Kaieteur News

…over70killedinstrikes

‘DON’TSIGNTHATBILL’

Int’l lawyer tells Pres. Ali oil spill international obligations Urges him to withhold assent bill violates Guyana’s constitution,

Two dead in Linden Highway smash-up

to get clearance from medical council for second All fixed,

oil assets belong to Guyana -DrVincentAdams sayscontractclear T&T pathologist yet

autopsy on Adriana

International Lawyer, Melinda Janki

The wreckage of the accident on the SoesdykeLinden Highway

‘DON’TSIGNTHATBILL’

The recently passed Oil Pollution Prevention, Preparedness, Response and Responsibility bill is unconstitutionalandviolates Guyana’s international legal obligations, International Lawyer, Melinda Janki has said.

bill violates Guyana’s constitution,

Int’l lawyer tells Pres. Ali oil spill international obligations Urges him to withhold assent

Jankiisamonganumber of Guyanese who have identified flaws in the bill, which was passed in the National Assembly last week. She documented her concerns in a letter to President Irfaan Ali urging himtowithholdhisassentto thebill,untilthoseflawsare corrected.

Following a four-hourlong debate at the Arthur

Chung Conference Center, Lilliendaal, Georgetown, last Friday, the government, with its one-seat majority, managed to push the Bill

through despite calls from theoppositionfortheBillto be sent to the Special Select Committee for refining Leading the debate on the

opposition side, Shadow Minis

N

ural Resources, Shurwayne Holder, pointed to the fact thatthenewlawprotectsthe ‘parent’ of oil companies from costs associated with a spill. He cited PartVI (6) of the new law, which addressesliabilityorwhathe described as “the backbone of PPP’s deceit.” He quoted Clause17oftheLaw,which states, “A responsible party is liable for all damages caused by an oil spill incident, removal and removal costs, and restoration of environment as far as practicable, and for any costs arising therefrom or connected therewith ” Holderpointedoutthatwhile this section sounds brilliant, the government waged war in and out of the courtroom againstthepeopleofGuyana for an unlimited Parent Company Guarantee. With elections now nearing, the Opposition MP said the government seems to have awakened from their slumber to champion full liability coverage. However, thisisnomorethana“hoax”.

Contrary to int’l obligations

In her letter to President Ali,Jankisaid:“TheBillwas passed in the National AssemblyonFriday16May Itwillbesenttoyouforyour assentasPresidenttoenable it to become law under Article 170 of the Constitution You must withhold your assent because the Bill is contrary to Guyana’s international legal obligations and is unconstitutional ” The lawyer pointed out that the drafteroftheBillclearlyhad

no idea about Guyana’s i n t e r n a t i o n a l l a w obligations.“TheBillatbest contains meaningless references to international law and does not meet the r e q u i r e m e n t s o f internationallawforGuyana toactwithduediligenceand to take steps to prevent transboundaryharm.”

She noted that Article 149J of the Constitution requires the State to take “reasonable legislative measures” to protect the environment including preventing pollution and ecological degradation However, Janki said the bill attempts to: (i) lower or remove altogether (through the doctrine of implied repeal) the environmental p r o t e c t i o n a n d environmental rules and standards set out in the Environmental Protection Act or made under the authority of that act; (ii) to remove or make redundant thesystemofenvironmental management to protect the environment. Additionally,shesaidthe Bill lacks the precautionary principle which was describedbyJusticeWinston Anderson, the future President of the Caribbean Court of Justice, as follows: “Precautionisemergingasa bedrock principle in Caribbean law relating to resource exploitation. The clearest statement of the principleistobefoundinthe 1996 Environmental ProtectionActofGuyana.” Jankisaidtoothatthebill gives the executive the power to forego obtaining financialassurancesuchas Continued on page 11

International Lawyer, Melinda Janki

President, Irfaan Ali

All fixed, movable oil assets belong to Guyana

- Dr.Vincent Adams says contract clear

Former head of the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA), Dr Vincent Adams, has maintained that Article 20 of the 2016 Production Sharing Agreement (PSA) between Guyana and ExxonMobil, shows that all fixed and movableassetsbelongtothe state.

Vice President, Bharrat Jagdeo told the media recently, that the assets do not belong to Guyana, although the American oil giant has already recovered

US$34 billion from Guyana’s oil which covers the assets currently being usedinproduction,aswellas projects yet to come on stream. At the Alliance for Change’s (AFC) weekly press conference on Friday, Dr.Adamswasaskedbythis publication, to explain the true ownership of the assets o f f s h o r e G u y a n a , considering the amount of money already recovered by theoilcompany

He explained that the situationisverysimpleasthe contract signed was very clear “At Article 20 all movable and fixed assets belongtotheGovernmentof Guyana. It says there that at expiration or termination of the contract, all of these assetsshallbereturnedtothe governmentfreeofcost.”

The petroleum engineer stressed that if someone is returning something free of cost, then it belongs to the person it was returned to. However,duringproduction, theoilcompanyisallowedto use the equipment, but the costisbeingoffsetfromcost oil.

“So, when the vice presidentcomesupwiththis absolute you know dumbfounding statements that somehow, we’re going

Former Head of the Environmental Protection Agency

Dr. Vincent Adams

toseizetheseassets,ifweget an oil spill to pay for (cleanup) it’s absolute nonsense and idiocy,” he said. While there is a recoverable cost, to date, US$34 billion has been recovered and Dr Adams believesthatatleastthefirst four projects was covered.

However, the only problem isonecanonlyspeculatethat Guyana has already paid a totalofUS$9billionforLiza One and Two, but cannot definitively say which is which.

Dr Adams said that this shows “the incompetence andlaxityofthisgovernment whichishowJudgeKissoon described them… you know ifyougobuyahouseyouget is what is called an amortization schedule, that says every month you’re paying this amount for interest this amount goes towardsyourprincipalandit tells you exactly when you’re going to be finished. We do not even have that. This government cannot even tell us how much we paying in interest or how muchiscomingoutincapital cost,sowedonotevenknow howmuchofthatmoneythat

$34billionactuallywentinto capitalcost.”

Last Thursday, the VP declared that although US$34 billion was used to pay for the assets, they are notGuyana’s.

“Sofirstofall,theassets still belong to the company They don’t change ownership from the company So,theseassetsare still working, so what happensisthatifyoupayoff with the assets, then you havemoremoneyleftnowto distributeasprofits.”

Jagdeo said that the countrydoesnotbecomethe owner of the assets after the costs have been recovered, but still stands to benefit from an increased share of profitsasaresult.

“So now we will have more money to distribute as profit,becausewepaidoffof the assets. They are off our books. So, what happens is the government’s share of revenue skyrockets, which will happen in future years. So, the assets ownership doesn’t change, it’s just the composition of the distribution,ortheshare,the proportionoftherevenueset aside for distribution, to governmentandtheinvestor, as profit, their share goes up,” the chief policymaker forthesectorinformed.

He pointed out that Guyana currently pays 75 per cent towards cost recovery while the remaining 25 per cent is shared with the operator as profits, with the country gaining an additional 2 per centinroyalty

Jagdeo previously told reporters that Exxon is free to sell the assets paid for by Guyana to handle costs related to an oil spill, as the country is not a co-owner of theinfrastructure.

The Gas-to-Energy project will use Guyana’s offshore natural gas to facilitate a reduction in the cost of power.

State to settle case over trespass of WBD land for GTE project - AG

The office of the Attorney General is moving towards settling the case filed by Malcolm Caryl, a West Bank Demerara resident,whoisclaimingover$20millionin damages for trespassing by the Ministry of NaturalResources’Gas-to-Energytaskforce.

Inaninvitedcomment,AttorneyGeneral (AG) and Minister of Legal Affairs, Anil Nandlall SC, explained that the relevant agencies and the Gas-to-Energy Task Force madeanerrorwhentheydrewtheplanforthe properties to be acquired for the project and didnotincludeCaryl’sproperty

Asaresultof“theunfortunateoversight,” by the state agencies, the AG said steps are actively being pursued for the parties involvedtoreachanamicablesettlement.

Inthecourtactionfiled,Carylnotedthata concretefoundationandalongpoleareona portion of his land in preparation for an apparentconnectiontothetransmissionlines ownedandcontrolledbyGuyanaPowerand Light(GPL).

As a result, the businessman said he is unable to get the use and benefit of a substantial portion of his land, resulting in himsufferinglossanddamages.

In their response to the lawsuit, AG Nandlall noted that the objective of the project, specifically the transmission expansion and upgrade, is to improve reliability and stability of Guyana’s electricity grid, to produce low cost electricity to users in Guyana, with

generationcostsexpectedtobelessthanhalf thecurrentcostderivedfromimportedheavy fuel oil; and with significantly lower greenhouse gas and other air emissions, compared to Guyana’s current power plants thatrunonheavyfueloil.

In response to the claim, theAG’s office notedwhenCarylpresentedhistransportfor thelandonNovember12,2024,thiswasthe first time that the GTE task force became awareofanysuchclaim.

“Atallmaterialtimes,theGTEtaskforce, and by extension, independent contractor, Kalpataru Projects International (“KPIL”) which erectedthe transmissionline,actedin good faith and on the genuine belief, based upon a Cadastral Survey Plan prepared by sworn land surveyor Julian Bennons, dated June 22, 2023, which indicated that the subjectlandwasgovernmentreserveland,as is most of the area along which the transmission poles are being erected in Vreed-en-Hoop,West Bank Demerara,” the courtdocumentfiledbytheAG’sofficesaid.

The document noted that prior to the commencementofconstruction,sensitization activities were conducted in the Vreed-enHoop area and public notices were issued inviting affected persons to raise concerns and/orobjections.

It pointed out that Caryl did not participate in these consultations, nor did he objectatanytimepriortoorduringthe Continued on page 9

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EDITORIAL

TheNTCconference

TheNationalToshaosCouncilConferenceopened yesterdaywithmoreofthesamefromPresident IrfaanAliandhiscolleagues.

Theforum,whichisthehighestdecision-makingforum fortheToshaoshasbeenreducedtoapoliticalplayingfield for the government. It is where leaders of the PPP attack politicalopponentsandNGOsthatdonotsharetheirviews aremaligned.YesterdaywewitnessedthiswhenPresident Irfaan Ali launched scathing attacks on businessman, Azruddin Mohamed and the opposition. From the reports werereceived,someIndigenousrepresentativesofvarious organisationswerebarredfromattendingtheopeningofthe conference and even members of the media were attacked byofficialsoftheNTC.

In anticipation of what transpired yesterday the Amerindian PeoplesAssociation (APA) had called on the Government of Guyana to respect the autonomy of the NTC,ensuretransparencyandinclusioninalldiscussions, andtoactswiftlyontherecommendationsthatemergefrom thisyear’sconference.

TheassociationhadalsourgedToshaosandcommunity representativestocourageouslyadvocatefortheirpeople’s rights, needs, and aspirations, noting that the NTC Conference is not just a ceremonial gathering; it is an opportunity to hold the government and state agencies accountablewhiledemandingpoliciesandactionsthattruly benefitourcommunities.

The association said Indigenous peoples are not only stakeholders,“wearerights-holderswithadeepconnection toourlands,cultures,andwaysoflife.

Weremindourselvesthatthereisstrengthinunity APA standsinsolidaritywithallToshaosandcommunityleaders and remains committed to supporting their efforts to achievesocial,climateandeconomicjustice,equality,and sustainableself-determineddevelopmentforallIndigenous PeoplesinGuyana,”thestatementconcluded.

It is clear that the current trajectory of the National Toshaos Council Conference is not yielding the desired outcomes.

It’s high time for a shift in focus from handouts to substantive efforts to uplift indigenous communities and extricate them from the grips of poverty and despondency

This transformation must be aimed at resolving problems that have plagued these communities for generations. Rather than forcing the youth to migrate into gold fields, there should be initiatives aimed at creating sustainable economic opportunities within indigenous communities. This could include support for agricultural ventures, ecotourism, and skill development programmes thatempowerindividualstothriveintheirownvillages.

To combat the environmental degradation caused by mining and logging, a commitment to environmentalstewardshipisvital

The conference should promote discussions on sustainableresourcemanagement,reforestationefforts,and responsibleminingpractices,ensuringthedelicatebalance betweendevelopmentandpreservation.

Addressing the social issues that plague indigenous communities requires a comprehensive approach. The conference should foster open dialogues about alcohol abuse,sexualexploitation,andothersocialchallenges.

The National Toshaos Council Conference holds immense potential to reshape the trajectory of Guyana’s indigenouscommunities.Nolongershouldtheconference be a mere spectacle of political enticements, but rather a conduitfortransformation.

ThefutureofGuyana’sindigenouspeoplesdependsona collectivecommitmenttochange–achangethatstartswith afreshperspectiveonthepurposeoftheNationalToshaos Council Conference, beginning with the removal of the shadow of the Ministry of Amerindian Affairs over conferenceproceedings.

SeekAmerican assistance to deter Venezuela’s aggression

DEAREDITOR

Venezuelaisoncourseto hold an election to choose a Governorandeightdeputies on May 25 in the area in Guyana, our legitimate territory, it claims as part of Venezuela.What will be the role of the Governor and DeputieswhenaProvinceof Essequiba does not exist? Who will the Governor govern and who will the Deputies represent? It is largely symbolic in a show ofsupportforMaduro.Itisa controversial vote, the outcome of which the democratic world will not accept.

No country recognises Essequibo as belonging to Venezuela. The dispute is beforetheWorldCourtfora finalresolution;adecisionis expected sometime in 2026. Venezuela is engaged in provocative action in planninganelectionwhenit knowsthatitisnotpossible. An election is not practical unless President Maduro holdsanelectioninapartof undisputed Venezuela that he calls Essequiba but does

not include Guyana’s territory

Guyanese will not take part in this farcical election. Venezuelans residing in the territory that is part of Guyana, hosts of the generous Guyanese people, arealsonotlikelytopartake inanyvote.

Guyanese have provided comfort and safetytothemfromtherule ofMaduro.Noarrangement has been done for the vote. It is not known who are electors and where as well ashowtheywillvote

Whatdoesaballotlook like? Will there be observers?

Is Maduro looking for symbolism through a vote to deceive his population and boost his sagging popularity?

How should Guyana respond? We have sought the ruling of the World Court that is defied by Maduro;thecourthassided with Guyana and urged Maduro not to hold any vote The international community has offered its

views on the proposed election The global community has sided with Guyana Guyana must c

y influential nations (ABCE) a n d

o n a l organizations to pressure Venezuela to respect international law and the opinions of the World C o u r t . T h e O A S , CARICOM, UNASUR, ACS, UN, and EU must be approached to mount pressure on Caracas to tone down its rhetoric and to abandon the planned electiononMay25

T h e A m e r i c

Administrationmustalsobe

n a n y encroachment on Guyana’s legitimate territory where American companies have been doing billion dollars business. A n e l e c t i o n b y Venezuela in Guyanese territory is tantamount to annexation which is illegal; itissimilartowhatPutindid in Crimea (Ukraine) and in other parts of disputed

territories. Might cannot be right Venezuela, like Russia, must respect international laws The Americansshouldbeinvited tostationabaseinEssequibo to deter Venezuala’s aggression, vote, and annexation.

Venezuela must be w a r n e d a b o u t t h e consequences by the USA andothercountriesaswellas international organizations ifitdoesnothaltthevote.A group of Guyanese in USA several years ago proposed that a defense treaty be signed between Guyana and Americatodeterexactlythe kind of action ofVenezuela. The idea was blanked by governments.

Itisnottoolatetogiveit consideration.

ThesamegroupinUSA also proposed to make Guyana an autonomous overseas territory for protection against Venezuelan threats and provocative actions like electionsandreferendums.

Yoursfaithfully, VishnuBisram

Reparations must come with responsibility and reform

DEAREDITOR, Reparativejusticeforthe transatlantic slave trade and the centuries of oppression, exploitation, and violence it has enabled is both morally appropriate and historically imperative. For hundreds of years, millions of African lives were lost, families destroyed, cultures interrupted and nations robbed of their precious resources.

Without question, the transatlantic slave trade facilitated one of the most e g r e g i o u s m o r a l catastrophes known to humankind. Its legacy of oppressionisinstantiatedby the institutionalised racism, persistent intergenerational poverty and economic inequities that continue to disproportionately affect African and Africandescended peoples worldwide Given this enduring impact, the necessity of reparative justice for the transatlantic slave trade and the systematised carnage it occasioned for over four hundred years cannot be overstated.

In his groundbreaking treatise How Europe Underdeveloped Africa, published by BogleL’Ouverture Publications, the Guyanese scholaractivist Walter Rodney underscored the outsized role of European colonial regimes in effectively underdeveloping Africa whilst simultaneously developingEurope.

As a consequence, he challenged the conventional wisdom which favoured Eurocentric and historically revisionist narratives regarding the root causes of Africa’s enduring developmentalchallenges.

Balancing reparations with responsibility and reform is an ethical imperative

While Rodney’s work offers valuable moral and historical grounding for reparativejustice,weshould be careful to avoid overcentralisingitasthesole moral anchor of the reparative justice advocacy movement To be sure, reparative justice advocacy

must also include an honest self-assessment by Africa and the African diaspora about their role in perpetuating continued underdevelopment. That process would entail seriously confronting w e l l - d o c u m e n t e d issues—such as corruption, nepotism, and political maladministration that continue to subvert their attempts at achieving sustainable economic development.

This difficult but indispensable introspection must then be supported by reform aimed at addressing those longstanding issues

effectively Such an approachisnotonlymorally upright but practically necessary to ensure that any reparations received are applied transparently, justly, andequitablyfortheholistic betterment of African and African-descended peoples globally Programmes

in

educational advancement, s

, infrastructural development, and job creation would

certainly benefit from the applicationofreparations.

Still, reparations should not be reduced to a mere financial settlement since this narrow conception obscures its potential as a site of reimagining what empowerment can look like for Africa and the African diaspora.

Instead, reparations should be understood as an important avenue through w

the predatory underdevelopment ofAfrica by E

rope can be incrementally redressed Given its symbolic and practical significance, the pursuit of reparations, as a central pillar of reparative justice, must centre responsibility and reform as an ethical imperative. Only through responsibility and reform can we ensure that reparations advance, rather than undermine, the project of healing, empowering and unifying African and African-descendedpeoples.

Yoursfaithfully, AmandaJanellDeAmor Quest Attorney-at-Law

Aubrey Norton Leader of the PNCR: Why he should go

DEAREDITOR

Thetimehascomeforall of us to seriously consider Aubrey Norton’s insistence on being the Presidential candidate in the upcoming General and Regional Elections in Guyana, our belovedcountry

As the efforts at presenting a coalition of parties continue to fail as a consequence of Norton’s intransigence and focused disruption, we must collectively reject this egotistical excursion into sheer fantasy and strive to convinceMr Nortonthathis candidacy is a non-starter and predictable failure! Much to the detriment of so many of us who want to see the PPP banished to the dustbinofhistory

WebelievethatNortonis unelectable as a candidate and has proven beyond any doubtthatheisunsuitableto be seriously considered as a national leader His intransigence in pursuing the role of Presidential Candidateissuicidalforany coalition, the PNC and its supporters and, a reprehensible insult to the effortsofthoseofuswhoare seeking to remove the PPP from its role as the incumbent government Aubrey has repeatedly d e m o n s t r a t e d a n inexplicable obsession with the presidency despite what isclearlyatenureofabysmal failure as Leader of the Opposition with no r e m a r k a b l e accomplishments with which he can reasonably attempt to persuade us to supporthiscandidacy

Mr Norton has demonstrated several traits which have pointedly weakened the party and its support. Thefewsupporters who remain committed to his candidacy can advance no compelling arguments except to resort to bullyism and public insults on social media while demonstrating an uncanny deficit when called upon to list his

accomplishments.

Norton has mastered the artofdivisivemanipulation, calculatingly moving some of his more talented members around distancing some from the party’s administrative center while bringing some closer and then reversing this repeatedly, to ensure a collective insecurity among the more talented in his team Norton does not understand that politics requires the art of addition and not his clear obsession with division which ultimately ensures more of thetalentedinthepartyseek to find an exit as they find a party environment increasingly lacking in collaborative, focused politicalwork.

Despite the convenient party motion passed at the controversialpartycongress that delegates the choice of the Presidential Candidate solely to Norton, and many who have witnessed and experienced the party’s ability to garner a victory in thepastthroughaprocessof honest introspection and evaluation of candidate suitability, Norton has pursued his obsession with the candidacy with a remarkable obstinacy Whilealltheobjectivepolls conducted by patriots committedtotheremovalof the criminal PPP point to Norton’s unsuitability and electability, he continues to demonstrate a frightening leveloftone-deafnesswhile hemaneuversandplotstoan inevitable crushing collective defeat should he continue with his foolish obsession.

Norton has failed to inspireandmotivatebeyond some rather rudimentary electoral soundbites which fail to touch upon a grand vision for this rapidly growing Oil and Gas economy Promises of free school buses and vague referencestohisplagiarized peoplecenteredstrategyfail toresonatewithcitizensand

e a c h s u c c e s s i v e pronouncement of Norton reinforces how clearly distantheisfromthevision, charisma and political astuteness of the Comrade Leaderwhomhedeceitfully suggests he once provided adviceto.

Norton’s recent public refusal to personally acknowledge and express sympathy on the passing of Amna Ally is additional demonstrable proof of a flawed leader with deep psychological deficiencies including an inability to demonstrate magnanimity and compassion - traits that are critical for national leadership particularly in a polity where our divisions, racial and otherwise are so extremely amplified. That Norton would seek refuge forthisdisappointinglackof judgement under the cover of his abusive social media crusadersplaceshimnextto IrfaanAlly as the other side ofthesamecoin. Wewould r e c a l l t h a t A l l y demonstrated a lack of compassionanddeceitinhis recentapproachtotherecent homicideofAdriannaYoung

confirming his clear unsuitability for national leadership despite his obsession with off-beat gyrations and clownish e n t e r t a i n m e n t , a cringeworthy presidential tendency that Guyanese havegrowntiredofviewing.

At a moment in our nation’s history when there is a fierce urgency in rescuing Guyana from the corrupt and malignant governanceofthePPPwitha united umbrella of all Guyanese, Norton is singularly focused on thwartingsuchanenterprise.

Today, that coalition of willing requires consensus building, widening and expanding a unified tent of Guyanese brothers and sisters led by a team of servant leaders anchored with a steadfast vision and sense of purpose. Unfortunately, Aubrey to

date has failed to live up to those expectations and continuesinhisproject–an apparentefforttocontinuein theopposition,arolehehas spectacularly failed in but has developed a level of comfort, safe in his goal of providing an everdiminishingchallengetothe status quo of PPP intransigence, corruption andoppression.

As an alternative to government and often referred to as a government in waiting, to date, what is the measurable scorecard of theoppositionledbyAubrey Norton Guyanese are poorer for guidance and inspiration from this visionless leader and team. In the area of Policing and PublicSecurity,whatarethe ideas and policies? During the current economic malaise and perilous uncertainty burdening Guyanesewithrunawaycost of living pressures, Aubrey Norton is missing inaction with any agenda that can reassurecitizensofanyplan towards addressing their concerns. Instead, weekly, the citizens are assaulted with meandering and unsound economic arguments and policy positionsifatall.

We are at too critical juncture in our nation’s historytocontinuetorepose leadershipandconfidencein such inept and bankrupt leaders. Aubrey must give way now for the sake of sufferingGuyanese.

Inafewmonths (Continuedonpage06)

The Heart of Campbellville: ACall for Unity and Inclusion

DEARFRIENDS, As many of you know, my cherished late father, WinslowG.Carrington,was a beacon of light in our village of Campbellville. In honour of his legacy, there was a proposal to rename Campbell Avenue to “Winslow G Carrington Way ” However, I’ve encountered a deeply troubling issue surrounding thisrenaming.

The official effort to rename the street has drawn a boundary from Sheriff Street to Ganges Street in Prasad Nagar—an area that,

distinguished by street names that predominantly reflect Indian heritage and geography Signs like Delhi Street and Bissarri Street remind us of places in India or of Indian Guyanese d e s c e n t W h i l e I wholeheartedly respect diverse cultures, I question how this creates a sense of unityinanationproclaiming “One People, One Nation, OneDestiny.”

This situation feels akin to “redlining” in the USA, where communities are segregated based on race, creating an unwelcoming atmosphere for other ethnic groups. What message does this send to non-Indian Guyanese families considering settling in PrasadNagar?

It feels exclusionary, as if to say, “You’re not welcomehere.”

Imagine if we only honored national heroes or cultural figures from one ethnicity in predominantly African, Portuguese, or

Chinese neighborhoods in Georgetown.What if streets in Lodge or Meadowbrook were renamed to highlight only those backgrounds? The uproar would be palpable—but why is this reality different for Indian names? Are we not one nation?

With a heavy heart, I have chosen not to proceed with my father’s street renaming in Prasad Nagar I have been cautioned by those who understand the political and social landscape.It’sdisheartening to witness a deliberate attempt to keep our people divided based on ethnicity, ratherthanhonoringtherich tapestry that makes up our greatnation.

This renaming issue is about more than just street signs; it’s about respect and unity We must come together as one, embracing our diverse heritage while c e l e b r a t i n g o u r commonalities.Weoweitto our ancestors, to my father, and to future generations to foster an inclusive environmentinwhichevery Guyanese feels welcomed and valued, no matter their background.

Let’s raise our voices, cometogether,andurgefora community where all our histories and heritages are respected, remembered, and celebrated.It’stimetobreak down barriers and work towards a truly united Guyana.

Thank you for reading andsupportingthismessage.

YoursTruly GilbertCarrington ProudSonofWinslow G.Carrington,CCH

Sod turning for Corentyne River Bridge in a couple weeks - Surinamese President

The ground-breaking ceremony to commence

construction of the

CorentyneRiverBridgewill take place in a few weeks’ time,PresidentofSuriname, Chandrikapersad Santokhi saidonMonday

The Surinamese President was at the time addressing the opening ceremony of GUYSURE

Aggregate & Sands Inc sales office, a subsidiary of Grassalco, which opened in Guyana.

A c c o r d i n g t o information provided on the President’s Facebook page, Grassalco is the first Suriname state-owned company that opened a branchabroad.

“The collaboration between Grassalco and the Guyanese market is a concrete realization of the broader regional integration goals within CARICOM Thiscompanyisnotonlyan importantstepforGrassalco, but also an example of successful economic expansion of Suriname businesses. I congratulate Grassalcoanditspartnerson

this special milestone. May thissuccessfulcollaboration serveasanexampletoother businesses in our country andregion,”thepoststated.

Speaking briefly about the Corentyne River Bridge that will link Guyana and Suriname, President Santokhisaid,“Yeswewere planning today… this event and the ground-breaking ceremony of the bridge that weplannedjointactivitybut unfortunately I think the ground-breaking ceremony will need some more time, moreintermsofweeksthan months,butitwillcome.”

Chairman of the

Suriname-Guyana Chamber of Commerce (SGCC), Dr Vishnu Doerga said that the construction of the bridge is anecessityandnotluxury Doerga stated that the CorentyneRiverBridgewill be the spine of a new trade corridor reducing transportation costs, accelerating business and encouraging cross-border investment.

“Onelargeprojectthatis on the horizon that will requirealotofsupportfrom

President of Suriname, Chandrikapersad Santokhi, at the opening ceremony of GUYSURE Aggregate & Sands Inc. Sales Office in Georgetown, Guyana. (Photo Courtesy, Chan Santokhi/ Facebook)

both countries is the Corentyne River Bridge; it remainsahighpriorityforus attheSGCC.Anyoneofyou who have had the luxury of using the ferry service knows why we need the bridge very urgently, but we also proposed to both governments,enhancements to the current ferry system, better scheduling, increase capacity and streamline processes. These are low hanging

fruits that can immediately improve trade and investment between our nations,”herelated.

Vice President (VP) Bharrat Jagdeo back in Januarysaidthegovernment is set to acquire a loan to finance the bridge project. Jagdeo at his weekly press conference was asked by reportersaboutthesourceof Guyana’sfinancingforits50 per cent of the total cost of the project to which he

replied,“Wecanacquirethe loan,itwouldbealoan,it’sa loan.ItcouldbefromChina but it could be from any othersource.”

The Vice President addedthatalreadytheyhave explored several potential financiersfortheproject.

Noting the country’s readinessinmovingforward withtheproject,Jagdeotold the media at the time that Guyana is now waiting on Suriname.“Weareatastage now where the parties have tocometothetabletosaywe can come up with our share of the money, we are prepared to make that commitment now and we can raise our share of the resources swiftly and once the other side can do that then the project can move fast, ” he said This publicationreportedthatthe construction of the Corentyne River Bridge between the two South American nations will be executedbyChinaRoadand Bridge Corporation, a construction firm from China China Road and Bridge Corporation was among three bidders that submitted proposals to the National Procurement and Tender Administration Board (NPTAB) office last year.At that opening, it was revealedthatBallastNedam

Infra Suriname bid

US$325,400,000 for the contract, while China Road and Bridge Corporation bid US$236,173,962 Another Chinese company – China

Railway Caribbean Company Limited also submitted a bid but the amountwasnotlisted.

According to media reports, the governments of

Guyana and Suriname had requested funding from Chinafortheprojectandare stillawaitingapproval.

The Ministry of Public Works, through which the project will be executed, reported that the bridge will span the Corentyne River from South Drain in Suriname to Moleson Creek in Guyana, and is slated to havealifespanof100years.

In May 2022, the consultancy assignment for the Feasibility Study and Detailed Designs for the constructionofthebridgewas awarded to WSP Caribbean, amounting to US$2 million The assignment included various works such as topographic assessment, hydraulic and hydrographic studies, traffic demand analysis, financial and economic evaluation, environmental assessment, and the preliminary design ofthebridgeandroads.

The bridge will span approximately1,100metresin length with 22 spans measuring 50 metres each

The sub-structure is expected to withstand minor vessel impact The carriageway is expectedtospanaround1005 metres, accommodating two lanesunderregularconditions and three lanes during emergencies or controlled situations.

It was reported that presenting this year’s budget, Senior Minister in the Office of the President with responsibility for Finance and the Public Sector Dr Ashni Singh disclosed the government hassetasideanallocationof $5billion towards the construction of the CorentyneRiverBridge.

Aubrey Norton Leader of the PNCR: Why he should go...

Frompage05

Guyanesewillbeheadingto the polls towards electing a government to guide us towardscollectivepeaceand prosperity for the next five years.

No citizen deserves another five years of corruption, discrimination and the widening gap between the few friends and family extremely rich and the majoritypoor

To secure electoral victory with a new and grand coalition Aubrey Norton in nouncertaintermscannotbe thatleaderunitingGuyanese towardsthatvictory

We can no longer gamble with such a future and for a hopefulandbettertomorrow forallGuyanese. ThePPPisconfidentthatits victory and a larger parliamentary majority is securedwithAubreyNorton as its opponent as the presidential candidate in thoseelections. Elections are about winning, and, in doing so, capturing the hearts and mindsofthecitizens.

We must be serious aboutourfutureandourrole in Guyana’s development. Now is the time for new leadershipthatcanwinatthe pollstomorrow

Respectfully, HectorStouteJnr. USArmyRet.

BLUNT BLUNT

Selling dreams to the Toshaos

The annual Toshaos conference is being held earlier than usual, it is a good indication that the government is gearing up for elections not too far from September This week, from the President right down to the most junior minister- Kwame McCoy will make their way to the Arthur Chung Conference Centre to sell dreams to the Amerindian leaders.

The Toshaos are aware that Hinterland resources are being exploited without adequate rewards flowing to indigenous communities. Mining activities have ravaged the environment, leaving scars that are not only visible on the land but also in the communities.

Indigenous peoples face the harsh consequences of soil degradation, deforestation, and polluted water sources, which severely impact their way of life Mining, despite its promise of economic advancement, has unleashed a slew of social problems upon these communities.

The surge in alcohol abuse, prostitution, and sexual abuse has eroded social relations, while the mass migration of young people to the gold fields due to a lack of economic opportunities threatens the continuity of these communities. Indigenous communities witness the plunder of their forests by timber companies, who often depart without offering adequate compensation or sustainable alternatives. The more resources are extracted, the poorer the indigenous communities.

People in 70 countries are missing out on medical care amid funding cuts, says WHO

GENEVA, May 19

(Reuters) - Peopleinatleast 70 countries are missing out on medical treatment due to funding cuts to aid programmes, the WHO said on Monday, adding it also faces major financial challenges.

“Patientsaremissingout on treatments, health facilities have closed, health workers have lost their jobs, and people face increased out-of-pocket health spending,” WHO Director-

General Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus said in an address to the World Health Assembly

The WHO is currently facing a US$600 million holeinitsannualbudgetand cuts of 21% over the next two-year period. Hundreds ofWHOofficialsarejoining donors and diplomats in Geneva from Monday to discuss how to cope with crises from mpox to cholera without their main funder, theUnitedStates.

As the United States prepares to exit the organisation, China is set to becomethebiggestprovider of state fees - one of the WHO’s main streams of fundingalongsidedonations.

“Many ministers have toldmethatsuddenandsteep cuts to bilateral aid are causing severe disruption in t

nd imperiling the health of millions of people,” Tedros added.Tedrossaidthatstates should consider spending

more money on global health, at a time when defense expenditure is increasing:“Countriesspend vast sums protecting themselves against attacks from other countries, but relativelylittleonprotecting themselvesfromaninvisible enemy that can cause far moredamage.”

WHO has revised down its budget to 4.2 billion dollarsforthenexttwoyears - 2.1 billion a year “2.1 billion dollars is the

Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus, DirectorGeneral of the World Health Organization (WHO) at the United Nations in Geneva, Switzerland, May 24, 2022. REUTERS/Denis Balibouse//File Photo

equivalentofglobalmilitary expenditure every eight hours, ” Tedros told delegates.

He added that the WHO hasalreadytakenstepstocut itsworkforce,budgetandthe scopeofitswork.Lastweek it cut half of its senior leadershipteam.

PUC records 125 complaints against telecoms providers in 2024

ThePublicUtilitiesCommission(PUC)hasrecordeda13 per cent increase in complaints against telecommunications providersin2024.

According to a recently released annual report, the complaints division of the PUC received 125 complaints againsttelecommunicationsserviceproviders,a13%increase fromthe111complaintsfiledin2023.

Ofthese,thePUCsaid107or86percentwereresolved, withtheremaining18or14percentcomplaintspending.

Accordingtothereport,therewere13complaintsrelated tomobileservicesand15forfibreservices.

The copper-based connections (landline and DSL) and fixedwirelessservicesaccountedfor97or78percentofthe complaints received.This ongoing dissatisfaction with these services indicates the need for improvements in service quality,themissivenoted.

However, the report pointed out that internally, the commissionmadesignificantstridesandachievedsuccessin severalareasofitsoperations.

“The year 2024 saw a 5 per cent decline in complaints receivedbythecommissionwhencomparedtotheyear2023. This decrease can be attributed to ongoing efforts by the service providers to improve service quality and customer satisfaction across the regulated sectors. We also achieved a resolution rate of 86 per cent for the complaints received in 2024.

Additionally, the commission secured rebates for consumers in excess of $13 million, demonstrating a commitment to holding operators accountable for their performance,”thedocumentoutlined.

Moreover, the commission noted that following the liberalisationofthetelecommunicationssectorin2020,there has been continuous growth and innovations with the introduction of 5G technology and increased investments in expandingnetworkcoverage.

This led to improved connectivity for consumers and businesses, driving economic development and digital transformation in the country The commission stressed that theintroductionofnumberportabilityalsoservedtostimulate competitioninthesector

Whileitwascognisantofthesetbackstheprojectendured, thePUCsaiditremainedcommittedtoensuringaseamless

Continued on page 11

Thepoliceactionsinrelationtosearchingthehotel

Thecaseofthe11year-old child, Adrianne Young, continues to engender debate and interest inside and outside of Guyana.And the police have come in for criticism,notonlyinrelation to the now admitted false statement that the child she may have entered a car that drove off in an easterly direction but also in respect tothecomprehensivenessof the search which was conductedatthehotel.

When Adrianne Younge could not be located and after CCTV footage from a building across the road from the hotel did not provide any evidence that sheleftthehotelcompound, there was reportedly a demand for the hotel to be

searched. It appears that the familyandotherswereupset withthepolicefornotdoing a comprehensive search of the hotel But the key question to be asked if whether the police had any legal basis to conduct a search of an entire hotel complex, including going into rooms that may have hadguests. The police cannot whimsically and without reasonable suspicion or probable cause undertake such a search? So was there reasonable suspicion or probable cause in this instance? A belief that the child could be inside the hotel would, under the common law, constitute “mere suspicion” - an unsubstantiated belief

without factual foundation.

The police cannot act on suchbaresuspicionsalone.

For officers to take investigative action, they needed at minimum “reasonable suspicion” - a standardrequiringobjective, articulable facts that would lead a reasonable person to suspect criminal activity The existence of such facts would have allowed the threshold of reasonable suspiciontobemet.

To conduct a full search of the hotel premises, including rooms in which there were guests, would have needed the higher standardof“probablecause” - sufficient evidence to convince a reasonable person that a crime had occurred and that evidence

State to settle case over trespass of WBD...

Frompage3 erection of the transmission linepoleontheland.

The sensitisation sessionswerecarriedoutby Minister Deodat Indar, various agencies and the

C h a i r m a n o f t h e Neighborhood Democratic C o u n c i l f o r Klien/Pouderoyen in JuneJuly 2024, and multiple site visits were conducted in the area.

According to the court documents, the defendant (state) further contends that the subject land was not included in the initial acquisitionnoticesduetothe reasonable and genuine

belief, based on official records, that the land was government-owned.

The state argues that at all material times, the entire subject land was overtaken byhighbushesandappeared to be in a state of abandonment. As a result, the state contends that the reliefs which the claimant seeks would not only be impractical, but against the publicinterestatlarge,given that the acquisition is for a publicpurpose,foranurgent and necessary public utility project,andintheinterestof nationaldevelopment.

The state denies that the

claimant is entitled to exemplarydamages.

The defendant and or its servants/ agents entered upon the said portion of the subject land on the genuine albeit mistaken belief that same was governmentowned; any actions and or omissions of the defendant and/or its agents were bona fides and not egregious, maliciousornegligent.

In the circumstances, the state has asked the court to refuse the orders sought by the claimant to allow for the appropriate

compensation

DEM BOYS SEH

Everybodyknowsomebody whoknowdemanguilty

As soon as a man get accuse of something in Guyana—whether is tiefing, lying,cheating,orsimplymindingheown business—suddenly every man, woman andcattunexpertwitness.Demboyssehde accusation does barely hit social media when all kinda people does crawl out like cockroachwhenlightcomeon.

“Meknowhesinceprimaryschool.He always been sneaky,” one cousin-cousin seh.“Isheunclewifesecondsistertellme he use to hide he homework so nobody could copy That’s how yuh know he capableoftiefing.”

And is not just dem who know him. Is dem who know somebody who know somebody who see something suspicious by the market 12 years ago that now confirmdeaccusationlikegospeltruth.

Dem boys seh in Guyana, soon as somebody name call, all kinda Sunday School teacher, old classmate, hairdresser and ex-neighbour suddenly got revelation. “Ialwayshadabadfeeling,”oneladyseh, who only meet de man once when he beg shefuhchange$500atashop.

would be found in the locationtobesearched.Was theresufficientevidencethat a crime may have been committedorwasitacaseof someone simply believing that the child could only have been in a part of the hotel other than the swimming area? Was there reasonable suspicion or probable cause that she couldhavebeenheldagainst herwillwithinthehotel?

Englishcommonlawhas consistently held that police powers must be exercised based on objective facts rather than subjective beliefs To do otherwise wouldriskcreatingasociety where anyone’s home or business could be searched based on nothing more than another person’s insistence or gut feelings. The law requires more than good faith or sincere belief; it demandsevidencesufficient tojustifyeachlevelofpolice intrusion, ensuring neither personal freedoms nor public safety are lightly compromised In English common law, the principles governing police powers of search and investigation are firmly rooted in the balance between maintaining public order and protecting individualliberties.

There appears to be an assumption, in the public domain,thatthepolicecould have lawfully searched the entire hotel based solely on the family’s insistence

However, under English common law, courts have long held that law enforcement cannot act on hunchesalone;theremustbe “reasonable suspicion”, grounded in objective and justifiablefacts.

In Adrianne’s case, the family’s belief that she was in the hotel amounted to mere suspicion Without corroborating evidence police would have had no legalbasistoconductafullscalesearchofthepremises. The key question therefore remains whether there was anyindicationthattheyoung child was in imminent peril insidethehotel.Orwasthere probable cause to believe that crime was being committed within the building?

According to what has been said, the police, with theconsentoftheowner,did conduct some searches but this has been described by commentators as not being sufficient. However, the law imposes necessary constraintsonpolicepowers to prevent arbitrary intrusions into private s p a c e s e v e n i n emotionally charged cases. The critical legal distinction between ‘mere suspicion” (thefamily’sbeliefAdrianne was in the hotel) and “reasonable suspicion” or “probable cause” could explain the limits of police action.WhileCCTVfootage showing Adrianne may not

have exited the hotel compound might have elevated concerns, this alone—withoutsignsoffoul p l a y o r i m m i n e n t danger—likely fell short of establishing “probable cause” to justify a full, forcible search of guest rooms The law rightly demands more than geographic possibility or familial insistence to override individual privacy rights Had there been additional evidence such asscreams,signsofstruggle, or witness accounts of suspicious activity the balance might have shifted toward exigent action or a warrant.

The police’s partial search, conducted with the owner’s consent, could be interpreted as one that reflected a measured approach: taking reasonable steps within legal boundaries while avoiding overreach.Publicfrustration is understandable, but the alternative allowing searches based solely on emotion or unsupported claims—would raise issues of the legality of such searches.

And leh we talk bout dem conspiracy theorist.Dembelieveeverythingexceptde truth. If you seh de man innocent and got proof, dem seh is doctored. If you show CCTVfootage,demsehisAI.Ifyoubring angel from heaven to defend de man, dem want to know who send de angel and if de angeleverattendFreedomHousebrunch.

But wait till de story buss and de accusationprovefalse.Yuhthinkdemgon apologize? Nah, nah! Dem does double down. “He might be innocent in that case, butyuhain’thearboutdestoryfrom1996? Meauntiesehheusetowatchpeoplefunny in de post office. Something wrong wid he.”

Dem boys seh this is Guyana—land of jumbie, mango tree witness, and big big story wid li’l bit fact. Everybody is SherlockHolmeswhendemdon’tlikeyou. And even when de mystery solve, de mysterycontinue.

Keep yuh name clean and yuh mouth shut,becauseoncedestorystart,onlyGod andmaybeCNNcouldclearyuhname. Talkhalf.Leffhalf

H@RD TRUTHS

Jagdeo and who is stupid

Itisadistressingthing towatchamantryto hold on to his sanity, and despite his best efforts, note how it slips away from him. It is more than distressing. Itisfrightening. Butthisiswhatishappening in full public view with one Bharat Jagdeo. Remember him, he was a head of state, onceuponatime,andwhata timeitwas.

He recently lost his head andbrandedsomeGuyanese “stupid.” I go down on my knees and ask upstairs: whatever I do, don’t let me go down the road that this leader, this brother, took. It is now coming back to tear himtopieces. Hewouldpull his hair out of his head, if therewereanytopull.

So,hedoesthenextmost pleasingthing:hepullssome Guyanese down into the gutter that he had custom made for himself. There he languishes.

There he longs for company He scavenged around, and came up with

something to slam many Guyanese-”stupid.” Itdoes sayalotaboutthestateofthe manJagdeo. Thestateofhis mind and decline, and the grimnessofhisfall.

Week after week, he hurledverbalgrenadesatthe enemies he imagined Guyanese citizens. Not a Thursday passed, without him rummaging through his reservoirofspite,histankof poison, to deliver the radioactive into the local environment.

Mainly law-abiding citizens of this tormented Republic were his primary targets. Fromacommanderin-chief to abuser-in-chief is a long way to drop, a hard place to arrive. He thought thatitwasstrengthatitsbest, when he was at his reviling best.

Now, like that Roman dictatorofold,JuliusCaesar, Bharat Jagdeo crossed his ownRubicon. Amanatwar with the Guyanese people, especiallythosewhostandin his way, raise conscientious objections.

Whatever happened to agreetodisagree? Andthen witheachgoinghisway,and both much better for the exercise, the learning experience.

Butthatisnot,hasnever been, can ever be, Dr Jagdeo’s way His is the worst diagnosis imaginable. He can’t help himself. He is too far gone to turn back now,andevenifhetried,he couldn’t.

He isn’t. To affix the mark of “stupid” on a multitudeofGuyaneseisnot of a man into selfenhancement, but of one trying out new missiles to determine how much deterrence he can introduce, how many casualties he can cause.

For sure, Mr Jagdeo is a believerinfreedomofchoice and freedom of association. But with one condition: he mustbethechoice,onlywith him must be association. Guyanese may not know it, or want to accept it, but that

is Jagdeo’s own selfauthored constitution. It applies to the fiends that he calls friends (with one eye constantly studying them), and to any Guyanese that he declares to be a foe. Whether they deserve that distinction or not, doesn’t matterinthevicepresident’s book. It is a fat book, one that is thick with the names of his specially identified enemies. It puzzles that a manwhoisanationalleader thinks that he can succeed with so much bitterness, so many malignancies, surging through him, taking full control of him. Truly, this is beyond my education and my comprehension. I don’t followanybody,haveapoor carpenter’s son as my role model, but that is good enough to earn people like methetitleof“stupid.”

Like I said, when the sands of sanity slip out of a man’sgrasp,thenwhatisleft if not sanity It is not stupidity, only the uncontrollable imbecility

generated by raw insanity

Theremaybetheoccasional short circuits and power surges, but never blackouts. This has nothing to do with theGPL. Itisthelivinghell thatDanteAlighierimapped outforVicePresidentBharat Jagdeo,andinwhichhenow resides like some caged creature So, he snarls menacingly, howls feverishly, drives himself over the edge of insanity, as herailsandragesagainstthe iron bars that now encircle his tormented existence. I feel for this man. I warned him:besensible,behumble.

The gods harbor a special dislike for the haughty What did I get for my troubles – an extraordinary strain of “stupid” from his bosomhenchmen.

Still, I cannot bring myself to kick a man in the groin when he is down. Or any other place, no matter howmuchhehasearnedthat scornful expression of utter contempt. For the pathetic statetowhichhehasbrought

himself. When a man’s life is lived within a maze of entanglements, then the more he tries to untangle himself, the more he chokes on his breath, from his own futileefforts. Itistheheight of self-destruction, that graceless state from which something like “stupid” could merge. In England they had Bethlehem, from whichbedlamwasspawned. In Guyana there is this dear son of the soil, Bharat, and pandemonium is now the order of the day It is a terriblethingtowatchaman go to waste, and by excruciating inches. Some caringsoulshoulddoapooja for Jagdeo. I will stand the costofit. ItistheleastthatI can do for a brother in the severestdistress.

(The views expressed in this article are those of the author and do not necessarily reflect the opinionsofthisnewspaper.)

Commonwealth health ministers unite for bold action on sustainable health financing

The 37th meeting of health ministers was held on 17 May in Geneva

T h e 2 0 2 5

Commonwealth Health Ministers Meeting, convened ahead of the 78th WorldHealthAssembly,has concluded with a blueprint for unlocking sustainable healthfinanceanddelivering on the promise of quality healthcareforthe2.7billion people across the Commonwealth.

The 37th meeting of health ministers, held on 17 May in Geneva, marks a

g member countries at a time when many healthcare systems are under pressure

‘DON’TSIGNTHATBILL’

Frompage2 the unlimited uncapped parent company guarantee which ExxonMobil Guyana Ltd. Is currently required by law to provide in order to

protect Guyana from financial liability as a result of Exxon’s petroleum

o p e r a t i o n s “ T h e Environmental Protection Act is the base line. Under Article 149J the State may improve environmental protection but the State

c a n n o t r e d u c e environmental protection The Bill is therefore not a reasonable legislative measure, violates Article 149J and is offensive to the Constitution,” Janki told PresidentAli.

Protectingforeign companies

She said too that the Bill also seeks to protect foreign oilcompaniesattheexpense

of Guyana “The BP Macondo well blowout in 2010 cost BP over US$65

billion, or around

US$95billion in today’s money Guyana’s revenue from oil for the whole of 2024 is reported as being US$2 57billion It would take Guyana more than 35 years of current income to payforaMacondotypespill if the ‘responsible party’did not pay and if there was no effective and readily enforceable unlimited uncapped parent company guarantee as is currently required by law,” Janki warned.

She reminded President Ali that Justice Sandil Kissoonhadwarnedin2023 in the Collins and Whyte v EPA, ExxonMobil and Attorney-Generalcasethatif there is an oil spill, “…the consequences will be devastating not only to the

citizens of this land and the

inhabitants of neighbouring statesandterritoriesaswell.”

Hefurtherwarnedthatinthe absence of the unlimited uncapped parent company,

“then the potential consequences are elevated a n d b o r d e r s o n catastrophic.”“Thismassive potential liability as a result of harm to neighbouring sovereign states and their economiesiswellillustrated in ExxonMobil’s maps, Janki said, noting that as is common and public knowledge deep water drilling is a very dangerous exercise.

According to the lawyer, ExxonMobilhasadmittedto using faulty equipment (the gas processor) and to operatingabovethelimitsset in its environmental impact assessments thereby increasing the danger to Guyana financially and environmentally “All MPs who voted for this Bill should now be required to provide‘financialassurance’ to cover the increased financialrisktoGuyanaasa result of their reckless approvalofthisBill.Should you decide to assent to this Bill, the people of Guyana will be entitled to demand that you also provide ‘financial assurance’ to them,” Janki told the President.

Constitutionalbreach

Turning her attention to

Article 36 of the constitution, Janki said the oil spill Bill offends this article, which states that, “The well-being of the nation depends upon preserving clean air, fertile soils,purewaterandtherich diversity of plants, animals andecosystem.”Ifthereisan

oilspillareyouandtheMPs going to put fish back in the waterforourfisherfolk?Are yougoingtowalkintoastore and buy replacement sperm whales, marine turtles and other endangered animals? How will you restore Guyana’s natural capital? Moneyisnotasubstitutefor life. It is impossible to be guided by Article 36 and approvethisBill.”

The bill, she added also offends Article 65 Constitution which gives Parliament the power to makelaws for the peace, order and good g

Guyana. “Parliament consists of the MPs in the National Assembly and the President, which is you. Even the widest and most generous interpretation of this Bill cannot bring it withinthemeaningof‘good government’. This Bill is unlawful and to the extent that you and your governmentattempttobring it into law or treat it as law you are acting outside of your constitutional powers.”

JanksaidtheBillisanactof recklessness towards Guyana and a humiliating capitulation to the oil industry by those who voted for it. “As is common and public knowledge the world over, it is the purpose of the oil industry to transfer as much value as possible to their shareholders. They do thatbygettingoilandgasas fast and as cheaply as governments allow them, and by leaving the host country to pay for all harm caused.” Janki said it is therefore the job of the executiveandthelegislature toprotectGuyanafromsuch exploitation and both have failed “You are doubly

to adapt to an uncertain and challenging future The ministers produced a strong outcome statement with a pathway for building equitable,resilient,inclusive and sustainably financed healthsystemsthatprioritise vulnerable member countries,nowatriskdueto recent freezes and cuts in developmentassistance.

t h e e f f o r t s o f Commonwealth health ministers while calling for even greater emphasis on health spending as an “engine of growth” in challengingtimes.

culpable as President and as the minister with responsibility under the Environmental Protection Act.You have failed in both offices to do your duty towards the citizens of this country,” Janki told the Presidentinherletter “Ifyou decidetoapprovethisassault on the Constitution and to give your assent to the Bill, please provide me with a written statement of your reasons for doing so. Please include in your written statement an explanation of how you believe you have complied with Article 149J and with your constitutional duty under Article 39(1) of theConstitutiontobeguided by Article 36 of the Constitution. Please also explain how this Bill complieswithArticle65.”

Shealsowarned:“Please note that although as President you are the “supreme executive authority” you do not have any power as President except what the law gives you for the sole purpose of serving Guyana and the people of Guyana. You are subject to the rule of law Whenyouusepublicpower, your actions and decisions aresubjecttojudicialreview There is no ‘prerogative’ which allows you to escape the scrutiny of the courts. The Courts have a duty to uphold the rule of law and can strike down your decisions and action if you exercise public power unlawfully I have written to you in the past and not r e c e i v e d a n y acknowledgement, let alone a reply Such discourtesy is an affront to the dignity of youroffice.Ilookforwardto hearingfromyou,”theletter concluded.

In her remarks at the opening ceremony, the Commonwealth SecretaryGeneral, the Hon Shirley Ayorkor Botchwey, addressed representatives from 45 member states, 198 governmentofficials,and42 observers, including global health leaders, youth advocates and other stakeholders, stating: “We must shift from short-term, fragmented approaches to long-term, wide investment. That means strengthening governance, the health workforce, infrastructure, supply chains, data systems, and most crucially, primary healthcare.

“Wemustfindnewways to finance health That includes blended finance, social impact bonds, and public-private partnerships. But innovation must serve equity, not undermine it.

That requires strong regulation, public leadership, and shared accountability.” In light of shrinking international assistance, she commended

T h e S e l i b e Mochoboroane, Lesotho’s Minister of Health, chaired the ministerial meeting. Underscoring the need to buildhealthsystemsthatare sustainable, equitable and resilient, he said: “We gatheratapivotalmomentas many Commonwealth countries face pressing challenges from the current globalfinanciallandscape.It is crucial to establish a sustainable financing framework that safeguards our health systems through theseeconomichardships.”

The minister added:

“Collaborative partnerships are essential; the global community must unite to support one another with innovative health financing strategies to address immediate challenges and build resilient systems that can effectively respond to both current and future healthcrises.”

In his keynote address, the Director-General of the World Health Organization, Dr Tedros Ghebreyesus, said: “Although our current situation is difficult, we are using it as an opportunity to accelerateourjourney

Continued on page 22

Frompage8

implementationprocessthatbenefitsconsumers.Atthetime of reporting, the PUC said the operators were in the final testing stages and were expected to be rolled out number portabilityservicesbyFebruary

“The Number Portability Working Group (NPWG) wouldcontinuetomonitorthistransitiontoensurethatissues that may arise in this initial phase would be remedied. Terminationrateshavealsobeenafocusforthecommission, with priority given to effective regulation and reduction of these rates to promote fair competition and lower costs for consumers,”thePUCreportsaid.

It added, “following the completion of our comprehensive review of the subject matter in 2022, the commission issued an order in 2023 that saw phased reduction of both mobile termination rates and fixed terminationrates,whichhavebeeninplacesince2010.

The document continued “as we anticipate what lies ahead, it is essential for service providers to remain committed to fostering a competitive environment with emerging technologies and sustainable practice The companies are required to ensure their compliance with the statutory requirements, as reporting to the commission and the public on quality of service achievements against the relevant schedules are important aspects of the liberalised sector.”

The PUC is a regulatory authority vested with the statutory charge for overseeing the telecommunications, electricity, and water and sewerage sectors in Guyana. The commission was established under the Public Utilities Commission Act No. 26 of 1990, and currently operates underthePublicUtilitiesCommissionActNo.19of2016.

Dr. Todd wants public apology from GPF over alleged defamation

Attorney, Dr Dexter Todd is demanding a public apology from the GuyanaPoliceForce(GPF), accusing its corporate communications unit of deliberately misrepresenting hisstatementsandtarnishing hisreputation.

Through his law firm, DexterToddandAssociates, aletterwasissuedonSunday to Commissioner of Police Clifton Hicken, calling for an immediate retraction and publicapology

The firm alleges that the GPF has “intentionally misrepresented Dr Todd’s statementsandinsomecases peddlingpurelies.”Itfurther stated, “They are unjustifiably attacking his character and integrity This is malicious, negligent, disrespectful,andwillnotbe tolerated.”

According to the letter, Hicken has been given 24 hoursfromthereceiptofthe lettersonSundayevening,to retract the GPF’s press release and issue a public apology“inthesamemanner inwhichthatpressreleaseby the Guyana Police Force Corporate Communications Unitwaspublished.”

Failure to comply, the firm warned, will result in legalproceedingsagainstthe state for defamation, among other legal declarations and orders.

Thedisputestemsfroma GPF press release issued on Saturday, which responded toastatementDrToddmade thepreviousday,concerning the ongoing investigation into the death of Adriana Younge Dr Todd, who represents the Younge family, had described a meeting involving himself,

the family, and Canadian investigator Leonard McCoshen,inwhichseveral investigative concerns were reportedlyraised.Oneofthe issued raised was that the lawyerwasinformedthatthe father of the deceased, who waspresentatthehotelfrom

- threatens legal action if not issued within 24 hours

thetimethealarmwasraised that she was missing, and whoremovedherbodyfrom the pool at the Double Day H o t e l , w a s n e v e r interviewed by investigators or a statement was never takenfromhim.

Thedisputestemsfroma press release issued by the GPF on Saturday, in responsetoastatementmade the previous day by Dr Dexter Todd regarding the ongoing investigation into thedeathofAdrianaYounge. Dr.Todd,whorepresentsthe Younge family, recounted details of a meeting involving himself, the family, and Canadian investigator Leonard McCoshen, during which

several concerns about the investigation were raised Among those concerns was information conveyed to Dr Todd indicating that Adriana’s father, Subrian Younge who had been present at the Double Day Hotel from the moment she was reported missing and who later retrieved her body from the pool, had never been interviewed by investigators, nor had a formal statement been taken fromhim.

In its response, the GPF accused Dr Todd of misleading the public. The police said, “The Guyana Police Force wishes to respond to the misleading statement published by attorney-at-law, Dexter Todd, in a press release alleging that the father of Adrianna Younge was not contacted by the police to give a statement The Guyana Police Force categoricallyassertsthatthis statement is wholly and deliberatelyuntrue,aspolice records reveal that several requests and attempts were made to accommodate the grieving father to give a statement.”

The GPF detailed attempts to engage Subrian Younge, Adriana’s father, stating he was first

approached on April 24, 2025, at the Double Day Hotel by an officer from Regional Police Division #3 and invited to provide a statement that same day, but did not do so. They added that further contact was madeonMay1,8,9,and16, including communication with Dr Todd directly The GPF said “on this occasion, the officer was told by the attorney that he would get back to him, so no date or timewassetwhenthefather would be available to give a statementtothepolice.”

In its rebuttal, Dexter Todd and Associates declared that the GPF’s v e r s i o n w a s a misrepresentation “The press release by the Guyana Police Force Corporate Communications Unit is plagued with untruths, defamatory statements and blatant misrepresentation of Dr Todd’spressrelease,”the firmstated.

Thefirmemphasisedthat Dr. Todd chooses his words carefully and disseminates “only facts of what was discussedatthemeetingwith Mr. McCoshen.” They argued, “The Guyana Police F o r c e C o r p o r a t e Communicationssawitfitto takethosefactsandtryto

Continued on page 22

Maternal waiting home for Sand Creek

To ensure mothers access essential healthcare services, the Ministry of Health announced that construction will commence on a maternal waiting home at Sand Creek Village,inRegionNine.

This is according an invitation for bids issuedbytheministry,seekingacontractorto undertake the project. With no engineer’s estimate provided, the ministry noted that bids will be opened on 29,attheNationalProcurement and Tender Administration Board(NPTAB)office.

This publication understands that when completed, the maternal waiting home will complement the new Sand CreekDistrictHospital.

Improving the healthcare services for expectant mothers, health minister, Dr Frank Anthony previouslynotedtheimportanceofmaternal waiting homes close to hinterland hospitals, stating that it will help eliminate the challenges mothers from far-flung villages face.

when you are going into labour, more than likelybythetimeyougettothehospital,you willprobablydeliverthebabyenroutetothe hospital.”

While commissioning a similar $46 million waiting home in Mabaruma, Region Oneearlierthisyear,theministerrelatedthat thefacilitywasequippedwithtrainedstaffto provide support and monitor the health of both mothers and their babies even after delivery It w a s r e p o r t e d t h a t constructing maternal waiting homes forms part ofthegovernment’sefforts to ensure health equality while reducing maternal mortality

Hesaidatthetime,“Let’ssayifsomeone was pregnant and they had to come to a hospital, it would be very challenging because if you are pregnant and you leave

The minist

y w

ll construct at a health centre in Paruima Village, and a health post at Wax Creek Village, both locatedinRegionSeven.

Asreportedinthemedia,theconstruction and renovationof healthfacilitiesare part of the government’s broader efforts to decentralise and expand healthcare services providedtoGuyanese.

This year, the health ministry was allocated some $120.9 billion to execute its projectsandprogrammesacrossthecountry

Attorney-at-law

Dexter Todd Commissioner of Police Clifton Hicken

Coalition talks on hold pending APNU-AFC negotiations

Co-leaderoftheWorking People’s Alliance (WPA), Dr David Hinds, said Monday that coalition talks with A Partnership for National Unity (APNU) havebeenputonholdinlight ofpartnership’snegotiations withtheAllianceforChange (AFC).

Speaking during his party’s weekly press conference, Dr Hinds said “we intend to resume those talksshortly WPAintendsto place a common policy programme and electoral strategy at the top of the agenda. Our approach to coalition talks would be guided by fraternalism, independence,andrealism.”

Regardingtheformulato contest the polls, the party plans to retain the one adopted in the 2011, 2015 and 2020 elections, where the presidential candidate was chosen from the party with the largest electoral reachandcapacity

“Similarly, the latter party would be accorded the largest proportion of the list of candidates, potential

parliamentary seats and cabinet ministers should the coalitionbevictorious.WPA would not seek to influence whotheotherpartyorparties put up as their standard bearers. WPA reserves the right to determine who represents our party in the positions awarded to us,” he said.

Meanwhile, Hinds reiterated the need for biometrics, as well as the sanitisation of the current voters’ list to ensure the integrityoftheelections.

“Since the PPP majority at GECOM has closed the door on these requests by opposition, we call on the international community including CARICOM to lend their voices and influence to push the PPPto reverse course,” Dr Hinds stressed.

Back in April, WPA had urgedsisterparties,People’s National Congress Reform (PNCR) and Alliance for Change (AFC), to iron out their differences, noting that insteadofconfrontations,the units should be working to

Toshaos’

head

reachaconsensus.

Hinds had made the call after the AFC released its ‘approved conditions’ for any coalition with the A Partnership for National Unity(APNU)tocontestthe upcoming general and regionalelections.

“ A s t h e P P P ’ s vulnerability begins to manifest itself, WPA reiterates its belief that a grandcoalitionofopposition partiesstandsthebestchance ofunseatingtherulingcabal in a free and fair election. Whileitisbeingsaidinsome

criticises media, citizens who protest for justice for Adriana

ChairmanoftheNational Toshao Council (NTC), Derrick John during his remarks on Monday at its annually held conference, criticised media houses for writingcriticalarticlesabout the NTC and individuals who supported protest actions over the death of AdrianaYoungeandpolice’s killingoftwoLindenyouths, Keon Fogenay and Ronaldo Peters.

According to John he is using the opportunity to call themout. “Iwanttocallout the various media houses because they are publishing some really disturbing articlesit’snotgood,wegot to be more mature when we reporting we got to be more accurate in our reporting,” John said while delivering the opening remarks at the NTC conference being held at the Arthur Chung Conference Center (ACCC) Liliendaal,Georgetown.

A recent newspaper article had accused the NTC ofgivingmorespeakingtime to government officials rather than the Toshaos and other village leaders. The newspaper quoted the Alliance for Change (AFC), a political party suggesting the NTC might be more

alignedwiththegovernment rather than looking out for the rights and wellbeing of theindigenouspeople.

The NTC was not pleased with that article and responded with a statement refutingtheclaims.“Thisisa deliberate attempt to undermine the credibility of the NTC Conference, the most respected and comprehensive forum for Indigenous leadership in Guyana” , the NTC responded in a statement whilecallingtheAFCclaims baseless.

After “calling out” the media for “writing disturbing articles” against the council, John had some

very strong words for those whoprotestedoverthedeath of Adriana Younge and Police’s killing of Linden Youths, Keon Fogenay and Ronaldo Peters He suggested that the protests were organised and carried out by political parties. “I also want to use this opportunity to call out all political parties we have to be more mature and more civilized,” he said before adding“wehaveseenforthe pastmonthortwomonthsor so, the disturbance that is takingplace.” “…andthese things are affecting us, becauseifyouhavetoblock a main passage way like in Lindenblockingbridgesthat is going to our indigenous communities in the hinterland areas, when you have to block public roads thateveryonehastouseona daily basis what are you doing to our fellow Guyanese and especially indigenous brothers and sisters”, he continued. John iterated that he is using the opportunity “to talk to political parties.” “If you have an issue there is a way you have to deal with it professional way and not to disrupt people’s lives”, John said.

Co-Leader of the Working People’s Alliance Dr. David Hinds

quartersthattheopposition’s baseisnotyetmotivated,we believe that that condition is temporary,” Dr Hinds told the media during his party’s weeklypressconference.

The WPA co-leader explained that a coalition that comprises willing

personswhoareguidedbya united purpose would be an energising boost to the base in a short period of time.

Despite the findings of the various polls recently conducted, he said the party firmly believes that a united coalition will certainly

prevail at the upcoming elections once they are free andfair

He had urged the parties to get things sorted out as soon as possible, as “history will not be kind to us if we allow short-term differences to blind us to long-term implications WPA recognises that it is not a central player in the unfolding negotiations, which are guided by perceptions and realities of electoral strength We respectthosedynamics.”

With five decades of politicalexperienceunderits belt, the WPA cautioned supportersthat“thereisgreat danger in substituting the party for the wisdom of the people and the lessons of history Wehopegoodsense prevails.”

- Dr. Hinds

Opposition Leader Aubrey Norton

NTC chairman, Derrick John

Govt. approves 250-gun licenses for Amerindians

Indigenous village leaders will be returning to their respectivecommunitieswithgunlicensestheyhadrequested from the government, President Mohamed Irfaan Ali announced on Monday during the opening ceremony of the annualNationalToshaosCouncil(NTC)Conference.

The NTC conference is being held at the Arthur Chung ConferenceCenter(ACCC).Liliendaal,GreaterGeorgetown and over 200 village leaders are attending.According toAli some 250-gun licenses were processed. “…Security is very important and we had about 250 requests from Toshaos, leaders and other village elders or persons recommended by the villagers for firearm, shotgun licenses mostly for the protectionofthevillages,”Alitoldtheconference.Headded: “I am pleased to tell you today that everyone of those applicationswasprocessedandyouwillgetthoselicensesto takebackinthevillages.”

TherestofthePresident’sopeningaddresswasprimarily focused on campaign promises if his government is given another five-year term at the upcoming 2025 Regional and GeneralElections. Hepromisedtheindigenouspeoplejobs. “We in this government are committed not only to the expansion of our community but importantly we are committed to the expansion of opportunities,” the President said.“Wewanttoassurethatthisgovernment…willcontinue to advance Amerindian land titling,” he continued while promising“wewillcontinuetomaintainthevaluethenominal value of the LCDS (Low Carbon Development Strategy) resources that will be transferred to your communities under yourownmanagement.”

ThePresidentthenspokeofcreatingjobopportunitiesfor indigenouspeoplebeforespendinglengthyperiodcomparing theinvestmentshisgovernmenthasmadeinthelastfive-years in indigenous communities with those of the previous coalition administration Most of his government’s investments he said were made in health and education. He also used the platform to take a jab at possible political opponents in a bid to convince village leaders attending conference that the indigenous people might be better off keepinghisgovernmentinpower.AlitoldtheToshaos,“you cantrustus.”

Meanwhile, in her address, Minister of Amerindian Affairs,PaulineSukhainotedthatGuyanaremainsaregional leader in inclusivity and sustained engagement with Indigenouspeoples.Thisapproachcontinuestoyieldtangible resultsinadvancingsustainabledevelopmentacrossvillages. Shesaidtheconferenceservesasaplatformforvillageleaders to raise issues, propose solutions, and outline their development agendas and priorities. “I urge you to ensure that the sessions are interactive and consultative. This is your space. This is your time to voice your progress and evenyoursetbacks.So,togetherwiththegovernment,we canlearnandgrowandbuild,”MinisterSukhaisaid. She reminded attendees that the NTC is the only legally recognisedbodyrepresentingallIndigenouscommunities,as established under theAmerindianAct 2006. Minister Sukhai reaffirmed the government’s commitment to an open-door policyandongoingdialoguewithIndigenousleaders.“Inour ‘OneGuyana,’Amerindianpeoplesoccupyaspecialplace as our first people. The People’s Progressive Party Civic administration always has our Amerindian people at heart.Thisconferenceisbeingheldinthefifthyearofthe People’s Progressive Party Civic government in office,” shenoted.Theministerstressedthatthegovernmentremains focused on supporting sustainable development while enablingIndigenouscommunitiestoshapetheirpathforward. Held under the theme ‘Robust Governance for Sustainable Village Development’, the conference provides a forum for direct consultation between Amerindian leaders and the government on matters affecting their communities and strategiestodrivedevelopment.

Agroup of dancers who performed at the opening of the National Toshaos Council conference on Monday

President Mohamed Irfaan Ali during his address to the NTC conference on Monday

Guyana strengthening climate tracking for sustainable forest management, finance access

The Government of Guyana, in partnership with the Global Green Growth Institute (GGGI) and with support from the UK PACT (Partnering for Accelerated Climate Transitions) programmehaslaunchedthe project “Strengthening and Enhancing Capacities of Guyana’sMRVS.”

According to GGGI, the project aims to expand Guyana’s Monitoring, Reporting and Verification Systems(MRVS)toimprove

c

st management and access to carbon financing. The UK PACT programme is funded by the UK Government’s Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Office (FCDO)andtheDepartment for Energy Security and Net Zero (DESNZ) through the UK’s International Climate FinanceProgram.Itsupports countries in their efforts to

reduce emissions and achieve their vision for tacklingclimatechange.

Working alongside the G u y a n a F o

y Commission (GFC) as the main government agency, the project will increase the coun

y’s

p

ng capacitiesofgreenhousegas (GHG) emissions and removals, by covering all land use activities and ecosystems, including mangroveforests.Througha morerobustMRVSthatfully captures data from land use, landusechange,andforestry (LULUCF) sector, the project is expected to contribute to the sustainable managementofabout33,000 hectares of forests and potentially mobilising an estimatedGBP46millionin climatefinance. By improving data analysis capabilities, the initiative will also support policy decisions and

compliance with global climate reporting processes. This in turn will support attracting more investments in resilience for Guyana. Further,projectactivitiesare expected to assist in the advancement of Guyana’s N a t i o n a l C l i m a t e Commitments (NDCs), maintaining low rates of emissions, and raising climateawareness.

“The Guyana Forestry Commission is pleased to partner with the Global Green Growth Institute and theUKPACTprogrammeto advance Guyana’s national Monitoring, Reporting, and Verification System Through the work being led by the Guyana Forestry Commission and other Government agencies, we are reinforcing Guyana’s leadership in low-carbon development and ensuring that our forests continue to deliver value for all

The project was recently launched at a workshop in Georgetown

Guyanese,” stated Edward Goberdhan, Guyana’s Commissioner of Forests as he emphasised the project’s impact on advancing the Government’s commitment onforestsandsustainability

The British High Commissioner to Guyana H E Jane Miller, while speakingabouttheprojectat a recent workshop in Georgetown,reflectedonthe United Kingdom’s longstanding alliance with Guyana on climate efforts and forest stewardship

“Guyana should be proud to maintain more than 85% forest cover while experiencing rapid growth,” shestated. Anotherkeyarea o f t h e p r o j e c t i s strengthening institutional capacity, where efforts will focus on streamlining data sharing and enhancing coordination in the existing M RV S f r a m e w o r k developed in Guyana’s partnership for Reducing E m i s s i o n s f r o m Deforestation and Forest Degradation(REDD+).

“This initiative will significantly expand

Guyana’s ability to monitor and manage its land and forest resources while enhancing transparency and accountability in climate finance,” said Daniel Muñoz-Smith, GGGI’s Caribbean Representative He added, “By expanding MRVS capabilities, we are not only advancing carbon finance readiness but also paving the way for a more sustainable and climateresilientfuture.”

GGGI will continue to engage stakeholders, fostering awareness and s y n e r g i e s f o r implementation during the project period, until its completion planned in December 2026 Key activities are being planned for roll out such as setting quantifiable forest-related NDCtargetsanddeveloping a tracking tool for reporting on Policy and Measures impacts(PaMs).

The Global Green Growth Institute (GGGI) was founded as a treatybased international, intergovernmental organization in2012attheUnitedNations

Conference on Sustainable Development GGGI supports its Member States in transitioning their economies toward a green growth model that simultaneously achieves poverty reduction, social inclusion, environmental sustainability, and economic growth.

With 51 Member States and29Partnercountriesand regional integration organizations in the process of accession, GGGI delivers programs and projects in over 53 countries. These initiatives encompass developinginnovativegreen growth solutions, technical support, capacity building, po

planning & implementation, and assistance in building a pipeline of bankable green investment projects, project financing, investments, and knowledgesharing.

G G G I ’ s w o r k contributes to its Member States’ efforts to fulfill the Sustainable Development Goals and the Nationally DeterminedContributionsto theParisAgreement.

Representatives of GGGI, UK PACT program, GFC and others at a project workshop in Georgetown, where British High Commissioner to Guyana H.E. Jane Miller delivered remarks

Two dead in Soesdyke-Linden Highway smash-up

The car and minibus involved in the Soesdyke-Linden accident

TwomendiedonMondaymorningafterthecartheywere travelling in collided with a minibus in the vicinity of Adventure,alongtheSoesdyke-LindenHighway

Dead are 40-year-old Kowmalram Ramin of West Coast Berbice (WCB), the driver of the car and 29-year-old Fitzgerald Authur Carter of Rosignol, WCB, the lone passenger

Severalpersonswereinjuredintheaccident.

Reportsarethattheaccidentoccurredataround05:10hrs. Policeinastatementsaidthattheaccidentinvolvedacar bearing registration number PLL6554 which was owned by Ramin and a minibus with registration number BAE 1526 ownedanddrivenby32-year-oldImmanuelDorris,ofCentral Amelia’sWard,Linden.

Dorris reportedly told investigators that he observed the speedingcar(goingsouth)approachasectionoftheroadthat isunderconstruction.Hetoldinvestigatorsthatthedriverlost control of the vehicle causing it to skate into the path of the minibus(goingnorth).

Dorrissaidthatheappliedbrakesbutwasunabletoavoid thecollision.

“The driver and occupant of the car, as well as the driver and passengers of the minibus, all received injuries. The minibus driver and passengers were assisted by publicspirited citizens and conveyed to Linden Hospital Complex, where they were all seen and examined by Doctors on duty, andkeptfor‘observation’,”policesaid.

However, Ramin and Carter were taken to the Linden Hospital Complex by police where they were both pronounceddeadonarrival. Theirbodieshavebeentakento the Linden Hospital Complex Mortuary, awaiting postmortemexaminations.

Investigationsintotheaccidentareongoing.

A section of the mangled car.

Double day hotel fire was “maliciously set” in multiple areas

Deputy Chief Fire Officer Dwayne Scotland confirmed on Monday that the fire which engulfed the Double Day Hotel at

Tuschen, East Bank Essequibo, where 11-yearold Adriana Younge was found dead in the hotel’s swimming pool, was intentionally set in several partsofthebuilding.

Speaking with Kaieteur News, Scotland stated that investigators were unable to determine the exact point of origin of the blaze, but evidence pointed clearly to arson “They couldn’t identify where the fire had started, but they know that multipleareaswereonfire,” ScotlandtoldKaieteurNews onMonday TheDeputyFire Chief added that while investigations remain ongoing, the individuals responsible have not yet beenidentified.

Crime scene investigator sweeping for evidence at the Double Day Hotel

“We already did our investigation,andthereisno evidence to prove any other thing but that it was set by person or persons we don’t know,” he said. Efforts by this publication to reach Chief Fire Officer Gregory Wickham for additional i n f o r m a t i o n w e r e unsuccessful.

The fire occurred in the aftermath of growing public

o u t r a g e o v e r t h e circumstances surrounding AdrianaYounge’sdeath.The child’s body was discovered on April 24 by her father, Subrian Younge, in the swimming pool of the DoubleDayHotel,nearly20 hours after she was reported missing during a family outing at the facility News thatherbodyhadbeenfound in the same pool which had

reportedly been searched earlier triggered widespread protests Demonstrators gathered outside the hotel, throwing bottles and damaging parts of the property Shortly afterward, thick black smoke was seen risingfromthebuilding.

Firefighters and emergency responders were dispatched, but were unable to access the structure in

time, resulting in the complete destruction of the building. The fire has since raised serious concerns about the possible destruction of crucial evidence that could assist in solving the mystery of Adriana’sdeath.

v e toxicological study of the

bloodandgastriccontentsis being conducted by the National Medical Services (NMS) Laboratories in the United States. Additionally, tissue specimens are undergoing histological analysis by Mount Sinai’s board-certified forensic and diagnostic pathologists in the United States, according topolice.Policehavealso Continued on page 22

Security officer remanded for possession of weed

A 31-year-old security officer was on Monday remanded to prison for possessionofnarcotics.

Ulric Fingall of Lot 134 South Better Hope, East Coast Demerara (ECD), appeared at the Georgetown Magistrates’ Court before Senior Magistrate Fabayo Azore to answer the possession of narcotics charge.

Fingall pleaded not guilty to the charge which alleged that on May 16, 2025 at Space

Gym’s parking lot

M a n d e l a Av e n u e ,

G

3 810 kilogrammes (kg)

of cannabis in his possession

The accused told the court that he was unaware of what was inside of the box since he was taking it for someone (personunnamed)

The prosecution

objected to bail while informing the court that on the day in question, the Customs AntiNarcotics Unit (CANU) officers were acting on information when they visited Space Gym and found Fingall carrying a brown cardboard box in the parkinglot.

F i n g a l l , w h e n approached by a CANU officer, dropped the box The officer identified himself and told the accused that he was acting on information that he was in possession ofnarcotics

T h e o f f i c e r

searched the box and a quantity of leaves, seeds and stems suspected to be cannabis was found in eight transparent plastic bags The defendant was told of the offence committed,cautionedand arrested. He was taken to the CANU headquarters with the narcotics which was tested, weighed, labelled, sealedandlodged. Meanwhile, Fingall was represented by Attorney Dexter Smartt who told the court that on theeveningofMay16,his client was hired to escort someone who had to transact business The court was told the person was carrying large sums of money and required security Smartt said that his client was instructed to make a payment and collect a package. He

complied and as he was returning to the vehicle, he was intercepted by CANU Smartt told the court that the vehicle

Fingall’s client was travelingin,lefthimatthe location

The attorney said that at the time of the bust, the box was closed and was opened by the CANU officer who discovered the narcotics Fingallsaidhewasunaware ofthecontentsofthebox.

As a result, the attorney requested reasonable bail notingthatFingallisafather of two and has nobody to takecareofhischildren.

Bail was denied and the matteradjournedtoJune16, 2025.

Biker dies after colliding with truck at Charity

Policeareinvestigatinga fatal accident which occurred Monday afternoon onthepublicroadatCharity, Essequibo Coast, which resulted in the death ofTroy Singh, a 30-year-old motorcyclist.

Inastatementpolicesaid the accident involved Singh’s motorcycle (CM 6673) and a truck GDD 5397,ownedanddrivenbya 47-year-old man from CharityHousingScheme.

The truck driver said he

was proceeding west on the Charity Public Road, while the motorcyclist was proceedingeastatafastrate.

The truck driver said he was making a right turn on the road when he suddenly saw the motorcyclist, who lost control and skidded towards his vehicle on the road surface The motorcyclecollidedwiththe frontofthelorry

Thedriversaidhepicked up the motorcyclist in an unconscious state and

conveyedhimtotheCharity Cottage Public Hospital, where he was seen and examined by Doctor N Cozier, GMO, for trauma to the head and lacerations about his body The victim was pronounced dead at 14:37 hrs. while receiving medicalattention. Thetruck driver was arrested and escorted to the Charity PoliceStation,wherehewas placedintocustody,assisting w i t h t h e o n g o i n g investigation. FAO drives regional

T h e F o o d a n d Agriculture Organization of theUnitedNations(FAO),in collaboration with

Cooperatives of the Americas the regional branch of the International Cooperative Alliance (ICA) and the Chilean InstituteofAssociationsand Cooperatives (INAC), hosted the first regional meeting as part of the International Year of Cooperatives 2025 activities.

Titled “The Role of C o o p e r a t i v e s i n Transforming Agrifood Systems in Latin America and the Caribbean,” the event brought together representatives from governments, international organizations, and cooperatives across the region.

The event brought together representatives from governments, international organizations, and cooperatives across the region. The opening session featuredremarksbyMáximo Torero, Chief Economist, Assistant Director-General, and Acting Regional Representative of FAO for Latin America and the Caribbean; Danilo Salerno, Regional Director of Cooperatives of the Americas; Marco Llinás, Director of the Division of Productive and Business Development at ECLAC; and María Ignacia Fernández, Chile’s Undersecretary of Agriculture.

The event promoted the exchangeofexperiencesand best practices, strengthened a l l i a n c e s a m o n g cooperatives, governments, the private sector, financial i n s t i t u t i o n s , a n d international organizations, and identified challenges and opportunities to reinforce the role of cooperatives in productive

andterritorialdevelopment.

M á x i m o To r e r o emphasized that “the transformation of agrifood systems should not only be about producing more with less,butalsoaboutachieving better distribution. In this process, cooperatives can accelerate changes that would otherwise be ineffectiveorunattainable.”

Headded,“Cooperatives allow family farmers and small-scale producers to access economies of scale, facilitating access to financing, technology, precision agriculture, and markets.AttheFAO,weare

ating

ete evidence on how the cooperative sector can integrate small producers into national and regional value chains, thereby

n h a n c i n g t h

sustainability.”

Ignacia Fernández emphasized that “promoting cooperativismwithagender focus is not only a social demand but also a prerequisite for justice and sustainability within the cooperative sector and agrifood systems as a whole.”

Danilo Salerno added, “Collaborationisreflectedin the added value we provide, securing markets for products, incorporating i n n o v a t i o n a n d transformation,andensuring quality-all of which help reducethecostofdiets.”

He also underscored the potential of FAO-led methodologies, such as the Hand-in-Hand initiative, to strengthen cooperative development.

In response to the structural challenges facing agrifood systems in the region, participants emphasized the need to strengthen public policies, improve infrastructure, and update regulatory

frameworks that recognize the strategic value of cooperatives To achieve this, they proposed expanding technical and financial support, integratingcooperativesinto productive development programs, and promoting intersectoral collaboration Theyalsocalledforprogress in implementing the Model Cooperative Law and encouraging the active participation of family farmers,women,andyouth.

RegionalData

A s p a r t o f t h e collaboration between Cooperatives o

h

Americas, the Food and Agriculture Organization of the United Nations (FAO), and the E

nomic Commission for Latin America and the Caribbean (ECLAC), a

cooperatives in the region is underway Preliminary findings indicatethatthereare14,758 agricultural and food cooperatives across the A m e r i c a s T h e s e cooperatives bring together over 3.6 million members and

approximately 1.2 million people, demonstrating their significance in agrifood systems and the rural social economy ModelCooperativeLaw During the event, participants reaffirmed their commitment to promoting theModelCooperativeLaw, which was approved by the Latin American and Caribbean Parliament (PARLATINO)inDecember 2024 Participants also highlighted the recently signed Memorandum of Understanding with the International Cooperative Alliance (ICA), which renews the cooperation agreement to strengthen cooperatives in Latin AmericaandtheCaribbean.

Ulric Fingall at the Georgetown Magistrates’Court

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West Ruimveldt teen on $150k bail for stealing gold chain

An 18-year-old labourer was on Monday placed on $150,000 bail for allegedly stealing a gold chain.

Jedia Singh of Lot 54 West Ruimveldt, Georgetown, appeared at the Georgetown Magistrates’ Court before Senior Magistrate Fabayo Azore to answer to a Larceny charge.

Singh pleaded not guilty to the charge which alleged that on May 13, 2025 on Water Lilly, Street, West Ruimveldt, he allegedly stole one gold chain from Rehanna Agard valued $1.8 million.

The accused was represented by Attorney-at-law Adrian Thompson who requested bail on his client’s behalf.

Thompson told the court that his client has maintained his innocence.

The prosecution did not object to bail but requested that the accused reports to the police station regularly.

Bail was granted on condition that Singh reports to the Ruimveldt Police Station on the last Monday of every month. The matter was adjourned to June 16, 2025.

Double day hotel fire was “maliciously set” in multiple areas...

From page 19 gathered video footage during the time an alarm was raised about Adriana’s disappearance.

On May 8, government announced that a retired Royal Canadian Mounted Police (RCMP) investigator, Leonard McCoshen, was hired to probe the child’s death. Additionally, In a detailed

seven-point release, the GPF outlined its preliminary autopsy findings: No evidence of sexual assault – external genitalia examined, hymen intact; no traumatic injuries –soft tissues and skeletal structure were unremarkable; foam cone found in nostrils and mouth – often seen in drowning cases; “Washerwoman” skin

changes – consistent with prolonged water immersion; no antemortem injuries – skin was intact prior to death; liquid in sphenoid sinus – a brain cavity; also consistent with drowning; liquid in lungs – another key indicator of drowning.

As a result, the family has been calling for international experts to lead the investigation.

However, the government has not yet made such a request.

Despite these findings, public questions remain unanswered, and with the hotel now destroyed by fire, concerns continue to grow over the integrity and completeness of the investigation.

Dr. Todd wants public apology from GPF over alleged...

From page 12 slander the reputation of Dr. Todd.”

The firm highlighted several claims made by the GPF that it says were inaccurately attributed to Dr. Todd’s press release issued on Friday. In that statement, Dr. Todd referenced the reaction of Dr. McCoshen upon learning that Adriana Younge’s father, Subrian Younge had not been interviewed by investigators

or asked to provide a formal statement. The release also noted that, to date, neither of Adriana’s parents had been interviewed by the police.

Dr. Todd’s firm clarified, “while the above paragraph only expresses the shock of Mr. McCoshen and mentions nothing said by Dr. Todd, the first sentence of the press release from the Guyana Police Force Corporate Communications Unit sought to attack Dr. Todd.”

They further argued, “The Guyana Police Force Corporate Communications Unit misrepresented what was said, alleging that Dr. Todd said that the father of Adriana Younge was never contacted by the police to give a statement.

That is stated nowhere in Dr. Todd’s press release nor did he make such a statement publicly. However, what is

more worrying in the attack on Dr. Todd at paragraph 6 of the press release, bringing into question Dr. Todd’s “integrity and motives for inaccurately reporting to the public the facts in this.”

The letter concluded with a final warning to the police commissioner to treat the letter with urgency, noting that there will be no further warning once the 24-hour period is over.

Commonwealth health ministers unite for bold action...

From page 11 towards greater financial sustainability. This is an area where the Commonwealth and WHO can work together to help member states on their journey to self-reliance, in particular those facing severe disruptions, with support from donors to bridge the gap.”

Concrete actions and solutions

The ministers explored innovative strategies and solutions to increase domestic spending on health and diversity funding streams.

To achieve optimal health care, ministers underscored the importance of strengthening primary health care by: Investing in the health and care workforce to address worker shortages, Improving access to essential medicines to achieve health equity, and Investing in digital tools and strengthening country capacity for uptake by increased collaboration between the Commonwealth Secretariat and the World Health Organization, aimed at supporting

countries to conduct Digital Health Maturity Assessments at the national level.

Commonwealth partners and civil society organisations also advocated for impactful and costeffective models of aid.

Victoria Rutter, CEO of the Commonwealth Pharmacists Association and Chair of the Commonwealth Health Professions and Partners Alliance, said: “The 37th Commonwealth Health Ministers Meeting stands to be the most important to date. As global funding priorities shift away from conventional models of aid, there is an opportunity for Commonwealth member states and for organisations within the Commonwealth family to come together to develop new, cost-effective and sustainable ways of working in partnership with each other to improve health outcomes.”

During four breakout sessions, member countries explored critical themes including climate resilience, noncommunicable diseases (in-

cluding cancers), mental health, digital innovations, and healthy ageing. Secretary-General Botchwey opened the climate breakout session, chaired by Hon. Bootii Nauan, the Minister for Health and Medical Services in Kiribati, highlighting the Secretariat’s ongoing commitment to take concrete action based on the needs of member countries, including climate finance.

Ministers were informed that barriers to climate finance access, such as complex application procedures, need to be addressed by the Green Climate Fund (GCF) and other key funding partners. Efforts by the Secretariat in this regard, through the Commonwealth Climate Finance Access Hub (CCFAH), remain essential.

In the breakout session on NCDs and mental health, chaired by Nigeria’s Minister of State for Health and Social Welfare, Dr. Iziaq Adenkule Salako, ministers underscored the need for sustainable financing to address the rising

burden of NCDs and mental health issues. The session was particularly relevant given the upcoming United Nations Fourth High-Level Meeting on NCDs and Mental Health in September 2025. Ministers recognised that the event will also provide a key opportunity for the Commonwealth to highlight the critical link between climate change and health outcomes. With 4.5 billion people lacking critical health services and access to life-saving treatments, ministers agreed that investing in healthcare is essential to prevent the reversal of years of progress toward achieving health-related Sustainable Development Goals. Targeted investment for development will also be a key focus at the upcoming Commonwealth Business Summit in Namibia this June, with an opportunity to underscore that health is not just a moral imperative, but also a strategic cornerstone for sustainable development and inclusive economic growth.

Accused: Jedia Singh

Govt. to spend $13M to rehabilitate Visitors Arrival

TCentre at Kaieteur National Park

heNationalParks

Commission will s o o n rehabilitate the Visitors Arrival Centre at the Kaieteur National Park in RegionEightatanestimated

cost $13,999,620 Four contractorshavesubmitted bids for the project which were opened recently at the National Procurement andTenderAdministration Board(NPTAB)office

Belowarethecompaniesandtheirbids: CivilDefenceCommission RehabilitationofRoof,OverhangCeiling&Guttering ofOldAdministrativeBuildingHeadquarters.

Installation of Double Security Razor Wire to Perimeter Fence, CDC Lethem.

MinistryofHealth Supply&DeliveryofRadiologyMedicalSupplies.

NationalParksCommission RehabilitationoftheVisitorsArrival CentreatKaieteurNationalPark.

AuditOfficeofGuyana ProvisionofAuditServices.

NationalAgriculturalResearch&Extension InstituteSupply,Delivery&Testingof Twenty(20)NewFoggingMachines.

CheddiJaganInternationalAirport(CJIA) Lot1-MaintenanceofVariableRefrigerantFlow& CassetteUnitsLot2-MaintenanceofPackagedUnitsAir Curtains&FreshAirSystemLot3-Maintenance ofSplitAirConditioningUnits.

ProvisionofCollection&Garbage DisposalServiceattheCJIA.

T&T pathologist yet to get clearance from medical council for second autopsy on Adriana

Trinidadian forensic pathologist Dr Hubert Daisleylastweekresponded to the Medical Council of Guyana (MCOG) in providing additional information to the board to decide whether to grant him approval to practice in Guyana to review 11-yearoldAdrianaYounge’sbody.

Heisyettogetclearance from the council to do a second autopsy on Adriana. This was confirmed by the family’s lead attorney, Dexter Todd during an interview with Kaieteur News on Monday In a statement released on May 12,theMCOGrevealedthat during the review of Dr Daisley’s application, “new information, previously unavailable during his last registration, has come to the Council’s attention.” As a result, the council has “formally written to the Medical Board of Trinidad and Tobago requesting additional information Once received, the Council will review the information and make a decision on Dr Daisley’sapplication.”

Dr Todd told this publication that he currently haslimitedinformationfrom themedicalboardonthenext meeting but was informed that Dr Daisely had responded to the MCOG’s request.“Ihavenoupdateon the medical council as of now The last I heard is the medical council is dealing with the medical council in Trinidad.SoI’mwaitingfor themtogiveussomeformof correspondence,” he said. “Oneoftheotherlawyersin theteamcommunicatedwith

Trinidadian forensic pathologist

Dr. Hubert Daisley

a doctor today (Monday), and he had communicated with me that he had submitted whatever they requested.Hehadresponded to the medical board in relationtothat.”

When asked about the additionalinformationthatis needed by the council, Dr Todd explained that he remains clueless on the information.

“I asked one of the lawyers and the team to ask the doctor to give us a copy ofwhattheyhadtoseeifhe wouldgetitfromhismedical board. But he has not been able to get that, we don’t know what is it that they reallyaskingfor,”thelawyer stated.

The lawyer anticipates thatbeforeeitherWednesday or Thursday, a decision would be made by the councilonhisapplicationto returntoGuyana.

Adriana’s body was discovered on April 24 by her father, Subryan Younge, in the swimming pool of the Double Day Hotel at Tuschen, East Bank Essequibo—nearly 20 hours after she was reported missing during a family

swimming trip The first post-mortem examination (PME), conducted by government-appointed Barbadian pathologist Dr Shubhakar Karra Paul on April 28 at the Georgetown Public Hospital Corporation (GPHC), determined that Adriana died by drowning. However, the time of death couldnotbeascertained,and a toxicology report is still pending. The PME was o b s e r v e d b y t w o international experts: Dr Gary L Collins, Chief Medical Examiner for the State of Delaware, and Dr Glenn A. Rudner of Mount SinaiHospitalinNewYork.

Unconvinced by the findings, Adriana’s family formally requested an independent review of the P M E f o o t a g e a n d documentation. They also sought permission for Dr Daisley to participate in the review process. The MCOG held a meeting last Monday butreachednoconclusion.

Kaieteur News on several occasions contacted the Chair of the Guyana Medical Council is Dr Navindranauth Rambaran buteffortshavebeenproved futile.

Nevertheless, the family has decided to flyAdriana’s bodyouttotheUnitedStates in a forensic lab located in Atlanta to conduct a second autopsy Dr Todd confirmed that the process of preparing for the body to travel is going smoothly

“The last I spoke with themthismorningisthatthe process was going fine,” Toddsaid.

Hefurtherstatedthatthe paperworktohaveAdriana’s body flown out has begun last Friday “The paperwork process, could have only started when the death certificate was issued. That was issued on Friday,”Todd stated.headded,“theparents started the process and they should be able to update me by tomorrow in relation to that process in terms of the embalming, etc., and the paper work They are working directly with the parlour, both local and overseas,sotheyaretheones dealingwiththem.”

In terms of embalming, the lawyer stated that an expert was flown in to inspectthebodyonMonday morning. “The person came in to do the embalmment. And so that person is here, that person did the inspection of the body only thismorning,”Toddsaid.

Dr Todd outlined the other documents the family needs, includes the inspection and certificate fromtheMinistryofHealth.

He stated that the application was not made as yet. He explained, “I think theyarewaitingtocomplete the process of embalmment andallofthat,andthentobe able to package her in whatevercasketorwhatever they are taking her in, becausetheywillhavetodo inspections and all of that beforethatisdone.”

The lawyer anticipates that the process should be completed by Friday, noting thatthereisstillapossibility tohaveAdriana’sbodytobe flown out this week or early nextweek.

UK, France, Canada threaten Israel against Gaza offensive

LONDON, May 19 (Reuters) - The leaders of Britain, France, and Canada on Monday threatened actionagainstIsraelifitdoes not stop a renewed military offensiveinGazaandliftaid restrictions, piling further pressure on Prime Minister BenjaminNetanyahu.

The intervention comes after the Israeli military announcedthestartofanew operation on Friday, with Netanyahusayingearlieron Monday Israel would take controlofthewholeofGaza. International experts have already warned of looming famine.

“ T h e I s r a e l i Government’s denial of essential humanitarian

assistance to the civilian population is unacceptable and risks breaching International Humanitarian Law,” a joint statement released by the British governmentsaid./ “We oppose any attempt to expand settlements in the West Bank We will not hesitate to take further action, including targeted sanctions ” Israel has blocked the entry of medical, food and fuel supplies into Gaza since the start of March to try to pressure Hamas into freeing the hostages taken by the Palestinian militant group on October 7, 2023, when it attacked Israeli

communities.

“We have always supported Israel’s right to defend Israelis against terrorism.

But this escalation is wholly disproportionate,” the three Western leaders said in the joint statement, adding that they will not stand by while Netanyahu’s government pursues “these egregiousactions.”

They also stated their supportfortheeffortsledby theUnitedStates,Qatarand Egypt for an immediate ceasefire in Gaza, and said they were committed to recognising a Palestinian state as a contribution to achieving a two-state solution.

After Putin call, Trump says Russia and Ukraine to start

‘immediate’

talks on

ceasefire

MOSCOW/WASHING

TON/KYIV, May 19 (Reuters) - U.S. President Donald Trump said on Monday that Russia and Ukraine “will immediately start negotiations” toward a ceasefire and an end to their three-year-oldwar,speaking after he held a call with Russia’s President Vladimir Putin.

“Negotiations between Russia and Ukraine will begin immediately,” Trump said in a Truth Social post followinghiscallwithPutin, whichlastedtwohours.

TheReutersTariffWatch newsletter is your daily guide to the latest global tradeandtariffnews.Signup here.

After the call, Putin said efforts to end the war were “generallyontherighttrack” and that Moscow was ready to work with Ukraine on a potentialpeacedeal.

“Wehaveagreedwiththe president of the United States that Russia will proposeandisreadytowork with the Ukrainian side on a memorandum on a possible future peace accord,” Putin toldreportersneartheBlack SearesortofSochi.

There was no immediate comment from Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskiy on the statement that talks would begin immediately A source

familiar with the matter earlier said Zelenskiy spoke “for a few minutes” with Trump before the U S leader’scallwithPutin. Kyiv has said it is ready for a ceasefire now while Moscow has said conditions mustbemetfirst.

In his social media post, Trump said the Vatican, “as representedbythePope,has stated that it would be very interested in hosting the

negotiations.Lettheprocess begin!” Putin and Trump spoke after direct talks last week in Turkey between Moscow and Kyiv, the first since 2022 in the early months of Russia’s invasion of Ukraine. Talks last week failedtoagreeonatruce.

U.S. Vice President JD Vance earlier repeated a warning that Washington could walk away from the peaceprocess.

P u t i n s a i d t h e memorandum would define “anumberofpositions,such as, for example, the principles of settlement, the timing of a possible peace agreement.”

He said that if appropriateagreementswere reached, there could be a ceasefire, adding that direct talks between Russia and Ukraine gave “reason to believethatwearegenerally

ontherighttrack.”

“Themainthingforusis to eliminate the root causes of this crisis,” Putin said. “We just need to determine the most effective ways to movetowardspeace.

He thanked Trump for supportingtheresumptionof direct talks between Moscow and Kyiv and said Trump noted Russia’s supportforpeace,thoughthe key question was how to movetowardspeace.

Trump, who has promisedtobringaswiftend to Europe’s deadliest war since World War Two, has repeatedly called for a ceasefire after three years when Washington joined other Western countries in armingUkraine.

European leaders have said they want the United States to join them in imposing tough new sanctions on Russia for refusing a ceasefire. The leaders of Britain, France, Germany and Italy spoke to Trump on Sunday ahead of hiscallwithPutin.

Putinwasspeakingfrom Russia’s Black Sea resort of Sochi while Trump was in Washington.

Shortly before the call, Vance told reporters that Washington recognised there was “a bit of an impassehere”.

“And I think the

president’s going to say to President Putin: ‘Look, are you serious? Are you real about this?’” Vance said as hepreparedtodepartfroma visittoItaly

“I think honestly that President Putin, he doesn’t quiteknowhowtogetoutof thewar,”Vancesaid.

He said it “takes two to tango.Iknowthepresident’s willing to do that, but if Russia is not willing to do that, then we’re eventually justgoingtosay,‘Thisisnot ourwar.’”

“We’re going to try to end it, but if we can’t end it, we’re eventually going to say: ‘You know what? That wasworthatry,butwe’renot doinganymore.’”

White House press secretary Karoline Leavitt told reporters that Trump wantedtoseeaceasefire,but that he had grown “weary and frustrated with both sidesoftheconflict”.

Asked if a package of secondary sanctions against Russia remains on the table, she said: “I think everything’sonthetable.” Putin, whose forces controlafifthofUkraineand are advancing, has stood firm on his conditions for ending the war, despite public and private pressure from Trump and repeated warnings from European powers.

Russian President Vladimir Putin meets with journalists following a phone call with U.S. President Donald Trump at the Sirius educational centre for gifted children near Sochi in the Krasnodar region, Russia, May 19, 2025. Sputnik/Vyacheslav Prokofyev/Pool via REUTERS

Kellog’s U14 Hockey League heats

TheKellog’sBoys’ and Girls’ U14

I n d o o r

Development Hockey League delivered another round of high-octane, stickslapping action this past Friday at Marian Academy, as ten matchups lit the rink ablaze in week two of the 2025season.

After a thrilling opening day, the Guyana Hockey Board(GHB)keptthetempo red-hot with more dazzling

displays from the next generationofhockeystars.

The OFHC Warriors wasted no time making a statement, dumping Hikers Hatchets 5–2 in a contest loaded with attacking flair Meshach Reid lit the lamp justtwominutesin,onlyfor Simeon Smith to answer right back with a field goal momentslater

ButtheWarriorsweren’t fazed Omalo Layne reclaimed the lead six

minutes later, then buried twomorescreamerstonotch ahattrickandblowthegame open. Reid closed things off with his second to seal the win.

The OFHC Gladiators

f o l l o w e d w i t h a demolition job, trouncing SHC Sigma 9–3 behind a six-goal masterclass from Brandon Layne, whose bladewasassharpasever The Sigmas found the back of the net thrice but

were no match for the Gladiators’firepower

In other Group ‘A’ action, GCC Pitbulls clawedtheirwaytoan8–6 shootout victory over the Gladiators and followed up with a clinical 6–0 shutout of the Warriors to solidify their bite in the standings

The OFHC Show

Stoppers lived up to their billing in emphatic

fashion,steamrollingSHC Snipers 10–0 in a nomercy performance

Meanwhile, Multi skated to a commanding 5–2 win

Tuesday May 20, 2025

ARIES(Mar.21–Apr.19)

There are days when a little humilitycanbegoodforyou, Aries,andthismightbeoneof thosedays.It'sasiftheplanets are talking to you about sincerity and taking you far away from the trappings of superficialityandpopularity

TAURUS(Apr.20–May20)

Yourfierywillpowercanhelp youmovemountains,Taurus. But you already know that. Whenit'scombinedwithyour legendary optimism, it's a powerfultoolyoujustcan'tdo without.

GEMINI(May21–June20)

Today could discourage even the most ardent of passions, Gemini. Even if some people say you're a bit cold, know thatthere'saveritablevolcano burning underneath all that ice.

CANCER(June21–July22)

Cancer, you should try to be tolerant of other people's social and political positions. You may have to deal with certainpeoplewhosepersonal plans are jeopardized by eventsbeyondtheircontrol.

LEO(July23–Aug.22)

This is a day for doubts, for asking those hard questions thatyouneedtoanswer Ifyou like to meditate, Leo, think about spending a little more time at it today You could learnalotaboutyourself.

VIRGO(Aug.23–Sept.22)

Youshouldbaskinaglorious splendortoday,Virgo.There's a great deal of power at your disposal.You'll find your ego ishealthy,charged,andready forthebattlefield.

LIBRA(Sept.23–Oct.22)

You may feel physical and emotional tension today, Libra.Areyoutakingthetime to care for your body? Has someone been putting a lot of pressure on you lately? Are you an emotionally satisfied person?

SCORPIO(Oct.23–Nov 21)

People love to be with you becauseyouhavesuchnatural charm,Scorpio.Buttodayyou may not feel especially charming or like talking to anyone.Youmayhaveasecret inside that's screaming to get out.

SAGIT(Nov 22–Dec.21)

Your partner may be all over youtoday,Sagittarius!Areyou inthemoodtolisten?Areyou interested in some love? Probably not. You may have hadaharddayandjustfeellike somequiettimetogether

CAPRI(Dec.22–Jan.19)

You're often moved by emotion, Capricorn. You like situations that make you feel alive.Todayyourlovelifemay give you just that kind of adventurous feeling. If that's thecase.

AQUARIUS (Jan. 20–Feb. 18)You're a helpful person, Aquarius, yet in your relationships, you often seem to confuse helping with parenting.Youtendtodoalot ofself-sacrificing.

PISCES(Feb.19–Mar.20)

Everyone needs to be loved, Pisces,butitshouldn'tbeyour only objective in life. It isn't the end of the world if your charmsfallflateveryonceina while.

over SHC Scorpions, showing poise and precision in the attacking circle

Girls’ Division: High Flierstakeflight In the girls’ half of the draw, Royann Sancho p r o v e d t o b e t h e difference-maker for the OFHCHighFliers,netting two composed finishes; one in each half as they clipped the wings of the GCC Her-ricanes 2–0 Sancho wasn’t done, linking up with Jasmine De Santos to deliver a carbon-copy 2–0 win over

Frompage29

Volleyball, Horse-Back

CharacterWalkAround.

There will be exposition boothsofthesponsorsgoods andservices.

Lucky fans will receive autography of Amazon Warriors Shirts from International player and Berbice cricketer Gudakesh Motie. Motie is also a regular member of Guyana Amazon Warriors team that featured in the annual Caribbean Premier League T20extravaganza.

Theorganizersinformed that a legion of reputable players will be on show and cricketing enthusiasts will beinforatreatfromballone.

There will be musical entertainment with live commentary coming from Regional and prominent cricket commentator Inderjeet Persaud who will be having former Berbice, Guyana and West Indies fast-bowlerBrandonBessin the Commentary Box as well.While expressing their immense gratitude to the teams for coming out, the organizers also took the opportunity to thank their sponsorsfortheevent.

And they are: Money Mobile Guyana, (MMG), Vickram Singh and Son Construction Services, JS Engineering, Service and Supply, Millat Sporting Goods, A.Allys and Songs, Marvan Prashad, Nick Nowrangalall, Clifton McDonald, Thomas McDonald, Derick Narine, Zamin Khan, Nadesh Basdeo, Ricky and Sons Business

SHC Sensation in match #12

The SHC Slayers showed no mercy in their 5–1 rout of Multi, while GCC Her-ricanes bounced backwithahard-fought2–1 edge over Multi in a gritty finale.

The league resumes this Friday, May 23, with more stick battles at St Stanislaus College, with the first faceoff at 4:00 p.m. The 2025 U14IndoorLeague,proudly powered by Kellog’s, continues to spotlight future stars in fast-paced, end-toendindoorhockeyaction.

Hassan Bakery, Arshad Jewellery, Green Massive, Mr Rex,GreenforLifeGym and Plant Shop, Mark and Nimala Tyre Shop, Ravin WeldingandFabrication,SP

Clothing and BigB’sRestaurant.

Team Elevate, Mr T Baksh, Travel Service,BigYardWashBay, Shawn Pereira

BCB congratulates Realeanna Grimmond on her debut and other female cricketers selected to represent West Indies

The Berbice Cricket Board (BCB) is extending congratulations to Realeanna Grimmond and the three other female cricketers who have been selected to represented the WestIndiesintheupcoming cricket competition against England.

Realeanna Grimmond, whoisonhermaidencallup for the West Indies Senior team, has had a prolific seasonforthelastyearsofar Grimmond, who resides

in East Canje, plays for the Rose Hall Community CentreCricketClub. Sheis an opening batter and a reliable medium pace bowler She represented Berbice and Guyana at the under19 level and was appointed national female under19 Captain in the last regionaltournament.

Grimmond represented Guyana in the senior female cricket competitions where her performance was noteworthy She is making her debut for the West Indies senior

female team after having represented West Indies at theunder19level.

Shemaine Campbelle plays for the RHTYSC, she is the female team captain. She has captained Berbice and is the current Guyana andVice-CaptainoftheWest Indiesfemaleteam.

Shabiki Gajnabi represents the RHTYSC femalecricketteam.Shehas represented Berbice, Guyana and the West Indies

on numerous occasions in thepast.

Ashmini Munisar plays for the Rose Hall Community Centre in East Canje. She has captained Berbice, Guyana and the West Indies at the under19 level.SheisthecurrentVice CaptainoftheGuyanasenior female team (Samuel Whyte) T h e B

Day of sports and one day floodlight Independence cricket competition set for Blairmont CC on Sunday

Community Centre (BCC) is set to come alive on Sunday 26th May (Independence Day) when that entity stages a one-day kaleidoscope of sports for the Guyana’s Independence celebrations.

The day’s activity will include a one-day Independence Floodlight cricket Competition and other outdoor and indoor sports. The day’s activity is expected to begin at 09:30 hrs.Thecricketcompetition, which is the inaugural one organized by the club, will be known as the GHT

Independence Cup -

Doomsday- 100Balls cricket competition and festival. It will involve a number of top teams in BerbiceandDemerara.

A reserve day is set for Monday 26th if the activity is affected by the inclement weatheronSunday

The teams confirmed to participate are: Albion Community Centre Cricket C l u b ( A C C C C ) , Georgetown Cricket Club (GCC), CottonTree Cricket Club (Die Hard), Young WarriorsCricketClub,West BerbiceSuperKingsandthe home team Blairmont Blazers Action is set to commence at 09:30am and finish under the artificial lights Therewillalsobelive commentary

Other attractions on the

day includes: Domino Competition, three a side Volley Ball, Horse Back Riding among other attractions. A number of CartoonCharacterswillalso beapartoftheday’sactivity Ahalf time show is also on the card which is expected to be highlighted byfour-timesChutneyKing Bunty Singh and other top localactorsandperformers. Exposition Booths will alsobeondisplayforexhibit of sponsors Goods and Services. Lucky fans will receive autographed Amazon Warriors Shirts by National and West Indies playerGudakeshMotie. Proceeds from the event will be used to fund a number of activities for the club.Concretesightscreens, electrical Flood lights, additional covers to fight, maintain the clubs cricket teams among other activities.

A number of sponsors are already on board including - Money Mobile Guyana (MMG), Millat Sporting Goods, A Ally’s and Sons, Green For Life Gym and Plant Shop, Marvan Prashad, Nick Nowrangalall, Clifton Mc D o n a l d , T h o m a s McDonald, Derick Narine, Zamin Khan, Ricky and S o n s B u s i n e s s Establishment (TTT) Singh Travel Service. (Samuel Whyte)

Realeanna Grimmond

Shemaine Campbelle

Shabiki Gajnabi (CWI)

Ashmini Munisar

Archibald joins Williams in the record books

It was yet another

record-breaking

m o m e n t f o r

Guyanese athletics, as Emanuel Archibald etched his name alongside Daniel Williamsinthegrowinglist of national trailblazers setting new standards in trackandfield.

Archibald, long revered for his prowess in the long jump, further solidified his placeamongthenation’salltimegreatsinthediscipline.

Competing at the prestigious Atlanta City Games, the Jamaica-based athlete unleashed a massive leap of 8.22 metres in the

Men’s Long Jump, shattering his previous Guyanesenationalrecordof 8.12 metres, which he had setin2019.

Justdaysearlier,onMay 11, another Lindener made historyonthetrack.

Daniel Williams, a former standout of Mackenzie High School, sprinted into the record books by clocking 10.06 secondsinthe100metres.

In doing so, he erased

Archibald’s previous national record of 1009 seconds, becoming the fastest Guyanese ever over thedistance.

Blairmont CC ground to come alive this Sunday with 100 balls Cricket Festival

T h e B l a i r m o n t

Community Centre ground ontheWestCoastofBerbice is set to come alive this Sunday with the inaugural Floodlights Independence Cup 100 balls Cricket and Festival-Doomsday

A number of top teams will be competing for monetary prizes when the action commencing at 9:30

am. The teams confirmed their participation are: Albion Community Centre Cricket Club, Georgetown Cricket Club, Cotton Tree Cricket Club (Die-Hard), Young Warriors, West Berbice Superkings and the hostsBlairmontBlazers.

In the opening round, Albion will clash with West BerbiceSuperkingswhilein

game 2, Cotton Tree (DieHard) will tackle GCC and game 3 will see Blairmont Blazers taking on Young Warriors.

And in the other fixture, willbetheplayoffssegment.

According to the organizers,inadditiontothe cricket entertainment, there willbeothersideattractions (Continuedonpage27)

Daniel Williams’10.06s is the new National 100m record.

Emanuel Archibald reset his National Long Jump record to 8.22m.

Gudakesh Motie

WestVirginiaUniversity’sLatishaParrisconductsclinic for20RegmaPrimarygirlsatRetrieveHardCourt

Having been visiting Guyana since she was five years old, the West Virginia University’s basketball player, 21 year old Ms Latisha Parris, last Friday afternoon conducted an introductory basketball clinic, which attracted twenty pupils from the Regma Primary School at the Retrieve Hard Court in theminingtownofLinden.

University’s

Latisha, whose parents Lennox and Sadina Parris arefromLinden,wasbornin theUnitedStatesandalways wanted to give back to the sport of basketball, in the hometownofherparents. Ms Latisha Parris related, “I was coming to Guyana since I was five years old So, I always wanted to give back, to just teach them the basics, to

expand the sport of basketball.WhileIknowitis not as popular as it is in the UnitedStates,asitisherein Guyana, I felt committed to help.”

Assisting Latisha was founder of the Abdulla H amid B as k etb all Foundation, Mr Abdulla ‘Zico’Hamid, who is a past Nationalplayerandcoachof Guyana.

Hamid described the two-hour clinic stating: “Today’s session was the beginningofthefirst,which we hope it can continue every year, annually for young women in Linden. Maybe, we can see professional players birthed from this programme and to meit’sagoodinitiative.”

Region 10 (Upper Demerara/ Upper Berbice)

Regional Education

Departmentwasrepresented by one of its education officials Ms Dawn McCammon-Barker, who currently is also the president of the Linden

Amateur Basketball Association(LABA)andshe quipped: “The LABA and DepartmentofEducationare extremely grateful for this initiative Normally, such

clinics are done without any emphasisonourfemales,but thiswasonethattargetedour girls and this being for our primary girls, is most commendable.”

According to Latisha’s parents, Lennox and Sadina Parris, this is expected to be an annual basketball programme to assist the sport in the bauxite mining community

CWI Announces West Indies “A” Squads for Home Series Against South Africa “A”

SportsMax - Cricket

West Indies (CWI) has announcedthesquadsforthe 50-over and “A” Team Test matches in the upcoming WestIndies“A”homeseries againstSouthAfrica“A”,set totakeplacefromMay21to June11attheDarenSammy Cricket Ground in Saint Lucia.

The selected players have delivered strong performances across regional formats and will now have the chance to test their skills against internationalopposition.

CWIDirectorofCricket, M i l e s B a s c o m b e , emphasized the importance of the series in building depth and continuity within WestIndiescricket.

“This series gives us the opportunity to broaden our player pool and aligns with our long-term strategic plan to support the growth of emerging and fringe players who are on the cusp of advancing to the senior team.” Alick Athanaze will lead the 50-over squad, while Tevin Imlach and

CWI has announced the squads for the 50-over and “A” Team Test matches in the upcoming West Indies “A” home series against South Africa “A”.

Jomel Warrican will each captain one of the two “A” Test squads, gaining valuable leadership experience.AndreColeyhas been appointed as Head Coachfortheseries.

The West Indies “A” vs SouthAfrica“A”seriesalso builds anticipation for the exciting “Full Ah Energy” West Indies Home Series,

which begins on June 11 at the 3Ws Oval in Barbados, where the West Indies Women take on South Africa.Thatmatchwillserve as the curtain-raiser to a thrilling summer of international cricket across theregion.

Admission to all “A” team matches is free – a unique opportunity for fans

toseethefuturestarsofWest Indiescricketinaction. WestIndiesASquadFor 50 Over Matches: Alick

Athanaze (Captain), Kadeem Alleyne, Kevlon Anderson, Jediah Blades, Darel Cyrus, Jyd Goolie, Javelle Glenn, Marquino Mindley, Shaqkere Parris, KharyPierre,KemolSavory, Oshane Thomas, Gilson

Tyson,KevinWickham. WestIndiesASquadFor A-TeamTest1:TevinImlach (Captain), Ronaldo Alimohammed, Kevlon Anderson, Alick Athanaze, John Campbell, Kavem Hodge, Mikyle Louis, JohannLayne,KharyPierre, KemolSavory,OjayShields, Oshane Thomas, Gilon Tyson. West IndiesASquad

For A-Team Test 2: Jomel Warrican (Captain), Kraigg

Brathwaite, Kevlon Anderson, Jewel Andrew, Alick Athanaze, John Campbell, Justin Greaves, Tevin Imlach, Shamar Joseph, Johann Layne, KemolSavory,OjayShields, GilonTyson.

Team Management Unit

(TMU):

Head Coach: Andre Coley

Manager:DwainGill

A

(Bowling):JeromeTaylor

A

(Fielding):JohnEugene

Physiotherapist: Shian

Ollivierre

Strength&Conditioning

Coach:DamiqueWalters

F U L L M A T C

SCHEDULE

21 May 2025: 1st

24 May 2025: 2nd

1-4 June

8-11

Ms Latisha Parris at left going through basic training with pupils of Regma Primary School pupils.

Front row left: Ms. Dawn McCammon Barker, Regma Primary School teacher accepts basketballs from Ms. Latisha Parris and Abdulla Hamid at right.

West Virginia

basketball player Ms. Latisha Parris

2025CWIUnder-19RegionalTournament…

Familiar faces

drafted as GCB announces 21-man Training Squad -VanLangenamedskipper

Th e G u y a n a Cricket Board (GCB)hasnamed a 21-man training squad ahead of the upcoming Cricket West Indies (CWI)

Regional Under-19 Tournament.

Thesquadfeaturesamix of returning players and emerging talents as preparations get underway fortheregionaltourney

Among those named, Rampersaud Ramnauth, Parmeshwar Ram, Romeo

Deonarine, Sachin Balgobin, Jonathon Van Lange, Afraz Ali Boodhu, RomarioRamdehol,Shamar Apple,amongotherGuyana topyouthcricketers.

Van Lange will lead the squad as captain while GarvinNeddwillreturntoa familiar role in the youth structure as he will serve as the team’s head coach alongside team manager NazeerMohammad.

Lead Selector, Andre

Percival, confirmed that training sessions will begin shortly, although weather conditions may impact outdooractivity

“Becauseoftheweather, there may not be much outdoor work at first, but we’ll be utilizing the indoor

facilities at the National Gymnasium,courtesyofthe GCB President, to get in technical drills and fitness work,”Percivalexplained. Speaking on the squad composition, the Percival spoke of the balance of experience and potential

“We have five emerging playerscurrentlyintheCWI group under Coach Felix, and a few others who showed promise during the rain-affected Inter-County tournament. We feel this 21 offers a strong foundation,” hesaid.

The final 14-member squad will be named at the end of the training camp, following input from coaches working with the players.

The Guyanese unit will depart home soil on June 29 forSt.Kitts.

The GCB U19 21-man squad: Rampersaud Ramnauth, Parmeshwar Ram, Romeo Deonarine, Sachin Balgobin, Jonathon Van Lange, Afraz Ali B o o d h u , R o m a r i o Ramdehol, Shamar Apple, Salim Khan, Riyad Latif, Golch

n Chulia, Nityanand Mathura, Bruce V i n c e n t , M i c a h Amsterdam, Wavell Allen, Neeran Bani, Sanjay Algoo, Jayden Dowlin, Shiloh Adams, Matthew Pottya and Ronaldo Jeffery

“I’m confident in the group I wasn’t directly involved in the initial selections due to my tour commitments in the Breakout League, I’ve followedtheprocessclosely, andIbelievetheseboyshave what it takes,” Percival added.

Roston Chase Relishing The Challenge of Leading The West Indies Test Team

SportsMax - “Born to lead and not to follow.” That is the mantra driving Roston Chase, who will become the 38th Test captain to represent the West Indies when he stepsontothehallowedgroundsof Kensington Oval to spin the toss againstAustralia on June 25 in the opening Test of the coveted Sir FrankWorrellTrophyseries.

Standing at six feet five inches tall, Chase raised in Christ Church, Barbados—is embracing the moment From childhood dreams on local pitches to now steeringtheshipofWestIndiesTest cricket, he finds himself on the brink of a new chapter, charged with leading a revival of pride and performance in the longest format ofthegame.

The 33-year-old etched his name into West Indies folklore in his debut series in 2016 against India, where he scored a century and took a five-wicket haul in the sameTest—becomingjustthefifth West Indian to achieve that rare feat. Since then, he has recorded four more centuries and three additional five-wicket hauls, including a match-winning careerbest 8 for 60 against arch-rivals Englandonhomesoil.

Already living the dream of representingtheWestIndies,Chase now steps into an even greater honour leading a region of millions of proud Caribbean nationals who long to see the maroonreignsupremeonceagain.

“Iamhonouredtobegiventhe opportunitytoleadtheWestIndies Test team. This is a real privilege, and I’m excited about getting started this summer against Australia and looking forward to what this team can achieve in the future,” Chase said. “Playing for the West Indies means everything to me so I’m ready for the responsibilities which come with the job at hand which includes showing that passion and desire to our loyal fans in the region and acrosstheworld.”

Though the magnitude of the job is not lost on him, Chase has never shied away from leadership. Still,captaincywasn’talwaysinhis sights.

“I always had leadership skills when I was younger, but I did not see myself at this stage at the start because I only wanted to play and win games for the West Indies.” Chase shared “I never really thought about it, but as you get olderandyouunderstandthegame abitmoreyourealizecertainthings andthenobviouslyyouhearpeople saying stuff you then sit and think about all the possibilities because captainingtheWestIndiesisagreat jobtohaveandalegacyisattached toit.”

Despitetheexcitementof2025, Chase’s path to prominence was shaped by an honest conversation with his mother at age 18, following his first-class debut for BarbadosagainstJamaica.

“I wasn’t cemented in the Barbados team at that stage so my motherencouragedmebutgaveme an ultimatum that I will be given two years to make myself a permanent fixture in the Barbados team or I will have to go to school permanently because I was at the UWICaveHill.”Chaseexpressed. “I was a student at UWI and at the timeandIwouldbetakingalotof leavetogoandplaylikeinthefirstclasscompetition.”

Hecontinued:“Mymothersaid she would give me the time to go and work on my game so that I couldbecomeafixtureintheteam but if not, I had to go to school. I loved cricket more than school, I was always a good student, but cricketwasmylove. Iworkedhard andI’mgladthatshegavemethat

ultimatum because that really was thedrivingforceformetocarrymy crickettothenextlevel.”

While childhood heroes like Brian Lara, Courtney Walsh, and Sir Curtly Ambrose filled his imagination,hisreal-lifesuperhero washisfather

“My father was more the driving force because he would come and watch all my games and talk to me about the game where I need to improve or I need to work on the dos and don’ts that could takemetothenextlevel,”hesaid.

Interestingly, Chase started out asafastbowlerbeforetransitioning into becoming a spinner through a processoftrialanderror Hecredits former coach Henderson Springer for helping him find the right balancebetweenbatandball.

“I was always more of a batter thanabowlerbutwhenIgotaround theBarbadosseniorteam,Iwasn’t reallybowlingbecausewehadalot of spin options in Sulieman Benn and Ryan Hinds, so I wasn’t really bowling,andIstartedtofocusmore onmybatting,”Chaseshared.

“HendersonSpringer,thecoach at that time, told me that contributing with bat and ball makesitdifficultforanyindividual to be left out of a team, so I really tookthattoheart,andIsaidIwould never stop bowling, so I just continuedtoworkonmyskillsand workedout.”

Having previously served as vice-captain,Chasenowstepsinto the lead role, focused on setting a tone that encourages excellence bothonandoffthefield.

“Well,forme,firstly,Ijustwant tohavefun.Gothere,havefunwith mytroopsandIwanttotrytobring out the best in my players Obviously, you want them to play somegoodcricket,playsomehard cricket, as I said, have some fun,” Chasesaid.

“Hopefully we can win more gamesthanwelosebutattheendof theday,Ijustwanttohelptheguys improveascricketersandashuman beings.”

With Chase at the helm, West Indiescricketentersanewera—led by a man of humility and purpose, who wears the maroon with pride, reverence, and an unshakeable commitmenttoregionalglory

Roston Chase

Gulcharran Chulai

Jonathan Van Lange Parmeshwar Ram

ExxonMobilGuyanaLindenInter-Schoolfootballresumestoday

The ExxonMobil Guyana-sponsored Linden Inter-School Football Tournament resumes today at the Wisburg Secondary School Ground from 3:00 pm,whereLindenTechnical Institutewillface off against Linden FoundationSecondary

Organised by New Era

Entertainment, the tournament features eight secondary schools from the region: Mackenzie High School, Christianburg Wismar Secondary, New Silvercity Secondary, Kwakwani Secondary, Harmony Secondary, Linden Technical Institute, Wisburg Secondary, and Linden Foundation Secondary

The competition will culminate with the grand finalonJune8. In recent Group B

action, Kwakwani Secondary secured a convincing3–0victoryover NewSilvercitySecondaryat the Wisburg Secondary

SchoolGround. Dion Christopher,Arren Vanlewin, and Keshawn Leacock all got on the scoresheet, earning Kwakwani three valuable pointsastheycontinuetheir pursuit of group dominance and a place in the knockout stage.

Meanwhile, Mackenzie High School and Wisburg Secondary played to a thrilling 1–1 draw in their mostrecentfixture. Mickel Richard opened the scoring for MHS, but Meshack Sutton responded with an equaliser for Wisburg, ensuring both teams shared the spoils. Action continues tomorrow with another exciting matchup, as Christianburg Wismar Secondarygoeshead-to-head with Harmony Secondary, kickingoffat3:00pm atthe samevenue.

The tournament offers a lucrative incentive, with the winning school set to walk away with $400,000, which mustbeinvestedinaprojectof

finisher will receive $200,000, third place $100,000, and the fourthplaced school will be awarded$50,000.

Additionally, individual b

recognised, with a special prize for the tournament’s Most Valuable Player. (RawleToney)

The dynamic duo of Shem James and Ian Daniels was in full effect on Sunday evening as Santos Football Club (FC) toppled a f o r m i d a b l e F r u t a Conquerorssideinthelatest weekend fixture of Season VII of the Guyana Football Federation (GFF) Elite League.

The National Training Centre (NTC) came alive as Santos FC continued their impressive campaign, edgingFrutaConquerors2-1 to secure another crucial threepoints.

Earlier in the evening, Guyana Police Force Football Club (GPF FC) dismantled a struggling Mainstay Goldstars FC side withanemphatic8-1victory, led by a clinical hat-trick fromNeronBarrow.Barrow found the net in the 18th, 41st, and 49th minutes in a standoutperformance.

Keswin Fraser opened thescoringinthe7thminute before Barrow doubled the lead just 11 minutes later After the halftime break, Barrow wasted no time in increasing the tally, netting againearlyinthesecondhalf tomakeit4-0.

Stephon Ramsey added to the scoreline with two spectaculargoalsinthe60th and 81st minutes, while Adrian Aaron (83rd) and Nicholas McArthur (85th) rounded off the Police’s dominantdisplay

TianMendoncaprovided the lone consolation for Mainstayinthe54thminute.

In the headline clash, Santos FC and Fruta

Conquerors battled through a goalless first half, with both defenses holding firm.

The deadlock was finally broken in the 56th minute when James pounced on a chance and coolly slotted hometogiveSantosthelead. Fruta responded in the 67th minute, courtesy of Stefan Walton’s equalizer But just as the match seemed destined for a draw, Daniels pierced the Conquerors’defense in the 86th minute to restore Santos’advantage. With time running out, Santos’backlineheldstrong,

sealing a hard-fought 2-1 upset over the Tucvillebasedoutfit.

M e a n w h i l e , i n Saturday’s other fixture, Monedderlust FC pulled off a surprise 3-2 win over Den Amstel, with goals from Tyrone Delph, Dawit Watts, and Rayon Rose securingthepoints Elite League action resumes this weekend, don’t miss another weekend of high-stakes, high-intensity football as the GFF rolls out more of the nation’s premier footballentertainment

Latest action in the ExxonMobil Guyana-sponsored Linden Interschool Football tournament.

Santos FC danger-men Shem James (left) and Ian Daniels.

Fung-A-Fat,

Gomes, Ince-Carvalhal among

7-day high-performance Squash camp in Paraguay 2025 EBDCA/D&R Construction & Machinery Rental...

Scott,

Sargent and

company make light work of Peter’s Hall Scott

Ruimveldt Sports Club

mauled Peter’s Hall Sports Club by 139-runs to secure their spot in the final of the EastBankDemeraraCricket Association (EBDCA) 40Over tournament, thanks some brilliant all-round work.

Batting first, Ruimveldt rackedup272for7after40 overs. Jeremiah Scott led with 59, while Deonarine Seegobin (44) and veteran all-rounderRickeySargeant (40), with useful contributions from Danny Narayan (34) and Rovaldo Pereira(34).

Peter’s Hall bowling su

Seecharan picking up 2-51 and Yogendra Singh 2-56. Their batting also imploded as Ryan Seecharan (24), Dwayne Graham (22) and Shameer Fazal (20) tried to getgoing.

Peter’s Hall were eventually mowed down for 133 in 273 overs thanks to some classy bowling from SameerHussainwhograbbed 3-24, while Pereira returned withexceptionalfiguresof21. The vet Sargeant, also cappedoffagoodgamewith bat and ball, claiming 2-31 runs and Ntini Permaul (237). Meanwhile, Ruimveldt will face Herstelling ‘A’ in thetournamentfinal.

Five of Guyana’s top-ranked squash players will look to make the most of their seven-day stint at the highperformance training camp inParaguay

Those stars who will looktomakethemostofthis international intake are, Mary Fung-A-Fat, Kirsten Gomes, Samuel InceCarvalhal, Louis Da Silva, MohraynBaksh.

A recent Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) between the Guyana OlympicAssociation(GOA) andtheParaguayanOlympic Committee (POC) has now broken new ground for player integration as well as great leaps of development onthebehalfofbothentities.

This ground-breaking collaboration has paved the way for three male and two female athletes to benefit from an environment where datadrivesdevelopmentand progress is meticulously measured.

Guyanese on

T h e c a m p ’ s comprehensive schedule is designed to enhance every aspect of the player’s dimensions which triggers an overall growth of each player’sgame.

The camp will focus on key areas such as; crucial

strength and performance assessments which also focus heavily on strength and conditioning sessions, dynamic court work, and focusedcircuittraining.

Such a camp will also work on a data-driven approach to identifying strengths and areas for improvement.

The athletes receive expertguidanceonnutrition, doubles play strategy, essentialfootworkdrills,and engagingincompetitiveplay to hone their match readiness.

From left - Samuel Ince-Carvalhal, Mohryan Baksh, Mary Fung-A-Fat, Kirsten Gomes and Louis DaSilva.

Jeremiah Scott

Rickey Sargent

- Mainstay crumble to another heavy defeat

James and Daniels shine as Santos FC upset Fruta Conquerors

Some of the action at MarianAcademy Friday last as the Kellog’s Indoor Hockey League continues.

Kellog’s U14 Hockey League heats up with blistering showdowns

-Grit,Goals,andGlorydominateatMarianAcademyRink