import bill to almost US$6 billion by mid-2025
2026 budget plans - WIN
…asregionstillwithoutchairman …renewscallstoreconveneelections
Guyana’s total import bill for the first six months of 2025 was almost US$6 billion, largely due to thenewFloatingProduction Storage and Offloading vessel (FPSO) that has arrived to develop the resources in the fourth oil project,Yellowtail.
This is according to the mid-year report, recently publishedbytheMinistryof Finance The document
explained, “Import payments stood at
US$5,894.6 million at the end of the first half of the year, growing by 81 1 percent, when compared withthecorresponding2024 position.”
The report states that the increased import bill was mainly a result of an expansionintheimportation of capital goods, which rose by 185 5 percent to US$3,881 7 million and accountedfor95.8percentof theoverallincrease.
“Notably, a significant portion of this increase can be attributed to the importation of the One GuyanaFPSO,whichvalued
US$2,534 1 million,” the documentrevealed.
Additionally, Guyana also recorded a 24 5% increaseintheimportationof goods for consumption during the period, which totalled US$616.6 million.
“Within this, the imports of other durables, motor cars, food for final consumption, and other non-durable goods, increased by
US$34.1 million, US$28.5 million, US$21.6 million, and US$20 6 million, respectively In contrast, the importation of intermediate
goods declined by 0 7 percent to US$1,385 3 million, mainly on account offuelandlubricantsfalling by US$51.7 million,” the reportstates.
Meanwhile, Guyana’s non-oil exports reached some US$919 7 million duringthefirstsixmonthsof the year, an increase of 12.5%.Thereportexplained that the higher export earnings was mainly supported by gold and bauxite expanding by US$147 5 million and
respectively During the period, Guyana benefitted fromsoaringgoldpricesand highervolumesforbauxite.
“Gold reached an alltime high of US$3,500 per ounceinApril2025androse further in the second half, benefiting from global
geopolitical uncertainty and strong demand for safehavenassets,whichsupports export earnings,” the report said.
On the other hand, rice prices declined by 30.5%, averaging US$434 2 per met
onne, amid production challenges like the paddy bug infestation, prompting government interventions including fertilizer subsidies and emergency relief to protect farmers.
According to the document, sugar prices averaged US$0 4 per kilogramme during the first half of 2025, a decline of 13.1% when compared with theaverageinthefirsthalfof 2024.
After spending more than two weeks on remand for allegedly trafficking marijuana, former Member of Parliament (MP) and member of Alliance for Change (AFC) Devin Sears was on Friday granted $400,000 bail by the high court.
O
O
Liverpool at the Linden Magistrat
, remanded 39-year-old Sears toprisonafterhepleadednot guilty to the charge. His coaccused, 69-year-old Albert Sandy,wassentencedtofour years imprisonment followinghisguiltyplea.
Sears’ lawyer Nigel Hughes confirmed a successful application for bail was made before Chief Justice (ag) Navindra Singh at the High Court on Friday Hughes and attorney Bernard Da Silva appeared forSears,whoissettoreturn to the Linden Magistrate’s CourtonNovember11fora reportanddisclosure.
Sears and Sandy were nabbed on the morning of October 20, with a quantity of ganja during a policestop-and-search operation at Bamia,Region10.
In a statement, police saidthatatabout20:41hrs,a team was on mobile patrol duties in the vicinity of the Old Bamia Police CheckpointinLinden,when they arrested Sears and Sandy, a farmer of Tacama,
Upper Berbice River The men were found to be in possession of 310 71 kilogramsofcannabis.
According to the police, while on patrol duties, the ranks were conducting random ‘stop and search’, when they stopped a dark blue Toyota Hiace minibus, bearing registration number BAJ 4486, property of Region #10 Tourism Committee Inc. The vehicle was driven by Sears, of Mackenzie, Linden, accompanied by Sandy who was seated in the front passengerseat.
Police said upon stopping the vehicle, the driver began acting in a suspiciousmanner(sweating profusely). One of the ranks askedthedriverwhathewas transporting, to which he replied, “I am transporting tourism plants.” The rank then instructed the driver to
Granted bail, Devin Sears
pull to the side of the road and informed him that a search would be conducted on the vehicle. The driver acknowledged.
Police discovered twenty-two bulky black plastic bags and four large browncanvasbagsinsidethe vehicle containing leaves, seeds, and stems suspected to be cannabis. Both men were told of the offence, arrested,andcautioned.
Sears, police said, remainedsilent,whileSandy admitted ownership, stating thatthenarcoticsbelongedto him and that he had paid Sears to transport him to Parika.
Both men were arrested and escorted to the Mackenzie Police Station along with the suspected cannabis, which was weighed in their presence and amounted to 310 71 kilograms.
It has been almost one month since the Regional Democratic Council (RDC) election for Region 10 (Upper Demerara–Upper Berbice) was suspended, leavingtheregionwithoutan elected Regional Chairman orViceChairman.
The elections held on October 10, ended in a tie with nine votes each for candidates for We Invest in Nationhood (WIN) and A Partnership for National Unity (APNU), after which the Regional Executive Officer (REO) and Clerk of Council, Dwight John, suspended the proceedings andreferredthemattertothe M i n i s t e
, Priya Manickchand.
WIN on October 12, issued a 48-hour ultimatum through its lawyer demanding that the REO reconvenes the RDC and complete the election process or face legal action. However,todatethishasnot beendone.
InastatementonFriday, W I N s a i d , “ T h i s unprecedented delay has createdaseriousgovernance vacuumwithintheRDCand is now impeding the statutory and developmental
functions of the region’s highest decision-making body.”
The party outlined that there is a governance paralysis and oversight breakdown within the RDC. It explained that under normal circumstances, the RDC operates through a system of statutory committees tasked with providing oversight, scrutiny,andpolicydirection t o t h e r e g i o n a l administration.
These include key committees such as the works committee, which oversees infrastructure and capital p
ee, responsible for monitoring education delivery and resources; the agriculture committee, which monitors agriculturalprogrammesand resources; the health committee, ensuring health services meet community needs; and the finance and administration committee, which reviews expenditure andbudgetimplementation.
It stated, “Without an
elected chairman, vice chairman, and properly convened statutory council, these critical committees have not been established or functioning, effectively disablingtheregion’ssystem ofchecksandbalances.This lackofdemocraticoversight undermines accountability in the execution of public projects and exposes the
c
, poor prioritisation, and lack of transparency in the use of publicfunds.”
Further compounding the issue, WIN outlined that the2026regionalbudgetwas recently submitted by the regional administration without the involvement or inp
“
deviation from established democratic practice,” WIN said. The party outlined that
Organs Act, Cap. 28:09 envisions the RDC as the central body responsible for consulting communities and
prioritising development needsbeforethepreparation andsubmissionoftheannual regionalbudget.
WIN contended that the exclusion of the elected council means that the true needs, priorities, and aspirationsoftheresidentsof Region 10 are not reflected in the budget submission “As a result, communities across the region, including Linden, Kwakwani, Ituni, and the riverain areas, face the risk of underfunded social programmes, unaddressed infrastructure needs, and reduced public trust in the democratic process,”itstated.
WINreiterateditscallfor the REO Dwight John to resume the election process for the positions of regional chairmanandvicechairman.
“The people of Region 10 deserve a functioning, democratically led regional democratic council, not administrative rule. It is imperative that due process be followed to restore
democratic governance, public accountability, and confidence in the regional system,”thepartysaid.
R e g i o n 1 0 h a s traditionally been a stronghold of the People’s National Congress Reform (PNCR). However, the PNC ledAPNU was dethroned at
newcomer WIN, led by businessman Azruddin Mohamed. This publication had reported that of the 38,460 electors on the officiallistofelectors(OLE) forRegion10,21,195voted.
WIN received 10,458 votes, followed by APNU with 5,334, People’s Progressive Party/Civic (PPP/C) with 4,260, Forward Guyana Movement(FGM)with662, Alliance for Change (AFC)
Region 10’s Regional Executive Officer (REO), Dwight John
with 210, and Assembly for Liberty and Prosperity (ALP)with85.
A total of 18 councilors wereswornin:nineforWIN, fiveforAPNU,threeforPPP, and one for the FGM.There were two nominations for regional chairman, WIN’s Mark Goring and APNU’s Dominque Blair Both men receivedninevoteseach.
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
Whenpeopledon'thaveenoughmoneyintheirhands to meet their basic needs, they will seek any avenue that promisestohelpthemclosethatdeficit. Whenthatavenue holds out the extra of going beyond assisting with basic expenses, then there is added incentive for those who are looking for a quick fix to see gambling as the answer to theirsituation. Whenpeoplelivinginanoilrichcountry that consistently makes headlines across the developed world flock gambling dens in the hope of walking away richer, it says so much. It emphasizes the desperation of theircondition,whatoilwealthhasn'tdoneforthem,and the reckless lengths they will go to find a solution, no mattertemporaryitprovestobe.
Therearethosewhoareaddictedtogambling,assome are to alcohol and other substances. There is the highsociety set for whom gambling is a luxurious and even a prestigious,pastime.
Theycanaffordtolosehugeamountsofmoneyatthe gamblingtable,orracetrack,oronavarietyofsports,and walkawaywithoutblinkinganeye. Theyarethatinsulated fromtheravagesthatgamblinginterest(oraddiction)can wreak on a partner, an entire family, and on the gambler, whateverformthatpresencetakes. Thenthereisanother kind of gambler, one who searches for any opening that offerssomefainthopethatitwillresultinsomemoneyin thehand. Gamblerslikethese,andtheycanbebothmen andwomen,aretheoneswhoarepushedbycircumstances to believe that they can beat the odds, and come out of a gamblingestablishmentasawinner
Thehistoryofgamblingisthatforeverywinner,there isahugecompanyoflosers. Theyarethosecitizenswho cannotaffordtolose,oftenthosewhohavenothingleftto lose. The casinos of Las Vegas and Monte Carlo have addedaglamoroustouchtogambling,makingitcool,the thing to do. The same types of casinos, with their wide range of attractions, now proliferate in Guyana, and the problemisthattheyarenotshortofcustomers.
The betting places are now not limited to hospitality establishments and other sanctioned outlets, but have sprungupalloverGuyana. Fromthesmallruralvillagesto thebiggerbusinesseswherethelureofabigpaydaygrabs many Guyanese by the throat and don't let go of them. Singlemothersnowformpartofthegamblingcrowdand, accordingtothegovernment,ithasnowrisentothelevel ofanationalscourge.
It is difficult, perhaps, for non-betting Guyanese to wraptheirmindsaroundthat,butgambling'sirresistibility and damage now falls in the same category of domestic violence,inthatitisanationalscourge.
WiththosebloatedfromGuyana'soilrichesbeingsuch a small percentage of the population, there is only one conclusionleftastowhoarethecitizensthatmakeupthe humanelementsinthegamblingscourge,nowatnational proportions. Inevitability,alleyesarecastinthedirection ofthepoorofGuyana. Thosethatthesplashofoilriches, their own inherited wealth, have passed by, and left them scrambling due to the cramps that intensify due to their living in a rising, squeezing cost-of-living environment. In such situations, some sell themselves to help they and their families manage from the produce of a day's (or night's)workonthestreets.
Otherssellthemselvesonthehopethatwhentheyroll thedice,makeaselection,orpushabutton,thatthatwould be the end of their troubles. It is a fool's hope, a bigger fool's dream, and part of the tragedy that citizens are compelledtothisstateofmindinacountryboastedaround theworldasthenewestoilparadise.
Anoilparadiseforthefewwhoarefavoured,noissues there. ButanoilhellforGuyanesemasses,whoexiston theirknees,andlooktogamblingtohelpthemgetontheir feet. Thegovernmentsaidthatitistargetinggambling. It wouldbebettertotargettheeconomicinequitiespounding somanyGuyanese.
DearEditor,
The Auditor General's Report for 2024, laid in the National Assembly on November 3, 2025, offers a soberingviewofpublic-fund management across critical sectors I
overpayments, defective
documentation that together reveal how far practice has strayedfromaccountability
In the Ministry of Housing,auditorsuncovered G$ 95 million in overpayments for infrastructure projects in Regions 3 and 4 andfoundmultipleinstances ofduplicatelandallocations. The Central Housing and P
internal-audit unit was described as weak, and several core-homes projects
were less than 40 percent complete by year-end 2024. For a Government that trumpets transparency, these findingsarenothingshortof alarming.
The Ministry of Home Affairs fares little better Fourpolice-stationcontracts worthG$1.4billionsuffered delays and construction defects, while the Guyana Fire Service paid G$88 million in advance for equipment never delivered.
Community-policing groups, which received G$136 million in grants, failed to submit a single consolidated financial statement. These lapses are not clerical oversights; they point to systemic disregard for procurement rules and internal controls Every
d
mismanagement is a dollar deniedtoafamilyawaitinga home or a community needingsaferstreets.
Beyondthenumberslies a question of credibility How can Government ask taxpayerstotrustnewmegaprojects when old ones r e m a i n m i r e d i n irregularities? The pattern. large advances, weak supervision, and late reporting, erodes public confidence and damages the morale of honest public servants Strengthening in
compliance reports, and enforcing sanctions for nonperformance should be treated as non-negotiable
recommendations. Parliament now has a clear duty to act on the Auditor General's evidence. The Public Accounts Committee must summon the accounting officers of Housing and Home Affairs, demand restitution where losses occurred, and ensure follow-through before the next budget cycle Accountability delayed is accountability denied. The people deserve assurance that their taxes build homes, eq
p stations, and strengthencommunities,not line the pockets of inefficiency
Yoursfaithfully,
SherodA.Duncan,MP
A P N U S h a d o w , MinistryofHousing/Home Affairs
Between 2022 and 2024 implementation rate of AG recommendations
DearEditor, The Government of Guyana has noted that some sections of the media are attempting to sensationalise selected parts of theAuditor General's report that was released on Monday, November3,2025.
We would like to point out that the PPP/C government reintroduced auditor general reports from 1993 and has consistently worked with the Auditor General to ensure that these reports are completed and presented to the National Assembly on or before the statutory deadline. Prior to thePPP/Cassumingofficein 1992, the PNC had failed to present the auditor general reports for 10 years, from 1982 to 1992, denying citizens the opportunity to know how their tax dollars werespent.
has been the highest in over a decade
Recognising that the AuditorGeneral'sreportisa vital instrument of transparency,accountability, and public trust, successive PPP/C governments have consistently provided the AuditorGeneralandhisstaff
with all the support necessary to fulfill their statutorymandate.
In this regard, the Accounting Officers have not only responded to queries from the Auditor General but have also taken concrete steps to improve
accountability and
t r a n s p a r e n c y b y i m p l e m e n t i n g t h e recommendations in his report. Between 2022 and 2024, the implementation rateofrecommendationshas been the highest in over a decade. In the 2024Auditor
General Report, for example, the government
Ahmadiyya Muslim Jama'at Guyana begins demolition of HQ to make way for new masjid and complex
DearEditor, TheAhmadiyya Muslim Jama'at Guyana
commencement of the demolition of its National Headquarters,locatedat198 Oronoque and Church Streets,Georgetown.
This historic building, originally purchased on January23,1978,duringthe tenure of Maulana Muhammad Aslam Qureshi Sahib, has served as the
central hub for the Jama'at's religious, administrative, andcommunityactivitiesfor overfourdecades.
The demolition marks the beginning of a new and significant chapter for the community
The existing structure willbereplacedbyamodern two-story Masjid and Headquarter Complex covering7,606squarefeet.
Thenewcomplex, (Continuedonpage5)
has implemented (either fully or partially) more than 80 percent of the recommendations made in thepreviousyear'sreport.
W e h a v e a l s o strengthened our system to prevent overpayments and have recovered these funds. Indeed, over the past three
years, all contractor overpayments have been
fully recovered an unprecedentedachievement.
B e c a u s e o f t h e implementation of the recommendations in the Audit Report, the number and severity of breaches havealsoreducedmarkedly More importantly, these efforts demonstrate this government's commitment
to transparency and accountability in public financial management, as wellastotheruleoflaw
Another notable achievement, which was reportedbytheAuditorinhis
DearEditor, Governments do not decrease subsidies/ grants they usually increase same, but not in Guyana. 2023 my pair of spectacles cost $51,000. I took the relevant information from my Optician to the Ministry of Human Services and Social Protection iecost $51,000 less NIS $12,000 balance $39,000The Ministry issued a cheque to my Optician for $24,000.Ipaid$15,000in
2024reportbutconveniently ignored by some media houses, is that the total number of audit opinions issued during the period September 2024 to August 2025 amounted to 254, whichisunprecedented,and covered various agencies, includingPublicEnterprises, Statutory Bodies, Trade Unions, Foreign Funded Projects, Municipalities, Neighbourhood Democratic Councils,andConstitutional Agencies. Responsible reporting will provide context when referencing the findings of the Auditor General's Report Any objective assessment would therefore acknowledge the substantial progressthathasbeenmade. Instead, we have seen selective reporting by some sections of the media intendedtocreatemischief.
Sincerely MinistryofFinance
2025 Spectacles cost $53,000 NIS $12,000, balance $41,000 Min of Healthvoucher$15,000 Ipaid $26,000 Subsidy 2023$24,000;2025--$15,000.
I am appealing to Vice President Dr Bharrat Jagdeo,toreviewthesubsidy allowanceorreturnsameback to the Ministry of Human Services and Social Protection.
Regards GeorgeMarshall
DearEditor, Georgetown and Bogotá face different oceans. One stretches toward the Atlantic, the other breathes the salt of the Pacific Between them rise the Andean mountains, and between them too lie centuries of difference -of language, landscape, and history.Yet these two cities, sofarapart,sharesomething deeperthangeography Both are human places struggling to find harmony between their physical growth and theircivicsoul.
Inthe1990s,Bogotáwas a city in despair Violence was rampant, corruption commonplace, traffic anarchy daily The people had retreated into distrust andprivatesurvival.Itwasa city not unlike others across thedevelopingworld:bigin populationbutsmallinhope. Then something astonishing happened: Bogotá elected a philosopherasmayor
His name was Antanas Mockus, a university rector with a Lithuanian name and a Colombian heart. He was not a businessman, soldier, orpartypolitician.Hewasa thinker, an educator who believed that ethics, imagination, and humour could rebuild what decades of bureaucracy and police could not. When he entered office in 1995, the experts predictedfailure.Instead,he gavethecitybackitsfaithin itself.
Mockus's idea was simple yet profound: laws alone do not civilize a people; culture does He called his programme cultura ciudadana “citizen culture.” It meant using every tool of art, philosophy, and common sense to restore civility, respect, and shared responsibility When he saw that traffic police could not control reckless drivers, he sent
mimes into the streets to mimic and mock those who broke the rules. Laughter proved more powerful than fines. When he noticed that citizens no longer cared about each other's behaviour,hedistributedred and green cards so that anyone could signal disapproval or approval to strangers. Within months, surveys showed that people felt safer and more connected.
Oneday,heappearedon television, towel around his waist, teaching Bogotá how to bathe efficiently and save water during a drought People copied him. Water consumption fell by forty percent. He invited the city toswitchoffitslightsforan hour to see the stars again, and suddenly, millions rememberedthattheyshared onesky
He asked the rich and poor alike to contribute a voluntary ten-percent “love
tax” to fund social works. Tens of thousands paid it willingly Later,whencrime began to decline and civic pride rose, the world took notice. Homicides dropped dramatically; tax revenues increased; public trust returned These gestures were theatrical, even poetic, yet they were also practical politics. Mockus treated the city not as a machine to be repaired but as a moral organism to be re-educated. “Whenthelaw,morality,and culture point in the same direction,”hesaid,“youcan changetheworld.”
Civicness as a Kind of Poetry
What Bogotá learned under Mockus is that good governanceisnotonlyabout laws, asphalt and concrete —itisaboutmeaning.Acity must not only function; it mustfeelright.Whenpeople begin to believe again in decency,humour,andshared space, they sweep their
graciously approved by the worldwide Head of the
Ahmadiyya Muslim Community, Hazrat Mirza MasroorAhmad(MayAllah behisHelper),willincludea beautiful mosque, offices, a mission house, and multipurpose facilities designed to better serve the growing needs of the community
The demolition is
scheduled to commence tomorrow (Friday, November7,2025)at12:30 PM, beginning with the FridaySermon,followedby Silent Prayer and the sacrifice of two goats/sheep asanexpressionofgratitude toAllahtheAlmighty This redevelopment represents not just a new building, but a renewed commitment to serving
humanity, fostering peace, and strengthening our community
The original structure hasplayedavitalroleinour history, and we now look forward to a future of continued growth and service under the guidance of Spiritual Leader, Hazrat MirzaMasroorAhmad(May AllahbehisHelper).
TheAhmadiyya Muslim
streets, respect crossings, and protect its animals and trees. The poet becomes an ally of the engineer; the teacherbecomesabuilderof bridges.
This lesson could not be timelier for Georgetown, a city rising once again with economic promise but facing the familiar challengesofdisorder,litter, noise,andcivicneglect.Our leaders speak often of laws and infrastructure, and rightly so. Roads, houses, drainage, and transport are essential Yet, as Bogotá discovered, no amount of finesandasphaltwillkeepa city clean if its citizens do notfeelownershipofit.The deeper work before us is moralandcultural.Wemust learn again the old virtues that once made our villages andtownssogracious—the polite greeting to a stranger, the quiet respect for public space,therefusaltolitter,the instinct to volunteer These are not small acts; they are thebricksofcivilization.
Jama'at Guyana, established in1960,continuestoplayan active role in promoting education, health, interfaith harmony, and humanitarian serviceacrossGuyana.
Regards
M a q s o o d A h m e d Mansoor
P r e s i d e n t a n d
MissionaryIn-Charge Ahmadiyya Muslim Jama'atGuyana
Imagine our schools teaching civic empathy alongside mathematicshow to listen, how to apologize, how to work together Imagine each new community development project coming with a local “civiccovenant,”apledgeof caresignedbyresidents.
In Guyana we often say that people must “change their attitude.” True. But attitude does not change by decree; it changes through example and imagination. Mockus proved that leadershipcanbeplayfuland profound at once — that a mayor can dance, cry, and jokehiscitybackintolife.
The Moral Infrastructure of Development Guyana'sdevelopment (Continuedonpage6)
Imagine a Georgetown thatembracesitsowncultura ciudadana Imagine the Mayor and City Council launching a “Respect the City” campaign not through scolding but through creativity: murals, street theatre, music, and humour that remind us who we are.
Frompage5 conversationtodayisrightly focused on oil revenues, energy transition, and modern infrastructure. But there is another kind of infrastructure we must not neglect the moral infrastructure that holds a society together when fortunes shift and ambitions
grow Without that foundation, prosperity breedsonlyindifferenceand waste. With it, even modest progress shines Bogotá's story reminds us that civicness is the invisible scaffoldingofdemocracy
It is what allows strangerstotrustoneanother enoughtoformanation. We do not need to copy Bogotá's methods exactly; Guyanahasitsownrhythms andhumour,itsownspiritof self-help and village pride. But we can take inspiration from the principle: that citizens are not problems to be managed, but partners to beinspired.
Let our schools host an
annual Festival of Citizenship, where students, artists, and local councils
The Ministry of Public Works on Friday announced that some 42 vendors from the community of Buxton who operate along the Railway Embankment will be relocated to facilitate the completion of the ongoing roadworks.
According to the ministry, Minister of Public Works, Juan Edghill met with the vendors on Friday where he discussed their relocation and the government's objective of creating safe roadways and establishing designated vending areas which will allow persons to continue
livelihoods.
The ministry stated a market tarmac will be constructed within the vicinityoftheBuxton-Foulis Neighbourhood Democratic Council(NDC).
“The initiative which is beingdeveloped,isexpected to aesthetically pleasing for the vendors and as such, a proposed design for stalls will be shared with the vendors.
Thenewtarmacwillalso be outfitted with amenities
lighting,” the ministry
explained.
The ministry said work on the new tarmac is expected to be completed withinthreeweeksandinthe interim,vendorsareallowed to ply their trade in their currentlocation.
During his visit to the area, the minister also met with residents who are within the alignment of the ongoing road widening project, encroaching on the roadways with their fences. He notified them that their fences will have to be removedinthenewweekfor the continuation of the road project.
this
The Ministry of
celebrate creative acts of civic renewal — cleaner parks, restored monuments, community gardens, or muralsofunity.
Let the Ministry of Education adopt a Civic Culture Curriculum, using stories from our history and the wider world to teach children that manners, honesty, and humour are forms of power Let the mediarewardthegoodnews as much as it exposes the bad.
Learningfroma Philosopher
Antanas Mockus once said he governed Bogotá as if it were a classroom, not a battlefield. His chalk was laughter, his textbook was ethics, his students were millionsofcitizens.
Whenaskedwhyheused artinsteadoffear,hereplied, “Because respect cannot be imposed it must be learned.”
That line should be written above every public office and city gate in Guyana. Respect cannot be imposed;itmustbelearned, practiced, and made joyful.
There are moments in a nation's life when what it needs most is not another grand project or towering edifice, but a change in the way people think about themselves and about one another. Guyana stands at suchamomentnow.
The cranes and concrete are moving, the highways lengthen, the lights spread into the hinterland — yet something deeper and quieter remains to be built: our civic culture, our shared sense of belonging, our understanding that the countryitselfisaworkofart in which every citizen holds a brush. Let the oil wealth pave our roads, but let imaginationpaveourhearts. Letusbuildnotonlybridges of steel but bridges of trust. Letusbecome,oncemore,a people whose laughter, decency, and care for one another are our proudest monuments.
For as the philosophermayor of Bogotá taught the world: to change a city, first teachittosmileagain.
Respectfully, Dr WalterH.Persaud
Finance's 2025 mid-year report has shown that Guyana's rice industry is expected to grow by some 12.4percentthisyear
Thisprojectedgrowthis expected despite the glut in the world market and the depressingly low prices offered by local millers to ricefarmersherethiscrop.
Local rice farmers have been lamenting what they saidaretheridiculouslylow pricesbeingofferedtothem for their paddy, much of whichislefttospoil.
Last week, Minister of Agriculture, Zulfikar Mustapha reaffirmed the government's support to rice farmers, but did not provide any concrete solution to the pricing distressescurrentlyfaced.
BackinSeptember,rice farmersinEssequibohelda massive protest in Anna Regina over the prices beingofferedforthepaddy, along with the huge amountsthathavebeenleft tospoilontheirhands.
In October, Kaieteur News spoke with rice farmersinMahaicony,who
relayed that they were pressing ahead with their harvests,evenastheyawait the long-promised talks with government officials over the crisis level prices beingofferedbymillersfor thiscrop.
Farmer Roopnarine
Etwaroo told this publication that despite multiple appeals, there has been no direct engagement w i t h g o v e r n m e n t representatives.
“We're still waiting on that appointment to meet withtheminister,”Etwaroo said “Our farmers are harvesting, yes — but at $2,800 a bag, it's below the break-even point We simplycan'tsustainthis.”
Farmerssaidthecurrent pricerepresentsasharpfall from the $4,000 per bag earned last crop, even after f a c t o r i n g i n t h e government's previous subsidy Many warned that if the situation persists, small rice farmers could go under.
Despite these concerns, the minister assured farmersthatthegovernment will support them to ensure
the sustainability of the industry
Speaking during a meeting with rice farmers along the Essequibo Coast
last week, Minister Mustapha highlighted the significant progress being made in rice production
under the People's Progressive Party/Civic (PPP/C)administration.
M u s t a p h a , acknowledging that there are global challenges affecting rice, told farmers that an influx from major producers,hasledtoadipin international prices However, he disclosed that he has been having engagements with millers to secure a better price for paddy
“Minister Mustapha announced that the government will soon commenceconstructionofa $2 billion modern drying and storage facility at Onderneeming on the Essequibo Coast. The facility, he noted, will have t h e c a p a c i t y t o accommodate a significant amountofpaddy,andwill (Continuedonpage12)
A12-member j u r y w a s empaneled on Wednesday at the Berbice High Court to serve in the trialofthreemenaccusedof killing a 47-year-old taxi driver back in 2020, at his Experiment, West Coast
Berbicehome Devon McAlmont, Ivan Lindo, and Royston Dowden are before Justice Sandil Kissoon for the murderofMohamedHaniff called 'Raymond,' on September11,2020 Police had stated that
three masked men invaded Haniff'shomewherehewas beaten,withdemandsmade for cash and jewelry His wife was said to be unharmedduringtheattack Presenting the State's case, attorney Cecilia Corbin told the court that
Haniff had days before returned home from St Maarten She said little did he know that days after reunitingwithhisfamilyhe would be taken from them forever
“ItistheState'scasethat on the 11th of September, 2020, a group of three men invaded the home of Mr Mohamed Haniff and executed a series of terrifying events there in,” thejurywastold Key witness and son of the deceased, Asraf Haniff, 21, submitted that at the time of the incident, he shared the three-bedroom, two-story home with his father and mother The younger Haniff stated that earlier in the day, his father visited his worksite not too far from the home In the afternoon,hisuncleMustak Haniff also visited him, and inquired about his father's whereabouts His uncle shouted for his father who did not respond, as he was sleeping,hestated.
He told the court that when he got home later, he called out to his parents but got no response Venturing to the upper flat, he said he heard a groaning Upon entering his father's room, the man was in a pool of blood,herecalled
“I started hollering for h e l p , c a l l i n g t h e neighbours, and then my uncle come my uncle jump the fence, then my brother-in-law come, then we hoisted my father and carry him to Fort WellingtonHospital."
He said his mother was "on the hall at the front, lying down on the floor" She had begun crying and toldhimthatbanditswerein thehome
Pressed further by the defence, he confirmed that his mother subsequently told the police in his presencethattwoothermen armed with a gun and cutlass entered her room and ordered thatshelayflat
onthefloor
Hefurtherstatedthathe andhismotherthenentered onehiscarscaroperatedby adriver,andmadetheirway to the said hospital, then to the Fort Wellington Police Station While there, they were questioned whether any item of value was missing following the ordeal
"I raise up the mattress and find a black purse with my father money," he said He then told the prosecutor that it was the purse shown tohimbyhisfatherafterhe had returned home, which contained cash and jewellery Itwasretainedby thepoliceforevidence
He said he and his motherweredetainedfor72 hoursbypolice.
Defence attorneys
Horatio Edmonson, Chandra Sohan, and Kevin Morgan, are representing 27-year-oldLindo,57-yearold McAlmont, and 34y e a r - o l d D o w d e n respectively The attorneys grilled several relatives of the deceased, including his
son, for details surrounding the victim's arrangements for his multiple properties and finance, all of which were discussed within the knowledgeofhiswife.
Answering more questionsfromthedefence, the victim's son confirmed that his father was a customsofficerpriortohim becoming a taxi operator He also affirmed that when his father returned, they were in talks to have the home, one of his three properties, handed over to him (son) A property at Plantation Hope is being rented,andthefinancesfrom thatwasmanagedattimesby his wife, before his death. Monies generated from the man's taxi operations were handled by his wife and son inhisabsence.
Haniff,ataxidriver,was allegedly murdered after returning home from St. Maarten where he lived for two years He was dealt a chop to his head, reports stated State Prosecutor Corbin that the three men were arrested and charged for the death of Haniff, following investigations by thepolice
“Membersofthejury,as these three men appear before you, they have nothing to prove It is the State that has brought its case against them, and it is the State that must satisfy you, so that you feel sure that each of them committed the offence of murder,” she told the jury The trial continues on Wednesday,November12
In recent days, the public discourse surrounding the extradition proceedings against the Mohameds has been clouded by a fog of m i s i n f o r m a t i o n , misinterpretation, and, frankly,mischief.
Two arguments in
particular have been circulating: one expressing shock that the Mohameds were granted bail during their court appearance, and the other advancing the whollyerroneouscontention that the Constitution of Guyana prohibits the granting of bail in extraditioncases.
Both positions betray a startling lack of legal understanding The first reflectsanignoranceofhow judicial processes operate; the second is not merely wrong;itispreposterous.
It is in fact unbecoming ofanyonewhohashadeven rudimentary legal training.
The idea that the ConstitutionofGuyanabars bail in extradition proceedings is not only incorrect.Itisadistortionof theplainmeaningandintent ofoursupremelaw
Let us start with the basics The right to
liberty the right to be free is a foundation of constitutional democracy It isenshrinedinArticle139of the Constitution of the Cooperative Republic of Guyana,whichprovidesthat “nopersonshallbedeprived of his personal liberty save as may be authorized by law.”
This is a fundamental right that flows from the recognition of human dignity and the presumption ofinnocence.
Every citizen and every person within the jurisdiction of Guyana enjoys this right, whether accusedofalocaloffenceor facing extradition proceedings initiated by a foreignstate.
However, as with all rights, the right to liberty is not absolute. Article 139 itself enumerates the circumstancesunderwhicha person may lawfully be deprivedofliberty These include lawful arrest upon reasonable suspicion of having committed,orbeingaboutto commit, a criminal offence; detention for the purpose of bringing a person before a court; and detention in execution of a lawful
sentence or court order In o t h e r w o r d s , t h e Constitution recognizes that liberty can be curtailed, but onlyinaccordancewithlaw, and subject to judicial oversight.
Extradition proceedings, by their very nature, constitute one of these lawful processes that can affectpersonalliberty When an extradition request is made, the individual concerned is brought before a magistrate or judge to determine whether the conditions for extradition aresatisfiedunderGuyana’s FugitiveOffendersAct.
But it is critical to note that this process does not amount to an automatic deprivation of liberty withoutrecourse.
The individual facing extradition retains the right to seek bail, and the court retainsthediscretiontogrant it—subject, of course, to considerations such as the riskofflight,theseriousness of the allegations, and the assurance that the person will appear for subsequent hearings.
Those who contend that the Constitution “prohibits” bailinextraditioncaseshave evidently failed to
Dem boys seh deh got one man in governmentwhosoundbig,lookbig,talk big—butwhenyuhcheckit,heain’tgot nutten! De Minister Without Portfolio. Now leh we be clear: “without portfolio” don’t mean he carrying a small briefcase. It mean he got no ministry He like a general without soldiers, or a driver withoutacar—fulluniform,butnowhere togo.Deotherdayhestarttalkingbig,seh he gon “hold people accountable.” Dem boys nearly choke pon dem mauby Accountable fuh what, bai? He hold de Commissioneraccountable.Deonlything he holding these days is press conference andmicrophone.
Now, leh we talk straight de Commissioner of Police answer to two people—deMinisterofHomeAffairsand dePresident.Nottoamanwhowandering round like he looking for a ministry to adopt.IfdeConstitutionwasaclassroom,
de Minister Without Portfolio would be theboysittingindeback,raisinghehand butnevercalledupon.
Dem boys seh if yuh ain’t gazetted, yuhcan’tflexit.Tillyournameshowupin deOfficialGazettenexttoaministry,yuh authorityislikebreeze—plentynoise,no substance.Sowhenhestartshoutingbout whohegonholdaccountable,demwhohe addressing should just smile and pass he one of dem fancy handheld fans — since allthatcomingoutofdeMinisterwithout Portfolioishotair
Demboyssehsomepeoplegotpower; others got talk. This one got neither — only title.A“MinisterWithout Portfolio” soundin’ more and more like “Minister Without Purpose.” But we got to give he credit—atleastheconsistent:everytime he open he mouth, he remind we exactly whyhedon’thaveaportfolio. Talkhalf.Leffhalf.
appreciate this distinction. There is simply no such prohibition—neither in the Constitution nor in the law To claim otherwise is to conjure a legal phantom wherenoneexists.
In fact, bail is a safeguard precisely designedtobalancetheright tolibertywiththeinterestsof justice.
It is not an indulgence, noranactofleniency;itisa mechanism that allows the law to operate fairly, ensuring that an accused person is not punished before being found guilty or before the legal process has runitscourse.
One needs only to look beyond our borders to see that this is standard judicial practice. In Trinidad and Tobago, Jack Warner, the formerFIFAVice-President, f a c e d e x t r a d i t i o n proceedingsattherequestof the United States The Trinidadian courts granted him bail—substantial bail, y e s , b u t b a i l nonetheless while the matter proceeded through thejudicialsystem.
Warner’s case was far more complex, politically charged, and internationally scrutinized than the present
one, yet the principle held firm: a person facing extradition is entitled to apply for and be considered forbail.
What we are witnessing inthecaseoftheMohameds is no different. The court, exercising its lawful discretion, granted bail pendingthedeterminationof the extradition proceedings.
That decision aligns perfectly with t
precedent, and with basic principles of fairness and dueprocess.
To express surprise or outrage at such a decision is to reveal a fundamental misunderstanding of how ourlegalsystemfunctions.
Indeed, those advancing the view that bail is somehow alien to extradition proceedings—or worse, constitutionally prohibited—should take a moment to revisit the very document they claim to invoke.
TheConstitutionisnota weaponofconveniencetobe brandished when it suits one’s narrative; it is the supreme law of the land, grounded in logic, legality, andliberty
To twist its meaning to score rhetorical points is irresponsible.
Bail, as our courts have repeatedly emphasized, is a matterofjudicialdiscretion. It is not automatically granted, but neither is it automaticallydenied. It rests upon the principle that liberty is the norm and detention the exception.
Only compelling reasonscanjustifydepriving a person of freedom before guilthasbeenestablishedor a lawful extradition order made.
Those who advance frivolous or facetious argumentstothecontrarydo a grave disservice to public understandingandtotherule oflawitself.
They sow confusion, undermineconfidenceinthe judicial process, and betray the very constitutional values they purport to defend.
(The views expressed in this article are those of the author and do not necessarily reflect the opinionsofthisnewspaper.)
In the wake of
OFAC'ssanctionson three Guyanese, two from one family, one from thePPPGovernmentfamily, aseriesofburningquestions demand the straightest answers. Eachquestionhas secondaryonesattached. In light of the storm of accusations from PPP Gov't leaders, and political leadershiployalists,itwould
be most enlightening and helpful for all Guyanese at home, and wherever else they are on the globe, to be provided with the most unambiguous answers from thetoppoliticiansfromallof thetoppoliticalpartiestothe questionsIposepublicly
Q1: From the MV Danielsen cocaine bust, to a n o t h e r n a r c o t i c s interception in Hamburg,
Germany to the Matthews Ridge 4.4-ton drug seizure, besides the commercial masterminds,whoelseother thanofficialsinGuyanawas involvedindrugsmuggling? It could not have been just seniorsinthepublicservice.
Q2: What relationships did local politicians have with bigshot drug movers?
Pols, who through their proxiesontheground,made
things happen, still do What has happened in a steady stream did not, could not,takeplaceatlowlevels, g o u n n o t i c e d a n d unexploited by Guyana's corrupt crop of politicians, pastandpresent.
Q3: What donations weremadebythedruglords, and who in the various political parties collected? How much, how often, and
what kind of protectionpolice, customs, taxes, judicial,environmental-did thatbuy? Plus,probingU.S. eyes?
Q4: I move from drug smuggling, scrap iron smuggling, and reach today's special, gold smuggling.
W h e n d i d g o l d smuggling from Guyana first come under the radar? Which political party was the government when the Summer Bliss episode occurred in Curacao, with 476poundsofgoldallegedly smuggled from here? The PPP Gov't has the honor Nothing investigated nothingreleased.
Q5:WhointhePNCand AFCwhengoverningduring the years 2015-2020 took cashandothercontributions from the gold dealer community? A community that was under FBI scrutiny prior to 2015, and never off thatradarsince?
Q6:Whywouldanyone, nonemorethangoverningor nongoverning politicians, accept one blind cent from anyone in the gold dealer community knowing that theywereunderFBIradars? Doing so helps crime; undermines U S law enforcementefforts.
Q7: Relative to the sanctions of Treasury's OFAC unit, under what circumstances, what ar
ments, did sanctioned Guyanese go from three to two, with the PPP-affiliated nonvoting Central Executive member, Permanent Secretary Mae Thomas out of the picture whentheFederalGrandJury in Florida delivered its indictments, charges? Was sheaninnocentbystanderall along, one of those unfortunatesdraggedintoan infernal mess by the wide dragnet cast? Or, was there more to that grand jury development? Whatwasthe quid pro quo, meaning what didthePPPGov'tgiveupto pull off that piece of Mae Thomas'magic?
And, was OFAC so sloppythattheJune11,2025 sanctions covering from 2019-2024 had to be expandedtonowcoverfrom 2017-2024? TogivethePPP Gov't room to include who?
Nifty, shifty, and convenientlyso.
Q8:Sincetherecouldbe no claims of ignorance of American interest in gold
smugglingin2020,thenhow was it that the use of a Lamborghini featured so prominently, and with a special passenger? If so cavalier with a conspicuous chariot,thenwhataboutgold smuggling, however concealed?
Q 9 : Since gold smuggling started in this country, it hasn't stopped. Who are the new players? Onesetoffamilyfriendshas been stripped, and exhibited as Public Enemy Number One. Who has taken over the driver's seat that that family once allegedly occupied, relative to gold smuggling? With what payoff to powerful politicians and othergovernmentofficials?
Q10:Whoarethemaster political protectors, master political prevaricators, and master political performers in these masquerades called smuggling? Who is involved, whether drug smuggling or gold smuggling? For real answers, Guyanese should checkonwhocollectedfrom those allegedly committing grave crimes. It takes a considerable amount of arroganceanddisdainstillto take cash knowing that the U.S.wasscrutinizing. Butit has been so, hasn't it? Guyanese should ask themselves this question: why is it that both the PPP and PNC are so against campaignfinancedisclosure of donors? What is there to hide? Whatrelationshipsto protect?
My position: No individual politician, or groupofthem,asbright(ina darkkindofway)asGuyana has,couldnotknowmostof t h o s e m o v e s a n d manipulations going on How many of them were somehow a part of those, from a safe distance, with a wink, with an outstretched hand?
Therewastoomuchofa pattern, too constant a flow involving a small group of versatile Guyanese whose reach went far, went high. Answer politicians, answer No surrogates, no soldiers. Tell all to the Guyanese people.
(The views expressed in this article are those of the author and do not necessarily reflect the opinionsofthisnewspaper.)
The Guyana Civil
Aviation Authority (GCAA) said Friday that it has commencedaninvestigation into the incident involving an Air Services Limited Cessna 208 Grand Caravan, registeredas8R-THRwhich mistakenly landed near a school in Karaudarnau Village, Region Nine on Thursday In a statement, GCCA stated the incident occurredneartheLumidpau Primary School, where the pilot landed the aircraft in a non-designated area and subsequently took off from thesaidarea.
Videos of the incident seen by this publication showedtheaircraftusingthe roadleadingtotheschoolto take off, partially damaging the school’s fence in the process. “The aircraft has beengrounded,andthepilot hasbeensuspendedpending the outcome of the investigation. Air Services Limited has been notified
that an investigation has been initiated,” the civil authoritysaid.
GCCA added that it is committed to ensuring thoroughexaminationofthe circumstances surrounding the incident to uphold the higheststandardsofaviation safety Following the incident, the Karaudarnau Village Council in a brief statement said, “Today’s unexpected landing on the Karaudarnau road highlights a serious issue. Our airstrip is clearly visible from the air, yet this incident nearly resulted in disaster The air service involvedalreadyreachedout tous,andthismatterisbeing investigated We will be sharingvideosandphotosof the airstrip to emphasise the need for upgrading and making more visible markers. Also, the need for communication and adherence to safety regulationsisimportant.”
Pan American Health Organization/World Health
O r g a n i z a t i o n (PAHO/WHO)hasissueda donor alert to mobilise critical resources for the health response following Hurricane Melissa, which hasleftatrailofdestruction across Jamaica, Cuba, Haiti, and the Dominican Republic.
Thealert,nowavailable online, outlines the most pressing health needs and the funding required to address them over the next six months in Jamaica.The hurricanehasclaimedmore than 50 lives and displaced over one million people across the Caribbean
Jamaica has been particularly hard-hit, with 2.8 million people exposed to destructive winds and flooding As of 3rd November, 32 deaths have beenconfirmedinJamaica, 94injuriestreated,andover 7,000 people remain in shelters.
Fivemajorhospitalsare severely damaged in Western and Southern regions of the country Seventy percent of water supplies were inoperable due to high turbidity and electrical outages Forty percent of the facilities island-wide still have power instability, further complicating recovery
efforts.
Healthservicesunder strain
I n i t i a l h e a l t h assessments reveal a dire situation in Jamaica. The continuity of essential health services is under severestrain,especiallyfor vulnerable populations such as children, pregnant women, the elderly, and those with chronic conditions Infrastructure damage and service disruptions have made access to care extremely difficult Mental health needsarealsoemergingasa c r i t i c a l c o n c e r n Communitiesaregrappling with trauma and loss, and t h e d
psychological support and c o m m
b a s e d interventions is growing rapidly The risk of disease outbreaks is substantial Flooding, sanita
ion b r e a k d o w n s , a n d widespread displacement havecreatedconditionsripe for the spread of waterborne, foodborne, mosquito-borne, and respiratory illnesses, particularly in shelters where overcrowding heightens transmission risks. At the same time, logistical challenges continuetohinderaccessto affectedcommunities, (Continuedonpage12)
Gu y a n a ’ s
President, Irfaan Ali, on Friday, urged world leaders and global stakeholders to adopt a balanced, rules-based, and equitable approach to the global energy transition, further calling for a pragmatic, inclusive, and science-driven approach to achievingnetzero.
Thepresidentwaspartof a roundtable discussion at the United Nations Framework Convention on ClimateChange(UNFCCC) Conference of the Parties (COP) 30 in Belém, Brazil focusedonenergytransition.
T u r n i n g t o t h e management of existing energy systems, President Ali pointed out that fossil fuelscontinuetosupplyover 80percentofglobalenergy
P r e s i d e n t A l i emphasised that while the globalconsensusontheneed totransitionfromfossilfuels is clear, the path forward must recognise economic realities, particularly for developing nations burdened by high debt,
limited access to affordable finance,andenergypoverty
The head-of-state questioned whether the world was truly prepared to meet the growing energy demandsofthe21stcentury,
driven by artificial intelligence, urbanisation, and population growth, withoutfossilfuels.
“Does the world still need fossil fuel? Can we meet the energy gap, energy poverty and power the new world driven by AI without fossil fuel?” the president asked.
“The real question is:
how do we manage this transition in a way that is just, rules-based, and equitable?”
He highlighted that global energy demand has grownbysevenpercentover the past three years, with fossil fuels still accounting for 60 per cent of that growth.
Despite this, he noted thatthecurrentinternational narrative often ignores the complexities faced by developingeconomies.
“Without practical financialmechanisms,many countries will simply have
no choice but to depend on fossil fuels if they are to develop,” he stated “We need transition finance facilities, guarantees, and concessional instruments that bring down the cost of capital and attract private investmentatscale.”
The president called for technology access, such as grid systems, storage, and carboncapture,tobetreated as a global priority, not as actsofcharity
He urged developed nations to create enabling frameworks that make renewableenergyaffordable andviableforall.
“If we can balance investingintheenergyofthe futurewhilemanagingfairly the decline of the energy sources of today, then the transition will be sciencebased,predictable,andfair,” PresidentAliasserted.
He called for unity and inclusionintheglobaleffort t
polarisation and ideological rigidity.
(ModifiedfromDPI)
Frompage11
d e l a y i n g d a m a g e assessmentsandthedelivery oflife-savingsupplies. Urgentdonor supportneeded
To respond effectively, PAHO/WHO is seeking US$14.2 million in donor support. This funding will help restore health care delivery, intensify disease surveillance, ensure safe water and sanitation, and improve coordination of humanitarian assistance
T h e l a r g
U S $ 1 0 2 million is earmarked to support the continuity of essential care delivery, including critical mental health support, and restore the capacity of damaged healthservices.
PAHO/WHO has already activated its emergency procedures and contingencyplans.
Twelve international experts have been deployed to Jamaica to support infrastructure damage assessment, environmental
health, mental health and psychosocial assistance, emergency medical teams, logistics, and coordination. Daily collaboration is underway with the national Health Emergency Operations Center, the United Nations Country T
a m a n d o t h e r humanitarianpartners.
PAHO/WHO is also leading health sector c o o r d i n a t i o n a n d participating in water, sanitation and hygiene (WASH) efforts, while mobilizing medical supplies from its regional reserves in Panama and Barbados Additional resources are urgently needed to scale up and sustain critical health response operations on the ground to protect the lives and health of affected populations.
The full donor alert documentisavailableonline and provides detailed information on the response strategy and funding breakdown.
Riceindustryexpectedtogrow...
Frompage6 significantly reduce postharvest losses while improving quality control andpricecompetitiveness,” thestatementadded
The mid-year report
also highlighted the
e x p a n s i o n o f t h e agriculture, fishing, and forestry sectors by an estimated nine per cent in thefirsthalfoftheyear.
The sugar industry expanded by 136.7 per cent when compared with the first half of 2024, with the full-year growth projection
maintained at 115 4 percent
In the other crops subsector, there was an
estimated 7 4 per cent growth in the first half of this year, with a revised growth projection of 11 9 per cent for the entire year On the other hand, the livestock industry expanded by an estimated 11 7 per cent in the first half of the year, driven by increased output across all products, and the subsector is now expected to grow by 7.2 per cent for the entire year.
“Theforestryindustryis estimated to have grown by 6 2percentinthefirsthalf, and growth is expected to remainunchangedat1 3per cent for the year, the report added
Leader of We Invest in Nationhood, Businessman, Azruddin Mohamed claims he is being punished twice under the weight of U.S.triggeredsanctions,alleging that Guyana's Financial Intelligence Unit directed insurers to cut all ties with him,makingitimpossibleto renew coverage for his personal vehicles. Yet on Friday, police not only stopped his wife, but also impounded one of the very vehicles for lacking the insurance he says the government has actively prevented him from obtaining. He described this latest move as “pure victimisationandevil."
Speaking with Kaieteur News, Mohamed said “Today (Friday), two of my vehiclestheystopped.”
His wife was reportedly driving one and his driver wasdrivingtheother
“After she dropped off the children at QC (Queens College) they drove behind herandstoppedher,toldher to drive towards Brickdam PoliceStationthatisbyEve Leary”, Mohamed told KaieteurNews.
She was reportedly held therefortwohours.
“They went through the vehicle,searchit,tintswasa problem, obscure number plate is a problem, the insurance problem”, he adding that she was also charged. “She got to go to court on Wednesday”, Mohamedsaid.
When his driver went to Eve Leary to pick her up policestoppedhimtoo.
“They checked the documents, the documents in order” Mohamed noted while relating “They charge him for obscure number plate and tint”. The driver toohastoappearincourton Wednesday
The WIN party leader labeled the move as “full political persecution and victimisation”. The police force's move to go after the Mohameds' vehicles comes onedayafterVicePresident, BharratJagdeoathisweekly party press-conference blamed Commissioner of Police, Clifton Hicken for allowing Mohamed to pull up at parliament in an "uninsured"Lamborghini.
Jagdeo at his press conference said, “So Stabroek news said that he brought his Lamborghini to show me now, this Lamborghini from what I gather does not have any
insurance”
TheVPcontinued,“…to drive on the road without insurance if you are a Guyanese, ordinary Guyanese, ordinary citizen, ifthepolicecatchyou,youin trouble. You understand that.”
“If you hit down someoneontheroadwithout insurance you in big trouble but as I said before the arrogance and impunity, he drives the Lamborghini to the parliament to show Jagdeothathecanbreakthe lawsofthecountry”,theVP added.
Hethenwentontosay,“I w o u l d h o l d t h e commissioner of police personally responsible if a child or anyone gets hit down on the road and get killed or maimed by that Lamborghiniwhenit'sonthe road. Hickin should face criminalchargestoobecause heallowsit.”
Meanwhile, in a subsequent statement issued on its Facebook Page, accused the government of weaponising state institutions and law enforcement against the WINpartyleader
“The international community must now confront a sobering reality The PPP Government is weaponising state i n s t i t u t i o n s , l a w enforcement, and public office against the leader of the opposition, his family, and political movement”, teamMohamedstated.
“This is not merely a questionofinsurance,traffic stops, or speeding tickets. It is the steady intrusion of power, the slow but deliberate encroachment on freedomandfairness.Thisis a politically orchestrated campaign of harassment designed to intimidate and silence.”
Team Mohamed called the vice president's threat directed at the police commissioner “egregiously
reckless.”
“The vice president's public threat directed at Police Commissioner Hickenwarninghewillface criminal charges should any vehicle owned by the leader oftheopposition'sfamilybe involved in an accident is egregiously reckless and a blatant abuse of power, a frightening overreach, and a signal to the entire state apparatusthatpersecutionis now policy” , Team Mohamedstated.
“How can a democratic nation justify targeting
The Guyana Police Force impounds a Land Cruiser belonging to the Azruddin Mohamed
vehicles owned by one family, same vehicles now President once used, instructingthe policeto pull t h e m o v e r , a n d
simultaneously prohibiting agencies from providing insurance coverage, then usingthelackofinsuranceas j u s t i f i c a t i o n f o r impoundment?” Team Mohamed questioned while adding “This is targeted harassment under the guise ofenforcement”.
Leader of the People's National Congress Reform
(PNC/R) and former opposition leader, Aubrey Norton,saidhewasengaged by Caribbean Court of Justice president, Justice Winston Anderson on the appointmentofasubstantive Chancellor of the judiciary andChiefJustice.
Hesaidhowever,thatthe meeting was cut short since he did not feel that the discussion was in the best interestofthecountry
During his party's press conference on Friday, Norton was asked to shed light on the role of the CCJ presidentinthenegotiations between himself (Norton) and President Irfaan Ali on thejudicialappointments.
“AllIwouldsaytoyouis thatIwasengagedbyhim.I give him my views on the situationandoutsideofthatI know of no other role he would have played,” he disclosed.
Asked if he believed the engagement was at the behest of the CCJ head himself or a request by PresidentAli,Nortonsaid,“I wouldbehard-pressedtosay IknowbutIwillbeitwould be reasonable to say I suspectso.Inthemeetingwe hadwiththepresidentofthe CCJ, in which I as oppositionleaderatthetime, you had Mr Mohamed you had Forward Guyana Amanza Walton, I made it very clear in that meeting that I'm opposed to supersession of any kind including superseding Cummings.”
Norton had always maintained that he was committed, as opposition leader, to support the substantive appointments of Justice Yonette CummingsEdwards as Chancellor of the Judiciary and Justice RoxaneGeorge-Wiltshireas Chief Justice who were acting in those capacities since 2017. Calls from civil society and international
organisations that their appointments be made substantive were all ignored bytheheadofstate.
Norton explained that at the beginning of the discussion, he assumed JusticeAnderson was aware ofhispositionthathewould onlysupportanysubstantive appointments if it involved confirming Justices Cummings-Edwards and George Wiltshire. He said it was in that context he was part of the discussions. He saidonceherealisedthiswas not the case, he ended the engagement.
“Heengagedme.Istated the position and at the point when I thought that this wasn't in the interests of Guyana, I just didn't continuetoengage,”hesaid.
Last month, President Ali announced that Justice Cummings-Edwards had requestedtoproceedonpreretirement leave beginning Monday,October27,2025. Theannouncementcame days after the then acting chancellor returned from a two-month vacation. In her absence, the substantive Chief Justice (ag) Roxane George acted as chancellor, while Justice Navindra Singh occupied Justice George'soffice.
Followingthepresident's announcementoftheJustice Cummings-Edwards request, President Ali wrote to Norton seeking his consensusonthesubstantive appointment of Justice George as Chancellor and Justice Singh as Chief Justice Norton did not respondtothatletter
Meanwhile,whilehedid not reveal the content of the engagement with the CCJ president, Norton reminded the media that his party has been on the forefront p u s h i n g f o r t h e establishment of the CCJ. However,henotedthatwith actions such as this and othersthatoccurredduring (Continuedonpage19)
So m e 1 , 3 4 5 students of the
Cyril Potter College of Education (CPCE)graduatedastrained teachers on Friday at the Providence National Stadium.
The ceremony marked the 92nd exercise of the collegewhereatotalof1,456 registrations were made for theprogrammethisyear
Minister of Education, Sonia Parag, delivering the feature address, encouraged the graduating batch to exercise patience and compassion while they
execute their duty of imparting knowledge to students The minister acknowledged the usual mental and social trials
accompanying many students of the institution over a two-year period. She urgedthemtoreflectontheir challenges and bask in the success of reaching this point.
“You would have gone through a journey that you have had obstacles, that you havehadchallenges,andyet you are sitting here on today’s date, and we are celebrating you and the fact
that you have made it to the finish line after that journey,”theMinisterParag.
T h e m i n i s t e r , underscoredPresidentIrfaan Ali’svisionofseeing100per cent trained teachers across the country She noted that the education system is progressinginthatdirection. Even as the students were also urged to upgrade their learning, the minister applauded their success through CPCE as a major upgrade.
“I am pleased to announce, on behalf of the presidentandtheMinistryof Educationthatyourupgrade will be from the date from the1stofOctober,2025,”the ministerannouncedtomuch applause.
In 2020, 509 trainee teachers graduated from the college Another 845 graduated in 2021, while 2022 saw a heavy decline to 46. The following year saw a major rebound with 1,837 graduates. For 2024, 1501
students successfully completed studies This year’s batch, has taken the number to 6,083 teachers trained from 2020 The educationministerdisclosed that there are 68% trained teachers in the education system. The new batch was challenged to reflect their trainingintheirclassrooms.
“It is up to you and the results you will see in your students, that you will know that the training that you have received in all of these
years has borne fruits,” the ministerstated.
The minister announced that Geography, Chemistry, Physics, History, French, Portuguese, and Health and Family Life Education are specialised subjects to secondary trainees Guidance and counselling officers will also benefit from a one-year training programme,whileparentsof special needs children will have a six-week training programme.
Long-time vendors operating at the Vreed-enHoop junction, West Bank Demerara, have refused to vacate their stalls despite
receiving removal notices from the Neighbourhood DemocraticCouncil(NDC).
The vendors were informed through a letter,
seenbythispublication,that theywererequiredtoremove all stalls and “illegal structures” from the government reserve within
three days of receiving the notice, which was issued on Wednesday
According to the letter, failure to comply would result in necessary actions being taken against them by the council. However, by Friday, vendors were still at thejunction,continuingtheir businessoperations.
The vendors expressed frustration, stating that the three-day notice was unreasonableasthemarketis
their primary source of income and the location is close to their homes. Many explained that they have been trading at the junction for decades and have nowhereelsetogo.Thearea hosts a large group of vendors who sell a wide variety of items including food, fruits, vegetables, clothing,householdutilities, andotheressentials.
On Thursday morning, several vendors gathered at
the location to voice their complaints and appeal for understanding. One vendor stated, “We got permission fromtheAPNUgovernment to sell here. Five years PPP went in power and they didn’t tell us anything. Now onlyrecentlytheygoneback in power and telling us to break and move, that is unfair We can’t move in threedays!”
Anothervendor, Continued on page 18 A vendor’s stall selling a variety
Frompage14
the (2020) elections period, “itraisesquestionsaboutthe credibility of the CCJ in terms of dealing with Guyanainafairwaywithout political partisan involvement.”
He said further, “We are supporters of a Caribbean Court of Justice. We have always been since in the Burnhamtime.
B u r n h a m h a d advocating it and when it emerged, we supported it. However,Iwouldsaytoyou that there are credibility questions.”
Norton said there is also the question of the actors of the CCJ operating under the assumptions of what happens in Caribbean Islands, when in the case of Guyana, it is a kind of an authoritarian government, “that does not subscribe to the conventions of Westminsterandthereforeto the extent that they don't seem to grasp that some of their decisions would be questionable.”
Additionally,hestressed that the recent set of engagement have raised serious concerns “about the impartialityoftheCaribbean CourtofJustice.Iwillnever see them in the same light that I saw them at the i n c e p t i o n o f t h i s establishment.”
Frompage18
identified as Joel Stephen, said,“Ihavebeenavendorat the Vreed-en-Hoop stelling andlastmonththeygaveusa notice to clean the drain. I paid $50,000 to clean it yesterday, and now they’re tellinguswehavetomovein three days. I’m a single parent; my rent is $50,000, mylightbillis$27,000,and I have to pay water My son is disabled, and I have to look him after and I have children to feed so this businesshelpsmetokeepan eyeonhimandhustleatthe sametimesothatIcanafford to look after my children. I would like for someone to look into this because next month is Christmas so what are we supposed to do with allthesegoods,”shesaid.
Anothervendor,Curdey, also voiced concerns about the short notice, explaining how it would severely impact her livelihood. “I have been a vendor here for over 27 years, and I already stocked up for the holiday To leave now would be really hard. We can’t move inthreedays,”shesaid.
A vendor who has been sellingatthejunctionfor20
years added, “…they said they would go in power for poor people What poor people will do in this country?Will we go hungry or beg? We need help, especially at this time for Christmas,”shecried.
Toya Griffith, another affected vendor, explained, “IhavefivechildrenthatI’m sendingtoschool.Ihavemy business up the road, and that is my income for the month. Just like what the government did at Leonora, they can do the same at Vreed-en-Hoop and fix up the area nicely You can’t give we a three-day notice and expect that we gon move, where would we move? How am I sending my children them to school?”
Dory McLaren, also a single mother, expressed similarconcerns.“Ifeelbad becauseIalreadyinvestedin my goods for Christmas. I wouldlikethemtolookinto thismatter Theyareputting single mothers out of business,”shesaid.
Efforts to contact the Region Three Chairperson, SheikAyube,foracomment ontheissueprovedfutile.
The A Partnership
for National
Unity (APNU) has made it clear that the electionfortheleaderofthe opposition lies squarely in the hands of the Speaker of the National Assembly, ManzoorNadir
At the party's press conferenceonFriday,APNU MemberofParliament(MP) Vinceroy Jordan reminded that while the constitution provides for the election of an opposition leader, it sets no specific timeframe for whenthismustoccur
“There is no specific timeline with regards to the election of an opposition leaderandsotheballisnow inthecourtofthespeakerof thenationalassemblywhois responsible for calling a meeting being chaired by himselfandhavingtheclerk of the national assembly present with all opposition members at that meeting,” MPJordannoted. When pressed about
whether the absence of a set datecouldseenoopposition leader being in place for the current parliamentary session, Jordan said that precedent shows such elections have not always taken place at the first or even second sitting of parliament “One would wanttowaitandseeifitwill actually happen at the first sitting,whichwillhappenon a date to be named or the second and then we can determine as to whether we will not have an opposition
leader probably for this entiresession.Butagain,itis up to the speaker of the national assembly,” he stated.
Jordan outlined that We InvestinNationhood(WIN) which is led by sanctioned Guyanese businessman Azruddin Mohamed, holds the most opposition seats, andhasalreadywrittentothe speaker requesting that the election be held. “Legal mindswillthenhavetolook at how we will approach it, both politically and legally, as a party we'll have to look atthatbutatthispointtogo down the road to want to preempt what will happen, I don't think it will be in the best interest of the APNU speaking on that at this time,”headded.
Meanwhile, APNU leader Aubrey Norton h
provision for there to be an opposition leader, and
Responsible driving is more
Minister of Home Affair,sOneidgeWalrondon Friday told the audience at the launch of Road Safety Month in Region Five that responsible driving is more than just obeying laws as it also entails not using cell phones and wearing your helmetsascyclists.
Shesaiditalsoincludes, “never driving under the influence and respecting feelings These small choices can mean the difference between life and death. A single moment of carelessness, speed and distraction or driving under the influence can end a life andaltermanymoreforever
Letusmakecarefuldrivinga nationalhabit,areflectionof w h o w e a r e a s a people responsible, respectfulandcaringforlife. According to her, too many persons leave their homes filledwithpurposeandplans only to have their journey endedbytragedy
“Behind every road fatalityisafamilyshattered, achildleftwithoutaparent, a community robbed of potential. For road safety is notjustatransportissue,itis a public health issue, an economic issue, and above all, a human issue. It affects
all of us,” Minister Walrond stressed.
“Careful driving means being alert, patient and disciplined. It means being alert,patientanddisciplined, not only for ourselves, but forthosewhosharetheroad withus;thechildwalkingto school, the elderly crossing the street, the motorcyclist heading to work. When we take the wheel, we take responsibilityforlifearound us. Responsible driving is more than obeying laws,” theministersaid.
Walrondhighlightedthat G u y a n a h a s m a d e remarkable strides over the last few years in law enforcement and improving safety across the roadways. Underasmallorganisational agenda which is supported
eventually be elected. “The constitution provides for an opposition leader and therefore to me it follows logically that there must be an opposition leader The question of time, when the opposition leader will actually be elected, I think you should ask the speaker and the government,” Nortonasserted.
The 13th Parliament of Guyana opened on Monday November 3, with the swearing-in of 36 Members of Parliament (MPs) from thegovernmentand29from the combined opposition However, the sitting ended without any announcement on when the speaker will convene a meeting for the election of the opposition leader
The presumptive
opposition leader is Azruddin Mohamed, who was among 16 persons sworninasMPsforhisWIN partyofthe13thParliament. His swearing-in came just days after he and his father, Nazar “Shell” Mohamed, were arrested and brought before the Georgetown Magistrates' Courts for the
proceedings requested by th
d Sta
es Government.Thefather-son duo is facing an 11-count indictment in a U.S. federal court in Miami related to financial crimes. They were each granted bail in the sum of$150,000.
During Monday's sitting held at the Arthur Chung Conference Centre (ACCC) in Liliendaal, Nadir was unanimously re-elected Speaker of the National A s s e m b l y, w h i l e government MP Dr Vishwa Mahadeowaselecteddeputy speaker after securing 36 votes from the PPP/C benches.
Speaking with reporters after the swearing in of the MPs, Clerk of the National Assembly, Sherlock Isaacs, explained, “the standing orders is silent on the election of the leader of the opposition, but the constitution speaks to the election of the leader of the opposition, it doesn't say when the meeting to be held…”
Henotedthattheelection is conducted at a meeting chaired by the speaker and decidedbyashowofhands.
“Theconstitutiondoesn'tsay when the meeting is to be held,ifit'satthefirstsitting orthesecondsittingorthird sittingit'satthediscretionof thespeaker,”Isaacssaid.
“What happened in this case, Mr Mohamed wrote thespeaker,thespeakersent the letter to me to acknowledgetosaywearein receipt of the letter and to inform Mr Mohamed that his request is receiving attention or being considered,thespeakerused the word considered. So, I think it is receiving the attention of the speaker,” Isaacsadded.
by the Home Affairs Ministry, the Guyana Police F o r c e ( G P F ) h a s implem
fety operations through the OperationRoadSentineland Safe Parties, which have reduced traffic offenses in keyregions.
Minister Walrond assured that her ministry in partnership with the GPF remains steadfast in advancing the country's national safety, one built on enforcement, engineering andeducation.
Traffic Chief, Assistant Commissioner Mahendra Singh in his address, encouraged persons to be decisive decision makers and stand resolute with the authorities to make the desired change “to reduce accidents, to improve the experience with which the road is used, and generally projecting an image on our country as voluntarily compliant, and not necessarily people from whom compliance has to be soughtofeachtime.”
He further encouraged patrons who were license holders to practice the five C's of defensive driving, as he believes that this will bringaboutachange.
'Do not call me'-PM warns to lawbreakers
Prime Minister a n d a c t i n g p r e s i d e n t , Brigadier (ret'd) Mark Phillips on Friday issued a warning to citizens in high positions who break the law cautioning them not to call him if caught by law enforcementofficers.
Speaking at the launch of Road Safety Month in Region Five, the prime minister told the audience that government's commitment remains steadfastwiththeinclusion of a comprehensive road safety programme supportedbytechnology “ for example, the Smart Road Initiative, which includes automated radar speed limit and seat beltdetection.
Some people are complainingaboutit. It's on the road. It's making the road safely to observe it and reduce your speedlimit,butsomepeople are complaining about it. Some want to be exempted becausetheyhaveposition,” hesaid.
powers to exercise, in this case,don'tcallme.”
He revealed that he would normally ask them to hand the phone back to the police and then tell the officer that whomever was at the end of the line is not supposedtocallhim
Acting President and Prime Minister Retired Brigadier Mark Phillips.
Phillips said when these persons are picked up by police for exceeding the speed limit or other traffic offenses, they usually have to pay a fine or face the courts, and this is what they often times wantexemptionsfrom.
“I have people who call me;seewhatyoucoulddo I am not going to do nothing I am not going to do nothing, and in fact, I h a v e y o u n g relatives…who call me, and I said, listen to the police. He has the discretionary
He would then advise the officer to not be intimidated and to go about doingtheirjob.
“So, anybody listening to me, you know how I stand
Don't call me, because I'm going to tell you the same thing Let the police do their work, because we who are in position, do not get involved and allow the police to do their work that also contributes to safety on our streets,” Phillipssaid.
He reiterated that persons in position of influence and authority, when such calls are received, they should not get involved and pass any instructions to the police Allowthepolicetodotheir jobs
Job opening: Truck Driver, AC Technicians, Excavator and Skid Steer Operator. To apply send application via WhatsApp: 689-1111/ 6082114.
Sales Clerk wanted to work in store. Attractive salary offered. Call: 661-1000. Wanted one Maid.For more information please Call: 680-1282.
1 Honda CRV, includes TV, music system, alarm, reverse camera, spoiler, low mileage PTT Series (first owner). Call: 649-0956.
CAPE pure Mathematics online lessons. M.I.Karimullah (Guyana Scholar), BSc, MSc. Email: capegy592@gmail.com / WhatsApp: 724-9552.
VISA Application for USA, Canada, UK, ETA, ETC. Naturalisation guidance + application filling & Building Plans. Tel: 626-7040.
T RUCK TIRES 295/ 75R22.5 $40K EACH. FOR MORE INFORMATION CALL/WHATSAPP: +592688-3201.
Experienced farmer/ Worker (Hauraruni & Hog Island), Handyman for Peters Hall & Domestic Worker. Tele: 2269492.
Hick's Ville Hotel is now hiring Receptionist, Hotel Attendant, Washer, Presser. Call: 227-7714 / 223-3448 / 640-0673. Email: info@vegeworld.net
Vacancy for Merchandiser and Factory Worker. Email info@vegeworld.net.
Vacancy exists for Accounts Clerk. Email info@splashminsresort.com.
Aracari Resort crystal clear pool, family fun, safe kids & adult sections, music & food. W.B.D. Call: 264-2946-9
Aracari Hotel, WBD (Versailles, Vreed-en-Hoop) - A/C, all amenities & breakfast included. From $78 US. Call: 264-2946.
2025/250-FD-APN-DEM IN THE HIGH COURT OF THE SUPREME COURT OF JUDICATURE FAMILY, DIVORCE AND MATRIMONIAL JURISDICTION FAMILY DIVISION Application No. FD-250 BETWEEN: In the matter of Custody, Contact, Guardianship and Maintenance Act of Guyana. -andIn the matter of JAMAL AMARANTHONY CADOGAN, a male child. SHENERIA ISAACS Applicant -andFAITH AMEICA CADOGAN
TO: FAITHAMEICA
CADOGAN
Formerly of 1850 Central Amelia’s Ward. Linden, Guyana
TAKE NOTICE that on the 11th day of September, 2025 an Application relating to Children was filed against you by SHENERIA ISAACS, the Applicant in the Family Division of the High Court in Georgetown, Demerara by publication of this Notice in two (2) consecutive Saturday issues of the Kaieteur newspaper printed, published and circulated in and around Guyana. AND FURTHER TAKE NOTICE that if you desire you may appear or attend in person or by your duly authorized agent or Attorney-at-Law at the Registry of Division of the High Court at Georgetown, Demerara where you will be issued with a certified copy of the Notice of Application together with related documents. AND FURTHER TAKE NOTICE that if you desire to defend this Application in Relating to child, then upon receipt of the certified copy of the Application, you must file a Reply to Application Relating to Child, an Statement of Arrangements for child Via the elitigation Platform(online) https:// ejudiciary.supremecourt.gv within 35 (thirty-five) days from the date of the final publication of this Notice. Your access code is VqFip6.
TAKE NOTICE that this Notice of Application is fixed for Directions Hearing on Tuesday the 18th day of November, 2025 at 9:00 am before the Honourable Justice Peter-Hugh in Court 7 IN DEFAULT of your filing a Application Relating to Child, an Answer and/or, Notice of Intention to Defend the Court may proceed in your absence and may make any Order it considers appropriate, including granting Custody.
The Registry of the Family Division of the High Court is located at the Law Courts [Georgetown, Demerara]. The office is open to the public between 8:00am and 3:30 pm Mondays to Thursdays and 8:00 am to 2:30 pm on Fridays except on public holidays and on such other days as the Registry is closed. Dated the 24th day of October, 2025.
LEGAL NOTICE 2
HIGH COURT IN THE HIGE COURT OF THE SUPREME COURT OF JUDICATURE OFGUYANA REGULAR JURISDICTION
2025/597 - HC - FDADEM - CIV –
In the matter of the Immovable Property (Sale of Interest) Act, Chapter 60:01 of the Laws of Guyana.
BETWEEN:
RIAZ ALLYApplicant -V-
SHERI ANN JOHNSON Respondent - and –
In the matter of an Application pursuant to the Supreme Court of Guyana, CIVIL PROCEDURE
RB NOTICE:
TO: SHERI ANN JOHNSON
United States of America
TAKE NOTICE that a Fixed Date Application was filed on the 24th day of June, 2025 against you by RIAZ ALLY, in the High Court in Georgetown, Demerara, where the Applicant asks for:
a)An Order that the joint interest of the Applicant and the Respondent in and to the property comprising land and building situate at and known as:
b) “Lot numbered 9 (nine) being a portion of Block lettered “CC”, being a part of Plantation Mon Repos West, situate on the east coast of Demerara, in the County of Demerara, in the Republic of Guyana, with the building and erections thereon, more fully described in Transport No, 2028 of 2011 dated the 19th day of December, 2011" be severed so that the Parties own the said property in equal shares. b) An Order that the joint interest of the Applicant and the Respondent in and to the property comprising land only situate at and known as: “Parcel: 799 Block: VI Zone: E.B.D., Description and location of Land: Plantation Farm, no building thereon, more fully described Certificate of Title to Land No. 2016/2172-H”
c)An order directing that the Applicant be given the first option to purchase the respondent’s one undivided half part or
a)share of and in the aforesaid properties: alternatively
b)An Order directing that the properties at 1 (a) and (b) known as and described as: (ii) “Lot numbered 9 (nine) being a portion of Block lettered “CC”, being a part of Plantation Mon Repos West, situate on the east coast of Demerara, in the County of Demerara, in the Republic of Guyana, with the building and erections thereon, more fully described in Transport No, 2028 of 2011 dated the 19th day of December, 2011" (ii)Parcel: 799 Block: VI Zone: E.B.D., Description and location of Land: Plantation Farm, no building thereon, more fully described Certificate of Title to Land No. 2016/2172H”
Be Sold by private treaty at the current market value and that the proceeds of sale, the sum of all expenses incidental to the sale of the properties and the mortgage payments to the New Building Society, be divided between the Parties equally.
c)That the Parties bear the cost of the aforesaid conveyance(s) in equal shares.
d)Costs.
e)Such further or other orders as the Court deem just.
AND FURTHER TAKE
NOTICE that as part of an Order made on the 23rd day of September, 2025, the Applicant is directed to effect service of this application on you by publication of a Notice in two (2) consecutive editions in the Kaieteur Newspaper, circulating in the Republic of Guyana and Overseas.
AND FURTHER TAKE NOTICE that if you desire to defend this Application you must forthwith after the final publication, must enter an Appearance thereto, and serve an Affidavit in Defence on MS. DHANWANTI SUKHDEO whose address for service and place of business is at Lot 169 Charlotte Street, Lacytown, Georgetown, Guyana, Tel: 226-0631, Email: dollysukhdeo1@gmail.com,
LEGAL NOTICE 2 and file same to this cause in the Registry of the High Court at Georgetown via the High Court’s eLitigation online platform with the use of the authorisation code: U7EARb, not later than 4 (four) days before the date fixed for hearing of the application, and you or your Attorneyat-Law must appear at the hearing.AND FURTHERTAKE NOTICE that if you fail to file an Affidavit in Defence and/or if you fail to appear at the hearing, final judgment may be given against you notwithstanding your absence.
AND FURTHER TAKE NOTICE that the Fixed Date Application is adjourned to the 11th day of Noyember 2025, at 09:00 before the Honourable Madam Justice Jacqueline Josiah Graham.
Dated this 17th day of October, 2025
LEGAL NOTICE 3
Applicant in person: Jewel Sooknarine Address: Lot 698 Plantation Best, West Coast Demerara Guyana Tel #: 690-2424 2025/953-FD-PET-DEM IN THE HIGH COURT OF THE SUPREME COURT OF JUDICATURE FAMILY, DIVORCE AND MATRIMONIALJURISDICTION FAMILY DIVISION Petition No. FD-953 BETWEEN: JEWEL SOOKNARINE Petitioner/ Applicant -andJAHAIDA SOOKNARINE nee ALBERTS Respondent TO: JAHAIDA SOOKNARINE nee ALBERTS UNKNOWN
TAKE NOTICE that on the 29th day of August, 2025 a Petition for Divorce was filed against you by JEWEL SOOKNARINE, the Petitioner/Applicant in the Family Division of the High Court in Georgetown, Demerara.
AND FURTHER TAKE
NOTICE that as part of an Order made on the 30th day of September, 2025, the Petitioner/Applicant was directed to effect service of his Petition on you by publication of Notice in two (2) consecutive Saturday issues of the Kaieteur News, a newspaper printed, published and circulated in Guyana and on the world wide (online).
AND FURTHER TAKE
NOTICE that if you desire you may appear or attend in by your duly authorized agent or Attorney-at-Law at the Registry of Family division of the High Court at Georgetown, Demerara where you will be issued with a certified copy of the Petition together with related documents.
AND FURTHER TAKE
NOTICE that if you desire to defend this Divorce, then upon receipt of the certified copy of the Petition and Application, you must file an Acknowledgment of Service. Notice of Intention to Defend (Forms are available at the Registry), Answer and/or Cross Petition Via the elitigation Platform (online)https:// ejudiciary.supremecourt.gy within 35 (thirty-five) days from the date of the final publication of this Notice.Your access code is LLp3N5.
TAKE NOTICE that the Divorce is fixed for Directions Hearing on Monday the 1st day of December, 2025 at 9:00 am before the Honourable Justice Peter Hugh in Court 7.
IN DEFAULT of your filing an Acknowledgement of Service. Notice of Intention to Defend, Answer and/or Cross Petition the Court may proceed in your absence and may make any Order it considers appropriate, including granting the Divorce. The Registry of the Family Division of the High Court is located at the Law Courts [Georgetown, Demerara]. The office is open to the public between 8:00 am and 3:30 pm Mondays to Thursdays and 8:00 am to 2:30 pm on Fridays except on public holidays and on such other days as the Registry is closed.
Dated the 23rd day of October, 2025
The Auditor General (AG) 2024 report has revealed that the Regional Democratic Council of Region 10 has breached the Procurement Act of 2003 by splitting contracts to avoid adjudication by the National Procurement and Tender Administration Board (NPTAB) for works relating to the Bamia Primary School.
The AG report which was tabled at the first sitting of the 13th Parliament on Monday revealed that the RDC awarded three contracts totalling $40.7 million for a chain link fence at the school.
The report explained that a multi- year contract for the construction of Bamia/ Amelia’s Ward Primary School was made in 2021 by NPTAB in the sum of $346.328 million.
The audit office stated that a physical verification in July 2025, revealed that the works were still ongoing, while the revised completion date of April 1, 2024 had elapsed. The AG noted that as of December 31, 2023, amounts totalling $279.420 million were paid to the contractor and no further payments were made in 2024.
“However, audit examination of payment vouchers and related supporting documents presented revealed that three contracts totaling $40.726M were awarded by the Regional Tender Board (RTB) to three contractors on
the same date for the construction of chain link fence at Bamia Primary School,” the AG raised.
These awards, the report stated, breached Section 14 of the procurement act since it seemed that the contracts were deliberately subdivided to avoid adjudication by the National Procurement and Tender Administration Board (NPTAB).
In a table documenting these awards, the AG shared that the contracts were awarded on December 23, 2024 for the following: Construction of chain link Bamia Primary School - Western side - $13,750,000; Construction of chain link fence at Bamia Primary School - Eastern side$13,700,000; and Construction of chain link Bamia Primary School Southern side$13,276,000.
Responding to the findings, the regional administration accepted the findings of the audit office, expressing regret for the breach of the procurement act.
“This approach was employed to facilitate an urgent need to secure an investment of over $300 million the Government of Guyana had made in the Bamia/Amelia’s ward Primary School. The administration takes full responsibility for its action,” the RDC responded.
Kaieteur News had reported that contract splitting, a tactic used to dodge trans-
parency and oversight involves breaking a major project into smaller payments that fall below the threshold requiring scrutiny by the National Procurement and Tender Administration Board (NPTAB).
It was reported that in the same 2025 report, the Guyana Police Force had violated the act using the same tactic. This practice, auditors warn, opens the door to fraud, including kickbacks and bidrigging, by bypassing competitive bidding and independent review. The Procurement Act 2003 is unambiguous.
Section 14 clearly states: “A procuring entity shall not split or cause to split contracts or divide or cause to divide its procurement into separate contracts where the sole purpose for doing so is to avoid the application of any provision of this Act,” the report said.
As reported recently, it is almost four years since the contract was awarded and five missed deadlines that the school is yet to be completed. The $346 million contract for the Bamia Primary School was awarded to St8tment Investment Inc. in November 2021.
Since then, the project experienced several delays due to a range of challenges, including labour shortages, increased material costs, and unfavourable weather conditions. The setbacks collectively impacted the original timeline and contributed to extensions; the contractor claimed.
Newly appointed Minister of Local Government and Regional Development, Priya Manickchand when visited the project site in September and gave the contractor to complete all works by October.
‘Fifty or sixty people in a single street’: Witnesses describe civilian killings in Sudan’s
(Reuters) - Civilians in alFashir were shot in the streets, targeted in drone strikes and crushed by trucks, witnesses to the first days of the RSF’s takeover described to Reuters, providing a glimpse into the violent capture of one of Sudan’s largest cities.
The fall of al-Fashir on October 26 has cemented the Rapid Support Forces’ control of the Darfur region in its twoand-a-half-year war with the Sudanese army.
Videos of soldiers killing civilians on the outskirts of the city and reports of attacks on those escaping have raised international alarm. But less is known about what happened inside alFashir, which has been cut off from telecommunications since the start of the RSF offensive.
Reuters spoke to three people who fled to the city of al-Dabba, more than 1,000 km away in northern Sudan, and one person who fled to the nearby town of Tawila.
One witness said he was in a group trying to flee intense shelling when RSF trucks surrounded them, and sprayed civilians with machine-gun fire and crushed them with their vehicles.
“Young people, elderly, children, they ran them over,” said the witness, who did not want to give his name for fear of retribution, speaking by phone from Tawila. Some civilians were abducted by RSF fighters, he said.
Asked for comment, an RSF leader told Reuters investigations were underway and anyone proven to have committed abuses would be held accountable, but that reports of violations in al-Fashir had been exaggerated by the army and its allies.
‘FIFTY OR SIXTY KILLED IN A SINGLE STREET’
The killings continued on the second day of the RSF offensive, said another witness named Mubarak, now in al-Dabba. RSF fighters raided homes in residential areas having captured the army’s
A woman from El Fasher cries after learning about the killing of her son and brother, in a camp in AlDabbah, Sudan, November 3, 2025. REUTERS/El Tayeb Siddig
base the day before, he said.
“Fifty or sixty people in a single street... they kill them bang, bang, bang.
Then they would go to the next street, and again bang, bang, bang. That’s the massacre I saw in front of me,” Mubarak said. Many people, often injured or elderly, didn’t leave the city and were killed in their homes, he said.
Local resistance fighters, largely armed young men, were in the streets fighting the
offensive, with army soldiers and allied fighters in bases or retreating.
“They were the ones who died more,” he said.
Anyone out in the street was “targeted by the drones and a lot of bullets,” Mubarak said.
Al-Fashir residents have reported drones following civilians and targeting any gatherings in recent months.
Another eyewitness, Abdallah, who spoke to Reuters in al-Dabba, said he also saw fleeing civilians targeted by drones.
He said he saw 40 dead bodies on the ground in one location in al-Fashir. Reuters could not independently verify their accounts, though they broadly correspond to reports from aid officials, the United Nations and verified social media videos.
SATELLITE IMAGERY
Satellite imagery reported by Yale’s Humanitarian Research Lab last week showed objects consistent with dead bodies in several parts of al-
Fashir. Further images showed earth disturbances that suggested mass graves and the disappearance of objects and presence of large vehicles that suggested the movement of bodies, people, or looting, it said this week.
Imagery also indicated the RSF had closed off a main exit point from the city, leading to the town of Garney.
Traumatised civilians are still trapped inside al-Fashir, said U.N. human rights chief Volker Turk on Friday.
“I fear that the abominable atrocities such as summary executions, rape and ethnically motivated violence are continuing,” he said.
On Thursday, the RSF said it had agreed to a proposal from the United States and Arab powers for a humanitarian ceasefire and said it was open to talks on a cessation of hostilities.
On Friday morning, the paramilitary force launched drone attacks on the capital Khartoum and the city of Atbara, eyewitnesses said.
(AL-JAZEERA) For
Gaza resident Yassir
Shaheen, nights were the hardest part of living through Israel’s devastating two-yearwarontheenclave.
“Many nights, we lay awake, our lips dry, our hearts pounding in fear, feeling as though the sky itself was collapsing on us,” hetoldAlJazeera.
The strip lies in tatters –its economy destroyed, infrastructure in ruins, and its people displaced, as a fragile US-brokered truce barely holds More than 68,000 Palestinians have been confirmed killed, with some 10,000 still buried under the rubble, according toGaza’sHealthMinistry
As world leaders in the Qatari capital Doha pledged this week to “leave no one behind” at the United Nations Second World
Summit for Social Development (WSSD), the commitments stood in stark contrast to the reality in Gaza, where access to basic needsremainsaluxury
“Evenbreadcanfeelout
ofreach,”Shaheen,theteam
lead for the charity
HumanityFirstUKinGaza, revealed. While prices have fallen compared with the worst periods of the war, they are still six to 10 times higher,Shaheensaid.
On Thursday, Gaza’s Government Media Office said Israel has only allowed 4,453 trucks to enter, barely
a quarter of what was supposed to enter daily according to the ceasefire agreement that came into effectonOctober10.
M e a n w h i l e , infrastructure in the enclave has been almost completely destroyed, Shaheen lamented, with only rubble remaining “where streets andbuildingsoncestood.”
According to UN estimates, 92 percent of all residentialbuildingsinGaza have been damaged or destroyed since Israel’s war on the enclave began on October 7, 2023, producing between 55-60 million tonnesofrubble.
“Schools, clinics, shops, homes everything that allowed life to function has
been reduced to dust,” he said D e v e l o p m e n t ‘impossible’ amid lack of rights
At theWSSD this week, which concluded on Thursday, member states repledged commitments made at the 1995 summit in Copenhagen, including the eradication of poverty, providing “decent” work, socialintegration,education andhealthcaretotheworld’s m o s t v u l n e r a b l e populations.
The resulting Doha Political Declaration, adopted at the end of the summit,wasa“boostershot for development”, UN Secretary-General Antonio Guterressaid.
Nevertheless, global declarations such as the WSSDdolittleinthefaceof the dire situation in Gaza, according to Rohan Talbot, director of advocacy at the UK-based Medical Aid for Palestinians.
“Despite the ceasefire, the situation in the health sector remains catastrophic,
with severe shortages of medical equipment and medicines, and hundreds of healthcare workers killed or still detained,” he told Al Jazeera.
“Development is i m p o s s i
Palestinians are denied the most basic rights to safety, movement,anddignity.”
EchoingTalbot,thehead of Humanity First UK,Aziz Hafiz, said “no declaration, however eloquent, can s
freedomandsecurity”.
“Development cannot flourish in isolation from justiceandpeace,”hetoldAl Jazeera However, he asserted that does not mean “wewaitforpeacetoact.”
psychosocial initiative becomesanactofresistance to despair,” he said. “While permanent peace remains the ultimate enabler of prosperity, maintaining humandignityinthepresent momentisequallycritical.”
- Governments headingtotheU.N.COP30climate summitinBrazilarebracingforthe possibility that the Trump administrationmayseektodisrupt negotiations at the event - even withoutanyU.S.officialsshowing up.
The White House has said it will not send high-level officials to the annual conference, noting that President Donald Trump made his views clear at the U N General Assembly in September when he described climate change as the world’s “greatest conjob.”
However, the U S retains the option to send negotiators at any pointduringtheNovember10-21 COP30 talks, ahead of the country formally exiting the international Paris climate agreementinJanuary
Three European officials told Reuters the EU has been preparing for multiple scenarios at COP30 - including the U S skipping it entirely, actively participating and seeking to block deals, or staging sideline
COP30 will be a test of other world leaders’ willingness to step up their efforts to limit climate change, despite opposition from the U S , the world’s biggest economy and largest historical CO2emitter
Some governments are particularly nervous after the Trump administration intervened to sink a deal last month at the International Maritime Organization that would have resulted in a worldfirstcarbonfeeonshipping.
After U S threats of tariffs, p o r t l e v i e s a n d v i s a restrictions, some countries dropped their support and the measurewasdelayedforayear
“That a country begins to threaten different types of measures both against countries but also against negotiators like we saw in the IMO process that worries me,” Norway’s climate minister AndreasBjellandEriksensaid.
The U.S. State Department
did not respond to a request for comment
PEERPRESSURE
One of the European officials said their priority would be for countries to rally together to present a united COP30 front against any anticlimate interventions from the U S
But they worried the threat of tariffs or visa restrictions from Washington may spook some governments into not joining any collective defence of multilateralismandtheCOPtalks.
“If they pull the same tactics, I think there’s zero chance of having any sort of rallying around the Paris Agreement in response,” the official said, referring to the U N ’s 2015 accord, which commits governments to try to limittemperaturerise
In the United States, some lawmakers urged countries to pushbackagainstanypressure
“If you allow yourself to be i n t i m i d a t e d b y t h i s administration, they will seize
all the ground that you cede to them and then come back for more,” said Senator Sheldon Whitehouse, the top Democrat on the U S Senate’s environmentcommittee
This year, one diplomat from an island nation told Reuters countries are worried some governments might selfcensor for fear of retaliation even if no U S officials are in theroom
The U S absence is quickly being filled by China’s rising influence
The world’s biggest emitter has a financial stake in the green transition continuing, because its industries dominate global manufacturing of key low-carbon technologies, from solarpanelstobatteries
China’s foreign ministry said Beijing firmly supports multilateralism in dealing with climatechange.
“No one can afford to be left behind in tackling climate change, no nation can shirk its responsibilities,” a ministry
internationalcommunitymuststay thecourse.”
Atfirstsight,theU.S.haslessat stake in COP30 than it did at the IMO - where the proposed carbon tax would have imposed fees on U.S.industryandmaritimetrade.
The U.S. threatened tariffs this summer against countries that supported a U.N.-led treaty to cap plastics production, three sources told Reuters, while also sending a diplomatic memo to numerous countries urging them to reject a treaty setting plastic production caps. Those talks ended without a deal.
COP negotiations, in contrast, tend to set targets to address climate change, but leave it up to individualcountriestodecidehow theycontribute.
This year’s COP30 may be tough for any one country to influence, with the talks tackling a range of issues – from climate finance to worsening extreme weather – rather than focusing on oneissueforalltoagreeon.
Banks once slammed their doors in the faces of poor nations like Guyana. Today, they line up like hungry piranhas, because Guyana has oil.
Billions of barrels of it. So, when President Ali stepped into Saudi Arabia, lenders didn't ask tough questions; they threw US$1B on the table faster than lightning. Suriname gets a piece too, but let's be clear: Guyana, pumping over 600,000 barrels a day, is the real bait.
Yet behind the shiny loan papers sits a country already choked by US$6B in debt, with leaders boasting a “healthy” debt-to-GDP ratio. They conveniently ignore that more than half of this “world-beating GDP” sails offshore into Exxon's pockets and foreign bank accounts. What is left for Guyanese? Higher prices, shrinking wallets, and a permanent seat in the poorhouse.
The PPPC Government gambles recklessly on high oil prices and endless production. But experts warn of oversupply and falling prices. Oil isn't infinite, and new discoveries have dried up. The wells will eventually slow—but the banks will still demand every cent. Borrowing binges bring champagne for the elite. For regular Guyanese? Only repayment pain, for generations to come.
(BBC Sports) World
number one Aryna Sabalenka said winning an “incredible” semi-final against Amanda Anisimova at the WTA Finals will be “great preparation” for facing Elena Rybakina in Saturday’sfinalinRiyadh.
The 27-year-old Belarusian beat American Anisimova 6-3 3-6 6-3 in a last-four match packed with quality and intensity
throughoutitstwohoursand 21minutes.
“She [Anisimova] is always pushing me to play mybesttennisand,honestly, I wouldn’t care if I had lost this match because we played an incredible match andwebothdeservedaplace inthefinal,”saidSabalenka.
“It was an incredible fightandI’msuperhappyto getthewin.”
Kazakhstan’s Rybakina
came from a set down to defeat American Jessica Pegula 4-6 6-4 6-3 in the othersemi-final.
“It’s going to be another powerfulgameandIfeellike today was great preparation for [facing] Elena,” added Sabalenka.
“I’m looking forward to leaving everything I have in the last match of the season and fighting for this beautifultrophy.”
Sabalenkawinsthree-set epic
ARIES(Mar.21–Apr.19)
Today you might have the desire to look into your genealogy The Internet has madeitpossibleforeveryone tolearnabouttheirancestors, andnowisagreattimeforyou todoit.
TAURUS(Apr.20–May20)
Practical, scientific, or spiritualideasofallkindsare your life's blood. Today you might expand your knowledge. Much of what you learn may be based on technologysuchastelescopes orparticleaccelerators.
GEMINI(May21–June20) oday you might enlist the aid of friends to increase your computer skills. You may be interestedintheartisticsideof computers and want to experiment with computer graphicsoranimation.
CANCER(June21–July22)
A new romance could come yourway Anoldfriendcould suddenly seem like more to you, sending the relationship in an entirely new direction. The opposite could happen, too.
LEO(July23–Aug.22)
Insights that well up from deep within you could put your imagination into overdrive. Perhaps ideas for essays, poems, paintings, or music flow into your mind in waves.
VIRGO(Aug.23–Sept.22)
News about the plight of the world's disadvantaged might haveyoutoyingwiththeidea ofdoingmorethanyouareto make a difference. This is a laudablegoal,butyou'remore apttoseetheromanticside.
LIBRA(Sept.23–Oct.22)
Have you ever longed to be a movie star or participate in somewayinthefilmindustry? Today you might get your chanceoratleastlearnsomeof thetechnicalskillsrequired.
SCORPIO(Oct.23–Nov.21)
You've been exerting yourself a little too much over the past fewdaysandmightfeelalittle listless Nonetheless, your mind is still active, and you may seek stimulation through books,TV,orlecturesofsome kind.
SAGIT(Nov.22–Dec.21)
You could have some very strange yet beautiful dreams today Write them down They're trying to tell you something. You could also make an off-the-wall plan to increaseyourincomethatmay ormaynotwork.
CAPRI(Dec.22–Jan.19)
Today you may start to see your friends in a new light.
aroused your admiration. A special person could seem moreperfectthanever.
AQUARIUS (Jan. 20–Feb. 18)Youmightfeelalittleunder the weather today, but mentally you're flying high. Ideas could keep popping into your head, sending you into flightsoffancythatexciteyour creativity
PISCES(Feb.19–Mar 20)
Today you might seek to expandyourknowledgeofthe arts You could decide to explore galleries, attend a concertorplay,orlookintothe latest best sellers. A friend couldaccompanyyou.
Anisimovawentintothe match having won six of their previous 10 meetings, thoughtheyhavemetateach of the past three Grand Slams and Sabalenka edged that particular head-to-head twowinstoone.
She prevailed in straight sets in the French Open fourth round and the US Openfinal,whileAnisimova was victorious over three sets in their Wimbledon semi-final.
Their semi-final in Riyadhpromisedmuch-and delivered.
Thefirsttwogamestook 18 minutes to complete Anisimova saved three break points to hold in the opener, then Sabalenka foughtbackfrom0-40down todolikewise.
Thematchclockhadjust ticked past an hour when Sabalenka eventually clinchedthefirstset.
Anisimova,whofailedto win the opening set in all four of her matches during her WTA Finals debut, responded brilliantly by
racing into a 4-0 lead in the second and levelling the contest.
In a tight decider, Sabalenka’sbackhandreturn winner to settle the seventh gamesealedadecisivebreak of serve, and there was a warm embrace between the two players at the net when Anisimova sent a forehand
wideonmatchpoint.
“I told Amanda that she should be proud of her season - she’s played incredible tennis for the wholeseasonandit’sjustthe beginning,”saidSabalenka.
“I know she’s probably disappointed but there are many more things coming herway.”
Lando Norris took pole positionforthesprintraceat the Sao Paulo Grand Prix with McLaren team-mate andtitlerivalOscarPiastriin third.
The Briton beat Mercedes’ Kimi Antonelli by 0 097 seconds, while Piastri was 0.185secs adrift oftheBritoninthird.
Norris took the championship lead from Piastri by one point with victory in Mexico City two weeksago.
Red Bull’s Max Verstappen, the only other realistictitlecontenderat36 points behind Norris, could manageonlysixth,beatenby Mercedes’ George Russell and Aston Martin’s FernandoAlonso.
Lewis Hamilton was
knocked out in the second sessionandqualified11thin hisFerrari,hisfinallapinthe second session ruined when team-mate Charles Leclerc spun in front of him out of Turn10.
Hamilton also faces an investigation for failing to slow sufficiently for the yellow flags waved when Leclerclostcontrol.
Norris topped all three sessions in sprint qualifying and had a comfortable advantage over Piastri throughout.
Hesaid:“Itwasalittlebit tougher than I would have liked.Butwedidthejobwe needed to do, which was to befastesttoday
“Qualifying is always one of the best things here. It’s difficult, it’s bumpy, it’s
tricky, always a joy, always putsasmileonyourface.
“But a long weekend,
isat18:00.
Piastri, who comes to Brazil after two difficult racesintheUSandMexico, said: “The soft [tyres mandated in the final session]wasabitdifferentto what I expected, a couple of bigmomentsonmyfirstlap, whichwasn’tideal.
“That was a shame but ultimately I felt much happier than the last couple of weeks. We can definitely fight with what we’ve got and there are a lot more pointsonSunday.”
Verstappen complained over the radio to the team t h a t h i s c a r w a s “undriveable”.
another qualifying and anothercoupleofracestogo butagoodstart.”
Rain is forecast for Saturday morning in Sao Paulo,whenthesprintraceis due to start at 14:00 GMT Qualifyingforthegrandprix
He added: “A lot of vibration in the car, a lot of ride problems. Not what we want. But besides that we alsodon’thavethegrip,just can’tgetthecartoturnbutat the same time and can’t reallyrelyontherear
“For us, quite poor, I
wouldsay Itisquiteclearwe are lacking something. I am not expecting that to be much better in the wet. But we’llseetomorrow.”
Norris’ result is the best possiblestarttotheweekend and gives him the opportunity to build his championship lead - eight points are awarded to the winner of the sprint, seven forsecondandsoondownto eighthplace.
Italian 19-year-old Antonelli impressed in second, his best time set on his first lap, while the surprise package of qualifying wasAlonso, who set the fastest time in the second session and was just 0.253secs off pole in his midfield car in the final shootout.
His team-mate Lance Stroll was seventh fastest, ahead of Leclerc, Racing Bulls’ Isack Hadjar and Sauber’sNicoHulkenberg.
(Reuters) - World number one Aryna Sabalenka overcame AmandaAnisimova6-33-66-3ina gladiatorial battle between bighitters on Friday to book a WTA Finals title showdown with Elena Rybakina,withbothplayerseyeing theirfirstBillieJeanKingtrophy
The Reuters Daily Briefing newsletter provides all the news youneedtostartyourday Signup here.
“It’s going to be another powerful match,” Sabalenka said as she looked ahead to her ninth finaloftheseason.
“I feel like today was great preparation for Elena and I’m looking forward to leaving everything I have (on court) in the last match of the season and fight forthisbeautifultrophy.”
Aftergruellingearlyexchanges with Anisimova, the rematch of September’s U S Open final swunginfavourofSabalenkawhen shesurgedtoa5-3leadandturned uptheaggressionfromthebaseline totaketheopeningsetinanhour
The NewYork champion, who saved five breakpoints earlier, foundherselfonthebackfootinthe second set whenAnisimova reeled off the opening four games and it wasamatteroftimeuntilthematch wentintoadecider
Sabalenkahitaflurryofacesto hold for 3-3 in the third set and grabbed the decisive break in the next game with a huge backhand winner, before surviving some nervymomentsattheendtoseeoff herAmericanopponent.
Saturday’sclashwillpitthetwo unbeaten players from the tournament, with 2022 finalist Sabalenkaholdingtheedgethanks to her 8-5 head-to-head record against Rybakina including a win when they met in the Australian Openfinaltwoyearsago.
“She’s always pushing me to play my best tennis and honestly I wouldn’t have cared if I lost this match,”Sabalenkasaid.
“Weplayedanincrediblematch andbothdeservedthisplaceinthe final.Itwasanincrediblefight.I’m super happy to get the win. I told
Amanda that she should be proud ofherseason.”
PERFECTRECORD
Rybakina earlier came from a set down to dismantle Jessica Pegula 4-6 6-4 6-3, reaching the final with a perfect record at the King Saud University Sports Arena. Pegula dialled up the intensityafteranearlyexchangeof breaks in the first set, as the 2023 runner-up cruised to a 4-2 lead when Rybakina appeared to struggle with accuracy due to a shoulderissuesustainedduringher warm-upadayearlier
‘I feel scared.I feel like lost. I feellike,youknow,depression.’
“It was such a tough battle I’mgladImanagedtofindmyway inthesecondandwinitinathreeset battle,” Rybakina said, adding thateachofher15acescameatthe righttime.
“My serve helped me when I
needed it. I was trying to stay focusedoneachpointwhenwehad some tough rallies. In the end I managed to push myself a bit more.”
The31-year-oldPegulasecured the opening stanza thanks to Rybakina’s25thunforcederror,but there was a sudden shift in momentum in the next set as she found herself 1-4 behind and in danger of being dragged the distance Pegula recovered her rhythm and pushed hard in her bid to draw level in the set, but Rybakinarespondedstronglyinthe 10thgametoforceadecider,where the pair swapped breaks again in a tightbattle.
A forehand into the net from Pegulaattheendoftheeighthgame handed the advantage back to Rybakina, who held in the next game and sealed the victory that maintainedherunbeatenrun.
Frompage35 and development. In the Sports OfficialoftheYearcategory,GBF President Michael Singh, FIFA referee Shavin Greene, Vidish Sookram (bodybuilding), and Kerwyn Johnson headline the male nominees, while Natasha George, Denisha Isaacs, and Aileen Bowman-Joseph lead the femaleshortlist.
The Media Awards will see a tussle between top sports journalistsRawleToney(Kaieteur
News), Michelangelo Jacobus (StabroekNews),JemimaHolmes (Guyana Times), Akeem Greene (Newsroom), and Eric Collymore (NCN).
Additionally, NAMILCO, Ansa McAl, Enet, Bluewater Shipping, MVP Sports, ExxonMobil, Trophy Stall, and Sublime Security have been shortlisted for Corporate Sponsor of the Year, acknowledging their consistentsupport and investment inlocalsport.
(Cricinfo)-TheICChas finalisedAhmedabad,Delhi, Kolkata, Chennai and Mumbai as the venues in Indiaforthe2026men’sT20 World Cup, which will be co-hosted by Sri Lanka as well.ItisunderstoodtheICC hasshortlistedtwovenuesin Colombo and Kandy as the threevenuesinSriLanka.
TheT20WorldCupisset to begin on February 7 and will conclude with the final in Ahmedabad on March 8. AccordingtoPTI,theICCis likelytoreleasetheschedule next week, with just about three months to go for the start of the tournament. It is understood that the majority oftheparticipatingcountries have been waiting for the ICC to inform them about thegroupingofteamsaswell as the schedule. The ICC is also yet to release ticketing information for the tournament.
Pakistan will play all their games in Sri Lanka as per the agreement reached between the BCCI and PCB
forIndiaandPakistantoplay at neutral venues during multi-nation tournaments hosted by the other country If Pakistan make the final, thefixturewillbeheldinSri
Ahmedabad will host the final of the 2026 T20 World Cup, unless Pakistan qualify for it (Associated Press)
Lanka.
The2026T20WorldCup willhavethesameformatas the previous edition - 20 teams split into four groups offiveeach,witheveryteam
playingtheothersonce.The top two teams from each group will progress to the Super-eight stage, where they will be placed into two groups of four The top two
sides from each Super-eight group will then qualify for thesemi-finals.Thewinners ofthesemi-finalwillmeetin thefinal.
Apart from hosts India
and Sri Lanka, the other teams with automatic q
tournament were the top seven teams from the 2024 T 2 0 Wo r l d C u pAfghanistan, Australia, Bangladesh,England,South Africa, United States of America and West Indies. The three teams that qualifiedonthebasisoftheir T20I rankings were New Zealand, Pakistan and Ireland.
Canada took the lone spot from the Americas Qualifier Italy, first time T20WorldCupparticipants, and Netherlands qualified from the five-team tournament in Europe Namibia and Zimbabwe grabbed the two spots from the eight-team Africa qualifier before Nepal, Oman and UAE made it fromtheAsia-EAPround.
India are the defending champions, having beaten South Africa in the final of the 2024 T20 World Cup in Barbados.
(Reuters) - Irish soccer’s governing body will vote on Saturday on whether to submit a formal motion to UEFA requesting the immediate suspension of Israel from European competitions, according to an agenda of the meeting seenbyReuters. Theresolution,proposed and supported by some member clubs, cites the IsraelFootballAssociation’s (IFA) alleged violation of two independent provisions of the UEFA statutes, includingorganisingclubsin occupied Palestinian territories without the consent of the Palestinian FootballAssociation.
The Reuters Daily Briefingnewsletterprovides allthenewsyouneedtostart yourday Signuphere.
The second violation regardstheallegedfailureof the IFA to implement and enforce an effective antiracism policy The motion would also call on UEFAto publish transparent criteria
for the suspension or exclusion of member associations.
A spokesperson for the Football Association of Ireland (FAI) confirmed the vote will take place A spokespersonforUEFAsaid it had no comment on the matter The IFA was unavailableforcomment.
The resolution was proposed by one of the country’s leading clubs, BohemianFC.
“These are very serious breaches, important rules that are being ignored,” Daniel Lambert, Bohemians chief operating officer, told Reuters. He said he was hopefultheresolutionwould be successful following lobbyingofotherclubs.
UEFA considered holding a vote early last monthonwhethertosuspend Israel from European competitionsoverthewarin Gaza, a source told Reuters at the time. That did not happenafteraU.S.-brokered ceasefire took effect on
Israeli flag and UEFAlogo are seen in this illustration (Reuters)
October10.
United Nations experts calledforIsrael’ssuspension frominternationalfootballin September after a U N Commission of Inquiry report concluded that Israel had committed genocide duringthewarinGaza.
TheheadsoftheTurkish and Norwegian soccer governing bodies called for Israel to be suspended from international competition shortlyafter Israel has denied committing genocide and described the report as scandalous.
Ireland’sgovernmenthas been one of the European
Union’s most outspoken critics of Israel’s assault in Gaza.Itofficiallyrecognised a Palestinian state last year and is seeking to restrict tradewithIsraelisettlements in occupied Palestinian territories.
The military assault on Gaza has killed more than 65,000 people, according to local health authorities, and caused widespread devastationandhunger
The conflict began after theOctober7,2023attackon Israel by Hamas militants that killed 1,200 people and resultedinthecaptureof251 hostages,accordingtoIsraeli figures.
Reliance Hustlers
h a m m e r e d Reliance Sports Clubby225runslastSunday in the continuation of the North Essequibo Cricket Committee (NECC)/Jairam Bisessar T20 round-robin competition.
Playing at Reliance Sports ground, Reliance
Hustlers galloped to a mammoth 261-1 from the allotment 20-overs while Reliance Sports Club reached a meagre 37-7 (innings closed) in the 9th over Former Guyana youth player Nathan Persaud struck a blistering, unbeaten 113 while his opening
Frompage34
Men’s U-20 World Cup and the2028SummerOlympics.
After round-robin play, the two top teams of each groupandthetwobestthirdplaceteamswilladvancetoa Knockout Stage comprised of the Quarterfinals, Semifinals,andFinal.
Furtherdetailsregarding the 2026 Concacaf U-20
Championship, including thetournament’shostnation and draw details, will be publishedatalaterdate.
In the previous edition of the Concacaf U-20 Championship, played in Mexico in 2024, Mexico won the title by defeating the United States 2-1 in the Final 34
partner and ex-Essequibo Under-19 batsman Mark Austin also waltzed his way to a pugnacious century (112).
Additionally, the pair dominated a fiery, 247-run stand with the left-handed Persaud slamming eight sixesand12fours.
Austin, a right-hander, reached the boundary on 10 occasionsandalsoclearedit eighttimes.
Off-spinnerCarlosYhap grabbedtwowicketsforfour runs from three memorable overs to help demolish Reliance Sports Club while seamer Shivanand Hoorilall alsowithtwowicketsbuthe conceded 13 runs during his
three-overspell.
Hustlers bowled 9 4 overs.
At Affiance/#1 ground, Affiance romped to an efficient, 9-wicket win over BacchusEagles.
Bacchus Eagles only mustered a moderate 82 all out in the 19th over while Affiancesurpassedthetarget withanincredible50ballsto spare.
Shaaziff Mohamed led thechasewithanaggressive, unbeaten50andhegotsolid support from Amit Persaud who was 28 not out for Affiance.
Earlier, Bacchus Eagles’ innings was tormented by seamer and former Guyana
youth player Parmesh Parsotam, who snatched 420 from his maximum four overs. AndacrossatRichmond ground, Richmond United got the better of Renegades by a comfortable, 6-wicket margin.
Richmond United bowledouttheiroppositions for 135 in the 20th over before hitting off the requiredrunswithtwoovers stillremaining.
Ramzan Rasool scored an impressive 61 for the winning combination with support coming from SugrimAhiram(21).
Wayne Holder claimed twowicketsfor19runsfrom
four economical overs for Renegades.
When Holder’s team batted,KevonBenjamintopscored with 28 while Haiman Beharry and SheldonCharlescontributed 23and21respectively
Pacer Godfrey Marks was the most outstanding bowlerforRichmondUnited with 3-30 in his four-over outing. Jermaine Anderson also in the wicket-column with2-33offfourovers.
The competition continues on Sunday with three more matches playing simultaneously Thecurtains are expected to come down laterthismonthwiththetwo finalistsinaction.
Lusignan Golf Club (LGC) will once again host one of Guyana’s most exciting and anticipated tournaments,theBanksBeer Cup Golf Tournament, on Sunday, November 9, 2025, beginningat8:00a.m.
The competition will be playedundertheMedalPlay format over 18 holes, challenging golfers to demonstrate both skill and precision on Guyana’s premier golf course. With a strong turnout of local and regional players expected, the stage is set for a day of high-caliber golfing action andfellowship.
Players will compete for prizes in several major categories, including Best Net–1st,2nd,and3rdPlace, Overall Best Gross, Ladies
BestNet,NearesttotheFlag –Hole#4andLongestDrive –Hole#5.
The Banks Beer Cup is more than just a golf competition,itisacelebration of tradition, excellence, and corporate partnership Over theyears,BanksDIHLimited hasestablisheditselfasoneof Guyana’s most influential corporateentities,supporting not only golf but numerous sportingdisciplinesacrossthe nation
Founded in the 1840s, BanksDIHhasevolvedfrom itsoriginsasasmallrumand beverage operation into a diversified conglomerate, producing and distributing some of Guyana’s most beloved brands, including the world-renowned Banks Beer The company’s
enduring commitment to community development and sport has made it a key supporterofnationalgrowth andrecreation. Through sponsorships suchastheBanksBeerCup,
Banks Beer Brand Manager, Brian ChooHen hands over the sponsorship to LGC PRO, Dr. Joann Deo in the presence of Banks Beer Brand Supervisor, Basant Ramsarup.
Banks DIH continues to demonstrateitsbeliefinthe unifying power of sport , bringing people together in
lifestyles, and fostering
(Cricinfo) - Matt Henry is set to return to action for New Zealand’s the upcoming three-match ODI series against West Indies, starting November 16 at the HagleyOval.
Henry, who missed the final two ODIs against England due to a calf strain, has been undergoing a “planned conditioning and rehabilitation block” to preparefortheODIseries,as wellasthesubsequentthreeTestseriesinDecember Blair Tickner, who was an injury replacement for Kyle Jamieson for the England series, has also retained his spot despite Jamieson’s return to action. Ticknertookeightwicketsin two matches against England.
The pace bowling group also includes Jacob Duffy, Zak Foulkes and Nathan Smith, while captain Mitchell Santner, Michael Bracewell, and Rachin Ravindra will handle spin duties.
Several players remain unavailable due to injury, including Mohammad Abbas (ribs), Finn Allen (foot), Lockie Ferguson (hamstring), Adam Milne (ankle), Will O’Rourke
(back), Glenn Phillips (groin), and Ben Sears (hamstring).TheNZCstated in a release that Kane Williamson, who is recovering from a groin injury, has not been considered for the ODI series and will focus on preparingfortheTestseries, which begins on December 2.
“Matt is a vital member of this group and the senior leader of our pace attack, so
it’ll be great to have him back for both the ODIs and Tests,” New Zealand head coach Rob Walter said of Henry
“He will be fresh and fit after a good rest, and we knowhewillberaringtogo aheadofwhatpromisestobe a big five weeks with both thewhiteandredball.”
Walter also praised Tickner’s recent form, saying, “Ticks was outstanding against
England, and we’re pleased to keep rewarding players who step up when called upon.”
Looking ahead to the West Indies challenge, Walter said: “They’re always a dangerous side, with players who can turn a game in an instant. It’s an importantseriesforusaswe continue to develop and growintheformat.”
The New Zealand squad will gather in Christchurch onNovember14.
The team will be keen to extend their streak of tenconsecutivehomeODI series wins, following last month’s 3-0 clean sweep overEngland
M e a n w h i l e , t h e ongoing five-match T20I series between New ZealandandWestIndiesis currently tied 1-1 after twogames
New Zealand squad for West Indies ODI: Mitchell Santner (capt), Michael B r a c e w e l l , M a r k Chapman,DevonConway, Jacob Duffy, Zak Foulkes, Matt Henry, Kyle Jamieson, Tom Latham (wk), Daryl Mitchell, Rachin Ravindra, Nathan Smith, Blair Tickner, Will Young
nationalpride Asthesunrisesoverthe Lusignan Golf Course this Sunday,anticipationwillbe high among golfers and spectators alike for another memorable day on the greens , a fitting reflection of the shared spirit of c
camaraderie that defines both the Lusignan Golf Club and Banks DIH Limited
Following the official draw of the 2026 Concacaf U-20Qualifiers,Guyanahas been pitted in Group D for the tournament which is scheduled to will take place from February 23 to March 4, 2026, across three venues in Central America and the Caribbean.
The 32 participating men’sU-20teamsweresplit into two groups of six and four groups of five. Guyana is joined in the Group by Haiti, Curacao, Saint Vincent and the Grenadines andAnguilla.
The other groups are: Group A - El Salvador, Suriname, Belize, Grenada, Saint Martin and French Guiana.
Group B - Jamaica, Puerto Rico, St. Kitts and Nevis, Cayman Islands, Turks and Caicos Islands and Bonaire. Group CDominican Republic, Antigua and Barbuda, Saint Lucia,BritishVirginIslands and Dominica. Group ECosta Rica, Trinidad and Tobago,Bermuda,Barbados andSintMaarten.GroupFCanada, Nicaragua, Aruba, Martinique and US Virgin Islands.
E s t a d i o M i g u e l Chocorrón Buitrago in Managua, Nicaragua, will
host Group A and Group F; Group B and Group D matches will be played at Stadion Rignaal ‘Jean’ Francisca in Willemstad, Curaçao; and Group C and Group E matches will be held at the Complejo Deportivo FCRF-Plycem in S a n R a f a e l d e Alajuela,/CostaRica.
Guyana opens their campaign against Curacao on February 24, then move on to Anguilla on February 28beforetheymeetHaition March 2 and Saint Vincent and the Grenadines on March4.
After round-robin play, the first-place team from each group will advance to the 2026 Concacaf U-20 Championship, joining the six top-ranked nations that are pre-qualified directly to thetournament.
2026ConcacafU-20 Championship
T h e 1 2 - t e a m Championship is scheduled for the summer of 2026, runningfromJuly25toAug. 9, and will feature the region’s 12 best men’s U-20 national teams divided into three groups of four. The tournamentwillalsoserveas the qualifying competition forboththe2027FIFA (Continuedonpage33)
Malachi Austin
The National Sports Commission (NSC) will tonight host its first-ever black-tie edition of the National Sports Awards, a landmark event that promises to elevate the prestige and presentation of Guyana’s top sporting honour
“Thisnewapproachadds to the many changes introduced under the leadership of Minister of Culture, Youth and Sport, Charles Ramson Jr, and d e m o n s t r a t e s o u r commitment to raising the standards of sport in every possibleway,”Ninvallesaid.
The NSC’s selection committee recently completed its deliberations following a detailed review ofsubmissionsfromnational federations.
Glasgow, Guyana’s all-time leading goal scorer and a strong contender for SportsmanoftheYear
Glasgow’s stellar run in the CONCACAF Nations League earned him both the Best Young Player Award andTopScorerAward,ashe propelled the Golden Jaguars to a historic promotiontoLeagueA.
prodigy Sachin Pitamber — each having achieved remarkable feats on both regional and international stages.
She will face tough competition from Tianna Springer, the CARIFTA 400m champion, and other youngtalents.
AccordingtoDirectorof Sport, Steve Ninvalle, the event signals a new era for the National SportsAwards, whichdatebackto1970.
Ninvalle described this year’s ceremony as a r e f l e c t i o n o f t h e government’s growing investment and appreciation for local sportsmen and women.
The gala takes place from7:00pmatthePegasus SuitesandCorporateCentre, celebrating athletes, coaches, officials, and associations for their outstanding achievements throughout2024.
Ninvallecommendedthe panel for what he called a “transparent and meritbased selection process”, ensuring that the most deserving individuals and organizations receive recognition.
“The committee has done an exceptional job in ensuring fairness and transparency Their work guarantees that tonight’s winners truly represent the best of Guyana’s sporting talent,”Ninvalleadded.
Leading this year’s lineup of honourees is national footballer Omari
(Cricinfo) - Kane
Williamson is set to replace Bangladeshleft-armspinner Taijul Islam at Durban’s Super Giants (DSG) ahead o f S A 2 0 2 5 - 2 6 , ESPNcricinfo understands. DSG had bought Taijul for R500,000 (approx US$28,858) at the mega auction in September, but he’s set to miss the upcoming fourth edition of theSA20.
Williamson, meanwhile, had made his debut in the tournament when he represented DSG last season, but was released by the side despite being their highestrun-scorer
Hescored233runsatan averageof46.60andastrike rate of 118 87 in eight games. DSG finished at the bottomofthetable.
Williamson’s return to theSA20continueshisforay in the franchise world. Last month, he was appointed Lucknow Super Giants’
(LSG) strategic advisor in theIPL.
Earlierthisyear,afterhis maidenstintattheSA20,he played in the Hundred for the first time in his career andintheVitalityBlastafter seven years. Soon after, Williamson signed only a casual agreement with New Zealand Cricket to have flexibility in playing overseas.
Last week, he also retired from T20Is with the
T20 World Cup only three monthsaway
At the SA20 next year, Williamson will join Noor Ahmad (retained), Sunil NarineandJosButtler(both pre-signed), among others, as DSG look to improve on their performance from last season.
The fourth edition of SA20 begins on December 26, with DSG playing the opening game against MI CapeTowninCapeTown.
The 21-year-old striker, whohasnotched21goalsin 3 3 i n t e r n a t i o n a l appearances,isjoinedonthe shortlist by bodybuilder NicholasAlbert,whoearned his IFBB Pro Card in 2024, Olympian Emanuel Archibald, and national cricketerAshmeadNedd.
TheJuniorSportsmanof the Year category features four rising stars — track athletesKaidonPersaudand Malachi Austin, swimmer Raekwon Noel, and chess
Among the women, the Sportswoman of the Year award will see a strong contestbetweensquashstars Nicholette Fernandes and Ashley Khalil, Taekwondo standout Ceili Peterson, and bodybuilding sensation Rosanna Fung, whose performances continue to elevate Guyana’s reputation ontheworldfitnessstage.
F o r t h e J u n i o r Sportswoman of the Year, Athaleyah Hinckson is among the favourites after making history by winning Guyana’s first-ever gold medal in the CARIFTA GamesU17women’s100m, then following up with gold at the South American U20 Championships.
The Coach of the Year field includes Julian Edmonds of the Running Brave Track Club, who guided both Austin and Hinckson to success, alongside Ryan Hercules (cricket) and Joseph “Bill” Wilson (GDF Football Club), whose leadership shaped their teams’winning performances.
Meanwhile, four associations — the Guyana Basketball Federation, Guyana Chess Association, Guyana Bodybuilding and Fitness Federation, and GuyanaGolfAssociation— arevyingfortheAssociation oftheYeartitle,recognizing excellenceinadministration (Continuedonpage31)
