Bandits snatch $4.2 million in Diamond robbery
Venezuelan woman beaten, dumped naked by ex-lover
‘Pressfreedom under threat’
…formerSNeditorwarnsof govt.overreach,mediacollapse
The Office of the Prime Minister (OPM) which exercises official oversight of the controversial Gas-toEnergy (GTE) project has
completely ignored questions regarding the country's alleged agreement with ExxonMobil Guyana
Limited (EMGL) to
purchase gas discovered in the Stabroek Block, through a Gas Sales Agreement (GSA).
While refusing to make the agreement with Exxon
public, government previously claimed that Guyana will not “buy” its own resources from the company Instead, Vice President (VP) Bharrat Jagdeo clearly stated that “thegaswouldbefree”.
ThePresidentofEMGL, Alistair Routledge had presentedadifferentversion of the arrangement to the mediabackin2023.Hesaid thatGuyanawouldpurchase the gas discovered in Stabroek, however the paymentswillgotowardsthe cost of the pipeline the company built to transport theresourcesfromoffshore.
“The gas that will come on shore, in essence, that development is just gonna pay for the pipeline cost. Nothing more the gas itself, we are selling the full 50millioncubicfeetadayto the government or a government entity that is being established in order to receive the gas and put it through the power station,” Routledgeexplained.
Additionally,Headofthe GTE Taskforce, Winston Brassington explained that GoG will be paying Exxon US$55 million annually for 20 years to clear the costs associated with constructing a 12- inch pipeline that will be used to transport natural gas from the Liza Fields
offshore to the Wales developmentsite.
Sourcesclosetheproject however revealed that approximately US$1B is already being recovered from Guyana's oil to pay for thepipeline.Moredisturbing however is the fact that the country allegedly signed on to a secret contract with Exxon to purchase its own gas.
Insiders were clear that theagreementbetweenGoG and Exxon is a commercial gas contract, and not a repaymentofaninvestment.
Sources said, “Initially the government wanted a Gas Supply Agreement, given the political statements of “gas being free” which are untrue. Gas production falls under the PSA, and producing Gas impacts the recovery of Oil of the co-venturers, so ultimately they arrived at a Gas Sales Agreement (GSA).”
On April 12, this newspaper reached out to Prime Minister Mark Phillips regarding the country purchasing its gas resourcesfromExxon.
ThePMdidnotrespond, assuchafollowupmessage was sent to on May 4, seeking clarity on whether the pipeline costs are indeed beingdeductedfromcostoil and whether an agreement was inked with Exxon for Guyana to purchase gas through a sale agreement with the operator of the StabroekBlock.
The Prime Minister to datehasnotrespondedtothe queries although he only recentlycitedsupportforthe crucial work of journalists and lauded the efforts of independentreportersonthe event of World Press FreedomDay
Despite calls from
various stakeholders for the GoG to release all agreements and contracts relative to the controversial Wales gas project, the government continues to lock away the documents from the public, treating the mostexpensiveprojectinthe nation's history as its personalbusiness.
At the same time, VP Jagdeo, the chief on oil and gas policies has not held a single press conference for the year, with government
opting for side interviews with reporters at the tail end of events, offering limited opportunity for deep discourse on these and other issues of national importance.
Amid silence from top government officials on the project, Kaieteur News reviewedthesecurityfilings of both ExxonMobil and Hess which also signaled a possiblesaleagreementwith Guyana for the gas resources.
The SEC (Securities and Exchange Commission) filings confirm the US$1 billioninvestmentandthe50 million cubic feet per day volume, but report the repayment as a standard cost-recovery deduction fromoffshoreoilproduction, rather than a standalone financialloan. Hess in its SEC filings registered a Sales Commitment of 375 billion cubic feet of gas to the GoG for20years.
PrintedandPublishedbyNationalMedia& PublishingCompanyLtd. 24SaffonStreet, Charlestown,Georgetown,Guyana.
Publisher:GLENNLALL-Tel:624-6456
Editor-in-Chief:NigelWilliams
Tel: 225-8465, 225-8491. Fax: 225-8473, 226-8210
Voices of labour rose on Labour Day, sounded across Guyana. Twoworkers,ofwhomonepreferredanonymity, shared mouthful, spoke for many Annesia Nedd, and an anonymous fellow worker had their say, and we hope that their words reached the right places, and will move those withthepowerofoilmoneyintheirhandstodosomething. TodowhatcouldmakeadifferenceinthelivesofGuyanese workers and their families, and every Guyanese in every community
AnnesiaNeddisabraveGuyanese,abraveworker,who mustberespectedforspeakinghermind,sharingthebrutal realityofhercircumstancesinthisoilrichnation. “Weare outheresurviving,whoknows,knows.” Guyaneseshould becelebratingtheirstandardoflivingandthequalityoflife thattheyenjoy,becauseoftheiroilwealth,andnottalking about “surviving.” After six years of increasing levels of daily oil production, and prewar oil prices at respectable levels, no Guyanese worker should be speaking on Labour Dayabout“surviving.” Itisworthhearingsomemorefrom her: “I am managing and I am trying. It’s completely stressful, and frustrating at times. It’s frustrating to know there is so much going on in the country, but there are personsstillstuckandnotbenefitingfromthewholething. It’sreallysad.”
Itshouldbe,whensomeonehastowaiteightyearsfora houselot. Itissadwhenpayingamortgageanddelighting in pride of ownership, is preferred than paying a monthly rent,andaftereightyearsnohouselotisinhand. Aworker that preferred anonymity lamented rising prices, while calling for a raise in pay So would many thousands of workers across Guyana. She also shared a common truth: “Presently, most of my money go to rent, because I don’t havemyownland.” ItisanothercaseofaGuyaneseworker inanoilrichparadisewhoknowsofonlyoneplace,thelong lineofsurviving. Thisismorethananuncomfortableirony; itisaGuyanatragedythatisrepeatedthroughoutthelength and breadth of this country Those who work to pay rent, andhopeforthebest. Thosewhoaretheownersofsomuch wealth,butcan’tgettheirfooting,findtheirway
The president and his Cabinet emphasise the positives that include many more kilometers of roads, expensive modern bridges, buildings that tower in the new Guyana landscape,andplansformanymorebillionstobeexpended onthesame. Alongsidetheroads,beyondthebridges,and belowthecostlynewbuildingsareGuyaneseworkerswho areforcedtoexistinsurvivalmode. Pricesbleedthemdry, leavethemfightingforbreath,pushthemtotheveryedgeof survival. ItissurprisingthatLabourDayinGuyanaisnow such a benign affair It is surprising that the once undying spirit of Cuffy and Kowsilla has not grabbed hold of Guyanese workers and pushed them into a state of restlessness,oflabourmilitancy
WhathashappenedtothattypeofLabourleader? The kindthathassomeportionofthedrive,someelementofthe caliber,thatmadeaHubertNathanielCritchlowandCheddi Jagansuchtirelessandfearlessleadersforworkers’rights. Leadershipthatproudlyandboldlyidentifiedwiththepain of workers, and willingly sacrificed their own interests for thebettermentofGuyaneseworkers. Whenlabourleaders get too friendly with, cozy up too much to, political schemers, they relinquish all claims as labour leadership, andarebestseenaslabour’svillains.
Guyanese political leaders have a long history of misusing some labour leaders. Draw them in, incentivize them, and set them against the best interests of their members. Divide the ranks of union leadership and put themagainstoneanother Politicalleadersandtheircaptive labour leaders celebrate their victories, while Guyanese rank-and-fileworkerscounttheirlosses,andslowlydiscern thattheirbattleshavebeenlost,withoutafight.
Aunited labour front, a blended platform for workers, speakingwithonevoicemaymakejustenoughprogress,so thattheAnnesiaNedd,andotheranonymousworkers,stop talkingaboutsurvivingandstartliving.
In Guyana, parents of differentlyabledchildrenare oftenhandedadiagnosisand thensilence.
Noroadmap.
No coordinated support system.
No trauma-informed guidance.
No explanation of what comesnext.
Justachild,afamily,and the quiet expectation that they will somehow figure it outalone.
A mother leaves the hospitalcarryingmorethana newborn. She carries fear Questions Exhaustion A future she was never prepared for and a system that was never prepared for herchild.
Formanyfamilies,thatis wherethejourneybegins.
Notwithsupport.
Notwithintervention.
Notwithprotection.
But with abandonment disguised as discharge paperwork.
We often talk about disability in Guyana as though it exists in isolation.
A medical issue. A family issue. A school issue. A private burden to be managed quietly within homesandbehindcurtains.
But disability is not just aboutthechild.
It is about the systems surroundingthechild.
Andsystemsrevealwhat societiestrulyprioritize.
A country built for differently abled children would not force parents to become full-time advocates simply to secure basic dignity
A country built for differently abled children
would not make access to education feel like negotiation.
A country built for differently able children would not leave parents scrolling through Facebook groupsattwointhemorning trying to understand behaviors no professional everexplainedtothem.
And yet, this has quietly becomenormal.
In many Guyanese communities, disability still lives under layers of stigma, misunderstanding, spiritual interpretation, shame, and silence. Some parents are blamed. Some are pitied. Some are isolated. Some are told their children are “slow,” “difficult,” “mad,” or“notnormal.”
What rarely gets discussed is the emotional exhaustion created when families are expected to navigate disability inside systems that were never designedtosupportthem.
The issue does not begin atschool.
Itbeginslongbeforethat. It begins when parents receive little to no postdiagnosisguidance.
I t b e g i n s w h e n developmental concerns are dismissed.
I t b e g i n s w h e n behavioral signs are misunderstood.
It begins when mothers become researchers, therapists, advocates, and protectorsovernightbecause there is no coordinated structure stepping in to help carrytheweight.
Thencomeseducation.
For many differently abled children in Guyana, schoolisnotguaranteed.
Somechildrenaredenied admissionoutright.
Some remain home for years.
Some are placed in environments unequipped to supportthem.
Some become invisible longbeforeadulthood.
And invisibility has consequences.
Children excluded from systems become children excludedfromprotection.
When children are not
integrated socially, educationally, medically, or behaviorally, they become easier to neglect, easier to misunderstand,andeasierto harm.
Especially children who arenon-verbal.
A society that cannot communicate with vulnerable children cannot fullyprotectthem.
That reality becomes especially dangerous when abuseentersthepicture.
What happens when a child cannot clearly report whathappenedtothem?
What happens when trauma presents as aggression, withdrawal, silence, repetitive behavior, orfear?
What happens when law enforcement officers are never trained to recognize behavioural distress in childrenwithdevelopmental or communication disabilities?
Thedangerisnotalways cruelty
Sometimes the danger is misinterpretation.
A non-verbal child in distress may be viewed as uncooperative.
A child experiencing sensory overload may be
perceivedasdisruptive.
Atraumatized child may notrespondinwayssystems aretrainedtorecognize.
And when systems are not trauma-informed, vulnerabilitybecomesrisk.
This is where disability, behavioural health, and institutional leadership collide.
Because the issue is larger than individual officers, teachers, or healthcareworkers.
The deeper issue is structural.
What happens when institutions themselves are not trained to see vulnerabilityproperly?
What happens when systems only respond after violence?
We have seen enough public cases over the years involving abuse, neglect, e x p l o i t a t i o n , a n d mistreatment of vulnerable individuals to know these concerns are not theoretical. Yet responses often remain reactive instead of preventative.
Theconversationusually beginsafterharmhasalready occurred.
Afterthemissingchild.
Aftertheassault.
Aftertheviralvideo.
Afterpublicoutrage.
But trauma-informed societies do not wait for tragedy to become visible before building systems of protection.
Thatisthedifference.
A trauma-informed society understands that behavioural health is not separatefrompublicsafety Itispublicsafety
Itunderstandsthat
Continued on page 5
Given that the road network has been upgraded with improved surfaces and laneadditionsinsomeareas, the next step towards supporting the road network is the installation of culverts alongthesidesoftheroadsto ensure that the water runoff isquicklycarriedaway Most of our road network is located next to the drainage system (trenches) currently inplace.
The use of precast concrete culverts will support the maintenance of the road network by preventing premature road erosion and sediment buildup in the drainage
system that results in flooding Continual maintenancewillberequired onaquarterlybasis(every3 months), and the NDCs in the villages and the city councilsinthetownsandthe capital will need to effectively manage this process. This encompasses the removal of vegetation from the inlets and outlets andtheclearingofdebrisand sediment to ensure that our rainy seasons have minimal impactonflooding.
As the government improves garbage disposal, drainagepumpeffectiveness and sea defense upgrades, the build out and maintenance of the culvert
network will provide the additional support needed
professional, reputable, and experienced Dutch and American companies be used in partnership for this majornationwideproject. We must diversify our supplier base and not over rely on the Chinese government for these types of infrastructure projects
The Dutch and t
Bestregards, Mr.JamilChanglee Chairman T
e RepublicansofGuyana
technology and expertise needed to help upgrade our current drainage system adjacenttotheroadnetworks in the villages, towns, and the capital. It is time to further leverage our old and new alliances and provide them with an opportunity to rebuildtheirteamworkwhile helping. It will also give the Americansanopportunityto see the country and better understand our high level of independenceandthatwedo not allow other countries to have undue influence over us,notevenChina.Wemust also ensure that our local constructioncompaniesgain experience by working alongsidethem.
BBC - President Donald Trump has said that the US operation to guide stranded vessels through the Strait of Hormuzwillbepausedfora “shortperiodoftime”.
Trump said “Project Freedom”, which began on Monday,wouldbehaltedby “mutualagreement”because “Great Progress” had been made toward a deal with Iran.
Iranian state media said the pause demonstrated that Trump had “retreated” after “continued failures” in his efforts to reopen the vital waterway for global shipping.
The US president’s announcement came as Secretary of State Marco Rubio said the initial USIsraeli offensive in Iran -
calledOperationEpicFurywas over after it had achieveditsobjectives.
“We would prefer the path of peace. What the president [Donald Trump] would prefer is a deal,” Rubio told reporters on Tuesday.
Hiscommentscameafter aspateofattacksintheStrait of Hormuz raised fears the ceasefire between the US andIranwasinjeopardy The US had said it aims to guide strandedshipsoutoftheGulf through the largely closed waterway
Te h r a n h a s n o t commented on Rubio’s statement, but Iran’s parliamentary speaker MohammadGhalibafearlier said:“Weknowwellthatthe continuation of the status
Frompage4 disability support is not charity
Itisinfrastructure. It understands that parents raising vulnerable childrenrequirecoordinated support, not occasional sympathy
And most importantly, it understands that leadership matters.
Because systems do not failaccidentallyforever
At some point, repeated failure becomes structural neglect.
Leadershipdetermines: whether officers receivespecializedtraining · whether schools are inclusive whether families receivesupport
Ships and boats in the Strait of Hormuz near Musandam, Oman, on Friday. (Reuters)
quo is intolerable for America, while we are just gettingstarted.”
Ghalibaf, Iran’s top negotiator in last month’s talks with the US, said “Shipping security and energy transit have been jeopardisedbytheUSandits allies with the ceasefire
violations and blockade However, their evil acts will fail”.
Late on Tuesday the UK Maritime Trade Operations (UKMTO) said a verified sourcehadtolditthatacargo vesselhasbeenstruck“byan unknown projectile” in the Strait of Hormuz. Further
whether agencies communicateeffectively whether traumainformed policies are implementedorignored
Leadership shapes institutionalculture. And institutional culture det
wh
vulnerablepeoplearetreated with dignity or treated as inconvenience.
That is the part many societ
confront.
It is easier to celebrate resilience than to question why people are forced to survive unsupported in the firstplace.
Guyanese parents are resilient.
D
childrenareresilient. F
extraordinary ways every day
Butresilienceshouldnot become an excuse for systemicabsence. No child should have to depend entirely on parental strengthtoaccessprotection, education,understanding,or care.
And no parent should feel abandoned by systems themomenttheyrealizetheir child may experience the worlddifferently
Themeasureofasociety is not how it treats the powerful.
It is how it responds to those who require patience, a c c o m m o d a t i o n , communicati
protection.
disabilitiesforcesocietiesto confrontdifficultquestions.
Can institutions slow down enough to understand vulnerability?
Can leadership prioritize peoplewhocannotadvocate loudlyforthemselves?
Can systems learn to recognize humanity beyond productivity, convenience, orsocialcomfort?
Those are not disability questions.
Those are moral questions.
And the answers reveal more about a country than any national slogan ever could.
Nakisha
Sinclair, Writer, Researcher & SocialPolicyAdvocate
detailswerenotimmediately available.
Earlier in the day the UAE said its air defences were engaging missiles and dronesfromIranforasecond day in a row On Monday it accused Iran of firing missiles and drones including a strike on an oil port in the emirate of Fujairah which is located outsidetheStraitofHormuz, calling it a “dangerous escalation”.
Iran on Tuesday denied launchinganyattacksonthe UAE, with a military spokesman saying that, “If such an action had been taken, we would have announced it firmly and clearly”.
Operation Epic Fury
began on 28 February when theUSandIsraellauncheda wave of air strikes on Iran. Tehran responded by b
ing the c
ucial waterway through which 20% of the world’s oil and liquefied natural gas usually passes.
InearlyApril,theUSand Iran announced a ceasefire under which Iran ended its drone and missile strikes on Gulf countries including the UAE, but few vessels have been able to transit the strait since then. The US also imposeditsownblockadeon
Continuedonpage6 I
anian ports On Monday the US said it had attacked seven Iranian fast boats in the strait while Iran said it had fired warning shots at a US vessel. Both sides denied the respective claims Two commercial ships reported attacks and one said it had successfully exited the strait under a US military escort, as part of Donald Trump’s plan to unblockthestrait.
Speaking at the White House,Rubiosaidthatwhile Trump wanted a deal, “That issofarnottheroutethatIran haschosen”adding:“What
Continued on page 6
Frompage5
thatmayleadtointhefutureisspeculative.”
He said US and Israeli attacks on Iran had caused “generational destruction to their economy” and the country’s leaders should “check themselves before they wreckthemselvesinthedirectionthatthey’regoing”.
Rubio’s comments echoed earlier remarks by defence secretaryPeteHegseth,whosaidtheceasefirewithIranwas “notover”.
“Right now the ceasefire certainly holds, but we’re going to be watching very, very closely,” Hegseth told a pressconferenceonTuesday
DanCaine,ChairmanofJointChiefsofStaff,saidthat whileIranhadattackedUSforces10timessinceaceasefire began,theseattackswere“belowthethreshold”ofresuming fighting“atthispoint”.
Trump was later asked by reporters what would constituteabreachoftheceasefirebyIran.“You’llfindout because I’ll let you know,” he responded. He also said he believedanegotiatedsettlementwithIrantoendtheconflict wasstillpossible.
ThevariouscommentsfromAmericanofficialssuggest that the US has little desire or appetite for a return to fullscale operations that could further disturb markets, send pricesskyrocketingandbeunpopularwithlargeswathesof Americans.
TrumphasalsosaidheisindiscussionswithJapanover the strait’s reopening and expects to have a positive conversation with Chinese President Xi Jinping about it whenhevisitsChinanextweek.
TheEnvironmental
P r o t e c t i o n Agency (EPA) has informed Halliburton Guyana Inc , that an Environmental Impact Assessment (EIA) will not be needed for the transportation of oil and gas chemicals, equipment, and tools across Regions Three, Four,FiveandSix.
The regulator published itsdecisiononitswebsiteon April 30, 2026, explaining that the “project will not significantly affect the environmentandistherefore e x e m p t f r o m t h e requirement to conduct an EIA.”
Statingthereasonsforits decision,EPAsaidtheriskof spillswillbenegligiblesince the project’s design will include embedded controls/mitigation measures such as the securing of hazardous materials and tools to the trailers using ratchet straps. Additionally, it noted that chemical packaging will be inspectedbeforetransportto ensure that it is leak-tight, andalldriversandbanksmen will undergo training in HAZMAT handling,
transport, and emergency preparedness and response before transporting hazardousmaterials.
The EPA also explained that impacts on air quality will be negligible given that dry chemicals are transported in enclosed sacks, according to their respective safety data sheets and trucks will be maintained in accordance with the manufacturer’s specifications, and will be turnedoffwhennotinuse.
Theregulatorpointedout that although Halliburton was granted the EIAwaiver, it has not yet granted approvalfortheproject.
To this end, any person who may be affected by the proposed project may lodge an appeal against the agency’s decision (EIA not required) within 30 days. Appeals against the EPA’s decisionshouldbeaddressed to: The Chairman, The Environmental Assessment B o a r d eabguyana21@gmail com W e b s i t e : www.epaguyana.org
Meanwhile, Halliburton Guyana Inc (HGI) in its project summary said the
localsubsidiaryofoneofthe world’s largest oilfield and gas service companies has been in the country since 2015 The company presently has two operational facilities at 1216-18 Block Zone Eccles Industrial Site, East Bank Demerara and 10-13 Water Street (G-Port Inc. Wharf), Georgetown.
The company said, “The purpose of this project is to establish authorised transportation activities to supportthesafeandefficient movement of materials essential for operational continuity. The project involves the mobilisation of designated transport units to carry approved goodsincluding chemicals, equipment, and toolsbetween specified facilities and operational sites within Guyana.”
Possible impacts from the project include chemical spill, environmental contamination, fire, toxic release, air pollution, traffic accident during transit, contact exposure to chemicals, property damage and personal injuries/illness tonameafew
HGI assured that all transport activities will be conducted in compliance with applicable regulatory requirements, using qualified personnel and vehicles that meet establishedsafetystandards.
The permit request aims to formalise and authorise these transportation operations, ensuring full regulatoryalignment,proper risk management, and adherence to environmental, safety, and procedural controls.
Further,theauthorisation is requested to transit all needed routes within Guyana to support the local oilandgasindustry
HGI noted that the project, which will last at least 10 years involves mobilisation of designated transport units owned by Halliburton; movement of chemicals in compliant containers (IBCs, totes, drums, sacks, bib bags); movement of tools and equipment and the implementation of safety, environmental, an
compliance controls for safety driving among others
Prime Minister
Brigadier (ret'd)
Mark Phillips
reaffirmed government's support for all ranks of the Guyana Defence Force (GDF) while visiting the soldier who was shot during an ambush in the Cuyuni River, Region Seven on Monday
The wounded soldier was identified as Lance Corporal Troyland Douglas. Officer Douglas is currently receiving treatment at the GeorgetownPublicHospital Corporation(GPHC).
He sustained two gunshot wounds to his right legduringaGDFboatpatrol along Guyana's Western border with Venezuela in RegionSeven.
Accompanying the
Prime Minister Retired Brigadier Mark Phillips, wishing Lance Corporal, Douglas a speedy Recovery.
primeministerwereChiefof Defence Staff, Brigadier Omar Khan, Minister of Health, Dr Frank Anthony
Thebodyofapensionerwasdiscovered in a trench at Lancaster Village, Corentyne onSaturday
Dead is Totoram Rambarran, known in thecommunityas'Tot'and'Ninja'.
He was said to be in his early 70s, according to information reaching this publication.
The discovery was reportedly made by passers-by on Saturday, who believed that the man may have been intoxicated before stumblingintothetrench.
His nephew told Kaieteur News that Rambarranlivedonhisowninapropertynot too far from him. He explained that he was away when he received the news about his uncle.“Saturday,IwasinGeorgetownandI hearmyunclepassedaway,thathedrowned. Idon'tknowwhichparthedrowned."
He confirmed that his uncle was an alcoholicandbelievethatmayhaveledtohis demise.
Rambarran's body was taken to the Ramoo'sFuneralHomeontheCorentyne.
Lance Corporal Douglas a fullandspeedyrecoveryand reaffirmed the government's support for the men and women of the Guyana Defence Force in the execution of their duties to safeguard Guyana's
Chief of Defence Staff, Brigadier Omar visits the wounded Lance Corporal.
thevicinityofBlackWater
The patrol returned fire and safely manoeuvred the convoy out of the area but LanceCorporalDouglaswas hit. Another rank narrowly escapedbeinginjured.
and other senior GDF officers.
The prime minister's office in a statement published on his official Facebook page stated, “During the visit, Prime Minister Phillips wished
territorialintegrity.”
Lance Corporal Douglas andotherrankswereonGDF patrol duties escorting three civilian boats transporting personnel and cargo from Makapa to Eteringbang whentheycameunderfirein
Reports are that a bullet grazed him passing through hisuniform.
Kaieteur News received information that Monday's shoot-out was the second majoronewithinthelasttwo weeks. Some said that the (Continuedonpage22)
Reports in the media indicatethatPresidentIrfaan Ali used his platform at the Offshore Technology Conference 2026 to advocate a shift in global discourse from an “energy transition”towhathetermed “energybalance.”
At first glance, this framing appears pragmatic, even sensible. A call for “balance” acknowledges thatfossilfuels,renewables, and economic realities must coexist.Atleastfornow But whilethemessagemaycarry intellectual merit, its delivery at this particular
event raises a more uncomfortable question Was this the right speech, delivered in the wrong room?
T h e O f f s h o r e Technology Conference is, by design and tradition, an oil and gas conference. Its core audience consists of petroleum engineers, offshore operators, energy executives, and investors whoseprimaryconcernisthe efficient and profitable extractionofhydrocarbons.
This is not a neutral energy forum or a climate summit grappling with decarbonisation.Itisaspace where the future of offshore oil is not questioned but optimised. Against that backdrop, a call to rethink thenarrativeawayfromorto “transition” risks sounding either misplaced or, worse, rhetoricallydiluted.
There is an inherent contradiction in urging
“balance” at a gathering structurally predisposed toward one side of that balance. If anything, such a message might have been more impactful at a climatefocusedforum,amultilateral developmentconferenceora renewable energy summit where the dominant narrativeleansheavilyinthe opposite direction There, Guyana’s argument would gain greater traction. At an oil conference, however, the argument becomes almost outofplace.
This is not to say that Guyana should shy away from articulating its energy philosophy As one of the world’s fastest-growing oil producers, the country occupies a unique and increasingly influential position. It has both the opportunity and the responsibility to shape how resource-rich developing states navigate the energy transition.
However, effective messaging depends not only on content, but also on context. In this case, the context diluted the potential effect of the message. You don’t go into an oil conference and preach energy balance when the stakeholders present are moreinterestedinextending oilproduction.
More troubling, however, is the question of whether Guyana itself embodies the “energy balance” it now champions.
The rhetoric by the
government suggests a diversified energy pathway, one where fossil fuels coexist with meaningful investmentsinrenewables.It suggests that Guyana is moving towards displacing fossilfuels.Yettherealityon the ground appears less balanced and more transitional in a different sense.Itsuggestsashiftfrom oil dominance to gas dominance.
Theexpansionofnatural gas infrastructure, particularly through gas-toenergy projects, signals a deepening reliance on another fossil fuel, albeit a cleaner one. Solar and other renewables remain present, but largely as supporting actors rather than central pillarsoftheenergymix.
This raises a legitimate concern about the substance behind the slogan about “balance”. It forces one to ask whether “energy balance” is a genuine policy framework, or is it a reframingofcontinuedfossil fuel dependence in more palatablelanguage?
Natural gas may burn cleanerthanoil,butitisstill part of the carbon economy If renewables are not scaled aggressively, the risk is that Guyanabecomeslockedinto a new form of fossil fuel dependency, just as the world accelerates toward decarbonisation.
There is also a strategic dimension to consider By emphasising balance over transition, Guyana aligns
Dem boys seh the rental market done reach a place where even the landlords blinking twice before they write down the price—just to make sure them hand ain’t slip.
The other day dem boys see one advertisement: “Three-bedroom, fully furnished flat – $350,000 per month.” Dem boys seh, wait… that price include the neighbours too? Or at least a small swimmingpoolinthekitchen?
Now,tobefair—becausedemboyslike to be fair sometimes—when you sit down andactuallythinkaboutit,buildingthatflat ain’t cheap. Cement price gone up, steel gone up, tiles looking like they were importedfromMars,anddon’tevenstarton the cost of a decent couch. By the time you finish furnish the place with nice fridge, stove and one bed that does make you feel likeyousleepinginahotel,youalreadydeep inexpenses.
Soyes,themanwhobuilditgottomake a return. Nobody ain’t running charity with mortgage payments knocking every month likeadebtcollectorwithamegaphone. But then dem boys seh—hold on a minute—whosupposedtoliveinthatplace?
itselfwithagrowingblocof countries advocating for a slower, more flexible approach to energy change. This position resonates with many in the Global South, where energy poverty remains a pressing concern. However, it also places Guyana in a delicate diplomatic position International financing, climate partnerships, and technological support are increasingly tied to demonstrable commitments to renewable energy A narrative that appears to sideline transition in favour of balance may complicate theserelationships. Ultimately, the issue is
not that President Ali’s argument lacks validity On the contrary, the call for a more nuanced and inclusive energy discourse is both timelyandnecessary
The problem lies in the place chosen to deliver it, and the ambiguity surrounding its practical implementation.
At an oil conference, the message risks being absorbed into the prevailing consensus rather than challenging it.And at home, the policies underpinning “energy balance” appear, at best,incomplete.
If Guyana is serious about redefining the global conversation, it must do
more than reframe the l
concrete investment and policy choices, what true balance looks like in practice Otherwise, the conceptrisksbecominglittle more than a convenient middle ground. One that is politically appealing, but strategicallyhollow
(The views expressed in this article are those of the author and do not necessarily reflect the opinionsofthisnewspaper.)
Because when you do the maths, it start looking like a joke without a punchline. If husbandmaking$120,000andwifemaking $150,000, them combined salary still can’t even shake hands with that rent. That rent alone eating the whole paycheck and still askingfordessert.
So dem boys wondering if these apartments come with invisible tenants. Or maybethetargetmarketispeoplewhodoes get paid in oil barrels instead of Guyana dollars.
One man tell dem boys he thinking to rent half a bedroom—he say he willing to sleep diagonal just to cut cost.Another one say, he considering a long-distance relationship with his landlord, hoping love mightbringdowntherent.
But jokes aside, dem boys seh, this oil economygotpeoplefloatingatthetopwhile thesmallmantryingnottodrown.Because when rent alone looking like a luxury item, you got to ask: how the average family supposedtosurvive?
Demboyssehatthisrate,soontheonly thing affordable would be the “For Rent” signitself. Talkhalf.Leffhalf.
One poor Chinese engineer made into an
example Excavator overreach Transmission linedowngraded. Guyanese degraded. Again. The richest people in the world reduced to a running joke. Again They reach for candles and kerosene; gas stoves can't start. Every home, each family, should operateasifinIran. Havean emergency drill ready Fair and well in the high
probability event of a long running blackout, Turkey boat or banana boat, for all the effects those have Blackouts (no pun) generate headlines In the next tortured breath, what about blackwater? Don't stiffen peopleattheGWI;nottoday Blackwater and stagnant, stinking, sickening pools of water How come those don't make headlines when they cast a constant pall, a fouling smog, across
Guyana's crowded capital, and its blocked, locked, and well-stocked streets? Plus, its drains. Right by the ankles, often closer to the knees.
One poor Chinese engineer jailed. How about jailing all those careless, contemptuous contractors, whose building refuse (rocks, sand, cement) clog drains and bring once moving waters to a standstill? The contractors
cover over their crimes Nice grill work, even a concretebridgethatconceals the pileup underneath that's theresultoftheirlaboursand cavalier negligence towards government assets and a healthy environment for Guyanese How about clearinguptheinfernalmess whileworkisinprogressand after the work is done? BeforethePPPGovernment, and its doctor president, I tablethisquietly:howabout
curing these a c c u r s e d contractors that cause discontent and disgust across the city, throughout the country? Have they beenimmunisedfromjailfor thecrimesthattheyinflicton Guyanese wherever their homes are? These swaggering, wandering marauders and desecrators of pristine locations and environments operate with impunity, get away with the viral/bacteriological afflictions they dump on Guyanese. Ifamanwereto let loose a germ into the atmosphere, he would be treated as a subversive. So, why Pres Ali, why Dr EPA Parsram, why Mr Mayor Mentore and Mr City Engineer (and Dr Climate Change globetrotter) are these culprits allowed to roam at will and inflict their diseases on Guyana's populace?
Demerara, Berbice, Essequibo,it'sthesameugly, unhealthy, unseemly story Progress and development races at breakneck gallops. Guyanese should not be made to pay in pain, as part of the price of progress, having already paid a barrageofdollars.
The flies feast. Rodents roam ravage. The grounds are rich, the watersblackened and deadenedpromise of what is laden withperil.
Pass a street, survey a community, and there is a trail of evidence from contractors busy at work, in thehulks,bulks,anddetritus leftbehind. Cityandvillage are forced to deal with that, conduct their own grim postmortems.
Fromallindications,the contractor class is a protected class under PPP Governmentschemes. Who
knowsbetterhowthetender awardgameisplayed? Who knowsbestonhowtoworka system that is about sharing arrangements, whether called cut, kickback, or personalthanksgiving?
One poor Chinese engineer is arrested. For busting an electricity wire. Meanwhile big contractors, medium-sized contractors, blockandblackenthedrains anddepositbeforeGuyanese feet and faces a swarm of bacteria.
Anotherdayinthelifeof this country Contractors saturate citizens with the equivalent of germ warfare, and there are few whimpers of objection from PPP Government councils, and town and village councils. Blackouts have an urgency about them, with thousands by the tens and hundreds of them,risingandraisingtheir voices.
Blackwaterandbacteriafilled water impact a street, thenanother,andareliterally underfoot, which makes themoutofsightand,hence, outofmind.
A score of citizens in a street isn't much to make noise over The trouble is when the streets extend and multiply, when citizens increase into the hundreds (for a start), and that becomes a crisis Contractors must clean-up after themselves or jailed, like that poor Chinese engineer
(The views expressed in this article are those of the author and do not necessarily reflect the opinionsofthisnewspaper.)
Former acting
Chancellor of the Judiciary, Justice
Yonette CummingsEdwards was on Tuesday, officially sworn as Chief Justice of the Turks and Caicos Islands (TCI) during a special sitting at the island'sCourtofAppeal.
SeveraloftheTCI'slegal andpoliticaldignitarieswere inattendanceoftheswearing in ceremony where the Guyanese jurist was praised for her steady and unwavering contribution to theCaribbeanjurisprudence.
Welcoming the new Chief Justice, Attorney General of the TCI, Rhonda lee Braithwaite Knowles told the assembly that Cummings-Edwards appointment is marked by herextensiveexperienceand commitment to the rule of law
The attorney general noted that the appointment continues the very high standards set by the Judicial Service Commission set by theseislands.
Braithwaite-Knowles said that Justice CummingsEdwards comes to the new role with expansive experience as a senior judicialofficerinGuyana.
She noted that under her tenure the Guyana's judicial system experi
introduction of specialized courts, restorative justice digitisationandexpansionin better access to justice particularly in the remote areasofthecountry
“Her contributions to judicial training highlight her dedication to judicial independence, integrity and e ff i c i e n c y i n t h e administrationofjustice.”
Director of Public Prosecutor (DPP), Jeremy Taylor K.C praised Justice Cummings Edwards for her wisdom and reputation that precedes her“In fact, a Google AI search of you brings up your famous dissenting judgment in the case of [Walter] Ramsahoye andtheKaieteurNews.
Youhaveimpartedsome truths;thereisjurisprudence towhichyouhaveamaterial a n d s i g n i f i c a n t contribution,” he told the judge In her remarks, PresidentofCourtofAppeal in the TCI, Justice Alice YorkeSoonotedthatthenew chief justice “brings to the role 35 years of experience marked by steady progression and intellectual rigor.”
“Madame Justice Cummings-Edwards has shown unwavering support t o t h e p u b l i c
$4.2 million
Four bandits, one armed with a handgun, on Monday pouncedonaDiamond,EastBankDemerara(EBD)business and robbed its cashier and a customer while making good theirescapewithmillionsincashandotheritems.
TheGuyanaPoliceForce(GPF)reportedthattherobbery occurred at about 14:50h Preliminary investigations revealed that a 43-year-old woman was at the time of the robbery with her family paying for an item she had just collected from an isle when she observed two masked men clad in orange jumpsuits enter the building and went to the cashier
The woman, a vendor of Providence, EBD reported that one of the suspects pointed a handgun at the cashier and orderedhertomoveawayfromtheregister
“The unarmed suspect then reportedly went around the counter and began removing cash from the cash drawer and placing it into a haversack, while the armed suspect stood guard.Thearmedsuspectalsoallegedlyrelievedthe43-yearoldwomanofherpurseandcellphone,”thepolicereported.
ThesuspectsallegedlycartedoffwithG$4,140,000from thebusiness,whilethevendorwasrelievedofoneblackpurse valued at G$5,000 which contained $90,000 in cash, along withherdriver'slicence,identificationcardandbankcard.
Investigators learned also that the two suspects then walkeddownthestairstothelowerflat,wheretwoothermen were awaiting them on the ground floor The four men then exited the building, hopped on to two black Honda XR motorcycleswhichhadnonumberplatesandescapedinthe northerndirectionalongtheDiamondPublicRoad. Thematterisbeinginvestigated.
(Photo credit: Olivia Rose)
good Throughout her distinguished career she representedthehallmarksof disciplineandexcellence.”
Asalawyer,theCourtof Appeal President noted that Justice Cummings-Edwards has exhibited meticulous preparationsoundjudgment,
and deep insight and understandingofthelaw
In her address to the special sitting, the former chancellor said she is honoured to be appointed as thechiefjusticeoftheTurks andCaicosIslands.
“Iamgrateful for the
At Center: Former Chancellor of the Judiciary, Justice Yonette Cummings-Edwards addresses the assembly after she was sworn as Chief Justice of the Turks and T Caicos Islands (TCI).
confidence that has been reposed in me, I look forward to working collaboratively with my judicial colleagues in the legal profession and senior justice partners to build on the strong foundation that has been established and to
further strengthen the delivery of justice in a manner that is fair, efficient andaccessibletoall. I remain committed to upholdingtheruleoflawand serving the people of these islands with integrity and dedication.”
Head of Internal
Medicine and Cardiology at the Georgetown Public Hospital Corporation (GPHC), Dr Mahendra
Carpen has expressed concern over the rise in cardiac related deaths among youngpeople.
In a post shared via his personal Facebook page, Dr Carpen noted that in the past few months, there has been a devastating recognition of persons in the 20 to 40 age range who have died unexpectedly
According to Carpen, many of these persons die in their sleep or while doing routine,normalactivities.
Hesaid,“Therearemany reasons for this terrible o u t c o m e , h o w e v e r cardiovascular disease remains the number one cause ”“In Guyana, the younger populations are showing an increase in seriousheartdisease,notjust fromblockage,butalsofrom weakened heart muscles due to inflammation/infection
and complications of u n c o n t r o l l e d hypertension/diabetes/choles terolaswellasbadhabitslike smoking ”The cardiologist explained that the sudden cardiac death is an electrical malfunction phenomenon that occurs in the heart and manifested as an abnormal heart rhythm which can lead todeath.
Dr Carpen noted that the underlying cause is usually blockage in the majority of cases, however other
conditions such as inflammationandinfectionof the heart muscle, severe uncontrolled hypertension, enlarged and stiffened heart muscles as well as some inheritedconditions.
He cautioned the populationtobewareofchest pain, shortness of breath, p a l p i t a t i o n s , o r lightheadedness.
“These can be early warnings. More importantly, ifyounoticeareductioninthe things you are able to do without getting tired or fatigued, you should have yourself checked out. This is subtle and less dramatic, but importanttorecognise.”
The doctor called on the public particularly the younger populace to know the triggers/causes, get checked early and regularly forheartdisease.
During a previous interview with a local podcast, Dr Carpen had doubleddownontheneedfor earlyscreening.
He had explained that early detection allows individuals to manage risk factors before severe heart diseasedevelops.
He noted that tackling cardiovascular disease in Guyana needs teamwork from government policy, healthcare spending and personallifestylechoices.
He urged the public to embrace early screening and preventative care, while emphasising that continued expansion of specialised medical facilities will ensure the country is equipped to treat even the most severe cases.
Minister of Education, Sonia Parag said the Ministry of Education will s o o n i m p l e m e n t standardised anti-bullying
a n d a n t i - v i o l e n c e proceduresinschoolsacross Guyana.
MinisterParagnotedthat the initiative is part of the ministry's wider efforts to improve student behaviour, and strengthen discipline whilecreatingsaferlearning environments.
In an interview, the minister explained that consultations are continuing with stakeholders and members of the public to gather recommendations that will help shape the nationalframework.
“When I thought of havingthatconsultationwith thepublic,itwastogetfrom the public and different stakeholders their recommendations on solutions,” the minister stated.AccordingtoMinister Parag, the ministry plans to establish standard operating procedures that will be appliedinschools.
She noted that the measures are intended to guide behaviour across the school environment, including during assemblies and in classrooms. She encouraged the daily reinforcement of positive conduct.
The minister also highlighted the importance of moral education, explainingthatitmustmove beyond theory and focus on
size-fits-allapproach.”
students.
“Moral education is teaching you how to have a good or better behavioural pattern Therefore, it shouldn't just be theory It shouldbepracticalaswell,” she said.The ministry aims t o c o m p i l e t h e recommendations and policies into a national documentthatwillserveasa guideforschools.
Minister Parag said the long-term objective is to have anti-bullying and antiviolence measures formally enactedintolaw
“At the very highest, I would like to have legislation in relation to the anti-bullying and antiviolence policies,” the ministerstated.
Meanwhile, speaking during an anti-bullying consultationbackinJanuary, Minister Parag had reaffirmed the government's commitment in maintaining azero-toleranceapproachto bullying in all its forms, whether between students, teacher-to-student,oramong staff.Shenotedthattackling the issue requires both
accountability and
compassion. “Bullying cannot be treated as a passing issue or glossed over,” she said, stating that, “We must have frank conversations and practical solutions that take into account the social environments from which childrencome.It'snotaone-
To this end, the ministry hopes to complete work on the framework within the coming months while continuing collaboration with schools, agencies and otherstakeholders.
The minister stressed that addressing bullying and violence in schools requires a collective national effort involving educators, parents, communities and policymakers Meanwhile, the GuyanaTeacher's Union (GTU) has called for a broader stakeholder approach to violence in schools. President of the GTU, Coretta McDonald in a recent invited comment told Kaieteur News that in order to tackle the surge in school violence “We're deeplytroubledbytherecent surge in school fights that have been making their way on social media, fights and outside of schools. We saw just recently, fights at Leonora Secondary, Linden Foundation, and the Essequibo Coast. We saw fights in Region six, we're seeingfightsinGeorgetown, and what is most worrisome is that when these fights are happening, we are having teachers attempt to break thesefightsup,ortopullthe fightersapart…ourteachers are injured,” the GTU presidentsaid.
To this end, Mc Donald s a i d s t a k e h o l d e r involvement is crucial to tacklingthescourge.
“The conversation has
got to widen. We can no longer speak to our children at assembly, we have to widen that conversation, to bringourstakeholderstothe tablesothatwecanworkand charter a course that will guide what happens in our schools ” (Modified from DPI)
Minister of Education, Sonia Parag
Persistentbarrierstosafe abortion care continue to affect women and girls across Guyana, even as the countrymarks31yearssince the passage of its landmark Medical Termination of Pregnancy Act (1995), the Guyana Responsible Parenthood Association (GRPA)hasnoted.
Stigma, misinformation, inequitable access, and enduring silence around abortion remain significant challenges particularly in rural and Indigenous communities, GRPA said in astatementonMonday
Further, the entity noted that in some areas, there are few or no trained providers, while disinformation and religious influence continue to affect decisions, restrict access,andreinforcestigma.
TheGRPAobservedthat these ongoing gaps underscore concerns that while the law guarantees access, its full promise has yettoberealisednationwide.
Monday'sanniversaryof thelegislationservedasboth amomentofreflectionanda renewed call to action, GRPAsaid.
Enactedin1995,thelaw was widely regarded as a
progressive step, placing women's health, autonomy, and dignity at the centre of nationalpolicy
“Our law is progressive becauseitaffirmsthatnogirl or woman requires the permission of a parent or partner to access abortion care. It guarantees abortion as a right of choice; not one contingent on proving rape, incest, or violation A woman'sbodydoesnothave to be violated before she is granted the r
ght to healthcare,” the statement said.
For more than three decades, the Act has recognised access to safe, legal abo
s a fundamental right rather than a privilege. It allows womentoseekabortioncare without requiring consent from a parent or partner and does not make access contingent on proving rape, incest, or other forms of violation.GRPA said these provisions remain critical in safegu
y autonomy and ensuring that women are not forced to justify their need for healthcare.
“In rural and Indigenous communities,thechallenges
are even more pronounced. There are areas where there arelimitedornoprovidersof
e decisions; and where the influence of religion continues to restrict access, reinforcestigma,andsilence choice,”thestatementsaid.
As a leading private providerofabortioncare,the bodysaiditcontinuestoplay a central role in addressing gaps in access, providing confidential, rights-based services and has positioned itself as both a healthcare providerandanadvocatefor reproductiverights.
GRPA shared that more work is needed to ensure services are accessible, affordable, and free from stigma.
The organisation also warned that barriers such as cost,fear,anddiscrimination canstillpushwomentoward unsafealternatives.
Thirty-oneyearsafterits passage, the law remains in place. The challenge now, GRPA said, is ensuring that access to safe abortion care is not just guaranteed on paper, but realised in practice.
Members of the Guyana Police Force (GPF) on Tu e s d a y m o r n i n g confiscated five personal firearms belonging to OppositionLeaderAzruddin Mohamed and father, Nazar 'Shell' Mohamed at their Houston, East Bank Demerara(EBD)residence.
Inspectors L Blair McGregor and T Hinds,
accompanied by two plainclothesofficers,arrived at the property around 10:00hrs.Theoperationwas carried out under the instruction of the Divisional Commander of Region 4
“A, ” Deputy Police
Commissioner Simon McBean. The officers were ordered to seize the weapons, citing sanctions imposed on the Mohameds bytheU.S.OfficeofForeign AssetsControl(OFAC).The operation resulted in the removal of five personal firearms.
Azruddin Mohamed surrendered one 12-gauge shotgun,one5.56mm(.223) rifle, and one .45 pistol. His father handed over one .32 handgun and one 12-gauge shotgun.Thisbringsthetotal number of weapons surrenderedbythefamilyto approximately75,including those previously held for securitypurposes.
Authorities have not yet publicly responded to the allegations made by the Mohameds.
Inspector McGregor
read a letter to the Mohameds signed by Deputy Commissioner McBean.Theletterstated:
“Inlightoftheseserious allegations of conspiracy to commitmailandwirefraud, wire fraud, mail fraud, and conspiracy to commit moneylaundering,forwhich they were indicted in the SouthernDistrictofFlorida, the suspects must show cause, in writing, why their firearm licences should not be revoked in keeping with the Firearms Act Furthermore, you are required to immediately surrender all firearms and ammunition currently in your possession, along with their corresponding licences, to the police officer(s) serving this document.”
Speaking to members of the media during the
operation, Azruddin Mohamed stated that the move was inconsistent with
earlier engagements with authorities and left him feelingexposed.
“ W e h a d o u r firearms our security firearms until March of 2025,” he said “The President himself told my
Azruddin added, “Every day, I'm going out here to meet the people Just yesterday,IwenttoBartica... Iwanttheworldtoknowthat wehadoursecurityfirearms untilMarch2025.”
Mohamed also claimed
father, after we were sanctioned, that they would not go after our personal firearms; the sanctions have to do with the United States of America We are Guyanese It is my democratic right to protect myself, my family, and my businesses. The same guns they seized are the same guns that protected the President, his wife, Zulfikar Mustaphaandmanyothers.”
I asked them, 'Do you want my personal weapons too?' and they said, 'No... we are here only to collect the security weapons because your licences as they relate to the business have been cancelled.'”
he had been pressured politically “All of this happened because I refused toreleaseastatementsaying that I won't be running for office,” he alleged He furtherexplainedthathehad already complied with previous requests to surrenderweaponslinkedto hissecuritybusiness.
“Whenthreepolicecame to my business place to collectthesecurityweapons,
“I handed over about 70 guns. They said then they didn't need my personal firearms,” he continued. “I even renewed the licences for my guns just 10 days ago...andthensuddenly,you comeheretoday.”
While stressing that he respected the police, Nazar Mohamed suggested the ranks were acting on higher instructions “I'm not blaming you in any way I know you get instructions
from higher up... I respect the police and the role they playinourcountry,”hesaid.
Nazar Mohamed also addressed the media, invoking both his long history as a firearm holder and his religious faith. “I have had guns for over 40 years. I had guns when Mr Hoyte was president,” he said. “I am a man of God. Guns don't really matter to me...IputmytrustinAllah. Allahistheonewhoprotects me, not guns. If guns could protect people, John F Kennedy would not have beenassassinated.”
He further questioned the basis for the seizure, noting,“Jagdeohimselfsaid there was no need for the
police to seize personal weapons because the security firearms were relatedtothebusiness.”
Azruddin Mohamed maintained that the latest actionplacedhislifeatrisk.
“Of course, I'm scared for my life. This was my last straw we had security at my residence, and now we havenothing.”
“I want the world to know that the political persecution continues. No one is safe under this dictatorship,” he declared. Heinsistedallfirearmswere legally held, noting that his father's licences were renewedasrecentlyasApril 27, 2026. “We have had
(Continued on page 19)
- President Dr Mohamed Irfaan Ali called on Guyanese to honour their shared history while recommittingtounityandinclusive development, as the nation marks Arrival Day 2026 and prepares to celebrate its 60th Independence anniversary
country'sdemographicandcultural evolution.
Between 1838 and 1917, over 240,000 Indians were brought to then British Guiana to work on sugarplantations.
Similarly,Portuguesemigrants, primarily from Madeira, began arriving in 1835, contributing significantly to commerce and business development, while Chinese indentured labourers first arrived in 1853, later establishing t
InhisArrivalDaymessage,the headofstatesaidtheobservanceis both a moment of reflection and a call to action, reminding citizens that the foundations of Guyana's independencewerelaidthroughthe sacrifices and contributions of all itspeopleslongbefore1966.
PresidentAlipaidtributetothe country's Indigenous peoples, the firstinhabitantsandstewardsofthe land,aswellasAfricanswhowere forcibly brought to Guyana during the transatlantic slave trade and endured centuries of enslavement beforeEmancipationin1834.
President Ali noted that following emancipation, Guyana's population was further shaped by waves of indentured labourers and migrants.
The first group of East Indian indentured immigrants arrived on May5,1838,aboardtheHesperus, marking a pivotal moment in the
entrepreneurship. Smaller groups fromotherregionsalsoaddedtothe colony'sdiversityovertime.
President Ali emphasised that despite the hardships of Indentureship, including poor working conditions, social displacement, and cultural separation, many of these groups remained, building families, communities, preserving traditions, and contributing to the economic and social fabric of the nation.
He highlighted that the descendantsofthesegroupsplayed a vital role in Guyana's development and its eventual struggle for independence,
Irfaan Ali
contributing to agriculture, religion, education, and national life.
Reflecting on the country's diversity, President Ali said Guyana's enduring challenge has
been forging unity from its many culturalstrands.
Hepointedtothegovernment's “One Guyana” vision as the pathway to building a society where all citizens feel valued and
included.
ThePresidentalsounderscored theimportanceofensuringthatthe country'sgrowingwealth,fromoil and gas to agriculture and natural resources, benefits every Guyanese.
“Arrival Day should not only be a day of remembrance; it should be a day of responsibility,” he stated, urging citizens to carry forward the aspirations of their foreparents for justice, equality, anddignity
As Guyana approaches its Diamond Jubilee, President Ali called for a renewed commitment to building a nation where every citizen has the opportunity to thrive.
“Let us move forward together: united, determined, and committed to a future where everyone belongs,”hesaid.
ASpanish speaking woman is claiming that police have sided with herex-partnerafterheallegedlybeat her-up,strippedhernakedandthrew her out of her own apartment on Sunday
According to reports, the Venezuelan national works as a security guard and resides on Princess Street She was living together with a Guyanese man identified as Richard (full name withheld)butendedtherelationship somethreemonthsago.
Since then, the ex-partner has reportedly been stalking her and making her life “a living hell” over household appliances – some of whichshehadpurchasedwhilethey weretogether
The woman alleged that throughoutthethreemonthsnotonly wouldtheex-partnershowupather apartmentandworkplacetothreaten and verbally abuse her, but she would receive threats from his relativesespeciallyhismother She saidonSundaytensionsboiledover “On Sunday morning me come
home from work and meet he at me housedrunk”,thewomansaidasshe recalled deciding to let him in the house.
Sheexplainedthatshehadgrown frustratedandtoldhimhecouldrest a bit before taking all household itemsthatbelongtohim.
She believed that it would have been the end of the stalking and verbal abuse, however, when it was time for him to go, he refused to leaveandgaveherabrutalbeating.
Showing Kaieteur News the black and blue marks and scars she sustained from the beating she said, “Nuncamehanhechoalgoasi,niel papa de mis hijos (No-one has ever done something like this to me before, not even the father of my children.”
According to the woman, she wasstrippednakedandthrownoutof herownapartmentbytheex-partner Afterreceivingsomeassistance,she reported the matter at a police outpostinAlberttown.
She alleged that police took her report and detained the abuser, but (Continuedonpage22)
Venezuelan woman showing the bruises sustained following a beating a by her ex-lover
ByKhadidjaBa
Former Editor-in-Chief of Stabroek News, Anand Persaud in a searing address marking World Press
Freedom Day 2026, criticised the state of Guyana's media, warning of administrative overreach,
lack of government accountability,andemerging technological risks to journalism.
Persaudwasthefeatured speaker at the Guyana Press Association's Award and Cocktail Reception, held at the Hermandston Lodge
M o n d a y e v e n i n g . Addressing the closure of Stabroek News two months ago, the former chief editor pointed out that the government'swithholdingof nearly $87 million in advertising debt was not the s o l e r e a s o n H e characterisedthemoveasan “outrageous abuse of press freedom”andindicativeofa “government in financial disarray.”
“I think a cake shop would put this government toshameandnodoubthas,” he said, criticising what he d e s c r i b e d a s “squandermania” and the contrast between unpaid
media bills and lavish state spending.
A central concern was the absence of direct engagement between the executive and the press PersaudnotedthatPresident Irfaan Ali has not held a formal press conference sincereturningtooffice.
“Ifyou'rethepresidentof the country, you have to submit yourself to questioning,” Persaud insisted. “If you decide to insulateyourselffromthat,it meansyoueitherhavethings to hide or you're unprepared to speak to the people throughthemedia.”
He also called for the immediate replacement of C o m m i s s i o n e r o f Information Justice of Appeal (ret'd) Charles Ramson, accusing him of issuing “rude and crass responses” and delaying legitimate applications under the Access to InformationAct.
Persaudfurthercriticised the administration's silence on U.S. naval excursions in the Caribbean that reportedly resulted in over 100 deaths, accusing the government of “fudging words while kowtowing to PresidentTrumpandhiswar machine.”
H e u rg e d l o c a l journalists to maintain an “arms-length” relationship with ExxonMobil, warning against restricted access and emphasising the need for independent scrutiny He pointed to Stabroek News'
past investigations into hidden signing bonuses and questionableexpenseclaims as examples of why such oversightremainsessential.
Looking ahead, Persaud calledforlegislativereform, warning that Guyana's Cybersecurity Act could be
used to infringe on free speech if not properly
constrained He also proposeddirectstatesupport for the GPA through an annual subvention, arguing that oil revenues make such support both feasible and necessary.
O n t h e r o l e o f
technology, Persaud cautioned against overreliance on artificial intelligence. “It is a sacred responsibilityofreportersto ensure that they don't becomewillingaccomplices to artificial intelligence in thepursuitofstoriesthatcan only be told through the use of human sources and
rigorous investigative work,”hesaid.
After outlining these domestic challenges, Persaud widened his lens to theglobalstage,aligninghis remarks with the 2026 theme, Shaping a Future at Peace, Promoting Press Freedom for Human Rights, Development, and Security. He described the theme as a “lead-all” capturing the harsh realities faced by journalistsworldwide. He referenced conflicts in Sudan and Ukraine, but focused particularly on the Middle East, citing the Committee to Protect (Continuedonpage22)
A 3 5 - y e a r - o l d motorcyclist died on Sunday after the motorcycle he was ridingcollidedwithatruckat thejunctionoftheMandelato Eccles Highway and Rome Access Road, East Bank Demerara.
Dead is Andre Lewis of Guyhoc Park, South Ruimveldt,Georgetown.
The Guyana Police Force in a statement said that a 24year-old man of D'Edward Village, West Coast Berbice, wasidentifiedasthedriverof the truck The accident occurredaround18:16hrs.
The police reported that the motorcyclist was heading south along the eastern drive laneoftheMandelaAvenueto Eccles Highway, while the motor lorry was heading east along the northern drive lane ofRomeAccessRoad.
While at the intersection of the Mandela Avenue to Eccles Highway and Rome Access Road, the police said thatthetruckdriverallegedly drove into the path of the motorcyclist, resulting in the front portion of the motorcycle colliding with the left-side rear portion of the truck “As a result of the collision, the motorcyclist sustained injuries about his body Emergency Medical Technicians were summoned and the motorcyclist was examinedbyadoctoronduty and pronounced dead at the scene,”thepolicestated. Lewis' body was then takentoacitymortuarywhere it awaits a post-mortem examination.
A breathalyzer test was conductedonthetruckdriver, and no trace of alcohol was found on his breath. He is assistingwithinvestigations.
Frompage15 firearmsfor20yearsandhave neverbeenaskedbythepolice to give a statement for anythinginappropriate.”
He also raised concerns about unequal treatment, claiming, “I know of another individual sanctioned by OFAC who still has their firearms. So, this is political persecution.”Hana Mohamed, sister of the Opposition
Leader, echoed these sentiments at the scene. “Why should any citizen of this countryhavetogothroughthis degree of harassment? The government is doing too much,”shesaid.
Similarly,OdessaPrimusa Member of Parliament (MP), who was present during the seizure, argued that the move undermined personal safety “People have to be able to protect themselves. This now opensthisfamilytoanything,” she said. Primus condemned thetimingoftheaction,noting itoccurredonArrivalDay
“It'sashameandadisgrace that this PPP (People's P r o g r e s s i v e P a r t y ) government continues to trample on the rights of Guyanese citizens,” Primus added, calling on the U.S. Ambassador, as well as the Canadian and British High Commissioners,tointervene.
Meanwhile, Parliamentary lead for the A Partnership for National Unity (APNU) Dr Terrence Campbell in a personal statement posted on hisFacebookpageempathized with the Mohameds. The parliamentarian said while he
holds no brief for the Mohameds,theyarefacingno criminal charges in Guyana andhavebeenindictedbutnot convictedintheU.S.courts.
“ in any event, gun licenses have been issued to folks who served criminal sentences in the US. Fifth, the decision to seize the personal weapons of the Mohameds is clearly a political one and is further evidence of the weaponization of state agencies like the Guyana Police Force and the Guyana Revenue Authority against political opponents, ” Campbellsaid.
The APNU representative reminded that the Mohameds were sanctioned in June 2024
“soIcannotunderstandwhy,if seizure of their weapons was necessary, it took two years to doso.”
“At the time the sanctions wereissued,severalsteps,like termination of cambio and marine licenses in addition to closureofbankaccounts,were taken.
It is obvious that the wicked PPP cabal did not see seizureofpersonalweaponsas legal or even necessary at that time. Consequently, I have no hesitationindescribingtoday's seizure as a political move which should be roundly condemnedbyallGuyanese.It is yet another reason why this wicked government must be removedfromoffice.”
Campbell said, “I, therefore, have little difficulty in empathizing with the Mohameds on this Arrival Day.”
The Ministry of Health has received 15 bids for the construction of a Biomedical EngineeringDepartmentthatwillbelocated atThomasLands,Georgetown.
The bids which were opened at the National Procurement and Tender Administration Board (NPTAB) office recently revealed that contractors bid between $87 million and $195 million to executetheworks.
The ministry said Biomedical engineering is critical since it improves the deliveryofqualityhealthcareservices.
Back in 2023, when the Health Ministry launched its Biomedical Programme 39 persons were trained. Minister Dr Frank Anthony at the time said that biomedical techniciansandengineersareveryimportant, especially since healthcare technologies are evolvingrapidly
Belowarethecompaniesandtheirbids: MinistryofHealth ConstructionofBiomedicalEngineeringDepartment.
MinistryofCulture,Youth&Sport Procurementandinstallationof(360)retractableseatsGuyanaNationalStadium.
MinistryofFinance PaintingofInternalWalls&PolishingofFloor(DataEntrySection).
RefurbishingofFIUOfficeArea.
SkeldonEnergyInc
Cleaningof(3)HFOstoragetanksandsafedisposalofresidueasperlocalEPAGuidelines.
Canter / Pick up Driver wanted. Valid lorry license required with 5 years experienced. Tele number 2269768,227-7528,710-0561.
Wanted1femaleofficeclerk noperiousexperiencenecessary Apply with hand writtenapplication.Call231-7878 /223-8955,613-8567
StoresMan/BondClerkresponsible for tracking inventory & loss prevention. Call 644-7088 / 624-7248. LocationTriumph
Office Assistant Supervisor responsible for overseeing office operations, expense tracking & equipment maintence schedules. Call 644-7088/624-7248.Location Triumph
SkilledCarpenters,Masons, Plumbers for construction project. Must have own tools. Attractive pay. Contact:*671-1809*
Wanted one maid preferably from the E.B.D. Call: 616-5700
Wantedskilledmason,carpenters and labourers to workinLinden.$18,000per day.Call701-1998
MAI INVESTMENT INC
.Lot 1 Public Road
Ruimveldt,wanted salesman/VanDriver.Pleasecontact638-0850or652-7444
1HondaCRV,includesTV, music system, alarm, reverse camera, spoiler, low mileage, PTT Series (first owner).Call:649-0956.
Visa Application:U.S.A, Canada&UK:Graphicsdesign, advertisements, wedding arch rentals.Tel:6267040.
Layers Chick Beak cutting (debeaking).Call627-7835
ChickenFarmwith25acres land with building. For more details contact 6446551.
Diamond upper income: whatsapponly:6711809
AptbuildinginGrove&Diamond, Seaforth Stree, Charlestown&La-Penitence Public Road. Contact Ray's Realty627-9685
COOK/BAKER&PITMEN forinteriorlocation.Applicants must be experienced. Call:231-2250.
OneclerkforTSIEcclesoffice English 1, Maths 2 call 615-9132oremailapplication totechserigy@gmail.com
Drivermustbeabletoassist in workshop at Eccles, age 23-50,Car/VanlicenceCall 615-9132.
MaidforEastBankareacall 615-9132.
One (1) Plummer call -6159132
Vacancy for Cashiers, Sales Attendant, Drivers. Email: survivalsupermarket16@gmail.com. 16VlissengenRD.Newtown Kitty
Experiencedmalecooksfor miningoperation.Call:6886575
Crew for Dredge operation. Call:688-3844or681-3801
Construction company seeks Junior Accounts Clerk, Maths & English required,BelAirVillage,Email latchmiekumar@amcomguyana.com orwhatsapp758-4277
Wales Public Road, W.B.D, Parcel21(0.467acres)20,342 sqft.AvailableLongterm2025 years. Sign on property Phone/Whatsapp:615-2270/ 628-8619.
WalesPublicRoad,W.B.D, Parcel 25 (0.494 acres) 21,388sqft.AvailableLong term 20-25 years. Sign on property. Phone/ Whatsapp: 615-2270/6288619.
Malgre Tout, W.B.D, (South of Masjid)-Lot "C" (1.347 acres) 58675 sq ft. AvailableLongterm20-25 years. Sign on property Phone/Whatsapp: 6152270/628-8619.
Versailles,W.B.D,(Southof Aracari Hotel)-Lot 167 (4.6606acres)203,016sqft. Available Long term 20-25 years. Sign on property Phone/Whatsapp: 6152270/628-8619.
La-Grange W.B.D road to river,SilverHill20acres,Craig (9 acres) Spring Gardens (Dora) 20 acres,Long creek & Tucan Drive.Contact Ray'sRealty627-9685.
TRUCK TIRES 295 / 75R22.5 $40K EACH. FORMOREINFORMATION CALL / WHATSAPP:+592-6883201. FOR SALE
From page 18 Journalists’ report that 260 journalists have been killed by Israel over the past two years across Gaza, Yemen, Lebanon, and Iran. He highlighted the 2025 killing ofAl Jazeera journalist Anas alSharif.
“He’d been aware that thisisprobablygoingtohappentohim,andexpectingthat he might be killed, he left a farewellmessageforhisfamily,”Persaudsaid.“Itshowed in a very venal way, in a very visceralway,howjournalists go about doing their duties knowing that they could be at death’s door at any moment.”
“Press freedom means verylittleifyouaredead,”he added,linkingtheglobaldangers of the profession to the localstruggleforaccountability and transparency
He also pointed to the Trinidad Express’s use of air traffic control data to track a U.S.AirForceCN-235during the “Absolute Resolve” operation in January 2026 as an example of innovative, datadrivenjournalism.
Following the address, theGPAhonoredsixindividuals for their enduring contributions.
Samantha Alleyne was recognisedfor28yearsofreporting on health, crime, and
marginalised communities, earning multiple PAHO awards and setting a benchmarkforcoverageofwomen’s issues.
Roddy Baird, a radio veteranwith36yearsofservice, playedakeyroleinestablishingcommunityradiostations across Guyana’s hinterland.
Claude David, with 37 years in the field, rose from sound engineer to leading sports editor at Kaieteur News.LeonHoratio,a51-year veteran of the Guyana Chronicle, was credited with shaping the nation’s sports journalism.
Burt Wilkinson, nearing 50yearsintheprofessionand
an Associated Press correspondent since 1988, was recognised for his steadfast defenseofjournalisticethics, includinghisrefusaltoreveal sources in 1986. Miranda LaRose was honored for her fearless,ground-levelreporting,includinghercoverageof the2005GreatFloodandher long-running “What the PeopleSay”column.
Persaudconcludedwitha warningdrawnfromphilosopher Hannah Arendt: “The moment we no longer have a free press, anything can happen. What makes it possible for a totalitarian or any other dictatorship to rule is that people are not informed.”
From page 18 later returned with him and emptied her apartment of all her household appliances including a freezer and other items she had allegedly bought with her own money
The ex-partner has reportedlywalkedfreeandthe policerankshavereportedly given her no explanation as
to why they emptied her apartment.
“Mefeelmenagetnojustice”, she said while adding that she now fears for her life because he continues to stalk her.
Moreover, the threats from her alleged abuser’s motherhaveraisedquestions.
In one of the voice-notes she sent to the woman, she
was heard claiming that she has connections in the police force and will use those connections to empty the woman’sapartmentofeverythingthatwaspurchasewhen she and the alleged abuser wereinarelationship.
She was heard too claiming that she will use those connections to have the Spanishspeakingwomande-
portedfromGuyana. Her exact words were, “Le me tell you little dutty s***t, a reaching down deh and a gonna find that lady in Princess Street (the Spanish-Speaking woman’s landlord) and when I pick-up my sergeant family from Eve Leary, everything gonna come out your house…”
From page 8 shootings sometimes occur daily,makingtheCuyuniRiver one of the most dangerous areas to traverse.
The dangers have promptedGDFpatrolboatsto escortGuyanesecivilianwho makealivinginthearea.
Douglas is the ninth soldier to have been injured by Venezuelangunfireinayear
In February 2025, eight soldiers were wounded after theywereambushedandshot atreportedlybyaVenezuelan gang while on patrol duties.
That shooting also took place near Blackwater. Reports back then were, that ranks were enroute to the GDF’s main base at Makapa todeliversupplieswhenthey came under attack.
Kaieteur News had reportedthattheGDFteamwas using a 30-foot canoe pow-
Aracari Hotel Renovated rooms,A/C,TV,Restaurant, Bar,Pool,Gym.Stay7nights, 1FREE!Call:264-2946.
&
9.
ered by a 185 horse power Yamaha outboard engine when they were intercepted by two wooden boats carrying heavily armed masked men.
The assailants reportedly circled the GDF boat and opened gunfire. The GDF ranks retaliated by returning fire, forcing the gunmen to retreatbutnotbeforeeightof themwerehit.
Kaieteur News had later learntthatsomeoftheassailants were also wounded during the shoot-out and a few died while being transported for treatment.The assailants from that attack were suspected members of the notorious sindicato gang. There have been no further updates in this case.
(Reuters) - The United Arab Emirates said it was under attack fromIranianmissilesanddroneson Tuesday,evenasWashingtonsaida shaky ceasefire was intact despite anexchangeoffirethepreviousday as U.S. forces attempted to force opentheStraitofHormuz.
The U.S. military said it had destroyed six Iranian small boats, well as cruise missiles and drones, after President Donald Trump sent the navy to escort stranded tankers throughthestraitinacampaignhe called“ProjectFreedom”.
U.S. Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth said the operation to protect commercial ships was temporary and the four-week-old truce was not over “We’re not lookingforafight,”hetoldapress conference “Right now the ceasefirecertainlyholds,butwe’re going to be watching very, very closely.”
IranfiredmissilesatU.S.ships on Monday and attacked the UAE, a key regional ally of Washington, with missiles and drones. After issuing a new map of the Strait of Hormuz with an expanded Iranian area of control, Iran’s Revolutionary Guards warned vessels on Tuesday to stick to the corridors it had set or face a “decisiveresponse.”
Trump said Iran’s military had been reduced to firing “peashooters” and Tehran wanted peace,despitepublicsabre-rattling. “They play games, but let me just tellyou,theywanttomakeadeal,” hetoldreportersintheOvalOffice.
Shortly after Hegseth spoke on Tuesday, the UAE’s defence ministry said its air defences were
again dealing with missile and droneattackscomingfromIran.
‘RIGHT
The Gulf Arab state’s foreign ministrysaidinastatementthatthe attacks were a serious escalation and posed a direct threat to the country’s security, adding that the UAE reserved its “full and legitimateright”torespond.
There was no immediate commentonthatfromIran,though earlier its parliament speaker, Mohammad Baqer Qalibaf, had saidbreachesoftheceasefirebythe U.S. and its allies endangered shipping through the strait, which carries a large share of the world’s oilandfertilizersupplies.
“We know well that the continuationofthecurrentsituation isunbearablefortheUnitedStates, whilewehavenotevenbegunyet,” hesaidinasocialmediapost.
The Strait of Hormuz has been virtually shut since the United States and Israel began attacks on Iran on February 28, triggering disruptions that have pushed up commodity prices around the world.
Iran has effectively sealed off the strait by threatening to deploy mines, drones, missiles and fastattack craft. The United States has countered by blockading Iranian ports and mounting escorted transitsforcommercialvessels.
Hegseth said the U S had successfullysecuredapaththrough the narrow waterway and that hundredsofcommercialshipswere lininguptopassthrough.
TheU.S.militarysaidtwoU.S. merchantshipsmadeitthroughthe strait, saying when, with the
U.S. Secretary of Defense Pete Hegseth holds a briefing on the Iran war, with Chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff
support of Navy guided-missile destroyers Iran denied any crossings had taken place, though shipping company Maersk (MAERSKb.CO), opens new tab said the Alliance Fairfax, a U.S.flaggedship,exitedtheGulfunder U.S.militaryescortonMonday
Several merchant ships in the Gulfreportedexplosionsorfireson Monday,andanoilportintheUAE, which hosts a large U.S. military base, was set ablaze by Iranian missiles.
Iran also said it fired warning shotsataU.S.warshipapproaching thestrait,forcingittoturnback.
R e u t e r s c o u l d n o t independently verify events in the strait as the two sides issued contradictorystatements.
General Dan Caine, the chairmanoftheU.S.JointChiefsof
China says wider U.S. sanctions on Cuba are ‘illegal’
(Reuters)-ChinaurgedWashingtononTuesday to immediately end its embargo and sanctions on Cuba, saying the expanded were “illegal” and “seriously violated” the norms of international relations.
U.S. President Donald Trump, seeking to put morepressureonHavanaafteroustingVenezuela’s leader, signed an executive order on Friday broadening U.S. sanctions against the Cuban government, two White House officials told Reuters.
Beijing has voiced support for the socialist island after tension flared in January between the United States and Cuba after the U.S. captured Venezuelan leader Nicolas Maduro, long a close allyofCuba.
“TheUnitedStateshasintensifieditsunilateral sanctions against Cuba,” China’s foreign ministry said, criticising the move as “seriously violating” thebasicnormsofinternationalrelations.
“China urges the United States to immediately end the embargo and sanctions against Cuba and any form of coercive pressure,” it added in a statement,
A view of Cuban and U.S. flags beside the U.S. Embassy in Havana, Cuba, May 13, 2024. REUTERS/Alexandre Meneghini
saying they violated the Cuban people’s right to existenceanddevelopment.
China backs Cuba’s efforts to safeguard national sovereignty and security and resolutely opposes interferenceinitsinternalaffairs,theministryadded.
ended immediately, it would take threetofourmonthstodealwiththe consequences.
U.S. and Iranian officials have held one round of face-to-face peace talks, but attempts to set up furthermeetingshavefailed.
Iranian state media said on SundaythattheU.S.hadconveyed its response to a 14-point Iranian proposalviaPakistan,andIranwas reviewing it. Neither side gave details. Iranian Foreign Minister Abbas Araqchi said peace talks were still progressing with Pakistan’s mediation, and warned theU.S.andtheUAEagainstbeing drawnintoa“quagmire”.
Staff, said Iranian attacks against U S forces fell “below the threshold of restarting major combatoperationsatthispoint”.
AskedwhatIranwouldneedto do to violate the ceasefire, Trump said:“Theyknowwhatnottodo.”
PAKISTAN’S MEDIATION EFFORTS CONTINUE
Thewarhaskilledthousandsas it spread beyond Iran to Lebanon and the Gulf, and has roiled the global economy The head of the International Monetary Fund said onTuesdaythateveniftheconflict
HewastravellingtoBeijingon Tuesday for talks with his Chinese counterpart, his ministry said TrumpisalsoduetovisitChinathis month. A senior Pakistani official involvedintalkssaid:“Wehaveput inalotofefforts-actuallyboththe sides have narrowed gaps on a majorityoftheissues”.
Trump has said the U.S.-Israeli attacks aimed to eliminate what he called imminent threats from Iran, citing its nuclear and ballistic missileprogrammesanditssupport forHamasandHezbollah.
Trump has insisted Iran must surrender its enriched uranium stockpilestopreventitproducinga nuclear weapon - an ambition Tehrandenies.
(AP) TheU.S.militarysaid itlaunchedanotherstrikeonaboat accused of ferrying drugs in the CaribbeanSea,killingtwopeople Monday
The Trump administration’s campaign of blowing up alleged drug-trafficking vessels in Latin American waters has persisted sinceearlySeptemberandkilledat least 188 people in total. Other strikes have taken place in the easternPacificOcean.
DespitetheIranwar,theseries ofstrikeshaverampedupagainin recent weeks, showing that the administration’s aggressive measures to stop what it calls “narcoterrorism” in the Western Hemispherearenotlettingup.The militaryhasnotprovidedevidence that any of the vessels were carryingdrugs.
The attacks began as the U.S. built up its largest military presence in the region in generations and came months ahead of the raid in January that
captured then-Venezuelan PresidentNicolásMaduro.Hewas brought to NewYork to face drug trafficking charges and has pleadednotguilty In the latest attack Monday, U.S.SouthernCommandrepeated previous statements by saying it had targeted the alleged drug traffickers along known smuggling routes. It posted a videoonXshowingaboatmoving along the water before a massive explosion engulfs the vessel in flames. President Donald Trump has said the U.S. is in “armed conflict” with cartels in Latin America and has justified the attacksasanecessaryescalationto stem the flow of drugs into the United States and fatal overdoses claiming American lives. But his administration has offered little evidence to support its claims of killing“narcoterrorists.” Critics, meanwhile, have questioned the overall legality of theboatstrikes.
Momentum is building in the National Schools Basketball Festival’s Regional Conference, with the Georgetown-City division springingtolifewithanotherexciting weekendattheCliffAndersonSports Hall. The Bishops’High ‘A’, Marian Academy, and St Rose’s High all recorded convincing victories in an entertainingSundayshowcase.
The few vocal supporters in attendanceweretreatedtothreehighscoring encounters, highlighted by a dominant showing from Bishops’ High‘A’,whooverwhelmedtheir‘B’ side 49–12. Eli Archer delivered a standoutdouble-doubleperformance, finishing with 11 points and 13 rebounds to spearhead the 37-point rout. He was well supported by Yisdalayah Yisreal, who contributed 11 points, nine rebounds, and four steals in an all-around effort. Despite the heavy defeat, Nkosi Griffith battled hard for Bishops’‘B’, ending withsevenpointsand10rebounds.
In the second matchup, Marian Academy cruised to a 37-point win over School of the Nations, powered by the impressive duo of Lucas Pinol
andNhylGeorge.Pinolcontrolledthe tempo throughout, registering 14 points and 11 rebounds for a composed double-double George complemented the effort with 12 points and nine rebounds, as Marian assertedtheirdominanceonbothends of the court. The final game of the evening produced another offensive display,withStRose’sHighdefeating Queen’s College by 16 points ShaquanCallendarledthechargewith a double-double of 12 points and 13 rebounds, while Christian Williams addedagame-high15points.Jeremy Chung also made a valuable contribution, tallying 11 points and nine rebounds to secure the 44-28pointwin.
With competition already underwayinboththeCityandAncient Conferences,theNSBFqualifiersare shaping up to be one of the most exciting editions of the Youth BasketballGuyanacircuit.
The regional tournament is sponsoredbyEdwardB.BeharryLtd., G-Boats Inc., the National Sports Commission, the Ministry of Education,andBanksDIHLtd.
- Marian Academy, Bishops High ‘A’ also register wins
Part of the GeorgetownCity Conference between Queen’s College and St Rose’s High School.
Frompage34
red-ball cricket, get some good mileage, where he could get enough time to improve on his game. This format would definitely help you improve once you get enough time toworkwithyourplans.”
Hercules added that the youngster remains a long-term prospect for Guyana: “He’s a young player with lots of potential. We thought it was best to give him that opportunity to come and be a part of the group.He’sagoodplayer,hehasgreatwork ethic, and definitely someone who is a prospectforthefuture.
“Hopefully he grasps the opportunity given to him and continues to grow from strengthtostrengthandrepresenthiscountry withpride.”
Van Lange, along withThaddeus Lovell, replaces Isai Thorne, who is sidelined through injury, and Shamar Joseph, who is unavailable but is expected to return for the championshipfinal.
The full Squad Reads: Tevin Imlach (Captain), Matthew Nandu (Vice-Captain), Tagenarine Chanderpaul, Kevlon Anderson, Kemol Savory, Richie Looknauth, Jonathan Van Lange, Gudakesh Motie, Veerasammy Permaul, Zeynel Ramsammy, Thaddeus Lovell,NialSmith,KeemoPaul.
The fixture forms part of Guyana’s preparation for the Cricket West Indies Regional Four-Day Championship final on May17,wherethedefendingchampionswill faceeitherTrinidadandTobagoRedForceor BarbadosPride.
West Coast Warriors whipped Empire Strikersbyahandsome,95-runmargininthe continuation of the 2026 Commonwealth Cricket League 30-over tournament on Sunday at Westbury High School in New York.
Warriors have now registered two victories from as many matches. They are sittingatthetopofthepoints’tablewithRow Rangersalsosnappingtwowinsbutinsecond positionwith4pointsaswell.
Aftertheywereinvitedtotakefirstknock againstEmpireStrikers,Warriorstalliedupa competitive176-8attheexpirationofthe30overs.
EmpireStrikers,inreply,collapsedfor81 inthe21stover
ARIES(Mar.21–Apr.19)
For you,Aries, love is like an adventure, crazy sport, or some sort of video arcade game. Lately, you may have been too caught up in the fantasyaspectofit.
TAURUS(Apr.20–May20)
Love and romance should be going well for you now, Taurus. However, today you couldfindthatthingsgetabit uneasy when either you or your partner suspects somethingisn'ttrue.
GEMINI(May21–June20)
The notion of truth could get shot down today due to someone who knows you better than most, Gemini. It won't take a long, drawn-out conversation or deep explanation to reveal the fact thatthereisabitofdeception.
CANCER(June21–July22)
Do what you can to stabilize your emotions, Cancer Romanceshouldbeonaslow, steady path as long as you're honest with yourself and othersabouthowyoufeel.
LEO(July23–Aug.22)
You need to slow down in matters of love and romance, Leo. You're likely acting on theassumptionthatthingsare fine and you can continue moving at lightning speed eventhoughyoulongagolost yourroadmap.
VIRGO(Aug 23–Sept 22)
Issues of love and romance should be going well for you, Virgo, and you'll find that regardlessofwhereyouarein your relationships, you're right where you need to be. There's an element of fantasy atworktoday
LIBRA(Sept.23–Oct.22)
Thingsarecomingtoadifficult stalemateregardingthelovein yourlife,Libra.Perhapsyou've felt like everything was going fine and you had nothing to worry about. In reality, this notion of "fine" was just your self-denial.
SCORPIO(Oct.23–Nov 21)
Loveisveryrealtoyou.You're apt to take it very seriously, perhaps even too seriously This is one of those emotions thateventuallytakesoveryour brain and leaves no room for rationalthoughtsonthetopic.
SAGIT(Nov 22–Dec.21)
Matters of the heart are likely to get a bit sticky, Sagittarius. Perhapsyoufeelasifsomeone is shutting off from you and being very stubborn about it. Perhaps this person is giving youthecoldshoulder
CAPRI(Dec.22–Jan.19)
Your warm, loving, romantic nature is noticed whether you realize it or not, Capricorn. Perhaps you sometimes feel like there isn't enough excitement in your lifeespeciallyyourlovelife.
AQUARIUS(Jan.20–Feb.18)
When it comes to romance in your life,Aquarius, there may be a great deal of talk but not enough action. Perhaps you're a terrific flirt who can keep things moving at a quick pace intellectually
PISCES(Feb.19–Mar.20)
Things are coming to a dramatic climax for you in matters of love and romance. Perhaps you've been nurturing a relationship.You've put a lot of passion and soul into buildingastrongconnection.
Warriors were indebted to all-rounder Javed Shafeek who hit a resilient, unbeaten 62.Warriors tottering at 93-8 after 20 overs, however, Shafeek batted with a great degree ofconfidencetoslamthreesixesandcaressed fourfours.
During his 58-ball occupation at the crease,ShafeekandDeonarinePhagoo(24*) ensured there was no more fuss as they stitched together a vital, unbroken 83-run ninth-wicketpartnership.
On a pitch deemed tricky in chilly conditions, medium-pacer Sid Bari churned out a pulsating, bowling performance for
Empire Strikers by claiming 5-33 from his maximum six overs while Ahmed Shafayet supportedwith2-40offsixovers.
When Empire Strikers batted, Shafayet gave his team’s innings some amount of respectabilitywithafighting17asWarriors’ spin-pacecombinationmadeamessofthem.
Off-spinnerAkib Mullin took 3-12 from three tidy overs and left-arm pacer Kenly Adams also accounted for three victims but he conceded 21 runs from his six-overstint.
Anthony Providence was in the wicket-column too capturing 2-0 off a mere three deliveries.
Meanwhile,theactionwill continue on Sunday in this Zone A 6-team tournament. Warriors will come up against Row Rangers in their next outing while Empire Strikes willfaceoffwithWhimBoyz. The competition is slated toconcludeinSeptember
Frompage33
EaglesBoxingGym
Inaseparatesetofbouts, ALG also enjoyed success, including Lennox Lawrence picking up a victory over CortMahase(NABA),while KenHarvey(ALG)stoodout with a strong performance against Isiah Nurse (RHJ), earning recognition as Best Boxer of the tournament segment.
Other notable results included victories for Josiah Thambaran (RHJ), Ronaldo Hunte (ALG), Simeon Haymer (ALG), and Jofes Jackson (NABA), rounding out a competitive and balanced showing across participatingclubs.
GBA President Steve Ninvalle presented food hampers to Best Boxers and announced that the next tournament will be held on May16th.
Frompage35 federation. Led by Mrs. Marcia Lee, the participants were taught the basics of chess, including checkmate and other tactical elements.Mrs.Leewasaidedinthe coaching by CM Taffin Khan, WCM Jessica Callender, and NellishaJohnson.
The GCF wishes to thank Rouge Salon and Spa, Mrs. SuparnaNarine,andMrs.Harrison for providing lunch, snacks, and beveragesfortheevent.
In line with its mandate to decentralizethesport,theGCFhas launcheditsexpansioninitiativein Region3.
The Federation aims to empowerschoolstoestablishtheir own chess clubs as a cornerstone
programming We invite all schools within the region to participate in our comprehensive training program, designed to provide students with a robust foundationinthegame
Building on the success of the Girls’Camp, the GCF will host its Youth Chess Training this weekend,May9thand10th,atthe Leonora Stadium Open to both boys and girls, these sessions will runfrom10:00amto3:00pmdaily This initiative will introduce
students to the world of chess, specifically designed to sharpen critical thinking and strategic reasoning. The GCF invites all Region 3 schools to register their
allotted number of participants; registration forms are currently available through school administrations or via the GCF’s officialFacebookpage.
Action in the recent programme.
The GCF in collaboration with the Ministry of Education is introducing the game to schools in its chess-in-education drive as a model for strategic thinking and
competition among students. The GCF would like to thank the Ministry of Education and the United of Allied Arts for their supporttowardstheprogram.
The National Sports Commission, Ministry of Culture, Youth and Sport 11th edition of the Janet and Cheddi Jagan Windball Cricket competition continued with matchesontheCorentyne.
The competition which is organisedbySeniorSportsOfficer AllisterMunroesawmatchesbeing played in the Region 6 Corentyne Zone.
The inclement weather again interrupted matches which were being played at the John Port Mourant Community Centre Ground.
ResultsofgamesintheCheddi Jagan boys’ competition:- Lower Corentyne Secondary batting first and made 90-2, off their 5 overs with Natheniel Ramsammy 69 (6sx9)andJadenGanpat12.
J C Chandisingh Secondary in reply31-5withShahidTinbhowan 13.
In another game, Skeldon Line Path Secondary booked their place in the final after defeating Tagore MemorialSecondary SkeldonLinePathchoosetobat first and made 59-2. Solomon Hercules28andRahulLambert10. TagoreMemorialinreplywere restricted to 32-3 with Lovendra Ashadatcontributing13.
ManchesterSecondaryinreply 37-4, Presca Glasgow 10. Naiomi Gibsontook2wicketsbowlingfor
Theotherschoolsadvancingto thesemifinalsareLowerCorentyne Secondary and Manchester Secondary Janet Jagan girls, semifinals results - Defending Region 6 champions Lower Corentyne Secondary marched into the finals after defeating Manchester Secondary Lower Corentyne batted first and made 61-2 with Dallia Lowe 26.
thewinners. In another game-Tagore Memorial Secondary batted first andmade20. Winifred Gaskin Memorial Secondary replied with 21-1 Roxann Benn scored 10. (Samuel Whyte)
Dolphin Speed Swim
Club tallied an
impressive 510 5 points to emerge Club
Champions, when the Torpedo Swim Club of Linden staged its LindenTownWeekSwimMeetat theToucanMallSwimPoolinthe miningtownonSunday,April26, to mark the town’s 56th anniversarycelebrations.
Somesevenclubsparticipated in the successful meet where 76 races were held in several age categories where hosts Torpedo had to settle for second position aftergaining481points,finishing ahead of third placed Sea Otters SwimClubwith377points.
Following the podium finishers were fourth placed Mafra Swim Club on 154 points, ahead of Orca Speed Swim Club 152.5 points, Dorado Swim Club with 98.5 points and the cellar position taken by Silver Sharks Aquatic Swim Club who were on 47points.
The various champion performers were: 6 and Under BoysChampionReheemMcLean of Torpedo Swim Club, 6 and Under Girls Champion Kitana
Parsram of Orca Swim Club, 7-8
BoysChampionAlonzoSimonof Mafra Swim Club, 7-8 Girls
Champion Keyana Welcome of MAFRASwimClub,8andUnder
Boys Champi
E
war Roopnarine of Dolphin Speed Swim Club, 8 and Under Girls
Champion Adelaide Roberts of SeaOttersSwimClub,9-10Boys
Champion Chianand Roopnarine
Dolphin Speed Swim Club, 9-10
Girls Champion Aria McKoy of SeaOttersSwimClub.
In other results, 11-12 Boys
Champion Malakhiy Patokie of DolphinSpeedSwimClub,11-12
GirlsChampionRebhaLachhman of Orca swim Club, 13-14 Girls champion Akiesha Pulmeyere of Torpedo, 13 14 Boys Champion
Jelani Oding of Sea Otters Swim Club,15-17yearsBoyschampion Zidan John of Torpedo Swim Club, 15-17 Girls Champion
Shareefah Lewis of Sea Otters Swim Club, and the 18 years and Over Boys Champion Paul Mahaica of the Dolphin Speed SwimClub.
TheYoungest Male Swimmer was three years old Josiah Denny ofTorpedo Swim Club,Youngest
Female Swimmer five years old Kitana Parsram, Oldest male swimmer was 22 years old Chaill GoddetteofSeaOttersSwimClub and the Oldest Female swimmer 22yearsoldMs.LatishaBlair
The event which was sanctioned by the Guyana Amateur Swimming Association (GASA)wasusedasaTimeTrial fortheGoodwillGamestobeheld inTrinidadandTobagoinAugust. Coordinatoroftheswimmeet Ms Mary Chung-Phillips informed that based on feedback, it is expected to be an annual Linden Town Week event. She noted several sponsors donated trophies, medals and food hampers, which ensured that the meetwasasuccess.Thesearethe Linden Fund Canada, Joann Dhanpaul and Family and the Toucan Mall Also, Neville ‘Zipper’ Johnson, Nazeema and Lenworth Warner, Trim Brothers John, Grenville aka ‘Bonny’ and Avery (Sr.), Ryan Lewis and Family,McRae’sHardwareStore, ColinRodneyandSons,Dr Deon Anderson, Omali Dare, Linden MayorandTownCouncilandthe TorpedoSwimClub.
The Guyana Boxing
Association (GBA) Developmental Tournament delivered an action-packed afternoonofemergingtalent and competitive bouts last Saturday at the Andrew “Sixhead” Lewis Gym, with Harpy Eagles Boxing Gym emerging as the standout force.
Featuring boxers across multiple age and weight
divisions, the event showcased the depth of grassroots boxing talent currently being nurtured across Guyana’s leading gyms, including Harpy Eagles, Pace & Power, New Amsterdam Boxing Academy (NABA), and AndrewLewisGym(ALG). Harpy Eagles, under coach James ‘Sack’ Walcott, and just months after returning from a six-year hiatus, was
crownedChampionGym.
The opening bout in the 23–26kg category saw Abu Barker of Harpy Eagles
produce a clinical performance, stopping teammate Delroy Thomas, whentherefereestoppedthe contest one minute, 20 secondsinthethirdround.
Barker’s composed finishsetanearlytoneforhis gym’sdominance.
Momentum continued in the27–30kgdivision,where Omar Barker of Harpy Eagles secured a points victory over Nathan Sugrim in an evenly contested bout thathighlightedthetechnical growth within the gym’s youthranks.
Inthe29–32kgmatchup, Omarion Williams (Harpy Eagles) impressed with a rapid stoppage of Tyrese De Younge (Pace & Power),
forcedtherefereetostopthe fight after just over one minute of action in round one.
H a r p y E a g l e s ’ dominance in the early card was further reinforced when TeroyMullindefeatedTerrel Matherson (Pace & Power) in just two rounds, after the refereesteppedin.
Pace & Power and ALG fought back in the middle segmentofthecard.
Ukesh Persaud (NABA) edged Imhotep Vanderstoop (ALG)viasplitdecisionina tightly contested 30–33kg bout, while Denzil Thomas (Harpy Eagle) responded with a second-round win over Kevin Klass (Pace & Power).
One of the more unusual results came in the 39–42kg division, where Delon Andrews (Harpy Eagles)
was awarded a walkover victory over Kelon Mullin, adding another win to the HarpyEaglestally Donovon Choy then deliveredoneofthequickest stoppagesoftheday,forcing a first-round stoppage against Marcus Vanderstoop injust55seconds.
The female bout in the 43–46kg category saw Makayla Ross (Pace & Power)secureawell-earned points victory over Kenisha Klass in a competitive display that highlighted the growing participation and quality in women’s boxing locally
In the 47–50kg bout,
Rommel George (Pace & Power) edged Josh Chester ( A L G ) o n p o i n t s , maintaining the competitive balancebetweenthegyms.
DyreckSpringer(Pace& Power) earned a win by abandonment over Curtis McDonald (NABA) in the 61–64kg category, while Emmanuel Sandiford (Pace &Power)narrowlydefeated HothamVancooten(NABA) viasplitdecisioninaclosely foughtcontest.
Akeem Ross (Pace & Power) delivered another stoppagevictory,thistimein round two against Itavius Vanderstoop (ALG) in the 48–51kgdivision.
In the final bout of the main card, Emmanuel Campbell (Pace & Power) recorded a swift win over Jofes Jackson (NABA) after Jackson was forced to abandon in the opening roundat1:02.
At the conclusion of the tournament,severalstandout performers were recognized fortheirexcellence:
* Best School Age Boxer: Abu Barker (Harpy Eagles)
* Best Junior Boxer: ItaviusVanderstoop
* Best Youth Boxer: JofesJackson
*BestGym:Harpy
Continued on page 29
The Guyana Cricket Board (GCB) has announced a 13-man Guyana Harpy Eagles squad for the upcoming four-day warm-up match against the West Indies Academy, scheduled for May 10 through13attheAntiguaRecreationGroundinSt.John’s.
Headliningthesquadisthemaidenseniorcall-upforJonathan VanLange,aformerGuyanaUnder-17andUnder-19captainwho recentlyfeaturedattheICCUnder-19CricketWorldCup.
Head coach Ryan Hercules explained the decision: “Van Lange’s inclusion for the squad for the next round, obviously he would have played in the West Indies Under-19 World Cup recently,andhe’sbeenapartofourcontractedplayers’listaswell fromacricketingperspective.
“Ithinkitwouldbeagreatopportunityforhimtoplaysome
Continued on page 29
Leopold Street
Theseconddayofthe‘StarsAmongStars’ Futsal Championship delivered a rollercoaster of excitement and surprises, as the tournament heats up with fierce battles and dramatic upsets. Billed for the National Gymnasium,Monday’sactionshowcasedthe intensity and unpredictability that has become the hallmark of local Futsal competition.
The eventual winners will secure $1.5 million in cash, the tournament offers over four million dollars in cash prizes and is proudlysupportedbytheMinistryofCulture, Youth and Sport through its ‘One Guyana’ initiative. The day kicked off with Broad Street making a commanding statement, securing a 3-1 victory overAvocado Ballers inadominantdisplay Theirdecisivewinset the tone for an action-packed evening that would witness shock results and heroic performances.
Perhapsthemostshockingupsetcameas HerstellingFutsalteamhandedAlbouystown a humiliating 5-1 defeat. Albouystown was unable to recover after conceding an early goal, with Herstelling exploiting defensive lapses to dominate proceedings, eventually
winning5-1.
LeopoldStreetalsodeliveredastatement, dismantlingtheSpanishsidewitha4-1rout. Theirclinicalexecutionandstalwartdefence at crucial moments proved instrumental in securing a commanding victory, further cementing their status as serious contenders fortheroundofsixteen.
The match involving Team Cruel and FestivalCitywasatightaffair,withthelatter edgingouttheformer1-0afteratensebattle. Conversely, Northeast advanced seamlessly, asStevedorefailedtomakeanappearance.
Back Circle also moved forward, overcoming Pablo City 2-0 in a disciplined performance.
The evening’s action concluded with dominant wins from Team Spirit and Bent Street Spirit showcased their offensive prowessbydefeatingUnityBallers4-2,while Bent Street delivered a resounding 4-0 victory over Team Madrid, reaffirming their statusasformidablecontenders.
With eight more teams advancing, the tournament continues to captivate its supporters with high-octane action, surprisingresults,andnewemergingstars.
Broad Street
In an effort to reward performance across the board, organisers have significantly increased the prize pool.
FLSport,theorganisersofthefourthOne Guyana T10 Tapeball Blast, is officially urging teams across the country to register early for what is set to be the most lucrative andprestigiouseditionofthetournamentyet.
Withregistrationscheduledtogolivethis Friday, May 8, officials are warning interested squads to move quickly to avoid missing out on the 80-team, straightknockoutcompetition.
Tournament Director John Ramsingh noted that in previous years, several teams were left on the sidelines after waiting too longtofinalisetheirrosters.
Heclarifiedthat,forthisseason,teamsdo notneedtosubmittheirfullplayerlistsatthe timeofregistration,andregistrationtoteams isopentoanyzone.
Instead, squad submission will follow a phased approach based on when a specific zone is scheduled to play, allowing teams to securetheirspotnowandfinalisetheirtalent poolclosertogameday
TheentryfeeissetatG$35,000perteam, andregistrationformswillbeavailableonthe tournament's social media platforms starting May8,orviaWhatsAppat+5926352235.
Inanefforttorewardperformanceacross the board, organisers have significantly increasedtheprizepool.
Every team reaching the quarter-final stage or beyond is guaranteed a cash prize, ensuringthateventhosewhofallshortofthe trophywalkawaywithatangiblerewardfor theirefforts.
Financialincentivesforthe2026Blastare substantial, with losing quarter-finalists earning $25,000 and losing semi-finalists at thezonelevelreceiving$50,000.
Zonal finalists will pocket $200,000, whilezonewinnersreceive$500,000andthe
opportunity to compete for a $2,000,000 grandprizeattheNationalFinals.
The national runner-up will earn an additional $1,000,000, and the two losing semi-finalists at the national level will receive$500,000each.
Beyondthelocalglory,thefourteamsthat qualify for the national finals will also earn the honour of representing Guyana at the upcomingGlobalT10TapeballBlast.
The tournament is scheduled to bowl off ontheweekendofAugust8–9inBerbicewith a16-teamcapfortheopeningleg.
The action then shifts to the East Bank/WestDemerarazoneonAugust15–16, followed by the Essequibo zone on August 22–23.
A short hiatus will follow to accommodatepreparationsfortheCaribbean Premier League (CPL) in Guyana and the finals in Barbados, ensuring maximum visibility and availability for the sport's fans andplayers.
Following the CPL conclusion, the tournamentresumeswithanextendedformat for the Georgetown/East Coast Demerara zone.
Thisfinalzonallegwillspanfourplaying dates, covering the Round of 32 through to thezonefinalsonOctober3–4.
This structured build-up leads to the national grand finale on October 11, which will be hosted for the first time at the brandnew Anna Regina National Stadium in RegionTwo.
Individual brilliance will also be handsomely compensated, with the tournament MVP receiving $150,000 and a motorbike, while the leading run-scorer and wicket-taker will each earn $100,000 and a television.
Saturday,May2,2026,markedasignificantmilestonefor theGuyanaChessFederation(GCF)astheGuyanaWomenin ChessCommunity(GWICC)successfullylauncheditsGirls’ Chess Camp in Region 3. Hosted at the Leonora Stadium, WestDemerara,theeventdrewavibrantcrowdof21girlsand educators from local institutions, including Leonora SecondarySchoolandQayyimAcademy.Between10:00am and 3:00 pm, the stadium was transformed into a hub of strategic learning, signalling a bright future for female representationinthesport.
The workshop welcomed both newcomers and experienced players. While the girls and their teachers were introduced to the fundamentals, those already familiar with thegamereceivedadvancedtraining.Theone-dayeventwasa resounding success; by its conclusion, every female had mastered the rules and was playing confidently Each participantwasgivenabookletforbeginnersdetailingchess rulesandbasiccheckmateandtacticssothattheycancontinue tolearnontheirown.
The GWICC aims to increase the number of girls and womeninchessinGuyana.Overtheyears,thenumberofgirls playingthesporthasincreasedsignificantlywithinthe
Continued on page 30
