…says country lacks planning for prudent management
…greater Parliamentary involvement needed
Pedestrian killed after colliding with speeding car Oil tanker vanished off
Guyana’s coast before US seizure
Suspect shot in police confrontation in Sophia
The Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) has ruled out the need for an Environmental Impact Assessment(EIA)foraplanned3D seismic activity in shallow waters offshoreGuyana.
According to project documentsseenbythisnewspaper, the exploration activities are expected to be conducted over a three-year period, commencing January 1, 2026 to 2028. The seismic works are earmarked for three sites, measuring a total of 25,604.78 square kilometers or almost the size of the Stabroek Block,operatedbyExxonMobil.
Seismic surveys are routinely used in offshore oil and gas explorationactivitiesworldwideto detect and define geological structuresundertheseabed.
Anapplicationfortheinitialoil exploration works was made by CGG, an affiliate company of the Viridiengroup.Viridienisaglobal advanced technology, digital and Earthdatacompanythatprovidesa comprehensive range of data, products,servicesandsolutionsfor complex digital, energy transition, natural resource, environmental
and infrastructure challenges. In addition to proprietary offshore projects for clients such as Exxon, which discovered the successful Liza field from CGG data, CGG acquired the only two offshore multi-client projects available for licensing in Guyana (Stabroek Phase1&2).
Regionally, CGG recently completed a multi-client project in Suriname in 2023. Covering 1,800 sq km, Phase IV completed the programmed 14,500 sq km survey of newly acquired 3D data in deep and shallow water in the GuyanaSurinamebasin.
On 11 November 2025, CGG applied for an Environmental Authorisation to the EPA, seeking toconductgeophysical3Dsurveys within shallow waters offshore of Guyana. The areas for the shallow watersurveyareoutlinedonamap attached.
The survey area is offshore of Guyana, east of the border of Venezuelaandwestoftheborderof Suriname The closest shore distance is around 120 km away and ranges with water depths approximately 10 to 70 metres
deep.
According to the Project Summary, a research vessel with a towedstreamerwillbeusedforthe seismic acquisition Towed streamer 3D seismic acquisition allows for the efficient and comprehensive mapping of offshore geological formations, providing valuable insights for oil andgasexplorationandproduction activities.
“Thisisacommonmethodused to gather detailed subsurface geological information in offshore exploration for oil and gas. CGG currently plans to use the BGP Prospectorforthisproject.”
The company noted that the vesselisfullyfurnishedwithstateof-the-art equipment for seismic 3Dsurveys.
KaieteurNewsunderstandsthat theactivitieswillbeconductedina totalofeightphasesbeginningwith setup and deployment, data acquisition and closing with data processingandinterpretation.
Impacts associated with the planned development includes marinenoise,marinewaterquality and climate, fishing and marine
Map showing the shallow water areas earmarked for 3D seismic activities.
trafficdisruptionsamongothers.
Marineseismicdataacquisition isbasedontheprincipleof‘seismic reflection’. The method involves releasingpulsesofacousticenergy (i e , sound waves) at regular intervals along designated transect lines In general, the energy penetrates subsurface formations andisreflectedbacktothesurface whereitcanbedetectedbyacoustic receivers,orhydrophones,encased in a long cable (i.e., streamer), which is towed behind the seismic vessel. Each time a seismic pulse meets a change in rock properties; partofthepulseisreflectedbackto the surface and received by the hydrophones Consequently, by measuring precisely the difference in arrival time of reflected seismic energy, distinct subsurface rock layers can be identified, and subsequently mapped. This map helps geoscientists understand the geology and structure of natural resources. It plays an integral role indecisionmakingwhenexploring for and developing oil and gas reservesinoceanwaters. NoEIA
The EPA in a decision
published on its website explained that the developer will not be required to conduct an EIAfor the three-year seismic activities. The regulatorlistedthreereasonsforits decision but indicated that the projecthasnotyetbeenapproved.
TheAgencysaid,“Theimpacts are transient The acoustic disturbance moves continuously with the vessel and does not result in permanent habitat alteration or permanentpresence.”
Additionally, it noted that “potential biological and socioeconomicdisruptionsarereversible immediately upon cessation of the activity; (meanwhile) impacts related to vessel operation, routine discharges, and resource consumption are standard for offshore activities and are adequately mitigated by compliance with international conventions (e.g., MARPOL) and theproposedEMP.”
The law provides for a 30-day periodinwhichpersonscanappeal the EPA’s decision. All appeals mustbeaddressedtotheChairman of the Environmental Assessment Board,Dr MahendarSharma.
Insteadofa‘wakeupand implement’ approach to the management of Guyana’s blossoming petroleum industry, Leader of the People’s National Congress Reform (PNCR) Aubrey Nortonhascalledforamore carefulmethodthatinvolves stringent planning for prudent governance of the sector
Norton during a press conference on Friday told reporters that the current method, as outlined by President Irfaan Ali of ‘making up a plan as we go along’cannotbesustainable.
In fact, he said the President has exposed the glaringrealitythatthesector is in “deep trouble”. The former Opposition Leader was at the time addressing a question from this newspaper on the government’s push to ramp up oil production in the Stabroek Block, through a process referred to as optimisation.
This allows operators such as ExxonMobil to increase oil production beyond the design rates of the Floating Production Storage and Offloading vessels(FPSOs)thatoperate offshore The process involves assessing the vessels for areas to safely increaseproductionlevels.
Nortonmadeitclearthat while he believes Guyana should seize the opportunity to develop its natural resources, more planning and analyses should be e m p l o y e d b y t h e governmentofGuyana.
“MindyouIamonewho believes that developing countries like Guyana must be given the opportunity to develop their oil resources not one who believes it shouldstayinthegroundfor pure environmental concerns but I do believe as well, the environment must be taken into consideration andalltheplansshouldhave proper environmental
impact assessments, it shouldhaveproperfinancial assessment and it should be done in the context of the long-term development of Guyana,”hesaid.
To this end, he clarified that any increased levels of production must be backed by robust assessments and careful consideration of the environment. Additionally,
he explained that the Parliamentariansshouldalso be included in the process. Arguments were previously madeforproposedincreases to be vetted in the National Assembly According to Norton, “I think they (plans to increase oil production) should be vetted by stakeholders- a wider cross section
Parliamentariansareonebut these are things I believe should include the private sector, it should include other civil society organisations and it should include a professional core of people who have the capacity to deal with such things.”
He stressed, “I believe that we have to have a plan and if we have a plan, the government should put out theplanandthatplanshould beabletotellustheareasof production we are going in, t h e b e n e f i t s , t h e limitations...in the absence of those things, you are just talking about ramped up production. It’s not done within a proper policy f r a m e w o r k o r a developmental program and itislikelytobedisastrous.”
Back in November this newspaper reported that government had approved a request by ExxonMobil Guyana Limited (EMGL) to increase production on two
Floating Production Storage and Offloading vessels (FPSOs) by 30,000 barrels each,pushingtheprojectsto produce a total of 60,000 barrels above their design capacity
According to the midyear report, “Production from the Stabroek Block –theLizaDestiny,LizaUnity, and Prosperity FPSOs –grewinthefirsthalfof2025. Collectively, these projects achieved an average rate of nearly 640,000 bpd, exceedingthe624,000bpdat theendofJune2024.”
Government explained that the higher production rates were driven by successful optimisation activities conducted on the Liza Unity and Prosperity FPSOs. Optimisation in the oil and gas sector refers to a process geared at enhancing oilrecovery
The company would assess the performance of thefacilitiesforexisting
Continuedonpage8
EightGuyanesemenhavebeen arrested by US authorities in a crackdown, codenamed Worst of theWorst.
Accordingtoastatementbythe US Department of Homeland Security, the worst of worst criminalalienswerearrestedbythe U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement(ICE).
The department said under Secretary Kristi Noem’s leadership, the hardworking men and women of DHS and ICE are fulfilling President Trump’s promise and carrying out mass deportations - starting with the worst of the worst - including the illegalaliens.
Among the Guyanese arrested isKwesiMenezeswhoisconvicted of aggravated assault. He was arrested in Mount Holly, New Jersey
Another Guyanese arrested is Dwayne Waithe who is listed as convictedofpossessionofweapon, illegalreentryanddrugtrafficking. Waithe was arrested in New York. AlsolistedisMohamedYusufwho is convicted of prostitution, commercialsex.Hewasarrestedin Albany,NewYork.
Convicted of kidnapping, robbery and cruelty toward a child, Guyanese Rakesh Persaud
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TheVenezuelanEmbassyinGuyanamustbebusierthan usual. A squadron of US warships patrolling the waters nearby, warplanes in constant motion, a battery of them standingbyforreadyaction. Andateamofwarhawksfrom theUSarrivinginGuyana,withseriousfaces,andobjectives probablywellmappedout. Suchahigh-levelUSdelegation fromWashingtoncouldn’thavefailedtocapturetheinterest of locally-based official Venezuelan personnel, and alarm them. We at this paper sincerely hope that the Guyana Government knows what it is getting sucked into, has consideredalltheprosandconsofAmericanwaraims. Indications are the US is bent on regime change in Venezuela,andispreparedtousethepoweratitsdisposalto achieve its goals. The days of president Nicolas Maduro Moros look numbered, and he can go quietly, or the US is readytogethimoutofhispresentrolebywhatevermeans necessary One objective is to replace him with a more pliant Venezuelan leadership that is receptive to US interests. The cover story from the US is stability in the region,andupholdingGuyana’sterritorialintegrity Itisan appealing one for the Guyana Government and many Guyanese, for regardless of how this is received, this fact must be accepted. Guyana, on its own, would have significantdifficultyinmanaginganyVenezuelanthreat.
The challenge for the government is that, as much as Guyana needs the powerful presence of the US by its side, the impression that must be avoided is that this nation is a partofaUS-GuyanawaraxisagainstVenezuela. Ontheone hand, President Irfaan Ali has gone to great lengths to emphasise that this is a region of peace, and that it must remaininthatstate. Ontheother,therearethesedelegations of war ready Americans trekking to Guyana’s door The latest development is of aVenezuelan tanker seized by US forces, because it was falsely flying a Guyana flag. That seizuretightensthecordonbeingerectedaroundVenezuela andMaduro. ItalsodragsGuyanaintothisstillundeclared waroftheUSagainstthiscountry’scovetousneighbouron itsnorthwesternboundary Becausenomatterhowittries, America’swaragainstVenezuela,ifitcomestothat,could beseenbyVenezuelanleadersasGuyana’swaragainsttheir country It is not the happiest place for Guyana to be, becauseit’ssuretoexperiencesomefalloutfromarealUSVenezuelaconfrontation.
In whatever manner the US unleashes its efforts to dislodgeMaduo,andwhicheverareainVenezuelaistargeted, Guyana’s environment will not be the same We anticipate thatdrovesoffearfulVenezuelanscouldrushacrossGuyana’s bordersinfranticeffortstogetoutofharm’sway Theirflight into Guyana could change the entire composition and dynamicsofthiscountry,withGuyanabeingunabletostem thetideagainstsuchaninflux Itmaynotbeonlythepanicked of Venezuela seeking safety, but also agents of Venezuela’s own war hawks that have their eyes on Guyana’s land and riches InviewofthehostilemindsetthatMadurohassowed againstGuyana,inpursuitofmakinggoodonhisambitions, oneofthetestsforpresentandfutureVenezuelanpoliticians hoping to make a favorable impression on their electorate wouldbewheretheystandontheircountry’sclaimonahuge part of Guyana’s territory The reality for Guyanese to consider is that in the event that the last is seen of Nicolas Maduro Moros as the national leader in Venezuela, there could be other Venezuelan patriots, who will spring up to outdohisprioraggressivepostures.
Weneedanauthoritativepresenceinthisregion,onethat looks out for Guyana. The presence of two US oil giants, ExxonMobil and Chevron, in Guyana is to our advantage, because their interests are closely linked to the interests of theUS. Initsquestforpeace,andtherealityofVenezuela’s unceasing visions that impact this country negatively, Guyana walks a delicatebalance. Protectionand peacedo notnecessarilywalkhandinhand. Theworstdevelopment forGuyanaisthatitbecomesthenextSouthVietnam.
58% in poverty. 32% in extreme poverty: where Is the Government’s plan?
Over the past several weeks, the national conversation has again turned to the issue of cash grants and temporary relief measures. This discussion has taken on new urgency sincethereleaseoftheInterAmerican Development Bank’s 2024 report, which confirms a truth that Guyanese have been living daily:58%ofourcitizensare living in poverty, and 32% are in extreme poverty These figures are not abstract data points—they represent families who are struggling to survive, parents who skip meals so their children can eat, and communities whose hopes are dimming under the weight of a worsening costof-livingcrisis.
There is no shame in needing assistance
Thousands of Guyanese are doing everything in their power to stay afloat in an economy that continues to workagainstthem.Andletit be clear: any relief that reaches a struggling family should be accepted without hesitation Temporary measures, such as cash grants, offer immediate breathingspacetothosewho need it most, and I support any effort to ease that burden.
However, we must also be honest with ourselves: temporary measures are not a plan. A cash grant is, at best, a plaster placed over a deep and expanding wound.
It may provide short-term comfort, but it cannot heal the underlying fractures in our social and economic systems. Once the money is spent, often within days, the realities remain unchanged, andinmanycases,worsen.
Weseepredictableprice increases when these grants entertheeconomy,andthose pricesseldomfallagain.The end result is that vulnerable households are left even moreexposedthanbefore.
Guyana requires, and deserves, far more than short-term interventions
What we need is a coordinated, strategic, and well-articulated national poverty reduction plan grounded in sustainability, dignity, and economic justice.
Such a plan must include:
1. Stable, decently paid jobsforGuyanese Prosperity cannot be achieved through handouts or flashy ribbon-cutting ceremonies. Guyanese need meaningful employment that allows families to build wealth,notjustsurvivefrom weektoweek.
2.Predictable,affordable costofliving
Fuel prices, food prices, and transportation costs continue to erode households’ ability to survive Any poverty strategy must confront price instability and promote fair marketpractices.
3. Strengthened support for farmers, fisherfolk, and
smallbusinesses
These sectors are the backbone of communities acrossourcountry. Yet access to credit remains uneven and often tied to political allegiance.
E v e r y d e s e r v i n g entrepreneur should have an e q u a l c h a n c e t o thrive—withoutfear,favour, ordiscrimination.
4 Fair and equitable distributionofoilrevenues
WithGuyananowoneof the world’s fastest-growing oil producers, our people must feel the benefit of that wealth. Strengthening our currency, building national savings, and ensuring equitable revenue distribution must form part ofanymeaningfulstrategy
5 Protection and upliftment of vulnerable groups
Women, children, the elderly, persons with d i s a b i l i t i e s , a n d impoverished families cannot be afterthoughts
Targeted, sustained programmes must be implemented to provide security, opportunity, and socialmobility
6 A commitment to strong, functioning national institutions
No poverty-reduction plan can succeed if our institutions remain weak, politicised,orinconsistentin delivering justice and fairness.
Parliament must functionasintended. Laws must be enforced
without bias. Citizens must trust that the system works for them, not only for the few.
The Government of Guyanamustrecognisethat, in a democracy, the people are the shareholders. Our resources—oil, gold, land, forests belong first and foremost to Guyanese Foreign investment is welcome, and international partnerships are important, but the North Star of every policy must be the wellbeingofourpeople.
Guyanese must demand a future where prosperity is not a slogan but a reality, where development strengthens households, not headlines;whereinstitutions serve the people; where no childgoestobedhungryina nation overflowing with potential.
As leaders, and as citizens, we owe it to ourselvesandourchildrento insist on a long-term, structural, people-centred approach to poverty reduction.
Cashgrantsmayprovide temporaryrelief,buttheyare not the solution. Only a coherent national strategy, rooted in fairness, sustainability,andeconomic justice—will move Guyana forward.
Wecannotoutsourcethis struggle. It belongs to us. Andsodoesthefutureofour belovedGuyana.
Sincerely,
Hon.
AmanzaWalton,MP
Food costs rising faster than salaries: $200,000 grant matters, wages must improve too
DEAREDITOR, As discussions continue around public sector wages andtheproposedG$200,000 PPP-promised cash grant, it isimportanttobeclearabout whathouseholdsareactually experiencing at the market andcornershop. The G$200,000 grant is not insignificant. For many families, it represents real and welcome relief, particularly at a time when food prices have risen steadily However, relief is not the same as resolution, and that distinction matters when inflation is concentrated in essential items.
Official data from the
Bureau of Statistics, and even the Government’s own Mid-Year Financial Report, show that while overall inflation in 2025 has remained moderate, food prices have increased at a noticeably faster rate than theall-itemsConsumerPrice Index.
Because food occupies a disproportionate share of household spending, especially among low- and middle-income earners, the impact of food inflation is felt far more sharply than headlinefiguressuggest.
ThisiswhyAPNU’scall for a 25 percent wage increase deserves serious consideration.Wagesarethe
foundation of household s t a b i l i t y U n l i k e discretionary grants, they determinehowfamiliescope withrisingcostsmonthafter month. When food prices continue to climb while wages remain largely static, purchasing power erodes steadily, even for those who arefullyemployed.
The limitations of oneoff assistance are known.
The same G$200,000 buys fewerbasketsofstaplefoods todaythanitdidinlate-2024, notbecausethegranthaslost importance, but because priceshaverisen.
Basicitemssuchasrice, cooking oil, flour, eggs, and fresh produce now absorb a
larger share of that sum. What once stretched across several weeks now runs out morequickly
Theobjectivemustbeto protect living standards through sustained income growth, complemented by short-termsupport. Grants can ease pressure temporarily, and at this time aremorethannecessary,but they cannot replace wages that keep pace with the cost ofessentials.
Recognising this reality is essential to any serious response to the cost-ofliving challenge facing ordinaryGuyanesefamilies.
Regards, SherodDuncanM.P
,
Therecentcelebrationat a private sector awards gala
h a i l i n g G u y a n a ’s agricultural transformation, showering glowing tribute and accolades to Minister Mustapha, conveniently omitted a crucial figure: $104.6 billion. That is the monumental budget allocated to the sector in 2025. A much closer look wouldreveal“resultsagainst this rhetoric” With such historic investment, the expectationisnotmerelyfor progress, but for the resolutionofsystemiccrises. Yet, the painful reality for farmers and consumers persists, revealing a stark gap between financial input and tangible, equitable outcomes.
Let’s measure the proclaimed“results”against thisinvestment:
1.Guysuco:TheBillionDollar“Hole”
Rules
2 Rice Farmers: SubsidizingInjustice?
While the ministry operates on a colossal budget with $430 9m,in allocations and subsidies totaling $4.7B to the sector, rice farmers remain at the mercy of unfair miller pricing, with their protests met by ministerial buckpassing. If such a budget cannot establish a fair pricing mechanism and p
tion
o prevent “underwater” crops, then where is the money truly going?
3 Protein Import Dependence: A Budgetary Failure
With $1 7 billion in livestock allocation and the crucialfundingforfeedstock production (corn and soya) is an additional $967 8 million,a resilient, wellfunded agricultural sector should prioritize achieving self-sufficiency in protein. Yet, we saw prices soar and productionlapsed.Resulting inthecontinuedimportation
A significant portion of thisbudgetcontinuestofund the bleeding wound that is the national sugar corporation. Pouring public funds into a third set of foreign consultants, without a clear turnaround plan, is not a strategy—it is fiscal negligence For $13 3B budget allocation Guyanese deserve a viable sugar industry, not a perpetual consultancyfee.
of meat and eggs This indicates a failure in strategic allocation within that$104.6Bbudgettobuild a competitive livestock and aquaculture sector that meetslocalproteindemand.
4 The Affordability Crisis: The Cost of “Success”
A food secure nation is one where its people can afford to eat. Skyrocketing prices for local produce betray the narrative of success Budgets must translate to lower costs through efficient logistics, anti-speculation measures, and direct support for increased productivity that benefits the consumer, not justthemiddleman.
5 Flooding: The Unfunded Resilience? A total of $73.2 billion was allocated in the 2025 NationalBudgettocontinue the upgrade and expansion of the country’s D&I infrastructure Yet still chronic flooding, within the ministry’s mandate, continues to wipe out gains. Onemustask:withover$73 billion dollars, where is the comprehensive, engineered floodmitigationand (Continuedonpage09)
, It is great to see the Ali administration taking litteringseriouslyduringthis new term in office. During theirlastterminofficethere was the pardoning / early release and hiring by the National Security Advisor (NSA)ofsomeonewhowas jailedforlittering. Themessageitsenttothe public was that it was ok to litter and people began to take the law less seriously People had even started to make very disrespectful comments on the NSA’s Facebook page. Placing the reputation of the President and those around him in a lessflatteringlight.Thenew drive to prevent littering does help remind everyone
that we must embrace the rule of law if we are serious about having a safe place to live and are serious about creating sustainable value withinoursociety CRG applauds His Excellency and his team on this course correcting act. Going forward, if a senior member of the President’s team is interested in being lenient with first time offenders of the law against littering, the Ministry of Home Affairs should consider implementing a work program where those caughtlitteringaregiventhe optiontocleanupthelitterin areas where the problem persists. This could be done inlieuofamonetaryfineand jail time, but the message
, The landscape of
Guyana is changing rapidly, and it appears that established rules and bylaws governing housing and communitydevelopmentare increasingly being flouted, with little or no visible punitive action taken by the relevantauthorities.
Numerous housing schemes developed by the CentralHousingandPlanning Authority (CHPA) have not been formally transferred to their respective local democraticorgans,resultingin weakoversightandregulatory enforcement within these communities
Guyana no longer maintains clearly defined residential areas where citizens can reasonably expect peace, stability, and security
Residential communities are increasinglybeingencroached upon by commercial and quasi-industrial activities In several areas, lands are being used to park large fuel tanker trucks, heavy-duty vehicles, andstockpilesofconstruction materials In my view, these practices constitute serious environmental, safety, and public health hazards and fundamentally erode the quality of life within these communities
must remain clear and the example provided by the Administration must be the correct one for all of our citizens and visitors to follow This being that the ruleoflawmustberespected andfollowed.
Bestregards, Mr.JamilChanglee
Central to this challenge is theapparentabsenceofeffective zoningenforcement Zoningisa criticalplanningtoolthatensures theorderlyuseofland,protects residential communities from incompatible commercial and industrial activities, and safeguardspublichealth,safety, and environmental standards SincethereturnofthePeople’s Progressive Party/Civic (PPPc) toofficein2020,theHonourable MinisterofHousingandWater, Mr. Colin Croal, publicly committed to strengthening zoningregulationsandrestoring order to housing schemes However, the current realities on the ground suggest that zoning enforcement is no longer treated as a priority, thereby creating a “free-forall” environment in which virtually any activity is permitted, regardless of its impact on surrounding residents
While there are clearly articulated policies and guidelinessetbytheCHPAto govern both residential housing and commercial development,itisevidentthat
Several days ago, I reachedouttotheHonourable Minister Collin Croal to ascertain whether he is aware of the ongoing developments withintheEcclescommunity, particularlytheconstructionof fences well above the legally mandatedheight Ialsosought clarificationonwhetherCHPA officers are actively monitoring and enforcing compliancewithinthehousing scheme, as required by existingregulations.
I recall with pride the Georgetown of my youth, particularly growing up in the quiet community of Bourda At that time, parapets were well maintained, alleyways were clean, buildings were properlycaredfor,andthere was an absence of high-rise structures that disrupted the c h a r a c t e r o f t h e neighbourhood Even when
commercial enterprises such as Bakewell Bakery were first established,theydidsowithout the construction of five- or seven-storey buildings The transformationofareassuchas AlbertandNorthRoadoccurred in a manner that enhanced the urban landscape without encroaching upon or diminishing the rights of neighbouring property owners Asaconcernedcitizenwhose only expectation is that the laws and regulations of this country be upheld, I find it necessary to place the following questions in the publicdomain.Itismyhope thattheHonourableMinister Croal and his team at the CHPAwillprovideclearand timelyresponses:
1 Has there been a change in the policies governing zoning and the operation of housing schemes?
2. If so, when was this policy change made, and w a s i t f o r m a l l y communicatedtothepublic?
3. What enforcement mechanismsarecurrentlyin place to address recalcitrant individuals who are in clear violation of zoning regulations and housing bylaws? I look forward to hearingorreadingresponses totheissuesraisedabove,in the interest of transparency, accountability, and the orderly and sustainable development of our communities.
Yourssincerely, AnnetteFerguson
The Caribbean island of Dominica is preparing for a revolution in its power supply A10MWgeothermal facility, built by USheadquartered Ormat Technologies, is set to be commissioned by early 2026 Almostovernight,thecountry will have a new renewable resource supplying baseload powerthatcanmeetmorethan 60 per cent of its electricity needs This will allow Dominicatoaddressoneofits keyeconomicpainpoints:the huge and volatile cost of importing diesel to run its existing heavy-fuel oil power station Dominicawillbeonly the second island in the CaribbeanafterGuadeloupeto exploit its geothermal resources Several others are now exploring geothermal possibilities. Next in line appears to be St Kitts and Nevis, which is currently evaluating bids from five international companies for a contractforproductiondrilling onNevis Ageothermal well taps into water superheated by magma deep below the surface of the Earth. As
steam rises from the well, it turns turbines to generate electricity
The development of geothermal power is “a game-changerforCaribbean islands”,saysDavidGumbs, directoroftheislandsenergy programme at energyfocu
organisationRMI.Hepoints out that the region faces unique challenges in its energy transition Wind power is difficult due to the economiesofscalerequired, whilespaceconstraintslimit the use of solar energy on someislands.
Dominica’s progress with geothermal has been m a d e p o s s i b l e b y concessionary finance. The Caribbean Development Bank acted as the lead arranger for a $34 8mn facility that reached financial close earlier this year, with contributions from the UN-backed Green Climate Fund and Canada, along with separate loan financing through the Caricom Development Fund.
CDB president Daniel BesttellsfDithatdeveloping
remain as a grant. In this way, Best says, the CDB is helping develop the island’s geothermal potential “without adding to the debt overhangofthecountry”.
geothermalpowerisvitalfor the region. “It affords us the opportunity to reduce the vulnerability of our countries from exogenous shocks, while building economic and social resilience into the fabric of thesecountries,”hesays.
Best notes that concessionary capital will reduce the cost of construction for Dominica’s geothermal power station, whichwillinturnultimately reduce power costs for consumers.TheCDBisalso helping to finance geothermal exploration on Nevis through what Best calls an “innovative financingmodel”intheform of a contingent recoverable grant. The majority of the fundingwillberepaidtothe CDB if geothermal resources are developed. If the drilling is unsuccessful, however, the funding will
TheGreenClimateFundis the biggest investor in the Dominica plant, with a $254mn commitment, and is also helping to finance exploration activities on several other Caribbean islands The fund’s regional director Kristin Lang points outthatdrillingforgeothermal power much like drilling for oil and gas entails a significant degree of risk “Why is it necessary to have GCFinvolvement?”sheasks “It’s because, precisely, the privatesectorwasn’twillingto takethatrisk”
She notes that the Dominica plant is expected to reduce CO emissions by 9 4mn tonnes during its lifetime And Lang highlights how geothermal willenablea“realparadigm shift”,inallowingDominica to develop energy-intensive activities. One option, she suggests, is to use geothermal energy to power desalination facilities, therebycontributingtowater security
Exportingpower
The nature of the geothermal resources in Dominica and other Caribbean islands is both an opportunityandachallenge.
Dominica is thought to be capable of producing up to 1,000MW of geothermal power, vastly more than it could consume with a population of just 75,000 people, even if more energy is used for activities such as desalination Geothermal requires scale if it is to be economical. The long-term development of geothermal resources in the region will depend on finding ways to usetheexcesspower
One possibility is to construct a web of subsea transmission lines to allow electricity to be exported between Caribbean islands. A fully interconnected Caribbean“reallyisadream atthispointintime”,Gumbs cautions There would, however, be economic logic inconnectingislandsthatare closest together, he says. Dominica, for example, could potentially export power to Martinique, less than40kmaway
An alternative to exporting electrons is to export molecules Gumbs highlights how geothermal power could power electrolysers that produce green hydrogen, which could then be exported within and beyond the region Again, however, convertingthispotentialinto real developments will face an array of technical and financialchallenges.
DEAREDITOR, Here it is!The “Construction of Guyana (first)TechnicalTrainingCollege”isadone deal. It is fully completed. This GTTC campus is located in Port Mourant, Region Six,butisnottobethoughtofasaparochial entity AccordingtoPresidentIrfaanAli,“… thefacilityisnowfullypreparedtowelcome studentsinJanuary(as)thecampusfeaturesa state-of-the-art Facility Simulator (FacTor), practical workshops, lecture rooms, and administrative offices, among other modern amenities.” He added that “It is designed to deliver hands-on, industry-relevant training that will equip students with essential technical skills, strengthening Guyana’s workforce and supporting the country’s rapidly expanding oil and gas sector.”
Indeed,thisrealizationisveryvitalandIam gladforallofusinthecountry May I remind us that training is absolutely essential for working in any oil and gas sector, as it directly impacts safety, ensures regulatory compliance, improves operationalefficiency,andofferssignificant career benefits.As regards ‘career benefits,’ wemustalwaysbearinmindthat‘certified’ trainingiswell-establishedglobally People have to be accredited, and this college has that all-important role to play in Guyana’s developing landscape We know that investing in training and skill development can lead to better job opportunities, career
progression,andincreasedearningpotential. A well-trained professional is a valuable assettoanemployer,whichcanenhancejob security, especially in today’s competitive market.
At the level of the United Nations, all affiliatedbodies,particularlytheInternational Labour Organization (ILO) and the UN Environment Programme (UNEP), keep emphasizing the need for comprehensive trainingintheoilandgassector Thisisdriven by requirements for safety, environmental compliance (especially methane mitigation), skillsdevelopmentfornewtechnologies,and ensuringa“justtransition”fortheworkforce duringtheglobalenergytransition Whatthis saystomeisthatGuyanaisadheringtoBest Practices and our people can and will be a majorforceinternationally
In fact, it is predicted that over the next decade or so, Guyana could very well lead the world in growing its oil output. This is according to the International Energy Agency Yes,therearechallengessuchas“… alengthyto-dolisttomodernizethecountry, (inordertoimprovebasicinfrastructureand services and retain its educated workforce after historically suffering from a brain drain…” But more and more ‘do-ability’is becomingareality Ibetthereisalotmoreto come.
Yourstruly, HargeshB.Singh
Formeroppositionleader andheadoftheAPartnership for National Unity (APNU), Aubrey Norton, has raised concerns about the government’s approach to cash grants, cautioning that Guyanese should not rely solelyonsuchtransfers.
He stressed that while cash grants are one way of returning Guyana’s oil wealth to citizens, they should not be treated as the onlysolution.Nortonfurther argued that cash transfers must be organised and predictable if they are to trulybenefitthepopulation.
Speaking on Sunday during APNU’s programme NationWatchwithhostEden Corbin, Norton explained his party’s position on cash grants. “Now, we do not believe you should rely on cashgrantsorcashtransfers. We believe it is one way of
transferring resources to the peopleofGuyana,”hesaid.
He added that cash transfers should ensure citizens have access to resourcesgeneratedfromoil r e v e n u e s W h i l e acknowledging the value of cash transfers, Norton emphasised the need for b r o a d e r e c o n o m i c development.
“Wealsobelievethatyou havetowidenthebaseofthe economy so that people can have employment and can earn,” he stated. According to Norton, predictable cash transfers can help reduce inequality by ensuring ordinary citizens benefit from national resources, rather than wealth being concentrated on a small population.
“Cash transfers in a predictable way, they allow people to access the
resources that are theirs and it tends to help removing from the society, the inequality,wherethetop1or 2 percent, they are having a nicetimeinthecountry And the majority of the people suffer,” Norton said. Norton also questioned the government’s handling of the initiative, arguing that cash grants should not be distributed at the discretion ofpoliticalleaders.
“Can it be at the whims and fancies of the government? They wake up todayandtheyfeellikethey give a cash transfer, they give it,” he said. He insisted that a structured system would allow citizens to plan and invest, rather than view cashgrantsasapoliticaltool.
“We see it as one of the tools that can be used to empower people and give themaccesstotheresources
thatarereallytheirs,”Norton added. During the People’s Progressive Party (PPP) campaign in preparation for elections, several senior partyfigureshintedstrongly at cash grants during the Christmas season. President Irfaan Ali told Guyanese, “You’ll have a beautiful Christmas,” while later stating, “If you behave yourself, you get it this year.”
Prime Minister Mark Phillips echoed similar sentiments, saying, “Last year,wepaid$100,000cash grantforeveryGuyanese18 years and above. And it didn’t done deh… we ain’t gone pay you less than 100,000 so you figure it out foryourself,morecashgrant coming, and it will not be less than $100,000.” Earlier this year, General Secretary of the PPP and Vice
President Bharrat Jagdeo also suggested that future cash grants would continue if the party secured another terminoffice.
“You will get your cash grants in the future too,” Jagdeosaidwhileaddressing a gathering at Babu Jaan, Corentyne, Berbice, adding, “Just imagine the next term in office how glorious that willbe.”
However, with less than twoweeksremainingbefore the end of the year, no official announcement on cash grants has been made. Inresponse,theAPNUleda protest at the Square of the Revolution,wherefrustrated citizens demanded that the government fulfill its promises.
However, with less than twoweeksremainingbefore the end of the year, no official announcement on cash grants has been made. Inresponse,theAPNUleda protest at the Square of the Revolution,wherefrustrated citizens demanded that the government fulfill its promises.
Theprotestsawanangry and vocal crowd holding placards highlighting the rising cost of living. One read, “Eggs are five for $700. Irfaan, we want to eat good tuh.” Another starkly outlined daily financial struggles: “Salary: $105,000 Rent: $65,000 Transport: $20,000 Children to feed. We want ourcashgrant.”
Frompage3
limitations of the installed equipment to determine how thosecouldbeimproved.
Accordingtothereport,“Thesescopes,largelyentailing topside debottlenecking activities, will continue to enable productionratesaveragingbeyond250,000(barrelsperday) bpd at Unity and Prosperity into the second half, respectively.”
ItisimportanttonotethattheLizaUnityFPSO, which produces oil at the Liza Two development, has a design capacity of 220,000 bpd, according to the Environmental ImpactAssessment(EIA).
Thedocumentalsostatesthat“thefacilitieswillhavethe potential to safely operate at sustained peaks of oil productionuptoapproximately250,000bpd”.Bethatasit maythevesselisnowproducingoveritssafeoperatinglimit.
Similarly,theProsperityFPSOwhichproducesoilatthe third deep-water development offshore was designed to produce220,000bpd,accordingtotheEIA.
InGuyana,theapproach to energy development is nowwearingthebulkyboots of natural gas two major gas-to-energy plants are planned. But this emphasis threatens to leave solar powerbehind.
The coming of gas-toenergy is being hailed, understandably,asatriumph of progress. Gas will steady the grid, reduce generation costs, and power the
Demerara Berbice Interconnected System (DBIS) with a reliability it hasneverknown.
Yet it is precisely because gas will dominate thecoastforthenextdecade and beyond that our solar ambitions there feel oddly misplaced. One does not plant shade trees where a concrete overpass is already planned.
It is puzzling, then, that
someofthemostsubstantial investments in solar farms have been directed toward coastalregionsthatwillsoon beawashingas-firedpower, while the hinterlandwhere thesunisabundanthasbeen given modest, almost apologetic installations. A one-megawatt farm in Lethem, 1.3 megawatts in Bartica, and 0.65 in Mahdia are not symbols of a bold vision They raise more questions than answers, including why not build the MW farms in these areas ratherthanonthecoast.
Long-term planning requires an acceptance of growth in energy demand.
Guyanas per capita electricity consumption has historically lagged well behind that of comparable countries. This gap was not merely a statistic; it was a warning. As incomes rise,
$104.6 Billions
industries expand, and technology seeps into every corner of daily life, electricity demand does not creep.Itsurges.
The hinterland, often imagined as static, will not be immune Towns like Lethem and Bartica are not museum pieces; they are living communities with ambitions of their own Energy usage there too will surge.
Itisworthrecallingthata previous administration recognised this reality Its Green State Development Strategy did not treat solar powerasanaccessory,butas afoundation,particularlyfor areas beyond the coastal grid. Government buildings wereretrofittedwithpanels, a n d t h e r e w a s talkrefreshingly practical talkoffeedingunusedpower back into the national grid.
Frompage09 drainageinfrastructuretoprotectourhomes, foodsupplyandfarmers’livelihoods?
Conclusion:AccountingfortheBillions Editortrueleadershipismeasurednotby the size of the budget, but by the wisdom of its application and the resolution of longstanding problems. A $104.6B budget must deliver more than “stronger systems”—it mustdeliverjusticeforricefarmers,viability for sugar, affordability for consumers, and trueresilienceagainstfloods.
The people of Guyana are not seeing a $104.6B transformation on their plates or in their pockets. It is time to demand a
transparent accounting of this historic investment—onethatmovesbeyondrhetoric anddeliversequitableresultsforall.
We strongly advocate for focusing on verifiable facts, evidence based policy, and measurable impacts to achieve genuine progress over empty promises or divisive appeals.
We call for fiscal accountability and tangible returns on every dollar spent, not awardsandaccoladesforincompetence.Our citizensdeservebetterfortheservicetheyare payingfor
Sincerely
HemduttKumar
Dem boys seh the President tell people one time,“stayinyuhlane,”and plenty people get vex like he cuss dem mother But is good advice, you know Because in Guyana, nuff people dont like dem lane. Everybody feel dem lane too small, too slow, or not important enough. So they start drift And when driftingstart,accidentsoon follow
N o w i m a g i n e government like a busy road in rush hour Every Ministergetdemownlane, mark out nice-nice with white paint and plenty responsibility Health got he lane, Education got she lane, Public Works got one wide like the East Bank road, and everybody
supposed to mind dem business and keep straight. But nah. One former laneholder still blowing horn from the shoulder, waving hand, shouting directions, and trying to cut back in traffic like if dem never hand over the steering wheel.
Dem boys seh some peoplefeeloncedemtouch a portfolio, that portfolio belong to dem for life, like family land. Even when dem move on, dem still peeping over the fence, counting bricks, measuring boards, and telling the new person, “nah, nah, you doing that wrong.” Is like ex-boyfriend behaviour: relationship done, but you still watching status and sendinglongvoicenotes. Thedangeristhis:when
Suchapolicywouldnotonly have reduced waste but would have encouraged privateinvestment,allowing businesses to become modest producers rather thanpermanentconsumers.
There was, too, the imaginative notion of Bartica as a green town, powered entirely by renewables. This was not naïveté; it was an experimentinforesight.The Green State Development Strategy extended further, envisioning micro-grids, photovoltaic systems with batteries, small hydro, and hybrid solutions tailored to the realities of hinterland life. It accepted that energy policy, like good writing, benefitsfromspecificity Whatevercriticismsmay be levelled at the Granger administration, fairness d e m a n d s a n acknowledgment that its thinkingonsolarenergywas remarkably sound Long before gas-to-energy became the dominant refrain, that government articulatedacoherentvision of an energy mix in which solar, hydro, wind and biomass were central to the countrys energy future. The very idea that Guyanas energy future should be
diversifiedso that no single source could render another redundant or leave c o m m u n i t i e s vulnerableoriginated with that approach. On this score the Granger governments solarenergyplanswereboth timelyandwell-conceived.
The current approach by thePPPC,whileenergeticin its own way, seems less patientwiththefuture.Solar, wind, and hydropower are treated as complements rather than cornerstones, especially within the DBIS. Inthehinterland,thegoalof meeting only half of energy demand with renewables suggests a cautiousness that borders on resignation Meanwhile, gas threatens to make coastal solar farms redundant, expensive ornaments to a system that nolongerneedsthem.
This is not an argument against gas, nor is it nostalgiadisguisedaspolicy critique. It is an appeal for proportion.Ifgasisdestined to dominate the coast, then solar should have been a l l o w e d i n d e e d encouragedto dominate the hinterland Large-scale farms there would not only meet present needs but anticipate future ones, reducing dependence on
importedfuelandinsulating communities from price shocks and logistical failures.
The irony is that the resources to pursue such a vision now exist. Capital, oncescarce,isnolongerthe chiefobstacle.Whatremains is the harder task: thinking beyond the immediate glow ofsuccessandplanningfora time when todays solutions will look, inevitably, incomplete.
Solarpowerispatient.It does not complain if it must waityearstoproveitsworth. Butpolicyshouldbepatient too, and thoughtful, and a little humble in the face of tomorrow Otherwise, we risk discoveringtoo latethat we built our energy future backward, and left the sun shining most brightly where itisleastneeded.
(The views expressed in this article are those of the author and do not necessarily reflect the opinionsofthisnewspaper.)
twopeopletryingtodrivein one lane, nobody reach nowhere.Confusionsetin.
Dem boys seh drifting lanes cause pile-up. Ego crash into authority Memory crash into reality And next thing you know, instead of building road, hospital, or school, everybody arguing who firstpourtheconcrete.
So dem boys advising: ifyounolongerinthatlane, signal properly and move on.Enjoyyuhnewlane.Fix yuh mirrors. Adjust yuh seat. Let the current driver drive.
Because if everybody drifting all over the place, the whole country traffic going gridlockand is the ordinary man who always getstuckinthejam. Talkhalf.Leffhalf
Whatistherealmeaningofthat StatementofIntent(SOI)signedby Guyana and the US? Did the Ali PPP Government just sign what is almost as binding as a mutual security pact, with defense guarantee provided by the US? In that stealthy, backdoor maneuver, is the understanding by those around that signing table, that a foreign military alliance was just sealed, through what looks like a treatycostumedasanSoI,andwith official blather about expanded militaryexercises?
I say it straight up and right away, so that everyone has in writing where I stand. Guyana needs the USAnext to it, giving a hardstareatMaduroandhisclique of adventurers in Caracas and give them other ideas about territorial grabbing. Guyana’s territory If nototherideas,thenalongpause,at least to facilitate some reflection and adjustment of ambitions Second,ofalltheheaviesoutthere, and available to Guyana’s cause, I will take the USA, 11 out of 10
times. Now that that’s clear, I proceed.
The US is already on a war footing. The world has seen this massing of forces before, from AfghanistantoKuwaittoIraq,and nowinthevicinityofVenezuela. A show of overwhelming force was what General Colin Powell called such escalatory and preparatory actionsinreadinessforwar What elsecouldsuchbe,deterrents?
Butbeforetheknotistightened around Senor Maduro’s neck, Guyaneseheadshavetobeworked on; massaged, twisted around, and madetoseelightandright. Might, also. With respect, General Omar Khancantalkcheese,butheknows that the sum of his arsenal and assembled manpower is just that: cheese.
Forhispart,Pres.Alidugdeep and found a diplomat dormant. A peace pipe, he smokes He understands something else: with America in Guyana’s corner, Venezuela stays in its own corner, reduced to boasting as though it is
somewrestlerataweigh-inforone of those extravaganzas. He also knowsthatwithAmericanscoming hereandpresentingtheirprograms, his only choice is to get with that program.
Twistitordiluteit,andit’sstill awarprogram. Thosegunboatsare not out there for fishing, nor those aircraft up there for sightseeing. Thus,itwastimeforputtingpento paper and committing Guyana to America’s undeclared war Ostensibly for combatting drug running, and ousting the whole Madurocabal. So,nowthereisthe Guyana-Americaalliance.
SOI is the polished, almost neutral, nearly innocuous label affixedtowhatisnothingbutawar plans that traps Guyana in the role of active partner, condoner, to the heighteningoftensionstowhitehot temps.
I think the PPP Govt had no choice. But I also think that the PNCissensibletosoundthealarm. Whatever this SOI is, share it with all Guyanese. It is their sons and
daughters that will have to make sacrifices; their tears wept. It will bethelotofallGuyanese(sansfat cats) to feel the brunt of stringencies and sabotages that couldresultfromanydeterioration of where matters stand currently The Guyanese people have a right toknowandneedtoknow
After all, it is their behinds on the line, in one form or the other Come clear with that SOI. Come clean with the fullness of its commitments that are owned by thisnation. Thisisnotamomentor a development for the usual sly games that have characterised PPP governance and leadership for donkeyyears.
Toomuchisatstake. Toolittle isknown. Andwitheveryknown, there are many unknowns. Here’s one:what’stheroleofGuyanesein anyaccidentalbelligerentincident?
And another: how about Guyana’s territory and its utilisation of for launching probing or intel gatheringops?
This cannot be business as
usual; bigger than the regular sleazy domestic politics. This is about the present, future, and lives ofGuyanese. Fromthefrontlineas partofjointexercisesor,byluckof the draw, around a gas station; or any other location well-scoped out andsetabout.
Thinking like the back-to-thewall Venezuelan strongman, with that SOI, Guyana has gone from neighbor in the way to adversary coming his way Aman driven to desperation can be a man that becomes unhinged. He has assets here. Hisheadininavise.
The long and short of this SOI signed is that Guyanese need to know, have a right to know, and must know what their government committedthemtowiththeUS.
(The views expressed in this article are those of the author and do not necessarily reflect the opinionsofthisnewspaper.)
Latin America and the Caribbean could raise GDP per capita by 11% and reduce inequality by 6% by making markets more competitive,accordingtoanewreportbythe Inter-AmericanDevelopmentBank(IDB).
The flagship report, “Markets for Development: Improving Lives through Competition,” shows that limited competition and high market concentration across the region’s economies weakens
growth, suppresses wages, and keeps firms smallandinformal.Drawingonanewcrosscountrydatasetofcompetitionindicators,the study finds that stronger, fairer markets are critical to unlocking productivity and opportunity
“The report demonstrates that markets are not merely a contextual element in development; they play an active role in driving it,” said IDB Group President Ilan
Goldfajn. “When competition works, the private sector can do what it does best — create jobs, boost innovation, and deliver betteroutcomesforworkersandconsumers. Stronger,fairermarketsarekeytounlocking Latin America and the Caribbean’s full potential.”
The report was launched today at the IDB’sheadquartersinWashington,aspartof its “Development in the Americas” (DIA) report series. Drawing on new evidence — includinganewIDBdatabaseofcomparable competition indicators across countries and sectors—itshowshowbold,well-designed policiescandeliverrealgainsforconsumers, workers, and businesses in sectors such as telecommunications,banking,andhealth.
Thekeyfindingsinclude:
Market concentration in Latin America andtheCaribbeanisfourtimeshigherthanin advancedeconomies.
Firms in the region charge markups averaging35%abovecost,comparedto20% inmorecompetitivemarkets.
Workerstakehomejust50%ofthevalue they generate — versus 65% in the United Statesand81%inotheradvancedeconomies.
Ninety-five percent of firms have fewer than five workers and account for 57% of employment. The most productive firms — thosewithmorethan50employees—make up just 1% of firms and account for 20% of jobs.
Iflabourmarketswereascompetitiveas in advanced economies, GDP per capita couldincreasebyasmuchas25%—driven by higher investment and production, more efficient resource allocation, and workers movingtobetterjobswithfairerwages.
“AttheIDB,wearecommittedtoleading with rigorous, evidence-based research to help countries implement reforms that
deliver real impact for people and businesses,” said Laura Alfaro Maykall, chief economist and economic counselor at the IDB. “With this flagship report, we are equipping policymakers and researchers with the data needed to design smarter policies that foster innovation, fair wages, andsustainablegrowth.”
The report cites successful procompetitionreformsalreadyunderway:
Telecom number portability has expandedaccessandcostshavedecreased.
Digital payment systems have reduced transactionbarriersforfirmsandconsumers.
Loan portability has increased credit optionsandloweredinterest-ratespreads. Public-procurementreformshavedriven down prices for essential goods, such as insulin.
To scale these gains, the report outlines threeprioritiesforgovernments: Reduce market fragmentation by improvinginfrastructure,harmonisingrules, facilitating interoperability of systems, and easing border processes so firms can grow and connect within borders and to global valuechains.
Design smarter regulations by removing rules that keep businesses small and by creating fair, evidence-based policies that address market failures while also encouraginggrowth.
Strengthen competition agencies by giving them more independence, resources, and authority to deter anticompetitive behaviourandpromotefaireconomies. Successful reforms require more than laws. They demand investment in state capacity, credible enforcement through independent courts and autonomous agencies, and stable political institutions to preventbacksliding,thereportnotes.
The Government of Guyana and ExxonMobil Guyana on Tuesday last launched a new Oil and Gas Corner at the New Amsterdam National Library, an initiativeaimedatdemystifyingthe oil and gas industry and inspiring young Guyanese to pursue careers inthesector
According to a Ministry of Finance release, speaking at the officialopening,SeniorMinisterin the Office of the President with Responsibility for Finance, Dr Ashni Singh, said the initiative, though modest in appearance, could serve as a critical first point of contact between young people and the country’s rapidly expandingoilandgasindustry.
“Today’s launch, while it may seem small on the surface, represents an extremely important step in bringing the oil and gas industry closer to the Guyanese people,”Dr Singhsaid.
The Oil and Gas Corner is an ExxonMobil Guyana initiative
“For many young people, this maybetheirfirstopportunitytosee what an FPSO looks like, to understand subsea operations, and to begin visualising their place in theindustry.”
implemented in collaboration with the Government of Guyana and featuresanexactreplicaoftheOne Guyana Floating Production,
Storage and Offloading (FPSO) vessel, along with educational materials designed to simplify complex offshore operations for publiclearning.
Dr. Singh reaffirmed the government’s commitment to expanding access to knowledge, strengthening public education, andensuringstudentsareequipped with a clear understanding of Guyana’soilandgassector
He urged young people to take advantageofeducationalpathways being developed by the state, including programmes at the University of Guyana and the Guyana Technical Training CollegeatPortMourant.“Wewant as many Guyanese people as possible working in this industry,” hesaid.
“This corner forms part of a widerrolloutofinitiativesdesigned to inform citizens of the vast opportunities available and place them on a path to meaningful participation ” Dr Singh also expressedgratitudetoPresidentDr Irfaan Ali, ExxonMobil Guyana Limited, and the staff of the New Amsterdam National Library for bringing the project to fruition, while expressing hope that similar corners will be established across thecountry
President of ExxonMobil Guyana, Alistair Routledge, said the initiative is intended to bring offshore operations to life for communities onshore, making the industry more relatable and transparent.“ThisisexactlywhatI expect to see in libraries like this—bringing to life what we do, sharing our passion, and showing howweoperatesafely,”Routledge said.
“I’m really excited to be here andgratefultotheGovernment,the National Library of New Amsterdam, and the Region for makingthispossible.”TheOiland Gas Corner is expected to be replicated in several branch libraries, including the National LibraryinGeorgetown,aspartofa broaderpubliceducationeffort.
Alsoinattendanceatthelaunch was RegionalExecutiveOfficerof Region Six, Narindra Persaud, along with library officials and communitystakeholders.
SYDNEY, Dec 14 (Reuters)Gunmen opened fire at a Jewish holiday celebration at Sydney’s Bondi Beach on Sunday, killing at least 11 people in what Australian officials described as a targeted antisemiticattack.
One of the suspected gunmen was also killed. A second gunman was in critical condition and police were investigating whether a third attacker was involved, New South Wales Police Commissioner Mal Lanyontoldapressconference.Two police officers were among 29 people taken to hospital with injuries,hesaid.
Authoritiessaidfarmorepeople would have been killed were it not for a bystander, identified by local mediaasfruitshopownerAhmedalAhmed, 43, who was filmed charging a gunman from behind, grappling with him and wresting a rifle from his hands. “There are many,manypeoplealivetonightasa result of his bravery,” said Chris Minns,premierofNewSouthWales state where Sydney is located, calling the bystander “a genuine hero”. A bomb-disposal unit was working on several suspected improvised explosive devices, Lanyon said. Mike Burgess, a top Australianintelligenceofficial,said one of the suspected attackers was known to authorities but had not beendeemedanimmediatethreat.
EVIL‘BEYOND COMPREHENSION’, ALBANESESAYS
Prime Minister Anthony Albaneseconvenedameetingofthe country’s national security council and condemned the attack, saying the evil that was unleashed was “beyondcomprehension”.
“This is a targeted attack on JewishAustraliansonthefirstdayof Hanukkah,whichshouldbeadayof joy, a celebration of faith,” he said. “Atthisdarkmomentforournation, ourpoliceandsecurityagenciesare working to determine anyone associatedwiththisoutrage.”
Witnesses said the shooting at thefamedbeach,whichwaspacked on a hot summer’s evening, lasted about10minutes,sendinghundreds of people scattering along the sand and into nearby streets and parks. Policesaidaround1,000peoplehad attendedtheHanukkahevent.
“We all panicked and started running as well So we left everything behind, like flip-flops, everything.We just ran through the hill,” said Bondi Junction resident MarcosCarvalho,38,whohadbeen packing up after a day at the beach when he heard what he estimated were 40-50 gunshots Bondi resident Grace Mathew said people ranpastherandsheheardgunshots.
“Initially you just think, it’s a beautifuldaydownbythebeach,”she said. “You sort of think that people are just having a good time Then morepeopleranpastandsaidthere’s ashooter,there’samassshootingand they’rekillingpeople” Continued on page 15
The Latin America and the Caribbean region saw a moderate recovery in employment across the region, according to the newly released Labour Overview 2025 for Latin America and the Caribbean from the International LabourOrganisation(ILO).
At the same time, the report cautions that this progress coexists with persistent informality and inequality, amid ongoing transformationsintheworld of work that require urgent policyresponses.
According to the report, in the first half of 2025 the ave
e
abour force participation rate in the region remained close to 63 per cen
, while the employment rate reached nearly60percent.
The unemployment rate continued to decline, standing at around 6 per cent one of the lowest in the past 15 years These figures suggest that the number of people actively working or looking for work has remained stable compared to the previous year, and that more people managedtoenterthelabour market
Informality remains a defining feature of the region’s labour landscape. While it declined slightly to 46.7percentinthefirsthalf
of 2025, nearly one in every two employed persons still works under informal conditions.
“The region cannot be content with averages that seem positive We need active policies that promote decent work, equality and protection,” said Ana Virginia Moreira Gomes, ILO Regional Director for Latin America and the Caribbean “The ILO remains committed to supporting countries on this path,especiallyinaworldof work that is evolving rapidly.”
Persistent gaps affect womenandyoungpeoplein particular Although women’s labour market performance has improved more than men’s in recent years,itstilllagsbehind.The
employment rates are both 22 percentage points higher thanthoseofwomen.
Women’sunemployment rateistwopercentagepoints higher than men’s. Youth (aged 15–24) face an unemployment rate nearly three times higher than that ofadults.Informalityaffects 56 per cent of young workers,comparedto43per centofadults.
Behind these statistics are millions of real-life stories Each percentage
Frompage14
Sunday’s shootings were the most serious of a string of antisemitic attacks on synagogues, buildings and cars in Australia since the beginning of Israel’s war in Gaza in October2023.
Australia’sJewishdiasporaissmallbutdeeplyembedded in the wider community, with about 150,000 people who identify as Jewish in the country of 27 million. About onethird of them are estimated to live in Sydney’s eastern suburbs,includingBondi.
“If we were targeted deliberately in this way, it’s somethingofascalethatnoneofuscouldhaveeverfathomed. It’sahorrificthing,”AlexRyvchin,co-chiefexecutiveofthe Executive Council of Australian Jewry, told Sky News, addinghismediaadviserhadbeenwoundedintheattack.
Mass shootings are rare in Australia, one of the world’s safest countries. Sunday’s attack was the worst since 1996, whenagunmankilled35peopleatatouristsiteinthesouthern state ofTasmania. “Antisemitism has no place in this world. Our prayers are with the victims of this horrific attack, the Jewish community, and the people of Australia,” U.S. SecretaryofStateMarcoRubiowroteonX.
Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu called the attack “cold-blooded murder”, and said he had warned Albanese about antisemitism before Australia, along with Britain,CanadaandFrance,recognisedaPalestinianstatein September “YourcallforaPalestinianstatepoursfuelonthe antisemiticfire.ItrewardsHamasterrorists.
It emboldens those who menace Australian Jews and encourages the Jew hatred now stalking your streets,” Netanyahu said he had written to the Australian leader in August.TheAustralianNationalImamsCouncilcondemned the shooting in a statement: “These acts of violence and crimeshavenoplaceinoursociety Thoseresponsiblemustbe heldfullyaccountableandfacethefullforceofthelaw.”
point reflects people working, seeking jobs or excluded from the labour market.
Access to decent work impactsnotonlyincome,but also health, education, wellbeing, and development opportunitiesacrosssociety
The ILO stresses that recovery must go beyond numbers, with a focus on formalization and decent workasthecornerstoneofa sustainable development thatensuressocialjustice.
The report also
highlights wide disparities across countries, as well as by gender, age, and economic sector Women andyouthcontinuetobethe mostaffectedbyinformality, unemployment and precariouswork.
In addition, the report explores how the world of work is changing, with special attention to digital platform work. One finding shows that, among platform workers, higher education levels are associated with higherincomes. “
transforming. While some indicatorsareimproving,we need to look below the
significant disparities across countries and population groups. New forms of work demandupdatedpoliciesand regulatory frameworks,” said Gerson Martínez, labour economist and lead authorofthereport.
The Labour Overview 2025 of this report comes shortly after the 20th ILO
Meeting, held in October 2025, where regional authorities reaffirmed their commitment — through the Punta Cana Declaration — t o d e c e n t w o r k , formalisationandaddressing structuralinequalities.
Thepublicationprovides databycountry,age,sexand economic sector, offering a vital tool for policymakers, employers, workers and journalists focused on the present and future of employment in Latin AmericaandtheCaribbean.
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inT&Toperatewithmargins as thin and expectations as high as Carnival. For masqueradebands,wherethe product is not simply a costume but an all-inclusive, all-immersive experience, every component now sits under scrutiny following the Government’s 100 per cent hike in customs and excise duties on alcohol and tobacco products.
Ayen said.
“Manyofthesebandsare nowall-inclusive,sotheonus is on the bands to provide this aspect, which includes alcohol.Sothere’s,withouta doubt,goingtobeanincrease inprice.”
consultation, we will do so. But the Government has its policies, and we are here to abide by them.”
Looking toward 2027, he acknowledged that costume priceswilleventuallyrise.
“Basic economics dictates that the cost of costumes will increase. But again, it is not the costumes, it is the experience that is goingtoincrease,”saidAyen.
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Those measures were announced by Minister of Finance Davendranath TancooduringhisOctober13 budget presentation, in whichhesaidthat80percent of the projected revenue increases in the 2026 budget are attributable to the hike in customs duties on alcohol and tobacco products.
Under the revised structure, duties on rum and spirits doubled, rising from $79.25to$158.50percentof alcohol content. Beer duties also doubled from $5.14 to $10.28 by gravity. Sunday Business Guardian spoke to bandleaders and creative entrepreneurs who acknowledged that the fiscal adjustments have forced an unavoidable recalibration of inputs, pricing models and long-termplanning.Yet,with Carnival2026alreadylocked in, most are determined to shieldmasqueradersfromthe fullimpactatleastfornow COSTSHOCK
President of the T&T Carnival Bands Association (TTCBA) and bandleader of Dirty,MedicsCarnival,Mark Ayen, described the sector’s response as a balancing act between fiscal reality and customer expectation. He acknowledged that the new duty structure has hit the industryatadifficultandfully committedjuncture.
“As a bandleader, I have daily and frequent conversations with our members, and it is going to pose a problem, because there is going to be an increase in the overhead,”
Ayenindicatedthatwhile bands understand the Government’s revenuegeneration priorities, the timing has created a constraint:Carnival2026mas band prices were already announced and paid for
“Itwouldbeunethicalfor bands to change their prices atthispoint,”hehighlighted.
“We as bandleaders now have to look at avenues where we could probably cut on certain costs so we can absorb that increase somehow.” He stressed that cost-cutting will not involve reductions in quality
“Bands no longer just provide costumes; they provideanexperience.Andall of this is part of the experience. We have to find waystomitigatetheincrease in these costs. But it is really goingtobedifficult.”Pressed to quantify the impact, Ayen said his own band’s internal projections confirm a steep rise.
“By my personal experiencewithmyband,we have already seen a 20 per cent increase in our costs wherealcoholisconcerned,” heexplains.“Itisahugejump, mostdefinitelybecauseofthe products that are now consumed within the experience.It’snotpuncheon and White Oak alone. We havetoofferpremiumdrinks.”
Ayen noted there has been no formal call from TTCBA’smembershipforan emergency meeting, but informal concerns are widespread. And while he welcomes dialogue with the government, he is realistic about the policymaking environment: “I am always open to communication and consultation where this is concerned. If we have the ability to seek guidance or
thefullbreakdownofaplane ticket, accommodations, rentals, fetes, costumes, peoplearespendingbetween US$8,000 and US$10,000. AndAmericaisnotdoingthat well.” McIntosh’s point is sobering:asCarnivalinflation accelerates, the global competitiveness of T&T’s marquee product may be under threat.
For veteran bandleader Ronnie McIntosh of Ronnie and Caro, the increase adds to an already tight operating framework.Hisassessmentis pragmatic: the band has no space to retreat on quality, service or amenities, regardless of the additional financialburden.“Attheend of the day, we have no choice,” McIntosh said. “We would have had our crisis situation in place since June, sothereisnothingwecando. We can’t increase prices. We can’tdoanything.Andweare definitely not going to cut back. We’re not going to cut back to affect our service.”
He reinforced that masqueraders would receive the full premium experience they paid for
“Our masqueraders can expect the same level of service, the same premium variety of drinks. We’re not going to cut back at all,” he said. McIntosh declined to critique the timing of the Government’spolicy
“I have no comment to make. All administrations make decisions. Sometimes one sector is affected, sometimesanother.Itdoesn’t matter when you do it,” he said. “We will deal with it.” He noted that while registration is progressing well,thefinancialpressureis real and ongoing.
Asked whether overheads have increased by 10 per cent or 20 per cent, McIntoshsaidthebandisstill working through the numbers.“Ihaven’tdonethat yet. Price going up is all I know,”hesaid.“Youcan’tcut backonthemusic,onmobile restrooms, on DJs. There’s nothingwecandotocutback. We just have to live to fight another day.”
McIntosh is more expansive in discussing the broader economics of T&T’s Carnival, warning that rising costs across the ecosystem may be jeopardising the festival’s value proposition for international visitors.
“We are becoming the most expensive Carnival in the world,” he argues. “And that starts from airlines. That goes from airlines to hotels, Airbnbs, fete tickets, and costuming. When you check
For Spirit Mas, the increase represents not only a financial shift but a challenge to the operational stability of a band that employs more than 1,000 people during the Carnival season. Its financial director, Dr Justin Ram, underscores the immediate implications and the broader economic potential of the creative sector
“Undoubtedly, the increase in excise duties on alcoholhasincreasedthecost of the masquerader experience that we provide,” Ram said. “Our band was already sold out when the Government announced the increases, so we will absorb the additional costs this year without compromising the value and quality of service weprovide.”
Ram emphasised that employmentlevelswillremain stable. “We will continue to retain our full-time and parttime employees. Our band employs many people, fulltimestaff,casualworkersand providesindirectemployment formanyothers,”heoutlined. “DuringtheCarnivalseason, weemployover1,000people. Many people depend on the band for their livelihoods.”
He mentioned that Spirit Masiseffectivelyamediumsized enterprise with significant growth potential.
“We contribute significantly totheyear-roundeconomyas an MSME, and we have considerable potential to continue growing and employing many more people,”Ramsaid.
His central message, however, is a call for structuredpolicyengagement betweentheGovernmentand theCarnivalsector.“Wewant the Government to succeed while we continue to grow and contribute more to the economy,”Ramexplained.
“Carnival has considerablepotentialtohelp grow our economy, employ many more people yearround,andcontributemoreto government fiscal revenues. We therefore ask that the Governmentworkwithuson policies that affect our business, so that both sides benefit and continue to have a positive impact on the economy.”
( J A M A I C A
OBSERVER) MAJOR
players in Jamaica’s cannabisindustryareclosely monitoring developments in the United States amid reports that President Donald Trump could be prepared to significantly ease federal restrictions on marijuanatomorrow
US media outlets, including The Washington Post, CNBC, and several business publications, have reported that Trump is expected to direct federal agencies to shift marijuana to Schedule III, with an executiveorder
Thisfollowsamulti-year federal review in which healthandjusticeauthorities assessed cannabis scheduling and proposed a move from Schedule I — whereitisstillgroupedwith heroin — to Schedule III, which recognises accepted medicaluseandlowerabuse potential.
On Saturday, minister of state in the Ministry of Industry, Investment and Commerce Delano Seiveright told the Jamaica Observer that he is closely
m o n i t o r i n g t h e developments in the US. Seiveright said while no finalUSfederaldecisionhas yet been issued, Jamaica’s posture is cautious and engaged. “We are treating these reports with the necessary caution because nothing has been formally concluded in Washington. However, if the United States does move cannabis fromScheduleItoSchedule III it would be one of the most consequential developments in global cannabispolicyindecades,” saidSeiveright.
He noted that the international context is also important, as under the United Nations (UN) 1961 Single Convention on Narcotic Drugs, cannabis remainslistedinScheduleI, although in 2020 the UN removed it from Schedule IV,thecategoryreservedfor substances with little to no medical value. “That move acknowledged growing scientific evidence but did notchangethecoreSchedule I status that still influences how many countries approachregulation.
“The current UN classification means that even as some countries modernise their laws, others r e m a i n b o u n d b y conservative interpretations. A shift in the US — the world’s most influential financial and regulatory system — could accelerate globalpolicyalignmentover time,” added Seiveright. He pointed out that despite federalprohibition,cannabis is already legalised for recreational use in 24 US states,andmedicalcannabis islegalinmorethan38states and territories.According to Seiveright, this duality underscores how outdated the federal Schedule I designationhasbecome.
“For years, one of the biggest external constraints on Jamaica’s cannabis industry has been the way it is treated under US federal law,” Seiveright explained. “ T h e S c h e d u l e I classification has fed a very conservative approach among international banks and has contributed to serious correspondent banking challenges for otherwise fully compliant,
licensed operators in Jamaicaandbeyond,”added Seiveright during an interview with the Sunday Observer
He noted that while US rescheduling alone may not eliminate all financial sector risk, global banking experts haveconfirmedthatamoveto Schedule III would significantlylowerthefederal riskprofile,potentiallyeasing restrictions that prevent Caribbean banks from maintaining stable correspondent banking relationships
“IfthemovetoSchedule III is confirmed and implemented, it could gradually ease pressure on correspondent banking; make banks more willing to work with the sector; and unlock new avenues for investment, research, manufacturing,andtrade.
“That would be good news for Jamaican farmers, processors, researchers, and investors who have been operating within a strict regulatory framework but facing global headwinds,” added Sevieright as he underscored that Jamaica’s
amid global increase of influenza
ThePanAmericanHealth Organisation (PAHO) has issued a briefing note, updating countries on the increasing circulation of the influenza A(H3N2) subclade K (J.2.4.1) virus in several regions of the world, and to reiteratethecalltostrengthen surveillance and promote vaccination particularly among older adults and people with risk factors
PAHOalsourgescountriesto ensure timely clinical management of cases and preparehealthservicesforthe possibility of early, or more intense, respiratory disease activity
According to the latest data, circulation of subclade KhasrisenrapidlyinEurope and several Asian countries, where it now represents a substantial proportion of detected influenza A(H3N2) viruses. Health authorities in those countries have not reported significant changes in clinical severity; however,
seasons dominated by the A(H3N2) subtype have historically been associated with greater impact among olderadults.
In North America, the UnitedStatesandCanadaare also reporting a progressive increase in detections of subclade K. To date, similar circulation has not been observed in South America, based on data reported to the Global Initiative on Sharing A
a (GISAID).
PAHO noted that the geneticevolutionobservedin subclade K is part of the natural variation process of seasonal influenza viruses. Although evidence on vaccine effectiveness for the current season remains limited, preliminary data from Europe indicate that vaccination continues to provid
ction comparabletopreviousyears against severe disease, includinghospitalization.
PAHO urged Member States to maintain and strengthen epidemiological, virological, and genomic surveillance; ensure high
; provide timely treatment of cases; and reinforce the preparedness of health servicesfor thepossibilityof earlyormoreintenseactivity duringthe2025–2026season intheNorthernHemisphere. The Organisation reiterated the importance of seasonal influenza vaccination for older adults, people with chronic conditions, pregnant women, and other groups at higher risk of complications, emphasising that vaccinating these populations also helps reduce pres
on hospitalisation services PAHO also recalled that the recommendationsoutlinedin t h e D e c e m b e r 4 Epidemiological Alert
legalcannabisprogrammeis strictly regulated and focused exclusively on medical, therapeutic, and scientific purposes, with licences issued and monitored by the Cannabis Licensing Authority (CLA) in keeping with Jamaica’s international obligations
TheCLA—whichregulates the legal ganja and hemp industry — is an agency of the Ministry of Industry, Investment and Commerce established in 2015, under amen
ments to the Dangerous Drugs Act, to o v e r s e
m e d i c a l , therapeutic, and scientific useoftheweed.
“We have deliberately built a rules-based, transparent system. If the global environment becomes more rational, including in the United States, it strengthens Jamaica’s ability to attract credible investors, deepen research partnerships, and expand value-added exports all while maintaining high standards of public health and security,” said Seiveright. He pointed out that a potential US shift to
Schedule III would not amount to federal legalisation, and many restrictions including limits on interstate commerce — would likely remain. “This is not a green light for anything goes,” cautionedSeiveright.
“But it may be a very important step towards a more coherent global framework that recognises the medical value, supports financial stability, and createsspaceforresponsible countries like Jamaica to grow a legitimate industry,” headded.Sevierighttoldthe Sunday Observer that his ministry is in continuous dialoguewiththeCLA,local financial institutions, and other government bodies, and will continue tracking developments.
“Wewillkeepacloseeye on the situation and, once there is official clarity from the United States, we will carefully assess the implications for Jamaica’s regulatory framework, correspondent banking arrangements, and opportunities for sector growth,”Seiverightsaid.
The Guyana Police Force is investigating a shooting incident which occurred on Friday afternoon during which a man was shot by a police officer
with a glass bottle and advanced in a threatening manner towards the ranks. Other force options were firstemployed;however,the suspect continued to advance.
remain in effect These include strengthening surveillance for influenza, respiratory syncytial virus (RSV), and SARS-CoV-2; ensuring continuous reporting of data; and regularly submitting samples for sequencing to detect variants that may alter virus transmissibilityorseverity
The Organisation further underscored the importance ofearlydiagnosis,reinforced prevention and control measures, availability of antivirals for at-risk groups, and the immediate investigationandreportingof unusualrespiratoryevents,in accordance with the International Health
Regulations Personal preventive measures such as handwashing, covering coughs and sneezes, and staying home when experiencing fever or r e s p i r a t o r y symptoms—remain essential tolimittransmission.
According to police the incident occurred about 17:00hrs at Red Road, ‘D’ Field, Sophia. Preliminary investigations revealed that ranks responded to a report of larceny and upon arrival atthelocation,a35-year-old suspectofCummingsLodge SquattingAreawasarrested. During the process, the suspect allegedly became aggressive, assaulted a rank and attempted to escape from custody The suspect reportedly armed himself
As a result, a rank discharged his service weapon and the suspect sustainedaninjurytohisleft foot The suspect was subdued and escorted to the TurkeyenPoliceStationand later taken to the GeorgetownPublicHospital Corporation, where he received medical attention and was listed in stable condition.Investigationsare continuing and further details will be provided as appropriate.
CAIRO/GAZA CITY, Dec 14 (Reuters) - Israel’s assassination of a senior Hamas commander threatens the viability of the Gaza ceasefire, the chief negotiator of the militant group said on Sunday, calling on U.S. President Donald Trump to demand Israelcomplywiththeterms ofthetruce.
Thousands of Hamas supporters rallied in central Gaza City at a funeral for senior commander Raed Saed and three associates killed alongside him on Saturday
The mourners chanted “Martyrs are dear to God” and carried the bodies in coffins draped in green Hamas flags, in one of the group’s biggest displays of its presence since a U.S.backed ceasefire deal came into effect in Gaza in October
In a televised address, Hamas chief negotiator Khalil al-Hayya, who lives in exile, confirmed the killing of Saed, the highestprofile assassination of a senior Hamas figure since thetruce.
carry
during
“The continued Israeli violations of the ceasefire agreement and latest assassinations that targeted Saed and others threaten the viability of the agreement,” Hayyasaid.
“We call on mediators, and especially the main guarantor, the U S administrationandPresident Donald Trump, to work on obligingIsraeltorespectthe ceasefireandcommittoit.”
Po l i c e a r e investigating a fatalroadaccident that occurred at about 04:10 hrs on Sunday along the Orangestein Public Road, EastBankEssequibo. The incident involved motor car PAB 2332, driven by a 25-year-old man of Meten-Meer-Zorg, West Coast Demerara, and a male pedestrian, whose identity remains unknown Preliminary investigations indicate that the car was travelling east along the northernsideoftheroadwayat an alleged fast rate when the pedestrian, who was also walkingeastonthesameside, reportedlyranacrosstheroad from north to south, directly intothevehicle’spath,police
saidinareport. The driver reportedly attemptedtoswervetoavoid a collision, but the front left side of the car struck the pedestrian, causing the vehicle to veer off the roadway and end up in the southern trench The pedestrian sustained multiple injuries and was taken to the De Kinderen Regional Hospital in an unconscious state, where he was pronounceddeadonarrivalby theattendingdoctor Thebody waslatertakentotheEzekiel Funeral Home, where it is awaiting a post-mortem examination A breathalyzer test conducted on the driver showednotraceofalcohol He remains in police custody as investigationscontinue
The Hamas armed wing said later on Sunday it has chosen a replacement for Saed,whoitsaidhadbeenin charge of “military manufacturing ” H
assassination would not deter the group from pursuingthe“pathofJihad”, itsaid.
HOLDHALFOFGAZA
Hamas sources have described Saed as the
second-in-command of the group’s armed wing, after Izzeldeen Al-Hadad. Israel saysSaedwasoneofthekey architects of the October 7, 2023 attack on Israel that triggeredthewar Hamashasnotidentified an overall chief since Israel killed the group’s head, Yehya Al-Sinwar, in 2024. Instead, the group has since been led by a five-man high leadershipcouncil,ofwhich
Hayyaisamember
Since the ceasefire, Israeli forces remain in control of the depopulated eastern half of Gaza, while the militant group has reasserted its control over the western half, where nearly all of the enclave’s more than 2 million people liveintheruins.
The warring sides have yet to agree on next steps Israel demands Hamas disarm and be barred from any future administration ofGaza Hamassaysitwill not give up its arms and wants Israeli forces to withdrawfully
The agreement calls for a U N -authorised I n t e r n a t i o n a l Stabilisation Force to helpkeeppeace
Hayya, the Hamas negotiator, said the force should be restricted to Gaza’s border, outside the territory
The U S Central C o m m a n d , w h i c h oversees U S military forces in the Middle East, will host a conference in Doha on December 16 withpartnernationstoplan
t
o n a l
Stabilisation Force for Gaza, U S officials told Reuters In the Central Gaza Strip, gunmen shot dead Ahmed Zamzam, a senior officer in a Hamasrun in
fighting collaboration with Israel The Gaza Interior Ministry described the attackers as “collaborators acting upon Israeli orders” and said one suspect was detained
Ghassan Duhine, the leader of an anti-Hamas group, the Popular Forces, based in the Israelioccupied sector of Gaza, said his group had killed Zamzamin“afairrevenge”.
HamasbrandsDuhine’s group and others that operate in areas Israel still occupiesascollaborators
The groups deny this and blame Hamas for bringing about Gaza’s destruction
Reuters could not independently verify the circumstancesoftheattack onZamzam
The Israeli military did notcomment
Seventy-one young Guyanese have completed their training at the Guyana Learning Institute and are now ready to make meaningful contributions to thecountry’slabourforce.
During the graduation ceremony at the Umana Yana, in Kingston, Georgetown, graduates received diplomas in management, supervisory management, social work, psychology, occupational safety and health, and sociology Christopher Rambarran, who completed the organisational management programme, said the training gave him a deeper understanding of organisationalstructuresand stability
“It has been a very enlightening programme for me,”hesaid,whilethanking the Board of Industrial Trainingforitssponsorship.
Psychology graduate Vibhuti Panchu described the six-month course as challenging but rewarding. “It was a great programme,
A section of the Guyana Learning Institute graduates
challenging but of course with great lecturers, they were nice, helpful, they guided us through the p r o g r a m m e T h e explanation of all the topics wasexcellent,”shesaid.
Another graduate, Rebekah Brusch, who concluded the occupational safety and health course, said the experience exceeded her expectations.
“I learned a lot of different things that I did not know before It was a great opportunity to be a part of
thecourse,”shesaid. Speaking at the graduation ceremony, Minister of Labour and Manpower Planning, K e o m a G r i f f i t h , congratulated the graduates on their achievement, describing them as a new generation of skilled professionals “This achievement represents the culmination of your sacrifice, resilience and unwavering belief in your own potential. These are precisely the qualities our
developing economy requires,”theministersaid. All of the programmes offered by the institute are accredited by the National Accreditation Council (NAC) and are designed to equip students with technicalknowledge,aswell as critical life skills, leadership and teamwork. Since its establishment in 2016, the Guyana Learning Institute has impacted more than 2,000 students across Regions Three, Four, Five, SixandTen.(DPI)
The oil tanker seized by US forces last week that was falsely flying this country’s flag last surfaced not in Iran or Venezuela, but just off the coast of Guyana, a detailthatnowsitsatthecentreofa globalsanctions-evasiontrail.
US authorities confirmed on Wednesday that American forces boarded and seized a tanker near Venezuelainahelicopter-launched raid. BBC Verify identified the vessel as the Skipper, matching markings in US-released footage with reference images supplied by TankerTrackers.com. Public shiptracking data shows the Skipper’s final declared position was on 7 November, several miles off Guyana’s coast After that, it effectively disappeared Its location did not reappear on tracking systems until 10 December, following the US seizure.
Following the seizure of the v e s s e l , t h e M a r i t i m e Administration Department (MARAD)soundedthealarmover an escalating and unacceptable practice, of vessels falsely flying theGuyanaFlag.Inastatementthe MARAD said on Wednesday, that they were notified by the GovernmentoftheUnitedStatesof America that the Motor Tanker SKIPPER(formerlyADISA),IMO 9304667, was intercepted in international waters while falsely displaying the Guyana Flag. The vessel is not registered in Guyana. MARAD said it will continue working closely with international partners and maritime agencies to identify, track, and take decisive action against any vessel fraudulently operating under Guyana’sflag.
The oil tanker had a track record of faking or concealing its locationinformation,apparentlyto hideitsactivities,shiptrackingdata shows Data held by publicly accessible tracking sites paints an incomplete picture of the vessel’s movements, and before its seizure ithadn’tdeclareditspositionsince 7 November Maritime analytics firm Kpler also suggested that the vessel had engaged in a ship-toshiptransfer
US Attorney General Pam Bondi described the vessel as a “crude oil tanker used to transport sanctioned oil fromVenezuela and Iran”.TheUSTreasurydepartment first sanctioned the ship in 2022, whenitwassailingunderthename Adisa, and was accused of being part of an “international oil smuggling network”. Experts told BBC Verify that the Skipper was likely a part of the so-called “dark fleet” - a global network of oil tankers that seek to evade oil sanctions by obscuring their ownership, identities and travel histories.
HIDINGITSPOSITION
Under a UN treaty, all ships above a certain tonnage must have
an onboard tracker called an Automatic Identification System (AIS). These trackers broadcast information about the ships, includingtheirlocation,andcanbe followed on websites like MarineTraffic. But there is an incomplete and misleading public recordoftheSkipper’smovements.
According to MarineTraffic, the Skipper’s last known port call was atSorooshinIranon9July,where itarrivedafterstoppinginIraqand theUAE.
But Kpler suggests that this is part of a pattern of misleading entries by the Skipper.Analysts at the firm said the ship had previously loaded crude oil from Venezuela and Iran, while falsifying its position via its onboard tracker, a process known asspoofing.Venezuelahassomeof the world’s largest reserves of oil, but exports were placed under sanctionsin2019bytheUSinabid to force the transition of power from President Nicholas Maduro’s administration, which has been widelyaccusedofelectionrigging.
The firm noted that while its AIS showed the ship at Iraq’s Basrah Oil Terminal on 7 and 8 July, terminal reports showed no record of the vessel there. Instead, the Skipper loaded crude oil at KhargIslandinIran,Kplersaid.
The Skipper then sailed east, tracking data shows, where Kpler suggested it conducted a ship-toship transfer between 11 and 13 August The cargo was later unloaded in China, where Kpler said it was “falsely declared”. It returnedviaIranandsailedtowards the Caribbean. The Skipper last declared its position on 7 November, several miles off the coast of Guyana. Its location only reappeared on 10 December, after theUSraid.
In the interim period, satellite i m a g e s i d e n t i f i e d b y TankerTrack
nd confirmed by BBC Verify show that the Skipper was present in the Port of Jose in Venezuela on 18 November and not appearing on trackingsitesatthetime.Sincethe imposition of sanctions, analysts say it has become common for ships to spoof or conceal their positions while loading oil in Venezuela.
Kpler analysts said the ship loaded “at least 1.1 million barrels of Merey crude” by 16 November at the terminal and listed Cuba as the destination There is also evidence that the Skipper was involved in a ship-to-ship transfer withanothervesselon7December, just days before it was boarded by UStroops.Satelliteimagesseenby
4 December, the Skipper broadcasted “manipulated” AIS signals which did not reflect its actuallocation.
Such sanction evading activity is not unusual for Venezuelan oil exports, Kpler said. The company saidthattankersoftentransfertheir cargo off the coast of Malaysia, before the oil is imported into China.
Former Belgian naval lieutenantandanalystFrederikVan LokerentoldBBCVerifythatwhile such ship-to-ship transfers are not illegal or wrong, they are “extremely uncommon”. He said suchactivitieswerenormallyasign ofvesselstryingtoevadesanctions, transferringoiltoshipsnotpublicly associatedwithsmuggling.MrVan Lokeren said that Venezuela’s refining capacity has been significantly degraded in recent years and is “dependent” on its alliesinIranandRussiatoconvert its crude oil into more commerciallylucrativeproducts. WhoownstheSkipper?
Kpler appeared to show the exchange, with one of the vessels identifiedbyKplerastheSkipper The transfer took place just off thecoastofVenezuela,nearthecity of Barcelona According to MarineTraffic,theSkipperhadlast appeared off the coast of Guyana weeks earlier Kpler told BBC Verifythatbetween28Octoberand
MarineTraffic lists the beneficial owner and operator as Nigeria-based Thomarose Global Ventures Ltd and it lists the registered owner as Marshall Islands-based Triton Navigation Corp.In2022,theUSTreasurysaid that Triton was being used by a sanctioned Russian oil magnateViktor Artemov - to facilitate a global“oilsmugglingnetwork”.At the time, US officials said Mr Artemov used an expansive network of ships often registered obscurelytotransportIranianoil. In its statement, the US Treasury said that Triton had “materially assisted, sponsored, or provided financial, material, or technologicalsupportfor,orgoods or services to or in support of, Artemov” BBC Verify is attempting to contact both companiesforcomment.
(BBCNEWS)
Director of Sport, Steve Ninvalle, has extended heartfelt condolences to the family, friends, and the wider sporting community following the passing of CecilMorris,along-serving m
President of the Guyana Blind Cricket Association
(GBCA).
Morris, a respected advocateforinclusivesport, is being remembered as a tireless champion for personswithdisabilitiesand a k
developmentofblindcricket in G
Caribbean.
In honour of his life and
service, a Day of Reflection will be held on Monday, December15,attheSociety fortheBlindonHighStreet, from11:00amto2:00pm.
The event will provide
administrators, and wellwishers to reflect on Morris’s enduring legacy
and the profound impact of hiswork.
Ninvalle noted that the N a t i o n a l S p o r t s Commission(NSC)haslong
’s unwavering commitment to advancing blind cricket, describing him as a pioneer whose efforts transcended theboundaryofsport.
According to Ninvalle, Morris played a crucial role not only in strengthening blindcricketlocally,butalso in elevating Guyana’s
You'll find that things are slipping nicely into place for you today, Aries. Your persuasivemannerandgentle nudges are just enough to get peoplewhereyouwantthem.
When faced with ten entrees onthemenu,itmightbehard for you to choose just one. Feelfreetoordertwoormore, Ta u r u s D o n ' t l e t indecisiveness slow you down.Atthesametime.
Your dreams won't come true unless you believe in and act onthem,Gemini.Nooneelse is going to do it for you. Unless you have a fairy godmother, you need to take mattersintoyourownhands.
If people hassle you or give you a hard time about your appearance today, pay them nomind,Cancer Youhavethe righttoliveyourlifeanyway youwantto.
Reachforthepotofgoldatthe end of the rainbow, Leo. It's closerthanyouthink.Indeed, your dreams are completely within your reach, and there are huge forces at work helping you achieve your goals.
VIRGO
Today is your day to dream and dream big, Virgo. Think aboutwhatitisthatyouwant most out of life. Aim your arrow to the stars and pull back your bow as far as possible. There's no limit to howfaryoucango.
Expand your mind to its furthest reaches today, Libra.
ere's an incredible opportunity opening up for you in which you can make great strides in a creative realm.Followthemusic.
Your mind may seem rather cloudy today, Scorpio, but don't let this hinder you. In fact, you'll find that you can use this feeling of fantasy to your advantage. Try to bring moremagicintoyourlife.
Today is an excellent day for you,oneinwhichyou'llfinda great deal of strength in your emotions, Sagittarius Trust that your instincts are serving youwell.
Things might get a bit confusing for you today, Capricorn. Don't feel like you needtomakesenseofitall.In fact, this task may be impossible. Just be yourself. Let your creative nature shine through.
Mix your reality with a bit of fantasytoday,Aquarius.Allow your feet to come off the ground for a little while. Give yourselfarest.Takesometime to meditate and clear your mindofyourdailyworries.
Let yourself go into high creative mode and drift into a whole other world, Pisces. Escape your present reality and explore your fantasies through any sort of artistic endeavor Dreamasbigasyour mindallows.
Caribbean blind cricket movement.
“Cecil Morris was more than an administrator; he wasavoiceforinclusionand fairness.
The NSC has always acknowledg
his dedication to ensuring that persons with disabilities, particularly the visually impaired, were afforded a level playing field in sport,” Ninvallesaid.
’s contributions to the broader national conversation on s
, pointing out that his advocacyhelpedshapemore inclusive policies and attitudeswithinthesector
Remembering Morris as a catalyst for change, Ninvalle added that his legacy will continue to inspire administrators and athletes alike to pursue equity, dignity, and opportunityinsport.
(BBC Sport) - Morgan Rogers scored two secondhalf goals as Aston Villa twice came from behind to beat West Ham and extend their winning run in all competitions to nine matches.
The England midfielder, who had made it 2-2 five minutes in the second half, hammered an unstoppable shot into the top corner with 11 minutes left to put the visitors ahead for the first time in a topsy-turvy encounter.
Struggling West Ham, whoweresearchingfortheir first victory since 8 November, were gifted an opener after just 29 seconds when Mateus Fernandes dispossessed Ezri Konsa on the edge of the penalty area before beating Marco Bizot with a powerful drive into the top corner from a tight angle.
K o n s t a n t i n o s Mavropanos inadvertently headed John McGinn’s inswinging cross into his own net, while under pressurefromOllieWatkins, to draw Villa level in the ninthminute.
But Nuno Espirito Santo’s side restored their advantage when Jarrod Bowen diverted Freddie Potts’ volley past Bizot to givetheHammersa2-1halftimelead. Unai Emery’s team managed only one shot before the interval, but they restoredparityforthesecond
timewhenRogersfoundthe bottom corner after West HamhadfailedtoclearYouri Tielemans’lowcross. Bowen then had a low, left-footed strike disallowed for offside, before Rogers struck again superbly to move third-placed Villa to within three points of Premier League leaders
Arsenal West Ham, meanwhile, remain in the relegation zone and could find themselves five points adrift of safety if Leeds beat Brentford in Sunday’s late game. Haaland double helps ManCitytovictoryatPalace Erling Haaland scored twice to help Manchester City dispatch Crystal Palace
(Cricinfo) -Ajaz Patel is in line to play his first Test match in more than a year, and his first home Test in more than five years. Ajaz was brought into New Zealand’ssquadforthethird Test against West Indies, whichbeginsonThursdayin Mount Maunganui
WicketkeeperTomBlundell, who missed the second Test in Wellington with a hamstring tear sustained during the first Test in Christchurch,isalsobackin thesquad.
Fast bowler Blair
Tickner, who suffered a dislocated shoulder in
Wellington, goes out of the squad,asdoesMitchellHay, who made his Test debut in Blundell’s absence and scored 61 in New Zealand’s innings win. Hay will return to domestic duty with Canterbury
Ajaz’s last appearance came in Mumbai in November 2024, when he took 11 wickets in a Playerof-the-Match performance asNewZealandwrappedup a3-0whitewashofIndia.He is a first-choice frontline spinner overseas, but has rarely had a chance to play on green, seaming home pitches where New Zealand have tended to prefer the utility of spin-bowling allrounders such as Michael Bracewell, Glenn Phillips andMitchellSantner,thelast ofwhomisoutofthisseries withagroininjury
Only three of Ajaz’s 21 Tests so far have come at home; the last one was back
andmaintainthepressureon Premier League leaders Arsenal. City would have been eyeing top spot on SaturdaynightwhenWolves grabbed a late equaliser at Arsenal but Yerson Mosquera’sinjury-timeown goalprovidedMikelArteta’s men with much-needed relief.
City did their job in the capital but did not have it all their own way as Palace carved out the best opportunityearlyon-Yeremy Pinobreakingtheoffsidetrap fromAdamWharton’sdinked pass but only managing to strikethecrossbarwhenoneon-one with Gianluigi Donnarumma The hosts were creating chances without being able to apply the finishing touch and that lack of cutting edge proved costly as Matheus Nunes swung in a cross to the back post for Haaland to thump home a header four minutes beforehalf-time.
England international Wharton has not scored for Palace since joining from Blackburn in February 2024 but came close to breaking his duck at the start of the second period when a raspingstrikerattledthefoot ofthepost.TijjaniReijnders’ low drive was kept out by DeanHendersonbeforePhil Foden drove home a delightful finish and Haalandaddedathirdlateon from the penalty spot after Savinho was brought down bythePalacegoalkeeper
in February 2020 against India in Wellington. Last week, the 37-year-old leftarm spinner picked up his 400th first-class wicket during a Plunket Shield match for Central Districts againstCanterbury
Thelikelihoodofhelpfor spinners in Mount Maunganui contributed to Ajaz’sselection.
“Ajazissomeonewecan trusttocomeinanddoajob if required,” New Zealand headcoachRobWaltersaid.
“Bay Oval, as we know, has typically taken more turn than other surfaces around NewZealand,andthefacthe turns the ball away from the right-hander is very
appealing.
“Taking another spinner intothethirdTestalsogivesa bit more variance in our bowling attack, along with our seamers who have been doingagreatjobthusfarthis series.”
Fast bowlers Michael Rae, Zak Foulkes, Jacob Duffy and Kristian Clarke remain in the squad for the thirdTest.
S e a m - b o w l i n g allrounder Kyle Jamieson, who recently made a return to first-class cricket for the first time since recovering from a back injury, is “progressing well through his red-ball return-to-play plan,” according to an NZC
release.“Hewillcontinueto work closely with BLACKCAPS support staff on his return to the Test arena. Jamieson is working throughaconditioningblock after a full start to the summer, as part of his preparation for what is shaping up to be a busy first halfof2026.”
New Zealand squad for third Test vs West Indies: Tom Latham (capt), Tom Blundell (wk), Michael Bracewell, Kristian Clarke, “Devon Conway, Jacob Duffy, Zak Foulkes, Daryl Mitchell, Ajaz Patel, Glenn Phillips, Michael Rae, Rachin Ravindra, ‘Kane Williamson,WillYoung
2025BarbadostourofGuyana, Under-1340-Oversseries…
Guyana captain and opening batsman, Lomar Seecharran stroked another brisk half-century to guide histeamtoa2-0serieslead, rompingtoa9wicket win over Barbados yesterday at the LusignanGround.
Barbados had their efforts cut short thanks to leg-spinner Deshwan Ramnauth who snared 3-21 backed by seamers Jasani Craigwhocontinuedhis form with 2-24 and Adrian Emmanuel (2-26), which left Barbados reeling at138-10after39.2overs.
Only middle-order NatarieLavinegotgoingfor Barbados scoring a patient 65 off 77 (5x4 2x6), as his teammatesimplodedaround him.
Guyana then rallied behind another fantastic knock from their captain Seecharran, who decorated thegroundwith12foursand a3sixestogo unbeaten on 82 from a mere53balls.
Shahid Gajnabi (20*) played an excellent support role during his 52-run second wicket partnership with his captain, which inevitablyhelped Guyana reach 139-1 in 16.2overs.
Match 1: Guyana draw firstbloodby7wickets
Guyana Under-13 captain Lomar Seecharran carvedabreezyhalf-century yesterday to help Guyana topple Barbados by 7wicketsasthehosts gained a 1-0 win with four games left in what’s building to be a brilliant limited-oversyouthseries.
Following a slight delay due to rain at the Lusignan Ground,afterlosingthetoss at the Barbados managed to do a decent job of posting 177-7
thanks to a string of scoresfromwhatlookedlike ahigh-levelbattingunit.
Openers, skipper Oliver King (13) and Jon-David Greene(16)added39before theGuyanesemadeinroads.
Ky-mani Inniss hit 4
De f e n d i n g
c h a m p i o n s
C h a s e ’ s
Academic Foundation
delivered a ruthless statement of intent, handing the Anglican Central
foursanda6inhis27before top-scorer Natarie Lavine then picked up the slack to helpleadanaggressivefight back.
Lavine hit a handful of fours and one six in his 37, while the pair of ZDari Scantlebury(16*),whohita six and a four along with NiakoPatterson’s 19 off 14 (1x4) which helped the young Bajans finish the innings on a high note.
Seecharan then played a captain’shand,leadingwith a classy but aggressive knock of 79 off 63 with 10 foursand3sixeswhichlaid thefoundation for Guyana’s final score of178-3in26.5overs.
The Guyanese youth skipper, prior to being dismissed,didthehardwork in getting his team well ahead of the required runrate,duetohisfifty which came courtesy of some aggressive strokeplay
Gajnabi (14) finished a solid game off with the bat, before Afraz Ali (25*) and Dowlin (31*), joined forces to help shave as many runs offthetarget
as possible, with Guyana requiring under 50 runs, with a little less than halftheoversremaining
The pair kept their heads steady with Dowlin playing the aggressor with finishing the game with threesixesandafour,while amoretemperedAli justhittwofoursduring the half-century stand to seetheirteamhome
Barbadosbowlershada m i x e d d a y w i t h Scantlebury (1-15), Patterson (1-17) and Kjani Inniss (1-20) having good economical games despite little impact in slowing down theGuyanese.
Thesecondmatchbowls off today with the Bajans looking to turn their luck around with action set to bowl off from 10:00h at the Lusignan Ground.(CliftonRoss)
Education Authority (ACEA) of the Bahamas a humbling 24–1 defeat in their opening match of the sixth Annual KFC International Secondary Schools Goodwill Football Tournamentyesterdayatthe Queen’sCollegeground.
Chase wasted no time asserting their dominance, stormingintoacommanding first-half lead behind an inspired performance from captain Bryan Wharton Operating through the m i d d l e , W h a r t o n orchestrated the attack and completed an early hat-trick inside the opening 20 minutes, repeatedly slicing throughtheACEAbackline. His composure in front of goal and intelligent movement proved too much fortheBahamiandefence,as
heconvertedaseriesofwellworkedchanceswithclinical precision.
T h e c h a m p i o n s continuedtoapplyrelentless pressure, with Isaiah Ifill providing excellent support alongsideWharton.Ifillrose to the occasion with two quality finishes before the interval, as Chase overwhelmed the ACEA defence with wave after wave of attacks Further goals came from Nyron Barrow (42’), Shaquan David (22’, 60’), Whitney King (20’, 29’), Kemron Pellew(26’)andOnesiDunn (36’, 56’), as Chase surged into a commanding 14–1 halftimeadvantage.
Chase returned for the second half in equally uncompromising fashion, adding ten more goals to completetherout.
Wharton capped a remarkable individual display with a total of nine goals, finding the net in the 4’,6’,18’,38’,40’,43’,48’, 51’ and 57’ minutes. Ifill
-KFCInternationalGoodwill FootballSeriesunderway
finishingthematchwithfour goals, while Mark Glasgow struck twice. Neeaz Baskh rounded off the score in the 88th, sealing an emphatic 24–1victoryforthereigning champions.ACEA’s solitary goalofthematchcameviaa 43rd-minutepenaltykick.
In the second match of the day, West Ruimveldt Secondary missed an important opportunity to collect maximum points, goingdown6–5toKingston College(KC)ofJamaica.
Kingston College drew firstbloodinthefifthminute when Ricardo Gibbon weaved through traffic inside the penalty area before drilling a low effort past the goalkeeper West Ruimveldt responded 13 minuteslater,asJoelGriffith found the back of the net to restore parity Momentum shifted in West Ruimveldt’s favour when Jeremiah Griffith struck twice in the 32nd and 41st minutes, sending his side into the break with a comfortable
3–1lead.Earlyinthesecond half,Kingstoncapitalizedon a defensive lapse, with Davion Clarke firing home to reduce the deficit to 3–2. Jeremiah Griffith later completedhishat-trickinthe 55th minute to make it 4–2. However, Kingston refused to fold. Adriel Fisher struck in the 70th minute to bring the score to 4–3 before Clarkeaddedhissecondjust four minutes later, levelling thematchat4–4.
West Ruimveldt responded immediately, with JeremiahGriffithproducinga powerful finish that looped overthegoalkeepertomakeit 5–5 The decisive moment cameinthe87thminutewhen N’ThandaScottrattledthenet for Kingston College, restoring the Jamaicans’lead andconfirmedadramatic6–5 victoryforKingstonCollege Two additional matches were scheduled for the openingday,butresultswere unavailable at press time. Full coverage of those encounters will be provided
Guyana has taken a significant step forward in safeguardingthefutureofits amateur boxing programme after the Guyana Boxing Association (GBA) was formallygrantedprovisional recognition by World Boxing, the international federationrecognisedbythe International Olympic Committee (IOC) to govern amateur boxing and oversee Olympic qualification pathways.
The approval was communicated in an official letter dated December 11, confirming that the World Boxing Board of Directors had endorsed Guyana’s applicationformembership.
Asaresult,theGBAand its athletes are now eligible to participate in all World Boxing-sanctioned competitions, including the World Challenge, World C u p , a n d W o r l d Championships.
World Boxing is currently the only IOCrecognisedbodyresponsible for creating and managing qualificationpathwaystothe Olympic Games in boxing, making the recognition a critical development for Guyaneseboxersaspiringto compete at the sport’s
Boxing
highestlevel.
While welcoming the approval, GBA President Steve Ninvalle expressed frustrationoverthetimingof the decision, noting that Guyana’s application was submitted as far back as Februarythisyear “We welcome the approval,butIampeevedat
how long this process took. Guyana sent in its application since February; however, we only received confirmationonedaybefore the International Boxing Association(IBA)Congress inDubai.”
Ninvallepointedoutthat heisawareofothercountries nothavingtoendurethe10-
month waiting period to
receive recognition, allowing them to plan, compete, and operate with certainty He said he was forcedtoinformtheGuyana OlympicAssociation of this issue.
Nevertheless, Ninvalle reaffirmed Guyana’s longstanding compliance
and professionalism within the amateur boxing landscape.
“Guyana, through the GBA, has always been compliant in the world of amateur boxing. We remain fullycommittedtofollowing therulesanddirectivesofthe IOC and ensuring that our boxers are given a fair and
unhindered opportunity to competeatthehighestlevel, including the Olympic Games.”
According to the correspondence from World Boxing, the GBA has been granted provisional recognition, which allows full participation in World Boxing events while the association moves through the final stage of the membershipprocess.
Theapplicationwillnow be presented at the World Boxing 2026 Congress, where full membership approvalwillbeconsidered.
The process is governed by Sections 6.3 to 6.5 of the World Boxing Statutes, which outline that the Executive Board must first determine whether all membershipcriteriaaremet, b e f o r e m a k i n g a recommenda
o Congress. Final approval, however,remainsatthesole discretion of the Executive Board.
World Boxing, in its letter, thanked the GBA for its continued commitment and support, and expressed anticipation of Guyana’s participation in upcoming events and the Congress scheduledforNovember
(BBC Sport) - Noel
Mikaelian beat Badou Jack by a unanimous points decision in Los Angeles to r e g a i n t h e W B C cruiserweighttitle.
Mikaelian had been narrowly beaten by Jack in Mayandlostthebelt,butthe Germanearnedaconvincing winonSaturdayasthethree judges scored the fight 115111,116-110,116-110inhis favour
The bout was a scrappy affair in which Mikaelian, 35, was deducted a point in the seventh round for a punch to the back of his 42y e a r- o l d S w e d i s h opponent’shead.
A point was then taken off Jack in the eighth for punchingafterthebell,with officials and both corners havingtostepintotheringto separate the pair as they
continuedtofight.
Mikaelian improved his record to 28 wins and three defeats from his 31 fights, whileJackhas29wins,four defeatsandthreedrawsfrom 36outings.
Cordina closer to twoweighttitledream
JoeCordinaisinlinefor a shot at becoming a twoweightworldchampionafter dominatingGabrielFloresJr inCaliforniaonthewaytoa unanimous victory on points.
Wales’ former IBF super-featherweight belt holderCordinaoutboxedhis American opponent, with judges scoring the contest 117-110115-112114-113.
ThefightattheAdventist Health Arena in Stockton was billed as a final eliminator for the WBO lightweight world title
whichwaswonbyAbdullah Mason in an epic encounter with Sam Noakes in November
Cordina,34,wasdocked apointinthesixthroundfor rabbit punching, but was more in control than the
hard-fought points win over Jaret Gonzalez Quiroz in July to claim the vacant WBO global lightweight title.
Cordina now boasts a professional record of 19 wins and one defeat (with nine KOs), his only loss coming to Anthony Cacace inMay2024whenhelosthis 130lbtitleinRiyadh.
Flores, 25, did give the Cardiff-born fighter a scare in round seven with an uppercut that buckled his knees,buttheAmericansaw a six-fight winning steak ended to slip to 27-3 (eight KOs).
judges’cardssuggested.
“I got the win, but it wasn’t exactly the way I wanted to do it,” said Cordina.
“You can’t come in and nick a fight off me. I kept applyingpressureandforced him to the ropes, and he couldn’t keep up with the pace.”
ThevictoryinFloresJr’s backyard is a second win in the lightweight division for Cordina, who returned from a 14-month lay-off with a
Cordina, who went into his first bout in America ranked number six by the WBO, should now emerge as their number one contender and mandatory challengertoMason.
This year’s feature event has a winner’s purse of $2M.
BySamuelWhyte
Preparations continue as over 30 entries have been received for the muchanticipated Kennard
Memorial Turf Club (KMTC) Boxing Day horse race meet, slated for Bush Lot, Corentyne, Berbice The date is Friday,
December26th. A number of sponsors have also indicated their willingnesstobeapartofthe day’s activity Among them
(BBC Sport) - Victor Wembanyama made his return from injury for the San Antonio Spurs and helped them reach the NBA Cupfinalwithawinagainst theOklahomaCityThunder
The French sensation, whomissed12gameswitha left calf issue, scored 22 points as the Spurs dramatically beat the NBA champions 111-109 in Las Vegas. Wembanyama also registered nine rebounds, two assists and two blocks during his 21 minutes on courtastheThunderlostfor only the second time in 26 gamesthisseason.
“I knew I had limited minutessoIhadtomakethe mostoutofit,”said21-yearold Wembanyama, whose team-mate Devin Vassell scored23points.
“Winningagainstateam like this, it might seem like it’s just a game but it’s a collective effort and it’s not aneasything.
“It’s only their second loss of the season. It means something.”
The NBA Cup is the competition’s annual inseason tournament, with all
matchesexceptthefinalalso countingtowardstheregular seasonstandings. The Thunder were beateninlastyear’sfinalby the Milwaukee Bucks and had a 16-game winning run ended by the Spurs as they exited this season’s competition.
Oklahoma City had equalled the best 25-game start to a season when they went 24-1 by beating the PhoenixSunsinthequarterfinals, but they have now madethesecondbeststartto a campaign after 26 games astheGoldenStateWarriors were 25-1 at the same stage in2015-16.
S h a i G i l g e o u sAlexander, the NBA’s reigning Most Valuable Player, top scored for the Thunder against the Spurs withagame-high29points.
San Antonio will play the NewYork Knicks in the final after they beat the OrlandoMagic132-120.
Jalen Brunson scored a season-high 40 points to inspiretheKnickstovictory, while team-mate KarlAnthony Towns added 29 points.
“We came out here and didexactlywhatwesaidwe wanted to do, which was play Knicks basketball,” saidTowns.
Seven races are carded for the day, with incentives including cash trophies and other amenities topping the $10Mmark.
The Kharag family will once again take care of the feature event. They have pledged close to $4M. The race, which is billed for all horses in Guyana, will see theanimalsbattlingoverone mile for the Sunny Kharag Memorial Stakes The winner will race away with $2Mandatrophy
The sprint classic event, going over five furlongs, is anotherdrawingcardforthe winning prize of $700,000 andatrophy
The winner of the G and lower event gets $500,000 and a trophy in the fivefurlongrace.
areanumberoflong-serving acquaintances, including major sponsors The Kharag family of the USA and TrophyStall.
The Guyana-Bred 2year-old maiden animals will compete over 5 furlongs,withthewinnerset to gallop away with $350,000andatrophy
Animals in the “I” and lowereventhaveafirstprize pegged at $350,000 and a trophyoversevenfurlongs.
The winner of the event fortheLandKclasshorsesis set to take home $350,000 andatrophyover6furlongs
The horses competing in thefinaleventofthedayfor the L and lower horses that have never earned any prize money over 6 furlongs will have a pole position taking of $350,000 and a trophy to aimfor
Incentives will be presented to the outstanding jockeys, trainers and stable compliments of Ramesh SunichoftheTrophyStall.
The KMTC has been toutedasoneofthetophorse racingvenuesinthecountry andanexcitingdayofracing isanticipated.
The event will be conducted using the rules of TheKennardMemorialTurf Club.
Bugletimeis12:30hrs.
