Kaieteur News

The $398M Guyana Police Force'sAcademy Barracks which was commissioned on Tuesday. (Photo courtesy, Guyana Police Force)

Janki dismisses Jagdeo’s claim that Chevron ‘will look out for Guyana’

— says govt. should exit Lala-land and start acting in the national interest

International lawyer

MelindaJankihasdismissed comments made by Vice President Bharrat Jagdeo that American oil giant Chevron, who recently gained access to Guyana’s StabroekBlockandisnowa 30 per cent shareholder, could better serve Guyana’s interest.

In a statement on Monday, Janki responded to recent comments made by theVicePresidentduringhis press conference Jagdeo was asked about the implications of Chevron’s entry into the Stabroek

Block following its arbitration win against ExxonMobil, the block’s operator.

Jagdeo said there are no immediate implications, but suggested that Chevron’s presence as a rival to ExxonMobil, could serve Guyana’s interest. “…that tension between the two could serve our country better,”hetoldreporters.He used an example suggesting that if Kaieteur News fears cost inflation by Exxon, Chevron might share that

concern as a shareholder, since inflated costs would affectitsownprofits.

However, Janki rejected that logic. She said, “No, it won’t.Chevronwilllookout foritsshareholdersandsince Chevron’s Chairman Mike Wirth is a seriously intelligent man who just wallopedExxon,theGuyana government should exit Lala-land and start acting in thenationalinterest.”

Janki further reminded that in December 2018, while serving as Opposition Leader, Jagdeo told the National Assembly that the Exxon deal was “a contract

that would harm us for decades into the future” and accusedtheAPartnershipfor National Unity + Alliance for Change (APNU+AFC) Coalition government of selling out the country’s patrimony

“MrJagdeo’sassessment has stood the test of time. But, the PPP/C has not kept their2020electionpromises and has not ensured that

ExxonMobil Guyana Ltd. complies strictly with its legalobligationsasaforeign corporation,” Janki added. She pointed to ongoing litigation filed by citizens seeking to hold oil companies accountable and protect the country from financial harm, and accused the government and the Environmental Protection Agency(EPA)ofsidingwith

Exxon.

On July 19, this publication reported that ChevronCorporationisnow a 30 per cent shareholder in Guyana’s Stabroek Block after completing the US$53 billion acquisition of Hess Corporation, following a favourable arbitration outcome regarding Hess’ Guyanaasset.

Exxon and CNOOC, the

other partners in the StabroekBlock,hadfiledfor arbitration to examine their preemptionrightsoverHess’ share.Hadtheoutcomebeen different, Chevron had indicated it was prepared to walk away from the deal entirely

Chevron,nowaStabroek Block partner, will not pay incometaxesinGuyana

Continuedonpage8

Chevron Corporation, Michael Wirth Vice President, Bharrat Jagdeo

International lawyer, Melinda Janki

KaieteurNews

PrintedandPublishedbyNationalMedia& PublishingCompanyLtd. 24SaffonStreet, Charlestown,Georgetown,Guyana.

Publisher:GLENNLALL-Tel:624-6456

Editor-in-Chief:NigelWilliams

Tel: 225-8465, 225-8491. Fax: 225-8473, 226-8210

EDITORIAL

Election- no foreign involvement

PresidentDonaldTrumphassaidthatAmericawillstay out of foreign elections. Though he has a reputation for changing his mind, leaving others guessing, this is one commitmentheshouldkeep. Guyanacouldemergeasone of the biggest winners, where foreign involvement is at a minimuminlocalelections.

This nation could find itself with an opportunity to determinewhatitismadeof,whatittrulywants,andhowit intends to go about making its visions a reality Guyana's historyisnotaproudone,especiallywhereitselectionsare considered. This country has always been found wanting, lacking in what it takes to look after itself. Like an individualconfinedtoawheelchair,thatisasself-sufficient asGuyanahasbeen.Tosomeextent,Guyaneseleadersand Guyanese themselves have always displayed a marked tendencytodependonotherstohelpthroughthedifficulties ofelections,toholdtheirhands,tobeproxiesforthemwhen toughdecisionsmustbemade.

The US stands as the virtual guardian of Guyana, with Guyanese only too pleased with their role as a dependent. Thehistoryofelectionshasbeenofacountryanditspeoples reduced to a state of near paralysis, not knowing what the nextstepshouldbe. Leadersfromtheregionhaveruntothe rescue,andregionalbodiessuchasCARICOMandtheOAS have stood by Guyanese as they battle for democracy, for humanrights,andforabetterwayofliving.

Like a wicked genie trapped in a bottle, then released, elections have come to represent this in the ugliest ways possible. WhileCARICOM,theOAS,andothershavelent a hand, the US has the clout, and provided the diplomatic muscle to shake Guyanese politicians from where they are stuck, set them on a different path. Without the powerful presenceoftheUSinGuyana'selections,thiscountrywould have been in a much different state, with shambles not too muchofanexaggeration. Itmustbesaid,too,thattheUS also has a shabby history of manipulating Guyana's electionsandGuyana'spoliticianstosuititsownpriorities, interests,objectives.

After 59 years of Independence, it is disgraceful that Guyanaisstillstuckinalmostthesameplaceastheelections of decades ago. Rigging made its appearance in local elections,asearlyasinthe1960s,becamethestandardinthe next couple of decades after, and has never really disappeared off the local elections' scene at all. In the electionsof2020,someoftheworstriggingofalltimeswas attempted in the crudest manner. Personnel from the US were everywhere in Georgetown in efforts to get to the bottom of contradictory developments, claims and counterclaims, and amid a sea of raw political passions. PersonnelatthehighestlevelsintheUSwarnedGuyanese leadersfromWashington,actuallytraveleddowntohere,to insistthatfairness,andnothingbutfairness,mustprevailat all times. If the US were not deeply involved in Guyana's 2020elections,thenthereisnoknowing,notevenwiththe hindsightoffiveyearslater,whereGuyanaanditspeoples wouldhavegonefromthechaosofthosedays.

NowPresidentTrumphasannouncedthattheUSwillbe standingtothesideinforeignelections,takingalessvisible role. Is this country ready to be responsible for its own affairs,withnationalelectionsstandingatthetopofthelist? Canthiscountrystandonitsown,andthenmarchresolutely forward to be the master of its destiny? Guyanese have nevertrustedeachotherenoughtogivethemselvesachance at finding out the answer to those existential questions. Donald Trump has opened a new door for Guyana, if he stickstohisword. Withsomuchgoingonhere,andwithso muchofcorporateAmericanowpresenthere,itstrainsthe mindtobelievethattheWhiteHouseandWashingtonwill stand unconcernedly at the side, and allow the seasonal weakness and failures of elections to drive Guyana into disarray DonaldTrumplikesbeingabroker,extractinghis fee,soGuyanarepresentsgoodbusinessforhim.

PPP/C COULD WIN A GOOD

MAJORITY – IT WILL NOT

DearEditor,

For the 2011, 2015 and 2020 national elections, the PPP/C won 32, 32 and 33 seats respectively in the National Assembly The other political parties, primarily APNU and AFC, won 33, 33 and 32 seats respectively Consequently, in2011,theAPNUandAFC parties had a 1 seat majority in the National Assembly and the PPP/C won the Presidency. In 2015, APNU/AFC won a 1 seat majority in the National Assembly, and also the Presidency In 2020, the PPP/Cwona1seatmajority andalsothePresidency

To find common ground for building and sustaining national unity to continue transforming Guyana, the PPP/C has to find a way to overcome the continuous cycle of almost equivalent

results in national elections. Thisletterexploreshowthat objective could be accomplished.

For the 2025 national elections, it is clear that the PPP/C will win the most votes for the Presidency because President IrfaanAli and his Cabinet have delivered on its promises w

nd inclusive 'One Guyana' economic, social, legal, e

v i r o n m e n t a l , technological and security policies to ensure that no individual, family or community is left behind in the ongoing transformation ofGuyana.

During the last Population Census of 2012, Guyanese self-identified their ethnic ancestry as follows: 39 8% Indian; 29 3% African; 19 9%

ethnically Mixed; 10 5% Indigenous/Amerindian;and 0.5% Portuguese, Chinese andEuropean.

In the 2020 national elections, using that 2012 census,myestimationisthat about 25% of the PPP/C's 233,336 valid votes were from Guyanese of Indigenous/Amerindian descent,ofethnicallyMixed descent, of African descent, and of Portuguese, Chinese andEuropeandescent.Their votes were equivalent to 8 seats in the National Assembly Without their support, the PPP/C would have won just 25 seats, instead of the 33 seats it achieved However, that multi-ethnicandmulti-racial support was not sufficiently large enough for the PPP/C to win more than a 1 seat majority

BE EASY

Therefore, in the 2025 elections, to win at least 36 seats (55.4% of all valid votes) so that the unprecedented progress could continue under PresidentAli,thePPP/Cwill have to ensure that at least 30.3% of its total votes will havetocomefromGuyanese ofethnicallyMixeddescent, of Indigenous/Amerindian descent, of African descent, and of Portuguese, Chinese and European descent. This will not be easy to do. However, as the legendary Nelson Mandela once said: “Italwaysseemsimpossible untilitisdone.”

Inadditiontothevotesit won in 2020 from these communities, the party will have to win in 2025 at least an additional 12,632 new votesfromethnicallyMixed Guyanese, an additional 9,630newvotesfrom (Continuedonpage5)

Strengthening Guyanese Culture

DearEditor,

ArecentpostbyMinister Manickchand on Gam broughtbackfondmemories ofthesportsdeeplyrootedin ourculture.

The renewed focus on sports in schools every Friday afternoon is a great opportunity to celebrate and strengthen our common cultural roots. Independent of who takes office after the upcoming elections we should jointly strive to embrace what has been acceptedasGuyanese.

This would mean promoting the playing of

sports and competitions in games such as underhand flannel ball cricket, overhand hardball cricket, rounders, small and large goal football, gam, jumping chinee, netball, basketball, volleyball, chink, bird singing, table tennis, badminton, squash, dominoes and rap rummy to nameafew Many countries do not play the wealth of games found in Guyana, and the games we have embraced in our country reflects the diversity and inclusion that we have been able to

accomplish.

His Excellency's idea of Friday afternoon sports provides an opportunity to have an annual build up to Mashramaniforthefinalsin manyofthesportsacrossthe country I am sure many adults would also be interested in having competitions across the differentvillagesandpartsof the city and towns that lead toanationalchampionship. This helps not only strengthen our national culture, but also builds solidarityatatimewhenitis most needed. The Ministry

of Education and the Ministry of Culture, Youth and Sport should work closelytogethertodevelopa comprehensive plan for the festivities around such an annual celebration of our cultureandsport.

The Ministry ofTourism can also be instrumental in themarketingandpromotion of such a glorious annual event, where the entire nation has an opportunity to showcase their talents and celebrate the achievements ofourfellowGuyanese.

Bestregards, Mr.JamilChanglee

Open Letter to Elections Observers

DearEditor,

Today I begin a series of letters on GECOM and its PPPC Influence. Today I examine the conduct of one of its commissioners. At a timewhenGuyanacontinues to strive for stronger democratic institutions, the behaviour and public conduct of the country's electoral commissioners must not only be above reproach-they must be groundedintheprinciplesof neutrality, restraint, and institutionaldignity Sadly,recentactionsand statements made by GECOM Commissioner Sase Gunraj violate these standards and point to a deeper crisis within the Commission itself On NominationDay,Mr Gunraj took to social media with a barrage of politically

charged posts, accusing members of a rival political party of “blocking roads” and using “thugs” to disrupt the proceedings. These are not the words of a commissioner acting in a neutral, oversight capacity These are the words of a partisan actor using his position to shape public perception in real time, without the benefit of investigation, verification, or the input of the Commissionasawhole.

Such conduct is not only irresponsible it is dangerous. At a time when the public is already deeply skeptical of the electoral process, when GECOM is underconstantscrutinyfrom all quarters, and when politicaltensionsarehigh,it is reckless for any Commissioner to make

unverified accusations and inflammatory statements. It further erodes confidence in the electoral body and deepens the perception that GECOM is no longer independent, but instead alignedtopoliticalinterests.

But Mr Gunraj's troubling conduct does not stop at social media commentary His recent statement that GECOM “lacks the mechanism” to allow incarcerated persons to vote reflects a disturbing abdication of responsibility

The Constitution of Guyana is unambiguous. Article 59 declaresthateverycitizenof Guyanaaged18andoverhas therighttovote.Thereisno constitutional clause that automatically strips this right from someone simply b e c a u s e t h e y a r e incarcerated especially

those awaiting trial or serving time for non-serious offences.

Yet, GECOM, under Mr Gunraj'swatch,hastakenno meaningful step toward r e c t i f y i n g t h i s disenfranchisement. Instead ofleadingaprogressivepush to expand electoral inclusion especially for vulnerable and marginalised populations he has retreated into the bureaucratic comfort of inaction, citing the absence of a mechanism, while sitting at the very table that hasthepowertocreateone.

Other democracies, including South Africa, Canada, and regional counterparts, have demonstrated that enabling prisoner voting is not only feasible—itisessentialto

(Continuedonpage6)

DearEditor,

The current political landscape in Guyana is becoming quite dynamic as the election campaign gains momentum. As the People's Progressive Party/Civic

Political Parties Promises

(PPP/C) and the People's National Congress (PNC)/A Partnership for National Unity (APNU) outline their economic and social plans, theWeInvestinNationhood (WIN) party seems to be

struggling to present a clear visionforthefuture.

Azruddin Mohamed, the leaderoftheWINparty,has garnered attention lately for a somewhat controversial promise, securing a "get out

ofjail"cardfromtheUnited Statesgovernmentshouldhe be elected president. This raises significant questions about the motivations behindhiscampaignandthe priorities for theWIN party

PPP/C COULD WIN A GOOD MAJORITY...

Frompage14

G u y a n e s e o f

Indigenous/Amerindian descent, an additional 9,038 newvotesfromGuyaneseof African descent, and an additional 583 new votes from Guyanese of Portuguese, Chinese and European descent. The total

v o t e s f r o m t h e s e communities would then be equivalent to 11 seats in the National Assembly Just as important, the PPP/C has to c o n t i n u e t h

s traditional base because it will have to win at least an additional 32,767 new votes from Guyanese of Indian descent that would be equivalentto25seats.

This means that, if the PPP/C was to depend on support exclusively from GuyaneseofIndiandescent, itwouldwinonly25seats.If the party was to get more support from Guyanese of Indian descent and of Indigenous/Amerindian descent, it would win 30 seats. If the party was to get more votes from Guyanese of Indian descent, of Indigenous/Amerindian descent, and of ethnically Mixeddescent,itwouldwin 34 seats. And, if the PPP/C was to get more votes from GuyaneseofIndiandescent, of Indigenous/Amerindian descent,ofethnicallyMixed descent, and also ofAfrican descent, it would win 36 seats.

But,thisisnotjustabout winningapoliticalmajority Fundamentally, it is about doingtherightthing.Atruly national party must have a membership and a support basethatisrepresentativeof all Guyanese President Irfaan Ali and General Secretary of the PPP/C, BharratJagdeo,arereaching outandsuccessfullyleading thewaytoreturnthepartyto its roots, when in the 1953 national elections under the leadership of Cheddi Jagan, the PPP won 18 of 24 seats because it was the only national party that had a diverse membership and support base which was multi-ethnic, multi-racial andmulti-class.

Inadditiontoconvincing relatives, friends, coworkers and neighbours, every PPP/C member and supporterhastoreachoutto every household and persuadethemtovoteforthe PPP/Cbecausethepartyhas demonstratedthatitdoesnot and will not practice domination, exclusion or marginalization of any Guyanese individual or community About 78% of the PPP/C's new additional voteswillhavetocomefrom Regions4,3,6,and2.

Region 4 – In 2020, the PPP/Cwon80,920votesfor 40.04% of the total votes castintheregion.Thatwasa good result The PPP/C

could win an additional 22,150 more votes from Guyanese of ethnically Mixed descent, of African descent, and of Indian descent. Historically, about 71.7% of registered voters usually turn out to vote. Winning a good majority of seatswillrequirethehighest turnoutofPPP/Csupporters. Moreeducationisnecessary on what is required to cast a valid vote because 1,665 of theballotscastinthisregion wererejectedin2020.

Region 3 –In 2020, the PPP/Cwon47,851votesfor 65.92% of the total votes castintheregion.Thatwasa verygoodresult.ThePPP/C could win an additional 12,044 more votes from Guyanese of ethnically Mixed descent, of Indian descent, of African descent, a n d o f Indigenous/Amerindian descent. Historically, about 73% of registered voters usually turn out to vote. Winning a good majority of seatswillrequirethehighest turnoutofPPP/Csupporters. Moreeducationisnecessary on what is required to cast a validvotebecause485ofthe ballots cast in this region wererejectedin2020.

Region 6 – In 2020, the PPP/Cwon43,440votesfor 67.28% of the total votes castintheregion.Thatwasa good result The PPP/C could win an additional 11,560 more votes from

Guyanese of ethnically Mixed descent, of Indian descent, of African descent a n d o f Indigenous/Amerindian descent. Historically, about 71.8% of registered voters usually turn out to vote. Winning a good majority of seatswillrequirethehighest turnoutofPPP/Csupporters. Moreeducationisnecessary on what is required to cast a validvotebecause512ofthe ballots cast were rejected in 2020.

Region 2 - In 2020, the PPP/Cwon18,785votesfor 70.56% of the total votes cast in this region.That was an excellent result The PPP/C could win an additional 4,383 more votes fromGuyaneseofethnically Mixed descent, of Indigenous/Amerindian descent, of Indian descent, and of African descent Historically, about 70% of registered voters usually turn out to vote. Winning a good majority of seats will requirethehighestturnoutof PPP/C supporters More education is necessary on what is required to cast a validvotebecause251ofthe ballots cast were rejected in 2020.

In a subsequent letter, I w i l l a n a l y z e t h e opportunities for the PPP/C to win more new votes in Regions1,5,7,8,9and10.

YoursSincerely, GeoffreyDaSilva

It appears that their focus maynotbeonaddressingthe needs of the Guyanese populace but rather on safeguarding Mohamed's interests amid the legal challenges he faces. This unique position has left many Guyanese wondering whether the aspirations of the WIN party reflect the values and needs of the nation, or if they are primarily centered around Mohamed's desire for legal immunity

The PPP/C has made several key commitments to the Guyanese people in the last couple of weeks, centeringoninvestmentand sustainability, including a $200MillionFundforSmall and Medium-Sized Enterprises. Thisfundaims to bolster local businesses,

Guyanese.Supportforthese enterprises is crucial for economic diversification, particularly in a rapidly growing economy heavily influencedbytheoilandgas sector Improving infrastructure is a critical componentofenhancingthe qualityoflifeforallcitizens. This expansion is likely to focus on transportation, healthcare, and education systems, which are essential for fostering a productive workforce and attracting additionalinvestment.

This past week, President Dr Mohamed Irfaan, recognizing the importance of agriculture, particularly rice farming, committed to providing support for this sector. The promise that rice farmers willnothavetopayforcrop insurance for the next three

y

pa

cularly significant, as it reduces financial burdens during a time of fluctuating market conditions. Investments in efficiencyandtechnicalskill development also point to a future-oriented vision President Ali also announced that a new medical school and engineering programs will bedevelopedinRegionTwo, d e m o n s t r a t i n g a commitment to building a skilled labor force that can contributetovarioussectors oftheeconomy Educationis foundational to long-term sustainability and will empower individuals to pursuediversecareerpaths. On the other hand, the PNC/APNU seems to focus p r e d o m i n a n t l y o n immediatefinancialbenefits for citizens through cash grantsandexpandedpension awards, funded by the lucrative oil revenues emerging in Guyana. While thesemeasurescanalleviate

e immediate support to families, critics might argue that the party's vision lacks an emphasis on sustainable growth and long-term developmentstrategies.

The fundamental divergence between the PPP/C and the PNC/APNU is striking The PPP/C emphasizes long-term nation-building and selfsustain

PPP/C

a comprehensive approach to development that seeks to prepare Guyana for future challenges while laying downarobustinfrastructure and a skilled workforce. Conversely,the

(Continueonpage6)

EPA faces another lawsuit for breach th of court order in Exxon's 7 project

TheEnvironmental

P r o t e c t i o n Agency (EPA) is facing another lawsuit in relation to US oil major th ExxonMobil's 7 project –theHammerhead.

Concerned citizens, Wintress Morris and Joy Marcus,whofiledthefollow upcourtcase,explainedthat itisinresponsetotheblatant violation of a high court orderbytheEPA.

“We have gone back to court to uphold the rule of lawandprotectGuyanafrom thefailuresoftheEPA.”

In a release, the duo explained that in March 2025,JusticeSimoneMorris ruled that the environmental impact assessment for E x x o n ' s p r o p o s e d Hammerhead Project must comply with national law and must identify, describe and evaluate the effects of Scope 3 emissions or p o l l u t i o n o n t h e environment.

As a result, they noted theEPAissupposedtomake sure that the Environmental Resource Management (ERM) identifies, describes and evaluates the impact of Scope 3 emissions on the people of Guyana, on the

soil, water, ocean, atmosphere, ecological balanceandecosystemsetc.

The release stated however, that Kemraj Parsram, head of the EPA, has failed the people of Guyana

Theapplicantsnotedthat “The Hammerhead Environmental Impact

Assessment (EIA) produced by ERM blatantly disregards both thecourt'sdecisionandthe legal requirements of Section 11(4) of the Environmental Protection Act. ERM clearly believes theyareabovethelaw They arenot.”

They explained that “Scope 3 emissions are pollution.Theyarewhatyou get when you burn oil/gas forenergy”

The two described the ERM claims that it is not feasible to assess Scope 3 emissions as “absolute rubbish ”

“The Americ an

Petroleum Institute has provided clear guidance on how to assess Scope 3, pointing out that if there is any doubt at all you should assumethat100percentof theoilandgaswillburn.Are

ERM so incompetent that they overlooked this basic industrystandard?Oristhat they have a conflict of interest because they act for the top oil and gas companies in the world?”

thereleasestated.

Itcontinued“itisallover the international press, that the International Court of Justice has just said that this pollution has created an existential threat to life on earth. We are not going tostandbyandletourfuture goupinsmoke.”

In line with their instructions, the attorneys attached to the case have twice written to the EPA warning them that the Hammerhead EIA is unlawful,nullandvoid

Yet the EPA has not rejected it. Instead, it has publiclyassertedthat it will s u b m i t i t t o t h e EnvironmentalAssessment Board - in defiance of national law and our rights as citizens to be protected frompollution.

By failing to reject this unlawful EIA for Exxon's proposed Hammerhead Project, the applicants noted that the EPA has abdicateditsstatutoryduty

Duo robbed by three masked men

A 2 2 - y e a r - o l d receptionist and a 37-yearoldcarpenterwererobbedof cash and a cell phone on Monday by three armed maskedmen.

Sarah McDonald an employeeofShadesofGrey Inn, located at lot 1938 Herstelling, East Bank Demerara, was relieved of $900,000, property of Shades of Grey Inn. Kevin

Elgin was robbed of one samsung A21 cellphone valued$60,000. According to police, McDonald was working in the bar when the three suspectsenteredthebar.One ofthemenaskedforabottle of water, and while McDonald was in the process of cashing, one of theothermalesturnedoffthe lights The suspect who

requested the water went to thecashregisterwhilearmed withahandgun,andtookthe money from it. Elgin, who was in the bar at the time, wasalsorobbed.

The suspects fled the scene and made good their escape in a black Toyota fielder wagon, the number plate is unknown. Several persons were contacted and interviewed.

Open Letter to Elections...

Frompage4

upholding universal suffrage.TheUnitedNations Human Rights Committee, under the International Covenant on Civil and Political Rights (ICCPR), has ruled that blanket bans on prisoner voting are i n c o n s i s t e n t w i t h international democratic norms So where is the leadership? Where is the moralcourage? Instead of leaning into GECOM's constitutional mandate to facilitate free, fair, and inclusive elections, Mr Gunraj's words and a c t i o n s p o r t r a y a commissioner more interested in defending political turf than defending the rights of all Guyanese citizens. Thisbringsustothecore of the matter: GECOM urgently needs a binding, transparentCodeofConduct for its Commissioners. A document that spells out acceptable public behavior, prohibits partisan commentary, enforces disclosurerules,andensures Commissioners do not use their platforms to peddle politicalnarrativesunderthe guise of officialdom Commissioners must be

and ignored the harmful impacts of this project's pollution.

“We have no choice but to go back to court and ask the court to declare this Hammerhead EIA to be unlawful, null, and void; prohibit the EPA from issuing any permits based on this defective EIA; and compel the EPAto require a new, lawful EIA that includes Scope 3 emissions, as required under Section 11(4).

Theduostressedthatthe EPA has shown complete disreg

public whom

they are required to protect

They noted the EPA's conductispartofapatternof behaviourthatissanctioned bythegovernment

“The entire country has seen how the attorney general has joined in other cases to side with Exxon against the people of Guyana. This has got to stop! This case is about morethanjustoil.

Itisabouttheintegrityof our legal system, the accountability of public institutions, and the health and well-being of all of us Guyanese people,” the two

applicantsadded

They have called on fellowGuyanesetostandup for their country, families andfuture

“We are not opposed to sustainable developmentbut we stand firmly against pollution, dishonesty, and the erosion of the rule of law.”

Morris and Marcus are being represented by UKbased Guyanese attorney

, Melinda Janki, as well as attorneys Tim Prudhoe, Anna-Kay Brown, and SaevionDavid-Longe.

Stephen Campbell

DearEditor,

It is election time, and it is essential to acknowledge the origins of the country's development, particularly the contributions of the Indigenous population, who played a vital role in its evolution into a modern state,Guyana.

We h a v e m a d e significant contributions to the country, giving it its name "Guyana,” meaning "Land of Many Waters,” in the Arawak/Lokono language.Wehavedesigned its cartography, with our community's presence, occupying the mountains, hills,creeksandsavannas.

Thesecommunitiesalso serve as defining borders between neighbouring countries such as Brazil, VenezuelaandSuriname.

We have acted as guardians of the forests and have named many of the rivers, creeks, and mountains, coexisting harmoniously with the biodiversity and ecosystem. Additionally, Indigenous

heir allegianceisnottoapolitical party—but to the people of Guyana, and the democratic system they are sworn to protect GECOM cannot functionasalegitimatebody ifitsmemberscontinuetoact likepoliticalsurrogates.The Commissionmustholditself to a higher standard, or it risks becoming part of the very problem it was created to prevent: the manipulation ofdemocraticinstitutionsfor partisan gain. The time for internal reflection is over Thetimeforreformisnow Yoursfaithfully A.Rampersaud

individuals are actively contributing professionally tosocietyinvarioussectors, such as education, science, business, among others, including politicians and parliamentarians, following in the footsteps of Mr StephenCampbell.

Mr Campbell, Guyana's f i r s t A m e r i n d i a n Parliamentarian, was a notable figure who fought for land rights and recognition for Indigenous peoples before the country's independence.

In 1995, President Cheddi Jagan made a bold move by declaring him a national hero and designating September as AmerindianHeritageMonth to acknowledge Stephen's contributions and his entry intoParliament.

Editor, I have nothing against the month-long celebration in September, butasthepoliticalcampaign season unfolds, we see politicians making promises and taking action to secure votes for their parties

Therefore, I would like to suggest that the incoming leader of the country reconsider the celebrations for Amerindian Heritage Month.

To make this change, it should be done through the Free, Prior, and Informed Consent (FPIC) process to gather public opinions and obtain approval from Parliament If feasible, September 10th could be declared a national holiday called Indigenous Peoples DayinGuyana,symbolising unityandgenuinerespectfor theIndigenouspopulation.

This recognition would align our country's acknowledgement of Indigenous heritage with thatofotherethnicgroupsin Guyana.

Suchachangecouldhold more significance than a month-long celebration or extravaganza that often portrays our culture in a paternalistic and exotic manner

Yourssincerely, MedinoAbraham

Political Parties...

Frompage5 ‘PNC/APNU's plan appears reactionary, focusing on short-term monetary awards without investing in the b r o a d e r e c o n o m i c frameworkneededtoensure resilience and selfsufficiency in the years to come.

As the elections approach and the political discourse intensifies, the contrasting narratives presented by each party prompt voters to reflect on theirprioritiesforthenation.

The challenge for the Guyanese people is to discernnotonlywhichparty offerspromisesthatresonate with their immediate needs but also which party is genuinely invested in crafting a sustainable and prosperous future for all citizens. In this context, the WIN party's emphasis on personal immunity rather than a robust and actionable nation-building agenda raisessignificantconcerns.It poses a critical question for the electorate: who truly

prioritizes the well-being of the nation over individual interests?

Asthecampaignsunfold, it will be interesting to see how these narratives evolve and how the Guyanese peoplerespondintheirquest for a brighter future. The PPP/C appears to be presenting a vision that Guyanese across the land can embrace and seem to make good economic and socialsense.

Regards Dr.TilokieDepoo

BLUNT BLUNT

Bigralliesorbig'bus-ins'

Since the election campaign began, the two big parties have been boasting about crowds. We have heard some really ridiculous numbers. One party boated of attracting 35,000 people at one of their rallies and 25,000 at another. In both instances, the figures were massively inflated.

The mistake we make is in assuming that the size of a crowd at a rally is a reliable indicator of electoral support. It is not. Crowds are bused in, promises are shouted out, and the energy is manufactured—like a well-rehearsed stage play where the audience is also part of the cast.

We have seen parties transport supporters from all over to create the illusion of local dominance. A rally in Region Four may feature crowds from Regions Three, Five, and Six. The people waving flags and chanting slogans are not always the people who live there. They are performers in a political drama, extras in a production meant for television cameras and social media clips. The real work— the quiet, unglamorous labour of changing minds—happen elsewhere.

Early childhood development policy launched

…to boost quality care, learning for ages 0–3

The Ministry of Human Services

a n d S o c i a l

Security, through its Childcare and Protection

Agency (CPA), in collaboration with UNICEF and the Government of Canada has launched Guyana's first National Integrated Early Childhood

Development Policy (NIECD)andaccompanying guidelines.

Thelaunchtookplaceon

MondayattheHerdmanston Lodge Conference Room, marking a major milestone in the country's efforts to improve the care, development, and learning outcomes of children from ages zero to three, the ministry said in a press release.

The NIECD policy sets out a coordinated, inclusive strategy for delivering highquality early childhood services that promote the

health, well-being, and development of young children. It aims to foster lifelong learning and ensure every child is allowed to thriveinasafeandnurturing environment.

Minister of Human ServicesandSocialSecurity, Hon. Dr Vindhya Persaud, said the policy was born from months of dedicated work and constant consultations, ensuring its comprehensive,progressive,

Guyana signs agreement with the Dominican Republic for large-scale cocoa and coffee production in Region One

Agriculture Minister, Hon. Zulfikar Mustapha, Ambassador Ernesto Torres Pereyra, and other representatives of the Ministry of Agriculture, IICA, and the Government of the DR

The Government of Guyana, through the Ministry of Agriculture, on Tuesday signed what has been described as a historic

agreement with the

Government of the Dominican Republic to commencelarge-scalecocoa and coffee cultivation in RegionOne.

Accordingtoastatement issued by the Department of Public Information (DPI) this initiative aims to establish approximately 200 acres each of coffee and cocoa as part of Guyana's broader efforts to boost economic diversification, enhance rural livelihoods, andexpandregionaltrade.

“The agreement underscores the importance of sustainable agriculture and technical cooperation and will support the development, cultivation, processing,andmarketingof both crops. It will also pave the way for joint research a n d d e v e l o p m e n t programmes, as well as

value-added production and tradefacilitationinthecocoa and coffee sectors,” the statementsaid.

During the signing,

Agriculture Minister,

Zulfikar Mustapha, e m p h a s i z e d t h e government's commitment to introducing high-value cropstoreduceGuyana'sand the wider region's food importbill.“Thisformspart of the government's agenda to integrate new crops into the sector While there has been an expansion in the cultivation of traditional crops, over the last five years, we've facilitated and investedinthecultivationof new crops—things that we usually import like carrots, corn, broccoli, cauliflower, and lettuce Cocoa and coffee are crops that we started to cultivate. We've been working with IICA to ensure we develop the industry With this agreement, it will make a tremendous improvement because we have the land,

andall-encompassing.“This policy places children at its centre Early childhood development is very significant in the lives of children. It allows us to assess their developmental milestones and provides a vantage point to evaluate their emotional stability and overallwell-being.Atavery early stage, we can identify when children require extra care or intervention, often involving not just their parents, but also experts to ensure they enjoy a better quality of life,” Minister Persaudexplained.

While the policy itself is important, the Minister emphasised the need for a clearframeworktoensureits goals are effectively realised. To this end, the Ministry has established a series of targeted objectives thatthepolicyisdesignedto achieve.

According to Minister Persaud, “The targets

GNRSC

and we'll also have the infrastructure in place to ensure production is sustainable,” the Minister stated.

At peak production, the project is expected to yield approximately 8,000 metric t o n n e s o f c o c o a Additionally, nearly 3,000 individuals are projected to benefit both directly and indirectly from employment and economic opportunities generated through the initiative. During a 2024 outreach to Waramuri Village in Barima-Waini, President Irfaan Ali highlighted the region's enormous agricultural potential and announced plans to establish a 10,000acre coffee plantation featuring Arabica and Liberica varieties. He noted t h e g o v e r n m e n t ' s commitment to restoring Region One as a prominent coffee-producing area throughstrategicinvestment and the distribution of thousandsofcocoaplants.

dismisses Jagdeo's claim...

involve pregnant and breastfeeding women who understand what early childhooddevelopmentisto promote healthy birth and children We want every childagedzerotothreeyears to experience good health, adequate nutrition, safety, s

opportunities for early learning.”Tohelpmeetthese goals, the CPA has already trained a number of Early Childhood Development (ECD) Practitioners and supportedthetransformation of day-care centres into centres of excellence through the provision of grants. So far, the Ministry has registered 400 early childhood facilities and has officially licensed 365 of them Importantly, the NIECD policy is aligned with the United Nations Sustainable Development

commitment to advancing the rights and development ofallchildren.

Furthermore, Minister Persaud highlighted the significance of nationwide collaboration in developing programmes and policies aimedatimprovingthelives of the country's children. “What is important in all of

stakeholders, and our partnerships that were pivotal to the success of the implementationofthepolicy and its guidelines. We must ensure that there is always a robust partnership among the Ministries of health,

government, and human services,” the Minister underscored. The launch of theNIECDpolicyrepresents a transformative step in Guyana's approach to early childhood development, setting a strong foundation forgenerationstocome.

chairman calls for

stricter penalties on road safety …recommends'three-strike'systemfortrafficoffenders

Chairman of the Guyana National Road Safety Council (GNRSC), Earl Lambert, is calling on the government to adopt a “three-strike” system for repeat traffic offenders as part of broader efforts to improve road safety across thecountry

Speaking at the National Road Safety Stakeholders Forum on Tuesday, hosted by the Ministry of Home Affairsincollaborationwith theGuyanaPoliceForceand the GNRSC, Lambert urged that drivers who repeatedly violate traffic laws should have their licenses revoked andberequiredtoreturntoa certified driving school for retraining.

Lambert emphasized the need for a cultural shift among drivers, stating that many motorists today focus more on getting to their destinations quickly than drivingsafely “Indrivingit's about,go,go,go…youhave to stop and wait and make sure that in that process you thinkaboutotherroadusers, you think about getting safe towhereyouareand,inthis time, I don't think people exercise that caution of ensuring that safety is exercised We need to emphasize safety on our roads,”hesaid.

He questioned whether existing enforcement measuressuchase-ticketing

systems,speedcameras,and body cameras are enough curve the high rate of road accidents.

“One of the things that we would like to ask the governmenttoputinplaceis what I call the three strike system where motorist must bepenalizedovertimeifthey have been having several traffic tickets or infractions and therefore have their license suspended or revoked and they go back through a driving practice and they improve the way theyusetheroadthatthatby itself will send a message because a lot of us use our driver's license to earn and thoselicensearesuspended, itisgoingtosendamessage thatyouneedexercise care, caution, consideration, courtesy and common sense when you are using the road and that will contribute heavily towards the day we use our roads,” Lambert explained.

The urgency of these changes is underscored by the statistics of road accidents this year In the first half of 2025, while overall road accidents decreased by 3% compared to the same period last year, road fatalities increased by 6%,with70deathsrecorded, including two children. The period also saw 66 fatal accidents, 166 serious accidents, 235 minor accidents, and 428 damageonlyincidents.

Commissioner of Police Clifton Hicken echoed Lambert's concerns, stating that enforcement alone will not solve the road safety crisis “We can increase patrols, install more speed cameras, and prosecute offenders, and we will, but unless we change our collective attitude toward roadsafety,wewillcontinue to bury our children, our family members, and our friends,”Hickensaid.

“The police cannot do this alone. Road Safety is everyone's responsibility It is drivers, pedestrian, parents, teachers, transport operators, policy makers, insurance engineers and mediapersonality,”hesaid. Hicken also highlighted the forum's goal of promoting three levels of accountability: 1. Personal (Continueonpage22)

Chairman of GNRSC, Earl Lambert

Flooded by Failure

FloodinginGuyana is no longer a s e a s o n a l inconvenience it has become a way of life. Every heavy rainfall feels like a national emergency waiting tohappen.

The water doesn't just accumulate; it claims It claims people's belongings, it claims farmers' livelihoods, and it is slowly claimingourpatience.

The truth is, Guyana's flooding problem is not just about rain. It is about the decades of neglect, the lack of maintenance, the shortsighted development, and the failure to treat drainage and irrigation as a core part ofnationalplanning.

In rural Guyana, flooding has always been a threat, but now it is getting worse.Farmersinplaceslike Black Bush Polder, Mahaica,andCanalNumber Onearewatchingtheirfields turn into swamps overnight. The same kokers and canals that were built generations ago are still being used today—someofthembarely functioning.

When they fail, rice fieldsdrown,cashcropsrot, and entire communities face economic ruin. One farmer recently said it best: “We plantinginmudandpraying totheskythatitdohsendtoo muchblessings.”

The irony is painful Agriculture is one of our

economicbackbones,yetwe leave farmers to fend for themselves with collapsed embankments, clogged trenches,andthepromiseof relief after the flood already washoutthecrops.

M e a n w h i l e , i n Georgetownandotherurban centres, the situation is not muchbetter Thecapitalcity, which sits below sea level, seems designed to flood. A briefdownpourisenoughto turn most streets into shallowrivers.Thedrainage system is archaic, often choked with garbage, and poorly maintained. Pumps either don't work or are turned on too late. It is as though we have become a city that waits for the water to rise before we remember wehaveengineers.

Urban flooding doesn't destroy crops, but it does destroy homes, furniture, appliances and pride. It brings disease, disrupts businesses, and sends schoolchildren wading through contaminated water togettoclass.

The cost of replacing what is lost adds up. But there is another cost—the emotional cost of knowing this keeps happening, and nobodyseemstofixit.

Whatisfrustratingisnot just the flooding, but the predictability of the flooding.Weknowwhenthe rainy season comes We know where the vulnerable

areas are. We know which canals need dredging and which kokers need fixing. And yet, year after year, we treatfloodinglikeasurprise. LikeastrangeactofGod,not theresultofhumanneglect.

There have been announcements Studies Proposals Pilot projects Emergency works But where is the long-term investment? Where is the modern, coordinated infrastructure strategy to deal with a country that sits on the edge of the Atlantic and below sea level? Where istheseriousness?

Some will say the governmentisdoingitsbest. Others will say climate change is making things worse.Bothmaybetrue.But Peeping Tom believes that climate change didn't clog the trenches or leave the kokerstorust.

We did. And until we accept that, we will keep losing the battle against rain, water, and our own indifference We cannot continue patching the problem with sandbags and press releases Urban or rural, people are tired of empty promises and wet shoes.

Theydeservebetter And if we're serious about development, then flood prevention must be seen not as a luxury but as the foundation. Because if the water keeps rising and we

DEM BOYS SEH

Customer Service in Guyana Does Come With Attitude

Dem boys seh in Guyana, when you walk in a store, yuh don't get customer service—yuhgetcustomerstress.

One man walk in a hardware store and ask de girl behind de counter, “Good morning, y'all get roofing sheets?” She watchhelikehejustaskifshegotakidney to spare. “Wha you see pon de shelf?” she snap. Dem boys seh he look and only see attitude—nozinc,justpurebrass. Dem boys seh de customer always right—unlessdecashierdecideyouwrong. Oneladyaskforareceiptanddecashierroll sheeyesohard,degirlnexttosheseh,“Ow gyal, yuh going blind or just vex?” Dem boys seh in Guyana, asking for a receipt is like begging for a miracle. One time a man ask, de cashier seh, “We ain't got time fuh that.Yuhwantitornot?”

Dem boys seh when you call customer service phone number, is either nobody answer, or somebody answer and treat yuh likeyuhdisturbin'demnap.Onemancalla big company to ask why his internet gone. De man who answer seh, “It got to be something wrong ” De man seh, “Obviously,butwahy'alldoingboutit?”De manseh,“Wemonitoringit.”Demboysseh that is fancy word fuh “We watching it not wuk.”

keep standing still, soon there will be nothing left to standon.

(The views expressed in

Butisnotjustprivatebusiness.Goinany gov't office—ow sorry, dem boys promise nopolitics—butlemmejustseh,onelilclerk behind de counter does move slower than molassesinJanuary Yougoinat8o'clock, youmightcomeout2p.m.widjustaformin yuh hand. And don't ask a question. De answer is usually, “Wait yuh turn,” even if nobodyelsedehdeh.

Demboyssehdeonlyplaceyougetting fast service in Guyana is when you owe money

Soonasyoumissapayment,dempeople does find you quick-quick—like dem got GPS pon you. Dem boys seh if de phone companydidputthatsameenergyinfixing signal as they put in cutting service, we wouldabelikeDubai.

But dem boys got hope. One lil shop in devillagestartsaying“Goodmorning”and giving bag without you asking. De whole villagetalkinlikeisamiracle.Onemanseh, “Thisfeellikeforeign!”Demboyssehifwe get more people smiling and less people suckin' dem teeth, Guyana gon raise up not justgoldandoil,butstandardstoo.

Till then, prepare fuh de eye-roll, de steups, and maybe if yuh lucky—a “Thank you.”Butdon'tholdyuhbreath. Talkhalf,leffhalf

this article are those of the author and do n

necessarily reflect the opinionsofthisnewspaper.)

Chief Justice dismisses challenges to electoral laws by Ram, Bandu

Chief Justice (ag), Roxane George hasdismissedthe legal challenges brought against Guyana's electoral laws by chartered accountant and attorney, Christopher Ram and leader of the United Republican Party (URP) in Guyana, VishnuBandu.

RamandBanduhadfiled separate challenges proportional representation (PR) electoral system and s e c t i o n s o f t h e Representation of the People'sAct(RoPA).

For his challenge, Ram had moved to court seeking to, inter alia, modify the RoPA and the laws of Guyana to give individuals the right to stand to elect independent candidates to contestgeneralelections.

The Fixed Date Application (FDA) filed by the Ram's attorney, Kamal Ramkarran, sought a declarationthatonatrueand proper interpretation of Article 160(2) (a) of the constitution, those individuals, including himself, have the right to stand for and elect persons who stand for elections to the national assembly as independent candidates in geographicalconstituencies.

Bandu contended that Article 160 permits a political party to contest the

elections and Article 147

participate in an election in any manner that he feels fit, but the provision of the Representation of the People'sAct,restrictshimin aparticularway

However, Chief Justice (CJ)Georgefoundthatboth applications lacked merit and failed to show any constitutional breach in the manner in which political parties are required to contestnationalelections.

The CJ noted that there was no evidence to support the claim that the electoral system, particularly the requirement that parties contest both geographical and top-up seats, violated any aspect of human rights provisions.

The judge further rejected arguments made by the applicants who claimed that the system created unconstitutional barriers for smaller or individual candidates seeking to participate.

“Section 11C, which is not challenged, clearly establishes that one cannot focus on contesting only geographicalconstituencies. That would affect the proportionality granted by thesystem,”theCJoutlined.

Inhisremarksfollowing theruling,AttorneyGeneral

(AG) and Minister of Legal Affairs, Anil Nandlall said the cases may have been filed to delay the upcoming elections.

“This one was clearly intended to delay the elections, I think…but they realised when they read our answerandoursubmissions, I believe that they felt quickly that they can't achieve that objective…and wemanagedtopersuadethe chiefjusticetodeterminethe case long before the elections so that one can't say we have this hovering overourheadgoingintothe elections,”theAGsaid.

Thankfully, he said, Chief Justice (ag) George recognised the flaws in the arguments.

“So, the court in the end dismissed [the] application as well, [and] found it to be without merit eventually wewereabletopersuadethe chief justice that both applications were frivolous, vexatious, and without merit, and they were dismissed with costs awarded,”henoted.

Both applicants have beenorderedtopaycostsof $500,000each.

Bandhu was ordered to pay$250,000totheattorney general's office and the remaining sum to the G u y a n a E l e c t i o n s Commission.

H@RD TRUTHS

PPP did so good, it shouldn't look so sick

A few thoughts for Guyanese,eligiblevotersget express delivery Thinking Guyanese may nod, even some in the ruling party, all citizens with some relationshiptobasichonesty Amid all the clatter, clutter, and clamor, these thoughts may have merits, mean something. OffIgo. Ask the president, vice president, or any PPP minister one question and it is the same answer coming down from heaven with

almost the same words highlighted A bright mouthfulofthem. First,the simplequestionintwoparts: what is there to recommend thegovernment,whyshould Guyanese return the PPP to power? Here's the

compressedanswer:Lookat how good the PPP Government has been to all Guyanese, look how well Guyanese have done in the last five years. I offer no comment, other than, hear ye,hearye.

Let'shaveabighandfor the PPP Conduct the same exercise with PPP apologists, propagandists, mystics, and they are all burstingwithpent-upenergy to sell the gospel according to the governmentGuyanese never had it so good, as under this PPP of the last five years. Again, not a contrary word is whispered in the ear of any Guyanese. Idosay,though, well done, good and trusted servants.

Now, things get sticky, murky Since the PPP as a group, as a government, as piloted by sublime leadership, did so fantastically well, then somebody should explain to Guyanese voters, why they areallsotense,fromleaders t o m i n i s t e r s t o propagandizers, as though grasping at straws, as if fightingfordearlife. Whyis there the appearance on Bharrat Jagdeo's face of a man who is on the run, and who's a portrait of desperation? The man, this wisest of local political operators, should be oozing confidence; a leader quietly smirking, a campaigner publicly dismissive. Of the PNC. Of Mohamed I or Mohamed II or Mohamed the Other Of 24 (or 19) political parties in the race, or 200 of them. There are now five outside of the mighty PPP Since the PPP

placed, if I may pilfer, all those'big,beautiful,baskets' of riches at the Guyanese doorsteps,thentheelections are over One massive walkover,agrandyawnerof anocontest.

To beat this horse silly, st the September 1 elections would be seen as so onesided,it'sacryingshameon those who show their faces, open their mouths. Like Norton and the PNC. Like Mohamed, crowd drawer, crowd pleaser Since the PPPwassolovingandcaring to Guyanese of every stripe, every political complexion, then a father, or a mother, could turn to their neighbor (and neighbors to them) and celebrate how splendidly theyhavedone. Howmuch better off they are, solidly comfortable, and confident about the future With thanksforthegreatgoodness o f m e n l i k e t h e unmentionable president, the incomparable vice president Dr Jagdeo, the impeccable Attorney General Lord Nandlall, who honored the law and was about justice for all (none morethanExxon).

Considering all of this, thePPPain'tgatnowurreez. No competition on the horizon. Ifevertherewasan election with a clear, oddso n ( 5 0 0 0 t o 1 ) , overwhelming favorite by a long furlong, it just must be thePPPoftheroadtakenby Dr Jagdeo. Jagdeo should be all deep smiles. Jagdeo shouldbewell-positionedto takeapublicbetwithNorton or theYoung Contender and beteachone$100million(if in US, so be it) that he will beat them to a pulp. And

that'safterhedonatestwoof his seats to each of them. I call that the swagger of a champion, a daredevil of a leader, who knows that he hasitall,diditall. Not for himself and his cronies. But for Guyanese. Because of having done so, Jagdeocouldlaffintheface of Norton, wave away Mohamed the Younger, and call off his nervous helpers. Those with overflowing energy wherever the young fella goes, and those lobbyists with too much brainpower over there in grim, bone-chilling Washington. Yeah,theytake things seriously over there, oftengotheextrayard.

Since the PPP proved itself so magnificently with oil money and the people's money, then it should be the winner by a slow canter Whyslow? Becausetherest ofthefieldisthatfarbehind, how Jagdeo kicked them deepintothegutter,dumped theminthesewer Infact,if I were Bharrat Jagdeo, I wouldn't campaign at all. Waste of time, money, and energy, since all the PPP's inspiring actions can't be denied, can't be diminished, a n d w i l l d e l i v e r overwhelmingvictory,come September1. Whocanstand against the PPP? Note: not one hard or bad word said today against Jagdeo or the PPP Blessingseveryone. (The views expressed in this article are those of the author and do not necessarily reflect the opinionsofthisnewspaper.)

Taxi driver on $20,000 bail for assaulting reputed wife

A30-year-oldtaxidriver was on Tuesday released on $20,000 bail for assault, causing actual bodily harm charge.

Leslie Dey, of Lot 198 Thomas Street, Kitty, Georgetown, appeared

before acting Chief Magistrate, Faith McGusty

at the Georgetown Magistrates'Court.

It is alleged that Dey, on July 28, 2025, at Lot 66 Norton Street, Lodge, Georgetown, assaulted his reputedwife,DeviSurijban, astocauseheractualbodily

harm. Dey pleaded guilty with explanation to the offence, however after providing his explanation, Magistrate McGusty recorded a not guiltyplea.

The taxi driver told the court that he and Surijban had an argument and she armedherselfwithachopper andapproachedhim.

“It wasn't supposed to reach this far I tried to take awaythechopperandIhold her hands and she sink she nailinmyhandandIbiteher handandtakeawaytheblade

Accused Leslie Dey at the Georgetown Magistrates' Court

Fisherman in custody for Corentyne man's murder

A38-year-oldlabourerwasmurderedon MondaynightatJacksonCreek,Corentyne, Berbice.

Dead is Gavin Daniels, also known as 'Talk to Me' of Moleson Creek, Corentyne, Berbice.

Itwasreportedthatincidentoccurredat approximately20:00hrs.

Policeidentifiedthesuspectas23-yearoldMohamedFazarAlly,afishermanfrom Jackson Creek, who is in custody assisting withtheinvestigation.

Dead: Gavin Daniels

“Thevictim,whosebodywasseenwith multiple wounds, was transported to the Skeldon Public Hospital, where he was pronounced dead on arrival by a doctor on duty,”policesaid. Daniels'bodywastaken to the Skeldon Hospital Mortuary, as it awaitsapost-mortemexamination.

4 Guyanese students get Petroleum Sciences scholarships

to study in China

Four Guyanese students

have been awarded scholarships to study Petroleum Sciences at leading Chinese universities through a partnership betweenCNOOCPetroleum Guyana Limited (CPGL) and the Ministry of Natural Resources.

The awardees are Una Herman, Anna Jeffers, Rondel Rutherford, and Tanika Sam, who will be arrivinginChinanextmonth tojointhetwootherbatches ofstudentsthathavealready startedtheirstudiesinChina overtheprevioustwoyears.

The current batch of students were awarded their scholarships at a ceremony

host

d by CNOOC Petroleum Guyana Limited

(CPGL) at the company's High Street, Kingston, Headquarters.

In attendance were M

N

Resources, Mr Vickram

Bha

Ambassador to Guyana, MadameYangYang.

CPGLisoneofthethree m

companies in Guyana. Its collaboration with the M

Resources (MNR) has

additional scholarships b

selection of candidates was conducted by a joint panel composed of MNR and CPGL experts, a statement from the company said on Tuesday.

Minister of Natural Resources Mr. Vickram Bharrat, along with China's Ambassador to

President of CPGL, Mr. Lian Jihong and awardees, Una Herman, Anna

“In keeping with its C o r p o r a t e S o c i a l Responsibilities, CNOOC willfullyfinancethecostsof education, transportation and living expenses for the studentswhileinChina.

Upon completion of theirdegrees,allscholarship

recipients will commence working in Guyana's oil industry, ensuring that their newly acquired skills would benefittheircountry,aswell as themselves and their families The initiative represents a joint effort

Resources Ministry and CNOOC to develop skills, build up capacity and to increaselocalcontentwithin Guyana's petroleum sector,” thestatementsaid.

At the ceremony, the PresidentofCPGL,Mr Lian Jihong, challenged the

young scholars to make full use of this unique opportunity He reminded themthatitwouldtransform their lives, fulfil their aspirations and make a positive impact on society Mr Liandisclosedthat (Continueonpage14)

Guyana, Madame Yang Yang,

Jeffers, Rondel Rutherford, and Tanika Sam.

Global gas flaring hits highest level since 2007 -newreport

Globalgasflaringsurged for a second year in a row, wasting about US$63 billion inlostenergyandsettingback efforts to manage emissions andboostenergysecurityand access

Flaring, the practice of burningnaturalgasduringoil extraction, reached 151 billioncubicmeters(bcm)in 2024, up 3 bcm from the previousyearandthehighest level in almost two decades

An estimated 389 million

t o n n e s o f C O ₂ equivalent—46 million of that from unburnt methane, one of the most potent greenhouse gases was

needlesslyemitted While some countries have reduced flaring, the top nine largest-flaring countries continuetoaccountforthreequartersofallflaring,butless than half of global oil production Satellite data compiledandanalyzedinthe World Bank's annual Global Gas Flaring Tracker shows that flaring intensity—the amount of gas flared per barrel of oil produced has remainedstubbornlyhighfor thelast15years “Whenmore than a billion people still don't have access to reliable energy and numerous countries are seeking more

sources of energy to meet higher demand, it's very frustratingtoseethisnatural resource wasted,” said Demetrios Papathanasiou, WorldBankGlobalDirector forEnergyandExtractives.

Thereporthighlightsthat countries committed to the ZeroRoutineFlaringby2030 (ZRF) initiative have performed significantly betterthancountriesthathave not made the commitment Since 2012, countries that endorsed ZRF achieved an average 12% reduction in flaring intensity, whereas thosethatdidnotsawa25% increase To accelerate

progress, the World Bank's Global Flaring and Methane Reduction (GFMR) Partnership is supporting m

and flaring reduction projects through catalytic grants, technical assistance, policy and regulatory reform advisory services, capacity building, a

strengthening. For example, in Uzbekistan, GFMR

allocated US$11 million to identify and fix methane l e a k s i n t h e g a s transportation network, cutting methane emissions by 9,000 tonnes annually, and potentially reaching up to100,000tonneseachyear

“Governments and operators must make flaring reduction a priority, or this practice will persist. The solutionsexist Witheffective

policies we can create favorable conditions that incentivize flaring reduction projects and lead to sustainable, scalable action We should turn this wasted gas into an engine for economic development ” said Zubin Bamji, World BankManagerfortheGlobal Fla

& Met

n

Reduc

on (GFMR) Partnership.

Omai boss says Wenot gold pit still open for further expansion

Omai Gold Mines'

President and Chief

Executive Officer (CEO)

Elaine Ellingham has disclosed that the Wenot gold deposit remains open forfurtherexpansion.

In a statement on Tuesday, Ellingham also noted that the company's aggressive drilling campaign continues to return promising results Omai, a Canadian firm, holds a 100% interest in the past-producing Omai gold projectinGuyana,locatedin Region Seven (CuyuniMazaruni) The project encompasses two orogenic gold deposits: the shearhosted Wenot Deposit and theadjacentintrusive-hosted

GiltCreekDeposit. “Today's news marks another excellent batch of drill results from the resource expansion drill program at Wenot... These drill results again exemplify the multiple zones we have at Wenot, with each hole testing multiple gold zones acrossthewideWenotshear corridor,”shesaid. She noted that the corridor stretches up to 400 metres wide in its central section and extends at least 2.5kilometresalongstrike. Since its return to “mining-friendly” Guyana, Omai has revitalised the property, which benefits from much existing infrastructure. Of the two

gold deposits located on the property, Omai has been more focused on the Wenot “superpit”.

Ellingham noted, “We are confident that the limits of the Wenot mineralization are still open for further expansion. With the very successful drilling over the past18months,webelieveit is in the best interest of our shareholders to update the Mineral Resource Estimate. Our Wenot mantra over the past year has been simple: “HowBigIsIt?””

Omaihasdrilled37holes totaling20,500metressofar thisyearsurpassingitsinitial 15,000-metre target.A2024 Mineral Resource Estimate (MRE) for the gold project

Omai Gold Mines' President and Chief Executive Officer (CEO) Elaine Ellingham

outlined 2.0 million ounces of gold indicated and 2.3 millionouncesinferred.

The updated MRE is underway and will inform a revised Preliminary Economic Assessment (PEA), expected three to four months after the new resourcereportisreleased. In addition to expansion drilling at Wenot, the company is also exploring earlier-stage targets nearby Rigshavebeenmobilizedto theBlueberryHillandCamp Zone areas to assess nearsurface zones that could support early mining Drilling also continues on hole 25ODD-122, which is t e s t i n g d

mineralization belowWenot and the adjacent Gilt Creek deposit,andhasnowpassed the1,550-metremark. Omai hopes to return to its glory days of being a major gold producer in SouthAmerica,aimingtohit thebenchmarkofproducing 300,000 ounces of gold annually Once a prolific gold producer from 1993 to 2005, the mine yielded 3.8 million ounces of gold, producing an average of morethan300,000ouncesof goldperyearduringaperiod when gold traded below US$400perounce.

4GuyanesestudentsgetPetroleum...

Frompage12

CNOOC introduces programs to create social benefits in all the countries where it operates. He noted that Education has always been a key pillar among these initiatives CPGL's educationfocusedinitiatives in Guyana have been focusedoncreatingalasting impact on the students and society Mr Lian emphasized that the

scholarships were a reaffirmation of CNOOC's long term commitment to developinglocalcontentand capacity-building in Guyana.

Remarks were also delivered by Chinese Ambassador, Madame Yang Yang,whostatedthatthereis a strong bond of friendship and cooperation between China and Guyana The

Ambassador commended CPGL for engaging in various local community development programs. She highlighted the ongoing training and collaboration initiatives currently in place in the sectors of agriculture, engineering, health and artificial intelligence. In addition, contributions are being made by Chinese companies to Guyana's developmentinsectorssuch as infrastructure, construction, IT and natural resources.

Meanwhile, Natural ResourcesMinisterVickram Bharrat thanked CPGL for fulfilling its Corporate Social responsibilities through this scholarship program, and numerous other initiatives in Guyana. HesaidthatGuyanahasone of the best managed Oil and

Gas sectors in the world among new producers, and emphasized that the Government of Guyana was buildingoutthesectorwhile ensuringstronglocalcontent with an emphasis on capacitybuilding. Heurged the scholarship winners to stay focused, study diligently, make their parents proud and return to servetheircountry

The four scholarship awardees will join the eight students who are already in theprogrammeattheendof August2025. Theawardees pledged to be diligent in pursuing their studies and future careers They expressedtheirgratitudeand appreciationtotheMNRand CPGLfortheopportunityto develop their skills and to c o n t r i b u t e t o t h e developmentofGuyana.

…foundwomenlyingonflooratBVstation Bennslamspoorconditionofpolicelock-ups

Minister of Home Affairs, Robeson Benn, on Tuesday raised serious concerns about the conditions under which individualsareheldwhilein police custody, emphasising the need for more humane treatmentofthosedetained.

The minister also stressed that all police stations across Guyana should be a “welcoming” place for both victims and perpetrators.

Speaking at the National Road Safety Stakeholders Forum, Tuesday, Minister Benn said both victims and alleged offenders who may betraumatised,deservetobe treated with dignity and compassion “The police stationmustbeawelcoming place to people. It must be a place where those who are traumatised, which could be both the victim and the perpetratortoo,thatitshould somehow be a welcoming and calming place at the policestation.Eventhelockups must have beds and pillows for people to sleep onandlieon,”hedeclared.

Theministerrecounteda distressing experience of witnessing women lying on the bare concrete floor in a policestation,describingthe scene as inhumane and disrespectful to the individuals involved and to the integrity of the justice systemitself.

“Iwastraumatisedwhen I went to the BV (Beterverwagting, East Coast Demerara) police station one time and there werefouryoungladieslying on the cold concrete floor 3’0clockinthemorning.We can’t have that It’s disrespectful to them, to us, to the wider society, and it creates a disrespectful criminal justice system,” MinisterBennstated.

He called for a cultural shift in how the criminal justice system treats people in custody, stating, “We don’thavetotreatourselves likeweusedtobetreatedby otherpeoplemanyyearsago. We’ve inherited these behaviours and attitudes to each other I don’t think it’s imprinted in our DNA, but we’ve inherited, and we’ve gottoletthosethingsandto bring the way we treat and deal with each other at a betterlevel,”hesaid.

Meanwhile, while recognisingtheeffortsofthe state in addressing overcrowdinginprisons,the UnitedNations(UN)Human Rights Committee last year

rapped Guyana on what it termed ‘harsh and lifethreatening conditions’ in thecountry’sprisons.

According to the committee, those conditions i n c l u d e s e v e r e overcrowding, physical abuse, lack of access to adequate medical care, potable water, sanitary conditions, and limited sunlight. The human rights committee noted that it is alsoconcernedbyreportsof the lack of transparency, accountability, and independence of the prison visiting committees, which are mandated to regularly inspect prisons and investigate prisoners’ complaints.

T h e c o m m i t t e e recommended that the state should ensure that the conditionsofdetentionarein compliance with relevant international human rights standards. “In particular, the state party should: harmonise laws and policies onthedetentionofprisoners with the United Nations Standard Minimum Rules for the Treatment of Prisoners,” the committee recommended.

In its report, the UN committee also suggested that the state “takes immediate measures to significantly reduce overcrowding in prisons, including through the wider application of non-custodial measuresasanalternativeto imprisonment,asoutlinedin theUnitedNations’standard minimum rules for noncustodialmeasures;improve the conditions of detention, and ensure adequate access to healthcare, clean water, and natural light for persons held in all places of deprivation of liberty; facilitate independent, effective, and regular monitoring of all places of detention without prior n o t i c e a n d o n a n unsupervised basis, including by establishing an independent mechanism to monitor the prison conditions and providing mandatory training for relevant law enforcement officers as well as judges, prosecutors, and other legal professionals regarding prevention of deaths in custody.”

Inits2020countryreport on human rights, the US State Department said persons detained by law enforcement officials, particularly in the Guyana Police Force’s (GPF)

holding cells, face lifethreateningconditions.

L

country’s

on and detention centre conditions, the report found that the conditions in the police h

reportedly “harsh and potentially life threatening” because of overcrowding,

conditions.

According to the US State Department, in

October, the Guyana Prison Service’s (GPS) statistics showed that in seven facilities, there were 1,761 inmates with a combined design capacity of 1,505. This was due to the overcrowding of a backlog of pretrial detainees, who accountfor30percentofthe totalprisonpopulation.

Back in 2018, the report h

stated that the government had released f

ndings of a 2017 independent study, which

Minister of Home Affairs, Robeson Benn

was funded by the InterAmerican Development Bank,whichfoundprisoners being physically abused by prison officers. It stated too, thatin2018,thegovernment releasedfindingsofthe Continuedonpage22

$842M more in police infrastructure commissioned

Four new buildings in the Guyana Police Force's headquarters, collectively costing$842,103,675were on Tuesday commissioned byMinisterofHomeAffairs, Robeson Benn and

Permanent Secretary Andre

Ally Thefourbuildingsthat weredemolishedandrebuilt in accordance with modern standards and amenities include the GPF's Tactical Services Unit, Transport Workshop, new barracks located in the Georgetown Academy and the Mounted Branch'sBlacksmithShop. The buildings have now been upgraded to solid concreteandsteelstructures,

finished with modern aesthetics,andpurpose-built for the functions of the respectivedepartments.

The Tactical Services Unit, which is vital for housing and supporting the GPF's operational readiness and personnel, was constructed at a cost of $276,382,940.Thetransport workshop, which was constructed at a cost of $157,679,280,nowhasbeen redesigned with adequate space and storage for the efficient servicing and maintenance of the GPF's fleet. The new barracks, locatedatthewesternsideof the Georgetown Academy's campus,wasconstructedata

Minister of Home Affairs, Robeson Benn and Permanent Secretary Andre Ally alongside senior police officials commissioning the $157M GPF Transport Workshop.

cost of $398,019,759 and will now see recruits in training being housed in a more comfortable, wellventilated and fully airconditioned environment,

Govt. launches app to enhance emergency reporting, response

The Ministry of Home Affairs on

T u e s d a y officially launched a new mobile application, Secure Eye, during the National Road Safety Forum 2025 held at the Guyana Police Force Officers' Mess

Annexe, Eve Leary, Georgetown.

The app is designed to allow citizens to report incidents they witness and record, helping to improve response times and support enforcement efforts across variousemergencysectors.

The announcement was made by Priya Seepaul, Systems Analyst at the ministry,whoexplainedthat the goal of Secure Eye is to encourage the public to go beyond simply sharing videosofincidentsonsocial media.Instead,theappgives users the option to submit footage directly to the Ministry, enabling relevant divisionsandpolicestations torespondmorequicklyand effectively

“This application is intendedtomitigatesomeof the challenges we face with road safety Most of the times when you see an accident,everybodyisready

to take out their phones and takepicturesandrecord,but what do you do with that videoorclip? Youpostiton your social media and on your status.Whatif you can be more than just a social mediapost.Youcanmakeit

achangewiththatvideoand help the situation, “Seepaul noted.

Seepaul emphasised that the app addresses one of the Ministry's biggest challenges; timely reporting ofincidents.“Everyyeartoo many lives are lost on the road.Manyoftheselivescan besaved,notbyluck,butby a faster response system. Sometimes people won't know who to call or can't share the exact location of where an incident is happened. Every time of a

Systems Analyst Priya Seepaul

delay means a greater risk. So that's where Secure Eye comesin,”shesaid.

The initiative was first introducedtwoyearsagoby Minister of Home Affairs, Robeson Benn. The Secure Eye app allows users to report a wide range of incidents, including emergencies, crimes, fires, medical situations, and traffic accidents. The app also allows users to upload recorded videos or capture footage directly through the app. Additionally, users can share their live location, m

emergency services to

accurately

conducive for studying Lastly, located in the MountedBranchcompound, the blacksmith shop which was completed at a cost of $10,021,696 is responsible forrepairsofallsaddlesand the making/installation of horseshoes, an essential aspect for the smooth operationofthebranch.

The Police Force added

that the commissioning of the buildings around the Police Headquarters stands as a testimony to its commitment to developing andtransformingfacetofthe i n s t i t u t i o n “ T h e reconstruction of these four (4) buildings is in keeping with the strategic plans aimed at transforming the Guyana Police Force into a

accommodating Police Force.

The facilities were rebuiltanddesignednotonly with the comfort and efficiency of the serving policemen and women who willoccupytheminmindbut also to be welcoming to visiting members of the public,”theForcereported.

Int'l lawyer Janki meets Al Gore

International Lawyer, Melinda Janki recently met with US Vice President, Al Gore in Kenya.Thetwoofficialswerespeakersatthe TED Countdown Summit in Nairobi. In a brief comment, Janki said she was delighted to meet the onlypoliticianintheworldwhohasconsistentlyand fordecadesexposedtheliesofthefossilfuelindustry “IinvitedhimtocometoGuyanatodiscussrealistic and sustainable alternatives to big oil with key politicalandcivilleadersinGuyana,”Jankisaid.

Secure Eye ap

The $398M Guyana Police Force's Academy Barracks which was commissioned on Tuesday. (Photo courtesy, Guyana Police Force)

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From page 8 accountability, where every road user takes responsibility for their actions, whether it’s speeding, texting while driving, or not wearing a seatbelt.

chairman calls for stricter penalties on ... dents. “We’ve seen a significant increase in the number of vehicles and young drivers on ourroads.Butwitheverydeath,especiallyof someoneintheir20s,we’relosingdecadesof potential productivity,” Minister Benn said.

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3. National accountability, where road safety is embedded into public policy, infrastructure design, education campaigns, and enforcementsystems,ensuringthateverylife is valued and protected.Minister of Home Affairs Robeson Benn pointed to the growing number of young drivers and motorcyclists involved in road fatalities.

He noted the broader economic and social impact of each life lost due to road acci-

“If someone dies at 25 and could have worked for another 30 to 40 years, that’s a majorloss,notjusttotheirfamilies,buttothe country’s economy These are the real costs we must start calculating if we want to build andoptimizeGuyana’seconomicfuture.”

Minister Benn stressed the importance of notjustbetterenforcementbutalsoupgraded infrastructure and behavioural change. He calledforgreaterengagementfromallsectors, includingtheprivatesector,urginginsurance companies,vehicledealers,andtransportbusinesses to support road safety initiatives in meaningfulways.

Benn slams poor condition of police lock-ups

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From page 15

UN Working Group of Experts on People of African Descent, that found the conditions at the Lusignan prison appalling and that the cells were unhealthy for human habitation. There have been reports of the lack of potablewaterandcomplaintsoflengthyconfinement in the cells, with limited opportunities for sunlight by inmates. The state also reported that in the adult prison, individuals, 16yearsandolder,areamongthepopulation, while in most cases, young offenders, below

the age of 16, were held in a juvenile correctional centre, where they are offered primary education, vocational training and medical care.

The report pointed out that the prison service authorities did state that the condition of theprisonsanddetentioncentresaremonthly investigated and monitored and that prisoners often circumvent procedures for submittingcomplaintsofinhumanconditionsormistreatment by sending letters to government officialsthroughtheirrelatives.

VACANCY

18 bid to construct sluice/pump station at No.45/46 Village

The Ministry of Agriculture, through the National DrainageandIrrigationAuthority(NDIA),hasreceivedbids from 18 contractors to construct a sluice/ pump station combination structure at No. 45/46 Village, Corentyne, RegionSix.

This is according to the recent reading of bids for the project at the National Procurement and Tender AdministrationBoard(NPTAB)office.Theprojectwhichis

estimatedtocost$519,601,688,sawcontractorsbidbetween $443millionand$676milliontoexecutetheworks.

For the same community, bids were also opened for the construction of a drainage channel. Twenty-six contractors submittedbidsforthatproject.Thisaspectisestimatedtocost $130million.

Kaieteur News understands that the structures play a crucial role in communities since they provide residents and farmerswithan effectivedrainagesystem,especiallyduring heavyrainyperiods.

During the presentation of this year's budget, it was revealedthatin2024,thegovernmentexpended$44.3billion, while this year, $73.2 billion has been allocated to complete pump stations and advance other critical drainage and irrigation canals and structures at Adams Creek, Canefield, GoodHopeandMabaruma,tonameafew.

Below are the companies and their bids:

RehabilitationofBelmont&Supplyintakestructuresat ShanksCanal,Mahaica,

New York gunman was targeting NFL but went to wrong office, mayor says

(BBC) A gunman who killed four people when he stormed a skyscraper in the heart of New York on Monday evening, left a note that appeared to blame the National Football League (NFL) for a brain injury, the city's Mayor Eric Adams says.

Theattacker,27-year-old ShaneTamuraofLasVegas, shot himself dead after opening fire in a building wheretheAmericanfootball league has its headquarters, butwenttoadifferentpartof the building after taking the

carrying a note in which he blamedCTE,abraindisease triggeredbyheadtrauma,for his mental illness, Adams said.

Tamura played football asateenagerbutdidnotplay in the NFL, ex-teammates havetoldUSmedia.

New York City police officer Didarul Islam, 36who was working as a securityguardatthebuilding -wasamongthosekilled.

Another of the victims was an employee of finance

giant Blackstone, who was named by her company as WesleyLePatner

Two male civilians were

"seriously injured" in the

Goodell wrote in a message tostaff.

A statement from US President Donald Trump, who has been visiting Scotland, said he had been briefed on the "tragic shooting".

The statement said

Trump trusted US law enforcementagenciesto"get to the bottom of why this crazed lunatic committed such a senseless act of violence".

'Hero' policeman among those killed during NYC skyscrapershooting 'So terrifying' - New Yorkersdescribescrambling forcover

Asked about a possible motive on the part of Tamura, Eric Adams told CBS: "[He] did have a note on him. The note alluded to that he felt he had CTE, a knownbraininjuryforthose who participate in contact sports.

Brazil and PAHO host strategic meeting to strengthen regional supply of medicines, vaccines, and health technologies

In a bid to boost

regional health security and reduce dependenceonglobalsupply chains, the Pan American Health Organization (PAHO) and Brazil's Ministry of Health brought t o g e t h e r l e a d i n g manufacturers of health product at a strategic workshop in Sao Paulo last week.

Hosted in collaboration with the Sao Paulo Federation of Industries (FIESP), the meeting aimed to expand the availability of essential medicines, vaccines, and other critical health technologies across theAmericas. At the heart of the discussion were PAHO's Regional Revolving Funds, mechanisms that pool procurement to ensure countries across the

Americas have better access to vaccines, medicines, and other health technologies at affordableprices.

Held on 25 July, the workshop also sought to promotetheexpansioninthe supply of strategic health productsintheAmericasand strengthen regional production capacity and explore opportunities for collaboration,areleasefrom thePAHOsaid. Greater production capacity in the Americas is fundamentaltoensurebetter acces

h technologies, ” PAHO Director, Dr Jarbas Barbosa said. “This partnership with BrazilandFIESPwillenable more producers to participate in PAHO's RevolvingFunds,”headded, and “will inspire other countriestojointheeffort.”

The event also marked the launch of Brazil's first RNA Competence Center, a new initiative led by the Ministry of Health and the Brazilian Company for Industrial Research and Innovation (Embrapii). The center will focus on advancing messenger RNA ( m R N A ) v a c c i n e technologies, an area of growing importance for pandemic preparedness and rapidvaccinedevelopment. This initiative reflects PAHO's broader strategy to a

manufacturing and foster innovation in health technologies PAHO's Revolving Funds PAHO's Regional Revolving Funds are technical cooperation mechanisms that enable countries of theAmericas to access quality vaccines, essential medicines, and

public health supplies at affordable prices in a timely and transparent manner By pooling their purchases and jointly planning demand through PAHO's Revolving Funds, countries in the Americas have achieved affordable prices, saving approximately 50% on vaccines and other public health supplies. In the last two years alone, this initiative has benefited around180millionpeoplein the region Since their inception, the Funds have helped to improve equitable access in countries throughouttheRegion.They haveplayedakeyroleinthe fightagainstdiseasessuchas HIV/AIDS, malaria, and tuberculosis.Theyhavealso helped to improve immunization coverage and reduce maternal and child mortality

“He appeared to have blamed the NFL for his injury."

CTE, or chronic traumaticencephalopathy,is a brain disease linked with repeatedblowstothehead.

Tamura's alleged note said"studymybrainplease", accordingtoaseniorofficial who spoke to ABC News. Tamura is said to have then written:"I'msorry."

Theallegedattackerwas anAmerican football player during his time at high school in California, shocked ex-teammates told NBCNews.

O n e c l a s s m a t e remembered Tamura as a jokey personality, and a former coach described him as a talented and hardworking running back who made"agreatplayer".

The gunman appears to have driven across the US fromLasVegastoNewYork, and used an assault-style rifleduringtheattackat345 ParkAvenue.

After opening fire in the building's lobby, Tamura is believedtohaveenteredalift to the 33rd floor of the skyscraper and continued to fire.

Mayor Adams said a preliminary investigation showed that the gunman mistakenlywenttotheoffice of Rudin Management, whichownsthebuilding.

Tamura later turned his gunonhimself.

The incident brought partsofMidtownManhattan andpublictransportationtoa halt.ABBCjournalistatthe scenereportedseeingscores ofpolicevehiclesandatleast one person with a bloodied chest being taken away on a stretcher

Bystanders reported hearing what sounded like gunshots and police told those in the area, including theBBCjournalist,toshelter innearbybuildings.

Police worked floor-byfloortoclearthebuilding,an effortthattookhours.

One woman, Nekeisha Lewis, said she was eating dinner with friends on the plaza when she heard gunfire."Itfeltlikeyouwere in a warzone almost," she toldNBCNews.

Ms. Lewis said she saw aninjuredmanrunoutofthe building, and described the incidentas"literallythemost scarysituationI'veeverbeen in".

Gunman (BBC Photo)

Death toll in Israel's war on Gaza surpasses 60,000; 81 killed on Tuesday

(AL-JAZEERA)Atleast 60,034 Palestinians have been killed by Israeli forces since the war on Gaza erupted in October 2023, according to the enclave's MinistryofHealth.

The grim milestone was reached on Tuesday, with medical sources telling Al Jazeera that at least 81 Palestinians, including 19 aidseekers,havebeenkilled sincedawn,despite“pauses” in fighting to deliver essentialhumanitarianaid.

Local accounts indicate that Israel used boobytrapped robots, as well as tanks and drones, in what residents describe as one of thebloodiestnightsinrecent weeks, said Al Jazeera's Tareq Abu Azzoum, reportingfromDeirel-Balah incentralGaza.

“This is a sign of a possible imminent Israeli groundmanoeuvre,although

Israel has not yet confirmed theobjectivesoftheattack,” he said. The latest attacks come as the “worst-case scenario of famine” is unfolding in Gaza, accordingtoanewreportby theIntegratedFoodSecurity PhaseClassification(IPC),a global hunger monitoring system “Latest data indicates that famine thresholds have been r e a c h e d f o r f o o d consumption in most of the Gaza Strip and for acute malnutritioninGazaCity,”it saidinthereport.

“Amid relentless conflict,massdisplacement,

severely restricted humanitarianaccess,andthe collapse of essential services, including healthcare, the crisis has reached an alarming and deadly turning point,” the IPCdocumentadded.

Food consumption has

sharply deteriorated, with one in three individuals going without food for days atatime,itsaid.

Malnutritionroserapidly in the first half of July, with more than 20,000 children beingadmittedfortreatment for acute malnutrition betweenAprilandmid-July

Morethan3,000ofthemare severelymalnourished.

UN Secretary-General Antonio Guterres has said Gaza is already facing famine, citing the latest assessmentfromIPC.

“The facts are in – and they are undeniable,”

Guterressaidinastatement.

“Palestinians in Gaza are enduring a humanitarian catastrophe of epic proportions. This is not a warning It is a reality unfoldingbeforeoureyes.”

He demanded that aid deliveries no longer be blockedordelayed.

Mourners react next to a body during the funeral of Palestinians, who were killed by Israeli fire while trying to receive aid in overnight attacks, according to medics, at al-Shifa Hospital in Gaza City, July 29, 2025 [Mahmoud Issa/Reuters]

“The trickle of aid must become an ocean Food, water, medicine, and fuel must flow in waves and without obstruction,” he said. “This nightmare must end. Ending this worst-case scenario will take the best effortsofallpartiesnow.”

Guterres once again

urged an “immediate and permanent humanitarian ceasefire,”theunconditional release of all captives, and full access for humanitarian agenciesacrosstheenclave.

The IPC alert comes against the backdrop of its latest analysis released in May,whichprojectedthatby

September, the entire population of Gaza would facehighlevelsofacutefood shortages, with more than 500,000 people expected to beinastateofextremefood deprivation, starvation, and destitution,unlessIsraellifts its blockade and stops its militarycampaign.

UK to recognise Palestinian state unless Israel meets conditions

(BBC) The United Kingdom will recognise a Palestinian state in September unless Israel takes "substantive steps to endtheappallingsituationin Gaza", Sir Keir Starmer has said.

The PM said Israel must also meet other conditions, including agreeing to a ceasefire, committing to a long-term sustainable peace that delivers a two-state solution, and allowing the UnitedNationstorestartthe supply of aid, or the UK would take the step at September's UN General Assembly

Israeli prime minister Benjamin Netanyahu said the move "rewards Hamas's monstrousterrorism".

The UK government has previously said recognition shouldcomeatapointwhen it can have maximum impact, as part of a peace process.

However, the PM has beenundergrowingpressure - including from his own MPs-toactmorequickly

Last week France also announced it would officially recognise a Palestinian state in September - the first of the

G7 group of the world's richestcountriestodoso.

G i v i n g a n e w s conference after holding an emergency cabinet meeting, Sir Keir said he was announcing the plan now because of the "intolerable situation" in Gaza and concern that "the very possibility of a two-state solutionisreducing".

Hetoldreportersthatthe UK's goal of "a safe secure Israelalongsideaviableand sovereign Palestinian state" was "under pressure like neverbefore".

The PM added that his "primary aim" was to improve the situation on the ground in Gaza, including ensuringthataidgetsin.

InoutliningthestepsUK wanted the Israeli governmenttotake,SirKeir alsosaiditshouldmakeclear there will be no annexations intheWestBank.

The current Israeli government is opposed to progresstowardsatwo-state solution so it is highly unlikely to agree to the conditions.

Meanwhile,SirKeirsaid Hamas must immediately release all hostages, sign up to a ceasefire, disarm and

acceptthattheywillplayno part in the government of Gaza.

In response to the announcement Netanyahu wrote on social media: "A jihadist state on Israel's borderTODAYwillthreaten BritainTOMORROW

"Appeasement towards jihadist terrorists always fails. It will fail you too. It willnothappen."

Asked if he knew the PM'sstatementwascoming, Donald Trump said the pair "never discussed it" during their meeting on Monday, when the US president was inScotland.

He told reporters: "You could make the case... that you are rewarding Hamas if youdothat.AndIdon'tthink theyshouldberewarded."

The US - along with manyEuropeannations-has said it would only recognise a Palestinian state as part of moves towards a long-term resolutiontotheconflict.

Liberal Democrat leader Sir Ed Davey welcomed the government'sannouncement as "a crucial step" but urged the PM to recognise a P a l e s t i n i a n s t a t e immediately,andpursue"far greater action to stop the

humanitarian disaster in Gaza".

He added: "Rather than use recognition, which should have taken place many months ago, as a bargaining chip, the prime minister should be applying pressure on Israel by fully ceasing arms sales, and implementing sanctions againsttheIsraelicabinet."

Some 255 MPs have signedalettercallingforthe government to immediately recognise a Palestinian state -includingmorethanhalfof LabourMps.

Labour MP Sarah Champion,whocoordinated the letter, said she was "delighted and relieved" at theannouncement.

“This will put political pressure on Israel and make clear what's happening in Gaza and the West Bank is totally unacceptable," she said."However,I'mtroubled our recognition appears conditional on Israel's actions.

"Israel is the occupier, and recognition is about the self-determination of the Palestinian people. The two shouldbeseparate."

The Conservatives and ReformUKhavesaidnowis

nottherighttimetotakethe step, arguing this would reward Hamas for their attackonIsraelon7October 2023.

Conservative leader

Kemi Badenoch said recognising a Palestinian state "won't bring the hostages home, won't end thewarandwon'tgetaidinto Gaza" "This is political posturing at its very worst," sheadded

The announcement comes after a call between Sir Keir and the leaders of France and Germany over the weekend, when Downing Street said plans for a sustainable route to a two-state solution were discussed.

However, German Chancellor Friedrich Merz said his government had no plans to recognise a Palestinian state in the near future, suggesting this may be"oneofthelaststepsona path to realising a two-state solution".

Most countries - about 139 in all - formally recogniseaPalestinianstate.

Spain, Ireland and Norway took the step last year, hoping to exert diplomatic pressure to

secureaceasefireinGaza.

P a l e s t i n i a n representatives currently have limited rights to participate in UN activity, and the territory is also recognised by various international organisations, includingtheArabLeague.

S c e p t i c s a r g u e recognition is largely be a symbolic gesture unless questionsovertheleadership and extent of a Palestinian stateareaddressedfirst.

As Sir Keir made his announcement, Foreign Secretary David Lammy addressed a UN conference in New York, aimed at advancing a two-state solutiontotheconflict.

Lammytoldreportersthe UKhadworkedwithJordan toair-drop20tonnesofaidto Gaza in recent days, as he also called for aid trucks to beallowedtoenterbyland.

UN agencies have described the situation in Gaza as "man-made mass starvation", blaming the humanitariancrisisonIsrael, which controls the entry of allsuppliestotheterritory.

Israel has insisted there are no restrictions on aid deliveries and that there is "nostarvation".

GBF shifts focus to women’s basketball

…Singh looking forward to women team battle against Suriname

Followingtheconclusionofthe One Guyana Premier Basketball League, Guyana Basketball Federation (GBF) president, MichaelSingh,announcedthatthe localgoverningbodywillnowturn its full attention to women's basketball.

In a release from the GBF, Singh confirmed that all focus is nowontheupcominginternational women'sseries,withGuyanasetto host Suriname for back-to-back matchups on August 10 and 11 at theCliffAndersonSportsHall.

The One Guyana Premier Basketball wrapped up with the Victory Valley Royals sweeping defending champions Ravens in a best-of-three finals, bringing the curtain down on nearly eight months of competitive basketball involving22clubsfromacrossthe

country

“The One Guyana Premier League was indeed a success,” Singh stated. “I want to thank Minister Charles Ramson Jr and His Excellency, President Irfaan Ali, for their investment in the developmentofbasketball.”

Singh described the Linden (Royals) vs Georgetown (Ravens) finalsasathrowbacktothehistoric rivalrybetweenteamsfromthetwo basketballhotbeds.

“It's always exciting when Georgetown and Linden teams meet on the big stage. But we also saw some exciting talent coming outofBerbice,”henoted.“Nowit's back to the drawing board to identifyareasforimprovementand elevatetheleaguefurther.”

While commending the progressofthemen'sleague,Singh

WednesdayJuly30,2025

ARIES (Mar. 21–Apr. 19

Flexibility is an important part of today, Aries. Take a relaxed, laid-back approach. Trying to ram your ideas throughisn'tthebesttactic.

TAURUS(Apr.20–May20)

Things coming at you from all sides are forcing you to make a move, Taurus. Don't be pressured into something you don't want to do. A nervous restlessness may urgeyoutoact.

GEMINI(May21–June20)

Lock into the practical, grounding force of the day that is not only realistic but alsoflexible.Attendtodetails and organize yourself, Gemini.

CANCER(June21–July22)

Todayisoneofthosedaysin which prosperity is much closerthanyouthink,Cancer You may know what you seek,butit'suptoyoutotake the first step toward going afterit.

LEO(July23–Aug.22)

Indecision may leave you helpless at a crossroads today, Leo. Others may be just as undecided regarding whichwaytogo.Atthesame time,youmayfeelpressured.

VIRGO(Aug.23–Sept.22)

L a t c h o n t o t h e expansiveness that comes when you connect with others in a social arena, Virgo. Communication is a keyaspectoftheday

emphasized that the Federation's immediate priority is women's basketball, pointing to the upcoming international series againstSuriname.

“We'renowshiftingfocustothe women,”Singhsaid,whileadding, “We have a women's league in the pipeline, but this series will give our players valuable international exposure.”

He added, “It's vital that we develop and showcase all areas of the sport. Alongside the Women's Series, we'll also be launching the Women'sLeagueandWomen's3x3 competition.”

Head Coach Willon Cameron has named his final roster for the Georgetown Women's Basketball Classic against Suriname, which includes professional basketball player Joy Adams, along with the

highly touted Ramlall sisters — Amisha,Ashna,andArshia.

Singh expressed delight at Adams' availability, noting her professional commitments in Europe often limit her national

Joy

teamappearances.

LIBRA(Sept.23–Oct.22)

Connect with the stable, grounding energy of the day, Libra, but beware that tensionmaycomeintheform o f f a s t t a l k a n d misinformation.

SCORPIO(Oct.23–Nov.21)

Any expansive feeling you experience may be rained on today You could get the feelingthatyou'velosttouch withreality

SAGIT(Nov.22–Dec.21)

Walktothebeatofyourown drum, Sagittarius. If you try to latch on to the smoothtalking, fast-paced information of the day, your voice could get lost in the crowd.

CAPRI(Dec.22–Jan.19)

Connect with the fellow sittingnexttoyouorperhaps thewomanbehindyouinline at the store. He or she could share a piece of wisdom that changesyourlifeforever

AQUARIUS(Jan.20–Feb.18)

Your self-esteem may be challenged today by a fast talkerorunpleasantsituation, Aquarius.Don'tacceptthings atfirstglance.

PISCES(Feb.19–Mar.20)

Jump on board the fast train and see how far it takes you, Pisces.You'll be surprised at how far you can go with minimal effort Your grace and polite social mannerisms willhelpyounavigatequickly towhereyouneedtobe.

“Witharelativelyyoungsquad, having someone like Joy on board isinvaluable.It'simportantforour localgirlstoseefirsthandthelevel o f c o m m i t m e n t a n d professionalism it takes to play overseas Watching her preparation and approach will beaneye-openerforthem.”

Coach Cameron, who also leads the Colts Basketball Club, has assembled a balanced roster featuring both experienced and emerging talents.

The other shortlisted players are: Kassidy Woolford, Jamaicy Ogle, Keisha Copperfield, Shanill James, Lanasha Mohammed (Kwakwani), Malia Samuels (Kwakwani),ShereseLeacock (Kwakwani), Natalya Clarke (Kwakwani), Akeelah Campbell (Linden), Junelly Paddy (Berbice), Ronaya Grant, Brean Ritchie, Kean Andrews, and Rehaicia Romain(Linden).

Cameronwillbesupported by assistant coach Alisande Jaiserrisingh, who recently represented Guyana at the FIBA Americas Adelante Forum. Warren Wilson, head coach of the University of Guyana Trojans, has been appointedteammanager

GuyanatoHostthe...

Frompage28 animated, and focused, symbolising the discipline andprecisionofarchery

“Kai reflects the spirit of the Championships, bold, keen, and unmistakably Guyanese” said local designer,Mr NicholasHing. With this exciting opportunity ahead, Archery Guyanaextendsanopencall to all archers, partners, sponsors, volunteers, and proud Guyanese to come on board and help make the 2026 Championships a bold statement of what Guyana canoffertotheregionandthe world.

Michael Singh –GBF president

Adams

Guyana to Host the 2026 Caribbean Development Archery Championships

The Board of Directors of Archery Guyana is proud to announcethatGuyanahasbeen awarded the hosting rights for the 2026 Caribbean Development Archery Championships(CDC),aproud and historic milestone for the nation'ssportinglandscape.

There are 32 member federations under the umbrella of World Archery Americas. However,onlyasubsetofthese were eligible to vote in the selection process for the CDC 2026 host: specifically, those English-speaking Caribbean fe

e participated in the CDC in the last three years or are Englishspeakingcountriesbuthavenot yetcompeted.

Followingacompetitivebid process between Guyana and Jamaica, Mr Sergio Font, Secretary-General of World Archery Americas confirmed thatfollowingthevote,Guyana has been awarded the hosting rights for the upcoming Championship.

This success follows Archery Guyana's recent readiness exercise at the Leonora Track and Field Facility, where the federation hosted its 2025 Outdoor National Championships and demonstrated its growing capability and infrastructure to supporthigh-levelcompetition.

PresidentoftheFederation, Mrs Vidushi PersaudMcKinnon stated: “We are humbled and honoured by this opportunity to host the 2026 Caribbean Development Archery Championships. On behalfoftheBoardofDirectors ofArcheryGuyana,weexpress our deepest thanks to our regional colleagues for their supportandtrust.Thismoment belongs to all of Guyana, and we now look forward to working with stakeholders at every level to ensure an unforgettable and world-class event ”To celebrate this momentous occasion, Archery Guyana is also proud to unveil the official mascot for 2026 Championships: “Kai the Keen-eyedKiskadee”.

A vibrant embodiment of Guyanese identity, Kai is a Kiskadee,abirdcommontoall parts of Guyana, widely recognised and admired across the country Named in homage to Kaieteur Falls, one of the most iconic and powerful waterfalls in the world, a symbol of Guyana's natural beautyandstrength,Kaibrings charm, focus, and vibrant energytoourproposedhosting. Kai's eyes are large, (Continuedonpage27)

Mahdia romp to Essequibo zone title in Kares One Guyana T10

Emotionsranhighandthe tension was palpable as Mahdia(MovementsFamily) triumphed over the starstuddedAvinashAll-Stars in anail-bitingfinaltoclaimthe Essequibo zone title of the Kares One Guyana T10 TapeballBlast.

Under the lights of the Anna Regina Ground, Mahdia held their nerve to secure the $300,000 zone

unbeaten53offjust25balls, featuring four fours and four

Goodmanadded25. However, the Mahdia attack, spearheaded by captain Raydon Austin's excellent 2-11 from two overs, proved too much to overcome.

Earlier in Mahdia's

prize,whileAvinashAll-Star $100,000.

The bigger picture is that Mahdia has qualified for the nationalplayoffs.

After setting a target of 112-9, Mahdia's bowlers showcased remarkable discipline to restrictAvinash All-Stars to 104-5. This was nosmallfeat,especiallywith West Indies firepower in the oppositionranks.

Barbadian import Kyle

innings,despitetheeffortsof Ronsford Beaton (2-23) and Ameer Mohamed (2-24), who bowled well to contain the scoring, a counterattacking 40 from just 16 balls (1x4, 5x6s) provided thecrucialimpetustoreacha competitivetotal.

In the semi-finals, AvinashAll-Starsmadelight work of Aurora Knight Riders, restricting them to 68-7 with Carlos LaRose

bagging 3-8, before chasing downthetargetinamere4.5 overs.

Mahdia's journey to the final saw them defeat Renegades Cricket Club by 17 runs, posting 114-7, thanks to solid contributions from Ricardo Adams (40) andAndrewGibson(27).

With all four zone championsnowcrowned,the stage is set for the national semi-finals at the National Stadium, Providence, on Sunday,August3.

Defending champions Titans All-Stars will face Mahdia in the first semifinal, followed by a clash between Montra Jaguars and Eccles All-Stars in the second.The day's cricketing extravaganza will kick off at 13:30h with a female exhibition match, followed

by semi-final one and two, before the grand final, scheduledtobeginat19:30h.

T h e s t a k e s a r e considerably higher in the national final, with teams vying for a massive $1.7 milliongrandprize.

The national runner-up won't go home emptyhanded, pocketing $700,000 along with a trophy and medals,whileeventhelosing semi-finalists will be rewarded with $300,000 each.The national finals will be on Sunday, August 3, at the National Stadium, Providence.

Individual brilliance

won't go unnoticed either, with a host of prizes up for grabs, including MVP ($150,000 + motorcycle), Most Runs ($100,000 + trophy + TV), Most Wickets ($100,000 + trophy + TV), Man-of-the-National Final ($75,000 + trophy + TV), Hig

Economy($35,000).

The Kares One Guyana T10 Tapeball Blast has garneredsupportfrom:Kares Engineering Inc, the Office ofthePresident,theMinistry of Culture, Youth and Sport, KFC Guyana, Star Rentals, Banks DIH, ENet, Guyana

Lottery Company, Regal Stationery and Computer Centre,Impressions,Avinash ContractingandScrapMetal, Shawn'sMiniMart,Giftland Group of Companies, Kris J

a Restaurant & Lounge, Windsor Estates, The New Doctor's Clinic, GuyOil, ANSA McAL, SuperBet Guyana, DigitalTechnology, Camille's Academy, Navin and Sons Construction, Demerara Mutual Life Insurance, Continental T

on, and Environmental & Technical Solutions.

Kyle Mayers on the attack for Avinash All-Stars.

Mahdia (Movements Family) won the Essequibo zone in the Kares One Guyana T10 Tapeball Blast 2025.

APNULeaderNortonexposesGuyanaGlobalSuperLeague'sCricketFlaws

MinisterofSport C h a r l e s Ramson says APNUPresidentialcandidate Aubrey Norton is “narrow

m i n d e d a n d a n t i -

development” , for questioning the PPP created GlobalSuperLeague.

“Wow typical narrow

m i n d e d a n d a n t idevelopment from APNU”, saidRamsononhisfacebook pageonSunday “I will have to assess it (GSL) properly but on face value I wouldn't”, said Norton when asked if he would keep the GSL, to journalistRawleToneyonhis #HearMeOutpodcastonJuly 19.

Ramson further claimed under the Kaieteur news facebook post, that the Guyana Government is not paying for the GSLand CPL finals.

However, the evidence aroundtheCaribbeanofhow the CPL authorities seek governmentpaymentstohost finals and teams, since its inception in 2013 makes Ramson's claim spurious at best.AMarch30th,2022CPL release announcing Guyana as final hosts from 20222024,stated:

“The Government of Guyanaincollaborationwith

the local private sector will also stage two weeks of events which will form a Cricket Carnival.”The now defunct Jamaica Tallawahs team who is owned by Guyanese Kris Persaud, was soldtoAntiguaasAntigua& BarbudaFalcons,duetolack of Jamaica government supportin2023.

Trinidad&Tobagounder former Prime Minister Dr Keith Rowley from 20182020 hosted the CPL finals onasimilarthree-yeardeal.

In a March 21, 2021 Trinidad Newsday article, former T&T Sports Minister Shamfa Cudjoe said their government paid US$1 millionforthetournament.

Also in 2015, Kamla Persaud-Bissesar in her first term as T&T prime minister paid US$3.5 million to host CPLfinals.

In2021,St.Kitts&Nevis was reported to have paid between US$2-3 million to hostCPLfinals.

Finally, in 2015 the previous Antigua Falcons CPL Team was sold to St. Kitts and Nevis Patriots partly due to lack of governmentsupport.

Howisitpossiblethatthe GSL & CPL finals has no Guyana government funding and only private sector

funds?Even if only private sector funds are involved as Ramson claims, why has the government encouraged Exxon Mobil in particular to invest in the GSL, instead of the Guyana Cricket Board and Cricket West Indies, for the benefit of Caribbean cricketdevelopment?

Ramsonfailedtoaddress Norton's overall point on GSL'sbenefitstoWestIndies cricket and why fixing the fundamentals needed to produce test match ready cricketers in the Caribbean, was more important than running a second T20 tournament in the region, nexttotheCPLT20.

In a July 9th, 2025 Newsroom video, President Ali claimed the GSL had “ruffled some feathers” in worldcricket.

Global cricket evidence doesn'tsupportthisassertion.

C u r r e n t l y t h e international cricket power structureisintendingtoform mu

tinational club tournaments with no interest inpartneringwithGuyana.

England Cricket CEO Richard Gould, told ESPNcricinfo on June 5th, 2025, ECB is exploring the viability of a revamped "WorldClubChampionship" forT20cricket.

Australia cricket world figures are also engaging with Saudi Arabia in their plans for a “Grand Slam

Cricket”League. Sources told the Sydney Morning Herald in a March 15th, 2025 that SaudiArabia

would be the largest backer, withthekingdompreparedto inject $US500 million into thecricketstart-up.

MCY&SsupportsIndoorHockeythroughits‘OneGuyana’initiative

Flashback! GCC's Abosaide Cadogan fires at Saints goal in last year's Indoor tourney.

Frompage31 expected to be of a high standard, showcasing several players, both in the seniorandU19categories,whoarecurrently preparing for the Junior Pan American GamesinPeruthisAugust.

GBTI GCC, the dominant force in women'shockeyinrecentyears,returnswith a formidable squad led by captain Gabriella Xavier She is supported by U21 standouts Sarah Klautky, Kirsten Gomes, Madison Fernandes,andAbosaideCadogan.National midfielderClayzaBobbleadsastrongSaints lineup filled with U21 internationals, while Old Fort will rely on the experience of CarolynDeaneandTemmaraClarketoguide theiryouthfulside.TheHikerscompletethe women'sdivisionwithateamledbycaptain Kenisha Wills, and supported by former nationalplayersMariaMunroeandMarisha Fernandes.

In the men's division, powerhouse Pepsi Hikersareonceagainledbynationalcaptain Robert France, along with fellow internationals Jamarj Assanah and Andrew

Stewart. National junior captain Shaquan Favourite heads a talented group of rising OldFortstars,includingSimeonMooreand Nkosi Saul.Saints also present a strong challengeinthemen'scategory,boastingthe four Garnett brothers, skillful midfielder Shakeem Fausette, and penalty corner specialist Jabari Lovell. Bounty GCC, SHC S-Team,andGCCOutlawswillroundoutthe men'slineup.

In the junior competition, Saints are the favourites in the Girls U19 division, while SHCSnipersareheavilytippedtotakegold in the Boys U19 category. These divisions feature a mix of junior internationals and promising newcomers making their tournamentdebut.

Thetournamentwillcontinuethroughout the week, culminating with the finals on Sundayevening.

In action last evening, were OFHC, Saints, OFHC Gladiators, Hikers, Pepsi Hikers, Old Fort, Bounty GCC, and GCC Outlaws.Matchresultswillbepublishedina subsequenteditionofthenewspaper

Slingerz FC to defend home turf against Western Tigers on Sunday …GFFEliteLeaguereturnstotheNationalTrackandFieldCentre

Afteratwo-yearabsence, the GFF Elite League makes itslong-awaitedreturntothe National Track and Field Centre, Leonora, and

Slingerz FC Head Coach

Jamaal Shabazz sees Sunday's doubleheader as a moment for the West Demerara community to reunitethroughfootball.

Slingerz FC, the league leaders and unbeaten this season,willputtheirflawless record on the line in the feature match at 9:00 pm against second-placed WesternTigers.

The opening match at 7:00 pm sees Den Amstel lookingtoclaimthreecrucial pointsagainstbottom-of-thetableMainstayGoldstar

“This is what football is allabout,”saidShabazz,who praised Minister of Culture, Youth and Sport, Charles Ramson Jr., for facilitating the return of top-flight football to one of Guyana's premiersportingvenues.

FLASHBACK! Slingerz FC players celebrating after defeating West Tigers 3 - 1 in the first round of the GFF Elite League. the

Sunday's clash will mark Slingerz FC's first home game since rejoining the EliteLeaguelastseason.

“Playing at home, given thechallengesthatwe'vehad over on the West Side in the pastmonths,isagoodwayto

Imperial stop West Coast Warriors' winning streak in NYNCL

30-over

Reigning champions

Imperial Cricket Club

stopped West Coast Warriors'winningstreaklast

Sunday when action continuedinthisyear'sNew York National Cricket League (NYNCL) 30-over competition.

Playing at Idlewild ground, Imperial Cricket Clubwonby50runs.

West Coast Warriors were dominant from the commencement of the competition earlier this year emerging victorious with 10 matchesfrom12gameswith onefixtureabandoneddueto rain.

Imperial, who got the better of West Coast Warriorsinthefinallastyear via a super-over, took first afterwinningthetoss.

They rallied along to competitive 203-8 at the expiration of the 30-overs before dismissing Warriors for 153 in the penultimate over Javed Shafeek scored a fighting, unbeaten 46 for Warriors while skipper and formerGuyanayouthplayer Kevin Christian chipped in with 22 and 20 from BrandonCabose.

competition

Warriors struggled from the beginning and were tottering at 56-5 before the resistance from Shafeek, who had an outstanding game having grabbed 4 wicketsfor56runsfromhis sixmedium-paceovers.

Leg-spinner Tanvir Ahmed Sami was the chief destroyer for Imperial by bagging 4-17 from six impressiveovers. Hewasnicelysupportby

Ar Opu (2-27) and

SaifuzzmanTanim(2-21).

When Imperial Cricket Club batted, opener Inatul Alvi led the charge with an enterprising, 23-ball 53 whichcontainedeightfours.

Fazlul was also engaged infewsolidpartnershipsand received good support from Adil Fazlul who contributed 48.

Apart from Shafeek,Avi Dhanpaulalsointhewicketcolumn by snatching two wickets for 42 runs from 5 oversonahelpfulpitch.

West Coast Warriors remained at the top of the points' table with 21 points while Imperial is sharply behind with 20 points after racking up nine wins from their12encounters.

M e a n w h i l e , t h e competitionwillcontinueon Sunday with a list of matches West Coast WarriorswillclashwithNew YorkAlliances&Renegades while Imperial Cricket Club will confront Tricounty CricketClub.

Sixteen teams are in participation.

The curtains are set to come down September 7 withthegrandfinale.

has been turning heads this season with Slingerz FC's commanding performances, believes all is set for a memorablenightoffootball,

“Now it's up to the teams, Slingerz and DenAmstel, to deliver quality performances andconnectwiththefans.”

n i t b a c k t h e community getting the fans coming back out, with the activation of football at Leonora again,” Shabazz said. Commenting on the venue, the former Golden Jaguars Head Coach said, “The pitch is in excellent condition,andcreditmustgo to the Ministry of Sport for theoutstandingworkdoneon the ground.”Shabazz, who

Bothfixturescarrymajor implications for the standings.

Slingerz FC defeated Western Tigers 3–1 in their first-round encounter, with two goals from the league's top scorer Kemar Beckford andastrikefromLeoLovell. That result remains Western Tigers' only loss of the campaign, and the West Ruimveldt side now sits second, four points behind their Vergenoegen-based

rivals.

Three points are vital for SlingerzFCtomaintaintheir leadatthetop,whileWestern Tigers will be gunning to close the gap and keep their titlechallengealive.

For Den Amstel, the stakes are high as they sit seventh on the table with eight points, tied with Fruta Conquerors but ahead on goal difference. A win is essential to stay clear of relegationtrouble.

Meanwhile, Mainstay Goldstarwillbedesperateto securetheirfirstpointsofthe season.TheEssequiboCoast side has endured a rough campaign, conceding a staggering 94 goals in ten matcheswhilemanagingjust fiveinreturn.

Javed Shafeek

Slingerz FC's Kelsey Benjamin on the attack against West Tigers.

33 Berbice Karatekas advance in latest Grading at Albion Dojo

Th i r t y - t h r e e

karatekas from Berbice were successfully promoted to higherbeltranksonSunday, as the Association-do Shotokan Karate (Guyana) held its second grading examination for the year at the Albion Dojo in Region

Six (East BerbiceCorentyne).

The grading was

conducted under the guidance of 7th Dan Chief Instructor Shihan Amir Khouri, with support from 7th Dan Instructor Clinton Moriah and 6th Dan Sensei HazratAli.

Progresswasseenacross multiple belt levels, with students advancing from beginner to more advanced ranks Notably, three karatekas moved from 10th Kyu (white belt) to 8th Kyu (yellow belt), while two

advanced from 8th Kyu to 7th Kyu (orange belt). Four studentsprogressedfrom7th Kyuto6thKyu(greenbelt), andanotherfourfrom7thto 5thKyu(bluebelt). In the higher belt categories, six green belts were promoted to blue (5th Kyu), while four blue belts advanced to purple (4th Kyu). Four students were elevated from 4th Kyu to brown (3rd Kyu), and two from brown belt achieved secondDanblackbeltstatus. Additionally, three brown belt holders attained first Danblackbelt.

The recent karate gradingsawseveralstudents advancingthroughtheranks. Promoted from 10th to 8th Kyu (White to Yellow Belt) were Shaquad Pollard, Saniya Pollard, and Daniel Shariff.

Moving from 8th to 7th

Successful Karatekas in Berbice promoted through the ranks following latest grading exams at Albion Dojo.

Kyu(YellowtoOrangeBelt) were Michael Subbamani, Shane Dillon, and Amaya Williams. Advancing from 7th to 6th Kyu (Orange to Green Belt) were Ky-Lee Castello, Nathan Sellochan, Neera Permand, and Abdur Pooran.

Earning promotion from 7th to 5th Kyu (Orange to Blue Belt) wereAnishaAli,

Manisha Narain, Disha Bissessar, and Hiya Harripersaud. From 6th to 5th Kyu (Green to Blue Belt),thesuccessfulstudents included Nikhel Rambeer, Chad Gupta, Shaniya Narain, Ranaldo Toolsie, Morvin Sookdeo, and Omai Lyte.

Those advancing from 5th to 4th Kyu (Blue to

Purple Belt) were Javier DeFreitas, Muzzammil Rafeek, Fahima Haniff, and Aaliyah Persaud. Ejaaz Ali, Alijandro Persaud, and Ridwan Elemoodeen progressed from 4th to 3rd Kyu(PurpletoBrownBelt).

Meanwhile, achieving the rank of 2nd Dan Black Belt from Brown Belt were Ariana Anamayah and SeraphinaAnamayah, while NoorishaHarrinarine,Aaron Anamayah, and Nathaniel Supaul were promoted from BrownBeltto1stDanBlack Belt.

Earlier this year, five

CPL to adopt ICC T20 playing conditions this season

students from the Albion Dojo were promoted in Georgetown Seenarine Moonsammy, Basdeo Bissessar,PrettiSukdeo,and Ethian Anamayah achieved 1st Dan black belt status, while Andy-Sam Reddy advanced to 4th Dan black belt.

Chief Instructor Khouri praisedthededicationofthe students and encouraged themtoremaincommittedto theirtraining.

"Earningyourfirstblack beltisnottheend,it'swhere the true journey begins," Khouriremarked.

CPLwill adopt the ICC T20 International playing conditions starting with this season.

The Caribbean Premier League (CPL) will adopt the

y

ng conditions starting with the upcoming season This strategic alignment brings CPLmatches in line with the global standard, ensuring the tournament remains one of the premier cricketing showcasesintheworld.

The recent updates to the ICC's T20I playing conditions - particularly the stricter over rate rules - have led to notable improvements in match completion times across international cricket. Byadoptingthesesamerules, the CPLaims to ensure more predictable match durations, enhancing the experience for fans, broadcasters, and all stakeholdersinvolved.

“We've observed how impactful the ICC's over rate regulations have been in reducing delays during T20 Internationals,” said Michael Hall, CPL's Tournament Operations Director “We are committed to delivering a world-class product that is efficient, entertaining, and in stepwiththeglobalgame.”

The CPL has always served as a critical platform for nurturing Caribbean cricketing talent Aligning with ICC T20I standards ensures that players, especially emerging stars, operate under the same conditions they will encounterontheinternational stage. This move is designed to streamline the transition for players entering or returning to the West Indies nationalsetup.

MCY&S supports Indoor Hockey through its ‘One Guyana’ initiative

The Guyana Hockey Board (GHB) officiallylauncheditsfirstindoorhockey tournament of the year yesterday, Tuesday, July 29 The competition, whichrunsthroughtoSunday,August3, isbeingheldattheNationalGymnasium and promises thrilling action across multiple divisions. The tournament is madepossiblethroughthesupportofthe Ministry of Culture, Youth and Sport underitsOneGuyanainitiative.

TheeventwillfeaturebothOpenand Under-19 Divisions for males and females.The women's competition is (Continuedonpage28)

National mid-fielder, Shakeem Fausette will boost Saints Men's team.

-GHBbulliesofffirstIndoorTournamentoftheyearlastevening

Guyana to Host the 2026 Caribbean Development Archery Championships

Director of Sport, Mr Steve Ninvalle yesterday sealed the National Sports Commission's support for the third annual NSC/ Mocha Emancipation Dominoes competition NSC has supported the competition from its inception. ThecompetitionslamsoffonSaturday, August2.

Here, Ninvalle hands over the sponsorship chequeandtrophiestoAcostaAgard.AtrightisMs Cristy Campbell, Vice Chairperson, National Sports Commission. From left, Kevin Agard and FidelMillington.

Kai the Keen-eyed Kiskadee

Guyana will host the 2026 Caribbean DevelopmentArchery Championships.