AIETEUR NEWSK
Guyana’s largest selling daily & New York’s most popular weekly
Pres. Ali puts GDF, CDC on standby
Six-Year-Old Girl Killed, Several Injured in Fiery Gas Station Blast
No to War!
In the most alarming and provocative act of militarisation since theU.S.invasionofGrenadaforty-two years ago, Washington has dispatched yet another aircraft carrier strike group to our region—this time under the flimsy pretext of combating drug trafficking. The Caribbean is being transformed into a staging ground for what increasingly appears to be an impending military intervention in Venezuela.
The United States' ever-expanding flotilla, armed with advanced warships and surveillance aircraft, has been prowling our waters for months, carrying out extrajudicial strikes on vesselsitclaimsarelinkedtonarcotics. These are not the actions of a peacekeeper; they are the manoeuvres of a power preparing for war And if history teaches us anything, it is that once the United States mobilises militarily in this region, the consequences are devastating and enduring.
Unbothered!
This time, history must not be allowed to repeat itself. America must not be given a single excuse, or worse, aninvitation,toinvadeVenezuela.Any such aggression, must be met with strident regional condemnation. The Caribbeanmuststandfirmindefenseof its sovereignty and in rejection of imperialadventurism.
Already, ten distinguished former Caribbean leaders including Guyana's own Donald Ramotar, along with Baldwin Spencer, Tillman Thomas,P.J.Patterson,BruceGolding, and Kenny Anthony—have raised the alarm, warning that the deployment of foreignmilitaryassetsintheCaribbean threatens to entangle our region in
conflictsnotofourmaking.CARICOM itself, save for one reservation, has reaffirmed the region's long-held principle: the Caribbean must remain a ZoneofPeace.
The notion that this massive U.S. militarybuild-upisaboutfightingdrug traffickers insults our intelligence. It is not narcotics that Washington seeks to seize; it is Venezuela's oil that is the target. Venezuela holds the largest proven oil reserves on Earth, and the American appetite for control over those resources has never been disguised.Whatisunfoldingbeforeour eyesisnotawarondrugs,butawarfor wealth.
Guyana, tragically, stands in the crossfire. Should the United States launch an invasion of Venezuela, our nation will face the unbearable burden of a refugee crisis of unimaginable scale.
MillionsofVenezuelanscouldpour acrossourbordersseekingrefugefrom the chaos of war Brazil has already fortified its borders in anticipation. Guyana, by contrast, lacks the resources, the infrastructure, and the military capacity to manage such an influx.
Worseyet,beneaththechaosofwar lurksadarkerdanger,theplunderofour own resources. As Venezuela burns, Guyanacouldbecomeaplaygroundfor the very powers that covet the wealth buried beneath our soil and seas. The Caribbean must therefore speak with onevoice:Notowar Notoinvasion.No tomilitarisation.Ourregionmustnotbe drawn into the ambitions of empires. The Caribbean is, and must remain, a Zone of Peace, not a launching pad for anotherimperialconquest.
Mia Mottley
Soraya Bourne
Unbothered!
...Exxon shrugs off Guyana's US-dollar shortage …says already helped country earn US$8 billion
Although Guyana
i s n o w producing over 700,000 barrels of oil daily, thecountryisgrapplingwith a shortage of US-currency, causing major setbacks, especially affecting the businesscommunity
US-currency is key to transacting business on the
t Countries earn foreign currency mostly from the export of its resources.With a Gross domestic Product (GDP) tripling in recent years and an economy rated the 'fastest growing in the world'localbankshavebeen unabletosupplythedemand forthecurrency,resultingin lossesforbusinesses.
As Guyana's 50/50 partner in development of theStabroekBlock,Kaieteur
News recently asked
ExxonMobil Guyana
Limited (EMGL) whether it would be willing to return a small portion of its earnings from Guyana to the country to assist in the situation, in the spirit of genuine partnership.
The oil giant however made it clear in its response thatitwasunbotheredbythe shortage Guyanese are suffering from. Instead, the company pointed to the billions Guyana has since earned as a result of its operations.
Guyanese economy Our investments in Guyana will likelyexceedUSD60billion and have already led to the government receiving US$8
that
productionbeganin2019.”
Currently Exxon takes 75%ofGuyana'soilmonthly to cover it expenses with developing the resources in the Stabroek Block The remaining 25% is split with Guyana, meaning the country receives 12.5% of profits. It also receives a quarterly 2% royalty, meaning the country's total shareisameagre14.5%.
Earlier this year it was reported that government injected US$100M into the banking system to address foreign currency shortages. The announcement by the Finance Ministry came a week after Central Bank injectedanotherUS$35M.
T h e c o n s t a n t “unavailability of U S currency” in Guyana has been a bug bear especially for local businesses that import perishables They complained of losing millions Despite the injections by Bank of Guyana, they complained
major government projects arecompleted. He told journalists that
e government has made will notgoonforever,sincethey are not recurrent in nature. He said there will be a significant reduction in demand for major capital projects,andwhiletherewill be new ones, they will not significantly affect foreign currency.
sourcing U.S dollars to pay for goods remained a huge problem for local importers.
President, Bharrat Jagdeo said the shortage in the countryistemporaryandthat the demand for foreign currency will drop once the
ExxonMobil Guyana President, Alistair Routledge
KaieteurNews
PrintedandPublishedbyNationalMedia& PublishingCompanyLtd 24SaffonStreet, Charlestown,Georgetown,Guyana.
Publisher:GLENNLALL-Tel:624-6456
Editor-in-Chief:NigelWilliams
Tel: 225-8465, 225-8491. Fax: 225-8473, 226-8210
EDITORIAL
Region seven mining
WhatdoesjusticelooklikeinGuyana? Howfardoes the law reach? Who is immune from it, and who are the ones that feel the brunt of its power? In Region Seven, thereis a developmentthatpits a smallmineragainstthe world,itseems.
Was he a victim of misleading reassurances and guidance? Ordoeshestillhavewhatisrightonhisside, yet is reduced to tears and powerlessness? Is this the Guyana, the democracy, where the rule of law is negligible,duetowhothepartiesareinadispute?
SmallminerMarvisHallimanhastherulingofacourt tribunalinhishand,inhisfavor,withhisactionsdeemed neitherinjurioustohisneighbornorillegal. Butitcounts for nothing, because of what he's up against. There was thepowerofthestateunleashedagainstasmallGuyanese who,fromallindications,isontherightsideofthismatter nowattractingsomuchattention.
Halliman applied to the Guyana Geology and Mines Commission (GGMC) for a strip of vacant, unclaimed, land in 2012, and was granted approval. There were neither objections nor legal challenges, at the time. Halliman'spieceoflandwasnotencroachingorsnatching anypartofhisneighbor'sproperty,notameter
His was a parcel of land, a mere 300 feet, that was adjacenttohisneighbor'sextensivelandholdings. Seems free and available, looks fair and reasonable, when the factsastheyareknownareweighed. YetHallimanfinds himself in the uncomfortable position of being forced to literallystareintothebarrelofagun.
Weatthispublicationquestionwhywhatwasdirected at a small miner was necessary in the first place, and the way in which it did. Masked officers of the law with automatic weapons at the ready can only be described as toomuchofashowofforce,withthestateleadingtheway What next, the deployment of a SWAT team to quell whatwascalled'obstructingthepeace'? TheGGMChad served the miner with a removal order for 'disrupting the peace.' Whatdoesthatmean,andhowdoesitresultinthis massive overreaction from the GGMC and the Guyana PoliceForce? Thereisdifficultycastingoffthesenseofa DavidandGoliathsituation,exceptthatDavidistheloser inthisinstance.
Halliman himself was taken into custody for hours, withthesamehappeningtohisworkers. Thereportofhis possessing an illegal firearm turned out to be false. It should prompt Guyanese committed to fairness and respectfortheruleoflawtoconsiderthekindofmischief involved against a citizen, to get him off that 300-foot pieceoflandbyanymeans.
Thecourttribunalhadruledhisclaimandoccupation of thatlandwas neitherinjurioustohis neighbornor had anywhiffoftheillegalaboutit. Increasinglyinthisnew Guyana of today, one that is hailed as a democracy, it seemsthatsuchadjudicationsaregivenshortthriftbythe powerful,withalliesfromthestatemarshalledtoputsmall citizenstotheirplace.
ItwouldbehelpfuliftheGGMCwouldbesokindasto step forward and clear the air by sharing the details surrounding this mining matter, and what led to its decision. TheGuyanaPoliceForcehasadutytoexplain those masked police ranks, and the shabby treatment meted out to the miner and his workers, as well as the mediamembersthatwerepresenttocoverthedeveloping story
Intheminer'sownwords,itisanuglystorythatisnow becoming too commonplace in Guyana “These regulations could only be enforced on a small man but is goody'allseewhagoingonhere.AndIwilllettheworld knowwhatisgoingonhere.,”hedeclared.Theactionsof thepoliceandtheGGMCdonotinspireconfidence.
Therehastobeasimplerandmoreconsideratewayto managesituationssuchasthese. TheexpectationoflawabidingGuyaneseisthattheremustbeequaldispensation ofthelaw,notwithstandingwhothepartiesare.
Israel continuing the attacks on Palestine
DearEditor, Iamsittinglookingatthe TV in relation to what is happening around the world and specifically the Middle E a s t a n d I r e c a l l conversationIhavehadwith many “intelligent” and certificated persons who attack me for criticising capitalism.
A few famous persons come to my mind; Bob Marley who sang for us to liberateourselffrom“mental slavery”; political scientist and writer Gramsci who wrote about cultural hegemony;Marxwhowrote about the economic base generating an ideological paradigmwhichdefendsand justifytheexistingeconomic order and also the person who came up with the conceptofhouseslaves.
So when I criticise the present economic system you can imagine the attacks onme.Notbytheelites,but by ordinary workers and professionals with some level of specific education. They know that what they know is the only truth Instead of refuting the criticismstheusualresponse islookatsocialism.
So look at the Middle Eastandaskyourselfifwhat istskingplacethereiscaused by the socialist/communist. If not, who is causing it and
why Theanswerisclearthe Westanditsthirstfornatural resources to feed the production and profit making machinery of the rich imperialist capitalist countries and the elites of thosecountries.
Israel is in the middle of itandistheprotectorofthose natural resources. For those who believe Israel was the resultoftheholocaust,think again.TheideaofIsraelwas since the early 19th century
TheBalfourDeclarationwas in 1917, signed on the second of November 1917.
The British sent a letter signed by Arthur Balfour to Jewish leader Lord Rothchild ( as many know this is the family that controls too many central banks).The letter was about British support for the establishment of a national home for Jewish people in Palestine.
Funny thing it was the Christiansworldwhomostly persecutedtheJewsmanyof whom were in fact living peacefully in Palestine. In 1917 it was about 60,000. It was the Christian Germany who carried out the holocaust. And by the way the first people who came under attack by Hittler was the Communist the people wewerebrainwashedtohate and the very people who led
the struggle for workers rights and democracy but thatisanotherstorythatmost arenotawareof.
Sofastforwardtotoday's genocide of Palestinians by theZionist,nottheJews.The religious Jews states clearly “NOT IN OUR NAME”. Today it is a crime in many western countries to speak out in defence of Palestine and against Israel genocide. Persons are fired, deported and pressured for daring to speak out against the genocide.
This genocide is fully supported by the leaders of the West. So, we have the European leaders complicit, andwehavetheindifference or even cowardice of the Arableaders.
We have an Israel imposedfamineinGazathat has resulted in over 68,000 mostly women and children dying. A flotilla carrying food, medicines etc is approachingGaza.Israelhas already bombed two ships. Israelhascreatedabarricade ofshipsblockingtheflotilla. Ships were seized and over five hundred arrested and awaitingdeportation..
Whilethisisgoingonthe Arableadersarehidinginthe security of their palaces. They condemn but continue trading with Israel. When I
heard Erdogan of Turkeye speak I say very strong Language but then after no action
The reality is, it is they who should have been approaching Gaza with a flotilla.
It is shameful to note Saudi ships are transporting weaponstoIsrael.Whilethe Arabworlddoesnothingbut talk, European workers and people are taking action to oppose and expose the geocideofthePalestinians.
WhileiamwritingIsrael is continuing to bomb Gaza Killing women and children althoughaceasefireinitiated by President Trump is in plac
p and continuestobomb.
While the western leaders are upset with the relativelyfewciviliansbeing killed in Ukraine and sanctionsRussiatheysupply t
electronic surveillance for
Palestinians Apparently, Palestinians are not people for them so over 70,000 killed, mostly women and children and more than that injured.
Clearly humanity has fled.
Regards RajendraBisessar
I stand firmly and unapologetically with Justice Yonette Cumming
DearEditor, Kindly permit space in your publication to add my voicetothegrowingoutrage over the disrespect and disregard shown to Justice Yonette Cummings, CCH, SC, who has served the Judiciary of Guyana with distinctionandanexemplary recordofprofessionalismfor somethirty-seven(37)years. From the moment Justices Cummings and Georgewereappointedtoact in the positions of ChancellorandChiefJustice respectively,thethenLeader of the Opposition, Mr. Bharrat Jagdeo, refused to lend his support for their substantiveappointments,as required under Article 127(1)oftheConstitutionof Guyana This posture continued into the tenure of the Ali Administration
Despite numerous public pleas, calls by the Opposition, statements by Members of Parliament during the Twelfth Parliament,andevenprotest
actions, the government persistently ignored these appeals (Kaieteur News, 2024; Stabroek News, 2023).
I t i s e q u a l l y disappointing that a d m o n i t i o n s f r o m d i s t i n g u i s h e d jurists including then President of the Caribbean Court of Justice (CCJ), JusticeAdrianSaunders,and morerecently,hissuccessor, J u s t i c e W i n s t o n Anderson urging the appointment of substantive holders for the offices of Chancellor and Chief Justice,haveallfallenonthe deaf ears of the People's Progressive Party/Civic (PPP/C) administration (Caribbean Court of Justice, 2023).
The nation was justifiably shocked when news broke that Justice Cummings would proceed on pre-retirement leave effectiveFriday,October24, 2025 The circumstances s u r r o u n d i n g t h i s announcement leave much tobedesired,asitappearsto have been executed with undue haste and deliberate intent President Ali has insulted the nation by suggesting that upon Justice Cummings' resumption of duty, merely hours later, she informed him of her intention to proceed on preretirement leave. Such an e
From every vantage point, it is clear that the removal of Justice Cummingsfromherposition as Acting Chancellor was strategicallyanddeliberately orchestrated during her period of well-earned vacation leave. Before her return to duty, courtesy and professionalism demanded that she be consulted and advisedofanychangeinher role. Instead, she was left to face public embarrassment. Sadly, the PPP/C continues to demonstrate a troubling lackofrespectwhendealing with professionals, especially those of African descent (Stabroek News Editorial,2025).
Citing the example of former Chief of Staff of the Guyana Defence Force (GDF), Mr Godfrey Bess, whoservedinanacting (Continuedonpage5)
n d disrespectful to the intelligenceoftheGuyanese people.Wearenotblind;we seethePPP/Cforwhatithas become. What is even more egregious is that mere hours after the news of her preretirement leave broke, JusticesRoxaneGeorge,SC, and Navindra Singh were sworn in as members of the J u d i c i a l S e r v i c e Commission Then, three months later, President Ali suddenly found it necessary to write to outgoing Opposition Leader Mr Aubrey Norton seeking a g r e e m e n t o n t h e appointments of Justices Cummings and Singh to the very offices they currently occupy Whynow,Mr Ali?
The venom Mr. Bissember wasted on the APNU would have been more accurately directed at the PPP
DearEditor,
Over the recent Diwali weekend, I came upon a plethora of utopian and o u t l a n d i s h m e d i a contributions,twoofwhichI will consider below, that brought to mind the recent reprint of 'It's the Institutions, Stupid: The Real Roots of America's Political Crisis' (JuliaAzari, Foreign Affairs Magazine, 11/12/2025).
Azari argued that most observers would agree that American democracy is in crisis, although there is not yetaconsensusofwhatisthe precise cause and how the situation can be fixed. 'For all the talk of unresponsive politicians and apathetic voters,thedemocracypartof the U.S. political system may be in the best shape ever.' She argued that voter suppressionremainsamajor problem generally and that while are far from perfect, thingsarebetter
From her standpoint,
Frompage4 capacity but was never confirmed in the position, it is noteworthy that President Ali only announced his appointmentontheveryday ofMr Bess'sretirement.The contrast in treatment, therefore,isbothglaringand troubling (Guyana Chronicle,2023). Similarly,thereareother e x a m p l e s o f h o w professionals were treated u n d e r P P P / C administrations, Mrs Friedel Isaacs, former Headmistress of Queen's College, and Mr William
American democracy has become dysfunctional because there is a mismatch between its political institutions and current political realities: the structures of American democracy have failed to keep pace with the changes in politics and society This has occurred in three areas: 'political representation remains tied to states and districts,evenasthepolitical conversation has gone national; elections remain relatively de-emphasised in theconstitution,eventhough they have come to matter more and more in practical termsandinstitutionsremain formally colourblind, even though race shapes so much about contemporary politicallife.'
Herfinalareaofconcern caught my attention, for in Guyana's context it largely encapsulates the others Given its constitutional and ethnic inheritance, political c o n v e r s a t i o n a n d
representationinGuyanahas always been tied to race/ethnicityandtothisday the political system has failed to adequately reflect this reality. Instead it has developed a pretensive colour-blindness that is unsuited for democratic development and is largely responsible for the existing dictatorship.
Over generations, political parties have been deliberatelysolidifyingtheir ethnic support with the PPP using its last two decades in government suppressing AfricansandAmerindiansto drivethemintoitsranks.The recent elections have demonstrated that where Africansareconcernedithas failed and no amount of wishful thinking about the impact of We Invest in Nationhood (WIN) can refutethatfact.
GHKLallwaseasilythe most idealistic of the contributors to the political discourse.Accordingtohim,
darkness has overtaken Guyana.'Onthisdayoflight – Diwali - darkness has overtakenandoverwhelmed Guyana. Deep, dense darkness devours the hearts oftoomany.' Thisdarkness is to be found everywhere: State House, Freedom House, Congress Place, etc. 'The higher the office the thicker the darkness!' The politicians and their many sycophants control the resources of the state and have mangled the minds of the Guyanese people for so long they have come to believe that their evil ways willcontinueforever
Sycophanticallypraising autocrats by way of written and verbal contributions is commonplace under dictatorialregimesandwhile Mr Lalldididentifysomeof the malignancies of the currentregimeheappearsto be suggesting that Guyana's salvation rests in some kind ofdivineintervention.Thus, the evildoers, schemers,
falsifiers, manipulators, i.e. the sorry cast of characters thatblightthisland,willnot succeed. 'I light a candle for them all, say a prayer, too. Not for them to be smitten, butthatsomelittlelightwill shine on them, soothe their tormented souls' (KN: 20/10/2025).
Of course, put simply, and I am certain that Mr Lall'sprayerisinthecontext ofthedivineadvicethathelp comes to those who help th
therefore, what is also required is enhanced
institutions that will hold governmentsaccountable.
Mr Neville Bissember's contribution is easily the most outlandish. He was 'shocked and surprised' that having lost the elections in Linden to WIN, APNU was oftheopinionthatitstillhad a role to play in and was r e l e v
administration of Linden' (SN: 19/10/2025). '[D]oes APNU not realise that its role or relevance in a community or any electoral districtinGuyanaisamatter for the residents themselves to decide, In fact, the party'sroleandrelevance,if any, in Region 10, had already been decided by the electorate on 1 September 2025 ' Surprisingly, after severely criticising APNU behaviour, he proceeds to arguethat'Ifthetruthbetold, thefaultliesnotwithAPNU, but rather with our electoral system' i e 'It's the institutionsstupid!' What prevented Mr. Bissember from using the 'truth' and thus avoiding beratingAPNUisamystery Butperhapsithastodowith his deficient understanding o f t h e n a t u r e o f representative democracy Representativedemocracyis castintheextant (Continuedonpage6)
I stand firmly and unapologetically with Justice... Glaring ineptitude of a public company
Wo o l f o r d , f o r m e r Commissioner of the Guyana Geology and Mines Commission (GGMC), both of whom we unfairly treated In the case of Mr Woolford, he acted for years without being appointedtohissubstantive positions
For far too long, our nation has witnessed the high-handedness of PPP/C politicians whose actions, driven by political expediency, continue to erode the very tenets of democracy and good governance.
Equally disturbing is the deafening silence of women within the PPP/C, the W o m e n L a w y e r s Association, the Bar Association, and other women's organisations Their failure to publicly denounce the actions of President Ali and his a d m i n i s t r a t i o n i s disheartening It suggests that a climate of fear and intimidation now grips the nation, where many are hesitant to speak for fear of v i c t i m i s a t i o n o r discrimination.
As a fellow Guyanese, I
s t a n d f i r m l y a n d unapologetically with JusticeYonetteCummings.I end by encouraging my sister in the faith with the comforting words of Psalm 23:5(KJV):
“Thou preparest a table beforemeinthepresenceof mine enemies: thou anointest my head with oil; mycuprunnethover.”
Be assured, Justice Cummings, that God will work all things out according to His divine will andperfectplan.
Yourssincerely, AnnetteFerguson
DearEditor, Follow up to my letter of October 22 published by SN on an overflowing seweragechamber
It is noted the water company promptly respondedtoaletterwriter's complaint, the same day the letter was published, about the quality of water flowing through taps and pipes in a citycommunity
Intrueformthecompany waxed,informingthepublic
about interventions taken, thereby dispelling the claim oftheletterwriter
Unlike my letter stated above, at the time of this letter,therehasbeennorelief orinterventiontoremedythe disgusting situation occurring on my premises closetoamonth. This has to be the most glaringformofineptitudeby apubliccompany
Sincerely ShamshunMohamed
38 Graduate as Patient Care Assistants
AMinister of Health, Dr Frank
total of 38 individuals h a v e successfully graduated fromtheMinistryofHealth's Patient Care Assistant (PCA) Programme in Region Five, marking anotherstepintheMinistry's ongoingeffortstostrengthen the delivery of quality healthcare services across Guyana. The newly trained Patient Care Assistants are nowequippedwiththeskills and knowledge necessary to provide direct, hands-on care to patients under the supervision of Nursing Assistants or Registered Nurses. Their training covered essential areas such as basic
nursing care, infection prevention and control, p a t i e n t h y g i e n e , communication, and ethics inhealthcaredelivery.
In a press release the ministry said, the programme, implemented through the Ministry of Health's Health Sciences
, continues to serve as a key initiative in expanding the healthcare workforce, particularly in regional and communityhealthfacilities.
During the graduation ceremony, the Minister of Health, Dr Frank Anthony commended the graduates for their dedication and
The venom Mr. Bissember wasted on the...
Frompage5 customary/legal framework, a most important element of which is the protection of minority rights in its broadest (geographic, ethnic, etc.) sense. This is best done at almost every political level by the representatives of the various constituencies, be theyindividualsorparties. Notwithstanding the dictatorialnonsensethePPP is peddling, parties only representpartofthecountry andthemajoritywinnerdoes not win the right to exclude the representatives of minority from national or regional decision-making Party manifestoes are only broad frameworks around which national decisionmaking should take place.
Even the Westminster parliamentary system that we inherited has committee stages within which the government and the parliamentary opposition parties are expected to cooperate and formulate government policies that reflects the interest of the nation/country To suggest that small partieshavenoroletoplayin localornationalgovernance aftertheelectionsisabsolute nonsense. Indeed, in the individual constituency-based system Mr Bissember appears to prefer, by way of post elections negotiations an independent representative occupying a single seat can negotiate his way to becomingprimeminister.
But I do agree that G u y a n a ' s c l o s e d proportional representation list system needs to be reformed, and this has for decades been on the agenda of almos
ryone c o n c
r n e d w i t h constitutionalreform. T h e v e n o m M r
Bissember wasted on the APNU would have been more accurately directed at the PPP For much of its existence the PPP has been warned that the logical and empirical results of the policy it is pursuing will l
of the existing dictatorship that it isbusyattemptingtosellas ademocracy.
Regards
Dr.HenryJeffrey
resilience throughout the training period, noting that their commitment reflects the Ministry's vision of improving health outcomes at every level of care. He encouraged the graduates to approach their new roles
integrity
“The Ministry has been makingcontinuouseffortsto expandhealthcareacrossthe
country, recognising that achievingqualityhealthcare requires strengthening the workforce within the system,”theMinisterstated.
Dr.Anthonyemphasised thatthegoalistoensureeach region has an adequate number of health workers, reducingtheneedforstaffto travel between regions to provideservices. Hefurthernotedthatthe Ministryplanstoimplement
116 primary health care interventions aimed at reducing the disease burden and improving health outcomes across all regions. The Ministry of Health remains committed to investing in training and capacity building to ensure that every region across Guyana benefits from a competent,caring,andwellprepared hea
workforce.
4 billion in real losses - a letter to the press
DearEditor,
T h e r e c e n t announcement by Minister Juan Edghill on the commencement of the $4.5 billion International Parika Port Project raises profound and urgent questions regarding fiscal governance andtechnicaldueprocess.
Initiatingaprojectofthis magnitude without a transparent, publicly
a v a i l a b l e , a n d comprehensive feasibility studyrepresentsasignificant departure from established standards of responsible public administration and engineering best practices. Where is the feasibility study?
The minister's reported focus on construction timelines and consultations with taxi drivers and speedboat operators, while administratively important, appears to be tragically misplaced if foundational technical work has been overlooked Consultations with local user groups are c o m m e n d a b l e f o r operational planning, but theyarenosubstituteforthe rigorous scientific analysis required for a multi-billiondollarnationalinfrastructure investment. The critical oversightatthisstageliesnot w i t h c o m m u n i t y engagement, but with the apparentabsenceofessential engineeringvalidation.
The public has a right to knowifthefollowingcritical studieshavebeencompleted, peer-reviewed, and will informtheprojectdesign:
1. Geotechnical and Bathymetric Surveys: On what specific soil data is the planned "extensive land reclamation"based?Without a thorough understanding of the sediment composition and bearing capacity of the Essequibo riverbed, the project risks catastrophic subsidence or structural failure, jeopardising the entire investment. It is not the same “Malali” coming again, we are talking about
cruise liners docking at the new port and that is a “differentkettleoffish”.
2. Hydrographicand Environmental Impact Assessment: What are the projected impacts of this structure on tidal currents, sediment transport, and coastal erosion? The silence onmandatoryenvironmental safeguards and mitigation strategies is alarming and suggests a disregard for the long-term ecological stabilityofthearea.
3 Economic Viability and Traffic Analysis: While, because of the new found riches in oil, we can forgo the detailed business case to prove the n e w d e m a n d f r o m international cruise and cargo carriers and build and hopeforthebest,itwouldbe good to know what are the engagementbeingdonewith the big liners like Carnival Cruiseetc.
4. Dredging and Maintenance Liability: Accommodating deep-draft vessels incurs a permanent, recurring national expense for dredging. The public deservesafullaccountingof the projected scope, p e r p e t u a l a n n u a l maintenance cost, and environmental plan for sedimentdisposalassociated withthisongoingliability
C o m m e n c i n g construction on a "minimal scale"withoutthesepillarsof duediligenceinplaceisnota sign of progress; it is an indicatorofprofoundproject mismanagement. From all appearance, it seems a politician want to make engineeringdecisionwithout afeasibilitystudywhichisa recipe for another “Jagdeo Baby” like the Skeldon Sugar Factory It is the equivalent of building the superstructure of a house without a certified foundation or architectural plan.
I,thereforeechothecalls made by other responsible voices in the public sphere
and urge the following immediateactions:
Ÿ An immediate suspension of all c o n s t r u c t i o n activity at the Parika site until all requisite feasibility studies are completed.
Ÿ The full, public disclosure of all existing technical reports, including g e o t e c h n i c a l , bathymetric, and environmental impactassessments.
Ÿ An independent review of the project's viability, ideally conducted by a body such as the Guyana Association of Professional Engineers (GAPE), and the University of Guyana Faculty of Engineering, with findings presented to t h e N a t i o n a l Assembly To proceed otherwise is to authorize a blank cheque with the nation's finite oil revenues, risking billions of dollarsonaprojectthatcould well become a monument to poorplanning.Thepeopleof Guyana deserve a legacy of sustainabledevelopment,not one of avoidable and costly failure. This Project can end up as another Bharat Jagdeo “White Elephant” like the SkeldonSugarFactory This is not development; it is delusion, and the children of the next generations, those 14-yearolds, will be the one paying theprice.
Wemustremember,they are voting in 2030 and they have a history of speaking loudlywhentheybecome18 years old. This is how the WIN Party was able to beat thePNCledAPNUintothird place Be careful now Brother Bharat Second place is a real option for the PPP if this Project fails like theSkeldonSugarFactory Regards
VishnuPrashad
‘Illegal miner’ or victim of injustice’?
...GGMC accused of defying court orders,
as minister says operation
had no legal permit
Bharrat, Halliman clash over Toroparu mining block
ByRenaySambach
Amid claims by
Marvis
Halliman, a medium-scale miner, who has been vocal about being victimised over aplotoflandlocatednextto aprominentgoldmagnateat Toroparu Backdam, Region Seven (Cuyuni-Mazaruni),
Minister of Natural Resources, Vickram Bharrat has come out claiming that
the miner has been conducting an illegal operation as the Guyana
Geology and Mines Commission(GGMC)never issued the operation a miningpermit.
On Saturday, the mining camp was flattened by GGMC mines officers and members of the Guyana PoliceForce(GPF),whohad initially arrested Halliman and his security guards over afirearmclaimingthatitwas unlicensed, but hours later released them after properly r e v i e w i n g t h e documentation that was provided to them earlier in the day to prove that the firearmwaslicensed.
The mining property at the center of the saga is purportedly owned by WallaceDaniels,theuncleof Marvis Halliman – who has powerofattorney Theissue dates back to December 2012, when Daniels discovered a strip of unclaimed land located near property owned by the Alphonso family, wellknown players in the local
gold industry After confirming the land was available,Danielsappliedto the GGMC and was granted the claim with no legal challenges or objections at the time However, the mining property became the center of legal battles and threats.
In a letter dated October 16, 2025, GGMC served Halliman a removal order, accusing him or persons acting under his direction of disrupting the peace in contravention of the Mining Act At the scene on Saturdaywhilethecampsite was being destroyed Hallimancametotearswhile inhandcuffsasheexpressed his frustration with the way small-scale miners are treated in the mining industry He also disclosed that he attended a meeting withGGMCandwasoffered other alternative mining areas if he gives up the plot
Scene from the operation
available However, that mediation failed In February 2016, Andron Alphonso objected to Daniels being granted Prospecting Permits Medium Scale (PPMS), arguing that his 2009 river claims included the 300 feet inland.
According
o the document, Alphonso owns riverclaimsfiledforin2009, covering34claimsalongthe Puruni River, one mile upstream and 300-feet inlandonbothsides.Daniels' application, however, was for the 300-feet north and southoftheriver,adjacentto the Alphonso property A t
of mining land in the ToroparuBackdam.
However, he said he refuses to be bullied off of a mining property that he is legallywithinhisrightsto.
When contacted on Sundaytorespondtoclaims by Halliman that GGMC's handling of the matter has been unfair to him, Minister BharratstatedthatGGMCis on a zero-tolerance campaign against all illegal mining and activities in mining districts and noted that the campaign will continue until mining districts are clean of illegal activities. As it relates to Halliman, Minister Bharrat said, “Halliman is not a property holder nor a power ofattorney.Henorhisuncle Daniels are in receipt of a mining permit from GGMC for the said property Hallimanhasbeencollecting money from miners to work onthesaidlandillegally.”
It should be noted that Halliman himself had acknowledged that GGMC
has never issued the mining permit for the operation even after the ruling of a tribunal review
and high court rulings. The minerhadstatedthatdespite when his uncle applying for the land there was no
objection or challenges and despite GGMC being ordered to issue the permits, thestateagencyneverdid.
GGMCandCourtrulings information
According to GGMC documents seen by this publication, after there were no legal challenges or objections to Daniels' application for the land, GGMC Commissioner Newell Dennison invited Daniels to a meeting, which was attended by Andron Alphonso and his lawyers.
The meeting was an attempt to mediate a compromise after Alphonso complained, he would have applied had he known the land was
Magistrate Allan Wilson heard the matter and in May 2024, ruled in Daniels' favour The document states thatthemagistrateruledthat Daniels'actionswereneither injurious to Alphonso nor illegal.
Magistrate Wilson held that under Guyana's mining regulations, river claims cannot by law include 300feet inland from the lowwater mark, meaning Alphonso's claims did not cover the disputed strip. On May 3, 2023, Minister Bharrat had issued a retroactive order closing the disputed area from December 6, 2012, which is thedaybeforeDanielsmade his application to GGMC. Notablythemagistrateruled to strike out the minister (Continuedonpage9_)
Melissa a Category 4 hurricane …as Caribbean braces for impact
KINGSTON, Jamaica, Oct 26
(Reuters) - Hurricane Melissa has developedintoaCategory4hurricane with maximum sustained winds of up to140mph(220kmh)andisexpected to strengthen as it heads towards Jamaica, the U.S. National Hurricane Center(NHC)saidonSunday Melissa is about 110 miles (180 km)southofKingstonandexpectedto make landfall in Jamaica Monday night or Tuesday morning and hit southeastern Cuba late Tuesday, the NHC said, with catastrophic floods, landslides and storm surges expected intheregion.
During a press conference in Kingston on Sunday, authorities said bothinternationalairportswereclosed and 881 shelters have been activated around the country "Many of these
communities will not survive the flooding," Desmond McKenzie, minister of local government, said at the press conference. "Kingston is extremely low No community in Kingstonisimmune."
Authorities said a decision on whether to issue a mandatory evacuationorderwouldbemadelater intheday,whileimploringresidentsto evacuate, with assistance being provided.Some residents, however, chose to stay put, and authorities said somehaverefusedtoboardevacuation buses. “We are riding out the storm, we're not going to go anywhere. Just sitting down and watch everything, make sure everything's working good,” said Douglas Butler, a local boatcaptaininPortRoyal.“Ijusttake thingseasy AslongasIhavemyfood,
I can eat. That is the most important thing."
TheNHCsaidMelissaisexpected to bring 15 to 30 inches of rain to JamaicaandsouthernHispaniolawith a local maximum of up to 40 inches. EasternCubaisexpectedtoreceive10 to15inches,withlocalamountsofup to 20 inches. Dana Morris Dixon, Jamaica's information minister, said the regional disaster agency, Caribbean Disaster Emergency Management Agency, is ready to provide assistance, and several international partners have already pledgedsupport.
"We will experience the intensity of the hurricane tomorrow night Monday going into Tuesday," Morris Dixonsaid."Thisisrainfallwe'venot seenbefore.”
Minister of Natural Resources, Vickram Bharrat
Marvis Halliman
No Kings in Guyana
In the republic of mimicry that is called Guyana, where every new slogan or gesture seems imported, rehearsed, and flattened by repetition, it is strange that no one has yet thoughttoimitateoneofthe more intelligent American rebellions—the“NoKings” protests.
In the United States, where the idea of monarchy has long been a political profanity, men and women recentlytooktothestreetsto remind their leaders that no one, not even a president, may rise above the law It was a protest of principle, thekindthatseeksnotbread or jobs or favours, but the preservationofcivicdignity
It is remarkable that Guyana, whose citizens have made a craft of imitation, imitating America's events, slogans, fashions, and follies has not yet discovered that the refusaltoberuledbykingsis alsoworthyofimitation.
In Guyana, the irony is that though we have never had kings, we have never stopped behaving as though we should The entire political system rests on the understandingthatoneman, or one woman, must tower above the rest Every g o v e r n m e n t s i n c e independence has cultivated its own court, its own loyalists, its own courtiers and jesters The current order is no different. Its kingship is not declared but assumed It is asserted through innuendo, through the daily theatre of insult, through the public shaming of anyone who dares to speakwithoutpermission.
Each week, the government and its
doormats hurl their
denunciations at critics, journalists, activists, d i s s e n t e r s T h e denunciations by itself would not be bad, after all thegovernmenthasarightto reply But when the denunciationsisfollowedby vendettas and threats, it becomes corrosive. When the State is weaponised against critics, then we are dealing with oppression and suppression where criticism is treated as treason, and disagreement is a crime of disloyalty
This repetition of contempt has become the rhythmofourciviclife.Ina small country, where the air is thick with rumour and fear, this constant abuse, followed by political vindictiveness has a purpose.Itbreedssilence.It teaches people to retreat, to look away, to wait for someone else to speak first. But we have been warned before: if you say nothing when they come for others, one day they will come for you.
Thesicknessattheheart of Guyanese politics.is the cult of leadership itself, the belief that power is more legitimate when it appears inevitable. Guyana has for too long lived under the shadow of what is believed b y m a n y t o b e a P u t i n – M e d v e d e v arrangement, that cynical partnership where it is believed that one man rules through another, and where the exercise of power is alwaysdescribedasservice. The result is a theatre of continuity: the same faces, the same rhetoric, the same assurances that we are “moving forward” though
no one ever says toward what.
It is whispered, and not only in opposition circles, that power in Guyana is exercisedbyproxy Insucha climate, accountability becomes a fiction The citizen learns that his government is not a system oflawsbutofloyalties.
The parliament, which should be a chamber of debateanddissent,becomes insteadanornament,astage prop. The summoning of Parliamentisnowtreatedas a royal prerogative delayed,deferred,asthough the government were doing the people a favour by a l l o w i n g t h e m representation.
This, precisely, is why Guyana needs its own “No Kings” protest. Not because it will change anything overnight, but because silencehasalreadydonetoo much damage. The citizen who accepts delay in the calling of Parliament will soon accept delay in the release of budgets, the suppression of reports, the silencing of journalists. He will accept the dismantling of institutions one compromise at a time. And whenhelooksup,hewillsee that the republic he thought he lived in has quietly been replacedbyadynasty
Already, the outlines of such a dynasty are visible. The same names, the same families, the same tight circle of loyalists and financiers. It is a class that calls itself revolutionary but behavesliketheoldcolonial bourgeoisie — protective of privilege, intolerant of criticism, allergic to transparency.
The newspapers are
DEM BOYS SEH
Every morning when yuh travelling along we public roads, yuh does see dead cow, dead dog, dead cat, dead donkey and even dead fowls. Is like overnight dem had ananimalmassacre.
Howmanytimesyuhgattogottaswerve fromadeaddog,cat,donkeyorcowbefore the government realises we need animal patrols?It'slikethejungleversionofGrand Theft Auto out here on these Guyanese roads, and our four-legged comrades are paying the ultimate price in a game of “hit andrun.”Weneedjusticeforthefallen!
Dem poor animals, innocent victims in thisasphaltedjungle,haveturnedourroads intoaveritablewarzone.Forget'boutspeed bumps; we've got wildlife speed humps!
We're talking about a roadkill buffet stretchingfromCorrivertontoCharity
It'shightimethegovernmentstepsupits gameandassemblesananimalpatrolforce.
mocked,themediaisstarved of access, and the public service is made to understand that loyalty counts for more than competence It is a government that seems determined to act as though it possesses not a mandate butadivineright. And yet, even as the country is being remade in the image of its rulers, there is no protest, no movement, no gathering of conscience.
The Guyanese have become spectators of their own undoing. They whisper of corruption but do not march against it; they complain of arrogancebutbowwhenthe motorcades pass. It is as if, having imitated everything else, they have now chosen to imitate the worst of their
Frompage8 order. In 2024, GGMC moved to the high court seeking a judicial review of the tribunal's decision. Some of the respondents in the case sought a dismissal through their lawyers The respondents argued that the case was improperly filed and lacked grounds The court dismissed GGMC's case, ruling that when Daniels appliedin2012therewere no objections, and that Alphonso only showed interest in the land after the
history — the docility that oncekeptthemcolonial.
To say “No Kings” in Guyana would not be to insult the government; it would be to rescue the republic. It would be to declare that no one , not party, not leader, not benefactor, is greater than the law or the people it was made to protect. It would remind those in power that authority is borrowed, not inherited; that leadership is service,notentitlement.
Perhaps such a peaceful protestwillcome.Perhapsit willnot.
Perhaps the peaceful protest can take the simple form of those courageous enoughtowearaT-shirtthat simply says, :"No Kings in Guyana."
application was filed. It was noted too that even after showing interestintheland, Alphonso never made a formal application for the sameplotofland.
In December 2024, GGMC again moved to the high court this time seeking toquashMagistrateWilson's decision,arguingthepermits granted overlapped with land already reserved by the 2023 ministerial order GGMC contended that the order approved prospecting permits for Daniels in an area that had already been
Thealternativeisthatwe do nothing. But if Guyana continues to mistake obedience for patriotism, and fear for stability, it will wake one day to find that it has recreated exactly what its forebears escaped. And then, when the autocrats comeforthem,therewillbe noonelefttospeak.
(The views expressed in this article are those of the author and do not necessarily reflect the opinionsofthisnewspaper.)
reserved and closed to mining.
The commission argued toothatthetribunaldecision wasunlawful,unreasonable, unfair, and an abuse of power GGMC asked the court to quash this decision unless Magistrate Wilson can show cause. However, the court dismissed that challengeaswell.
Halliman had told this publication that despite GGMC's repeated failed legal challenges, the commission has still not issuedthepermits.
Weneedofficersonpaw-trol,readytoticket speeding vehicles and protect our creatures from the reckless rampage of drivers. Perhaps we should even consider getting some traffic lights designed with animal signals – green for go, red for stop, and a donkeyforcaution.
Andlet'snotforgettheaftermathofthese hit-and-run crimes. Too many dead animal carcassesontheroadeachdayandsmelling stinktoo. Weneedanagencytocleanupthis mess,aDepartmentofRoadsideRespect,if you will. They can't just be left to rot; it's disrespectful to our furry fallen friends. Bury them with dignity Hold a memorial service. Maybe even start a support group fortraumatisedroad-crossinganimals.
It'stimetomakeourroadssafeforall–two-legged and four-legged alike. Dem animalsbeggingfuhsomeroadsiderespect! TalkHalf!LeffHalf!
Bharrat,Hallimanclashover...
H@RD TRUTHS
PPP-PNC shared governance in action
I am compelled to congratulate the PPP Govt's leadership for its stunning resourcefulness. It took a while, went over my head, butthepiecesfallintoplace. I look on and wave on the PNC Opposition leadership, andIsayrighton. Forthose Guyanese who now see glimmers of PPP-PNC shared governance in action remember to collect a prize. For sure, it is an unofficial, unsanctioned, unannounced kind of shared governance workedoutbetweenthePPP and PNC But shared governance is what is in motion. Whoever said that the PNC lost the September st1 elections now have to humble themselves and eat sawdust. Ieat.
Thefirstcluecamefrom PPP VP, Dr Jagdeo. His preference is to work with thePNC. So,itwassaid,so it is done, with shared governance gaining a footing.
The second clue of this peculiar form of shared governance that hit Guyanese voters' plumb on the nose was the PNC's gymnastics with RDCs (Regional Democratic Councils), the jockeying between the contestants for chairingroles. When Guyanese expectations were that the PNC would go one way, it went another way The old way, it is. It is down with WIN, and up with the PPPPNC Coalition An
inspiringstateofaffairslong clamored for, but not under such hazy circumstances. I fully understand that there may be no stomach for dealingwithacertainkindof people, but what to make of this new stomach that the PNCnowdisplays?
All those who jumped ship prior to the elections must be having a long laff, for look at those crossing overnowtothelandofmilk andhoney Justsoallareon the same page: it's the PPP controlled land of milk and nectar
The third clue came in the outline of that dubious beast, that unmitigated horror, labeled campaign financing. Though heard before, I almost choked when I heard from the PNC in ringing terms. NO! NO! NO! to the disclosure of campaign financing donors. Ifthedonorswererun-of-the mill Guyanese donating a hundred dollars that they reallycan'tspare,ortheloyal with a thousand-dollar bill parted with in the hope of being remembered, there would be no objection to disclosure of donor identities. Buttherewasthe PNC standing shoulder-toshoulder with the PPP, marchinginlockstepwithit: notodisclosureofcampaign financing donors. What is that if not a meeting of the minds on a very sensitive and controversial issue, so that the self-protection of boththePPPandPNCareall
but guaranteed. I regret having to say this, but that posture of non-disclosure justrippedasunderGuyana's anti-money laundering law What kind of money and what kind of donors have to beshieldedatallcosts,ismy quiet inquiry, and with both the PPP and PNC putting asidetheirreciprocalhatreds and speaking with one voice?
No to campaign financing disclosure It seemsthatDr Jagdeoscored a winner after a long drought. Recall from above. Cast aside festering hatreds, andgoodthingswillhappen, since his preference was to work with the PNC. Figure that one out. I try to figure out the bargaining chips
han covering the rear ends of both parties, that are big in the donation and collection hustle. The PNC stands to gain another feather A friendoftheprivatesector,it has become. Ha, ha. This countryissickerthanamule that overdid it with molasses.
The fourth clue that pointed to shared PPP-PNC governance was startling, a brilliant testimony to PPP
virtuosity. Acting Chancellor of the Judiciary, Justice Yonette EdwardsCummings is proceeding on earlyretirementleave. Have a good one, Madame Chancellor In less than the time it took to count from one to two, there was
ExcellencyAli firing off his first communication to the PNC leadership since his reelection.
Thecallisforagreement on closing out the long stalemate over making substantive appointments to the top judicial posts of chancellor and chief justice ofGuyana.
Neaterthanthescaleson a serpent's head or a crocodile's back, I say If there are Guyanese that cannot anticipate PNC leader, Aubrey Norton, agreeing to the names
identified for chancellor and CJ, then they have lost more than thei marbles In language favored by politicians, it would be sold as the art of compromising toreachconsensus.
In the language long utilised by Guyana's Kaieteur News,itistekhaff, leffhaff. Whateveritis,Iam struckdumb.
Mr Nortonisonhisway out as the Opposition Leader, but he is pushed to the top of the local world.
stonewall WIN's Mohamed, a
governancebetweenthePPP and PNC. God bless this paradiselost.
(The views expressed in this article are those of the
necessarily reflect the opinionsofthisnewspaper.)
Health ministry, PAHO launched campaign to end child pregnancies
The Ministry of Health, in collaboration withtheHealthyLifeCourseUnitofthePan American Health Organisation (PAHO), launched a national awareness campaign, “Let'sEndChildPregnancies”,attheSophia HealthCentrelastWednesday
The campaign commences Adolescent Pregnancy Prevention Week 2025 and aims to reduce adolescent pregnancies and promotesafemotherhood.
Theawarenesscampaignisalsofocused onpreparingacomprehensiveguidethrough a “safe motherhood approach' while highlighting the importance of family planning,prenatalcare,andhealthylifestyle choices.
During the campaign, various topics were covered, including safe adolescent pregnancy and prevention strategies, essential practices for mothers and babies, emergency signs during pregnancy, and referralpathways.
'Roadmap tool' was used to engage adolescent mothers in understanding the stages of a healthy pregnancy and the benefitsoffamilyplanning.
The interactive session included open discussions,aquestion-and-answersegment, and practical advice from healthcare professionals on labour, breastfeeding, and postnatal care. Valuable information on registering newborns for post-natal clinics and the importance of continued family planningsupportwasprovidedbythenurses oftheSophiaHealthCentre.
With similar activities scheduled to take place across various health facilities in Guyana, this reaffirms the government and PAHOcommitmenttosupportingadolescent healthinitiatives.
This further aligns with the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) to reduce teenage pregnancies and improve maternal healthoutcomesby2030.(DPI)
Missing Guyanese boat captain was abducted while transporting GDF fuel
Relatives of missing Guyanese Boat Captain, Frederick Pollard have revealed that he was transporting fuel for the Guyanese Defence Force (GDF) when gunmen abducted him in the Cuyuni River,RegionSeven.
Twomonthshavepassed since he and a Venezuelan man were seen detained on Venezuela's shore by gunmensuspectedtobepart of the notorious “Sindicato gang” and his loved ones want to know why the GDF hasnotissuedastatementon the matter since then. Fearful of the gang they askedthattheiridentitiesnot berevealedbutsaidthatthey decided to raise the matter again because the GDF seemsreluctanttogivethem anyassurance.
Speaking with Kaieteur News recently, Pollard's relativessaidthatheworked as a boat captain for Steve Macedo Macedo is reportedly contracted by the 'Government' to transport fuel for GDF in the Cuyuni River Pollard was en route to Devil Hole when he was abducted on August 24, 2025.
K a i e t e u r N e w s understands that gang suspected of abducting him would normally order boats traversing the river to stop andchargethemataxingold if they are transporting fuel. However, Pollard, would normally be escorted by GDF or joint services ranks because he transports their property. So, he never stoppedatthecheckpoint.
Ondayhewasabducted, Pollard had left Eteringbang reportedlywithoutpatrolling jointservicesranksescorting him pass the gang's checkpoint.
It is unclear why he travelled without an escort
but reports reaching Kaieteur News are that Pollard was scheduled to leave on the August 23 but delayedhistripforameeting withvisitingmembersofthe Peoples Progressive Party/Civic who were at the time on the campaign trail for the recently held September 1, Regional and GeneralElections.
The following day, Pollard left for Eteringbang with a passenger onboard, Antonio José Bolivar better known as “Pancho”, - a Venezuelan National who wasabductedalonghim-but bothmenneverreachedtheir destination. His common-law-life
Abducted with the boat captain, Antonio José Bolivar
Abducted Guyanese boat captain, Frederick Pollard
whoresidesinSan-Martin,a Venezuelan village located opposite Eteringbang along theCuyuniRiver,reportedly grewalittleworriedwhenhe did not call to say he had arrived but brushed it aside thinking that he might have beendelayed.
OneveningofAugust25 devastating news reached her that Pollard was held captive by members of the “Sindicato Gang” She received the news from passengers of another boat who were travelling to Eteringbang from Devil Hole. According them they sawPollardincustodyofthe gunmenbychance.
Theywereforcedtostop at the gunmen's checkpoint and while they were there a GDFpatrolwaspassingbyat the same time The passengers recounted that the gunmen then ordered them to exit their boat and take cover in the bushes fearful of an exchange of gunfire with the soldiers. Fearful about a possible shootout, the passengers did astheyweretold.
It was while seeking cover that they saw Pollard and the Venez
an passenger sitting in a boat hea
Venezuelan territory He then told them that he was being held captive the by gang and begged them to take a message to his wife about what has happened to him.
A short while after the gunmen informed the passengers that it was safe for them to come out from thebushes.
They re-entered their vessel and the gunmen instructed them to “get-out-
of here” before the patrol ranksreturned.
Thepassengersdelivered the message to his wife and ranks with the Guyana Police Force at Eteringbang summoned them for a statement and information onthematter
That was the last time Pollard and the passengers wereseen.
Four days later around 23:00hrs on August 29, relativesreceivedacallfrom
Pollard. They described his voiceassounding“trembly”. Hetoldthemthathewas alive but held captive by the gang.Healsoinformedthem that the gang members were takinghimoutoftheareaon amotorbiketoseetheirboss in Tumeremo, an area located some three hours away from the Venezuelan border with Eteringbang Guyana. He ended call with thewords,“Igagonowaga gonow”.
That was the last time family members heard from him Pollard's trail went cold. Family members want theGDFtobemoreinvolved trying to get information from their counterparts a b o u t t h e g a n g ' s whereabouts in making an efforttolocatehim.Hiswife has reached out to Venezuelan authorities and hasbeensearchingforhimin theneighbouringcountrybut hasreachedonlydeadends.
HundredsJoinPinktoberWalk
Hundreds of women and men turned out on Sunday for the annual Pinktober Breast Cancer AwarenessWalk,unitingtopromotepreventionand earlydetection.
Addressing participants, Minister of Health Dr Frank Anthony commended organisers and attendees for keeping the message alive, while highlighting the Ministry's ongoing efforts to expand screening and oncology services across Guyana. “EveryyearinOctober,wecometogether for this walk as a way to raise awareness about cancerprevention,”Dr.Anthonysaid.“Whatbegan as a simple initiative has now evolved into a movement that inspires people to take action and maketheirhealthapriority.”
He stressed the life-saving importance of early detection, urging citizens, especially women to schedule regular mammography and ultrasound screenings Dr Anthony highlighted that mammography machines are now installed at
Suddie Hospital, Linden Hospital Complex, New Amsterdam Hospital, and Lethem Regional Hospital,withincreasingnumberstakingadvantage of these services. The Minister also acknowledged healthcare professionals, survivors, advocacy groups, and corporate partners for championing breast cancer awareness throughout Pinktober. Representatives from One Communication, a key partner in the event, noted that the walk provides a safe space for survivors to share their stories and inspireotherstotakepreventiveaction.Dr.Anthony reinforced the national message: “Early Detection SavesLives,”encouragingcitizenstomovebeyond symbolic gestures and adopt year-round vigilance, regularcheck-ups,andactivesupportforawareness initiatives Representatives from One Communication highlighted that the annual event seeksnotonlytoraiseawarenessbutalsotocreatea safe space for survivors to share their stories and inspireothers.
Six-Year-Old Girl Killed, Several Injured in Fiery Gas Station Blast
A powerful explosion ripped through the Mobil Gas Station at Regent and King Streets on Sunday night, killing a six-yearold girl and injuring several others in a scene witnesses describedas“purechaos.”
The deafening blast, which echoed across the capital around 7:30 p.m., shattered windows of nearby buildings, damaged vehicles, and sent debris raining down over the area When Kaieteur News arrived on the scene, a mangled car lay amid twistedmetalandshatteredglass.
A Toyota Fielder wagon parked nearbywasalsobadlywrecked.
A cage filled with propane bottleswascompletelydestroyed and the glass walls of the supermarket section was also shattered with part of the walls cavingin.Anemergencyresponse team along with crime scene investigators was also on the ground. One of the officials with the Guyana Fire Service (GFS) saidthattheyreceivedacallabout theexplosionaround19:30hrs.
“Four persons were transported to the hospital the
three were children, out of the three children that were transported, one would have succumbed to the injuries he said”.
Kaieteur News later learnt at the scene that the child who died was identified as a six-year-old girl. Eyewitnesses claimed that a total of six persons were injured. The children were reportedly in the car that suffered the brunt of the explosion and the two surviving children are reportedly in critical condition. Among the (Continuedonpage15)
Soraya Bourne
Mottley condemns U.S. military buildup in Caribbean
...warns of “dangerous and untenable” situation
Prime Minister of
Barbados, Mia Amor
Mottley, has issued a blistering condemnation of the United States' military buildup in the Caribbean, warning that the region now
faces an “extremely dangerous and untenable situation” with “menacing vessels” threatening peace andstability
In her address at the Barbados Labour Party's 86th annual conference in Bridgetown over the weekend, Mottley said, “If everweneededareminderof how unstable, and how dangerousthisworldthatwe liveinis,andhowvulnerable ourCaribbeanregionis,itis now with us facing a multiplicityofthreats.”
Shecontinued,“Wedon't needtolookanyfurtherthan the menacing vessels, military vessels, from the United States across the Caribbean Sea, including what is reputed to be the world'slargestwarship.”
The Prime Minister noted that the situation currently unfolding is extremely dangerous, as region has had its share of being subjected to centuries of “big power, orchestrated genocide, terrorism, and warfare”.
Mottleywaskeentonote that peace is critical to the region, adding, “and now that peace is being threatened,wehavetospeak up.Ibelievethatthetimehas come for us, therefore, to be abletoensurethatwedonot acceptthatanyentityhasthe right to engage in extrajudicial killings of persons that they suspect of being involved in criminal activities.”
Instead,shemadeitclear thattheCaribbeanstandsfor the rule of law She sent a strongmessagetotheUnited States government: “We believe that if there is other intelligence available that would cause you to take action that is an immediate threattoyouasanation,then you have a duty to share it withus.Butonthefaceofit, [ c o n f l i c t i n g ] l a w enforcement with military actionisadangerousstep.”
Moreover, the Prime Minister pointed out, “We equally do not accept that any nation in our region, or the greater Caribbean, should be the subject of an imposition upon them, of any unilateral expression of force and violence by any thirdpartyornation.”
Shereasonedthatifthere are conflicts and disputes in
Six-Year-OldGirl...
Frompage13
injured was the driver of the fielder wagon that was parked nearby when the explosionoccurred.
Reportsarehewassitting insidewhenhisvehiclelifted into the air before falling backdown.
Pump attendants who wereondutyrecalledseeing the children being pitched out of the car they were in. Two of them recounted that theywereinthesupermarket
when the explosion occurred.
“Wenahseenothing,we hear and then all the glass camepitchingin.
Another staff said she was close to where the explosion happened and is luckytobealive.
She said that the car pulled up and a woman stepped out and ordered a water from her (Five Gallon). “She then walk and go by the KFC”, she said while adding she wanted to go take out the water and waitwhilethewomanwasat KFC.
need of resolution then they should be addressed by the UnitedNationsOrganisation to ensure negotiation and peacefulactionsaretakento settledisputes.
To this end, the Prime Ministerurged,“Theviolent actions that this buildup has ledtoneedstobethesubject ofdialogue.
And I have said before, almost every war in the world in history has been ended by dialogue. So let us have dialogueto preventthe warfromstarting,ratherthan tostopitwhenithasstarted.”
On Sunday, the CNN reported that a US warship docked in Trinidad and
Tobago's capital Sunday as the Trump administration boosts military pressure on neighbouringVenezuelaand its President Nicolás Maduro.
The arrival of the USS Gravely, a guided-missile destroyer, in the capital of the Caribbean nation is in additiontotheaircraftcarrier USS Gerald R. Ford, which is moving closer to Venezuela.
Maduro criticised the movement of the carrier as an attempt by the US government to fabricate “a new eternalwar” againsthis country
US President Donald
TrumphasaccusedMaduro, without providing evidence, of being the leader of the organised crime gang Tren deAragua.
The arrival of the US warship follows at least 10 military strikes by the US military, killing 43 persons on suspected drug-carrying boatssinceSeptember Eight
of those strikes occurred in theCaribbeanSeaandtwoin the eastern Pacific. These strikes form part of the D o n a l d T r u m p administration's plan to confront drug trafficking in the Western Hemisphere, which Washington says poses a threat to America's nationalsecurity
US, China talks sketch out rare earths, tariff pause for Trump and Xi to consider
KUALA LUMPUR, Oct 26
(Reuters) - Top Chinese and U.S. economic officials on Sunday hashed out the framework of a trade deal for U.S. President Donald Trump and ChinesePresidentXiJinpingtodecide on later this week that would pause steeper American tariffs and Chinese rare earths export controls, U S officialssaid.
announced, Bessent told the ABC program "This Week." Greer told the "FoxNewsSunday"programthatboth sides agreed to pause some punitive actions and found "a path forward wherewecanhavemoreaccesstorare earthsfromChina,wecantrytobalance outourtradedeficitwithsalesfromthe UnitedStates."
“But something tell me nahlemewaituntilshecome back”.
Afew moments later the explosion occurred at the exact location where she would have gone to retrieve thebottleofwater.
She recalled that two of thechildrenwerepitchedout ofthecar.
Public-spirited citizens rushed to the scene immediately to assist the victims and rushed them to thehospital.
M e a n w h i l e , a n immediateinvestigationwas launched.Crimesceneranks were seen using police snifferdogstohelpcombthe areaforclues.
Speaking with the press at the scene, Minister of Home Affairs, Oneige Waldron said, “Its an explosion so of course immediatelyyouthinkofall thepossibilitiesorthingsthat cancauseanexplosion”.
“The sniffer dogs can detect bombs so they were here it was all part of the investigation”,sheadded.
U S Treasury Secretary Scott Bessentsaidtalksonthesidelinesofthe ASEANSummitinKualaLumpurhad eliminated the threat of Trump's 100% tariffs on Chinese imports starting November 1. Bessent also said he expectsChinatodelayimplementation of its rare earth minerals and magnets licensing regime by a year while the policyisreconsidered.
Chinese officials were more circumspectaboutthetalksandoffered no details about the outcome of the meetings.TrumpandXiareduetomeet on Thursday on the sidelines of the Asia-Pacific Economic Cooperation (APEC) summit in Gyeongju, South Korea, to sign off on the terms. While the White House has officially announced the highly anticipated Trump-Xi talks, China has yet to confirmthatthetwoleaderswillmeet.
"I think we have a very successful frameworkfortheleaderstodiscusson Thursday," Bessent told reporters after he and U S Trade Representative JamiesonGreermetwithChineseVice Premier He Lifeng and top trade negotiator Li Chenggang for their fifth round of in-person discussions since May Bessent said he anticipates that a tarifftrucewithChinawillbeextended beyond its November 10 expiration date, and that China will revive substantial purchases of U.S. soybeans after buying none in September while favouring soybeans from Brazil and Argentina.
U.S.soybeanfarmers"willfeelvery goodaboutwhat'sgoingonbothforthis season and the coming seasons for severalyears"oncethedeal'stermsare
TRUMPEXPECTSADEAL, CHINESESUGGESTCAUTION
China's Li Chenggang said the two sides reached a "preliminary consensus" and will next go through their respective internal approval processes. All three of Wall Street's mainindexesclosedatrecordhighson Friday, with the Dow adding 1% to break47,000forthefirsttimeever, "The U.S. position has been tough, whereas China has been firm in defendingitsowninterestsandrights," Lisaidthroughaninterpreter "Wehave experienced very intense consultations andengagedinconstructiveexchanges in exploring solutions and arrangements to address these concerns."
Trump arrived in Malaysia on SundayforasummitoftheAssociation of Southeast Asian Nations, his first stop in a five-day Asia tour that is expected to culminate in Thursday's face-to-face with Xi in South Korea. Aftertheweekendtalks,Trumpstrucka positive tone, saying: "I think we're goingtohaveadealwithChina".
Trump had threatened new 100% tariffsonChinesegoodsandothertrade curbs starting on November 1, in retaliationforChina'sexpandedexport controls on rare earth magnets and minerals. China controls more than 90% of the world's supply for the materials,whichareessentialforhightech manufacturing from electric vehicles to semiconductors and missiles The export controls and Trump's threatened retaliation would disruptadelicatesix-monthtruceunder which China and the U.S. reduced tariffs that had quickly escalated to
triple-digitratesoneachside.TheU.S. and Chinese officials said that, in addition to rare earths, they discussed trade expansion, the U.S. fentanyl crisis, U.S. port entrance fees and the transfer of TikTok to U.S. ownership control. Bessent told NBC's "Meet the Press"programthatthetwosideshave to iron out details of the TikTok deal, allowing Trump and Xi to "consummatethetransaction"inSouth Korea.
TALKING POINTS WITH XI INCLUDESOYBEANS,TAIWAN
On the sidelines of the ASEAN Summit, Trump hinted at possible meetings with Xi in China and the United States. "We've agreed to meet. We'regoingtomeetthemlaterinChina, and we're going to meet in the U.S., in either Washington or at Mar-a-Lago," Trumpsaid.
AmongTrump'stalkingpointswith Xi are Chinese purchases of U.S. soybeans, concerns around democratically governed Taiwan, whichChinaviewsasitsownterritory, and the release of jailed Hong Kong mediatycoonJimmyLai.
The detention of the founder of the now-defunct pro-democracy newspaperAppleDailyhasbecomethe most high-profile example of China's crackdownonrightsinHongKong.
TrumpalsosaidhewillseekChina's help in U.S. dealings with Moscow, as Russia's war in Ukraine grinds on. Tensions between the world's two largesteconomiesflaredinthepastfew weeksasadelicatetradetruce,reached after a first round of trade talks in GenevainMayandextendedinAugust, failed to prevent the United States and Chinafromhittingeachotherwithmore sanctions, export curbs and threats of stronger retaliatory measures. China's expandedcontrolsofrareearthsexports havecausedaglobalshortage.Thathas promptedtheUnitedStatestoconsider ablockonsoftware-poweredexportsto China, from laptops to jet engines, accordingtoaReutersreport.
Prime Minister of Barbados, Mia Mottley
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LatinAmerica,Caribbeanleadersrenew pledgetoendviolenceagainstchildren
….as PAHO–UNICEF consultation calls for urgent action, stronger systems
Governments, civil society, youth representatives, and international partners fromacrossLatinAmericaand the Caribbean renewed their commitment to end violence against children and adolescents during a high-level regional consultation cohosted by the Pan American HealthOrganisation(PAHO) andUNICEF
The region continues to have the highest rates of violence against children and adolescents worldwide. Nearly two out of three children aged 1 to 14 experience violent discipline at home, and one in five girls experience sexual violence before reaching18.
Interpersonalviolenceremainsaleadingcauseofdeath for young people. Despite progressandpoliticalcommitments, efforts to protect childrenfromviolenceremaininsufficient.
Over two days of dialogue,heldvirtuallyonthe23 and24October,morethan300 participants – including ministersandseniorofficialsfrom thehealth,education,justice, and child protection sectors, as well as representatives of
civil society, youth leaders, and international partners — cametogethertodiscussconcrete actions to build safer environments for children and adolescents.
“Every child has the right togrowupfreefromviolence, safe in their homes, schools, and communities, and to enjoyachildhoodfullofopportunities,” said Dr. Jarbas Barbosa, Director of PAHO.
“The change we want to see in the health system is clear: health services must be in daily contact with communities.
Whenhealthworkersidentifyindividualswhoareat-risk early and provide them with qualitysupport,itmakesareal differencetosurvivorsofviolence,theirfamilies,andcommunities.
It is a unique opportunity to improve public trust in the response system and decisively demonstrate that violence is never justified.”
“Formillionsofchildrenin LatinAmerica and the Caribbean,violenceremainsintheir homes,schools,communities or online, undermining their
mental health, fueling cycles ofpoverty,andevenperpetuates violence into the next generations,” said AnneClaireDufayUNICEFDeputy Regional Director for Latin America and the Caribbean.
“The good news is we know what works to end violence. We need bold investments to ensure every child is protected—investments in prevention,inearlydetection,in quality services, and in justice systems that respond with dignity and care.
Whenweprotectchildren fromviolence,wearenotonly savinglives—weareshaping the future of the region.”
From evidence to action
The Consultation advanced an evidence-to-action agenda structured aroundfourkeyareasforpreventing and responding to violence:
Legal and policy frameworks to prevent and respond to violence.
Parenting programs to break cycles of violence against children and adolescents.
Safe and enabling
learningenvironments. Comprehensive healthandprotectionservices to respond to survivors.
Eachsessionfeaturedexamplesofgoodpracticesfrom countries across Latin America and the Caribbean, showcasing concrete solutions that have delivered results.
Participants underscored that effective prevention requires whole-of-government and whole-of-society approaches, with particular attention to early childhood, mental health, digital safety, and social-protection systems.Contributionsfromsurvivors, youth representatives, artists, and international experts underscored the importance of working togethertodriverealchange.
They reaffirmed their determination to consolidate multisectoral partnerships and strengthen collaboration between the health, education, social protection, and justice sectors, together with civil-society, survivor and youthnetworks,toaccelerate progress toward ending violence.
Countriesalsomadecommitments to strengthen national health and protection systemsthatarecoordinated, data-driven, and responsive to the needs of every child and adolescent.
The Regional Ministerial Consultation on Ending Violence against Children and AdolescentsinLatinAmerica and the Caribbean was convenedbyPAHOandUNICEF to exchange experiences, identify effective strategies, and strengthen regional cooperation toward achieving thecommitmentsmadeatthe GlobalMinisterialConference toEndViolenceAgainstChildren (Bogotá, 2024) and the Sustainable Development Goals16—whichcallsonall countries to promote peaceful and inclusive societies, provide access to justice for all, and build effective, accountable, and inclusive institutions, including the specific target (16.2) to end abuse, exploitation, trafficking,andallformsofviolence against and torture of children.
PAHOhighlights31yearswithoutpolio intheAmericas …calls
for strengthened vaccination efforts
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Washington,D.C.,October 23, 2025 (PAHO) — On WorldPolioDay(October24), the Pan American Health Organisation (PAHO) celebrates over three decades withoutwildpolioviruscases in the Americas. PAHO continuestohighlightstheimportance of strengthening vaccination coverage to prevent a possible resurgence of this preventable disease.
“A few decades ago, parents lived in fear for their children’s health — sudden fever,pain,muscleweakness, and sometimes permanent paralysis. That was polio, an incurable disease that could cause lifelong disability or even death,” recalled Dr JarbasBarbosa,PAHODirector. “Thanks to vaccines and a tremendous collective effort, it has now been 31 years since wild poliovirus last circulated in our region. This is anextraordinarypublichealth achievement.”
Polio affected thousands of children across theAmericas until the early 1990s. In 1975,nearly6,000caseswere
reported, and the last case of wild poliovirus was detected inPeruin1991.Thismilestone led to the certification of the Americas as the first region in the world to be declared polio-freein1994.
However, PAHO emphasises that maintaining this status requires renewed commitment and sustained action. In 2024, only 83% of children in the Americas received the third dose of the polio vaccine — well below the 95% coverage recommended by the World Health Organisation (WHO) to ensureherdimmunity.Poliomyelitisisaviraldiseasethatattacks the nervous system and can cause permanent paralysis, mainly in children under five years of age. Most cases are asymptomatic, but one in every200infectionsresultsin paralysis, and between 5% and 10% of those affected may die due to respiratory paralysis.
Globally,poliocaseshave decreased by more than 99% since 1988, when an estimated350,000casesoccurred
annually in more than 125 countries. Today, only two countries continue to have endemic circulation of wild poliovirus.Risksremaininareaswithlowvaccinationcoverage,wherevaccine-derived polioviruses can mutate and spread in unvaccinated communities, leading to outbreakssimilartothosecaused by wild virus. Robust epidemiological surveillance and the strategic use of a variety ofvaccineformulationsmitigatethisriskwhilemaintainingfocusontheglobaleradication goal. “Protecting, strengthening, and following immunisationprogramrecommendations is an act of love, solidarity,andsharedresponsibility among governments, healthworkers,communities, and each of us,” Dr. Barbosa emphasised.
Acalltoaction
PAHO urges all sectors and social actors to take decisive action to keep the Americaspolio-free:
Parents, caregivers, and guardians: Check children’s vaccination records and visit
health services if in doubt.
Health workers and communityleaders:Provideclear information,countermisinformation, and continue being trusted sources in their communities.Governments and decision-makers: Ensure sufficient resources to strengthen national immunisation programs and maintainactivesurveillance.
On World Polio Day, PAHO reaffirms its commitmenttotheglobaleradication ofthisdiseaseandtoprotecting future generations from preventable health threats. Since before the elimination of wild poliovirus in the Americas,PAHOhasworked with countries across the region and strategic partners to achieve and sustain this historic milestone—providing ongoing technical cooperation, supporting vaccination campaigns, and strengthening surveillance. PAHO has also helped ensure access to safe and effective vaccines through joint purchases at affordable prices via its Revolving Fund.
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‘This could be the worst’
( J A M A I C A
OBSERVER) While
Jamaica is no stranger to tropical storms, principal
d i r e c t o r a t t h e Meteorological Service of Jamaica (Met Service)
Evan Thompson has warned that the looming Hurricane Melissa could hit the island with greater effectthanJamaicanshave seenfordecades.
Addressing a special media briefing at Jamaica
House on Saturday, Thompson confirmed that Jamaicashouldbeseeingthe worst of Melissa, starting today,aftersomesectionsof theislandexperiencedstorm force wind and rain last night.
AccordingtoThompson, Melissa, which has been meandering through the region since last week as a tropicalstorm,willseerapid intensificationstartingtoday as it moves on a course that theconsensusis,shouldtake itacrosstheeastandsouthof Jamaica before heading northwardsacrosstheisland fromClarendon.
“It should make impact with the coastline by Tuesday morning. Today is
Saturday morning, so we have about three days of movement During this period we will be experiencing quite a bit of rainfall.Muchofthatrainfall will be moving across Jamaica and that will be producing significant floodingoversectionsofthe country,” said Thompson as he noted that sections of the country could get 20 to 30 inches of rainfall, the most evertoberecordedinrecent memory
“When we have two inches of rainfall that is whole heap of rainfall, so whenwetalkabout15to25 inches that is much more thanyoucanevenimagineto experience. “I wish I could
Expect more damage than Gilbert, Ivan, Beryl, Met Service warns
Meteorological Service of Jamaica Principal Director Evan Thompson addressing a special media briefing at Jamaica House on Saturday.
(Photo: Naphtali Junior)
describeit,becausewedon't usually get that level of rainfall, but if you have experienced any of our major[rain]producersinthe past this is going to be more,” added Thompson, who warned that the flooding could be lifethreatening.
The slow pace at which Melissa is moving could makeitstaywithJamaicafor some five days, with two days of storm force winds and three days of hurricane force winds. “So expect that throughout [this] week we will be impacted by this system It will be very difficult to move around… even after the system has basically said that it is
moving away,” warned Thompson, as he noted that some of the assessment and clean-up activities, which are usually done just after a weather system passes, will be much delayed this time around.
“We are going to be prevented because of blocked roads, because of landslides, because of the amountofwaterthatremains over the country, and it is going to be very difficult to move around — assuming that all of this pans out the way that [it] is being projected at this time,” said Thompson.
T h e v e t e r a n meteorologist noted that Melissa could impact Jamaica at Category 4 strengthwithwindsof130to 156 miles per hour, which would be stronger that Jamaica has experienced before. “[Hurricane] Gilbert [1988] was a Category 3 when it moved across Jamaica.ItbecameCategory 4whenitwasheadingtothe Caymans Islands Ivan [2004] was a Category 4
hurricane yes, but the centre didnotpassovertheisland.
“Beryl[2024]wasalsoa Category 4 hurricane, but it alsodidnotimpactuswitha landfall. It was a direct hit because we got the heavy rainfall and the associated weather, but it did not move overtheislandintermsofthe centre of the system,” noted Thompson.
“We have not had this experience before, so it is important for us to consider this as an extraordinary situation, ” declared
Thompsonashewarnedthat heavyrainandfloodingwill continue even after Melissa leaves Jamaica and heads towardsCuba.
Thompson further warned that Jamaica could alsofacestormsurgeswhich could devastate some communitiesashappenedto the Corporate Area community of Caribbean Terrace during the passage of Hurricane Ivan in 2004.
“That community no longer existsinthewaythatitused to because of storm surge. We would also know that
with Ivan, with Dean in 2007, and even with Beryl, we had significant storm surges on the southern coastline — in Rocky Point, in Portland Cottage… and there are other areas on the south coast that also were affectedbystormsurge.
“Storm surge is also a flooding event, but it is not the flooding from the rainfall, it is flooding that comesinwiththewaterfrom thesea.Withthetremendous winds that a Category 4 hurricane can produce, that willpushthewaterontothe shoreline,andwithitpulling back into the sea it takes houses, and communities even,backintotheseaalong withit,”saidThompson.
He urged Jamaicans living close to the shoreline to pay attention to the possibility of storm surges, particularly people living in St Thomas, Portland, Kingston, and St Andrew initially But Thompson notedthatpeopleinStMary, St Catherine, Manchester, andClarendonwillalsoface danger
Kamla says T&T's safety and security first
( T R I N I D A D
G U A R D I A N ) Prime
Minister Kamla PersadBissessar has hit back at former prime ministers of the Caribbean Community (Caricom)whohavesigned a “Zone of Peace” declaration,sayingregional leaders do not understand the level of crime this countryhashadtoendure.
She renewed her vow to place the safety of citizens of Trinidad and Tobago (T&T) first It comes as the USS Gravely is set to dock at the Port of Port-of-Spain from today with the 22nd US Marine Expeditionary Unitonboard Itisexpected to remain in Port-of-Spain untilThursday
OnFriday,formerprime minister Dr Keith Rowley added his signature to a joint declaration by ten former Caribbean leaders calling for the region to remain “a 'Zone of Peace' where the rule of law prevails” It urges regional governments to resist being
drawn into external
c o n f l i c t s , u p h o l d international law, and
preserve the Caribbean as a spaceofpeaceandstability
The signatories include former leaders Baldwin
Spencer (Antigua & Barbuda); Said Musa and Dean Barrow (Belize); FreundelStuart(Barbados); Edison James (Dominica); Tillson Thomas (Grenada); Donald Ramotar (Guyana); Bruce Golding and PJ Patterson (Jamaica); and KennyAnthony(StLucia).
However, PersadBissessaryesterdayhitback at her critics who claim she has abandoned Caricom's neutral position and sided withtheUnitedStatesinits conflictwithVenezuela
Speaking to reporters outside of Parliament after wrapping up the Standing Finance Committee, she said,“Wehavehadover600 murders last year and almosteveryyearcounting They have not had that experience So, I think they have a different reality In T&T the reality is we are crime-ridden, we are drugridden,wearecartel-ridden, we are gang-ridden, and therefore our approach has
…as US warship docks in PoS
to be different. They are entitled to their view on the whole issue of a Zone of Peace, but in T&T there is clearly no Zone of Peace. Thereisnone.Therefore,asI say, T&T first; we have to takecareofourpeoplefirst.I donothavethesameviewas they do because I think we are the worst impacted by thisissue.”
Whenaskedspecifically about Rowley's signature, she said, “That is why he was there for nine years; crime skyrocketed, and nothingwasdone
We cannot continue to do the same thing and expect a different result I amnotsurprisedbyhistake onit,andmaybethatiswhy he is a former prime minister That is why the electoratevotedhimout ” Persad-Bissessar said h i s t o r i c a l l y a n d geographically, T&T was the closest to where the drugs are coming from, the narcotrafficking,thehuman trafficking and the gun running “We are more southern and the closest to the South American
mainland, and therefore their experiences may be different from ours in Trinidad.”
With the arrival of the US warship today, PersadBissessar said there are benefits to the population that will be derived beyond security guarantees She explained, “Safety is priority number one to help keep the narcotraffickers, drugtraffickers,andhuman traffickersout.Theyarealso going to give us some assistance, technical assistance,ITassistanceand some humanitarian work in usingtheirMarinesandtheir Navy members to help us withschoolsormaybesome ofourbasestoupgrade.Our infrastructure has been so run down, so they have offered that as well In addition to the safety, security and the training, theyarealsogoingtogiveus sometraininghereinT&T.”
Defence Minister Wayne Sturge, in an exclusive interview with global media network Al Jazeera, which has a reporter in Trinidad
covering the rising tensions intheregionsaid,“IftheUS has deemed a country to be or persons operating as narco-traffickers and deemed them terrorists and they are waging a war on terror,thenit'suptothemto come to that conclusion, because, as you understand, law is basically all about interpretation. “You might not agree with their interpretation, but if their interpretationisthatwehave deemed these people to be narco-traffickers and they a r e t h e s e n a r c otraffickers, sorry, to be terrorist organisations and they are waging war on them, that's their prerogative It hasn't happened in our waters.” It comes after twoTrinidadian men were killed in US airstrikesonAugust15.One has been identified as Chad Josephandtheotheronlyas Samaroo The family of Joseph has insisted he was not involved in drug traffickingandthathewasa fisherman. SOE extension under reviewatNSCmeeting
Meanwhile, the Prime Minister said she will meet with the National Security Council this weekend to determine the way forward for the ongoing State of Emergency (S0E) The SoE was extended on July 28 and will expire on October 28 The Government will have to go to Parliament to seek an extension but will need a simple majority Persad-Bissessar said, “Over this weekend, we intend to meet the National Security Council, some of us, together with the Commissioner of Police, to gettheirviewsonwhattheir s u g g e s t i o n s o r recommendations may be. We will act on the recommendations of the securityforces.”
The Government announced an SOE on July 18 The move came after a formal recommendation from Police Commissioner AllisterGuevarro,basedon intelligence pointing to the existence of a sophisticated criminal network operating from inside the prison system
Unexploded Israeli bombs threaten lives as Gaza clears debris, finds bodies
(ALJAZEERA) Israeli restrictions on the entry of heavy machinery are crippling Gaza City's efforts to clear debris and rebuild critical infrastructure, the city's mayor says, as tens of thousands of tonnes of unexploded Israeli bombs threaten lives across the GazaStrip.
In a Sunday news conference,MayorYahyaalSarraj said Gaza City requires at least 250 heavy vehiclesand1,000tonnesof cement to maintain water networks and construct wells.
Al Jazeera's Hind Khoudary, reporting from az-Zawayda in Gaza, said only six trucks had entered theterritory
A t l e a s t 9 , 0 0 0 Palestinians remain buried under the rubble. But the new equipment is being prioritisedforrecoveringthe remains of Israeli captives, rather than assisting Palestiniansinlocatingtheir loved ones still trapped beneathrubble.
“Palestinians say they know there won't be any developments in the ceasefire until the bodies of all the Israeli captives are returned,”Khoudarysaid.
Footage circulating on
A Palestinian woman carrying her child walks past a destroyed mosque in Gaza City on Sunday, October 26, 2025 [Jehad Alshrafi/AP]
social media showed Red Cross vehicles arriving after meetings with Hamas's armed wing, the Qassam Brigades, to guide them to the location of an Israeli captive in southern Rafah.
An Israeli government spokesperson said that to searchforcaptives'remains, the Red Cross and Egyptian teams have been permitted beyond the ceasefire's “yellow line”, which allows Israel to retain control over 58 percent of the besieged enclave. “Two weeks into that, Israel has now allowed Egyptian teams and heavy
machinery to enter the Gaza Strip to assist in the mammoth task of removing debris,oftryingtogettothe tunnels or underneath the homes or structures that the captives were held in and killedin,”shesaid.
Odeh added that Hamas had been unable to access a tunnel for two weeks due to thedamagecausedbyIsraeli bombing.
“Thatchangeofpolicyis coming without explanation fromIsrael,”shesaid,noting that the Red Cross and Hamas have also been allowed to help locate
potential burial sites under therubble.
Meanwhile, on Sunday, Israeli Prime Minister BenjaminNetanyahusought toreassertpoliticalauthority at home, saying that Israel controls which foreign forcesmayoperateinGaza.
“We control our own security, and we have made clear to international forces thatIsraelwilldecidewhich forcesareunacceptabletous –andthatishowweactand willcontinuetoact,”hesaid.
“Thisis,ofcourse,accepted by the United States, as its most senior representatives
…putting more pressure on Venezuela US warship docks in T&T
(CNN) A US warship docked in Trinidad and Tobago's capital Sunday as the Trump administration boosts military pressure on neighboring Venezuela and its President Nicolás Maduro.
The arrival of the USS Gravely, a guided-missile destroyer, in the capital of the Caribbean nation is in addition to the aircraft carrier USS Gerald R. Ford, which is moving closer to Venezuela.
Maduro criticised the movement of the carrier as an attempt by the US government to fabricate “a neweternalwar”againsthis country
US President Donald TrumphasaccusedMaduro, without providing evidence, of being the leader of the
organised crime gang Tren de Aragua. Government officials from the twinislandnationandtheUSsaid the massive warship will remain in Trinidad until Thursday so both countries can carry out training exercises.
Aseniormilitaryofficial in Trinidad and Tobago told TheAssociatedPressthatthe move was only recently scheduled. The official spoke under condition of anonymity due to lack of authorisation to discuss the matter publicly Kamla Persad-Bissessar, the prime minister of Trinidad andTobago,hasbeenavocal supporter of the US military presence and the deadly strikes on suspected drug boats in waters off Venezuela.
US Embassy Chargé d'Affaires Jenifer Neidhart de Ortiz said in a statement that the exercises seek to “address shared threats like transnational crime and build resilience through training, humanitarian missions, and security efforts.”
The visit comes one week after the US Embassy in Trinidad and Tobago warned Americans to stay away from US government facilitiesthere.
Local authorities said a reported threat against Americans prompted the warning. Many people in Trinidad and Tobago criticise the warship's dockingintown.
A t a r e c e n t demonstration outside the US Embassy, David
Abdulah, the leader of the MovementforSocialJustice politicalparty,saidTrinidad and Tobago should not have allowed the warship intoitswaters.
“This is a warship in Trinidad, which will be anchored here for several daysjustmilesoffVenezuela whenthere'sathreatofwar,” saidAbdulah,whoisalsothe leader of the Movement for SocialJusticepoliticalparty “That's an abomination ” Caricom, a regional trade bloc made up of 15 Caribbean countries, has calledfordialogue.Trinidad and Tobago is a member of the group, but PersadBissessarhassaidtheregion is not a zone of peace, citing the number of murders and other violent crimes.
expressed in recent days.”
Netanyahu's statements are intended to reassure the farright base in Israel, which thinks he's no longer calling theshots.
Those currently overseeing the ceasefire do not appear to be Israeli soldiers or army leadership, she explained, with Washington“requestingthat Israelnotifyitaheadoftime of any attack that Israel mightbeplanningtoconduct insideGaza”.
Odeh noted that Israel's insistence on controlling whichforeignactorsoperate inGaza–combinedwiththe limited access for reconstruction–underscores a broader strategy to maintain political support at home Reconstruction in Gaza faces further obstacles from unexploded ordnance.
Nicholas Torbet, Middle EastdirectoratHALOTrust intheUnitedKingdom,said Gaza is “essentially one giant city” where every part has been struck by explosives.
“Some munitions are designed to linger, but what we're concerned about in Gaza is ordnance that is expected to explode upon impactbuthasn't,”hetoldAl Jazeera.
Torbet said clearing explosives is slowing the reconstruction process. His teams plan to work directly withincommunitiestosafely remove bombs rather than marking off large areas indefinitely “The best way todisposeofabombistouse asmallamountofexplosives toblowitup,”heexplained.
Torbet added that the
necessary equipment is relatively simple and can be transportedinsmallvehicles or by hand, and progress is beginningtotakeplace.The scale of explosives dropped by Israel has left Gaza littered with deadly remnants. Mahmoud Basal, a spokesperson for the Palestinian Civil Defence, told Al Jazeera that Israel dropped at least 200,000 tonnes of explosives on the territory, with roughly 70,000 tonnes failing to detonate Children have been particularly affected, often mistaking bombs for toys.AlJazeera'sIbrahimalKhalili reported the case of seven-year-old Yahya Shorbasi and his sister Nabila, who were playing outside when they found whatappearedtobeatoy
“They found a regular children's toy – just an ordinary one. The girl was holdingit.Thentheboytook itandstartedtappingitwitha coin.Suddenly,weheardthe sound of an explosion. It wentoffintheirhands,”their mother Latifa Shorbasi told AlJazeera.
Yahya's right arm had to be amputated, while Nabila remainsinintensivecare.
DrHarriet,anemergency doctoratal-ShifaHospitalin Gaza City, described the situation as “a public health catastrophe waiting to unfold”. She said children are being injured by items that look harmless – toys, cans, or debris – but are actuallyliveexplosives.
United Nations Mine Action Service head Luke DavidIrvingsaid328people have already been killed or injured by unexploded ordnance since October 2023.
Tens of thousands of tonnes of bombs, including landmines, mortar rounds, and large bombs capable of flattening concrete buildings, remain buried across Gaza Basal said clearingtheexplosivescould take years and require millions of dollars For Palestinians, the situation is a race against time Al Jazeera's Khoudary said civilians are pressing for faster progress: “They want reconstruction, they want freedom of movement, and theywanttoseeandfeelthat the ceasefire is going to makeit.”
Pres. Ali puts GDF, CDC on standby
….as deadly Hurricane Melissa bears down on Jamaica
The government is closely monitoring the approach of Hurricane Melissa, which is now threatening Jamaica, where several Guyanese students andnationalsreside.
InastatementonSunday, President Dr Mohamed IrfaanAli has instructed the Ministry of Foreign Affairs
a n d I n t e r n a t i o n a l Cooperation to remain in direct communication with Guyanese living in Jamaica to ensure their safety and well-being.“Iwanttoassure allofyouthatIamincontact withtheofficialsinJamaica. I've asked the Ministry of Foreign Affairs also to be fully engaged. We are also working with the private sector to get some level of support to the students and any vulnerable families in Jamaica”, President Ali stated.
Permanent Secretary of Ministry of Foreign Affairs
a n d I n t e r n a t i o n a l
Cooperation, Sharon Roopchand-Edwards, has been mandated to engage Guyana'sHonouraryConsul andreachouttostudentsand othernationalstoassesstheir needs and coordinate any necessarysupport,including carepackages.
Government officials have also been in steady contact with both the Jamaican Government and emergency services on the island.
Meanwhile, President Ali has further directed the Guyana Defence Force (GDF)andtheCivilDefence Commission(CDC)tobeon standby for deployment, should assistance be required. “I have also sent a letter to the Government of Jamaica,tellingthemthatthe Guyana Defence Force and the CDC is fully mobilised and stand ready to support every effort in this very dangerous situation”, the presidentunderscored.
PresidentAliemphasised theimportanceofremaining calm and united, assuring that firm mechanisms are in place to assist Guyanese affected by the storm. The president has reaffirmed Guyana's solidarity with the people of Jamaica and assured that the government is prepared to offer help in the wake of any potential impact.Studentsornationals in Jamaica seeking
COVID-19 vaccines may help
some cancer
patients fight tumors
WASHINGTON (AP) — The most widelyusedCOVID-19vaccinesmayoffera surprise benefit for some cancer patients –revvinguptheirimmunesystemstohelpfight tumors.
Peoplewithadvancedlungorskincancer who were taking certain immunotherapy drugs lived substantially longer if they also gotaPfizerorModernashotwithin100days of starting treatment, according to preliminary research being reported on WednesdayinthejournalNature.
And it had nothing to do with virus infections.
Instead, the molecule that powers those specificvaccines,mRNA,appearstohelpthe immunesystemrespondbettertothecuttingedgecancertreatment,concludedresearchers from MD Anderson Cancer Center in HoustonandtheUniversityofFlorida.
The vaccine “acts like a siren to activate immunecellsthroughoutthebody,”saidlead researcher Dr Adam Grippin of MD Anderson “We're sensitising immuneresistanttumorstoimmunetherapy.”
Health Secretary Robert F Kennedy Jr hasraisedskepticismaboutmRNAvaccines, cutting$500millioninfundingforsomeuses ofthetechnology
Butthisresearchteamfounditsresultsso promisingthatitispreparingamorerigorous study to see if mRNA coronavirus vaccines should be paired with cancer drugs called checkpointinhibitors—aninterimstepwhile it designs new mRNA vaccines for use in cancer
A healthy immune system often kills cancercellsbeforetheybecomeathreat.But some tumors evolve to hide from immune attack. Checkpoint inhibitors remove that cloak. It's a powerful treatment – when it works.Somepeople'simmunecellsstilldon't
recognisethetumor Messenger RNA, or mRNA, is naturally found in every cell and it contains genetic instructions for our bodies to make proteins. WhilebestknownastheNobelPrize-winning technology behind COVID-19 vaccines, scientists have long been trying to create personalised mRNA “treatment vaccines” thattrainimmunecellstospotuniquefeatures ofapatient'stumor
The new research offers “a very good clue” that maybe an off-the-shelf approach could work, said Dr Jeff Coller, an mRNA specialist at Johns Hopkins University who wasn't involved with the work. “What it shows is that mRNA medicines are continuing to surprise us in how beneficial theycanbetohumanhealth.”
Grippin and his Florida colleagues had been developing personalised mRNAcancer vaccines when they realised that even one created without a specific target appeared to spursimilarimmuneactivityagainstcancer
Grippin wondered if the already widely available mRNA coronavirus shots might alsohavesomeeffect,too.
So, the team analysed records of nearly 1,000 advanced cancer patients undergoing checkpoint inhibitor treatment at MD Anderson – comparing those who happened to get a Pfizer or Moderna shot with those whodidn't.
Vaccinated lung cancer patients were nearly twice as likely to be alive three years after beginning cancer treatment as the unvaccinated patients. Among melanoma patients, median survival was significantly longer for vaccinated patients – but exactly how much isn't clear, as some of that group werestillalivewhenthedatawasanalysed.
Non-mRNA vaccines such as flu shots didn'tmakeadifference,hesaid.
work, and study throughout the region We stand in unwavering solidarity with all those preparing for and confronting this powerful storm.”
assistanceorinformationare encouraged to contact the PermanentSecretaryat592611-0345 or via email at ps@minfor.gov.gy
Meanwhile, in a statement of its own the People's National Congress Reform (PNCR) and A Partnership for National Unity (APNU) said they are closely monitoring the movement and potential impact of Hurricane
Mellissa across the Caribbean. “Our thoughts and prayers are with the Governmentsandpeoplesof the affected and threatened territories, including the many Guyanese who live,
The PNCR/APNU said “We note the actions taken by the Government of GuyanathroughtheMinistry of Foreign Affairs and International Cooperation to maintain contact with our nationals abroad and to prepare emergency support where necessary The PNCR/APNU reaffirms its readiness to cooperate fully
and to contribute meaningfullytoanynational or regional relief and humanitarian efforts that may be required. This is a time for unity, compassion, and collective resolve. As members of the wider Caribbean family, we must continue to support one anotherandworktogetherto safeguard the lives and livelihoodsofallourcitizens both at home and across the d i a s p o r a T h e PNCR/APNU extends prayers for the safety, strength, and protection of everyone in the path of Hurricane Mellissa We remain confident that the indomitable spirit, resilience, and solidarity of the Caribbean people will onceagainprevailintheface of adversity,” the statement concluded Hurricane Melissa, which rapidly intensified overnight, has reached Category 4 with sustainedwindsof140mph, accordingtotheUSNational Hurricane Center The system is expected to strengthen into a rare Category5hurricanebylate Sunday or early Monday The center of the storm is currently located about 110 miles south of Kingston, Jamaica and the storm is movingwestwardat3mph.
200 modern houses taking shape at Palmyra
Minister of Housing and Water, Collin Croal, has reaffirmed government's commitmenttotransforming land allocations into real h o m e o w n e r s h i p opportunities for Guyanese families.
During a site visit to PalmyraVillage,RegionSix, on Friday, Minister Croal inspected progress on the government's flagship housing project, which will deliver 200 modern, threebedroom homes at a cost of $13.5 million, inclusive of land and house, the Department of Public Information(DPI)reported.
According to DPI, to date, 20 homes have been completed,whileanother80 are nearing completion. By December, 100 families are expected to move into their new homes, just in time to
celebrate Christmas under their own roof. “This is where we want to push persons in the direction of owning their home quickly They don't have to go throughthehassle,”Minister Croalstated. He explained that the ministry is introducing new housing designs under its latestExpressionofInterest, allowingfuturehomeowners to bring their own architecturalplansoncethey meet size requirements
“We want people to be innovative, and that's why we've gone for modular homes,”headded. M i n i s t e r C r o a l underscored that the focus has shifted from merely allocating house lots to providing affordable, movein-ready homes, in keeping withPresidentDr Mohamed
Irfaan Ali's vision of delivering 40,000 house lots inthisterm.
The Palmyra project forms part of a broader housing expansion drive acrossRegionsFiveandSix, aimed at creating jobs, stimulatinglocaleconomies, and improving living standards.
The Ministry continues to work with private contractors,localbanks,and utility companies to fasttrack roads, water, and electricity infrastructure Over the past five years, the government has built more than 4,000 homes nationwide, a milestone Minister Croal said d e m o n s t r a
i s t r a
n ' s commitment to building communities, not just houses.
President Irfaan Ali
Some of the homes under construction at the new Palmyra housing development
Satellite image of the hurricane. Pic: NOAAviaAP
Brook's defiant ton in vain as New Zealand beat England
(Reuters) - New Zealand overcame a blitz from centurionHarryBrooktobeat England by four wickets on Sundayintheopeninggameof their three-match one-day international series, with Daryl Mitchell and Michael Bracewell scoring halfcenturies.Thehostswobbled chasing224,losingfourquick wickets, including former captainKaneWilliamsonfora first-ballduckinhisfirstmatch forthesidesince March, but Mitchell took them home with an unbeaten 78 after beingdroppedon33.
Bracewell also earned a reprieve early on and ran
himselfoutfor51toopenthe door for England after the initial burst from Brydon Carse (3-45), but New Zealand got back on track thankstoMitchSantner's27 andprevailedin36.4overs.
"Therewasstillalotinthe wicket,"skipperSantnersaid.
"We lost a couple more than we would have liked in the chase but the intent was great Daryl and Michael's partnership was massive for us"Englandrecoveredfroma disastrous start as captain Brook bludgeoned 135 from 101 balls and Jamie Overton made 46 to help their side finish on 223 all out in 35.2
oversforafightingchancein thecontest.
Asked to bat first at Bay Oval in Mount Maunganui, Englandwererockedearlyby NewZealand'sseamersasZak Foulkes (4-41) and Matt Henry (2-53) reduced the tourists to 56-6 within 12 devastating overs in helpful conditions.
'GREATSTART'
"Yeahitwastoughworkin theend,butIthinkthewaywe startedoff,withwicketsinthe powerplay, it's always a great start,"Santnersaid "WeknowMattcandothat andthenZakwasoutstanding, the way he swung it It looks
like a nightmare facing hi Obviouslylongspells,but knew wickets were massive because even when they're fourorfivedownthey'vegot (batsmen).
"Getting Brook earlier would have been nice but wasoutstandingtoday."
Brook went into atta mode despite the carna aroundhimandbroughtup fifty in 36 balls with a to edged six off Nathan Sm before Overton took h team's total to three figures withanotherbighitoffJacob Duffy(3-55).
Overton shrugged being hit on the helmet Smith and closed in on own half-century, b departedfourrunsshortaf a fine catch on the seco attempt by Mitchell that ended the 87-run seventhwicketpartnership.
CONSECUTIVESIXES
Duffy removed Carse with the very next ball to leaveEnglandteeteringagain on 143-8, but Brook took control following Adil Rashid's fall shortly afterwards,reachinghiston with three consecutive sixes and taking his side past200runs.
A belligerent Brook continuedtodealinbigshots, swelling his tally of sixes to 11, but was snared trying to sweepSantneroutofthepark asNewZealandstoppedthe bleeding to stay on top in theseriesopener
"I felt I was in good touch," man of the match Brook said "Obviously we didn't get off to a great start and I tried to take it up on myself to have a counterpunch Thankfullyitcameoff today
"I'vedoneitafewtimes actually, it's a do-or-die moment Imanagedtogetus adecentscoretodefend We started nicely with the ball, butwejuststruggledtotake wickets throughout the middle." The second game takes place in Hamilton on Wednesday, with New Zealand seeking another victory after losing the preceding rain-hit Twenty20 seriesbetween the teams 10.
Scores: New Zealand 224 for 6 (Mitchell 78*, Bracewell 51, Carse 3-45) beat 223 (Brook England 135, Overton 46, Foulkes 441, Duffy 3-66) by four wickets
Harry Brook carried England's innings on his shoulders. (Getty Images)
Gray nets three for West, as Chase's Academic roar to 10-2 win
Chase roar to 10-2 win against South Ruimveldt, Isaiah Ifill scores hat-trick.
- Round Two of Republic Bank U18 League concludes
The Ministry of E d u c a t i o n ground came alive yesterday as the Petra Organisation wrapped up Round Two of the sixth Annual Republic Bank Schools Under-18 Football League, with Three Mile Secondary, Charlestown Secondary, West Ruimveldt Secondary, and defending champions Chase's Academic Foundation all notching up dominant victories.
Three Mile Secondary kicked off the day in comeback fashion, stunning Dolphin Secondary 3–1 Despite Dolphin taking the early advantage through Tyler Abrams in the 25th minute, the Barticians regrouped and launched a second-half blitz. Rondell Washington (40'), Durrel Washington (43'), and Chris Anderson found the back of thenettosecureThreeMile's second win of the 2025 campaign, while Dolphin slumped to their second straightdefeat.
In the second encounter,
Charlestown Secondary
edged Abram Zuil Secondary 2–1 in a tightly contested battle. Dilshawn Alleyne drew first blood in the 26th minute before Abram Zuil's Jaden Evans levelledthescoreearlyinthe second half (49'). However, AdionMarks'decisivestrike inthe56thminutesealedthe win for Charlestown, whose resolutedefendingsawthem hold firm until the final whistle.
The biggest rout of the early afternoon came courtesy of West Ruimveldt Secondary, who demolished President's College 6–0 to secure their first win of the season.LydonGraystolethe showwithasensationalhattrick (11', 50', 67'), while captain Jeremiah Griffith opened the scoring in the fifth Goals from Joel Griffith (30') and *Donavan Welcome*(60')cappedoffa statement victory for the Westside.
But it was the reigning champs, Chase's Academic Foundation, who delivered the headline performance of
the day, obliterating South Ruimveldt Secondary 10–2 in a goal fest. Isaiah Ifill set the tone early, netting twice in the opening two minutes before completing his hattrick in the 28th. Despite JadonEdwardsandObediah Munroe giving South fleeting hope, Chase's attacking firepower proved toomuchtocontain.
Mark Glasgow (33'), Bryan Wharton (38', 77'), Shaquan David (69', 70'), and Nyron Barrow (68') all got on the scoresheet, powering Chase's to an emphatic victory and sending a strong warning to therestofthecompetitionas they chase back-to-back titles.
The Republic Bank U18 Schools Football League, sponsoredbyRepublicBank (Guyana) Limited with support from Guyana Beverage Inc (Busta Brand), Ronoca Concrete Inc., MVP Sports, and the Ministry of Culture, Youth and Sport, continues this Sunday with Round Three fixtures.
Here's a look at the West Ruimveldt goal scorers during yesterday's round two match against PC (L-R) Lyndon Gray, Donovan Welcome, Jeremiah Griffith and Joel Griffith.
4th ExxonMobil Futsal launched; $1.5 million first-place prize up for grabs
A segment of the representatives of the competing teams at the launch of the 4th ExxonMobil Futsal Championship.
Th e h i g h l y anticipated 4th edition of the ExxonMobil/New Era Futsal Championship was officially launched yesterday in the miningtownofLinden
This year's tournament will kick off with a group stage format, featuring 13 teamsdividedintofourpools Thetoptwoteamsfromeach group will advance to the knockout rounds, with all matches scheduled to take placeattheRetrieveTarmac
The participating teams are: Fearless, Silver Bullets, Salah Family, Young Gunners, Hardball Management, Foundation Family, Bombers, YMCA, DC Ballers, YMCA B, Spaniards, HK, and SpaniardsB
Matches will be held on November 7th, 8th, 13th, 14th, 15th, 19th, 21st, 22nd, and29th
The championship
winner will walk away with $1,500,000 and a trophy, while the second, third, and fourth-place finishers will receive $750,000, $350,000, and $200,000 respectively, alongwithtrophies Ontheindividualside,the MostValuablePlayer(MVP) will be rewarded with a motorcycle In addition, a $300,000academicgrantwill bepresentedtoaplayerorfan to support their educational development, each team is required to nominate one candidateforthisaward Every participating team will also receive an appearance fee of $40,000 uponcompletionofthegroup stage
Speaking at the launch, Ryan Hoppie, Community Relations Supervisor at ExxonMobil Guyana, describedtheeventasaform of strategic community investment He highlighted the tournament's role in
fostering unity, discipline, and healthy lifestyles, while also providing players with an avenue to showcase their talents
H o p p i e f u r t h e r encouraged teams to remain disciplined,emphasizingthat thechampionshipservesasa positive social outlet that deters engagement in illicit activities and contributes to regionaltourism
Meanwhile, Wainwright Bethune, President of the Upper Demerara Football
Association (UDFA), commendedExxonMobilfor its continued investment in thecommunity
He noted that the company's sustained partnershipwiththeNewEra Ground demonstrates its satisfaction with the quality anddevelopmentalimpactof thetournament
Adding a health-focused perspective, Dr Gregory Harris from the Ministry of
Rain thwarts India and...
Frompage21
Mandhana hitting six boundaries to reach 34 off 27 balls, but the weather had other plans as it forced anabruptendtothecontest Rawal injury gives headacheforIndia
T h o u g h I n d i a dominated most of the action,therewasaworrying setback
Opener Rawal, the secondhighestscorerinthe tournament with 309, twisted her ankle while attempting to stop a boundary on the slippery outfield at the DY Patil Stadium and had to be helped off the field by medicalstaff. Rawal was in visible pain and it will be an anxious wait for India to find out the extent of her injury She has the experienceofstandingupto the formidable Australian bowling attack already in this tournament, hitting 75 inanopeningpartnershipof 155 with Smriti Mandhana in the group stage while the pair also added 212 against New Zealand as both hit centuries.The washout also servedasaremindertoboth India and Australia that weather, not form, could
prove decisive in their lastfourtie
Bothsemi-finalsandthe final have reserve days in place to guard against f u r t h e r w e a t h e r interruptions
Ifthereisnoresultinthe semi-finals, the team that finishedhigherinthegroup stage will progress to the final where the trophy will be shared if no result is possible.
S c o r e s : M a t c h abandoned India 57 for 0 (Mandhana 34*, Amanjot 15*) vs Bangladesh 119 for 9 (Sharmin 36, Radha 3-30, ShreeCharani2-23)
ExxonMobil Community Relations Supervisor, Ryan Hoppie.
Health revealed that the ministry will use the tournament as a platform to promote health and wellness
in the region He urged players to apply the same disciplineandteamworkthat drive success on the court
towardthebettermentoftheir communities, reminding themoftheirinfluenceasrole modelsforyoungpeople
Quarterfinalists of GFF Blue Water Girls U-15
National Secondary School Championship decided
Action from the GFF Blue Water U15 Schools Championship at the NTC at Providence. (GFF).
The quarterfinalists of the Guyana Football Federation (GFF) Blue Water sponsored Girls Under-15 National Secondary School Championship has been determined.
With two dominant wins and no goals conceded, Waramuri Secondary emerged as Essequibo's top representative, advancing to the national quarterfinals showcasingtheirability.
Round of Sixteen action attheGFFNationalTraining CentrefacilityatProvidence (Sunday, October 19, 2025) sawteamsfromRegions3,7, andGeorgetowninvolvedin six competitive fixtures filled with intensity, teamwork, and attacking flair
TheResults:
Marian Academy 1–0
WestminsterSecondary
Goal scorer: Skylar
DeNobrega
Bartica Secondary 3–0
Vreed-en-HoopSecondary
Goal scorers: Nerismar
Williams (2), Verlerky
Simon(1)
Bartica Secondary 6–0
WestminsterSecondary
Wi
Goal scorers: Nerismar
(3), Kelys
Williams (2), Sheniza
Daniels(1)
Marian Academy 0–0
Vreed-en-HoopSecondary Vr e e d - e n - H o
Secondary 0–0 Westminster
Secondary
Bartica Secondary 3–0
MarianAcademy
Goal scorers: Nerismar
Williams, Kelys Williams, VirlerkysSimon
Both Bartica Secondary and Marian Academy advanced from their group fo
performances and strong defensiveshowings.
Quarterfinal Line-Up
Confirmed
T
advancingtothequarterfinal stageare:
Region 1: Waramuri
Secondary,WaunaPrimary
Region 4 (E C D): President'sCollege
Region 5: Bush Lot
Secondary
Christiansburg Wismar
Secondary
Georgetown: Marian Academy
Thequarterfinalphaseof
ShippingU15
commence in the coming weeks, as these eight regionalchampionscontinue their pursuit of national honours.
Rain thwarts India and Bangladesh in Navi Mumbai
Radha Yadav's direct hit removed Nigar Sultana after the rain break. (ICC/Getty Images)
BBC Sport - Rain prevented a result between Bangladesh and co-hosts India in the final group stage game of the Women's WorldCupaspersistentrainhadthefinalsay inNaviMumbai.
Chasinganadjustedtargetof126under the Duckworth-Lewis-Stern method after the game was reduced to 27 overs per side, India were 57-0 when the match officials wereforcedtocalloffthedeadrubber
Smriti Mandhana, the tournament's highestrunscorer,hitanunbeaten34tokeep her purple patch going but an injury to her opening partner Pratika Rawal while fieldingwillbeamajorcauseofconcernfor India.
Captain Harmanpreet Kaur's side, already assured of their semi-final place, will now face defending champions Australia in the last four at the same venue on Thursday as they look to secure their maidentitle.
India had made early inroads after
bowling first in a game that was initially reduced to 43 overs per side, as Renuka Singh Thakur struck in the first over to dismissBangladeshopenerSumaiyaAkter
Off-spinnerDeeptiSharmathenclaimed thewicketofRubyaHaiderJhelikinthe10th over before rain returned with greater intensitytointerrupttheproceedings. Afteradelayofmorethantwohours,the players returned with the game further truncatedto27oversperside.
Sobhana Mostary, who struck an unbeaten 66 against Australia last week, tried to keep the runs flowing, partnering Sharmin Akter Supta (36), with the duo hitting eight of the nine boundaries in the Bangladeshinningsbetweenthem.
But once Mostary fell for 26 from 21 balls at 91-4 in the 22nd over, India picked up a wicket in every over as Bangladesh struggledtouptherunrate.
Indiamadeastrongreplywith (Continuedonpage21)
Slingerz Football Club completed theirdreamseason
in emphatic fashion, finishing the 2025 Elite League undefeated and securing the championship title under the guidance of headcoachJamaalShabazz.
Intheirfinalfixtureatthe GFF National Training Centre in Providence on Sunday evening, the West Side giants played to an entertaining 0–0 draw with the Guyana Defence Force
Slingerz FC crowned Elite League Champions after undefeated campaign
whichpropelledthelawmen to second place in the standings.
GDF were left to settle for third, marking a disappointing end to their titledefence.
Slingerz's dominance thisseasonhasbeennothing shortofremarkable.
The club netted an astonishing 105 goals while conceding a mere five, seen as a testament to their attackingflairanddefensive discipline.
Much of that success came through the brilliance of midfielder Darron Niles, who was deservedly named the Most Valuable Player of thetournament.
Niles, who tallied 17 goalsand16assists,wasthe creative heartbeat of Shabazz'sside,orchestrating playwithvision,composure, andflair
His all-around influence washailedbyShabazz,who describedhimas“theengine and inspiration” behind the
club'ssuccess.
Equally pivotal was goalkeeper Akel Clarke, whose consistency and commandofthepenaltyarea earned him the title of Best Goalkeeper of the Elite League.
Clarke's performances between the posts were instrumental to Slingerz's defensive record, often coming up big in key moments to preserve clean sheets.
Reflecting on the club's
remarkable campaign, Shabazz described the achievementas“moneywell spent,” pointing to the s y n e r g y b e t w e e n management's investment andtheplayers'executionon thepitch.
With the Elite League trophy now secured, Slingerz FC will turn their attention to the upcoming Caribbean Club Shield, where they will look to extend their dominance beyondGuyana'sborders.
(GDF).
The result preserved Slingerz FC's unbeaten record across 18 matches, comprising16winsandtwo draws.
For GDF, however, the stalematewasfarfromideal.
The former champions entered the match needing all three points to secure a second-placefinish.
But their hopes were dashed after the Guyana PoliceForcecruisedtoa4–1 victory over Aden Amstel,
kel Clarke was named the Best Goalkeeper of the Elite League.
Darron Niles is the Elite League MVP. (Slingrez FC)
Slingerz FC crowned Elite League Champions after
Slingerz celebrate League championship – Slingerz FC celebrate as they are presented with the League trophy by Sports Minister Charles Ramson Jnr
