Kaieteur News

…asHamasreviewsTrump'splantoendwar Gaza on Tuesday

ExxonMobil ordered to submit quarterly reserve updates th for 7 project Israel kills 59 people in

PNCRexecutive showdowntoday

…calls for Norton to step down to take centre stage

New Demerara River Bridge to be commissioned on Sunday

The Government of Guyana has announced that the new four-lane, high-span Demerara River Bridge will be commissioned officially on Sunday by President Dr Mohamed Irfaan Ali.

Man dies after Alleged cable thief shot mid-act on Regent St.

being struck by policeman’s car

In a release government said the long-awaited superstructure is built to support the uninterrupted flow of vehicular and vessel traffic, which will significantly reduce travel time, improve connectivity between Regions Three and Four and strengthen the movement of goods and services across the country

fate on November deadline

ExxonMobil ordered to submit quarterly reserve th updates for 7 project

The Government of Guyanahasmovedtoimpose stricter oversight on ExxonMobil'soiloperations, demanding that the U.S. oil giant submit quarterly reports on reserves for its s e v e n t h o f f s h o r e d e v e l o p m e n t , t h e HammerheadProject.

This mechanism would playakeyroleinmonitoring thedepletionoftheresources and aid in strategic planning forfuturedevelopment.

According to the Production Licence (PL) granted last week, Exxon is now obligated to provide detailed updates on the depletionofGuyana'soiland gas resources, ensuring closermonitoringofhowthe country's non-renewable wealth is being extracted The licence spells out: “The Licence Holder shall submit quarterly resource and reserve reports to the Minister in respect of the HammerheadProjectinsuch form and manner as the Minister may direct from time to time.” These reports

must cover all saleable petroleum products oil, g

Hammerheadandmustalign with international standards

Resources Management System(PRMS).

In addition, Exxon must cooperate fully for any reserve audits, granting access to petroleum data as required to any person or government agency duly authorised by the minister, thePetroleumLicensestates.

e

Hammerhead's first oil, the c

required to procure an independent third-party consultant to conduct a

assessment.

Meanwhile,ExxonMobil will also be required to submit annual data for the reservoirs, commencing 90 days from the issue of the HammerheadLicence.

These models (current static and dynamic field) shallincorporatenewdata,as

appropriate, inclusive of exploration, appraisal, development and production activities conducted in the prev

ous year The Hammerhead development is located in the southwestern portion of the Stabroek Block. Notably, a totalof445millionbarrelsof oilisforecasttobeproduced with an estimated daily production capacity of 150,000barrelsofoilperday (bpd) Hammerhead oil productionwillbefacilitated through 10 production wells and 8 injection wells, commencing in 2029 The project is expected to boost Guyana's overall production capacity at approximately 1 5 m i l l i o n b p d Additionally, associated gas producedfromHammerhead (Continuedonpage8)

Map showing the location of the Hammerhead project in the Stabroek Block

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

Power over principle

“The United Nations' noble mission to maintain internationalpeaceandsecuritywillringhollowifitallows powertotriumphoverprincipleandmighttooverrideright.”

ThatwasPresidentIrfaanAlibuildinghimselfintoastateof righteousindignationattheUNGeneralAssembly,whenhe spoke to the extermination of the Palestinian people by the Israeli warmongers that is well underway in Gaza. We applaud the president for speaking vigorously about “power”andhow“principle”musttriumphoverit. Ittakes anabundanceofvigortosayanythingthatwouldbehelpful to the terrible ordeals of Palestinian men, women, and children. Because that could create bad blood between a countryandtheIsraelis,whohavethemightofarmsandthe USGovernmentaspartofitsarsenal.

WecommendPresidentAli,ontheonehandformaking Guyanese proud. On the other, we have to callout the president for his own weakness, his lengthy failure, with thosesameposturesthathetookattheUN. Principlemust triumphoverpower,andrightmustneverbeoverriddenby might. Over at the UN, the president's focus and energy wereonhumanrights,peace,andthedignityofatrappedand tormentedpopulation. Thereisnoobjectionatall,because when Guyana's President Ali spoke, he spoke for many countriesthatareofthesameview

OverhereinGuyana,thevigorofthepresidentstartsto fade,hasbeenonalong,slowdimness,leavinghimlooking ratheranemic,aleaderwhoisdeficientinvitality Guyana labours under a wounding and crippling oil contract, engineered through the might of one of the US's most enduring corporate powers. But against that might, Guyana'sPresidentAlihasforgottenwhatisright,whatitis to be right He is a pitiful shadow of himself, notwithstandinghisvigorouswordsexpoundedpassionately beforeaglobalaudience. TheIsraeliGovernmentclaimsthe right to self-defence, no matter to what deplorable depths thathasbeentaken.

TheGuyanaGovernment,withPresidentAliinthelead, has found shelter under the convenience of “sanctity of contract.” AfterbrimmingwithrhetoricalflourishattheUN about might and right, this is the right that Guyana's presidentknowsinhisownarenaofoperations. Heandhis government buckle under the might of ExxonMobil, with “sanctity of contract” held out as the right that Guyana cannotandwillnotchallenge. Whenthenationalleadercan blow so hot and cold, we find ourselves questioning the substances of which he is made. There is only one conclusion left to make. PresidentAli is happiest when he spewsforthwithatorrentofwords. Butwhencalleduponto applytheminhisowndomesticcontext,heisathisweakest andhismostpathetic.

Still worse yet, Guyana's president is sure to have touchedsomepositivechordsattheUN. Hemadeusproud, most likely impressed more than a few outside of Guyana, when he thundered that the grandness of power must not triumphoverprincipleintheGazasituation. Howcanthat be improper or out of place, when many countries have already condemned the Gaza holocaust as a horror show, a crime against humanity, perpetrated by men with sick and depravedminds? Hence,weinquireofGuyana'spresident, sinceprincipleshouldtriumphoverpower,thenthereshould not be any shrinking from the power of the principle of national sovereignty. So long as the repulsive 2016 ExxonMobil contract stays unchallenged by the government, then the most that can be offered about the national sovereignty of Guyana is that it has been dragged throughthemud,andnowliesinshreds. Thereisthestateof human rights in Gaza, which is safe, and spurred the president to deliver a punch that rocked. It is unfortunate that PresidentAli conveniently, and with a curious type of agility,makesamockeryoftherightsofasovereignnation, whenhesettlesforthelamenessof“sanctityofcontract.”

It is obvious that the president is a leader who loves dealinginplatitudes. Rightagainstmightandprincipleover powerarepleasing,untilheabandonsboth.

Regime Change in Venezuela is being talked about in Washington

DearEditor, Further to commentaries on the Maduro regime, the NYT (Sep 30) front page reported that President Trump Administration is making plan to topple it becauseofthethreatitposes to USA — narco as well as geo-strategic. Other publications in Europe and Middle East have similar reportsastheTimes.

Maduro has a very cozy relationshipwithnemesesof USA including Cuba, Russia, Iran, and China; the latter is seen as a geostrategic problem for America.China'spresenceis a challenge to theAmerican MonroeDoctrine.Removing Maduroisseenasweakening ChinaandRussia'sinfluence in the region. Washington wants to send a clear message on outside threat posed to American dominance in the region. Action against Maduro sends a clear message to leftists.

Secretary of State Mr Marco Rubio is the leading voice to remove Maduro from office in addition to dismantling the narcocriminal infrastructure Rubio has been the driving force to oust Maduro since the first Trump term some eightyearsagowhenhewas Senator from Florida. Many

DearEditor,

Recent political developments in Guyana following the results of the Sept1electionhaveushered in what promises to bring significant shifts in the country's governance arrangements. I suspect that ahead of us are many uncertainties.

Of the six political parties that contested the September 1st GRE, all are committed to the capitalist path of socio-economic development, none was of theradicalleft,leftofcenter nor was any of them labour or socialist-oriented Basically, they are all social or liberal democratic parties committed to a market economy. The PPP for its part, declared that it is a 'working class party whose objective is to create a fair and equitable society.' The mission of all the parties it seems, is limited to carrying out social and economic transformations/reforms to improve the livelihoods of

Venezuelans live in Florida which is also home to the anti-communistCubanswho generally support Republicans.Rubiohasbeen smartly playing domestic politics.Hehasbeenasavvy politician. The Times article stated that the US will escalate military pressure to try to force him out. Rubio argues that “Maduro is an illegitimate leader who oversees the export of drugs to the United States, which he says poses an imminent threat to USA and the region” President Trump stated that some 100,000 Americans died from narcoticsannually

Itisassertedthatbecause “Maduro sits atop Venezuela's cartel network, theycanarguethatremoving himfrompowerisultimately a counternarcotics operation”. In 2020, the Justice Department indicted Maduro and other Venezuelanofficialsondrug trafficking charges And RubiostatedthatMaduroisa “fugitive from American justice”.

The American Secretary met with Venezuelan OppositionfigureslastMay Opposition figures According to NYT, the Venezuelan have been speaking with American officials. Maduro is being

compared with Libyan Kaddafi, Iraq's Saddam, and Panama's Noriega by members of Trump

Administration and

Members of Congress. The USA under Bish Sr toppled Noriegaoverdrugtraffic;he spent decades in American prison.

The American military presence in the region is steadilyclimbingfrom4,500 to 6,500 with large numbers of equipment, aircraft carriers, submarine, etc. for any operations The Venezuelans' military is no matchforAmericanmilitary technology; a small number of forces can remove him from office The Times stated that efforts are being made to oust Maduro without resorting to force. Military action is the last resort.

Regime change will benefit Venezuelans and the region. Venezuela has vast oil reserves, larger than Guyana and in shallow w a t e r C h e v r o n , E x x o n M o b i l , a n d ConocoPhillips invested heavily in Venezuela. Large amounts of revenues will flow; prices for oil and gas would fall benefiting consumers. Oil production will benefit all of Venezuela asopposedtoasmallnumber ofofficials.

WHAT'S WIN?

Guyanese while leaving everything else to be regulated by the market without any fundamental structural nor systemic changes.

A s f o r W I N , ideologically, it can be considered a right-wing populistparty InaGuyanese context, its politics can be considered as unorthodox andnon-traditionalist.

WIN's electoral success hassomesimilaritiestothose of right-wing populist parties as with the 'Brothers of Italy' in Italy; the 'Alternative for Germany' in Germany; the National Rally'inFrance;theMAGA movementintheRepublican Party, USA; 'Liberty Advances' in Argentina; the 'Liberal Party' in Brazil; the 'New Ideas' party in El Salvador; the 'Reform UK' party in Great Britain; the 'Freedom Plus Front' in South Africa; the 'People's Power'inGeorgia.

The overseas influence of these parties should

The problem facing Washington andVenezuela's neighbours is what to do if and when Maduro falls. It will create chaos that Trinidad and Tobago and Guyana are not prepared to address. A decade ago, governments in Guyana would have spoken out against any military action against Venezuela, describingitasimperialism. When a handful of us supported Washington against Communism in Guyana, we were called imperialists But now, politicians in Guyana have no issue with American presence in Venezuela and seeing the back of Maduro. Leftist Guyanese are no longer supporting socialism in Venezuela. Only a few leftist politicians in the region are quietly backing Maduro. Trump does not take too kindly to any regional politicians defying him. Country aid and visas areontheline.

Washington stated that force is an option to guarantee prosperity in the region. Reports said a swift handover of power in Mira Flores is being talked about. Regime change could also leadtostabilityontheborder controversy

Yourstruly, VishnuBisram

underestimated.Theyappear

influenceacrossbordersand networking capacities in countries around the world. Their ideological influence in Guyana, may have been

misinterpreted.

WINplayedasignificant role in fracturing the opposition parties, its goal was to either capture or crippleparliament.Todoso, it required a sweeping victory,butwhilethe PPP/Chastorpedoedthat goalotherlowhangingfruits haveemerged.

Having succeeded in securing a foothold in parliament, WIN's role may turn out to be pragmatic and nationalistic. On the one hand, it may seek alliances withotheroppositionparties in parliament on specific domesticissues,whileonthe other, it may extend critical support to government on domestic and national

securitymatters.Atthesame time, it may try to frustrate government's legislative agenda,andmakeeverynew legislationcontestable. Some have speculated that the electoral victories won by right-wing populist parties in various countries were mirrored by WIN's m e t e o r i c r i s e t o parliamentary majority deemed 'electoral upsets or surprises' never seen before in the USA, Europe, South America and Guyana. Truth be told; 'it is, what it is' meaning, the losers, rather thanbeingatpeacewiththeir electoral misfortune or existentialthreatshaveopted to engage in selfflagellation.Abelief held in somequartersisthatsupport for right-wing populist partiesworldwideisbuilton aninternationalnetworkthat unites them with common values, aims and objectives. WIN seems to be hooked intothatnetwork.

Aprimaryfactorinthe

(Continuedonpage6)

The problem is not the Constitution. The problem is ignorance of the Constitution

DearEditor,

Once again, I am compelled to revisit the critical importance of adheringtotheruleoflaw If we are truly committed to this principle, not just mouthing it for political expediency, then everyone must be held accountable to thesamestandard.Onlythen can we begin to build a Guyana consistent with our national motto, “One People, One Nation, One Destiny.”

You cannot change something with any degree ofcredibilityorcommitment if you have failed to understand it, let alone give it a chance to work. I continuetobelieve,andwill continue to say unless proven otherwise, that the hard and necessary work required to bring about constitutional compliance, including change or amendment, is simply not being done. As an advocate forconstitutionaladherence, Ilendmyvoicetotherecent call by the Guyana Human Rights Association for compliance with the Constitutionifanyreformis tobelegitimate.Butwemust gofurther

Howcanmembersofthe present Constitutional Reform Commission find it acceptable to proceed with an exercise of such grave national import while ignoringtheobligationsthat

wouldgivelegitimacytothe process? I often wonder if these very members have even read the Constitution. Have they studied the background work that informs the spirit and intent of the instrument? Do they understand who we are as a people and what our aspirations are? Have they taken the time to revisit the work of the 1999 Constitution Reform Commission, and most importantly, what remains outstandingfromthateffort?

Article 119A in the Constitution expressly states:

“1): The National Assembly shall establish a Standing Parliamentary C o m m i t t e e f o r Constitutional Reform for the purpose of continually reviewing the effectiveness of the working of the Constitution and making periodic reports thereon to the Assembly, with proposals for reform, as necessary

"(2): In its work, the Committee shall have power to co-opt experts or enlist the aid of other persons of appropriate expertise, whether or not such experts or other persons are members of the Assembly.”

These provisions are binding,andyethereweare with no standing committee functioning as prescribed;

no serious attempt to follow thelaw

Among those on the present commission are individuals who served in our judiciary and persons whose reputations would lead society to believe they are law-abiding and possessedofintegrity Butif they refuse to speak truth to power, if they sit silently while legality is trampled, then they are complicit

Every one of them is now called upon to revisit their actions and the lawlessness theyareenabling.

Anothergraveconcernis the Government refusal to include constitutional education in the national curriculum, from nursery right through to university Thisfailureisnoaccident.It isadeliberatetactic.

When people are ignorant of their rights and thesupremelawoftheland, they are easier to manipulate.

The attack on the Constitution and the loud clamour to change it are driven by many factors, including a deep-seated disdain for the People's National Congress and the F o r b e s B u r n h a m administration,underwhose government the current C o n s t i t u t i o n w a s promulgated.Andofcourse, “constitutional reform” is a sexy political topic It sounds progressive, even

when it's driven by partisan motives rather than national interest.

We have seen time and again what happens when this instrument is tampered with in the absence of legislation or a guiding framework The bloated voters' list is one such example and allows electionstoberiggedbefore asinglevoteiscast.Sotoois the failure to give true meaning to inclusionary democracy

And worse, some citizens feel they must grovel to the powers that be to access what is rightfully theirs. Ignorance of the Constitution and nonadherence to the supreme law only empower both G o v e r n m e n t a n d Opposition.And under such circumstances,theonlyones who suffer are the ordinary people On one hand, government misconduct is treated as a constitutional weakness On the other hand, a non-militant

Opposition uses this as an excuseforinaction.

This farce has become thenorm,makingamockery of our political system and e n c o u r a g i n g n o naccountability from those who were elected and are paid by the people to serve thepeople.

I firmly believe that in order to change the Constitution, it is first necessarytounderstandit.It is the bedrock upon which legislation must be built. And more importantly, we mustask:Whatisbeingdone to breathe life into this document in a manner consistent with the people's aspirations, as outlined in Article 13 and the national motto?

Our national motto “One People, One Nation, One Destiny” represents the common desire of all Guyanese, regardless of our origin, to forge meaningful relationships based on respect, participation, and peaceful coexistence. This mustbeunderpinnedbylaws that hold all accountable, without exception. Yet over twodecadessinceArticle13 was introduced, there has been no legislation, no executive action, no policy, noprogrammetogiveeffect toitsintent.

This is willful neglect. The problem is not the Constitution.Theproblemis i g n o r a n c e o f t h e C o n s t i t u t i o n , a n d worse—the exploitation of that ignorance. The real crisis is the absence of political will to do what is right by the people. Even more damning is that many of the enablers of this lawlessness come from quarters and persons whom society least expects. Until we confront this hard truth, even the most perfect constitution won't take us oneinchclosertobuildinga society where every citizen isheldtothesamestandards andboundbythesamerules.

Sincerely

LincolnLewis

VOTING PATTERN IN ALBION (Kilcoy – Hampshire)

DearEditor,

Further to my earlier correspondence on the 2025 elections where I discussed the Canje voting patterns, I wish to share some observations on voting patterns in the Albion area, specificallythecommunities spanning Kilcoy to Hampshire under that local NDC.

Historically, during President Cheddi Jagan's tenure until his departure from this earth, this geographic area gave nearunanimous support to the PPP, with the party

commanding up to 99% of the votes in the 1997 electionsunderJanetJagan. This district is of particularimportanceforthe PPP,sincethisisoneoftheir core strongholds backed by the jobs provided by the Albion Sugar Estate, both directly and indirectly. Given that only the PPP, (unlike the APNU Granger Term), has consistently invested in the sugar industry, it would have been expectedthatthissupportfor the PPP would have remained strong and above 95% in 2025. But this was

never to be, the 2025 results revealedadifferentstory

In 2015, the area recorded 4,434 valid votes. By2025,thatnumberroseto 5,179 valid votes, reflecting an increase of 745 valid votescast.Thebreakdownis asfollows:

Three developments stand out:

1 D e c l i n e i n

APNU+AFC support: In 2015, the coalition secured 2.5% of the votes, which weakened to 1.8% of the votes cast by 2025, in the Kilcoy to Hampshire area (Central Corentyne). These

Cash grant promise reversal?

DearEditor,

Iftheviewsexpressedby MinisterBharrat,asstatedin Kaieteur News, on the cash grantrepresentsareversalin the position of the current administration, it would mark the end of trusting relationship between the people of Guyana and the PPPC.

Let's consider the concerns expressed and the options available The government has in place a schoolgrantthatencourages parents and students to embrace educational opportunities. This will prevent the neglect of education. The governmentalsohasinplace several business grants that will continue to encourage entrepreneurs to set up businesses during this

current oil boom.These two examples should alleviate the concerns expressed by theMinister We must also keep in mindthatourcurrentsystem is plagued by corruption. This makes the use of cash grants preferable to direct government spending Simplyput,placethemoney from the oil and gas sector directly in the hands of the citizens and rely on taxation of their chosen expenditures tocollecttherevenueneeded to support the government's developmentplans. Thisapproachwillallow for increased income within the population without them having to wait for trickledown economics to takeeffect.

The concerns expressed by the populace of high

levels of corruption and nepo

sm has made trickledown economics less effectiveinGuyana.

For these reasons, CRG supportstheuseofcontinual cash grants for our citizens and the sustained distribution of the current grants in place for school children, farmers, and businesses.

The government should alsoplacemoreemphasison the growth of the Natural Resource Fund via prudent investments in both fixed income instruments and globalstockmarkets.

Thiswillensurethatafter the oil has finished the country will continue to maintain its high level of earnings.

Sincerely, Mr JamilChanglee

communities have historicallybeenloyaltothe PPP and largely resistant to the APNU+AFC's message, save and except for a brief opportunity for the AFC in 2011. So it was expected that the APNU would have done very badly in these communities Therefore, therewasnoshockwiththeir diminishedsharetothetotal votes, which underscores this reality. However, the popular expectation was all of these votes lost by the APNU would have gone to the PPP, but this did not happen.

2 Reduced PPP dominance: Despite investmentsinthesugarbelt, the PPP's share of the vote fell from 97.5% in 2015 to 88 5% in 2025 a ninepoint decline. This situation raises real questions around the PPP's narrative of a “landslide victory.” In these PPP strongholds, many youths have increasingly disengaged from the party and when one investigates the social troubles in these communities,itiswithgood

Frompage4

reason. This disconnect is compounded by a marked increase in the lack of opportunities in these communities plus immense frustrationofthepeoplewith thehighlevelsofcorruption at local and regional levels. Reportsofaregionalofficial carrying the nickname “Mr 10%” for his alleged collection of kickbacks on each regional projects with fullpoliticalcoveragefroma specific Minister who was born in Central Corentyne, add to the frustration of the youth voters. Unless addressed, these cracks in the party's base may widen further by 2030, with dire consequences.

3 The arrival of a crediblethirdforce:Thenew WINparty,formedjustthree months before the elections, managed to capture 9.7% of the vote in this PPP stronghold that is the home to Minister Zulfikar Mustapha and Minister Vickram Bharat This remarkable performance suggests that WIN has tapped into a growing

appetite for an alternative to both major parties and a clear rejection of Minister Mustapha and Minister Bharat.

The results suggest that while PPP's investments may have increased voter turnout, they did not translate into stronger proportional support for the party Voter dissatisfaction and disillusionment in Corentyne especially among youths are becomingmorevisible,even inthisPPPstrongholds.The numbersdonotlie.ThePPP voteshareinRegion6(East Berbice-Corentyne)reduced by2,120votesbetween2020 and 2025, while the WIN Teamgain12,388newvotes in 2025. This performance begs the question – how popular is President Irfaan Ali with these Berbice communities? The impact on the party standing in Central Corentyne guides one to the conclusion that it is not on solid grounds in theselocalareasasitusedto beunderCheddiJagan. Looking ahead to 2030, one lesson is clear: reliance on state spending alone will not secure political loyalty Greater attention must be paidtolocalgovernanceand delivery at the NDC and RDClevels. Itmightbe (Continuedonpage20)

WHAT'S WIN...

right-wing populist's electoral success is a deficit in mainstream political parties' ability to find effective responses to festering economic and financial challenges at the grassrootslevel.Many have sought to explain the meteoric growth ofWINas a political force in Guyana anditselectoralachievement in different ways; the point

however, is that a close examination of WIN's ideology and its electoral politics show that it is a homegrownmanifestationof populist right-wing politics, though it appears to have u n d e r g o n e s o m e modifications based on Guyanese realities. People who voted WIN must have been upset over the economic hardships they werefacingwereignored.

Theywerelookingfora party that can nourish their imaginations and whose political action rested on m o b i l i z a t i o n a n d organization at the national and regional levels, that would make their dreams cometrue.

As the populist trend prevails,right-wingpopulist parties,inalliancewithlikeminded politicos can evolve as they have in some countries, moving from a major populist opposition partytoagoverningparty

Populist parties have at times made important contributions to advance democracy and building multi-racial unity, but as experience has shown, they canbecomeanti-democratic, divisive and hard-wired t o w a r d s n a t i o n a l development. That notwithstanding, theballappearstobeontwo rather than one court. The new parliament is pregnant withwin-winopportunities.

Yoursfaithfully, ClementJ.Rohee

and primary health care - director says in report

PAHO highlights progress in health security, disease elimination, and

The Director of the Pan

A m e r i c a n H e a l t h Organization (PAHO), Dr Jarbas Barbosa, presented his Annual Report on Mondayattheopeningofthe 62nd Directing Council, highlighting major progress in health security, disease elimination, primary health

c a r e , a n d d i g i t a l health despite the many challenges faced over the pastyear.“Thisreportshows how collective action can improve health and wellbeing across our Region,” said Dr. Barbosa. “Today, preparedness and resilience areessentialpillarsofpublic health.”Coveringtheperiod fromJuly2024toJune2025, the report captures key regional efforts to improve health and well-being,

strengthen health systems, and enhance emergency response capacity, building onlessonslearnedduringthe COVID-19pandemic.

Emergencyresponseand keyachievements Over the past year, PAHO responded to more than 38 health emergencies, includingdengueepidemics, mpox, and avian influenza, as well as natural disasters suchasHurricaneBeryl.The Organization also delivered 25 tons of medical supplies to 23 countries and territories, including 14.5 tons to Haiti as part of its response to cholera and the country's ongoing humanitarian crisis. “In the face of a record dengue epidemic, the reemergence ofmeasles,andthespreadof

avian influenza, PAHO stood firmly with countries tosupportarapidresponse,” Dr Barbosaemphasised.

PAHO's epidemic intelligence efforts a cornerstone of health security—detected over 2.7 million pieces of information on potential public health events, generating more than 1,800 critical intelligence reports and over 1,900 early warnings to address threats such as H5N1, Oropouche virus, and yellow fever.

Under the Disease Elimination Initiative, the Regionregaineditsmeaslesfree status, with Brazil reverifiedin2024.However, outbreaks in several countries now threaten to reversethisprogress.

GuyExpo 2025 officially launched

GuyExpo 2025 was launched,onMonday,atthe Sophia Exhibition Centre, with a clarion call for large and small-scale businesses andentrepreneurstotakethe opportunity to showcase their products to local and internationalcustomers.

The event is scheduled forNovember13to16,atthe Sophia Exhibition Centre u n d e r t h e t h e m e “Transformation Through Entrepreneurship and Innovation.”

Minister of Tourism, Industry and Commerce Susan Rodrigues delivers the feature address at GuyExpo 2025 launch

Additional major achievements included: Surinamebecomingthefirst Amazonian country to be certifiedmalaria-freeinJune 2025; Brazil eliminating lymphatic filariasis as a public health problem; and newrequestsforelimination verifications submitted by Brazil for mother-to-child HIV transmission and by Chileforleprosy.

technologies. PAHO's Regional Revolving Funds supported the procurement of159millionvaccinedoses, 9 million diagnostic tests, and 3.5 million treatment courses. The Region also moved closer to selfsufficiency in health technologies, with notable developments such as Argentina's production of the PCV20 pneumococcal vaccine and mRNA vaccine advancements in both Argentina and Brazil. The High-Cost Medicines Initiative was launched to improveaccesstotreatments f

transformationand cooperation

The PAHO Forward institutional transformation initiative modernized internal operations, generating over US$3 millioninadditionalrevenue and reducing financial risk. Progress was also made on the Shared Services Initiative, which aims to enhance administrative e

During the launch at the Arthur Chung Conference Centre in Liliendaal, Minister of Tourism, Industry and Commerce, Susan Rodrigues said this year's event will have new features to enhance its impact. She explained that even with the changes, the expositionwillstillpromote the economy's dynamism while preserving its core identity

PAHO's Better Care for NoncommunicableDiseases (NCDs) initiative, launched in 2023, expanded rapidly, with the HEARTS initiative now implemented in more than 7,000 primary health care centers across 26 countries Through the Alliance for Primary Health Care, and in collaboration withtheWorldBankandthe I n t e r - A m e r i c a n Development Bank (IDB), Chile, the Dominican Republic, and El Salvador reachedagreementstoinvest inintegratedhealthservices. In El Salvador, for example, a US$120 million project willexpandaccesstoquality primary care. PAHO also advanced digital health through the Pan American Highway for Digital Health anditsAll-in-OneTelehealth Platform, bringing essential services to underserved areasandincorporatingtools like public health readiness assessments for artificial

“GuyExpoisunmatched (Continuedonpage11)

sclerosis, and rare diseases. Looking ahead, Dr Barbosa warned of a projected shortfall of 600,000 health professionals by 2030. To help address this, more than one million new users accessedtheVirtualCampus for Public Health, PAHO's onlinelearningplatform. Institutional

on and outsourcing to lower-cost locations During the reporting period, PAHO signed 51 cooperation agreements with new financial and non-financial partnersandadopted22joint strategieswithcountriesand subregions. “This year has shownthatprogressinhealth is built through continued collaboration,” Dr Barbosa concluded “Together, we are building a stronger Region—one that is better preparedtosafeguardhealth nowandinthefuture.”

ExxonMobilorderedtosubmit...

Frompage3 will be transferred to the Gas-to-Energy (GtE) pipelinenetwork.

TheissueofGuyana'soil reserveshasbeenasourceof contention, former Minister of Finance, Winston Jordan believes the Stabroek Block oil reserves is far more oil than the 11.6 billion barrels announced The former ministersaidthatevenatthe currentpaceofextractionby ExxonMobil Guyana Limited (EMGL), he believes there is enough oil tolastanother30to40years. The question of Guyana's true reserves gained attentionin2024.

That August, the Ministry of Natural Resources announced that reservesgrewby600million barrels to 11 6 billion, following eight new discoveries since the last update in April 2022. But

Exxon disputed the government's figure, providing its own lower estimate of below 11 billion barrels.

“I believe quite honestly

thatwearebeingfooledand we are doing nothing about it, about how much oil has really been discovered,” Jordan said, citing the last eight new discoveries made by the oil company He argued that there has been a blackout on information about the true estimate of Guyana's oil finds “All those11.6billionbarrelsthat theyaretellingusIbelieveit is double or triple that. So, we got oil that could last us 40 years or 50 years even at the present extraction,” Jordannoted.

Jordan further estimated thatataconservativeUS$60 per barrel, Guyana stands to earn massive revenues

“That's huge money coming toasmallcountryintermsof population, 10 years' time withgoodinvestmentandall these things, all of us here could be not super rich but we should have a decent standardliving,”headded.

Oil was discovered offshoreGuyanain2015and by December 2019, production commenced Exxon has already received

governmentapprovalforsix developments in the Stabroek Block. The first four are in operation, producing an average of 650,000barrelsofoilperday (bpd) with an installed capacityof900,000bpd. The company's country manager, Alistair Routledge at a press conference last yearsaidtheStabroekBlock reserves are less than 11 billion barrels Routledge was asked how many of the eight discoveries were appraisedforthecompanyto arrive at the new resource estimate of 11 6 billion barrels. He explained, “The government released a number of 11.6 billion oil equivalent barrels, ExxonMobil's estimate is lowerthanthatnumber…our number remains a little under 11 billion oil equivalent barrels ” Furthermore, he noted that the company is obligated to makesuchreportstotheUS Securities and Exchange Commission, making the point that Exxon was not keepingthefiguresaway

Director of the Pan American Health Organization (PAHO), Dr. Jarbas Barbosa

ReconveningParliament without delayisatestofdemocraticpractice

Democracy is not only about the right of citizens to cast their ballots. It is also about ensuring that the institutions of government function with immediacy and accountability in the aftermathofelections.

Chief among those institutionsisParliament,the body entrusted with providing oversight of the Executive. If the people’s representatives are not seated and their voices not heard, the system risks imbalance. For this reason, Parliament should be convened at the earliest opportunityafterelections.It should not have to wait weeksormonths,butshould bepromptlyconvened.

The Constitution of Guyana recognizes the importance of avoiding a vacuum in legislative authority Article 69(1) provides that Parliament must meet within four months of the end of the precedingsession.

Butthisfour-monthlimit is an outer boundary. It is a safeguard against indefinite delay. It was never intended tosuggestthattheExecutive may leisurely wait four months before summoning the National Assembly To treat this maximum allowance as the default wouldbeadistortionofboth the letter and the spirit of

constitutionalgovernance. Theoversightfunctionof Parliament cannot be overstated. It is the forum where the government must answer questions, defend p o l i c i e s , j u s t i f y expenditures, and account for its stewardship. Without Parliament, there is no scrutiny of executive action, no opportunity for the oppositiontovoiceconcerns inastructuredforum,andno meansbywhichthepeople’s representatives can check andbalancetheuseofpower Every day without a sitting Parliamentisadayinwhich the Executive operates without the full measure of legislative accountability That gap, however brief, weakens the democratic chain.

Somemayarguethatthe Constitution affords the Presidenttime,andtherefore no breach occurs if Parliament is convened late within the four-month window But compliance with democracy is not a matter of doing the bare minimumrequiredbylaw.It is about living up to the higher principle of governancebyconsentofthe governed The people elected their representatives to sit in Parliament and to serve immediately after the elections and not at the President’sconvenience.

Also, the suggestion that Parliamentisinits“summer recess”isequallymisplaced. Parliament was not adjourned for holidays. It was dissolved for elections. Once dissolved, there is no Assembly that can claim to be in recess The new Parliament, therefore, must be convened afresh To equate dissolution with recess is to misunderstand the Constitution and to trivialize the democratic process.

Issuingaproclamationto summonthenewParliament is not a ceremonial formality; it is the single most important act to signal that governance is resuming in accordance with the will oftheelectorate.Everydelay in this proclamation fuels unnecessary speculation, creates uncertainty, and undermines accountability Prompt action, on the other hand,conveysrespectforthe electorate, confidence in the democratic process, and a readiness to embrace scrutiny.

It is sometimes said that the four-month period is “directory” rather than mandatory, meaning that failure to convene Parliament within that timeframe does not automatically invalidate subsequent sittings. While thatmaybesoasamatterof

Dem Boys Seh... Time to call roll on the teachers

Schools reopen. Children sharpen their pencils. Parents iron uniforms. The bell rings. But where are the teachers? Some of themstillmissinginaction,threeweeksafter thetermbegan.Andwe’renottalkingabout aflubugoralatebus.No,thisissomething far worse. This is not AWOL. This is abandonment.

Let’s not sugarcoat it. When a teacher fails to turn up after three weeks, it’s not a case of “personal leave” or “family emergency.” It’s a case of desertion. If soldiersabandonedtheirpostslikethis,we’d callitmutiny Yetineducation,westilltreat it like an excusable absence. “Oh, Miss not come in yet? Maybe she’ll show up next week.” Next week? By then, the children could’ve learnt more from YouTube than fromthechalkboard.

And please, let’s stop romanticizing these absences. Teaching is not a carnival where you can decide whether you’re “playing” this season. If you don’t turn up for duty, you’ve essentially un-enrolled yourself. Strike them off the books. Clean the register Let’s not confuse a profession withapart-timehobby

Whatweneedisadailyrollcall—every region, every school, every morning.

legal interpretation, it is irrelevant to the question of good governance Why should a President delay whenthereisnonecessityto do so? Why should a nation beleftinlimbowhenitcould be assured of a functioning legislature within days? The availability of a legal loophole does not justify its use when higher principles callforimmediacy

The framers of the Constitutionwiselyincluded the four-month cap to prevent abuse But they assumed that Presidents would act in good faith and convene Parliament swiftly Indeed, democratic practice around the world shows that legislatures are typically convened as soon as

practicable after elections, often within days or weeks. To wait months would raise eyebrowsinanycountrythat values parliamentary oversight.

The case for immediate reconvening, therefore, is compelling.Thepeoplehave spoken through the ballot box. Their representatives stand ready to take their oaths, to scrutinize policies, todebatelaws,andtodefend the public interest The Executive has no valid excusetodelay Itshouldnot hide behind constitutional allowances, nor should any one mischaracterize dissolutionasrecess.Whatis required is a simple, swift proclamation by the President summoning the

NationalAssembly

The health of our democracy depends on the i m m e d i a c y o f accountability The longer Parliament remains closed, the longer the Executive governs unchecked A President who delays P

democracy; a President who

strengthensit.Thechoice,in thismoment,isclear

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

Absent? Report it. Still absent tomorrow? Reportitagain.Thirdweekinarow?Hand over the pink slip. Regional Education Departments should have a dashboard that lights up every time a teacher pulls a disappearing act.Accountability should not be a mystical concept; it should be a spreadsheet.Onethatisaccuratethough. Thisisnotaboutbeingheartless.Thisis about discipline How can we preach punctualitytochildrenwhentheverypeople teaching them treat the school term like a flexiblework-from-homearrangement?The children are expected to line up at 9:00 am and in some schools by 8:30 am sharp, but their teachers stroll in three weeks late. If theystrollinatall.

If teachers want to play hide and seek, they can do it on their own time, not on the taxpayers’ dime. Because every absent teacher means a class of children left idle, learning more about the art of waiting than aboutmathorreading.

So let’s stop pretending.Absenteeism is not an extended vacation. It is a dereliction of duty And the cure is simple: roll call, record, report, remove. Discipline begins at thetopoftheclassroom,nottheback. Talkhalf.Leffhalf.

H@RD TRUTHS

Opposition must be seen and heard

Th e n e w

o p p o s i t i o n groups have to come out of their shells. Frankly, other than for the occasional soundbite, they have hardly been visible. If there is one lesson to be gleaned from 2020-2025, it isthattheoppositionmustbe i n t h e p e o p l e ' s consciousnessonasustained basis. Translation:seenand heard all the time. More is better There is no such animalasbadpublicity All publicityhasitsvalue. Now when I say opposition, the wholetentiscovered. WIN. PNC. FGM. AFC. If I neglected to mention any group,apologies.

ThePNChasbeenonthe thin side. Where is Dr Terrence Campbell?

Facebookpagealone,ifthat is case, will not get the job

done, which is to steal the hearts of the people. Better make that win their hearts, whichmayplayrightintothe hands of Mr Azruddin Mohamed. What happened to him by the way, the man on whom all eyes are fixed?

He hasn't started yet, so he doesn't have the luxury of picking and choosing his appearances, his messages. Social media has its pluses, one of which is reach and instantgratification.

But the WIN leader and teammustlearnthatthereis merit in cultivating the print media. If none other, the independent, mainstream mediashouldbenurturedfor maximum exposure. Both thePNCandWINneedtodo something about that gap in theirvisions,theirtactics.

The AFC has been kickingupacloudofdust. A

goodthing,Isay,withanod inthedirectionoftheparty's interim leader, Mr David Patterson.

As is the situation with humans,onoccasionaheavy shocktothesystemiswhatis needed to make men and women see god, recognise their limitations. Or, to say differently,sometimesaman has to fall flat on his face, lose everything, before he pulls himself together The AFC has been in the limelightwithitspositionon biometrics and, more recently, the reality of 50% oil profits. Careful, that's sacred ground, some folks are going to take offence. They are both local and foreign.

The FGM's Amanza Walton-Desir (Ms.) has had to deal with an unhealthy internal development. No

opposition party or leader canaffordthesedistractions. Theydissipateenergiesfrom the work at hand, the expectationofvoters. NowI have an expectation of my own to broadcast. Why is not one opposition group, notalloftheminunison,not clamoring for parliament to beconvened? Amonthago, Pres. Ali had his inaugural address. Hehassincenamed hiscabinet. Membersofhis cabinet have been going after what I shall call some loose ends, of which there aremany Ministers have been workingdiligentlyinthelast month to tie them up, or cut them off. Good. Overdue. Guyanese deserve more such interest, lots of such energies. Meanwhile, the opposition groups are either stuck on Facebook, or a picture of nonchalance relative to parliament and their getting going with the business of the people Recall that they, too, made theirshareoflushpromises. Time to start representing,

and parliament is the place for a host of issues to be discussed, so that Guyanese getafairtomiddlingideaof what they have in the new oppositionleadership.

WIN's Mohamed should havebeenintheforefrontof thecallforparliamenttoget going. He has a long and steep learning curve, and cannot shrink from that challenge.

Parliament will showcase how much he has to offer the Guyanese people, whether they voted for him or not, and his true mettle. Thelongerheisout oftheoncehallowedhallsof parliament, the less his hoped-forrising,themorehe becomes a subtraction to himself.

Dr TerrenceCampbellis inthesameminibus,sincehe is also new to that riotous floor Hehastowanttobein parliament to display what he is all about, so that Guyanesecanconcludeheis amanforallseasons,orheis onepasthisseason,orofno seasonatall. Perhaps,these

leaders are burning the midnight oil trying to get a grip on the intricacies of Standing Orders, and the assetsthatthosecanbe,once they are skillfully marshalled. Ms. Amanza Walton-Desir has an edge over the newcomers, as she has been in parliament, and has shown she can hold her own. The new two could learn from her, not get caught up in any macho swagger

Here'sthefastandnasty Parliament should have alreadybeeninsession. The opposition parties pressing for it. The business of the people on the move. And, Guyanese get a preview of what they will get from government and opposition, startingrightnow

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

s

‘Govt. will not abandon rice farmers’ -AgricultureMinister

The Ministe

Agriculture, Zulfikar

Mustapha on Tuesday said that the Government of Guyana (GoG) will not abandon rice farmers, stemming from comments made by former Finance Minister,WinstonJordan.

During a live broadcast two Sundays ago, Jordan toldviewersthatthewanton handoutofvarioussubsidies tosupporttheindustrywasa misuseoftaxpayers'money

The subsidies to rice farmers include the removal of the commission from the Guyana Rice Development board (GRDB), distribution of free fertiliser and dutyfree concession on machineryandequipment.

“It has provided cash transfers for the farmer It hasprovidedcashsubsidyto subsidise the low price. It is subsidising an insurance premium, and of course, they go easy on farmers whenitcomestothepurpose of income tax with concession,”Jordansaid.

Hehighlightedthatthere isnotmuchthatcanbegiven to rice farmers except an increasetothepricesubsidy, “but this is a total misuse of taxpayers money total misuse of taxpayers' money in that this whole country is suffering high cost-ofliving…allkindsofstories.”

In response, Mustapha

'

Frompage8 in terms of exposure; it offers a rare platform to showcase products and services not only to local c o n s u m e r s b u t t o international investors and partners, ” Minister Rodriguesstated.

“We are creating a

dedicated space for businesses and investors to

engage in serious

conversation about

collaboration and expansion,”sheadded.

This networking component,shesaid,willbe supported by the Guyana Office for Investment (GoInvest),whoseexpertisewill be pivotal in linking entrepreneurs with investors.

“The physical layout of theexpowillalsoundergoa transformation, while the traditional elements that Guyanese have come to cherish, such as the vibrant

smaller farmers should exit rice production is not only reckless but also reveals a deep disregard for the thousands of families who dependonthisvitalindustry.

He reminded that the Coalition,duringits2015to 2020tenure,ofwhichJordan served, blatantly repeated that “rice is a private business”, allowing farmers tostruggle.

According to him, “WhenPanamafailedtopay for rice supplied under the Coalition government, farmersandmillerswereleft to fend for themselves, with nointerventionorassistance from the very government thatMr Jordanwasapartof. It wasn't until the Dr Irfaan Ali-led PPP/C government got into office that millers and farmers received those outstandingpayments.”

TheAgricultureMinister said that the Irfaan Ali-led administration has shown a different approach with the President meeting farmers himself only recently on the CorentyneCoast.

Mustapha highlighted that government plans to increasethenationalstorage capacity across riceproducing regions to allow Guyana to stockpile up to fivemilliontonnesofrice.

Additionally, the Ministersaid,“PresidentAli alsospokeaboutinvestingin betterricevarietiestodeliver higher yields and maintain

food courts, the children's areaandtourismvillage,will remain.

These features will be enhanced for greater prominence and impact,”

Minister Rodrigues explained.

Businesses that have grown with GuyExpo in the past three decades will also be honoured, while illuminated signs and improved directional systems will be introduced.

Entertainment and performances will also play a central role in reflecting Guyana's cultural richness.

The tourism minister noted that while GuyExpo is s u p p o r t e d b y t h e government, the private sector will be integrally involved.GuyExpowasfirst launched in 1995 and has been the longest-standing trade expo in Guyana, attracting hundreds of exhibitorseachyear (DPI)

competitiveness in global m a r k e t s , a n d t h e introductionofagri-business diversification. This will include high-value initiatives such as cage farming for crabs to boost cash flow and reduce risks for farmers ” Mustapha thereforenotedthatthiswas contrarytoJordan'sproposal to push farmers out of the industry, disregarding that riceisnotonlyacommercial productbutacornerstoneof Guyana's rural economy, food security, and national identity To this end, he underscored, “The PPP/C Government will not

abandon rice farmers Instead, it is investing in infrastructure, research, and diversificationtoensurethat Guyana's rice industry emerges stronger and more resilientinthefaceofglobal challenges.”

Recently, rice farmers have been complaining bitterly of paddy prices which they described as “unsustainable”.

This newspaper understandsthatthecostper bag of paddy has declined from $4,000 to $2,800. It was reported that government previously expresseditscommitmentto

engage rice farmers and millerstoassessandaddress the situation as soon as possible President Ali alludedtoan“all-time”high rice production, during a press conference. He said, “When you look at the rice production globally, is it an all-time high, with major

producers,exporterssuchas India, Vietnam and Brazil, having record levels of production, not only record levels of production, but record level of stockpile.” Consequently,Ali explained thatthisglutinthemarketis responsible for the low prices.

Minister of Agriculture, Zulfikar Mustapha Former Finance Minister, Winston Jordan

Pres. Ali hangs Parliament’s fate on November deadline

With the September 1, 2025, General and Regional Electionsnowbehindusand his new cabinet sworn in, President Irfaan Ali has assured that the 13th Parliamentwillbeconvened within the constitutional deadline.

The12thParliamentwas dissolved on July 3, 2025, ahead of the polls, which resulted in the People's Progressive Party Civic, PPP/C securing victory and Ali being elected for a second term. He was sworn inonSeptember7,followed by the appointment of his cabinetinthedaysafter The only outstanding step is the reconveningofParliament.

Under Article 69 (1) of the Constitution of Guyana, Parliament must meet no later than four months after dissolution. The provision states: “Each session of Parliament shall be held at such place within Guyana and shall begin at such time (not being later than six months from the end of the p

prorogued or four months fromtheendofthatsessionif

dissolved) as the President

proclamation.”

On Tuesday, during an interview with journalist KianaWilburg,presidentAli reiterated his government's commitment to operating within the Constitution.

“You can always count on thePPP/Cgovernmenttodo everything within the constitution, and I would never ever do anything outside of it. Article 69 (1) speaks on this matter The president will reconvene parliament, we have until four months after the parliament was dissolved,” hesaid.

ThePresidentaddedthat he sees no need to rush the process. “I still have a lot of time under the constitution to reconvene parliament. It will take me sometime in November that is within the constitution So, I think Guyana can trust the PPP/C

government and we will

constitution gives me a time frame and I was elected President and what I can assure you that it will be

constitutional timeframe,” thePresidentsaid. However, the opposition has criticised the delay, arguing that urgent national matters remain unattended.

Businessman Terrence Campbell,whoissettolead A Partnership for National Unity (APNU) in the 13th Parliament, expressed frustration, saying his parliamentary team is already prepared My parliamentary team is ready for parliament to be

convened. We at this point have no idea why the President seems to be delaying by using up the entire timeframe of four monthsfortheconveningof Parliament,butweareready for parliament to be convened tomorrow, “he said. Campbell emphasised thatseveralpressingnational issues must be urgently addressed,particularlythose relating to the electoral system.Asthenewlyelected leader,heexpressedcautious optimismabouttakinguphis role in Parliament, while emphasising the need for immediate action on these matters. “I am cautiously optimistic about taking up my leadership role in Parliament. There are many

matters of national interest that must be addressed. For example, I believe Parliament ought to address the issue of elections in Guyana, including making budgetary provisions for biometricsgoingforward,as well as addressing the state ofthevoters'list,”hestated. He further stressed that no future elections, whether national or local, should be held without first cleaning up the voters' list and implementing biometric systems. “I am looking forward to the president calling parliament in short order, I don't believe that there is a need to delay parliament any further,” Campbellstated.

Meanwhile, Azruddin

Mohamed,LeaderoftheWe InvestinNationhood(WIN) party and a soon-to-be member of Parliament, affirmed his party's readinesstotakeupitsrolein the National Assembly “WINstandsreadyandfully prepared to take our seats in the 13th Parliament wheneveritisconvened.Our focus is to represent the peopleandbeavoiceforall Guyanese in the highest office,”Mohamedstated.He further emphasised that the party will abide by the law and respect the decisions maderegardingthetimingof Parliament's convening Forward Guyana Movement Leader Amanza Walton declined to comment at this time.

PNCR executive showdown today

…calls for Norton to step down to take centre stage

The Central Executive Committee of the PNCR is expectedtomeettoday-one month after that party's crushing defeat at the general and regional elections. And insiders said that executives are bracing for a fiery meeting amid mounting calls for Party Leader, Aubrey Norton to resign. Norton has thus far signaled that he wants to remainleaderofthepartyto help rebuild it, but a senior party official told Kaieteur News that executives are expected to call on him to step aside immediately In the aftermath of the party's loss at the polls, Norton decided he would not return to Parliament- instead appointing Dr Terrence Campbell to lead the party's 12-MPs.

Atanewsconferenceon September12,2025,Norton wasaskedwhetherhewould becontestingfortheposition ofleaderatthePNCR'snext congresstowhichhereplied: “the PNC will determine whatwillhappensatthenext Congress.”Hehoweversaid thathewouldnotbeleading the PNCR into the next elections. “I will preside over the party and ensure thatIputthemechanismsin place so that by the time we arrive at the next elections, we are well-structured, we will be ready and the new blood in the party will take over the party I hope that is

an indication that I have no intention of running for the presidencyinthefuture,”he said Several persons including former Finance Minister, Winston Jordan havealsocalledonNortonto resignfromtheleadershipof the party During an appearance on KAMS TV's Guyana Morning Time last month, Jordan commended Norton's efforts but said he must take responsibility for the outcome. “Aubrey, you did the hard work… It was needed. The under pushing was needed…you did the hard work, you took a lot of flock for it and signs of rebirth were seen in the ralliesandsoon[but]people didn't turn up for the elections, again I said this was a setback,” Jordan said. “However, we look at it, the partyhasbeenbroughttoits lowest ebb and you were at thehelmwhenthepartywas brought to its lowest ebb,” Jordan. He said that when the dust is settled and the swearing in is completed; Nortonshouldmakewayfor new talent to come forward andleadtheparty.Hesaidin the interest of this pursuit, Nortonshoulddecideoffhis own not to return to parliament Jordan had suggested that APNU's parliamentary leadership be entrustedtoNimaFlue-Bess or Vinceroy Jordan “Aubrey, you can remain

leader of the list, until Congress next year, where you must commit not to run for leadership. Let this be early in your introspection over the next few days, that you will not be running for leadership again, come next year Sothatothertalentcan begin to formalise their running and so on into the Congress,” he said. Jordan added that Norton should transition into an elder role, giving advice without overshadowing new leadership. “Don't go back into parliament and don't c

leadership,letthisthingflow through and be part of the molding and so on ” Jordanstated.

Another senior party official speaking under condition of anonymity told Kaieteur News that before 2025, the PNC's worst electoralperformancewasin 2006 under Robert Corbin. However, the official said d e s p i t e t h e p o o r performance, the PNC managedtwenty-twoseatsin parliament and secured victories in Regions Four and Ten, while maintaining regional seats in all ten Regional Democratic Councils. “The party also hadparliamentaryseatsinall but one Region - Region Nine,” the party official explained “Corbin then selected a formidable team of parliamentarians. Aubrey

Norton was one of the twenty-two persons in that lineup Corbin got into action immediately after the election was over. His executive met, his regional and parliamentary representatives w

e identified and engaged. The party went to work. Norton, who benefited over his five decades in politics in the PNC from the clinical political precision of Mr Burnham, the strong diplomatic maneuverings of Mr Hoyte,thepureelectoral geniusofMr Corbinandthe sleek operations of Mr Granger appears to have learnt nothing from these greatmen,”theofficialsaid. “Styled a “political strategist” and “political scientist” Norton ensured that he did not leave Corbin lonely Norton led the PNC to its worst electoral defeat in its entire history and became the party's second leadertofailinhisbidforthe presidency N

ALP concerned about poor conditions at East La Penitence

The newly formed political party, Assembly for Liberty and Prosperity (ALP), has raised concerns overthelivingconditionsof residents in East La Penitence,Georgetown.

Although the party did notsecureaseatinthe13th Parliament following the September 1 General and Regional Elections, it has continued to engage with citizens on community issues and national matters. In a statement issued on Monday, the ALP highlightedthat,residentsof East La Penitence are grappling with several longstanding challenges, includingfrequentflooding, poordrainagesystems,high unemployment among young people, inadequate

recreational facilities, and limited access to clean and reliablewater

The party stressed that these problems persist year after year, undermining family well-being and stalling comm

y development.

Calling for urgent governmentaction,theALP urged the government to create job opportunities, upgrade infrastructure, expand recreational access, and ensure the consistent delivery of essential

longstanding problems that continue to undermine the well-being of families

statementread.

leadership yielded only twelv

n the parliament, no seats on the RDCs of Regions One and Nine. Norton is the first leader of the PNC to lose every single region in the country,”theofficialnoted.

Mediashy

The senior official also saidthatonemonthafterthe elections, Norton appears to be hiding from the media.

“He chose instead to appear on one or two selected friendly podcasts while refusing to convene his party's weekly press conferences. From reports, Norton sat in his office and single handedly selected all regional councillors and all but one parliamentarian That one parliamentarian was insisted upon by his deputy representative of the list,” the official told KaieteurNews

The PNCR-led APNU managed to secure only one seateachinRegions2,7,and 8,whilefailingtoobtainany seatsinRegions1and9,two prominent hinterland areas where it previously held considerable support. In Region1,APNUcollecteda mere 344 votes, which translated to zero seats, a drastic fall from the 3,843 votes and five seats secured in the 2020 elections Similarly, in Region 9, the party attracted only 430

votes,alsoyieldingnoseats, comparedto4,824votesand sixseatsjustfiveyearsprior In Regions 2, 7, and 8, the party scraped together only single-digitseats,oneseatin each region. In Region 2, APNUreceived1,791votes; in Region 7, 980 votes; and inRegion8,only253votes. Thesefiguresrepresenta significantdeclinecompared to the 2020 elections, when thepartysecured7,290votes and five seats in Region 2; 4,839votesandeightseatsin Region 7, and 2,091 votes withsevenseatsinRegion8. These figures also reflect a significant downturn from the 2020 regional election results where APNU held five seats in Region 2 (with 7,290 votes), eight seats in Region 7 (4,839 votes), and seven seats in Region 8 (2,091 votes). Meanwhile, other regions, APNU still managed to maintain some presence. The party secured four seats in Region 3 with 8,907 votes; nine seats in Region 4 with 46,770 votes; four seats in Region 5 with 6,440 votes; three seats in Region 6 with 6,251 votes; and five seats in Region 10 with5,370votes.Intotal,the PNCR-led APNU 77, 998 votes at the General and Regional Elections behind newcomer WIN - 109, 066 andthePPP/C242,498.AFC received3610,ALP969and FGM4326.

ALP leader Simona Broomes observing the areas around East La Penitence community

Aubrey Norton led his party-PNCR to its worst elections defeat in September

Cardiovascular diseases increasing among youths – Dr. Anthony ─encourageshealthierlifestylechoices

Minister of

Health, Dr F r a n k

Anthonyisurgingcitizensto exercise healthier lifestyle choices, noting that health authorities are seeing more young people being diagnosed with heart diseases.

The minister made the callinhismessageonWorld Heart Day observed on September29.

“Thisyear,asweobserve World Heart Day under the theme “Use Heart for every Heart”, I call on every Guyanese to reflect on the power of their choices,” the ministerstated.

He noted that the health ministry has adopted the PAHO/WHO's HEARTS

programme, an evidencebased initiative designed to improve the diagnosis and m a n a g e m e n t o f hypertensionandrelatedrisk factors.

According to the minister,already,247health facilities across Guyana have implemented HEARTS, and by 2026, the goalistohaveitexpandedto all health centres countrywide.

Supporting these efforts, Minister Anthony disclosed thattheministrycontinuesto provide life-saving cardiovascular care and financial support. “Between 2020 and 2024, over 9,715 patients received medical assistance worth $4 2 billion, covering cardiac procedures, dialysis, cancer care, hip and knee replacements,andmore,”he highlighted.

Providing a brief

breakdownofthenumberof patients over the years, he detailed that in 2020, there were 772 patients, in 2021 some 1,519 patients, 2,319 in 2022, 2,476 in 2023 and 2,629in2024.

To strengthen the national response, he said the ministry has also formulated new national g u i d e l i n e s f o r cardiovascular diseases, ensuring that healthcare providers are equipped with the latest evidence-based standards for prevention, early detection, and treatment.

Man dies after being struck by policeman's car

A man was killed Tuesday morning when he reportedly ran into a policeman'scarontheMon Repos Public Road, East CoatDemerara.

Police said they have launched an investigation into the accident that occurred at about 00:20 hours today The accident involved a white motorcar #PAC 9262, owned and driven by a 26-year-old Police Lance Corporal stationed at Ogle Police Outpost, and a male pedestrian called 'Soath' (fullname,age,andaddress unknownatthistime).

“Sadly, more young people are being diagnosed with heart disease, challenging the myth that

thisisonlyaconcernforthe elderly Thisshouldserveas awake-upcallforusall.”

Highlighting this concern,heurgedpersonsto embrace healthy lifestyle choices by engaging in at least150minutesofphysical activity weekly, eat a balanced diet rich in fruits and vegetables, avoid tobacco and limit alcohol consumption, manage stress and ensure adequate rest, andtodochecktoknowtheir blood pressure, cholesterol, andbloodsugarlevels.

“The encouraging truth is that most cardiovascular diseases are preventable when we adopt healthier daily habits and address theserisksearly,”headded.

He said each year WHO r e m i n d s t h o s e cardiovascular diseases remain the leading cause of death globally, claiming

Minister of Health, Dr. Frank Anthony

nearly 17 million lives annually

Guyana, he noted, is no exception as heart attacks and strokes continue to rank among top ten causes of death “Cardiovascular diseases (CVDs) are a type of noncommunicable disease (NCD) and account forthelargestshareofNCD deaths worldwide Importantly, most NCD-

related deaths, including those from CVDs, are preventable or delayable by addressing common modifiable risk factors,” he stated.

The health minister noted that the true power to protect one's hearts does not rest solely in medicine or procedures, but in the choices persons make every day. “Let us talk with our loved ones, guide our children toward healthier habits, and encourage each other to embrace a lifestyle that strengthen, rather than weaken, our hearts,” he expressed.

For their part, he stated that the Ministry of Health remains committed to advancing policies, guidelines, and programmes that make healthy living more accessible and affordableforallGuyanese.

Georgetown City Council establishes partnership with Miami Dade County

As a result, the left front of thevehiclecollidedwiththe pedestrian, who fell on the road surface and received injuriestohisbody Hewas pickedupinanunconscious condition, placed in an ambulance, and conveyed to Georgetown Public Hospital Corporation, where the pedestrian succumbed from his injuries. The body is at the Georgetown Public Hospital's mortuary, awaiting identification and a p o s t - m o r t e m examination.

A breathalyser test was conductedonthedriver,and there was no trace of alcohol on his breath. The driver is presently under closearrest.

Enquiriesdisclosedthat thecarwasproceedingwest along the northern drive lane of the southern carriageway of Mon Repos Public Road when the pedestrianranfromsouthto northintothepathofthecar

The Mayor and City Council of Georgetown has established a sister city partnership agreement with the Miami Dade County, Florida,USA.

The agreement was th signed on September 29 2025, in Miami, Florida on th thesidelinesofthe27 interAmerican Conference of Mayors and Local Authorities, by city mayor, Alfred Mentore and MiamiDade Mayor, Daniella LevineCava.

M a y o r M e n t o r e announced on Tuesday the formal establishment of the sister city relationship between Georgetown, Guyana and Miami-Dade Florida,USA.

He said the agreement strengthens ties between Georgetown and the Miami DadeCountyinFlorida.

The partnership marks a significant milestone in fostering international collaboration, cultural exchange, and economic opportunities between the two vibrant cities. It is the rd23 sister city signing of the Miami-DadeCounty

The ceremony, attended by visiting municipalities, local dignitaries, business leaders, and community representatives from both regions and Latin America, symbolisesacommitmentto mutual growth and shared prosperity As coastal cities

with rich multicultural heritages, Georgetown and Miamiarepoisedtoleverage their unique strengths in trade, tourism, and innovation, the city council saidinarelease.

Under the sister city protocol, the cities will cooperate in key areas including; economic development and trade, cultural and educational exchanges: collaborating on eco-tourism projects, climate resilience strategies, and urban planning and sharing best practices in healthcare access, disaster preparedness, solid waste, tax c

community wellness programmes to enhance residents'qualityoflife.

"Thispartnershipismore thanaformality-it'sabridge of friendship and opportunity that connects our historic capital to the dynamic gateway of the Americas," said Mayor

A l f r e d M e n t o r e " Georgetown's resilient spirit and Miami's innovative energy will inspire collaborative solutions that uplift our people, drive economic progress, and preserve our shared cultural tapestry for generations to come."

Mayor Daniella Levine Cava, of Miami-Dade Florida County echoed similar sentiments, stating, "Miami is thrilled to welcomeGeorgetownasour newestsistercity Withdeep-

rooted ties to LatinAmerica and the Caribbean, this alliance opens doors for cultural enrichment, trade expansion, and sustainable growth.Together,we'llbuild stronger communities and brighterfutures."

T h e s i s t e r c i t y programme is facilitated through Miami-Dade County's longstanding international diplomacy efforts, and aligns with global goals for citizen-tocitizenconnections.

Initial activities under theagreementincludeajoint cultural festival planned for 2026 and business matchmaking sessions focuse

nd

2 from left Dade Mayor, Daniella Levine Cava and Mayor of Georgetown

from right flanked by other officials after signing the agreement

Alleged cable thief shot mid-act on Regent Street

The Guyana Police

F o r c e h a s launched an investigation into a shooting incident that occurred Monday night on Regent Street,Bourda,Georgetown.

According to police, the victim has been identified as Quacy Jandoo, a 38-year-old unemployed man of no fixed place of abode Jandoo sustainedagunshotwoundto his left thigh and is presently hospitalised in stable condition at the Georgetown PublicHospitalCorporation.

Initial investigations revealed that Jandoo was confronted by Ryan Weekes, a38-year-oldSupernumerary Constable attached to KGM Security Services, after allegedly being observed cutting a GTT cable attached to the Classic Collection building. Police said Weekes claimed that when he challenged Jandoo, the man pulledacutlassfromhiswaist and attacked him. Weekes then drew his service-issued .32pistolanddischargedone round, striking Jandoo in the thigh.

After being shot, Jandoo reportedly fled into a nearby yard before being located by policeranksataknown'drug block' in the area. He was taken to GPHC for medical treatment. The firearm used intheincidenthassincebeen lodged, and Weekes is assisting police with their investigation.

Back in September GTT, now One Communications had reported that a major section of North and Central Georgetown was left without service after thieves targeted itscables,inwhatitdescribed as one of the most severe

disruptionsfortheyeardueto vandalism.

The company had confirmed that copper vandalism has surged in 2025, now responsible for nearly half of all service interruptions.

Alarmingly,vandalshave also damaged sections of the fibre network, mistaking themforcopper

“Thisrecklessdestruction has left households and businesses disconnected, highlighting the growing seriousnessoftheissue,”One Communicationshadsaidina pressrelease.

“This is not simply theft, itisadirectattackonpeople's ability to work, study, stay in touch with loved ones, and f e e l s a f e i n t h e i r communities,” said Richard Stanton, Deputy Chief Executive Officer of One Communications.

The company had said that documented incidents of cable vandalism stretch across Guyana, including in South and North Ruimveldt, Lodge, Werk-en-Rust, Albouystown, Bourda, South and North Cummingsburg, Subryanville, Kingston and several East Bank communities. “Images and videos show cables slashed and poles stripped, sometime duringthedaytime.

One Communications is urging the public to play an active role by reporting any suspicious activity through hotline 0663 and by staying updated via the company's social media channels,” the companynoted.

Tostrengthenthenational r e s p o n s e , O n e Communications said it is working in partnership with

regulatorsincludingOfficeof thePrimeMinister,theScrap Metal Unit and the Guyana PoliceForcetocurbthetrade in stolen copper and to bring perpetratorstojustice.

“These acts of vandalism undermine safety, disrupts education, and slows economic growth,” the companyadded.

“This is now a national crisis that requires collective action from all stakeholders,

law enforcement, regulators, businesses,communities,and citizens alike ” One Communications reassures its customers that despite these challenges, the company remains fully committed to delivering reliable and secure connectivity, and thanks all customers for their patience and cooperation as prevention and restoration effortscontinue.

One of the copper lines destroyed by bandits

Oko West gold mine wharf landing

progressing steadily – GMIN

G Mining Ventures (GMIN), a Canadian firm operating in Guyana, has disclosed that the construction of a wharf landing at its gold project hereisprogressingsteadily GMINisthe100percent owneroftheOkoWestGold Mine which is estimated to hold 5.4 million ounces of gold located in Region Seven(Cuyuni-Mazaruni).

In an update this week, GMIN said that the wharf landing which is located in the Kartabo/Batavia area, Region 7, is progressing with the landing area now moving into the platform completion phase. It was noted that this positions the site to serve as a key logistical hub for GMIN's operations.

O k o W e s t ' s

Environmental Impact Assessment (EIA) details thecompany'sinfrastructure strategyfortheproject.That document states that GMIN will establish a new port of entrywharfandstagingarea near Itabali on the Cuyuni Rivertosupportoperation. Recently, the company announced that construction commenced on a 13kilometer access road to its projectsite.Earlierthisyear, GMIN received an interim permit which allowed it to startearlyconstruction. Its main prospecting licence (PL) covering 44 square kilometers (10,890 acres).

However, GMIN later revealed that it expanded its land holdings in Region Seven to 71 square kilometers.

Last month, GMIN received the environmental permit from Guyana's Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) for the Oko West project. The five-year permit is valid through July 2030 It authorises the construction and operation of Oko West, which is expected to create an average of 1,270 direct permanent jobs during its lifetime.

The feasibility study for Oko West outlines a longlife, low cost, and highmargin operation The company had said that the OkoWestprojectistargeting an average annual production of 350,000 ounces of gold over a 12.3year mine life Gold production at Oko West is slatedtocommenceby2027.

Pres. Ali calls for mature and open discussions on U.S' military presence in the region

President Irfaan Ali has

u r g e d C a r i b b e a n Community (CARICOM) leaders on Tuesday to approach the growing presence of United States' navalassetsintheCaribbean with “eyes wide open”, emphasising the need for matureandopendiscussions onsecuritymattersaffecting the region. The state-owned Department of Public Information (DPI) quoted Dr Ali as saying that while someCaribbeanleadersmay view the U S military buildup positively, Guyana recognises that the situation r e q u i r e s c a r e f u l examination.

The United States has ordered an amphibious squadron to the southern Caribbean as part of President Donald Trump's efforttoaddressthreatsfrom LatinAmericandrugcartels. A nuclear-powered attack submarine, additional P8 Poseidon reconnaissance aircraft, several destroyers and a guided-missile cruiser also have been allocated to U.S. southern command as partofthemission.

Venezuela has since responded to what it termed “the threat posed by the UnitedStates”andhasitself marshalled its troops along its borders. Late last month, President Donald Trump ordered the U.S. military to strike a boat allegedly

“Thezoneofpeaceisnot onlyaboutthreatstoborders. It'salsoaboutthreatsthatwe are now seeing,” he said, notingconcernssuchasdrug trafficking, illegal migration, and the use of international waterways for transshipment.

carrying drugs in the Caribbean Sea off Venezuela, killing 11 Earlier this month, he told reporters from the Oval Office that he had strong evidence that the latest boat in which three people were killed, also was carrying drugs The Trinidad and Tobago government has comeoutpubliclyinsupport of the United States sending naval and military troops to waters near Venezuela as part of Washington's crackdown on narcotrafficking.Inheraddressto the UNGA last weekend, Prime Minister Kamla Persad Bissessar said while therehavebeenobjectionsto the U S military action against drug cartels from some countries, Port of Spain wanted to remind the international community

that:

“…unless forceful and aggressiveactionsaretaken, these evil drug cartels will continue their societal destruction because they believe affected nations will always unreservedly subscribe to morals and ethics which they themselvesblatantlyflout.”

“That is why we willingly supported the international security alliance announced by U.S. Secretary of State Marco Rubio, involving the U.S. and several countries in South America to combat drug-trafficking in the hemisphere,” she told the UNGA, adding that the notionthattheCaribbeanisa zone of peace has become a falseideal.

“Therealityisstark—no suchpeaceexiststoday,”she argued.

President Ali said that Guyana has consistently promoted the region as a zone of peace and has responded to threats with diplomacy and truth rather thanhostility

“Every single day, the Venezuelan government attacks me personally; attacks this country They saytheworstthingsaboutus.

But we have never responded in a hostile way Werespondedwithfactsand truth,”hesaid,underscoring hiscountry'scommitmentto measured and principled diplomacy The Guyana President emphasised the importance of intelligence sharing and collaborative discussions among regional partners to understand fully the implications of military movements.

“What is needed is a meetingofminds.Ameeting to share intelligence and to share information,” he said, “soafullerunderstandingof whatisatstakehereforallof us.”PresidentAlimaintained that through open dialogue, transparency, and regional cooperation, Caribbean countries can collectively safeguardpeaceandstability while addressing emerging

Images of the Oko West Gold Project wharf landing

President Irfaan Ali

Success man jailed for stealing car,truck tyres

A 52-year-old labourer of Success, East Coast Demerara, was sentenced yesterday to six months imprisonmentafterpleading guilty to stealing several car andtrucktyres.Theaccused, Anthony June, called “Rubber,” appeared before Magistrate Clive Nurse at theSparendaamMagistrate's Court, where the charge of simple larceny was read to him.

VOTING

Frompage6

Police said June stole eightcartyresandfoursmall truck tyres, valued at $ 2 5 3 , 0 0 0 , f r o m businessman Fizul Basirali between September 11 and September 18, 2025, at Success.Hewasarrestedon September 19 and formally chargedonSeptember29. IncourtonTuesday,June admitted to the crime Magistrate Nurse sentenced himtosixmonthsinprison.

PATTERN IN ALBION...

wise to double the grants to theNDCsallacrossGuyana in the 2026 budget, to better ensurebasicservicessuchas garbage collection are effectivelybeingdone.

Further, Minister Zulfikar Mustapha, and Minister Vickram Bharat, despite being from these areas, were not able to p r e v e n t v o t e r rejection even in their hometowns Strategically, their presence on the campaign platform may have cost the PPP votes in Corentyne.

Toregainlostground,the PPP must demonstrate tangible progress on promises made during the campaign to ensure the benefitsgetdowntothevery local levels. For example, for over a decade ago, the PPP and APNU has been promising the people of this localareathattheywillgeta completed Belvedere Industrial Site. The PPP wentevenfurthertotoutthis

facilityasajobincubatorfor thelocalpeople.Whileithas some functionality, as of today, itremainsincomplete andhasonlycreated54jobs despite spending billions of dollars on this project since 2020 The youths are watching and are highly disenchanted because they know there are major financial leakage on this projectandareaskingwhere has all the money gone?

Maybe the youths will have more trust, in Mr Azruddin Mohamed from the WIN Party, to get this project done,ifhegetsintoofficein 2030. Why?

He has a proven track record as a successful businessman.

W I N n o w h a s momentum and can gain furthersupportfromthePPP, as it continues to make

unnecessary political mistakes by under-servicing these communities and by taking their strongholds for granted.

The WIN Team's

challenge will be to consolidate support by building a strong technical teamaroundtheirleadership sourced mainly from the New York and Toronto Diaspora,inlightofpossible discrimination emanating from the PPP locally This technicalteamwillservethe primary advisory role to shape budget analyses and continuously developing policy recommendations for publication as the Government in waiting. If the WIN Team does a better job than the APNU at exposing the PPP Government, they stand a strong chance of deposing them at a free and fair elections. The WIN Team hasalotofresponsibilityand their performance in and outside Parliament will determine whether they are seenasacrediblegoverning alternative in 2030, once President Ali exits the politicalstage.

Sincerely, SurujdaiJuglall

Jailed: Anthony June

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Venezuela’s Maduro readies security powers in case of feared US attack

(Reuters) - Venezuelan President Nicolas Maduro has signed a decree granting him additional security powers in case the U.S. military enters the country, the nation’svicepresident,Delcy Rodriguez, said on Monday

The measure marks the latest escalation in tensions between the two countries, withMaduropubliclyalleging that U.S. President Donald Trump’s administration is plotting to oust him.

The decree would allow Maduro to mobilize armed forces throughout the country and give the military authority over public services and the oil industry

The U.S. has deployed a fleet of warships through the Caribbean, which Washington says is to combat drug trafficking through the region.Inrecentweeks,theU.S. has also struck several boats it claims were carrying illicit drugsfromVenezuela,killing those aboard. Experts have questioned the legality of the strikes.

Privately, Maduro has sought to reconcile with

Trump,sendingalettertohis counterpartearlierthismonth offering to engage in direct talks.

Maduro rejected U.S. claimsthatVenezuelaplayed a big role in drug trafficking, andtoldTrumphewantedthe relationship between the two countries to be “historic and peaceful.”

Still,U.S.militaryofficials aredrawingupplanstostrike allegedtargetsrelatedtodrug traffickingwithinVenezuela, NBC News reported on Friday, citing sources familiar withthematter

“What the U.S. government, what warlord Marco Rubio is doing against Venezuelaisathreat,”Rodriguez tolddiplomatsinameetingon Monday

Venezuela’s military has carried out training exercises withvolunteermilitiamembers in recent days, with soldiers teachingmembersofthepublic to handle weapons in preparation for what leaders callapossibleU.S.incursion.

The U.S. State Department did not immediately respond to a request for com-

Venezuela’s President Nicolas Maduro stands up at the end of a press conference, days after he said Venezuela would deploy military, police and civilian defenses at 284 “battlefront” locations across the country, amid heightened tensions with the U.S., in Caracas, Venezuela, September 15, 2025. REUTERS/Leonardo Fernandez Viloria

ment. Thepowersgrantedunder the decree signed by Maduro would be valid for a 90-day

period, with the option to be renewedforafurther90days, according to the nation’s constitution.

Gas from Hammerhead project to be used to fill GTE pipeline – Min.Bharrat

The government will use natural gas from the Hammerhead project to fill the12-inchpipelinethatwill transport gas from the

Stabroek Block offshore GuyanatotheWalesGas-toEnergy (GTE) project site. This was disclosed by Minister of Natural Resources, Vickram Bharrat

during a recent interview on 'Starting Point, the Oil and GasEdition.'

On September 23, government announced the approval of the Petroleum

Two charged with conspiracy to murder Enmore woman

A38-year-old housewife and a 30-year-old taxi driver were hauled

b

yesterday and charged with conspiracy to murder

, Bhagmattie “Shabana” Jagatram.

The accused are Anita VarshaChetramofEnmore, East Coast Demerara, and Akeem Orin Bristol, called “Biggs,”ofCraigOldRoad, EastBankDemerara.

Police said the duo allegedly conspired to kill Jagatram, 44, sometime between September 1 and September 24, 2025, at Yarrowkabra, Soesdyke

Highway The charge was laid contrary to Section 102(a) of the Criminal Law (Offences) Act, Chapter 8:01.

Chetram was arrested on September 26 by ranks from the Enmore Police Station, while Bristol was nabbed a day later by ranks of the Providence Police

Station.

On Tuesday, around 14:30hrs, the two appeared before Magistrate Tameika Clarke at the Diamond Magistrate'sCourt.

The charge was read to them; they were not requiredtoplead.Bothwere remanded to prison until November7,2025.

Production Licence (PPL) for ExxonMobil's seventh developmentintheStabroek Block, the US$6.8 billion Hammerheadproject,which is expected to achieve first oil in 2029. According to M i n i s t e r B h a r r a t , Hammerhead will provide additional natural gas to the pipeline.“Hammerheadnow willhelpustofillthatWales pipeline,”hesaid.

The GTE project, which was initially scheduled for completion this year, is now expected to come onstream by mid-2026. The project is locatedatWalesontheWest Bank of Demerara, and includes a Natural Gas Liquids(NGL)facilityanda 300-megawatt (MW) power plant.

ExxonMobil Guyana Limited has already constructed the pipeline, which will transport natural gas from the Liza oilfield (Liza One and Liza Two) in the Stabroek Block to the Wales project site, where 50 million cubic feet (MMCFD) of gas will be converted into electricity daily

Bharrat noted that the Hammerhead field contains significantly more associated gas than other oil fields. He explained that Exxon, along with a technical team from his ministry has confirmed that u n l i k e p r e v i o u s developments,Hammerhead gas will not be reinjected to optimiseproduction.

“TheLizaOne,LizaTwo will not be able to fill that pipeline and that is why Hammerhead is so critical and important, because rather than re-injecting the gas to optimise production, thatgasnowwouldgotothe Unity and the Destiny FPSOs (Liza One and Liza Two), and then onshore through that pipeline to the Walesdevelopmentarea,”he said.

The minister further reminded that government hasplansforasecondpower p l a n t , m a k i n g Hammerhead's gas supply crucial. “But the pipeline is already there, 50 million cubic per day is already available, which is enough for the first power plant,

Minister of Natural Resources,

which will come on stream in a couple months from now And then, with Hammerheadbeingtiedinto that,itisguaranteednowthat wewillfillthatpipelinewith over 120 million cubic per day, which will now accommodate a second powerplant,”Bharratstated. Moreover, he hailed the Wales GTE project as one capable of meeting the country's rising energy demandandadded,“Iliketo say this because I believe it in my heart, and I know it willhappen,thatthatgas-toenergy project will be the singlemosttransformational project in the history of our country,becausethatproject isgoingtotoucheverysingle Guyaneseinsomewayorthe other.”

Vickram Bharrat

Akeem Orin Bristol Anita Varsha Chetram

Israel kills 59 people in Gaza Tuesday as Hamas reviews Trump’s plan to end war

(AL-JAZEERA) Israeli forces continued to escalate attacks on the Gaza Strip, killing at least 59 people sincedawnonTuesday

Inthemidstofthechaos, Hamas’s negotiating team said it is still studying US President Donald Trump’s 20-point plan to end Israel’s waronGaza.

Palestinians in Gaza have said the plan raises many questions, including w h a t a p r o p o s e d international stabilisation force for the enclave might looklike.

Trump’sGazaplan provides‘neitherjustice noraccountability’

The International Centre of Justice for Palestinians (ICJP) has sharply criticised Trump’s plan for ending the war in Gaza, calling it shallow, neo-colonial and voidofPalestinianvoices.

The UK-based group saidtheplanignorestheroot causes of Israel’s occupation, offers vague withdrawal terms with no enforcement, and risks giving Netanyahu tools to stallorderailpeace.

It warned that the proposals entrench Gaza’s isolation, fragment Palestinian unity, and fail to guarantee justice or accountabilityforIsraeliwar crimes.

Relatives mourn the loss of loved ones killed in an Israeli attack on Gaza City [Hamza Z. H. Qraiqea/Anadolu]

ICJP said the plan’s “Board of Peace”, to be led by Trump and figures including former British Prime Minister Tony Blair, reflects a “paternalistic” approach that excludes Palestinians from deciding theirownfuture.

It also noted that Netanyahu has already confirmedIsraelitroopswill remain in “most” of Gaza and dismissed any prospect ofaPalestinianstate.

“This plan offers Israel yet another opportunity to pause,rearm,andthenreturn to violence with renewed

impunity,” said ICJP’s public affairs officer Orlaith Roe, adding that it provides “neither justice nor accountability”.

The Palestinian political movement that dominates thePalestinianAuthorityhas welcomed efforts led by TrumptoendthewarinGaza and protect innocent lives, according to a statement carried by the official Wafa newsagency

Thegroupsaiditisready to cooperate with all parties to secure a ceasefire, allow humanitarian aid into the famine-struck enclave,

ensurethereleaseofcaptives and Palestinian prisoners, and establish international mechanisms to safeguard Palestinians. The statement also called for the release of frozenPalestiniantaxfunds, a complete Israeli withdrawal, and steps to restore unity across Gaza, theoccupiedWestBank,and East Jerusalem as part of a two-statesolution.

Fatah added that it

supports President

MahmoudAbbas’spledgeto

parliamentary elections within a year of the war’s end.

But senior Fatah official Abbas Zaki struck a sharply different tone in separate comments to local media, describing the US plan as a “document of surrender” imposed on Palestinians withouttheirconsent.

Hewarnedthataccepting such proposals would entrench humiliation, legitimise occupation, and fragment Palestinian unity, accusing Washington and Israel of plotting to “liquidate the Palestinian cause”.

TrumpsaysHamashas ‘threeorfourdays’to respondtoGazaproposal

Meanwhile, President Donald Trump says Hamas has “three or four days” to respondtohisGazaceasefire proposal, telling reporters that Israeli andArab leaders had already accepted the plan.

“Hamasiseithergoingto be doing it or not, and if it’s not,it’sgoingtobeaverysad end,” Trump said at the WhiteHouseonTuesday

Asked if there was room for negotiations on the proposal, he replied: “Not much.

The US president also thanked Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin

Trump warns Democrats of ‘irreversible’ actions in government shutdown

(Reuters) - U S

President Donald Trump warned congressional Democrats on Tuesday that allowing the federal government to shut down at midnight would allow his administration to take “irreversible” actions including shutting down programsimportanttothem.

“Wecandothingsduring the shutdown that are irreversible, that are bad for them and irreversible by them, like cutting vast numbers of people out, cutting things that they like, cutting programs that they like,”Trumpsaidinremarks to reporters from the White HouseOvalOffice.

“You all know Russell Vought,” Trump added, referring to the director of the Office of Management and Budget. “He’s become very popular recently

because he can trim the budget to a level that you couldn’t do any other way.” Trump did not specify the actionshemighttake,buthe has raised the possibility recently of further downsizing the federal workforce.

At midnight, the United States will enter its 15th government shutdown since 1981, unless Republicans and Democrats in Congress agree on a deal to temporarily fund federal agencies with Wednesday’s startofanewfiscalyear No signs pointed to such anoutcome,however

The R

s expected to vote on a temporary spending bill that hasfailedoncealready,with no sign that a second vote willbringsuccessbeforethe midnight deadline (0400

GMTWednesday).

Democrats want to modify the bill to extend health benefits for millions ofAmericans that are due to expireattheendoftheyear.

Republicans say they must tacklethatissueseparately

B u d g e t - r e l a t e d showdowns have become a routine feature in Washington as the nation’s politics have grown increasingly dysfunctional, though they are often resolved at the last minute. The government last shut downfor35daysin2018and 2019, during Trump’s first term, due to a dispute over immigration.

TRILLION-DOLLAR FIGHT

At issue now is $1.7 trillion that funds agency operations, which amounts toroughlyone-quarterofthe government’s total $7

trillion budget. Much of the remaindergoestohealthand retirement programs and interest payments on the growing$37.5trilliondebt.

Federal agencies, meanwhile, began to issue detailed plans that would close offices conducting scientificresearch,customer service, and other activities not deemed essential and send thousands of workers home if Congress does not agreeonafixbeforefunding expires.

Budget experts warned thatsomeAmericansalready couldbefeelingthefallout.

W i t h M e d i c a r e reimbursements for at-home “acute hospital care” potentially being disrupted, patientswereneedingtofind in-patient facilities, said Jonathan Burks, a health specialist at the Bipartisan Policy Center “That’s a real

Netanyahu, who met with Trump on Monday in Washington, DC, “for agreeingtotheplan”.

Trump’scommentscome a day after the White House released a 20-point document that calls for an immediate ceasefire in the Gaza Strip, the exchange of Israeli captives held by Hamas for Palestinians in Israeli prisons and a staged Israeli withdrawal from Gaza.

Under the proposal, Hamas would be required to disarm and the US would work with Arab and international partners to install a “temporary international stabilization force”.

The plan also states that Hamas would play no role in governing Gaza Its members would be offered amnesty if they commit to “peaceful coexistence” whilethosewishingtoleave the enclave would be granted safe passage abroad

Trump said the plan also envisions a transitional government of Palestinian technocrats to provide daily services in Gaza, selfgovernance, the return of displaced residents and assurances that “the people of Gaza will not be removed”.

A partial federal government shutdown could strain American aviation. REUTERS/Megan Varner/File Photo

disruption as we speak,” he told reporters early on Tuesday He added that Medicare re

telehealthmedicalvisitsalso wouldexpireatmidnight. Airlines warned that a shutdowncouldslowflights, while the Labor Department said it would not issue its

monthly unemployment report, a closely watched barometer of economic health. The Small Business Administrationsaiditwould stop issuing loans, while the Environmental Protection Agency said it would suspend some pollutioncleanupefforts.

BLUNT BLUNT

Gaza burns,the world watches

Israel's relentless bombing of Gaza has pushed the humanitarian crisis beyond breaking point. Day after day, images of flattened homes, lifeless children, and desperate families flood the world. Food, water, and medicine have become scarcer than gold, yet the bombs keep falling.

This is no longer a war. It is collective punishment. It is cruelty in plain sight.

Here in Guyana, the Solidarity with Gaza Movement last week held a day of prayer and fasting, even as they pressed CARICOM and Guyana to take a stand against the killings.

But while the prayers ascend, it is also time for global outrage and real action.

We say it bluntly: the world has failed Gaza. Those with power to act have chosen silence or excuses. They lecture about human rights in other places but look away from the carnage in Palestine. The double standard is obscene.

Gaza does not need sympathy. Gaza needs justice. Until the bombs stop, until aid flows freely, and until peace is given a chance, every democracy claiming moral leadership is guilty of complicity.

RHTYSC to host 13th annual Naeem Nasir Memorial Tournament on Sunday

TheAreaHGround

in the small township of Rose HallTownwouldcomealive inablazeofgloryonSunday when the Rose Hall Town Youth and Sports Club, MS, hoststhethirteentheditionof the Naeem Nasir Memorial Tournament.

The one-day tournament would be sponsored by popularBakery,Bakewell,in

memoryofMrNaeemNasir, thefounderofthecompany Cricket Manager of the R H T Y S C , R o b b y Kissoonlall, disclosed that seven teams would be playing in the tournament, which bowls off at 9:00hrs.

The teams would be Rose Hall Town Bakewell, Skeldon, Achievers, Rose Hall Tigers, Guymine Belvedere United and Tain

Block Four The matches would be played eight overs per side in the first round, while the semifinals and the grandfinalswouldbeplayed ten overs each.The winning team would pocket one hundred thousand dollars while the runner-up would take home fifty thousand dollars plus attractive trophies. The organisers disclosed that the event

wouldbeafamilyaffairwith a non alcoholic bar, popular music by the True Heart Family while live commentary would be provided as well Teams would be allowed a total of three first division players oncetheyarenotdebarredby the Berbice Cricket Board for the current cricket season.Playersundertheage of 21 years would not be considered a 1st division player.

The RHTYSC, with sponsorship from Bakewell, has org

tournament since Nasir died

Wednesday October 01, 2025

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in 2012. Bakewell and the cricket club have enjoyed a very productive relationship since2000,whenthebakery cameonboardastheofficial sponsor of the U17 and second division teams. The relationship has resulted in over a dozen championship victories as the teams have produced over sixty players for Berbice. Guyana and the WestIndiescombined.They include players like Esuan Crandon, Assad Fudadin, Royston Crandon, Kelvon Anderson, Kevin Sinclair, Junior Sinclair, Clinton

Rampersaud, Shemaine C

Giddings.

Meanwhile, the Rose Hall Town Bakewell has announcedtheirteamforthe tournament.

Surendra Kissoonlall (

Rampersaud-vice captain, Romesh Bharrat, Matthew P

Deochand, Chanderpaul Govindan,LeonReddi,Javed Karim, Keith Simpson, Junior Babb, Jeremy Sandia, Rafell Mckenzie, Ramzan Koobir,MuneshRampersaud andNicholasCameron

Lusignan Golfers set sights on

DSB Suriname Invitational 2025

TheLusignanGolfClub(LGC) is preparing to make a powerful statement at the DSB Suriname Invitational 2025, scheduled for October 11–12 in Paramaribo After an outstanding showing at last year’s tournament, the Guyanese contingent is heading into this year’s event with a strong contingent of 20 players, determination, and the clear intention of dominating across all divisions.

At the 2024 edition, veteran golfer Patrick Prashad led the way by capturing the prestigious AClass title with an impressive overall net score of 142 His performance highlighted the strengthofGuyanesegolfandseta high standard for the rest of the team.

PatrickPrashad

Playing off a handicap of 9, PatrickPrashadhasbuiltoneofthe most consistent and respected careersinGuyanesegolf.

He was the runner-up at the GuyanaOpenin2013andhassince won multiple major tournaments

from2013tothepresent.

In 2024, he cemented his place in history as the first Guyanese maletowintheSurinameOpenAClassChampionship.

With a career-best score of 72 gross at LGC, one eagle, and countless birdies, Prashad is regardedasasteadyandformidable competitorontheregionalstage.

AvinashPersaud

Avinash Persaud, with a handicap of 1, is among Guyana’s most decorated players. He has dominated the Guyana Open for overadecade,wontheMillennium Open in Trinidad and Tobago, and secured second place at the TT Open.

In Suriname, he has shone just as brightly, winning the overall Gross title in 2021 and finishing secondandthirdinothereditions.

Aself-taught golfer with more than 20 years of experience, Persaud is known for his prolific swing, powerful speed, and remarkable understanding of the game.

ShanellaLondon

With a handicap of 9, Shanella Londonhasblazedatrailforfemale golfersinGuyanaandbeyond.She securedthirdplaceattheSuriname Openin2015beforebecomingthe firstGuyanesewomantowintheAFlightin2016.

She went on to claim second place in 2018 and has, over her career, won the Suriname Open threetimes.

As a multiple-time Guyana Open Ladies Champion, London enters the 2025 tournament as one of the region’s most accomplished andexperiencedgolfers.

BrianHackett

Brian Hackett, playing off a handicapof18,hasprovenhimself asasteadyandresilientperformer He won the Suriname Open BFlightin2023andreturnedin2024 to finish runner-up. Earlier in his career, Hackett claimed the Day 1 net victory at the 2009 Guyana Open.Withover15yearsofgolfing experience, he is widely respected for his exceptional putting skills andprecisecoursemanagement.

CarlosAdams

Some of the top performers set to represent Guyana at the upcoming DSB Suriname Invitational 2025.

CarlosAdams,withahandicap of 23, is one of the most versatile athletesontheLGCroster In2014, he was crowned Lawn Tennis Singles and Doubles Champion in both the Over-35 and Over-45 divisions, and in the same year, he won the Macorp Open in golf. At the 2024 Suriname Open, he finished fourth in the Senior categoryandalsowontheLongest Drive award in the Seniors’ division.

As the only member of the contingent to hold multiple sports championship titles,Adams brings unmatched versatility and competitivefirepowertotheteam.

The wider LGC contingent features a strong mix of seasoned players and rising talents, all of whom have been sharpening their skills. Representing the Lusignan Golf Club at the Invitational are: Carlos Adams, Rakesh Harry, Mohanlall Dinanauth, Robert

Hanoman, Mourice Solomon, Avinash Persaud, Arnal Deo, Patanjallie Persaud, David Harry, Patrick Prashad, Chet Bowling, Mike Mangal, Lakeram Ramsundar, Orson Fergson, Troy Cadogan, Vishal Dhani, Maxim Mangra, Keshan Bacchus, Bridgelall Harry, Vassishtdeo Lakeraj-Chandra and Brian Hackett.

With experienced champions like Prashad, Persaud, London, Hackett, and Adams leading the way,andatalentedsupportingcast ready to rise to the challenge, the Lusignan Golf Club is sending a squad that is not just participating, but is determined to dominate. Backed by corporate partnerships, s t r e n g t h e n e d t r a i n i n g opportunities, and a culture of resilience, the LGC team is poised to make the DSB Suriname Invitational 2025 another historic chapterforGuyanesegolf.

Shanella London

Patrick Prashad

Avinash Persaud

Brian Hackett

Carlos Adams

India impress to beat Sri Lanka in World Cup opener

(BBC Sport) - India staged a brilliant comeback

after a middle-order collapse to beat Sri Lanka by59runsinarain-affected opening match of the Women’s World Cup in Guwahati

The hosts lost four wickets for four runs in the space of 11 balls, including three in the 26th over for spinner Inoka Ranaweera, which saw them slip to 1246.

But Amanjot Kaur and Deepti Sharma produced a match-winning partnership of103fortheseventhwicket as Sri Lanka were unable to maintain their initial discipline in the field, with the former dropped four timesonherwayto57.

Sneh Rana added some lateimpetuswith28from15 balls and Sharma fell for 53 from the last ball of the inningsasIndiarecoveredto post a competitive 269-8 from 47 overs, with three overslostfromraindelays.

That saw Sri Lanka’s targetrevisedto271fromthe same amount of overs, and they made a promising start byreaching82-1butskipper Chamari Athapaththu’s dismissalfor43attheendof the 15th over stalled their progress.

Athapaththu’s secondwicket stand of 52 with Harshitha Samarawickrama keptthevisitorsinthegame, but they lacked India’s batting depth and could not recoverfromaslumpto1406 and they were eventually bowled out for 211 in the 46thover

Sharma added figures of 3-54 to her half-century as India entertained a lively crowd of 22,843 - a record

for a Women’s World Cup group game - while fellow spinners Sneh Rana and ShreeCharanitook2-32and 2-37respectively

The tournament continues with defending champions Australia taking onNewZealandinIndoreon Wednesday, while England start their campaign against SouthAfricaonFriday Sharmashines inIndiadominance

In front of their home fans, all of the pre-match pressure was on India but they lay down a marker as one of the tournament favourites despite being shortoftheirbest.

Thecrowdweresilenced by the early departure of superstar Smriti Mandhana, caught on the boundary for eight, and Sri Lanka’s disciplined bowlers kept Pratika Rawal and Harleen Deol in check as they reached43-1attheendofthe 10-over powerplay, which wasfollowedbythefirstrain delay

Rawalfellfor37from59 balls, but it was Deol’s departure to Ranaweera –chipping the ball softly to coverfor48–whichsparked the chaos Jemimah Rodrigues was bowled first ball by a slow delivery that gripped and clipped off stump before captain Harmanpreet Kaur was caught behind three balls lateraftertryingtoguidethe ballpastthekeeper

Sri Lanka had a golden opportunity when Richa Ghosh slashed a wide deliveryfromAthapaththuto point from the following over,buttheycouldnotpress home their advantage as Amanjot was firstly put

down on 19 by Achini Kulasuriyaonthesquare-leg boundary

She offered three more chancesofvaryingdifficulty on 37, 50 and 53 and by the time a catch was finally taken in the 44th over, the game had slipped far from SriLanka’sgrasp.

Afineall-roundbowling performance followed, led bySharmaasshegotthekey breakthrough by bowling Athapaththu, and they were rarely under pressure once shefell.

Still, a comprehensive win with a significant net run-rateboostgivesIndiathe perfect start and morale boost as they seek their first World Cup win in either format.

Sharma took the crucial wicket of Athapaththu (ICC/Getty Images)

Action between Monedderlust and Santos in the GFF Elite League. The two sides played to a 1 - 1 draw in their latest fixture.

Police Force run riot on Mainstay as Elite League nears climax

…Santos, Monedderlust play to 1-1 draw

ByRawleToney

The Guyana Police Force Football Club turned in one of their most ruthless attacking displays of the season, hammering Mainstay Goldstar 26–0 on Monday evening to storm into second place in the Guyana Football Federation (GFF)EliteLeaguestandings.

Withjustfourmatchdaysleftinthecampaign,thePolice’s demolitionjobnotonlyboostedtheirpointstallybutalsotheir goal difference, giving them a vital edge in the battle for the runner-upspotagainsttheGuyanaDefenceForce(GDF)FC.

Theevening’sotherfixturesawSantosandMonedderlust FC share the spoils in an entertaining 1–1 draw. The result leavesbothclubslockedinmid-table,stillscrappingforevery pointastheseasonreachesitsclimax.

SlingerzFCcontinuetosetthepacewithanunbeatenrun after15outings.The‘WestSide’giantsarefirmlyincontrol, andwiththetrophyseeminglytheirstolose,therealintrigue now surrounds the dogfight between Police and GDF for secondplace.

Both sides still have two games left, including a secondround showdown with Slingerz, who will be determined to finishtheseasonwithoutadefeat.Earlierintheseason,both PoliceandGDFfell1–0totheleagueleaders.

ButMondaybelongedtothePoliceForce,whowentona goal-scoringrampageagainstahelplessMainstayoutfit.

Leading the onslaught was Neron Barrow, who was simplyunplayable.Barrownettedanastonishingtengoals(4’, 5’,9’,22’,42’,43’,55’,58’,59’,67’)tounderlinehisstatusas oneoftheleague’smostlethalforwards.

HewasablysupportedbyJemarHarrigan,whobaggeda hat-trick(18’,29’,41’),whileAdrianAaron(77’,90’),Daren Benjamin(35’,53’)andTroystonLouisy(74’,90’)allhelped themselvestobraces.

Thefloodgatestrulyopenedasthegoalskeptcomingfrom Simeon Moore (12’),Antonio McArthur (40’), JademThom (45+2’), Dorwin George (50’), Sealon Sue (63’), Devon Padmore(85’)andCarlGriffith(87’).

The defeat compounded a nightmare campaign for MainstayGoldstar,whohavenowconceded62goalsintheir last two matches, adding the GDF record-setting 36 goals againstthem.

Withjusteightgoalsscoredand200concededthisseason, theirshocking–192goaldifferencehighlightsthegulfinclass atthislevel.

Meanwhile, Monedderlust snatched a valuable point thanks to Dawit Watts (38’), before Santos hit back through KymaniSealey(66’).

Monedderlust now sit on 24 points, just one ahead of Santos on 23, though the Georgetown side enjoy a narrow edgeongoaldifference.

Elsewhere, Western Tigers FC remain in fourth on 34 points,whileAnn’sGroveUnited(13),DenAmstelFC(12), andFrutaConquerorsFC(12)continuetobattleinconsistency atthelowerendofthetable.

TheEliteLeagueactionresumesthisweekendwithcrucial double-headers at the GFF National Training Centre, where theraceforpositionsisexpectedtointensify

OneofthegreenestIndianpitcheslikelyforAhmedabadTest

(Cricinfo) - India could play the first Test of their two-match series against West Indies on one of the greenest home pitches of recentseasons.

Two days out from the first Test inAhmedabad, the pitch had a lush, even covering of grass, and while some of it may get trimmed bythetimethematchbegins, ESPNcricinfo understands 4-5mmcouldstillremain.

The primary reason for this grass cover is the composition of the soil. The squareattheNarendraModi Stadium has both red- and black-soil pitches.The pitch for this Test match is a redsoil strip. Red-soil pitches tend to offer excellent bounce and carry when held togetherbygrass.

Without this binding, however, they have the tendency to crumble rapidly into dustbowls - the pitch India played New Zealand on in Mumbai last year, wherespinnerstook34ofthe 38 wickets that fell to bowlers, is the most recent e x a m p l e o f t h i s phenomenon.

Another reason for the pitch looking as green as it did on Tuesday is the rainy weather Ahmedabad has experienced in the last few days, with the pitch under covers through most of Sunday and Monday It was mostly clear on Tuesday, though, allowing both West Indies and India to train without interruption. There israinforecastondayoneof the Test, but the weather is expectedtoclearthereafter

In recent years, India have tended to play their homeTestsonsquareturners in the pursuit of World Test Championship (WTC) points,withwins(12points) worththreetimesasmuchas draws (four points) But thesesharplyturningpitches runtheriskofnarrowingthe gap between India’s spin attack - which has been the

India were bowled out for 46 in the first innings of the first Test against New Zealand in Bengaluru last year (BCCI)

best in the world for over a decade - and that of the visiting team. This was one

contributed to New

Zealand’s unexpected and unprecedented 3-0 whitewash of India in India lastyear Indiaarelookingtoavoid any repeat of this, against a West Indies team that won a Test match against Pakistan onasquareturnerinMultan inJanuary No choice is without trade-offs, though, and seaming conditions weaponise both teams’pace attacks. Last year’s series against New Zealand began in seam-friendly conditions in Bengaluru, where India werebowledoutfor46after choosing to bat first - their then captain Rohit Sharma later suggested he may have misreadtheconditions.

If West Indies had their original squad to choose from,theycouldhavepicked thepotentpacetrioofJayden Seales, Shamar Joseph and AlzarriJosephandgonetoeto-toewithIndia.Theyhave, however,lostbothJosephsto injury in the lead-up to the first Test. This leaves them

SouthAfricatonowplaythree...

Frompage34

summer partly because they are playing abroad until December 19. They begin their WTC title defence in Pakistannextmonth,alongwiththreeODIsandthreeT20Is. That will be followed by an all-format tour to India, whichconsistsoftwoTests,threeODIsandfiveT20Is.

The other reason for the lack of home fixtures is that venues around the country are being prepared for the 2027 ODIWorld Cup, which will be held between SouthAfrica, Zimbabwe and Namibia, and drop-in surfaces are being developedaroundthecountry

ThehomeseasonwillbeheadlinedbytheSA20,which starts on Boxing Day and continues throughout the festive season.

average of 72.50 after three Tests-andtheuncappedpair of Johann Layne and Jediah Blades.

The weakening of West Indies’seamattackmaywell contribute to more grass beingleftonthesurfacethan it otherwise may have been. India will also be looking to putthevisitors’battingunder pressure: West Indies were bowled out for 27 by Australia’s four-man seam attack in their most recent Testmatch,aday-nightgame inJamaica.

helpfulpitchesinthelead-up to a tour of South Africa in early2018.

surfaceequallyconduciveto spin.

with substantially depleted pace resources, with Seales and the allrounder Justin GreavesjoinedbyAnderson Phillip - who has a bowling

Apart from Bengaluru last year, the last time India played a home Test in genuinely seaming conditionswasinKolkatain 2017, when fast bowlers took32ofthe35wicketsthat fell during a tense, rainaffected draw against Sri Lanka.Thatpitchwaspartly the outcome of weather, and partly India’s wish to have their fast bowlers play on

Moterahasasurprisingly rich history of pacedominated Test matches. In the very first Test at the venue, in 1983, the quicks took 34 out of 38 bowlers’ wickets (including a ninewickethaulforKapilDevin the third innings) as West IndiesbeatIndiaby138runs. Wisden’s description of the conditions makes for interesting reading: “a lot of grass had been left on the hurriedly prepared pitch in the vain hope of holding it together”.Vainhope,indeed, because it quickly disintegrated into a surface offering deadly uneven bounce.

In 1996, Javagal Srinath took a match-winning fourth-innings six-for against South Africa on anotherunevenpitch,though thiswasadry,underprepared

South Africa were the visitors once more in 2008, and this time the conditions worked in their favour As Wisden put it: “A hot summer in Ahmedabad meant that grass had to be left on the pitch to bind the surface; the curator, former Test cricketer Dhiraj Parsana, insisted he could notremoveitwithouttaking the top off. He held his ground,andIndiawonatoss they might have been better off losing. They chose to bat.”

Dale Steyn, Makhaya NtiniandMorneMorkelran through India, who were bowled out for 76 in just 20 overs. SouthAfrica went on towinbyaninnings.

Another Motera Test, another green or greenish surface What kind of storyline will it bring us this time?

Simmonds and Jangoo star in West Indies’ consolation win

(Cricinfo) - Nepal came into Sharjaheyeingahistoricwhitewashbut ran into a revivedWest Indies side that put on the perfect game. However, that shouldn’ttakeawaytoomuchfromtheir impressivefeatofcompletingtheirfirst serieswinagainstaFullMembernation.

Ramon Simmonds, one of the two changes they made, took a matchwinning three-for after West Indies madetherightcallofbowlingfirstona pitch that was slow and offered regular sidewaysmovement.

Openers Amir Jangoo and Ackeem Auguste capitalised under easing conditions to take West Indies to their firsteverten-wicketwin.

Nepal’s start was sedate but secure withKushalMallaandBhurteloftenin controloftheirshots.

Bhurtel even whacked Mayers on the roof in the third over.The first sign of danger was Hosein getting turn and bounce in the third over to beat Bhurtel’s sweep, and the shot did connect the next ball for a six over square leg. Nonetheless, free-flowing strokeplaywasn’ttobeseen.

TheeffectofNepalfacing20dotsin their 37-run powerplay was slightly

mitigatedbythreefoursandtwosixes.

Holderfoundsuccessrightafterthe powerplay using his high release and bounce.Mallawasnearlycaughtbehind tryingtodriveontheupthroughcover, Fabian Allen ran back from cover and droppedatoughchanceoffBhurtel,and Malla’sedgewasfoundthelastball.

The spinners capitalised on the slowness and the sideways movement onoffer Hoseinspuntheballawayfrom aroundthewickettobeatthebattwicein theeighthover

Bhurtel and Paudel tried to break free after two quiet overs.After a firstballsix,bothbatterscould’vebeenout. Paudel survived an lbw as Hosein overstepped, but Bhurtel was caught at slip playing the reverse sweep. He wasn’thappyastheballmayhavegone offjusthisforearm.

Simmonds had a late introduction with Nepal needing to play within themselves. His lengths were often short or full and he bagged the wickets of Paudel - gloved pull to the keeperand Aarif Sheikh - upper cut to deep third-inhisfirsttwoovers.Inbetween, Gulsan Jha was run out after taking a head start too far before running back.

Nepalmade62for5inthemiddleovers despite West Indies dropping two chances.

Simmons and Blades took two wickets each in the death overs. A coupleofboundariesfromLokeshBam andSundeepJoratookNepalto122. West Indies’chase got off to a flier. In the first over, Jangoo ensured that West Indies, too, hit a six on the roof. Karan KC was punished upon offering pace and missing his line. The openers peppered the leg-side boundary With a fourineachofthenextfourovers,West Indiesbossedthe47-runpowerplay

Paudeldroppedasimplechanceoff Auguste,on29,atcover Therewereno further chances of a Nepal comeback, certainly not after Mohammad Aadil Alamwastakendownfor18intheninth over Jangoolosinghisbottomhandbut still driving over long-off showed just howwellhetimedtheball.

Jangoo then went into top gear, smackingfivesixesinhislastnineballs. The back-to-back sixes off Paudel, that started the carnage, brought up his 38ballfifty Augusteplayedsecondfiddle as West Indies reached home with 46 ballstospare.

Ramon Simmonds picked up four wickets and was named Player-of-the-match. (Getty Images)

2025 GCB U-13 INTER-COUNTY 40-OVERS TOURNAMENT…

Seecharran, Ramkhelwan, Khan smash fifties propel Demerara to lift title

Demerara celebrated their 2025 GCB U13 Inter-county 40-Overs title victory yesterday thanks to a trifecta of halfcenturies and clinical bowling, which saw them sweep aside theSelectXIby180-runsinalopsidedfinal.

DemerarabeatGCBSelectXIby180-runs

A string of knocks, including a 98-run opening stand between the in-form batsman Lomar Seecharran who hit 53 off51(6x41x6)andNathanielRamkhelawanwhostroked64 (4x41x6),followingbyanunbeaten52fromAfrazKhan,who finished the innings off nicely ; helped Demerara rack up a gigantic232-3fromtheir40-overquota.

The GCB Select XI bowlers toiled as three players finishedwithawicketeachbeforetheirteamimplodedforjust 52alloutinthe23rdoverofthechase.

Afridi Khan and Daniel Johnson scored 10 apiece as spinner Deshawn Ramnauth led with magical returns of 5-5, finding good help from pacer Jasani Craig who bagged 3-8, thus sealing their first title win at the Lusignan Community CenterGround.

EssequibobeatBerbiceby5wickets

Over at the LBI Ground, Berbice batting first ran into a buzz-saw after being chopped down for a mere 51 in 15.2 overs,afterabrilliantspellfromEssequiboskipperinmedium pacerMarcusThomas;whosnared6-14withhelpfromJustin Henry(2-16).

No batsman from Berbice managed to reach double figures, as Essequibo lost five of their batsmen during what turnedouttobeasimplechasewiththemendingon52-5inthe 19thover;afterBrandonGrimmondpickedup2wicketsina losingeffort.

It took a patient 32-ball 17 from Timothy Ramdat, who struckaquartetofboundariesand12extrasforgoodmeasure tohelpsealthewin;asnootherEssequiboplayermanagedto getgoing.(CR)

South Africa to now play three, not five, home T20Is against Windies

(ESPN Cricinfo) - South Africa’s only men’s home internationalseriesthissummer,againstWestIndies,hasbeen reduced from five T20Is to three because of a clash with the T20WorldCup.

As reported by ESPNcricinfo last week, the matches, which were originally scheduled between January 27 and February 6, now have to end by January 31 when the T20 World Cup support period begins. As a result, two matches havebeenculledfromthefixtures’list.

ThebiggestcasualtiesofthechangeareNewlandsinCape Town and Buffalo Park in East London, who will no longer hostmatches.

The three games will be played at Boland Park in Paarl, SuperSport Park in Centurion and the Wanderers in JohannesburgonJanuary27,29and31respectively Withno ODI cricket at home this season, the final T20I will become “Pink Day” - an annual occasion in which the SouthAfrican men’s team wears pink and raises funds and awareness for breastcancertreatment.

SouthAfrica have also added three Under-19 one-dayers against India, to be played between January 3 and 7 at WillowmooreParkinBenoniaspreparationfortheUnder-19 WorldCup.Thattournamentisbeingco-hostedbyZimbabwe and Namibia from mid-January, with fixtures yet to be released.

ThecurrentworldTestchampionshaveacurtailedhome Continued on page 33

Powerhouse Demerara destroyed the competition on their way to becoming U13 champs

SimmondsandJangoostarin WestIndies’consolationwin

Police Force run riot on Mainstay as Elite League nears climax

GPF FC’s Nerron Barrow (on ball) bagged 10 goals against Mainstay in his side’s 26 - 0 win. (GFF/Elite League photo)

SouthAfrica have a curtailed home summer partly because they are playing abroad until December 19. (AFP/Randy Brooks)

Amir Jangoo (Getty Images)