclosertoapartneratfirst, but inevitably, it leads to fights as hidden resentments come to the surface The fights might seem to be irrelevant and about ‘little things’,butreally,theyaren’t There is nothing little about acting as a martyr and selfsacrifice As mentioned, it’s often a deeply entrenched patternthatgoesrightbackto childhood Andthemoreyour partner demands from you, the more old memories are triggered,whichleadstoeven
more distance between you and disagreements Burnout
Add up a few of the above, andatsomepoint,youmight justhittheproverbialwall If you always have low-grade coldsorflu,don’tsleepwell, and feel tired often, ask yourself,amIovergivingand headedtoburnout?
Overcoming the Challenge requires psychodynamic therapy to:
· Developing the ability to say no, self-awareness, practice, and a shift in mindset. Some strategies for overcoming the difficulty of sayingnoinclude:
·Practisinginlow-stakes situations to build confidence.
·Learningtoidentifyand articulate your needs and boundaries.
Developing internal validation and selfcompassion.
·Recognisingthatsaying no is a form of self-care and boundarysetting.
· Focusing on building healthy relationships based on mutual respect and understanding.
By Dr. Telford Layne Jr. PsyD, MSc. Postgrad, BSc. Clinical and Developmental Psychologist - Psychoanalyst Unwrapping Gift -Clinic
PIPES THAT PASS THE TEST – MADE FOR GUYANA, CERTIFIED BY GNBS
With the International
Building Expo concluding today after four-days under the theme “The Road to Success: Guyana 2030 and Beyond”, it is an opportune time to shine the spotlight on a key construction material used primarily for plumbing, Polyvinyl Chloride (PVC)Pipes.
Whether for plumbing, irrigation, or industrial use, PVC pipesarehiddenlifelinesinhomes, businesses, and large-scale projects. But here is a big question forusers: How can you be sure the PVC pipes you buy are strong,
durable, and safe? The Guyana National Bureau of Standards (GNBS) plays a critical role in ensuring the manufacture and sale of quality PVC pipes through testingandcertification.
Locally, there are two major manufacturers of PVC Pipes; PlasticProductsLimited(Gafoors) and Guyana Thermoplastics Ltd. (Toolsie Persaud Group of Companies), and both produce pipesthatmeettherequirementsof Nat
onal Stand
ds: GYS 107:2021 – Specification for pressure-rated PVC pipes (SDR series) and GYS 99:2021 –Specification for PVC pipes
Schedules 40, 80, and 120 These pipes are also certified by the GNBS under i
s Product Certification Programme, which provesthattheyareofaqualitythat satisfiesconsumerexpectations.
The GYS 107 covers PVC p
thermoplastic pipe dimension ratios and pressure rated for water.
requirements, which include those for materials, tests methods, workmanship, dimensions and burst pressure. The GYS 99 also covers these requirements,but it is specific to PVC pipes made in Schedule 40, 80, 120 sizes and are
pressureratedforwater
But why does conformance to these standards and certification matter?Well,poorlymanufactured orinstalledpipescanleadtocostly repairs,waterloss,andevensafety hazards. By purchasing certified pipes,buildersareassuredthatthey weretestedforstrength,durability, and conformance to requirements. Additionally, under the GNBS Certification programme, manufacturers undergo annual recertification,includingauditsand testing, to ensure continued conformance.TheGNBSactsasan independent third party, granting certified companies the right to
affix the National Standards Mark, atrustedsealofqualityforlocaland internationalmarkets.
BeyondPVCpipes,GNBSalso certifies other construction related productsincludingconcretehollow blocksandbathtubsandfibre-glass showerunits.
Whether you are a supplier, contractor or homeowner, always choose quality for long lasting construction; purchase GNBS certified products, which you can trust.
For more information, contact GNBS on 219-0064/65, WhatsApp: 692-4627, or visit www.gnbsgy.org
Advancing Education, Technology & Innovation in Guyana…
Guyana’s Youth Challenge and the Technology Opportunity
Aroundtheworld,researchshowsaclear link between high school graduation and nationaldevelopment.Countrieswithhigher graduation rates consistently enjoy stronger economic growth, lower poverty, and more stablesocieties(Murnane,2013).
But the research also indicates that the core issue is not just about quantity, the quality of education; the skills students actuallymaster,mattersevenmorethanyears of schooling (Hanushek & Woessmann, 2012).
Thisglobalrealityshouldsoundanalarm for Guyana, where more than half of our studentsneverfinishschool,andwheremany who do graduate still struggle with basic literacyandnumeracy Inthemiddleofoneof the fastest-growing oil economies in the world, that gap between what our young peopleknowandwhattheeconomydemands is a flashing red light, to which I know the government is paying attention and which more parents and the private sector cannot affordtoignore.
Improvingmathandliteracyperformance is the foundation of academic improvement, but this does not happen by accident. It requires carefully designed, long-term programmesthatbuildskillsstepbystep.At STEMGuyana for example, we’ve learned that regardless of a student’s grade level, success in Math begins with the basics, addition, subtraction, multiplication, division, of whole numbers, fractions, and decimals.
Without that foundation, learning advancedconceptsisnearlyimpossible.Our children can learn, but for those who are grades behind in Math, even mastering multiplication tables, something many of us once took for granted, is a significant challenge and one that takes weeks of intentionalfocustoovercome.
And we have to be honest about today’s reality;ourstudentsaregrowingupinaworld of constant stimulation from television, computers,andvideogames.Theirattention spansareshapedbyrapidfeedbackandhigh engagement.Thisisn’tacomplaint,it’safact, and it means our teaching methods must evolve. We cannot rely on yesterday’s strategiesandexpecttomorrow’sresults.
But what about the early school leavers? The Board of Industrial Training (BIT) has made progress in preparing many of these youngpeoplefortradesthatdonotrequirea high school diploma, and the Guyana Industrial Training Centre (GITC) provides anotherpathway Still,toomanyofouryoung people end up in low-skilled, low-wage service and construction jobs.These options havevalue,butIhavealwaysmaintainedthat our young people should be trained to lead and to qualify for higher-paid roles here at home.
Low-wage, unskilled jobs should be left to immigrant labour Achieving this will not happen overnight. It requires commitment and a properly funded plan to prepare all of our young people for excellence, whether they choose the academic or the technical route.Afterall,thebest-payingtechnicaljobs today demand computer skills, solid
numeracy,andstrongreadingability.
Additionally,wemustsupportourbright earlyleaverswhowantatruesecondchance, aswellasyoungparentsintheir20s,30s,and even 40s who dream of returning to academics, finishing high school and pursuing university We must recognize that manyadultshavetobeginagainatathirdor fourth-grade level in math and reading and we should remove the shame and deal with the challenge to make this happen. At Pathway Online Academy, for example, we meetlearnersexactlywheretheyare,guiding them from basic literacy and numeracy, all thewaytoCSECpreparation.Thesearelives once written off that, with the right investment,canbetransformedintonational assets.
The Ministry of Education’s renewed focus on literacy for enrolled students is a welcome and critical step. Literacy is the foundationforalllearning,andIhavecalled forthisemphasisforyears.Literacyremains animportantpieceofthelargerpuzzle.
We must also confront the twin challenges of youth unemployment and underemployment, which affect communities across Guyana. Too many young people must leave their villages in search of opportunity, disrupting families, draining talent, and leaving children vulnerable.
Ourdevelopmentplans,nomatterwhich party leads, must create opportunities for education, skills growth, and jobs in the regionswherepeoplelive.Weneedteachers, nurses, engineers, doctors, police officers, and entrepreneurs to learn, improve, and advance their careers without leaving their home communities. That requires deliberate investment in both human capital and regionaleconomicgrowth.
And here is where Guyana’s moment in history meets the promise of new technologies. In the past, it could take decades to build the physical infrastructure thatconnectedpeopletoopportunity Today, digital tools can help us leapfrog those delays,ifweareboldenoughtousethem.
In agriculture, AI-powered tools can forecast weather, manage pests, and boost yields without waiting for experts from the capital. We should have a farmer’s night schoolprogrammetoupskillfarmerswiththe knowledgetheyneedtoembracetechnology, lower farm expenses and increase farm yields.Ininfrastructure,dronesandAI-based projectmanagementcantrackroads,bridges, and drainage projects in real time, reducing delaysandcorruption.
In education, AI tutors can give every studentapersonalizedlearningpath,helping themcatchupinmathorreadingattheirown pace. In healthcare, telemedicine which is already being implemented and AI-assisted diagnostics can bring specialist care to rural clinics without the long, costly trips to the city
Buttechnologyalonewillnotsaveus.Its power depends on the vision, planning, and leadership behind it. We need our most innovative minds, our most committed educators, our most determined community
leaders, and our private sector partners working together. This is the time for a National Youth and Technology Agenda; a bold, coordinated strategy linking education reform, skills training, and digital transformation directly to job creation in every region of Guyana. If we get this right, wewilldomorethancreatejobs.Wewillgive
our youth and adult learners dignity, hope, andpurposethroughmeaningfulworkinthe communities they call home. We will turn today’s demographic challenge into tomorrow’s national advantage, and ensure that in this new oil economy, our people are not bystanders but builders, leaders, and innovators.
Frompage18 making headways on social media,” Mohamed said. He reasoned that the PPP is attemptingtodivertattention from the truth and suppress the voices exposing their wrongdoing.Tothisend,the businessman challenged the Venezuelan Embassy to produce the proof. “Present anyrecordofmyentrytothe Embassy Show the Guyanese people a single shred of documentation of me applying for a visa,” Mohamedstated.
The businessman noted hisdisgustattheinformation
being peddled by the government.
“Itisoff-puttingthatthis administration would stoop to such depths, squandering stateresourcesinaquestfor political mileage against me and by extension the WIN party To coerce the Venezuelan Ambassador
into misleading the Guyanese public speaks to t h e l e n g t h s t h i s administration is willing to go using his ministers as pawns. It also exposes the fact that the government of Guyanaisincahootswiththe government of Venezuela,” he said adding that If backdoormeetingsarebeing had to concoct lies, such deception put Guyana’s territorial integrity at risk He contended that “…With
leaders like this, our
sovereignty could be barteredawaybehindclosed doors. All of Guyana must recognize this for what it is, the Ali administration is in bed with the Government of Venezuelaandthispresentsa looming danger to our nationalsovereignty.”
The politician urged his supporters to not be distracted by lies but to remain laser-focused on the mission. “September 1” he said is not just polling day; “it is a turning point in our nation.”
The Customs AntiNarcotics Unit (CANU) has heightened security after receiving information of death threat against its Director,JamesSingh. Singh has confirmed the death threat. Speaking with Kaieteur News, the CANU Director said, “A threat against the directive is a
threat against the entire organization so we have heightened our security obviously… not just me but fortheentiremembersofthe organization”.
He added, “just because itsaysisme Wecan’ttake anythingforgranted.”
Singh disclosed that CANUheardaboutthethreat “over the last week” but officially confirmed the intelligenceonMonday Atthistimeinvestigators are unable to say where the criminalnetworkisbased.
“We just know it’s a Spanish network,” Singh told Kaieteur News while revealing that the threat is linked to several drug seizuresCANUmade.
“Itisasaresultofseveral seizureswehavehad,which foreign nationals have been arrested and [placed] before the court. So, coming out of that we heard some information…wehavebeen following up on it,” the CANU head told Kaieteur News.
Local investigators have sincesharedtheinformation
with their foreign counterparts as the investigation into the death threatcontinues.
Meanwhile, Singh assured that he won’t allow the threat to stop him from performinghisduties.
“The nature of the threat is something we deal with every day in this kind of business,” he said while adding, “We can’t let traffickers dissuade us by suchthreats.”
Notwithstanding, Singh told Kaieteur News that the death threat “will not be takenforgranted.”
“Ialreadyspokewithmy
officers they are aware of whatisgoingonandwehave warned to be vigilant in everything that they are doing,”Singhdisclosed.
The United States 2024 Human Rights Report on Guyana has cited that the local media has reported discrimination and hostile personalverbalattacks.
The U S cited that Guyana’s constitution provided for freedom of expression, including for members of the press and other media and noted that the PPP government generally respected this right.
However, the report said too that the Irfaan Ali-led People’s Progressive Party g o v e r n m e n t h a s monopolised state-owned media.
The U S noted that independent news media were active and expressed a wide variety of views, but it states that some members of media reported they faced discrimination and hostile personal verbal attacks in responsetopublicinquiries.
Guyana’s media scene includes both private and state-owned outlets like Stabroek News, Kaieteur News, Guyana Times, Guyana Chronicle, and the National Communications Network. “Members of the media reported the government leveraged access to state advertising
funds to censor indirectly independent media outlets.
Members of the press reported the government ignored their requests for information,whichimpeded their work,” report said in relation to Censorship by governments, military, intelligence,orpoliceforces, criminal groups, or armed extremistorrebelgroups.
Earlier this year, it was reported that Guyana had movedupfourplacesonthe 2025 World Press Freedom Index,nowranking73rdout of 180 countries. The index wasreleasedinMay2025by Reporters without Borders (RSF), an international nonprofitorganisation.
Notably,thereportstated thatwhilefreedomofspeech and the right to information are protected in Guyana, journalists who challenge the authorities still face
threats and intimidation.
Many independent media outlets also struggle financially, as government advertising often favours pro-governmentmedia.
R S F s t a t e d t h a t politically,thegovernment’s practice of hiring media workers for state jobs has w e a k e n e d p r i v a t e newsrooms.
Journalists also face legal threats, including defamation lawsuits, which discourage investigative reporting.
Further,itwasstatedthat economically, independent media compete with betterfunded, government-backed outlets This makes it difficultforthemtosurvive.
Inaddition,itwasstatedthat socially, journalists are generally respected but face verbal attacks from politicians Some officials
also refuse interviews with reporterstheyseeascritical, itwasstated.
In terms of safety, physical violence is rare. It was stated, “While journalists are rarely the target of physical acts of
violence, television investigative journalist Travis Chase’s car was shot atinDecember2023.Media professionals have also faced legal intimidation and suspensions. They are often bullied online by political actors and sometimes unknownpersons.”
Baramitaman stabbedtodeathduring drunkenbrawl
Kaieteur News has been able to confirm that a Baramitateendiedlastweek Thursday after he was stabbed during a drunken brawl in the back lands of a RegionOnevillage.
Details surrounding the stabbing are sketchy at this time,butKaieteurNewswas told that he was rushed to a health outpost at Baramita, North West District, Region One earlyThursday He was critical The wound he received left his intestines protruding.
Theidentityofthevictim is unknown at this time However, Baramita residents are outraged becausetheybelievethathis life could have been saved. According to information receivedbythismediaentity, a request was made for an aircraft to have the victim medevaced to the city but there was none available at thetime. Theteendied
Continued on page 29
The victim waiting on an aeroplane at the Baramita Health Post
Media workers providing coverage of Nomination Day on July 14, 2025
United States Secretary of State Marco Rubio on Thursday disclosed that the
D o n a l d T r u m padministration will confront the drug trafficking in the Western Hemisphere and
any other threats to America’s national security He also hinted at protection
of US oil companies operating in the region, citingtherecentcasewherea Venezuelan military ship confronted workers on one ofExxonMobil’sFPSO.
In a video shared on the U.S. Department of State’s Facebook page, Secretary Rubio stated that there are designated narco-terrorist groups operating in the region. He noted that some have been utilising international airspace and waterstotransitdrugsthathe labeled as “poison” into the UnitedStates.
“Those groups will be confronted The president hasmadethatclearfromthe time he had operated and specifically, the question was about the Cartel of the Suns, Cartel de los Soles, which is a criminal organisation that happens to m a s q u e r a d e a s a government,”hesaid.
Secretary Rubio added, “The [Nicolas] Maduro regime is not a government, it’s not a legitimate government, we have never recognised them as such They are a criminal enterprise that basically has taken control of national territory of a country and who by the way are also threatening US oil companiesthatareoperating lawfullyinGuyana.”
Rubio noted that President Trump has been clear, that “anything that’s a threattothenationalsecurity of the Unites States, he’s gonnaconfront.”
Notably, American oil giant ExxonMobil is the operator of Guyana’s Stabroek Block which is estimatedtohold11.6billion barrels of oil equivalent
Exxon controls 45% of the block, while Hess, another American oil company controls 30% The third partnerisCNOOCwith25% shares.
BackinMarch1,2025,at approximately 07:00 hours, a Venezuelan armed vessel enteredGuyana’swatersand approached the FPSO Prosperity,whichoperatesin the oil-rich Stabroek Block. The Venezuelan vessel radioed the FPSO, claiming itwasoperatingin“disputed international waters” before continuing toward other FPSOsintheblock.
Notably, Guyana and Venezuela have a case pending before the International Court of Justice (ICJ) over Venezuela’s claim to Guyana’s Essequibo region – which makes up two-third ofGuyana’sterritoryandisa resource rich area Moreover, Reuters reported that the United States has ordered the deployment of air and naval forces to the southern Caribbean Sea to address threats from Latin Americandrugcartels,three sources briefed on the decision told Reuters on Thursday
President Donald Trump has wanted to use the military to go after Latin American drug gangs that have been designated as g l o b a l t e r r o r i s t organisations.The Pentagon had been directed to prepare options.
One U.S. official, who was speaking on the conditionofanonymity,said the additional commitment of military assets would include several P-8 spy planes, at least one warship and at least one attack submarine. The official said the process would be ongoing for several months andtheplanwasforthemto operate in international airspace and international
and an external legal assessment determined that the Company’s interests in the licenses and agreements for the Corentyne Block remain valid, the GoG’s positions mentioned above have restricted the
Company’s ability to develop activities under those licenses and agreements,” the company said.
its interests in, and the licence for, the Corentyne Blockremaininplaceandin good standing and that the Petroleum Agreement has notbeenterminated.
Frontera and CGX recently disclosed that the government, through its legal counsel, responded on J u l y 2 3 I n t h a t
Party Civic (PPP/C) government, that any move made to tamper with the elections will have dire consequences.
waters.The naval assets can be used to not just carry out intelligenceandsurveillance operations, but also as a launching pad for targeted strikesifadecisionismade, theofficialadded.Trumphas madecrackingdownondrug cartels a central goal of his administration, part of a wider effort to limit migration and secure the U.S.southernborder.
CGX Energy has disclosed that it has recognisedthelossUS$56.4 million on its exploration and evaluation related to the Corentyne block asset, locatedoffshoreGuyana.
CGX is part of a joint venture (JV) partnership with Frontera Energy that was booted from the block by the Government of Guyana after failing to meet obligations.Earlierthisyear, the JV received a formal communication from the government stating that the Petroleum Prospecting Licence (PPL) and Petroleum Agreement had ended–a position the JV has repeatedlyrejected.
On Wednesday in a statement, CGX announced the recognition of an impairment loss of US$56.4 million related to the Corentyne Block The company said it evaluated the Corentyne exploration and evaluation asset’s recoverability as a result of the government’s conduct, communications, and “unwillingness”torecognise the JV rights during the consultation periods, which havesinceexpired.
“ A l t h o u g h a l l contractual requirements of theCompanyhavebeenmet
To this end, it was explained that the situation has led to uncertainty regarding the asset’s future developmentandconstituted an impairment indicator Consequently, CGX said it recognisedanimpairmentof US$56 4 million on the CorentyneBlockasset.
Notably, after more than two decades of exploration, theJVfinallystruckoilatthe Kawa-1 well in January 2022. Just ahead of the June 28, 2024 deadline for the b l o c k ’s a p p r a i s a l programme, the JV submitted a Notice of Potential Commercial Interest to government for the Wei-1 well, on June 26. The government later said stringent conditions would need to be met to retain the block. In March 2025, the government issued a 30-day notice and gave the oil companiesachancetomake r e p r e s e n t a t i o n s Government was open to good-faith negotiations within the specified timeframe.
However, government eventually cut ties with the JV in relation to the Corentyne Block and said thatitisoftheviewthatthere arenoreasonablegroundsto grant an extension to CGX and Frontera for their exploration and appraisal obligations.
D e s p i t e t h e government’s formal communication to the JV, they remain of the view that
communication, the government rejected the oil companies’claimsregarding the Corentyne Block and reaffirmed its position that theJV’sinteresthadexpired on June 28, 2024. However, the JV said the government also stated that it “may considerafinalmeetingwith the Investors, on a without prejudice basis, in October 2025, and the Joint Venture would be informed as to whether such a meeting will occurinSeptember2025.”
Moreover, CGX also announced on Wednesday that Dr. Suresh Narine has resigned from his positions as Executive Director, Guyana and Executive CoChairman of the Board of Directors of CGX and from his positions with the Company’s subsidiaries to p u r s u e a c a d e m i c endeavours The Company has initiated a search for a permanent Chief Executive Officer and will provide a further update when available.
Describingtheupcoming p o l l s a s t h e m o s t consequential elections in G u y a n a ’s h i s t o r y, presidential candidate and leader of the A Partnership for National Unity (APNU), Aubrey Norton has warned the Peoples Progressive
Norton said while the APNU has shied away from streetprotestsovertheyears, he is prepared to “behave bad” should any attempt be madebythePPP/Ctorigthe outcomeoftheelections.
“You are not going to be allowed to rig these elections. Our agents must scrutinise the process and ensure that nothing illegal happens.We are prepared to behave bad if illegalities occur
Wehavehadfiveyearsof your domination, we have had five years of your barefacedness, we have had five years of your contempt for ordinary people, we say enoughisenough.”
Norton made the bold proclamation at theAPNU’s campaign rally Friday evening at Vreed-en-Hoop, RegionThree.
He told the sizeable crowd that, as opposition leader, he has always been proddedtotaketothestreets inprotestoverinjustices.He has however refused, since, according to him, the governmenthasalwaysbeen waiting to use the opportunity to turn ethnic groupsagainsteachother
“I believe it would have been an error to do that. I believethatallGuyaneseare prepared to live together I believe all Guyanese know there is a need to live together, and I want to urge all, you must not allow anyonetodothingsthatwill bringethnicproblemsinthis country.”
He said while his are a peaceful people, if trouble comes, “we will not back down.”
“In the same breath I warn this government, any attempt to rig the elections w i l l h a v e s e r i o u s consequences.”
Guyana goes to the polls on Monday, September 1 With its “people centered” manifestoofficiallyreleased on Friday, Norton is urging Guyanese to vote wisely so that the country could be returned to a glorious state, free of poverty and corruption.
“A vote for the PPP is a vote for the continuation of thecoverupofcrimes,avote for the PPP is a vote for injustice, a vote for the PPP is a vote to wrongfully incarcerateyoungpeople….
Continued on page 30
United States Secretary of State, Marco Rubio
Presidential Candidate ofAPNU,Aubrey Norton
Frompage29
The PPP is doing wrong to thiscountry,”hedeclared.
Norton said the APNU has offered itself as an alternative because it has committed to put people first.Hesaidthecountrycan only progress if people are placedattheforefront.
The presidential hopeful said Guyanese continue to liveinacountrywherethose with wealth and links to political power are allowed to violate the law He said it islaughablethatleaderssuch as Vice President, Bharrat
Jagdeo is publicly committingtochangethings oncere-elected.
“We know that no leopardchangesitsspots.We know that if you are accustomed to thieving and you do if over a period, you become a pathological thief.”Hespokespecifically to small contractors, who he notedhavetodothebidding of the PPP in order to land jobs. Norton promised that underanAPNUgovernment, nosuchsituationwillexist.
“When we come to
power, you will get your contractsbasedonmerit,”he said. Continuing on a p l a t f o r m o f c l e a n governance, attorney and APNU candidate Dr. Dexter Toddtoldresidentsthatthey needed to elect a president thatwillstandforintegrityat allcosts.Suchapresident,he
assured could only be found inAubreyNorton.Hesaidin any country where there is respect for the rule of law, thereisorder.
Todd reminisced on the state of Guyana after the 2015 elections, where Guyanese felt safe because police were respecting the
lawandtherightsofcitizens. Heurgedvoterstoreturnthe APNU to government to ensureasafecountry.
“The actions of the PPP/C have always demonstrated that we were nothing,” he lamented, pointing out the mounting police excesses that are allowed to fester under the current regime He recountedtheabuseofpower bypoliceintheOrinBoston and Quindon Bacchus’ cases This, he promised, willcometoanend.
With the startup of two Floating Production Storage and Offloading (FPSO) vessels in Brazil and the ONE GUYANA FPSO, Dutch shipbuilder SBM Offshore has noted that the companywillseeabigboost inearnings.
SBM’s Chief Executive Officer (CEO), Øivind Tangen, during the company’s second-quarter earnings call, noted that following the successful delivery of FPSO ONE GUYANA, SBM now has three major projects under construction: FPSO Jaguar for ExxonMobil Guyana,
FPSO Tryon for Woodside and FPSO Grand Morgu for TotalEnergies. He said, “All three are progressing well andremainonschedulewith overall portfolio progress at approximately 30% completion…”
TangennotedthatSBM’s sale-and-operate model for FPSOs Jaguar and Grand Morgu begins to generate profit after just 25% comp
accelerating cash flow at an early stage of construction, while maintaining our life cycle value proposition through operations and maintenance contracts that commence upon completion ofconstruction.
He explained that what the company has realised in relation to FPSOs like Pros
erity and ONE GUYANAisthattheyareall at an initial nameplate capacity of 250,000 barrels per day (bpd). Tangen said
that the vessels like
Prosp
GUYA
ONE
een performing well “So, we believe there’s a lot of dialogue around it. Keeping the size of the FPSOs at the current size is important to continue to be economical and meet those breakeven costs that we know are the underpinning the deepwater
development,”hesaid.
The CEO explained that SBMfeelsthatthelifecycle knowledgeisinstrumentalin being able to harness that topside weight growth, noting that it is through operational experience that the company is able to provide efficient top sides that are reliable, functional and at the cost level of the capital expenditure is optimized.
Further,henotedthat,as impliedbytheguidance,the company expects a strong finish to the year Tangen said, “We’ll see the contribution from Grand Morgu and then, of course, big boost in, lease and operate, from the two units we started up, in Brazil and also impact from ONE GUYANAaswell.Soatleast an operator really gonna get going, in the second half off the back of these successful startups.”
To date, SBM has constructed four FPSOs for Exxon’s Stabroek block operations,theLizaDestiny, Liza Unity, Prosperity and ONE GUYANA. Exxon had recruited the services of Japanese ship builder, MODEC, foritsfifthFPSO, Errea Wittu and SBM was awarded a contract last year forthesixthFPSO,Jaguar
Thisyearmarksthe80th anniversaryofthevictoryof the Chinese People’sWar of Resistance against Japanese Aggression and the World Anti-Fascist Waras well as the 80th anniversary of the founding of the United Nations. Alongside people from all over the world, China will solemnly hold commemorative events, including a memorial meeting,amilitaryparade,a reception, and a national memorial ceremony, to revisit history and honor the martyrs.Chinawillremaina staunch supporter, defender andpromoterofworldpeace anddevelopment.
Eighty years ago, China resolutely resisted Japanese aggression and made significant contributions to thevictoryoftheWorldAntiFascistWar
The World Anti-Fascist Warwasthelargestandmost destructiveconflictinhuman history, engulfing Asia, Europe,Africa,andOceania, bringing profound suffering to 2 billion people and inflicting unprecedented destruction on human civilization. More than 80 countries and regions were drawnintothewar,including British Guiana, where some of its people joined British forces to fight in the EuropeanandAsiantheaters. BritishGuianaalsosupplied critical strategic resources suchasbauxiteandtimberto the Allied forces. This war was a monumental struggle of justice over evil and progress over reaction, and its victory profoundly influenced the advancement ofhumancivilization,giving rise to a wave of newly independent nations, includingGuyana.
The Chinese theater was the main battleground of the WorldAnti-FascistWar, and the Chinese People’sWar of Resistance was an integral part of this global struggle. SomeGuyanesefriendsmay not know that China’s national anthem, March of the Volunteers, was born amidtheflamesoftheWarof Resistance China’s fight began the earliest, lasted the longest, and demanded the greatest sacrifices. From the September 18th Incident in 1 9 3 1 t o J a p a n ’ s unconditional surrender in 1945, the Chinese people waged a 14-year-long war against Japanese fascism China suffered immense losses, with over 35 million milit
casualties and economic damagestotaling500billion USD The tenacious resistance of the Chinese people pinned down and fought the main forces of Japan’s fascist army, eliminating more than 1.5 million Japanese troops and playing a decisive role in defeating the Japanese aggressors.
The Chinese People’s War of Resistance received support and assistance from peace-loving and justicepursuing nations, people, international organizations, and anti-fascist forces worldwide Many antifascist fighters from the Soviet Union, the United States, Canada, India, and othercountriestraveledfrom afar to join China’s resistance, with many sacrificing their lives. The Chinese government and peoplewillneverforgettheir contributions.
TheChinesenationmade historic contributions to the victory of the World AntiFascist War China actively coordinated with Allied operationsinEuropeandthe Pacific, thwarting attempts by Japanese and German fascists to unite, preventing the Soviet Union from fighting on two fronts, delaying Japan’s southward advance,andeasingmilitary pressure on the U.S. and BritaininthePacific.Former U.S. President Franklin D. Roosevelt once remarked that “the magnificent defenseofChina”wasoneof the two key factors in stopping Hitler’s plan of world domination China also deployed troops abroad to directly support Allied forces. In 1942, the Chinese ExpeditionaryForceentered Burma, repeatedly defeating Japanesetroopsandrescuing thousands of encircled British soldiers. In 1944, 24 Chinese naval cadets
participated in the Normandylandings,earning commendation from Former British Prime Minister
Winston Churchill
Additionally, China provided vast quantities of strategic supplies and military intelligence, contributing manpower, resources, and financial support to the anti-fascist war
Over the past 80 years, China has adhered to a path ofpeacefuldevelopmentand played a vital role in safeguarding world peace andstability
Amid the aftermath of the World Anti-Fascist War, the international community reflected deeply and united
to establish an international orderandsystemcenteredon the United Nations and groundedinthepurposesand principlesoftheUNCharter, laying the foundation for post-war peace and development a hard-won achievement of humanity’s collective effort and sacrifice.Asoneofthemajor victorious nations, China actively participated in this historic process and made significant contributions, becomingthefirstcountryto signtheUNCharter
While pursuing its own development, China has supported and practiced multilateralism through concrete actions, playing a constructive role in maintainingworldpeaceand development. China is the largest troop contributor to peacekeeping operations among the five permanent members of the United Nations Security Council and the second largest contributor to the UN’s regular budget and peacekeeping assessments For years, China has contributed around 30% of globaleconomicgrowthand over 70% of global poverty reduction.
Since President Xi Jinping’sproposaloftheBelt and Road Initiative more thanadecadeago,Chinahas signed cooperation agreements with over 150 countries, with cumulative direct investment in partner nations exceeding $350
billion, significantly boosting economic development and social stabilityacrosstheglobe.
President Xi Jinping has put forward the vision of a community with a shared future for mankind, along w i t h t h e G l o b a l Development Initiative, Global Security Initiative, and Global Civilization Initiative, fostering broad consensus to address contemporary challenges These initiatives inject momentum into shared development,rallyforcesfor peace, and guide cultural exchange, making them well-received and widelysupported among more than 100 countries and internationalorganizations.
China steadfastly fulfills itsresponsibilitiesasamajor country, proposing Chinese solutions to jointly tackle challenges and shape the future.
Today’s world faces increasing changes and turbulence, with regional conflicts erupting incessantly Unilateralism, protectionism, and
hegemonism have dealt a heavy blow to the international order As multipolarity and economic globalization encounter numerous challenges, humanity stands once again at a crossroads—solidarity or division, dialogue or confrontation, win-win or zero-sum. We must learn from history, drawing wisdom and strength from the lessons of World War II and the great victory of the world anti-fascist war, resolutely opposing all forms of hegemonism and power politics to jointly create a brighter future for humanity
Wemustupholdacorrect view of WWII history The history of WWII documents both the crimes of war and the heroic deeds of antifascist forces. All peaceloving nations and people need to remain vigilant and firmlyopposeanydistortion
of historical truths or denial of the war’s victorious outcomes.
Only by correctly understanding history can we avoid repeating past mistakes, draw valuable lessons, and forge a better future.
We must resolutely safeguard the post-war international order The conflicts and injustices in today’s world do not arise because the purposes and principlesoftheUNCharter are outdated, but precisely because they have not been fullyimplemented.
The more turbulent the international landscape becomes, the more we must uphold the UN’s authority and promote an equal and orderlymultipolarworldand a universally beneficial and inclusive economic globalization.
Taiwan’s return to China is an integral part of the
WWII victory and the postwar international order The Cairo Declaration, Potsdam Proclamation, and other legally binding documents unequivocally affirm China’s sovereignty over Taiwan.Thesehistoricaland legal facts are indisputable, the authority of UN General Assembly Resolution 2758 is unshakable, and the inevitable historical trend of the reunification of China is unstoppable.
We must build a community with a shared futureformankind.80years ago, people across the globe fought courageously and shoulder-to-shoulder to defeat the mighty forces of fascism. Similarly, today’s humanity must cooperate to overcome security dilemmas,dialoguetobridge civilizational divides, and unite to confront shared challenges.
President Xi Jinping’s visionofacommunitywitha shared future for mankind, along with the Global Development Initiative, Global Security Initiative, and Global Civilization Initiative,inheritsandbuilds upon the invaluable lessons oftheworldanti-fascistwar, offeringChinesesolutionsto tackling global challenges and building a shared promisingfuture.
China stands ready to work with Guyana and all peace-loving nations to preservethefruitsofWWII’s victory, practice true multilateralism, and contribute wisdom and strength to build a community with a shared future for mankind and an open, inclusive, clean and beautiful world of lasting peace,universalsecurityand sharedprosperity
ChineseAmbassador to Guyana,YangYang
TheBubbleThatWouldn'tPop
ItwasabreezySaturdaymorning,and Emily was playing in her backyard with her favorite bubble wand Her mom had just mixed a special homemade bubble solution with dish soap, sugar, and warm water Emily dipped her wand, took a deepbreath,andblew
“Whoa,” Emily whispered The bubble shimmered with rainbow colors and hovered right in front of her face. But instead of floatingawayandpopping,itstayedput. Then…itwobbled.
Andthen…itwobbledharder.
“Uh…what'shappening?”Emilyasked.
Suddenly, the bubble zipped forward and stuck to her hand! Before she could scream, it swooped under her feet and liftedherintotheair!
“Ahhh!” Emily shouted as her backyard disappearedbelow Sherosehigherandhigher, pasthertreehouse,overtherooftops,andinto theclouds.
She held on tight to the slippery surface, but it wasn't cold It felt soft and warm, like floatinginsideamarshmallow
MyCountry
BY UNCLE ROY
Guyana is such a beautiful place, With so many things to see, I cannot wait until I'm older, And can travel around the country
I want to see the many people Who live in country and town, On the coastland and in the interior, In estates and villages that abound.
“Okay,” she said, h voice shaking “This definitelynotnormal”
Then,thecloudsbega to part, and Emily sa somethingamazing
A floating city made entirely of soap bubbles andfluffyclouds!
There were bubble buildings, cloud sidewalks, and glowing soap creatures flying all around somelookedlike turtles, some like whales, and others like giant duckswithgoggles.
The bubble gently floateddownandlandedin themiddleofabig,bubbly plaza. A sign above her read:
“ W e l c o m e t o Suddletown–Homeofthe CloudCleaners!”
Justthen,acheerfulcreaturewiththebody of a big puffy cotton ball and sparkling soap wings bounced over “You made it!” the creature squeaked “I'm Bloop, the Welcome Bubble!YoumustbeEmily”
Emilyblinked “You knowmyname?”
“Of course! Only very special kids who blow the perfect bubble get to visit Suddletown!” Emily looked around in awe “Whatdopeopledohere?”
“Oh,allkindsofcleanandshinythings!” Bloopsaidproudly “Wescrubtheskies,polish the stars, and ride soap creatures to deliver freshnessallovertheworld!”
Justthen,aflyingbubbleturtlesoaredpast carrying a stack of sparkly towels Another soapbirdzippedby,leavingatrailoflemonyfreshmist.
Cutouttheoctopus'legsandhavethempainttheball purple (or any colour they want). While the ball dries (ours took along time!) have the kids glue on coloured sequinstomaketheoctopusestentacles.
"Each puzzle is divided into 10 different regions. Each region, row and column contains exactly two stars. Stars may not be adjacent to each other (not even diagonally)."
They landed in front of a building called the Bubble Workshop Inside, bubbly scientistswithlabcoatsandpuffy glasses mixed potions in tall beakers. Bloop handed Emily a tinyglowingvial.
“This is a Forever Bubble Drop,” Bloop explained “One drop in your bubble mix makes bubbles that never pop unless yousaythemagicword.”
“What's the word?” Emily asked Bloop leaned in close “Soaperdooperpop!”
Emilygiggled “That'ssilly!”
“Exactly!”Bloopgrinned “All thebestmagicissilly”
Suddenly,theskyrumbled
“Oh no!” a loud voice echoed fromthetower “Agrimestormis coming! All flyers report to the sudsstation!”
Dark clouds rolled in—ugly, oilyoneswithstreaksofdustand smellyfog.
“It's a grime storm from the Gloomlands!” Bloop said. “They trytodirtythesky!”
Tobecontinuednextweek
Anotherpleasantaswellas rewarding way you can spendyourholidaytimeis by writing short stories. This is not as hard as it may first seem, as each of us canusehis/herownexperience,aswell as that of others in things happening aroundyouorineventsreportedinthe news, to build and create some interesting anecdotes that others will enjoyandevenlearnfrom. Herearesometipsthatyoumayuse inthisexercise:
1.Readafewshortstoriestogetan idea of structure and the manner of expression.
Writingshortstories isagreatpastime
emotions deeply, as love,heroism,danger,hardship.
3. Avoid extraneous detail, just enough to describe clearly the characters,scenery,events.
4. Make your title one that can get peopleinterestedinthestory
5.Getquicklyintothemainplotof thestory:
In a thriller, your character might findhimselfinphysicaldanger,alifeor deathsituation.
Inalovestory,thetroublemightbe emotional, a heroine torn between two lovers.
In a mystery, your main character might witness a crime, and then be accusedofit.
Remember that time lost can never be regained, so make use of all you have.
Emotions CROSSWORD
Tellyourreaderjustenoughtomake hercareaboutyourmaincharacter,then get quickly to the problem, the quest, the challenge, the danger—whatever it isthatdrivesyourstory
6. Suggest what happened before, butdonotelaborate.
7.Trytomaketheendingasforceful aspossible,asalleventsmustleadupto this, and cause the greatest impact on thereader
8. Do not skimp on the time and efforttobeusedinrevising. Onceyou are happy with the flow of the story, concentrate on perfecting spelling, grammar, punctuation, sentence constructionandwordchoice. Trytobe conciseandavoidneedlesswords,such as: She shrugged (her shoulders); Jim walked in (through the door); The crowdclapped(theirhands).
Uncle Roy would be delighted to receiveanyeffortyoumaymakeinthis, andevenpublishininstalmentsanythat hefeelswillinterestourreaders. Have anenjoyabletimewriting!
Solve the following puzzle based on the clues given!
You cannot get around it, No matter where you go, You are no better than I, And I have nothing more than you. The only difference I can see Is in what you think is right, The shade of the skin doesn't matter, We all cry and smile as bright.
The feelings that make us happy or sad, The thoughts making us false or true, Would you believe that I too have All these the same as you.
So let us follow our destiny On the same road hand in hand, To make the most of ourselves, And our beautiful homeland.
Guyana earns second place at the 2025 Caribbean Cosplay Championship
Guyanese Chantal Jagoo proudly represented Guyana at the C a r i b b e a n C o s p l a y Championship, hosted duringAlias Expo at the Centre of Excellence in Trinidad and Tobago on Sunday, August 3rd, 2025. She secured second place in the competition amongelevencontestantsfromTrinidadand Tobago,Jamaica,andGuyana.
The participants showcased their incredible craftsmanship and dynamic portrayals of beloved characters Representing Guyana, Chantal stunned the audience as She-Ra from She-Ra and the Princesses of Power, a cosplay brought to life through five months of dedicated work, including learning how to sew and handcraftingdetailedarmourandaccessories. Trinidad and Tobago’s Abigail Harry took first place with a chillingly accurate depictionofPennywisefromStephenKing’s IT, while Jamaica’s Crystal Salkey placed thirdwithaportrayalofAurorafromLeague ofLegends.
Guyana’s entry into this prestigious regional competition came through FumaCon, the nation’s leading anime and comic convention. Hosted annually by Seishonen Guyana, FumaCon remains the country’s only gateway into the Caribbean CosplayChampionship.
Over the years, Seishonen Guyana has been committed to directly working with young creatives, offering them a platform andopportunitiestorefinetheirtalents,gain exposure, and connect with regional and globalcreativenetworks.
Competitions like these spotlight the strength and innovation within Guyana’s
growing creative sector, and with every milestone, we continue to prove that Guyanesetalentbelongsontheworldstage. We’d like to thank Caribbean Airlines, RepublicBankGuyanaLimited,ConstructIt Inc, KSM Investments Inc, Payless Variety Store, Cole’s Screen Printers and Amaya Milk Company for serving as incredible sponsors with our representation. Your continued belief in our youth, culture, and creativityfuelseverythingwedo.
13 vies for Miss Universe Guyana 2025 crown
candidates to compete in the 2025 Miss Guyana Teen Scholar Pageant
The delegates of the Miss Guyana Teen Scholar Pageant, 2025
The Imperial House (TIH)
has the thirteen young women that will be competinginthe2025MissGuyana TeenScholarPageant(MGTSP).
Thedelegatesthisyear,Chanecia LaRose, Renola Johnson, Emily Boodhoo, Theresa Herman, Faith George, Natassia Ashby, Rene Urling, Kiara Solomon, and Zarida Prince, Christin Richmond, Ronika Charles,DonneshaAzoreandTonola Robinson were sashed on Saturday, at the Umana Yana, Kingston, Georgetown.
MGTSPis an annual celebration ofsomeofGuyana'smostintelligent, passionate and ambitious young women, boasting as the only scholarshipprogrammeofitskindin the Caribbean, the crowned Queen wins a $500,000 scholarship to pursue her education, and a fund to supporthercommunitywork.
For her tenure, she reigns as a representative and advocate for the inclusion of women and girls in education and social development. Theteenscholarpageantisaflagship platform that is produced by TIH, a Guyanese non-profit social enterprise organisation for gender, youth,andcommunitydevelopment. The organization is led by Wasim Khan,andhiswife,CindyKhanwho together with their capable team are on a mission to accomplish a youthful,cohesive,andgender-equal Guyana.
The team is constantly working on improved projects, new initiatives,andbetterprogrammes.
With PR professionals like Feliz RobertsonandJairoRodrigue,TIHis fulfilling its mandate to support culture and the creative arts, youth empowerment, community advocacy, gender equality, and the advancementofeducationforyoung people.
Since its founding in 2016, TIH has produced six pageants and scholarship programmes under the Miss Guyana Teen Scholar Pageant project.
Khadesia Walker Triple Crown Titleholder,
Atjust27yearsold,KhadesiaWalkerhasbuilta resume that reflects both excellence and a deep commitmenttoservice.Withhereyesnowsetonthe Miss Universe Guyana 2025 crown, she said she is ready to carry her Guyanese heritage to the global stage this fall in Thailand. The triple Crown/ titleholder, national top 10 finalist, entrepreneur, advocate and future real estate mogul's love for pageantrybeganearly
Khadesia, who is of Guyanese, Jamaican and Native American ancestry competed in her first pageant at just seven years old, seeking confidence and a chance to shine. What started during her childhoodexperimenthasfosteredintoajourneyof resilienceandpurpose.
Today, Khadesia's accomplishments speak for themselves. She is a previous title holder of Miss New Haven USA and Miss West Haven USA. Her
“We have hosted 8 community outreaches and charity events, 26 volunteerism projects, and 9 stage productions. In 2022, we launched Girls, Assemble! - a programme to increase women's participation in politicsthroughtheempowermentof girls,” TIH said in a mission summary In2023,theteamlaunched,Step Up! After recognizing that young men can play supportive roles in women's empowerment, and ending genderandsocialinequalities.
“In total, we have mentored nearly300youngpeoplethroughour programmes; and that's just the beginning,” the mission statement added
According TIH, as a result, the MGTSP has grown to be Guyana's premier adolescent pageant, and the only scholarship programme of its kindintheCaribbean.Itisimportant to note that MGTSP is not a beauty pageant. Candidates are heavily assessedontheirpresentation,talent and skills, and ability to critically analyse and respond to questions, physical appearances, clothing, and accessories carry no grade on the assessment.
The key segments are social awareness, elocution, and presentation At the preliminary stage of the pageant, delegates are judged on their response to an interviewandphotogenicskills.
Allcandidatesoftheprogramme are prepared to navigate the world beyond academics; from selfawareness sessions to challenging gender barriers as young women, MGTSP seeks to empower girls to take up leadership roles in their communities.Candidateswhodonot win the MGTSP Scholarship are assisted and referred to other scholarshipsandgrantopportunities. TheMGTSPisslatedforSeptember 20 at the National Cultural Centre. Tickets will be on sale at the TIH Ticket Office at 18 Broad St Charlestown, Georgetown and the NationalCulturalCentreBoxOffice.
journey began as Miss Connecticut Princess for America,atitlethatfirstintroducedhertopoiseand leadership.KhadesiawasnamedaTop20Finalistat MissWorldAmerica, where she also placedTop 10 for Beauty with a Purpose (BWAP). She went on to earn 1st runner-up at Miss Connecticut forAmerica Strong, as well asTop 10 andTop 15 placements at MissConnecticutUSA.
Theseplacementsproveherabilitytoexcelatthe highestlevels,butforKhadesia,pageantryhasnever been about the crown alone—it has always been aboutusingherplatformtoinspire.
That mission is best reflected through her youth initiative,#ImAGirlBOSS,amovementshefounded to uplift and guide young women in building confidence, embracing self-discovery, and setting career goals. What started as a vision has already made a tangible impact, earning recognition in the United States and abroad. Through workshops, mentorship, and storytelling, Khadesia has helped young women find their voices and step into their potential.
“Mydreamistoseeeveryyounggirlunderstand herworthandcarryherselflikethequeenshealready is,” Khadesia shares. “If I win Miss Universe Guyana,Iwanttoexpand#ImAGirlBOSStoGuyana and across the Caribbean, ensuring young women feelseen,heard,andsupported.”
Educationhasalwaysbeencentraltoherjourney She is a proud graduate of The Pennsylvania State University, one of the top universities in the United States, where she earned a Bachelor of Science in Economics.
Beyondacademics,sheiscurrentlypursuingher real estate license with the goal of building
generational wealth and creating opportunities that extend beyond herself. This balance of intellect, drive, and foresight sets Khadesia apart as both a competitorandfutureleader
Her entrepreneurial ventures reflect that same purpose. She launched Keke Mary Styles and Keke MaryBeauty,herboutique,duringthepandemicasa way to inspire women through fashion. Proceeds from her ventures support #ImAGirlBOSS, proving herbusinessesarenotjustprofit-drivenbutpurposedriven.
From an early age, Khadesia gravitated toward the arts and public speaking, training at Barbizon Modeling and Acting School and Next Stop NY Acting for TV and Film. Today, she balances entrepreneurship with community service, modeling, and acting—making her a true multihyphenatetalent.
What makes Khadesia truly special is the humility behind her achievements. Despite her accolades in modeling, acting, fashion, and pageantry—including appearing on billboards in (Continuedonpage42)
Khadesia W alker is a contestant in Miss Universe Guyana 2025
KhadesiaWalkerisatriplepageanttitleholder
Khadesia Walker wants to showcase Guyana on the world stage
setssightsonGuyana'sFirstMr.UniverseCrown Jose Roberts
In the quiet riverside town of Bartica,
where the Essequibo, Mazaruni, and Cuyuniriversconverge,ayoungman with big dreams has been preparing for the stageofhislife.JoseRoberts,Guyana'snewly crownedMr.Universe2025,isgearingupto make history when he represents the 592 at the international competition in Panama this October.
At just 22 years old, the dancer and choreographer carries the hopes of a nation that hasn't seen representation at the prestigiouspageantsince2023,whenRakesh Permaul placed Third Runner-up. Now, Roberts is determined to go one step further, bringing home Guyana's first-ever Mr Universecrown.
Growing up in Bartica's tranquil environment, Roberts learned values that would shape his journey: humility, kindness, and an unwavering determination to achieve his dreams. These qualities served him well during the rigorous selection process, where he emerged victorious against several other Guyanese contenders to earn his spot as the country'srepresentative.
But Roberts' path to this moment hasn't
beenwithoutchallenges.Asamaledancerin a field often misunderstood, he has faced personal struggles that have only strengthened his resolve to create change. "I was motivated to join the pageant to expand myplatformformyadvocacy,eradicatingthe stigma against male dancers that I have personally experienced," Roberts explains. His mission extends beyond the dance floor, as he also aims to raise awareness about HIV/AIDSpreventionamongyouth.
Roberts' advocacy for male dancers comes from a deeply personal place. He understands the fears that many young men face when considering dance as a pursuit, particularly concerns about how their sexualitymightbeperceivedorquestioned."I knowthecommonfearisthattheythinktheir sexuality will be challenged," he acknowledges.
"ButIcanpersonallyattestthatitdoesn't. Infact,itmakesyouanall-roundindividual. Itteachesyoudisciplineandhowtobeawellrounded person. It keeps you involved with everythinginandaroundyourcommunity."
This message of empowerment and (Continuedonpage42)
Chlöe & Moliy Joins Yung Bredda for globe-trotting 'Greatest Bend Over' Remix
TrinidadiansocastarYungBreddaearned a major breakthrough with his far-reaching Full Blown-produced smash, “The Greatest Bend Over,” and he's now tapped Grammynominated singer-producer Chlöe and “Shake It to the Max” star Moliy for a new globe-trottingremix.
Out Friday (Aug. 15) via 0207 Def Jam and Polydor Label Group, the new remix findsbothChlöeandMoliydeliveringsultry new verses across Full Blown's “Big Links” riddim, as well as some flashy ad-libs and vocal stacks to complement the zess-infused soca production. Dropping just in time for Notting Hill Carnival (Aug. 23-25), the new remix arrives alongside a new music video thatcapturesthebeautyandspiritofcarnival celebrationsacrossthediaspora,includingSt. Lucia's Carnival, which Chlöe attended in July
Chlöe, one-half of the Grammynominated duo Chloe x Halle, is no stranger to the West Indies. Her last album, 2024's TroubleinParadise,wasinspiredbyhertime inSt.Lucia.
Moliy, on the other hand, has the year's biggestdancehallhitin“ShakeIttotheMax,” alongside producers Silent Addy and Disco Neil. Best known by its Shenseea and Skillibeng-assisted remix, “Shake It to the
Max”peakedatNo.44ontheBillboardHot 100 and topped U.S. Afrobeats Songs, Rhythmic Airplay, and World Digital Song Sales.ThesongalsodancedallthewaytoNo. 6 on the Global 200. Chlöe and Moliy's version of “The Greatest Bend Over” comes just a few weeks after Hot 100-topping dancehalliconSeanPaulputhisownspinon thetrack.
“I always loved this song, and I would sing it all the time,” Chlöe exclusively told Billboard.“WhenIgotaskedtofeatureonit,I was excited because I already had a love for it.”“The Greatest Bend Over,” Bedda's take on Full Blown's wildly popular “Big Links” riddim arrived on Dec. 2, 2024. Thanks to early Stateside growth, the song appeared in Billboard's weekly “Trending Up” column, settingitapartfromotherriffsontheriddim, including Machel Montano's “The Truth,” Kes'“NoSweetness,”andFullBlown'sown “GoodSpirits.”
The song's success has earned Bredda three nods at this year's Caribbean Music Awards(Aug.28),includingzess-steamartist of the year, and the people's choiceand soca impactawards.AccordingtoLuminate,“The Greatest Bend Over” has amassed over 11.7 millionofficialon-demandU.S.streamsand over44.4millionofficialglobalstreams.
Jose Roberts, Guyana's newly crowned Mr. Universe 2025
Mohamed promises to construct improved sport facilities for Moruca
Presidential hopeful and Leader of the We Invest in Nationhood (WIN) party, Azruddin Mohamed on Saturday promised the residentsofMoruca,Region One to build a state-of-theart sports ground and an Olympic sized swimming poll for athletes, once electedtooffice.
Mohamed was speaking at his party's first rally in Moruca which was held at the Kumaka Recreational Ground.
Speakingtoalargegroup of supporters, the presidential candidate boastedthathispartyintends totransformGuyanathereby ensuringthatallcitizenslive comfortably
“Our people are left behind,itissosadtoseehow people are living in this country in every region, in every village our people are left behind Persons are living in shacks, under plastic, under tarpaulin in this burgeoning economy They (government) boast about fastest growing GDP, somuchbarrelsofoilandyet our people suffer,” he expressed.
Notingthathispartywill not fail the people, he told residents that WIN has a lot ofplansandpoliciesthatwill benefitandempowerthem.
“Lookattheconditionof this ground [Kumaka Recreational Ground], we willensurethatMorucagets a state-of-the-art ground for our athletes with floodlights too.”
He said a resident told him Moruca has many swimmers and the area where persons go to swim, when the water gets low, it poses a difficulty for swimmers.
“IwillensurethatIbuild a swimming pool here in Moruca, and we will na e m thisstate-of-the-artOlympic sizepoolafterthelateRavel La Rose (a former national swimmer),” Mohamed announced.
Highlighting some of his plans for the Moruca area, Mohamed said his party will ensure that the road from Kumaka to Kwebanna will be fixed along with the road from Kumaka to Kamwatta. “We will ensure that we will fix these roads and we will
ensure that the people in here they get preference to do the contracts to fix these roads, the people must benefit from in here, the people first and foremost mustbenefit,”hesaid
He disclosed that WIN also intends to address the electricity problem in Moruca, noting that after 59 years, the country still has electricity issues. “We will ensurethatifwegottasetup solar farms, whatever we havetodo,Iwillensurethat by 2030, we must get everyoneinheresustainable electricity,”hepromised.
Improving access to potable water, housing and quality education are also high on WIN's agenda Mohamed promised to provide transportation for every child, and form a committee to build free homesforthevulnerable.
On the subject of healthcaredelivery,theparty leader said he is aware of shortagesofmedication,and staff at healthcare facilities. In addition, he said, healthcare professionals are notbeingpaidwell.
HenotedthatWINplans
'Flags don't win elections, people do'
– Hana Mohamed
…says vandalism of WIN's party flags will not deter campaigns
The We Invest in
Nationhood (WIN) party is urgingpersonstodesistfrom vandalising its party's flag which have been placed on polesincommunitiesacross thecountry
Representative of the WIN party, Hana Mohamed in a Facebook post on Saturdayremindedthatflags do not win elections, people do as she said the party is “heartbroken and outraged bytheactsofdesperationwe are witnessing among supporters of the People's ProgressiveParty.Ourparty flags are being torn down, trampled upon, and, in one case, even set ablaze. These are not just pieces of cloth. These are symbols of courage, beliefs and freedom.” She noted that these actions not only affect the party but also those who worked in making and installingthoseflags.
“Allofthesepeoplehave been violated by the actions of a few thoughtless people. Worse still, while our property is destroyed, our supporters are being harassed, intimidated,
Representative of the WIN party, Hana Mohamed
threatenedandevenarrested simply for installing WIN flags,”shenoted.
Hana Mohamed, who is the sister of WIN's presidential candidate Azruddin Mohamed, noted that some of the party's supporters were placed in a p o l i c e v e h i c l e a t Yarrowkabra on the Linden highway She claimed the s u p p o r t e r s w e r e “intimidated and threatened by police officers who said plainly that they were instructedtodothis.”
“This is unacceptable andablatantdisregardtoour fundamentalanddemocratic rightinournationtoexercise our freedom to choose a
toincreaseallpublicservant salaries by 50%, and that they would engage the private sector to raise salaries of those working in theprivatesector
Mohamedpointedtoone setofcontractorsbenefitting from large government contracts.
“Wegottoensureweput a full stop to these things, one person must not get all these things, everyone must getasliceofthecakeandyet theygottodumphundredsof millionsofdollarsofexpired drugs, we dumping so much,”heelaborated.
Mohamed said WIN intends to stop wasteful spendingandplanstoinvest in the people and increase theirsalaries“soyoucanlive abetterlife.”
Already noted in his party's manifesto, the Presidential candidate told Moruca residents that WIN willincreasetheLCDsfunds to 25% for the Indigenous people, and revise the AmerindianAct,sotheycan get a say in the country's development.
Further, a credit union willbesetupandIndigenous
Leader of the We Invest in Nationhood (WIN) party,Azruddin Mohamed speaking at his party's rally in Moruca, Region One on Saturday
mothers,andloggersamong others would be able to borrow money “at zero percentinterestrate.”
“It
s all about empowering the people, lifting the people up,” the billionairebusinessmansaid athisrally
M o h a m e d h a d mentioned also that if electedtogovernment,WIN intends to make September 10, a national holiday in recognition of Stephen Campbell, who was the first A m e r i n d i a n parliamentarian. WIN's candidates Dawn Hastings-Williams, Natasha Singh-Lewis and other national and regional candidates joined Mohamed asheexpoundedonhisplans for the community and country
Three killed in SoesdykeLinden Highway smash-up
party of our choice,” she noted.
Noting of a recent event where their flags were vandalised, she related that in Region Three, the WIN flags were placed along the Schoonard to Crane Highway and just 48 hours later, they were shamefully strippeddown.
“This desperate attempt to discourage voters from supporting WIN is useless. As our support continues to grow countrywide, we are urging those responsible for these acts in Schoonard, Region Three, on the Essequibo Coast, and in areas in Regions Five and Six, particularly areas around the Berbice Bridge, to desist from repeating this vandalism,”sheurged.
She added that every citizen has a right to participate in the political processwithoutfear,andthe WINpartyintendstodefend thatright.
Mohamed made it clear that come September 1, the citizensofGuyanawillmake their voices heard by choosingtheirleader
Three persons were confirmed dead after a Toyota Fielder Wagon crashedintoatruckalongthe Soesdyke-Linden Highway during the wee hours of Saturday
Details surrounding the accident are sketchy but the victims were identified as 7y e a r- o l d M e r a n z o Campbelle, Shelly Joseph andKeironWells.
Reports are two of the victims died on the spot while the third victim succumbed while receiving treatment.
DearEditor, I don't always agree with politicians but this one, I do. Editor, could we investigate, leader of the opposition Mr Aubrey Norton's proposal on the compulsory retirement age. T h e r e a r e m a n y employees, police officers, senior teachers, nurses and many other public servants whoareattheirbestatage50 to60. I believe that they
should not be allowed to resign unless it's with their ownconsent.
Most of them will give valuablecontributionsatage 60 and then be paid their benefits for an extra five years. I am sure many of them will wish for that idea to materialize.
This is just food for thought!
Sincerely
FrankDeAbreu
Dead: Keiron Wells Dead: Shelly Joseph
Venezuelan electrocuted on Soesdyke Highway
A Venezuelan man was electrocutedonFridaywhile on duty at a location along the Soesdyke-Linden Highway He was reportedly employed by a local constructionfirm.
Up to press time, police wereyettoissueastatement on the matter and the man's wife was too distraught to speakwithKaieteurNews Information reaching Kaieteur News suggeststhat unknowntotheman,thetray
ofthetruckhewasoperating got into contact with a high voltagewire.
The man exited the vehicletoopenthetraywhen hewaselectrocuted.
Investigations are ongoing.
Pedestrian dies in accident on Rupert Craig Highway
A pedestrian was killed on Friday night in an accident along the Rupert Craig Highway in the vicinity of the Russian Embassy According to police,theaccidentoccurred atabout23:30handinvolved a car bearing registration number PXX 8048 owned and driven by 26-year-old Christopher McPherson and amalepedestrianofAfrican descent whose name and addressareunknown.
“Enquiriesdisclosedthat the driver of the car was
proceeding East along the southern drive lane of Rupert Craig Highway at a fast rate when it is alleged thatheobservedapedestrian suddenly run from the northern side of the road to the southern side, into the path of his vehicle, causing himtopullNorth.However, due to the short braking distance,thefrontportionof the car collided with the pedestrian,”policesaid.
As a result of the collision,thepedestrianwas flung onto the road and part
of his body ended up under thecar Hesustainedinjuries to his head and body An ambulance was summoned to the scene, and upon arrival, the EMT (Doctor Harrykishon) pronounced thepedestriandead.
A breathalyzer test was conductedonthedriver,and hehadnotraceofalcoholin his breath. The driver is in police custody, assisting withtheinvestigation.
A Notice of Intended Prosecution was served on McPherson.
Israel preparing to forcibly displace Palestinians to southern Gaza
Aljazeera - Israel has announced preparations to f o r c i b l y e v a c u a t e
Palestinians from “combat zones” to southern Gaza from Sunday, days after it announced a new offensive toseizecontrolofGazaCity, the enclave’s largest urban centre. The army’s Arabiclanguage spokesperson Avichay Adraee said on Saturday that residents wouldbeprovidedwithtents and other shelter equipment transported through the KaremAbuSalem,orKerem Shalom, crossing by the United Nations and international relief organisations. The UN has not commented on the plan or on its alleged role in providing humanitarian assistance.
Thestatementcomesless than a week since Israeli Prime Minister Netanyahu announced that the military had been given the green light to “dismantle” what he described as two remaining Hamas strongholds: Gaza City in the north and alMawasifurthertothesouth.
The army has not specifiedwhethertheshelter equipment was intended for
Gaza City’s population, estimated at around one millionpeoplepresently,and whether the site to which they will be relocated in southern Gaza would be the area of Rafah, near the border with Egypt. The UN did not immediately comment on the Israeli announcement, however, it warned on Thursday that thousands of families already enduring appalling humanitarian conditions could be pushed over the edge if the Gaza City plan movesahead.
The Palestinian group Islamic Jihad, an ally of Hamas, described the military’s announcement as “part of its brutal attack to occupy Gaza City” and “a blatantandbrazenmockeryof international conventions.”
“Forcingpeopletofleeamidst starvation, massacres, and displacement is an ongoing crime against humanity CriminalbehaviourinGazais inseparable from the daily crimes committed by the occupation in the occupied WestBank,”thegroupsaidin a statement. Israeli forces haveincreasedoperationson the outskirts of Gaza City
neighbourhoods of Zeitoun and Shujayea have reported heavy Israeli aerial and tank fire.AnIsraelidronetargeteda groupofpeopleintheAsqaula a
he Z
neighbourhood in eastern Gaza City, killing two and wounding several others, the Wafanewsagencysaid.
Anotherpersonwaskilled andthreewereinjuredwhena house near the al-Alami Mosque on az-Zarqa Street, alsoineasternGazaCity,was hit Thetentedencampmentof al-Mawasi, in southern Gaza, also came under attack on Saturday An Israeli air raid killed Motasem al-Batta, his wifeandtheir baby daughter in their tent. The area was designated a so-called “humanitarian”, or “safe”, zone early in the war, but it has nonetheless repeatedly come under attack A neighbour of the family, Fathi Shubeir, told The Associated Press that displaced civilians were living in the densely populated al-Mawasi area. Speakingofthebabygirl,he said, “Two and a half months,whathasshedone?”
Israel’s war on Gaza has killed at least 61,827 people since October 2023.
Malnutrition has killed 251 people so far, according to Gaza’sHealthMinistry
At Gaza City’s al-Shifa Hospital,thelivesofmorethan 200patientswerehangingbya thread,duetoacuteshortages ofmedicineandmalnutrition
DirectorMohammedAbu Salmiyasaidthehospitalwas overcrowded with wounded patients amid relentless Israeli bombardments and doctors were performing an increasing number of amputations as they were unable to combat the infection of wounds
According to the World Health Organisation, more than 14,800 patients need lifesavingmedicalcarethatis not available in Gaza Yet, leavingtheStripisnotalways enoughtosavealife
Twenty-year-old Marah AbuZuhriarrivedinPisaonan
Italian government humanitarian flight overnight onWednesdaywhileseverely emaciated The University
HospitalofPisasaidshehada “very complex clinical picture” and serious wasting, before she was reported dead onFriday Director-Generalof Gaza’sHealthMinistryMunir al-Bursh told Al Jazeera that 40,000 infants in the territory were suffering from severe malnutritionamidcriticalfood shortages caused by Israel’s restrictionsonaidintoGaza
AlJazeeracorrespondent Hind Khoudary said the realityofhungerinGazawas “devastating.”
“Palestinians have no choice but to see their children die of malnutrition and starvation,” she said. “Thelatesttohavediedfrom hunger were siblings, aged 16 and 25, who died on the same day.” According to Amjad Shawa, director of the Palestinian NGOs Network, “only 10 percent” of the daily food supplies needed are entering the territory, “while the health system is collapsing day by day and our capacity is very limited”. HesaidIsrael’swar in Gaza destroyed its socioeconomic structure, leaving Palestinians in the territory“totallydependenton humanitarianaid”.
Whatismakingitintothe country is “a very limited amount,whichisonlytokeep the people alive [at a] minimumlevel,”headded.
The United Nations has warned that levels of starvation and malnutrition in Gazaareattheirhighestsince thewarbegan
Thefamiliesof50Israeli captives still held in Gaza were shaken by the recent release of videos showing their emaciated relatives pleadingforhelpandfood.
Agrouprepresentingthe families urged Israelis into the streets on Sunday.
“Across the country, hundreds of citizen-led initiatives will pause daily lifeandjointhemostjustand moral struggle: the struggle to bring all 50 hostages home,”itsaidinastatement. Netanyahu has rejected criticism that his plan to widen the military offensive would endanger the lives of theremainingcaptives.
The mobilisation of forces is expected to take weeks, and the Israeli prime minister has defended his decision, saying he had “no choice” but to attack Hamas inGaza.
Trump tells Zelenskiy that Putin wants more of Ukraine, urges Kyiv make a deal
WASHINGTON/MOS COW/KYIV, Aug 16
(Reuters) - U.S. President Donald Trump said on Saturday that Ukraine shouldmakeadealtoendthe war with Russia because “Russia is a very big power, and they’re not”, after a summit where Vladimir Putin was reported to have demanded more Ukrainian land.
Afterthetwoleadersmet in Alaska on Friday, Trump told Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskiy that Putin had offered to freeze most front lines if Kyiv ceded all of Donetsk, the industrial region that is one ofMoscow’smaintargets,a source familiar with the matter said Zelenskiy rejected the demand, the source said. Russia already controls a fifth of Ukraine, including about threequarters of Donetsk province, which it first enteredin2014.
Trump also said he agreed with Putin that a peace deal should be sought without the prior ceasefire that Ukraine and its European allies had
demanded That was a change from his position before the summit, when he said he would not be happy unlessaceasefirewasagreed on.“Itwasdeterminedbyall that the best way to end the horrific war between Russia andUkraineistogodirectly toaPeaceAgreement,which wouldendthewar,andnota mere Ceasefire Agreement, which often times do not hold up,” Trump posted on Truth Social. Zelenskiy said Russia’s unwillingness to pause the fighting would complicateeffortstoforgea lasting peace. “Stopping the killing is a key element of stoppingthewar,”hesaidon X. Nevertheless, Zelenskiy saidhewouldmeetTrumpin WashingtononMonday That will evoke memoriesofameetinginthe White House Oval Office in February, where Trump and Vice President JD Vance gave Zelenskiy a brutal public dressing-down Trump said a three-way meeting with Putin and Zelenskiycouldfollow Kyiv’s European allies welcomed Trump’s efforts but vowed to back Ukraine
and tighten sanctions on Russia European leaders might join Monday’s White House meeting as well, German Foreign Minister JohannWadephulsaid.
Russia launched a fullscale invasion of Ukraine in February 2022 and has been gradually advancing for months The war - the deadliest in Europe for 80 years-haskilledorwounded well over a million people from both sides, including thousands of mostly Ukrainian civilians, accordingtoanalysts.
RUSSIALIKELYTO WELCOMETRUMP’S COMMENTS
Trump’s various comments on the three-hour meeting with Putin mostly aligned with the public positions of Moscow, which saysafullsettlementwillbe complex because positions are“diametricallyopposed”.
Putin signalled no movement in Russia’s longheld demands, which also include a veto on Kyiv’s desired membership in the NATOalliance.Hemadeno mentioninpublicofmeeting Zelenskiy KremlinaideYuri
Ushakov said a three-way summit had not been discussed. In an interview with Fox News’ Sean Hannity, Trump signalled that he and Putin had discussed land transfers and security guarantees for Ukraine, and had “largely agreed” “I think we’re pretty close to a deal,” he said,adding:“Ukrainehasto agreetoit.Maybethey’llsay ‘no’.”Asked what he would advise Zelenskiy to do, Trump said: “Gotta make a deal.” “Look, Russia is a very big power, and they’re not,”headded.
NEEDFORSECURITY GUARANTEESFOR UKRAINE
Z e l e n s k i y h a s consistently said he cannot concede territory without changes to Ukraine’s constitution, and Kyiv sees Donetsk’s “fortress cities” such as Sloviansk and Kramatorsk as a bulwark against further Russian advances.
Zelenskiy has also insisted on security guarantees to deter Russia frominvadingagain.Hesaid heandTrumphaddiscussed
“positive signals” on the U.S. taking part, and that Ukraine needed a lasting peace, not “just another pause” between Russian invasions. Canadian Prime Minister Mark Carney welcomedwhathedescribed as Trump’s openness to providing security guaranteestoUkraineunder a peace deal He said security guarantees were “essential to any just and lasting peace.” Putin, who has opposed involving foreign ground forces, said he agreed with Trump that Ukraine’s security must be “ensured”. For Putin, just sitting down with Trump representedavictory Hehad been ostracised by Western leaders since the start of the war, and just a week earlier had faced a threat of new sanctionsfromTrump.
‘1-0FORPUTIN’
Trump spoke to European leaders after returning to Washington Several stressed the need to keeppressureonRussia.
British Prime Minister Keir Starmer said an end to thewarwascloserthanever, thankstoTrump,butsaidhe
would impose more sanctions on Russia if the war continues European leaders said in a statement that Ukraine must have “ironclad” security guarantees and no limits should be placed on its armedforcesorrighttoseek NATO membership, as Russia has sought. Some European commentators were scathing about the summit. “Putin got his red carpet treatment with Trump, while Trump got nothing, ” Wolfgang Ischinger, former German ambassador to Washington, posted on X. Both Russia and Ukraine carried out overnightairattacks,adaily occurrence, while fighting ragedonthefront.
TrumptoldFoxhewould postponeimposingtariffson China for buying Russian oil, but he might have to “think about it” in two or three weeks. He ended his remarks after the summit by tellingPutin:“We’llspeakto you very soon and probably seeyouagainverysoon.”
“Next time in Moscow,” asmilingPutinrespondedin English.
WANTED VACANCY
One Sales person. Please Call: 680-7402 ( Mr. Lall ) Canter driver with at least 2 years experience & Hauler driver with atleast 3 years experience. Tele: 644-7088 / 624-7248.
One live in Maid to work at Mon Repos, E.C.D. Tele : 6447088 / 624-7248.
Job openings: Truck drivers, AC Technician, Excavator and Skid Steer Operator. To apply send applications via Whatsapp: 689-1111 / 6082114.
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Security Officers for the Interior wanted urgently. Call: 691-6081/ 611-8370,6001196.
Able bodied security to work. Apply 21 Seaforth street, Campbellville. Tele : 621-5140.
General Domestic with cooking experience. East Bank Area, preferably. Call: 6761148.
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LAND FOR SALE
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One clerk for TSI Eccles office English 1, Maths 2 call 615-9132 or email application to techserigy@yahoo.com
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Experienced Salesman, knowlege in hardware & stock taking, etc at Keyfood Mc Doom next to the Post Office.
Cattle thieving on the rise in Berbice...
From page 12 the investigation process employed by the police. This, he said, results in financial loss.
“Dem a keep animal suh lang in the station that dem does dead or come back sick,” an aggrieved farmer told Kaieteur News.
Public must be made aware
Soogrim said he wants the public to “be aware of what is happening with cattle rustling in the Berbice region.”
“This thing has been going on a while and most of the farmers are poor,” Soogrim said while also criticizing police for the slothful pace of their investigations into castle rustling.
“They don’t even take statements when the matter is reported and I can vouch for that. I went to the police station and there is no record of a report being filed,” he claimed.
Commander Bacchus, in response to the
concerns raised by the farmers, told Kaieteur News that the police have been dealing with the matters as best they could. He noted that the problem has existed for some time and he has noted a spike in reports.
The commander explained that persons are not only stealing cattle but also sheep, goats and horses. He said a number of cases were placed before the court, the police experiences challenges during the investigation process. He said three days before Kaieteur News’ visited to the location, there were three reports of sheep theft.
“…They are not branding the animals (especially calf over six months old),” Bacchus said while noting that farmers must also take responsibility too. Not only by protecting their animals but also making sure that they are branded. Without an identification mark, it makes the
police’s job difficult to ascertain who might be the rightful owners.
Moreover, Commander Bacchus said that cattle farmers also play a role in hindering police investigation when they settle the matter with the persons accused of stealing the animals.
“Some of their own workers are colluding with the cattle thieves and when we arrest these persons, you know what the owners are doing? They are settling these matters,” Bacchus said.
Kaieteur News, during a visit to the Springlands Police Station, recognised that the investigation process was lengthy. At that time, there were two calves and a heifer (impounded for nine months) at the station. The heifer appeared malnourished.
Meanwhile, nearby, three farmers stood hurling accusations against each other. They each accused the other of
cattle theft. Police were put to task and eventually summoned a veterinarian to assist in their investigations.
The veterinarian explained his role to Kaieteur News and allowed Kaieteur News to observe his questioning of the farmers. He queried about distinguishing marks, branding numbers and other unique identifiers of the animals.
He then examined the animals to see if the information provided by the farmers matched. That information was then handed over to the police. Thereafter, police would take the statements from all parties involved.
During that investigative process, the farmers agreed among themselves to settle the matter.
One official opined that it is better to settle the matter in the best interest of the animals as they become very sick while in police custody.
Triple Crown Titleholder, Khadesia Walker...
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Vacancy exists for 2 experienced electrician and an apprentice. Call: 644-9084 / 6449635.
One (1) qualify physiotherapist for home services in East Bank area Call 6159132.
VEHICLES FOR SALE
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SERVICES
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General Domestic ,Apply at Keyfood Mc Doom village next to the post office. 4 day work. VISA Application for USA, Canada, UK, ETA, ETC. Natrualisation guidance + application filling, ECT. Tel: 626-7040.
From page 37 New York City and Miami and starring in commercials—she remains grounded and approachable. Her friends describe her as adventurous, kind, and stylish, and she carries those qualities into every space she enters.
“Being Guyanese is more than a background—it’s an identity built on strength, culture, and pride,” she says. “If given the honour of carrying
our flag at Miss Universe, I would dedicate myself fully to representing not only our beauty but also our potential on the world stage.”
Khadesia’s vision as Miss Universe Guyana extends beyond the crown. She is determined to highlight Guyana’s natural beauty and cultural richness, positioning the country as a destination for international tourism. She sees herself as a bridge, con-
necting Guyana’s heritage and future to global audiences while inspiring young women to believe in themselves.
From her pageant placements to her entrepreneurial spirit, from Penn State to the pursuit of real estate, from her advocacy with #ImAGirlBOSS to her pride in her Guyanese roots, Khadesia Walker’s story is one of resilience, leadership,
and heart.
With Miss Universe 2025 on the horizon, she is preparing not only to compete but to carry Guyana with her every step of the way. “This journey isn’t about me alone,” she says. “It’s about representing Guyana with pride, expanding opportunities for young women, and showing the world the strength and beauty of our nation.”
Jose Roberts sets sights on Guyana’s First...
From page38
inclusion forms the cornerstone of his platform, one he hopes to amplify on the global stage. Roberts brings valuable pageant experience to his Mr. Universe bid, having previously held two national titles: Mr. Teen Glocal and Mr. Grand Guyana. Both experiences representing Guyana have given him insights into the areas where he can improve and refine his approach. “Because I held two titles prior and represented Guyana well, I know the exact areas I have to improve in, and I’m working extremely hard to make Guyana proud,” he says with characteristic determination.
The Mr. Universe competition, scheduled for October 12th in Panama, will see Roberts compete against representatives from over 50 coun-
tries across four challenging segments: Fashion, Swimsuit, National Costume, and Question & Answer. Each category will test different aspects of his preparation, poise, and ability to represent Guyana on the world stage.
For Roberts, the competition represents more than personal achievement. it’s an opportunity to inspire youth across Guyana and beyond to pursue their dreams despite obstacles. “My hope is to inspire youths to pursue their dreams regardless of challenges,” he states. “I want to be an inspiration and voice for many across the globe.”
Should Roberts achieve his goal of becoming Guyana’s first Mr. Universe, he envisions using the expanded
platform to further his advocacy work. His dual focus on supporting male dancers and HIV/AIDS awareness among youth reflects a commitment to addressing issues that often receive insufficient attention. The young advocate believes that breaking down barriers in one area can create ripple effects, encouraging others to challenge stereotypes and pursue their passions without fear of judgment.
As October approaches, Roberts continues his intensive preparation, knowing that he carries not just his own dreams, but those of every young Guyanese person who has ever felt discouraged from pursuing their passion. His journey from the peace-
ful rivers of Bartica to the international stage in Panama embodies the spirit of determination and hope that defines Guyana’s rising generation. Whether he returns home with the crown or not, Jose Roberts has already made his mark as a trailblazer, using his platform to advocate for change and inspire others to dance to their own rhythm, regardless of what others might think. In a world where young men often feel pressured to conform to narrow definitions of masculinity, Roberts stands as a powerful example that strength comes in many forms, and that grace, artistry, and advocacy can be just as powerful as any traditional measures of success.
P&P Insurance Brokers andConsultantsLtd.,of272 and 273 Lamaha Street, North Georgetown is once again on board with this noble initiative done jointly by Anil Beharry of Guyana andKishanDasoftheUSA. The Company, established forty(40)yearsago,donated one cricket bat, one pair of batting pads and one pair of batting gloves P&P Insurance and Consultants Ltd., is the most trusted in their line of business. They continuetofulfilltheirsocial responsibilities, not only in sports, but in charities in general.
Sunday August 17, 2025
ARIES(Mar.21–Apr.19)
Today you will have all the energy you need to deal with long-term family problems. Indeed, you'll probably clash with some of your relatives. But this situation won't cause anyseriousissues.
TAURUS(Apr.20–May20)
You enjoy caring for others andyouinterveneregularlyin their lives to guide them. Ironically, today you're the one who needs advice. You'll probably need to get away from it all in order to get a clearviewofyourownlife.
GEMINI(May21–June20)
We all have to make compromises in order to live in contemporary society.You may have strong beliefs, but it's difficult to combine your idealsandasociallife.
CANCER(June21–July22)
You'vealwaysfelttheneedto free yourself from society You need to feel independent at any cost. You may need to face certain relationship problemsatthistime.
LEO(July23–Aug.22)
You may feel annoyed about the attitude of some of your groupoffriends.Unlikethese people, you're very openmindedandyoucandealwith situations as they arise Indeed, you have a natural ability to adapt to every situation.
VIRGO(Aug.23–Sept.22)
Today, Virgo, you'll be submerged under a lot of emotions. In a way, you'll be revisiting your childhood
You really know how to seduce,Libra.Thereisaspark inside of you that spreads naturally to those around you. You have a big reservoir of sensitivity and emotion that couldgrowtoday
SCORPIO(Oct.23–Nov 21)
You're a very active person, Scorpio, but today you'll probably be disappointed. If you ask those around you to help with your activities, they most likely won't understand yourneeds.
SAGIT(Nov 22–Dec.21)
Nothing much is happening today, yet you seem worried and tense. You'll have to use this day to your advantage. Think about your life. You'll also think about the needs of yourrelativesintheyears.
CAPRI(Dec.22–Jan.19)
You often need to thrive on personal emotions.Today will benoexceptiontotherule.For instance, you could try to captivate the attention of peopleyouadmire.
AQUARIUS (Jan. 20–Feb. 18) You shouldn't try to fight the feelings that run through you today Don't even try to rationalize them These feelingsareprobablyrelatedto emotions dating back to your childhood You shouldn't avoidoranalyzethem.
PISCES(Feb.19–Mar.20)
You'll be lost in your thoughts today, analyzing your life and relationships.You'll be asking yourself if your existence is meeting your standards. You will ponder what to expect from the future and from the peoplearoundyou.
Director of West Indies Cricket Board and President of Georgetown Cricket Association, said his company will continue to givebacktocommunitiesin Guyana with the hope of making a difference in the lives of people, young ones inparticular
At a simple but significant ceremony held recently, Bish Panday, Founder and CEO of the company, expressed his confidence in this project and it’s spread across the country The former long servingcricketadministrator whoservedinthecapacityas the Honorary Secretary of the Guyana Cricket Board,
Olympic Kremlin set to defend Guyana...
Frompage49 of upsetting the odds on his day Meanwhile,J’sRacing Stable will unleash Stormy Victory, a horse known for his blistering early speed, while Jagdeo Stables will also be aiming to spoil Slingerz Racing’s grand party with their own set of challengers.
Beyond the marquee race, the day’s programme boasts a full card of supporting events, each promising its share of drama, excitement, and rich payouts. Still, it is the feature showdown that will command the nation’s attention Thousands of passionatefansareexpected to flood the Rising Sun stands, waving colours and roaringtheirfavouritesonas thehorsesthunderdownthe homestretch. Thequestion on every lip, can Olympic Kremlin defend his throne, or will a new star rise to seizethecrown?
Whether it ends in another coronation for OlympicKremlinorashock upset, one thing is certain, the 2025 Guyana Cup promi
n unforgettable spectacle of
indomitable spirit of Guyaneseracing.
This project will continuetoimprovethelives of youths in every 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
Distribut
l continue. Anyone interested to contribute can contact AnilBeharryon623-6875or Kishan Das on 1-718-6640896.
The presentation was done in the presence of Vikash Panday, Executive Director of P&P Insurance Brokers In response, Beharry, project partner, tooktheopportunitytothank them for their generosity Over the years, many cricketers benefitted from this project, including Kevlon Anderson, who recently made his debut for WestIndies.
From left: Bish Panday,Anil Beharry and Vikash Panday at the presentation.
My very recent sojourns aroundEurope’ssportshave been wonderful. England v West Indies ODIs. ICC WTC 25. England v India 2025 Test Series. “Tour de France 25”. British Grand Prix 25 Wimbledon
Championships 25 Women’s Soccer Euro Trophy 25. UK PCA 25. Exciting 2025 summer’s travels. Being in arenas for “real”atmosphereisthereal thing!
Two big events are already inked for 2026 in UK; ‘God spare life!’ Aviation’s biggest displayFarnborough Airshow (July 2026), and ICCWomen’sT20 World Cup 2026. All aboard! Celebrations for WI’s 50th anniversary of winningICCCWC1975are still in mind amid concerns about WI’s Test future, but some winning players seemed to have been diminished I asked my former fast bowling partner SirAndy Roberts, who won ICC CWC 1975 and ICC CWC 1979, as to why the four WI players featured herein – Rohan Kanhai, Vanburn Holder, Maurice Foster and Bernard Julienhave not been mentioned as prevalently, if mentioned at all, as those personally appearingforaccolades.
Sir Andy assured that while headlines may not have mentioned those four namesregularly,restassured that he, and others who had attended the soirees, had alwaysmadesuretoinclude thesefourcricketers’names.
VANBURNALONZO HOLDER
Former 1st Class fast bowlerandICCumpireJohn Holder,former1stClassand WI Test all-rounder John Shepherd, and yours truly, recently visited “Vannie” at his hospital hospice in Worcester, UK. That visit wasenlightening. Lifeisnot meanttobeeasy!
VanburnHolderisoneof WI’s most unheralded former cricketers. I would bet that many of CWI Directors and Officers, and especially present WI cricketers, will not know much about “Vannie”, or couldnotrecognizehimina photograph Some WI players,notsolongago,did not even know who Sir ClydeWalcottwas!
“Vannie” participated in everygamethatWIplayedin ICCCWC1975. Pacyattack - SirAndy Roberts, late allrounder Keith Boyce, allrounder Bernard Julien, “Vannie”, off-spinner Lance Gibbs, and “mediumdobblers” Sir Clive Lloyd and Sir Vivian RichardsgoodevenforTests!
10 October this year, “Vannie” will be 80 Debutingat21,heplayed1st Class and Tests 1966 to 1986;20yearsforBarbados, Orange Free State (Boer
Republic in RSA, now Free State),Worcestershire CCC, and Minor Counties. Those types of cricketers are becomingextinct!
313 1st Class games; 950 wickets; good returns when oneoffourorfivebowlers 40 Tests; 109 wickets; avg 333 RPW; 12 ODI’s, avg 238 RPW, 40 RPO He helped Worcestershire CCC win UK’s County Championships 1974, captaining them too. Excellent effort but playing was not enough. “Vannie” becameaUK1stClassumpire in 1992, retiring in 2012. VanburnHolderwasmentorto late WI fast bowler Malcolm Marshall, Joel Garner and yours truly “Vannie” played in my 1st Test; 1977 v Pakistan Hewasthe“buffer” when Sir Wes Hall and Sir Charlie Griifith had exploded asWIfastbowlers,late1960s to early 1970s “Vannie” helped everybody! What a remarkablepersonhestillis!
MAURICELINTON
CHURCHILL
FOSTER
Jamaica’s and WI’s allrounder, who turned 82 on 09 May this year, Foster’s cricketing prowess is generally not known either Late 1960s, early 1970s, FosterplusBarbados’sPeter Lashley and Robin Bynoe, and T&T’s Michael “Joey” Carew, were “Caribbean ball-beaters”-runslikerain.
They all performed wonderfully in regional cricket,butwhenselectedin WI XI’s, they all normally failed miserably at that highest level. Foster was also a regional table tennis champion. FormerGuyana, Glamorgan CCC and WI opening batsman, late Roy Fredericks, his good friend, wasalsogoodattabletennis. I first met Maurice Foster whenIplayedmyfirstsenior cricket game for Guyana; Jamaica1972.
Foster is one of few WI cricketers who never played for counties or clubs in UK 112 1st Class games; 19631978; 6731 runs, avg 4517; 132 1st Class wickets, avg 3072 RPW In fourteen sporadic Tests, Foster scored 580runs,avg 3052;onlyone Testcentury;125vAustralia, 1973; Sabina Park; nineTest wickets@666RPW
John Shepherd, Collis King, Maurice Foster, late Keith Boyce and Bernard Julien,hadallbeencompeting
for all-rounder places inWI’s ICC CWC 1975 squad Shepherd missed out. I had recentlyheardthat“Fos”had hadafallathome,fracturing a lower limb. News on his well-being or even whereabouts have been difficulttocomeby I had been told that “Foster’s health and whereaboutsarewellguarded secrets” AsfarasIknow,heis recuperating well. We can only wish MLC Foster the best!
BERNARDDENIS
JULIEN
As a young cricketer, “BD” was always under pressure, as Julien was suggestedtobethe“new”Sir Gary Sobers What an expectationtoliveupto
Definitely, however, if ever there had been a “beautifulboy”tohaveplayed cricketforWI,BernardJulien was that guy The ladies swoonedwhereverheplayed!
In only his third Test, Julien made his first of two Testcenturies;121;thisoneat Lord’s,vEnglandin1973 Sir Garyalsomadeacentury;150 no., retired, his last Test century Captain Rohan Kanhaimade157 WItotaled 652-8, winning by an innings and 226 runs. Like Sir Gary, Bernard Julien, 75 last 13 March, (Intelligent parents HeisPisces),wasagoodleftarm medium-fast bowler, orthodox or unorthodox leftarm spin Unlike Sir Gary, Julien batted well righthandedly and could field and catchwellanywhere
Julienwasafantasticallaroundcricketer IntheseT20days,hewouldhavebeen a mega-zillionaire from franchisecricket!
Julien played for T&T 1969 – 1983; WI 1973 –1977;andKentCCC1970–1977. Heplayedinmyonly official Test in Guyana; Bourda 1977 v Pakistan (drawn). After playing a useful part in WI’s successful ICC CWC 1975, while I was in T&T doing navigation studies, also in 1975, Julien played for our T&Tregionalchampionship team,ParagonCricketClub. Hetaughtuswell. 24Tests, 866 runs, avg. 30.92; 50 wicketsat37.36PRW 195 1st Class games, 5790 runs, avg. 24.53; 483 1st Class wickets at 28 71 RPW, somewhat underwhelming
Former West Indies All-Rounder
Maurice Foster vAustralia 1973.
foracricketerwhohadbeen sonaturallytalented. Hedid bowl his heart out for Kent CCC, so that may have affected his returns forT&T and WI. Like Maurice Foster, not much is known generally about Bernard Julien, his existence or his present health The Government of Trinidad & Tobago had given him a home in upscale Valsyn in 2018. IhadheardthatJulien had had serious health issues,withsuspectedthroat cancer, but could not confirm same. All that we coulddoistowish“BD”the bestofluck!
ROHANBHOLALALL KANHAI
If one were to select an “All-WI’ batting line-upfive or six batsmen - Rohan Kanhai,whowillbe90come Boxing Day, 26 December 2025, would merit serious considerations for inclusions, especially if a pseudo wicket-keeper is preferred. Kanhai or Sir ClydeWalcottcouldfeature. BothhadbeentemporaryWI wicket-keepers Kanhai’s importance to WI cricket’s historycannotbeoverstated. His extensive career, as player then Coach, included for Guyana, T&T, Warwickshire CCC, Tasmania, Western Australia and Transvaal; 1954/55 –1977; an extremely productivecareer.
RohanKanhaijustifiably became WI captain v Australia 1972/3, in the Caribbean. He was Guyana’s captain when I made my senior debut for Guyana;Jamaica1972.
What a cricketer Kanhai was, always pushing the battingenvelopes! 421First Class games; 29, 250 runs; avg 4940 79 Tests; 6,227 runs; avg 4753 15 Test centuries and 28 halfcenturies HighestTest score 256, v India 1958 Wow! Kanhai played in only seven ODI’s,asthatformatwasjust emerging as his retirement loomed However, his 55 in ICC CWC 1975 Final, in a partnership of 149 with captain Sir Clive Lloyd, rescuingWIfrom50-3to1994, v Australia, was crucial to WI’s winning 291 – 8 (60 overs) SirClive,whoinsisted onKanhai’sinclusion,madea “ManoftheMatch”102 Kanhai’s stroke-play wasinnovative. His“falling down” sweep shot, even to fasterbowlers,allowinghim to finish on his back while the ball smashed into the square-leg fence, is still marveled around the world. He had the biggest pair of battingpadsthatIhaveever seen. Itrieddiligentlytoget information on Rohan Kanhai these last few months While I was unsuccessful, I am assured that he is as well as can be expected, but that, apparently,hedoesnottravel (fly)muchanymore. Again, allthatwecoulddoistowish Rohan Bholallall – “The Lall” – Kanhai, all the very best. These four deserve kudos for their inputs into WI cricket and especially WI’s ICC CWC 1975 success Hopefully, their histories could inspire future WI successes Cheers Enjoy!
Colin E. H. Croft
Former West Indies Captains Rohan Kanhail & Sir Garfield Sobers - Bourda Cricket Ground 1968 v England.
3 S Legacy Enterprise bats with 2nd edition of Region 3 Ten/10 Softball Cup
Secretary of RS Sports Ms. Jamacia Thompson receiving sponsoring from Mr. Imtiaz Sadik, CEO of 3 S Legacy Enterprise.
The management of 3 S Legacy Enterprise of Region 3 has thrown its support towards the 2nd edition of the annual “Region 3 Softball Cricket Cup” slated for 31stAugust
and7thofSeptember
The competition will be played for two weekends, week one will see teams battling to get into the regional playoffs, which is slated for the for 7th
September
The tournament will be playedbasedonaone-game knock-outformatwithround arm and wrist bowling and caters for both male and femalecategories.
Chief Executive Officer of the business enterprise (which is involved in Construction, Mining, Fuel Supplies and Supreme Petroleum fuel) Mr Imtiaz Sadik, said, his entity is pleased to be onboard with the tournament once more. He went further to say that hissupportcomesfromdeep within because of his love for the game and that it is good to see that softball at the grassroot level is on the rise.
The Guyana Football Federation (GFF) has officially named the 20player Junior Lady Jaguars
squad for the 2025 Caribbean Football Union (CFU) U14 Girls Challenge Series, set to run from August 15–24 in Trinidad andTobago.
Thesquad,whichblends
talent from across Guyana/the diaspora and featuresasignificantnumber of indigenous players arrived in Trinidad in high spirits, ready to represent Guyana on the international stage.
Addressinghishopesfor the tournament, Technical Director, Bryan Joseph noted: “The girls have arrived here in Trinidad in good spirits They have worked hard to get themselves ready to have their first experience in international football They’re excited, the staff is excited, and we just want to seethegirlsgooutthereand representwell.”
He added, “This is a development competition
and we want to ensure that we manage the expectations weplaceonthegirlsaswell as the staff. They’re all on a pathwayofdevelopment.
They must have fun and enjoy this moment and, in doingso,developathirstfor competing at this level and hopefully transition to becomeeliteplayersoverthe coming years.” The GFF’s participationintheCFUU14 GirlsChallengeSeriesispart ofitsongoingmission to provide meaningful developmentalopportunities f o r y o u n g f e m a l e footballers,ensuring the next generation of Lady Jags gain valuable experience at the internationallevel. The members of the squadareasfollows: Goalkeepers
• Lillianna Bacchus –WaramuriSecondary
• Shontelle Jobe –TabatingaFC
Defenders
• Andrea Adrian –TabatingaFC
• Thais Charles –PaiwokmakWarriors
Mr Imtiaz Sadik said that seeing both male and female teams taking part is very good and that not only spreadthejoyofthegameto onecategory(male)butalso female, which is interesting because lots of females love thegameofcricket.
He further said that, the game of softball is what he believes brings out the best in each player and gives them the ability to further showcase their talentsnotonlyinsoftball, but move up the ladder to getintogeneralcricketatall levels. He went on to wish all the teams well and asked that they play the game within the confines of the rules and hope that all players put their best efforts, so that their team can make it to the playoffs.
Secretary of RS Sports,
Ms Jamacia Thompson, thanked Mr Imtiaz Sadik and the management of the business enterprise for their support once more and promised to make the tournament successful once more.
In t
tournament in 2024, Hype Park Outlaw Softball Team of Parika walked away with the male championship, while the GCC Invaders Female Softball Team claimed the female championship, both teams willbebattlingtoretaintheir
categories.
The winning male team is guaranteed $200,000 and the female $100,000, and trophies, while cash incentives and trophies will be given to the runner-up teams,MVPs,playersofthe finals, best bowlers in an
innings, most runs scored in aninnings,andtrophieswill be awarded to the player of thematchineachgame.
According to
he organisers,softballcricketis the grassroots of all cricket and gives young local tale
opportunitytoshowcaseand or expose their skills in the game and helps them to develop further at various levelsofthegame.
Interested teams can register by sending their team’s name and captain’s number via WhatsApp to 726-1386 on or before 20th August.
According to the organisers, there will be lots of side attractions for the entire family, and they are calling on all to support the tournament as it will be bringing people together throughsports.
• Leandra Henrito –Guyana Police Force FC / ChaseAcademy
• Shemia Hing – Fruta ConquerorsFC
• Tissanne Hughes –TabatingaFC
•KaleighTodd–Marian Academy
• Sonia Simon –GladiatorsFC Midfielders
• Darwina Boyal –WaramuriSecondary
• Kira Chor – Toronto Blizzards
• Breanna Henry –WaramuriSecondary Forwards
• Lehiana Bengamin –GladiatorsFC
• Skylar DeNobrega –VurlonMillsAcademy
• Kellyann Ellis –HerstellingRaiders
• Teairra Martin –TabatingaFC
•LeahRodrigues–Santa RosaSecondary
• Ashante Scott –MonedderlustFC
•SabanaSimon–Pakuri Jaguars
• Ashley Walton –MarianAcademy
Master Lloyd Ramnarine Birthday Anniversary
Martial Arts Championship staged
Master Lloyd
Ramnarine held his first Birth Anniversary Martial Arts Championship at the Le
Institution on the 10th of August 2025. With more than10participatingteams, students left with great succ
nd worthy accomplishments Master Lloyd applauded every participating student and congratulatedthemfortheir hardworkandperformance, excellingattheevent.
M a s t e r L l o y d Ramnarineisurgingparents from across the country to join their team since the art isn’tonlyaboutself-defense but to help youths to be
physically, mentally and spirituallyfit.Thiswillalso help youths to build a
association is registered locally and internationally whichcreatesgreatbenefits forallofitsstudentsatalow c
affordabletoall.
Moreover, a team of students from the Guyana Mixed Martial Arts Karate Association will represent Guyana in the Suriname Karate Championship on the 24th ofAugust 2025. If there’s anyone interested in joining any of our branches across Region 3 and 4, feel free to contact us on 6986727, 689-9288, 681-1701 or698-7456,hedisclosed.
2025 CWI Rising Stars Regional Men’s U17 2-Day championships…Guyana vs Trinidad and Tobago Day 1
Trinis gain slide edge heading into final day
Guyana will be tasked with worktodayafter givingupasmallleadtothe Trinidadians as their second round 2-Day match got underway yesterday at the Queen’sParkOval.
Middle-order batsman Adrian Hetmyer (45) held the innings together for Guyana, while Richard Ramdehol (15) and Lomar Seecharran (14) were the only two to get somewhat going as Guyana folded for 109.
The Trinidadians had good first innings bowling returns, with Daniel Holder (4-15), Renaldo Fournillier (2-31) and Daron Dhanraj (2-8) picking apart the Guyanesebattingorder Trinidad at stumps were 141-6 after contributions from captain Saleem Khan (35), Adan Ramsaran (30), Roberto Badree (23) and ChristianRamanan(18).
Dave Mohabir (2-25) and Parmeshwar Ram (228), were effective for the Guyanese, who will enter today’s final day trailing by 32runs.
Other second round scores: Barbados first innings (211-7), Jamaica firstinnings(68allout). Leeward Islands first
Windward Islands first innings74-9. Matches continue today from10:00h
Outstanding participants at the tournament display their medals.
Inclement weather, unprepared grounds stall restart of BCB twoday inter Club first division cricket
Justasthingsweresetfor the restart of cricket competitionsinBerbice,the inclement weather continues, thus upsetting all plansbytheBerbiceCricket Board (BCB) to resume cricketintheCounty
In addition to the unpredictable weather, the unprepared state of most of the grounds due to the lengthy rainy season has forcedtheBCBtorethinkits decision.
The BCB had organized a two days first division Round Robin cricket competition for clubs in the
county This competition wasslatedtostartyesterday, Saturday9thAugust.
Thereare10teamslisted to participate in the competition. The teams have been divided into two zones with each zones having five teams The teams in the two zones will play each other once with thetoptwoteamsqualifying to oppose the top two in the other zone. The winner of onezonewillplaytherunner upoftheotherzone.Thetwo winners will then clash in thefinal.
The teams scheduled to
participate are: Zone ABlairmont Community Centre Cricket Club, West B e r b i c e C r i c k e t Association, Tucber Park Cricket Club, Young Warriors Cricket Club and Rose Hall Community CentreCricketClub Zone B comprise of SkeldonCommunityCentre Cricket Club, Port Mourant Community Centre Cricket Club,RoseHallTownYouth and Sports Club/ Namilco, Albion Community Centre Cricket Club and Police Cricket Club (Samuel Whyte)
APNU $5M inter ward football tournament starts Monday August 18th
Footballfanswillbetreatedtotop notch football when the A Partnership for National Unity (APNU) stages an inter ward football competition starting tomorrow, Monday August18th.
Thefootballcompetitionwillbeplayed in observance of the Political movement’s 14thAnniversary
According to a release from the organization, the body is celebrating its 14th Anniversary since its formation. As such they have decided to organize a community sporting event, “Called the APNU Inter-Ward 5 A-Side Football Tournament”.
Action is set to kick off on Monday
August 18 and runs until the 20th August 2025atCongressPlace,Sophia.
Over$5Mincash,trophies,medalsand other incentives are up for grabs and an excitingtournamentisinthemaking.
All of the top inter ward small goal football teams from Guyana are set to participate.AmongthemareEastandWest Ruimveldt, Campbellville, Mocha, Kitty, Kingston, Charlestown, Sophia, North and East La Penitence, Albouystown, Wortmanville/Werk-en-Rust, South and North Ruimveldt, Agricola, Linden, and Tiger Bay, Meadowbrook, Den Amstel along with many other football-loving communities around the country (Samuel Whyte)
Adrian Hetmyer carried Guyana on a tough opening day
OlympicKremlinsettodefendGuyanaCupthronetoday
Thestageisset,theturfis primed,andanticipationisat fever pitch for today’s running of the prestigious Guyana Cup at the Rising SunTurfClub.
…alleyesonSlingerz Stables
expectationandlegacy
The feature race comes with an eye-watering $10 million winner’s purse, the richest prize on the local calendar, accompanied by bragging rights that stretch far beyond the confines of thewinner’scircle.
El Tarzan, the Emancipation Cup winner, also from Slingerz Stables, will look to stage an upset at the Guyana Cup.
All eyes will be glued to the starting gates for the featurerace,whereOlympic Kremlin, the undisputed pride of Slingerz Racing Stables, will attempt to defend his crown and etch his name deeper into the
annals of Guyanese horse racinghistory
Dubbedthe“Kingofthe Cup,” Olympic Kremlin thundersintotheeventasthe overwhelming favourite, carrying the weight of both
DeputyMayor’sCupnight offinalsshiftedtoAugust27
Due to unforeseen circumstances, the 2025 DeputyMayor’sCupSevena-Side Inter-Ward/Village FootballTournament“Night ofFinals”hasbeenshiftedto Wednesday, August 27, instead of the previously advertisedAugust22date.
The announcement was made yesterday, following weather updates and venue availability,whichprompted tournament organiser LennoxArthurtoreschedule theevent.
The competition has reached its decisive stage after three nights of relentless football action Bent Street has dominated with convincing wins against tough opponents, while Back Circle clawed their way into the quarterfinals with hardfought victories. Stabroek Ballers, Uitvlugt, Soesdyke, andPelehavealsoimpressed with aggressive play and well-earned results Meanwhile, other teams competing for the title are
A l b o u y s t o w n a n d Liliendaal.
From an original 32 teams, the field is now narrowed to the final eight, each bringing its own style andhungerforthetitle.Over $1.1 million in cash and prizeswillbeupforgrabson
August 27, with the champions set to walk away with $500,000, hampers
Eight teams, one night, one title…Deputy Mayor’s Cup ‘night of finals’set forAugust 27.
courtesyoflongtimesponsor RickandSariEnterprise,and thechampionshiptrophy. Runners-up will also be rewarded: second place earns $300,000, third $200,000, and fourth $100,000. In addition, the tournament’s Most Valuable Player (MVP) will receive a brand-new motorcycle, donatedbyCommissionerof Police Clifton Hicken Assistant Commissioner Errol Watts and Deputy Commissioner Ravindrauth
Budhram have also
contributed by sponsoring trophies for the Most Disciplined Team and the HighestGoalScorer
The tournament will climaxnextWednesdayatthe Police Sports Club Ground, Eve Leary, Kingston, Georgetown The night will feature four quarterfinals, followed by two semifinals, leading to the muchanticipated final showdown Kick-off time is set for 7:00 p m , with organisers promising an exhilarating eveningoffootball.
For Olympic Kremlin, victory here isn’t just about the prize money, it’s about securing immortality on Guyana’spremierturf.
Renowned for his explosiveaccelerationdown the stretch and unmatched stamina, Olympic Kremlin has time and again silenced doubters and dazzled spectators.As the defending champion, he will undoubtedlybe the headline act in a race card stacked with talent. But make no mistake, Slingerz Racing isn’tbettingtheirfortuneson just one runner The powerhouse stable is unleashing a formidable line-up, aiming for nothing shortofacleansweepofthe combined $18 million purse onofferacrossthecard.
Among their arsenal is
the much-anticipated Holy Moly Moses, a flashy new importfromMiamiwhowill be making his Guyana Cup debut. Therehasbeenmuch chatter around this young runner, with insiders whispering that he could be thenextbigthingtowearthe green,whiteandredsilksof SlingerzRacing.
Though never racing on localsoil,HolyMolyMoses arrives with a reputation for speed, stamina, and a fiery competitive edge Stable connectionsbelievehecould not only keep pace with his illustrious stablemate but also push Olympic Kremlin toanevenhigherlevel.
Adding further intrigue is Ritorna Vincetori, whose verynamemeans“Returnof the Winners.” A consistent campaigner with a reputation for storming late finishes, Vincetori recently stamped his class by dominating the J’s Summer Stakes in July, proving he has both the speed and the staying power to trouble the best. His presence deepens Slingerz’s hand, reinforcing
why the stable has become the gold standard in Guyanesehorseracing.
And the cavalry doesn’t stop there. El Tarzan, fresh off winning this year’s EmancipationCup,willalso carrytheSlingerzbanner
Knownforhisrawpower andfearlessrunningstyle,El Tarzanhasprovencapableof springingsurpriseswhenthe stakes are high. He will be joined by the seasoned John Bull, a former President’s Cup champion, whose experience and grit make him a dangerous contender onanygivenday Withsuch a formidable line-up, SlingerzRacingisn’tsimply looking to defend their crown, they’re eyeing total domination.
Ofcourse,theopposition won’t simply roll over Jumbo Jet Racing Stables, once the unrivalled kings of the local circuit, are determined to reclaim their glory
Theywillpintheirhopes on the talented Anthem King,ahorsecapable (Continuedonpage 45)
All eyes will be on the country’s top horse, Olympic Kremlin from the Slingerz Racing Stables to defend his Guyana Cup title.
Olympic Kremlin set to defend Guyana Cup throne today
…all eyes on Slingerz Stables
GFF announces Junior Lady Jags Squad for 2025 CFU U14 Girls Challenge Series
The GFF Junior Lady Jaguars squad for the 2025 Caribbean Football Union U14 Girls Challenge Series in Trinidad and Tobago takes a photo.
