Kaieteur News

Rape accused: Anthony Patterson

Grace Nichols

Sir Ronald Sanders Komal Samaroo

Nicolette Fernandes Egbert ‘Bert’ Carter

Prof. Clement Sankat

JohnAgard Mohindra Persaud Terry Gajraj

Guyana gave up more oil cash than it earned in 2024

ByDavinaBagot

Guyanahasfounditselfina‘quagmireof its own making’, hemorrhaging massive resources that could transform the country andthelivesofitspeople.

The2016ProductionSharingAgreement (PSA) with ExxonMobil and partners that is ever so often the subject of debate has resulted in Guyana losing more taxes from the three Stabroek Block partners than the entirecountryreceivedin2024.

Accordingtothefinancialstatementsfor thethreecompaniesseenbythisnewspaper, Guyana waived a monstrous $493B in income taxes for ExxonMobil, Hess and CNOOClastyear

Exxon,theoperatoroftheblock,reported an income tax expense of $260,155,788,763 while Hess reported $209,668,605,000 and CNOOC another $22,933,000,000. Overall, the companies’total income tax expense for theyearwasabout$493B.

During the same period, the Guyana RevenueAuthority (GRA) only paid $420B intaxestotheconsolidatedfund.

The recently published 2024 Auditor General Report states, “According to the Authority’s Statements of Receipts and Disbursements, the sum of $408.462 billion was estimated to be collected as revenue for the year 2024. However, this figure was revisedbytheAuthorityto$422.562billion. Actual collections paid into the Consolidated Fund totalled $420 180 billion.”

For the period, GRA collected

$40,419,470,000 in Customs & Trade Administration; $112,747,293,000 in Value

Added & Excise Taxes and $267,013,555,000 in internal revenue. The total taxes received for the year however pales in comparison to the taxes the country lost from the oil giants operating in the Stabroekblock.

The sweetheart deal Exxon signed in

2016statesinArticle15.1thattheContractor (ExxonMobil)aswellasitsaffiliatesshallnot be subjected to tax, value-added tax, excise tax,duty,fee,charge,orimpostinrespectof income derived from petroleum operations, property held or transactions except as specifiedundertheagreement.

Further, Article 15.4 states that the sum equivalenttothetaxesowedbythecompany will be paid by the Minister responsible for Petroleum to the Commissioner General of theGRA.Itshouldbenotedthatthecontract also allows for the issuing of a receipt to ExxonMobil, indicating that it has met the localtaxrequirementstoavoidtheburdenof doubletaxation.

The terms of the agreement has often been criticized for its lopsided terms that extend lofty benefits to the petroleum companieswhilethenationstrugglestofund itsdevelopmentpriorities,turningtolending institutionsforloans.

Kaieteur News reported that Guyana

entered the oil era in 2019 with US$1.8 billionindebt.Sixyearslater,thatfigurehas skyrocketed to over US$7.7 billion, a fourfoldexplosioninborrowingunderthecurrent administration.

At the end of 2024, Guyana’s debt stood atUS$6BbutanotherUS$1.7Bwasaddedto financethe2025Budget,asrevealedbyVice President,BharratJagdeo.

Kaieteur News hailed for providing balanced, equitable coverage of elections - EU Observer Mission

Kaieteur News has been highlighted in the EU Elections Observer Mission’s (EOM) final report on Guyana’s General and Regional Elections for providing balancedandequitablecoverageof theelections.

In its report, the EU noted that while “the media in Guyana is vibrant and highly polarized,” during the elections, a few independent media including Kaieteur News maintained impartialcoverage.

“State-owned Guyana Chronicleandgovernment-aligned Guyana Times predominantly covered PPP/C, the incumbent president and the government in their front-page articles, whereas KaieteurNewsandStabroekNews featured all the contesting parties, providing a more balanced and equitable coverage of the campaign.”

Additionally, the EU’s report provided a chart that shows KN providing up to 46 per cent coverage to the ruling People’s Progressive Party/ Civic government and 54 per cent coverage to the combined opposition which consisted of five oppositionparties.

StabroekNewsprovided53per cent coverage to the PPP/C and 47 per cent to the combined opposition.

Further, among monitored news websites, the EU said News Source demonstrated more balanced coverage of the election campaign, providing space for multiple articles and featuring all thepartiesinanequitablewaywith aneutraltoneofreporting.”

The report nonetheless pointed to the polarisation of the media duringtheelection’scoverage.For instance, the mission said State

media was instrumentalised to the exclusive benefit of the ruling party

“State-run and most private outletsstronglyfavouredtheruling PPP/C limiting voters’ access to balanced information state fundedbroadcastslargelyexcluded opposition voices and campaign coverage, leaving contestants withoutguaranteesofbalancedand equitableaccess,”thereportstated.

Itnotedtoothat“Alargepartof State-run media’s electoral airtime comprised video and audio clips that promoted the ruling party but

were not labelled as political advertising.An overall duration of such videos and audios was, respectively,11hoursonNCNTV and one hour nine minutes on the VoiceofGuyanaradio.”

The report said that up to two per cent of prime-time political coverage of the State-run channels featured APNU and up to one per cent WIN, while all other parties werepracticallyexcludedfromthe electionrelatedairtime.”

It continued that “such coveragerunscountertothepublic serviceremitofState-runmedia,to

the detriment of voters’ access diverse information Among broadcast media, only privatelyownedHGPTVwasinclusive,with news airtime equitably divided among all parties and mostly neutralintone.Privately-ownedHJ Boom Radio featured oppositional parties mostly in its paid for airtime.”

The report said that overall reporting was shaped by partisanship, confrontational relations with political actors, and occasionalthreatsorlegalpressure onjournalists.

“Independentbroadcastersand print outlets provided more balancedcoverage,yettheabsence of effective safeguards and the overlap between government communication and campaign activities further constrained pluralistic and objective reporting.”

According to the report, discrimination of the independent media did not stop there as a few independent journalists were singled out and verbally attacked by high-ranking government officials and their supporters at publiceventsandononline.

The document highlighted instances where “a few reporters faced threats of legal action by government ministers, who considered their reporting as defamatory, which further contributedtothechillingeffecton mediaenvironment.

“In parallel, the government withheld payments to independent newspapers for already printed advertising…At the same time, someoppositionfiguresalsomade harsh public commentary towards journalists perceived to be aligned with the government. In addition, some journalists openly campaigned for contesting parties across the country, mostly the PPP/C, further reducing the integrity of independent reporting andpublictrustinmedia.”

Further, thedocumentsaidthat a large part of State-run media’s electoral airtime comprised video and audio clips that promoted the rulingpartybutwerenotlabelledas politicaladvertising.

“Broadcast coverage of the election campaign monitored left voters with limited objective information.

President, ExxonMobil Guyana, Alistair Routledge

KaieteurNews

PrintedandPublishedbyNationalMedia& PublishingCompanyLtd. 24SaffonStreet, Charlestown,Georgetown,Guyana.

Publisher:GLENNLALL-Tel:624-6456

Editor-in-Chief:NigelWilliams

Tel: 225-8465, 225-8491. Fax: 225-8473, 226-8210

EDITORIAL

ExxonMobil'scashcow

ExxonMobilhasacashcowinGuyana,anditismilked and milked to the fullest extent possible. It is not the half and half profit-sharing formula that leaves Guyana with a dollar number that is a fraction of a half, while ExxonMobil's profit portion rises and rises, leading to a wider margin between what the company and this country get. It'samachinethatisagiantvacuumcleanersuckingup billionsuponbillionsofUSdollarsincostrecovery.

CostrecoveryisthemysteryofwhichGuyanaknowsso little about, not even with the help of auditors, reportedly not the best that money can buy, or what gives the best returns on money paid. Cost recovery for ExxonMobil is like a lottery that is won every day, one that is like a cash cow that just keeps producing and producing, with more goodtimesinstore. Whyspoiltheflowofrich,bottomline enhancing,milk,byputtingthebrakesoncostrecovery,ad letagoodthinggotowaste?

Cost recovery in the first six months of this year, as claimed by ExxonMobil, settled at an astronomical US$9.768B. In Guyana dollars, that is an even more mindboggling two trillion dollars, and this is when an exchange rate of GY$205:US$1 is used. Even Guyanese whohaveneverheldaUSdollarintheirhandsknowthatthe exchangerateisnot$205Guyanato$1US. Andthatisfor six months only in 2025, not the whole of this year The US$9.768B cost recovery haul by the American oil supergiantforjustsixmonthsisalmostoneandahalftimes thiscountry's2025nationalbudget,thebiggestonrecordto date. It should emphasize that what ExxonMobil has in Guyana is the most liquids of cash cows, and some corporateaccountingsystemsthatdevouritsmilklikesome unsatedbeast.

The Government of Guyana doesn't have the clearest idea of what it is paying for in those fresh, new billions in costrecovery Tomakemattersevenmoreunsatisfactory, thegovernmentseemsnottocareaboutshiningthesharpest spotlightontheincreasingbillionsinexpenses. Itshouldbe probingdeeplyforaccountinggimmicksandotherwaysin which ExxonMobil may have taken advantage of this country's cluelessness and recklessness, but the government isn't. Many have commented, and not in the most reassuring way possible, about the interest and drive oftheauditorstopeerskillfullyintothehazeofthebillions of cost recovery submissions from ExxonMobil. Guyana gets what it gets from its auditors, and that is part of this free-for-all where expenses from the company are concerned.

There have been responsible criticisms of audit effort and audit output. It seems to the experts that the auditors hiredbyGuyanaoperatedwiththeirhandstiedbehindtheir backs. Itseemsthatwhentheyweresohandicappedfrom theinceptionthatthemostthattheycoulddo,orweregiven thegreenlighttodo,wasskimthesurfaceofbillionsincost recovery from ExxonMobil. The findings give some confirmation of the weaknesses in past schemes of work andtheirrelateddrillingdown. Howfardidtheygo,were allowed to go, and how much they followed up with what was uncovered? There was a development that indicated the games likely being played. In one situation, ExxonMobilpersonnelactuallyblockedGuyana'sauditors from accessing areas that were declared to be off-limits to theirscrutiny Wheredoesthatleavetheoverallintegrityof costrecoverybillions?

In one form or another, and under different names, ExxonMobil has been in the oil business on a global scale foroveracenturyandahalf. Guyanaisanewcomer,ababe in the woods, in the oil business, with just over a half of a decade under its belt. It is a terrible imbalance in every aspectofGuyana'sshortoilhistorythatplacesitatagreat disadvantage. To compare the Guyana-ExxonMobil environmenttothatofaDavidandGoliathsituationdoesn't evenrepresentastart. Thinkofalionwithapuppytrapped in its paws, and that's ExxonMobil and Guyana with cost recovery

Upholding Guyanese hospitality: A call for vigilance and firm action

DearEditor,

O u r G u y a n e s e hospitality has long been a defining feature of our national identity. As a people, we possess a deep culturalinstinctforkindness, generosity, and warmth. We prideourselvesonourability tomakeothersfeelwelcome, respected, and such valued qualities are admired by visitors from across the world.

This tradition is not merely a social custom; it is anexpressionofwhoweare as a people. Yet, as our s o c i e t y b e c o m e s increasingly interconnected and diverse, this very generosityisatriskofbeing exploited.

Themostrecentincident, involving an alleged pastor of the Universal Church in Georgetown, who verbally attacked a tax-paying Guyanesecitizeninthemost vulgar and angry manner over an “alleged parking space,” which is not his, demand sober reflection

Thepublichaswitnessednot only a shocking display of arrogance, vulgarity and anger, but behaviour wholly inconsistent with the conduct exp

f someone, "a pastor" claiming moral or spiritual leadership. The Mayor of Georgetown has already clarified that no private individual or institution holds authority to restrict public access to a public roadway yet the aggression continued. Such disregard for our laws, public spaces, and fellow Guyanese

citizens or otherwise cannot betakenlightly

Further, what is equally unfortunate, is that this case is not isolated. It has been alleged that across our society, be it at restaurants, supermarkets, and various business establishments, there have been reports of similar instances where foreigners display contemptuous, disrespectful or dismissive behaviour toward Guyanese people While many who come to our shores contribute positively to our economy and social fabric, the emergenceofsuchtroubling displays signals a growing problem that must not be ignored.

Most would agree that our Guyanese hospitality and kindness must never be mistaken for weakness. Our kindnessisrootedinrespect, and that respect must be reciprocated Foreign nationalswhochoosetolive, work, worship, or invest in Guyana are welcomed into our society that is built on coexistence, tolerance, and cultural pride. However, it must be understood that this welcome comes with responsibilities,chiefamong them, is upholding our laws andtreatingourcitizenswith respectanddignity

Allowing abusive or arrogant behaviour to go u n c h e c k e d , r i s k s normalizing such actions thatcanerodeourcontinued effortsforsocialandnational cohesion.

If such conduct is permitted to proliferate, it

maygrowintoamuchlarger problem, one capable of undermining public trust, disturbing community relations, and breeding resentment within the population.

A society that values hospitality must also value accountability

Itisthereforeimperative that we all as Guyanese citizens,communityleaders, public officials, and institutions remain vigilant. We must not allow unacceptable behaviour to take root through silence or passive tolerance. Instead, wemustpromoteaculturein which respect for our country, our people, and its lawsisnon-negotiable.

It is in this regard we must demand firm enforcementofourlaws.

The relevant authorities must ensure that public order, the laws, community standards, and municipal regulationsareappliedfairly and consistently to all residents, regardless of nationalityorposition.

There should be a c o l l e c t i v e p u b l i c condemnation of abusive conduct by civil society, religious bodies, and community leaders must openlyrejectbehavioursthat violateoursocietalnormsor undermine our national dignity

Equally, I believe those who come to our country to live or work should receive proper guidance on cultural expectations, legal responsibilities, and the valuesofmutualrespectthat

underpinoursocialfabric.

All of our people should feelconfidentandsupported whenreportingmistreatment ordiscrimination,thatitwill be treated with the importance it requires. No one should fear retaliation for standing up for their rights.

O u r G u y a n e s e hospitality is one of our greatest assets, cherished and promoted by our people and it is admired regionally and internationally It is the ingredient that helps to strengthen our tourism sector, supports our economy, and enriches the daily lives of those who call this country home. But like all values worth preserving, it must be protected through deliberate and intentional action.

We must never allow individual incidents of disrespect to define our interactions or set new norms Instead, let these momentsserveasreminders of the importance of safeguardingourcultureand insistingonmutualrespect.

Guyana will remain a welcoming country, but we are not a nation to be disrespected.Ourhospitality isagift,notaninvitationfor abuse. Through vigilance, unity, and firm response, we can ensure that our society remains warm and open hearted, while also strong, dignified, and selfrespecting.

Yoursrespectfully, JermaineFigueira Former Member of Parliament

Response to Minister Gail Teixeira on the constituting of the Human Rights Commission

DearEditor,

Inotetheresponseofthe Minister of Parliamentary Affairs and Governance on the matter of the nonconstitution of the Human Rights Commission, and I can only deduce from her remarks that she is either pretending to miss the point of my letter or that she genuinely does not comprehendwhatwasbeing askedofher

No one is disputing the value of education Any effort to build civic awareness and promote respect for rights is welcome.

What we cannot do is pretend that educational programmes can replace constitutional mechanisms, especiallyafullyconstituted

Human Rights Commission with the legal authority to investigate, act, and adjudicate human rights violations.

The critique I made, and will now reassert, is simple:

the Human Rights

C o m m i s s i o n i s a constitutionalmandate,nota discretionary activity Its n o n - e x i s t e n c e fundamentally undermines Guyana's ability to protect citizens' rights and to hold s t a t e i n s t i t u t i o n s accountable.

The repeated attempt to showcase human rights “initiatives” and workshops as evidence of commitment is not governance; it is political theatre. What the country needs is not more ceremonies, but the

constitutional body that the lawrequires.

We all recall the President waxing lyrical when asked about the reconvening of Parliament, declaring, and I quote, “You can trust the PPP/C

Government to do everything within the Constitution ” Well, Mr President, and Madam Minister, respect for the Constitution cannot be selective. It cannot apply only when convenient The Constitution requires not only that Parliament be reconvenedontime,butalso that all constitutional bodies be established, functional, and free from political interference It demands separation of powers, enforceable checks and balances, and oversight institutions that actually work.

Now that the Minister has detailed the process for the appointment of the HumanRightsCommission, one that is clear, straightforward, and certainly not complicated, perhaps she can now inform the nation of the timeline by which the PPP Government intends to fully constitute thisCommission.Especially since their Speaker, Mr Manzoor Nadir, is determined not to call the meeting for the elections of theLeaderoftheOpposition, which is necessary to this process.

TabithaSarabo-Halley MemberofParliament

Why Data Protection Law matters for Guyana after the November 18 Cloudflare Outage

DearEditor,

A global disruption underscores local priorities: privacy, resilience, and accountability

The internet disruption that swept the world on November 18—originating from a global content delivery and security provider—briefly slowed or stalled access to websites andappsacrosstheglobe.In Guyana,theoutageservedas a real-world stress test for

the country's digital ecosystem, including the resilienceoflocalservicesto threatsthatoccurfarbeyond Guyana'sborders,aswellas a reminder of why having a Data Protection Act matter

Just as importantly, it showed where continued

guidance, enforcement, and preparedness can turn legal principles into everyday protection for people and businesses.

G u y a n a ' s D a t a Protection Act lays out the rules of the road for how personal information is collected, used, stored, and shared. It places duties on organizations to safeguard data, respect individual rights,andplanforincidents whether they occur far beyond Guyana's borders or in the next neighbourhood.

W h e n t h i r d - p a r t y infrastructure hiccups ripple through local services, the Act'sfocusonaccountability and “security by design” becomesmorethanatheory; it becomes the difference

between chaos and a coordinatedresponse.

What the law already deliversorganizationsacting as data controllers and processors must have appropriate technical and organizational measures in place encryption, access controls, staff training, and regular testing—to protect personaldata.

The Act encourages privacy impact assessments for higher-risk processing, which help institutions identify weak points in supply chains and third-party dependencies beforeaproblemoccurs.

Residents have rights to know how their data is used and to seek redress when things go wrong, creating a

President Ali's Tiger Bay visit reinforces priorities of safety, services, and opportunities for all

DearEditor,

President Irfaan Ali's recentvisittoTigerBaywas metwithapositivereception

from residents and community leaders The informal consultations were an extension of his government's “hands-on” and people-first approach to governance.

S t r o l l i n g t h e neighbourhood's streets, the President connected with families, small business owners, and youth, learning about community needs and c h a l l e n g e s w h i l e highlighting the near-term actions needed to improve everydayservices.

Citizens spoke about concerns and unmet needs that have been on the neighbourhood's radar for a while. From infrastructure and drainage to refuse collection and community safety, attendees said President Ali assured them that these are priorities for hisadministration.

“The President listened to us. He talked about quick wins,buthealsosaidthatin some cases, we might have to be patient because some things take time. But he did promise that there will be follow-up from the Government,fromhispart,” saidonewoman.

Areasofopportunityand support for youth and livelihoods were covered.

Participants said the discussion included skills training, micro- and smallbusiness support, and ways to engage young people

through sports and afterschool activities. Access to education and school readiness were common themes,withcallsforgreater r e s o u r c e s a n d

school–community collaboration.

On the administrative side, the visit reflected an integrated and cross-agency approachtoservicedelivery It paired citizen listening sessions with directives to drive action via municipal authorities and agencies

Community members said theywereencouragedbythe emphasis on transparency (tasktracking,reporting,and follow-up visits to measure progress) and the assurance thatthePresidentwillreturn to the neighbourhood to see whathaschanged.

As community leaders and residents of Tiger Bay reflectonthevisit,itshistory and culture are also front of t h e i r m i n d s T h e

neighbourhood is home to a vibrant and strong population, many of whom have been the bedrock of Georgetownsocietythrough theyears.Communityelders saiditistimeforacontinued government investment to match citizens' ambitions. Attendees said that the President's message to them wasthatthegoalisinclusive growth, and development must be felt in every community, not just on centralavenues.

The administration has signaledthatneighbourhood w a l k a b o u t s a n d consultations will continue over the coming weeks Local leaders here in Tiger

Bay have expressed optimism that safety, services, and pathways to opportunity will remain front and center at the nationallevel.

Sincerely,

PhilipInshanally

strengthens trust in digital services.

By setting expectations for incident detection and reporting, the Act promotes timely communication with authorities and affected individuals when personal dataisatrisk.

Lessons from the outage

When a single provider sits between citizens and critical services, resilience and vendor oversight become central to data protection. Contracts with processors should include clear security standards,

cooperationonincidents.

Outage plans—fallback DNS, alternate routing, and staged degradation—are not just about uptime They reduce the likelihood of risky workarounds, rushed configuration changes, or data exposure during recovery

Accurate, time-stamped records help determine whether personal data was impacted and support evidence-basednotifications tothepublic.

Because many services

run abroad, organizations should know where data flows, what safeguards apply, and how to switch or compartmentalizeservicesif one region or provider falters.

What organizations can do now maintain an up-to-date inventory of personal data, systems, p r o c e s s o r s , a n d sub-processors including geographic locations—and r e v i e w h i g h - r i s k dependencies.

Ensure data processing agreementscoversecurity

(Continuedonpage6)

We can't have separate laws for the rich and the poor

DearEditor,

I r e m e m b e r m y grandmotherusedtosay,“If yuh wrong, yuh wrong, rich or poor, same treatment.” Thatwisdomneverexpires.

Lately, I see people bendingthemselvestryingto justify why certain big names should get special treatment when they run afoulofthelaw

Someevensaythepolice should arrest them “softly.” Sincewhendoesjusticehave aluxurypackage?

We can't be preaching equality then crying shame when it reaches one of our own. A poor boy could get cuffs for a 'lil' larceny, but a

millionaire must get a redcarpet arrest? No man. Law can'thavearichversionand apoorversion.

When those in power or withmoneybelievetheyare untouchable, every honest citizen in this country becomessmaller

Because next time, the law will hesitate and that hesitationbreedscorruption.

The real issue is respect for justice. Every man must

answerforhisowndeeds.If youclean,thecourtisgoing toproveit.

Ifyouaredirty,thesame courtisgoingtodealwithit. Simple.

We can't build a country where the law trembles to touch certain people A nation that wants fairness mustpracticeit,evenwhenit hurts.

Respectfully, BRIANAZORE

Callsgrowforgenuineconstitutionalreformnotcosmeticchange

The EU Elections ObservationMission(EOM) has pointed to the need for enhanced key electoral reforms through an established and robust Constitutional Reform Commission (CRC) framework.

Chief Observer, Chief ObserverRobertBiedroń,in presentingthefinalreportat thePegasusSuitesonFriday, said that many stakeholders are waiting for the constitution of the CRC so that the body can fulfil its mandate.

“The CRC has a legal mandate to consult on and propose electoral reforms –supportingthisyear'sCRC's process with solid electoral and legal expertise could be the key to driving a well framed future electoral reform of a constitutional nature Therefore, we recommend enhancing the prospects for key electoral reform through necessary electoral expertise as part of

a robust CRC operational framework...”

Biedrońexplainedthatin absence of an active CRC, the country cannot adopt clear and comprehensive campaignrules.

“In those elections, we saw how the line between State and party was often blurred.Forexample,public projects inauguration or government social programmes were used in ways that clearly supported one party State vehicles were observed transporting supporters to campaign events. Government social media channels supported PPP/Ccampaigns.Clearand forciblerulesforhowpublic officials use State resources a n d g o v e r n m e n t communication can be used in election period We

ad

pting c

ea

and comprehensive campaign rules...,” the Chief Observer said.

Meanwhile, in its report,

The EU Elections Observation Mission presented its findings on the 2025 General and Regional Elections at the Pegasus Suites on Tuesday

the observation mission reminded that “the 21memberCRCwaslegislated in 2022 and formed in 2024 to engage in public consultations including on electoralmatters,howeverit has yet to commence its work, which was reportedly

delayedduetologisticaland financial challenges and deficiencies in member selection.”

TheEUreportnotedthat the body could be crucial to promotingconsensusaround key electoral reforms includingonthefutureofthe G u y a n a E l e c t i o n s Commission(GECOM).

“The GECOM, as a constitutional body, has a partisan framework which splits the commission into opposing sides, precluding broader stakeholder inclusion and risking inefficient decision making,” the report said pointing to representatives of the government and opposition sitting on the electionscommission.

“ A 2 1 - m e m b e r Constitutional Reform Commission which could

address this issue has yet to begin its work, including on electoralreformsandatarget period for publicising its m e t h o d o l o g y a n d timeframes is overdue, reportedly due to logistical challenges and deficiencies inmemberselection.Itsrole, underpinned by the necessary expertise, will be crucial to several aspects of electoralreform.”

Importantly, the mission stressed that the law sets requirements for financing the CRC and a target period for publicising its m e t h o d o l o g y a n d timeframes, which are positive measures to increase trust once carried out.

Given the CRC's key role, the EU observation mission noted that electoral expertise is important for

reforms.

Back in September, the Carter Center Observer

Mission released its preliminary findings on Guyana's general and regionalelections,urgingthe incoming government to implement reforms aimed at fostering a more equitable electoral process and restoring public confidence inGECOMandthecountry's democracy

D u r i n g a p r e s s conference held at the PegasusSuites,JasonCarter, head of the Carter Center Mission, emphasised the urgent need for systemic reforminGuyana.“Wehave calledforyearsonGuyana's leaders, in this new government and parliament, whomever, they may be to

nd constitutional reforms to implement campaign finance reform, it is especially important to ensure there is equal access to public information about the contracts that are about the things that affect people intheirdailylives,andthisis crucial issue between elections.”

He said, “elections are really a report card on democracy Theyarenotthe democracyitself.Thereisso much that occurs between elections that would be cruciallyimportant,”hesaid. The Center commended the previousparliament'sefforts (Continuedonpage21)

Why Data Protection Law matters for...

Frompage5

s tan d ar d s , b r each

c o o p e r a t i o n , d a t a

return/deletion, and sub-processorcontrols.

Practice incident response, designate a responsible lead (such as a data protection officer or equivalent), and pre-write customer notices for faster, clearercommunication.

Use least-privilege access, encrypt data at rest and in transit, segment systems, and consider diversifiedarchitecturesthat avoidsinglepointsoffailure. What citizens should know!

Your rights travel with yourdata.

Y o u c a n a s k organizationswhatdatathey hold about you, why they hold it, and how it's protected even if their technology providers are overseas.

Use strong, unique passwords, enable multi-factor authentication, and be cautious of phishing thatmayfollowhigh-profile outages. If an incident risks your personal data, organizations should communicate promptly and clearly about whathappenedandwhatyou cando.

The November 18

disruptionwillnotbethelast globalshocktotheinternet's plumbing.Thegoodnewsis that Guyana's Data Protection Act already provides a solid foundation. The opportunity now is to operationalize it through practical guidance, consistent enforcement, and a culture of readiness—so that the next incident is met with resilience, clear communication, and stronger protection for everyone who depends on thecountry'sgrowingdigital economy.

Sincerely, PhilipInshanally ITExpert

Kaieteur News hailed for providing balanced...

Frompage3 mediademonstratedsimilar trends as the broadcast media ” The EU said the incidences point to a need for the recommendations for rules for political parties, transparency in c

including on-line, controls

resources, and improved regulation for the media, including oversight on digitalplatforms. T

on equitable airtime and space for electoral contestants as wellaspoliticaladvertising, in a timely and consultative manner

Global EITI sounds alarm on Govt. power grab ....amidfalloutoverIvorEnglish’sappointment

Policy Forum Guyana (PFG), the former convenor of the civic component of the MultiStakeholder Group (MSG) of the Guyana Extractive Industries Transparency Initiative (GYEITI) recently met with international representatives of the Extractive Industries Transparency Initiative (EITI) and will soon be issuing a correspondence to the Board

regarding the Guyana government'sattempttocontrolthe group.

In a statement PFG said a virtual meeting was held on November 15 which brought together persons from EITI chapters in Trinidad and Tobago, Suriname, and Australia, with messages of solidarity from civil society board representatives of Ukraine and Peru Local participantsincludedPFGtrustees, MSG-Civic selectors, former civic and industry representatives from sectors of the GYEITI MSG, national NGOs, and Amerindian representativesfromthreeregions.

During the meeting, PFG pointed out that its contention was not the reinstatement of PFG as 'convenor' of the civic component of the MSG, but the ruling party's attempt to “capture the GYEITI MSGpolitically”.

It explained, “Despite already exerting significant influence through a GYEITI Secretariat that functions as a department of the Ministry of Natural Resources that controls all financial, staffing, and communications decisions, the Governmentnowseeksfullcontrol throughmonopolizingtheselection ofMSGmembers.”

TheEITIStandard2023defines civilsocietyorganizationsas“nongovernmental organizations includingtradeunions,issue-based coalitions, faith-based organisations, Indigenous Peoples' movements,themedia,thinktanks and foundations,” explicitly recognizing the media as part of thisspace.

S t e m m i n g f r o m t h e discussions, it was unanimously

agreedthatanopenletterwouldbe dispatchedtotheInternationalEITI Board, which meets this week in Armenia The letter seeks the Board's endorsement for a formal intervention stating that the GovernmentofGuyana'sapproach t

he independence of all sectors as requiredbytheEITIStandard2023 and a public statement from the EITIBoardaffirmingthisposition.

ThegroupalsoagreedthatPFG would circulate the open letter locallyandinternationallyandonly recognize meeting(s) convened in accordance with EITI Standard provisions.

Assuch,PFGnotedthatitdoes not recognize the meeting scheduled for November 20 at the M

H

he Government-appointed convenor Dr IvorEnglish,asvalid.

The appointment of English was announced by the Ministry of NaturalResourcesonNovember8, 2025

condemned the appointment over government's failure to follow stipulated guidelines for his appointment.

In proposing a path forward to settle the ongoing tension, PFG recommended that the Natural Resources Minister, Vickram BharratreconvenetheCo-Chairsof the previous MSG to review and approve any proposed approach to MSGselection.

Further, that the Co-Chairs should validate the lists of nominees originally submitted by the extractive industries and civil society sectors as an interim measure to allow the MSG to resumeitswork.

PFG also suggested, “The International Board should consider launching an early Validation, assessing Guyana's readiness and compliance with EITI requirements. In preparation, a subcommittee should be established to develop long-term recommendations for public consultation Members of this

committee should include former MSGrepresentativesfromallthree sectors.”

Thestatementwassignedby19 no

and organizationsincludingtheGuyana Human Rights Association (GHRA); Amerindian People Association (APA) – Graham Atkinson; Transparency Institute Guyana Inc (TIGI); Red Thread; Stitching Projekta (Suriname); Fishermen and Friends of the Sea (Trinidad and Tobago) and Green Heritage Fund (Suriname) among severalothers.

A Christmas without backpay

Therearemomentsinlife whenasocietymustconfront a truly existential crisis. For theancientGreeks,itwasthe nature of fate For medieval philosophers, it was the problemof evil. For modern adults, it is whether a man cantrulybudgetbydeciding to eat only tennis rolls and maubyuntilpayday.”

And for the Guyanese public servant—our noble bureaucratic gladiator it is this:Whatdoesonedowhen Christmas arrives and the backpaydoesnot?

Ifthisdoesnotstrikeyou as the stuff of national tragedy, you have clearly never seen a public servant confronted with a December payslipthatlooksexactlylike the November one. It is an e m o t i o n a l experience somewhere between finding out your favouritefoodshopisclosed anddiscoveringyourin-laws arecomingforan“extended holiday.”

For decades, public servants were conditioned to expectaDecembermiracle:a lump sum of retroactive salary, handed down by the PPPC like an annual economic sacrament Not a bonus(heavenforbidwecall it that!), but the hallowed retroactive adjustment. The difference between the two is theological, but public servants didn't trouble themselves with such technicalities, because whether it was a bonus, a backpay, or reparations for emotional distress inflicted

by the photocopier it arrivedinDecember.

AndDecember,asweall know, is when most people suddenly realize the price of ham has tripled, the children have all developed “gift expectations,” and the neighbourshaveputuplights so bright, they threaten aviation safety A little backpaywentalongway

But now, after years of

economic inhaler the storyline has taken a dark turn A twist A plot development so shocking it couldonlyhavebeenwritten byacommittee.

Because, suddenly, collectivebargainingactually worked

Yes, after decades of governments announcing wage increases with all the subtletyofasurpriseslap,the union representing public servants finally achieved whatunionsaremeanttodo: negotiate And in this negotiation lay the seed of public servants' current existentialcrisis.

For 2025, the retroactive salary increase usually held hostage until December like a Netflix season finale was instead paid in July July! The month best known for heat, mosquitoes, and people pretending they're not waiting for Emancipation Day to really relax The government, benevolentinitswisdom(or strategic in its election calendar interpretation

depends on your political bloodpressure),decidedthat the workers should have their backpay early Very early Suspiciously early I believe the Romans would have called it a donativum We, however, call it what it is:anelectionsweetener

Of course, nobody did a survey No focus group No consultation committee featuring representatives of Christmas Trees, Baking Flour, and Children Who Want Tablets The money simply arrived in July—like rain during a wedding, or relatives during your staycation.

And now here we are December looms And the treasury is as silent as a politician's phone the day afterelections

Public servants, once accustomed to the sweet anticipation of the yuletide backpay,arenowstaringinto the abyss of their December bank statements, realizing with horror that July money does not, psychologically or financially, count as Christmasmoney

You can't keep July money until December. That's like saving chowmein for six months technically possible, but you wouldn't recommendit

And so, begins the clamour

Softatfirst,liketherustle of wrapping paper Now louder likethewailingofa man who just realized VAT applies to toys Arising call, echoing across offices,

DEM BOYS SEH

Increasing traffic fines will only increase corruption

Dem boys seh yesterday was a whole documentary'bouthowpolicedoesoperate ponderoad.Notonce,buttwicedemboys see de same scene replay like a bad rerun. Police stop a man car And on both occasions,depopositdownindemcarand wait on de alleged errant driver to come to them.

Dem boys seh is suh now? Since when de driver must march to de police like he going to pay homage to royalty? Last time dem boys check, is de police supposed to leave dem chariot, walk to de vehicle, and talk to de driver But some o' dem—only some—feeldemiskingsanddukes.Demsit down cross-foot in de pickup like throne, waiting fuh de “subjects” to approach and genuflect.

Demboyssehifdiscontinue,nextthing yuhgonseeispolicestretchingoutdemfoot and asking citizen fuh polish dem boot before talking Time fuh de traffic authoritiestoissuealildirective:“Officers, get off y'all backside and go to the driver's vehicle.” Simple. Basic. Primary school logic. But apparently logic shortage hit de

ministries, departments: “Cash grant! Cash grant! Cashgrant!”

Itisthechantofapeople who have done the math and don't like the results Alas, governmentarithmetichasits own unique rhythm, and the odds of a cash grant materializingatthislatestage ishighlyunlikely

So, the nation's public servants must accept the truth, painful though it is: their Christmas bonanza happenedinJuly Thisislike being told that Santa came early,usedthekeyunder the mat, left the presents, and forgottotext.

Nowtheymustengagein creative financial improvisation Side hustles Sellingpastriesbythesquare inch Charging neighbours

for parking in front of their house Offering “consulting services,” a phrase so broad it includes everything from proofreading resumes to diagnosing why someone's WhatsAppisn'tworking. Whateverittakes

Because while the retroactive increase has already been consumed by school supplies, utility bills, and that one impulsive purchasemadeduringamidyear existential crisis, December is still coming.

Christmasiscoming.Andno

Guyanese Christmas from expe

ng the full production: pepperpot, presents, ponche-de-crème, and lights bright enough to tantheneighbour'scat.

So yes, public servants may find themselves in a quandary caught between tradition and timetables, between July generosity and Decemberexpectations

But take heart After all, the holidays are about resi

y Creativity And, if all else fail credit

A timeless Guyanese tradition (The views expressed in this article are those of the author and do not necessarily reflect the opinionsofthisnewspaper)

Forcetoo.

Andwhilewepondetrafficmatter,dem boys seh dis whole idea of raising traffic finesisbaremadness.Governmentbelieve high fines gon stop bad driving. But dem boyssehallitgondoismakesomecorrupt police rub dem hand and start calculating likeisCSECMathsPaperTwo.Biggerfines mean bigger bribe. Simple equation. Dem gonstartwhisperingtodrivers:“Bossman, de fine is $50,000, but settle me with $20,000andwedone.”

Dem boys seh instead o' trying to frightendriverswithbignumbers,investin technology Speedcamerasdon'ttakebribe, radar gun don't wink, and CCTV don't negotiate. Technology don't ask nobody to walk from vehicle to vehicle; it does catch yuhcleanandclear

So, while some police behaving like monarchs,demboyssehbringdecameras, bring de gadgets, bring de accountability Until then, drivers better keep dey shoes clean—never know when yuh gon be summonedtoderoyalpickup. Talkhalf.Leffhalf.

H@RD TRUTHS

Raillink–aboontobe

I like what I am hearing from President Ali. A rail link connecting the East Bank Demerara to the East Coast Demerara (EBDECD). It is the kind of infrastructure project that should make the citizens of an oil rich country proud. I am. No one, not one PPP Governmentsupportercould say that I am always down, down, down, on their beloved leaders and government. Ihavemysay, differ on the less than the best.

By the same standard, when there is what holds significant promise, relief, forthefuture,thenthatmust be applauded. I do, and a well-thought out, efficiently functioning rail link, stands as one. Truth be told, the president knows well what I represent;butpoliticsinhibit himfrompubliclyadmitting tothatdiscernment.

There are so many commonsense positives in an EBD-ECD rail link. I

urge from the highest government official to the lowestcitizentothinkofthe boon that would be to citizens using the roads of Guyana. Congested and cardiac-inducing they are, and almost all hours of the day

With more vehicles rolling off the wharves monthly, the traffic crawl becomes longer and slower Not good for the blood pressure or the nerves There are all those lost manhourstoGuyanesestuck in traffic daily both going and coming, and students trapped in the same ordeal, having to surrender study timethattheycannotafford. Negative, negative, and here'sanotherone. What about all those exhaust emissions, the dust thatgathersinthehome,and respiratory afflictions that develop to those prone to suchpollutions.

Forthoselivingcloseto busy carriageways (that

same EBD-ECD ribbon of road) can write prose or poetry, depending on their disposition, about that other fallout from the endless streams of vehicular traffic. It is called noise pollution.

R

Anyoneclosetothattorture?

?

G

t to different kinds of roadrelatedanxietiesshouldhave gottenthepicturebynow,for asimplereason. Therearein it. Imoveon.

A rail link encircling, serving, the EBD-ECD corridor has the potential to remove significant numbers ofGuyanesefromcarseatto trainseat.

Think of the difference that that would make in the dailycommuteontheroads. Thinkofthesavingswiththe fuel bill, from all those auto air conditioner units on, and more stopping and starting, thananyrealmoving. Then,thereisdifference in road carnage, and road shakedowns, due to less

usersplyingtheroadsinany direction.

Of course, fewer vehicles on the crowded EBD and ECD roadways mean more open lanes, and incentivestosteponthegas. Speed thrills It does something else, also. Amid myowninterestinaraillink of this kind, there is a factor thathassomevalidity,which is now brought to the attention of planners and road users. It is a long running belief that Americanshavealoveaffair with their four-wheeled chariots.

Thewide-openroadsare there in abundance, and that has a special magnetism all ofitself.

Taking a glance in the localenvironment,mysense is that a huge subset of Guyanesedriversmayfindit difficult to leave their vehicles parked and walk to the station to catch a train. To say this differently, though Guyanese voices

uninterruptedly

lament the woes on the road, and its drain on them,theswitchfrombeing behind the wheel, and not having to share space with strangers, could lead to not as many road users leaving thedailygrindoflocalroads behind them. People have grown accustomed to their working family (spouse and students) all being in the sameplace,andhavingsome input to make in their movement, however slow and tedious. The result couldthatthebulkoftherail link patrons could come fromthosewithouttheirown transportation, from the ranks of the aged, and those whocouldmakegooduseof acheaptrainfare.

challengesandwhatnots. Still, I believe that an EBD-ECD rail link project would be worth the investment of money, manpower, and other resources. Daily the traffic nightmare intensifies, with nowheretogoandnothingto do.

There is always some levelofventing,whichhasa huge fol

ng from Guyanese drivers. Traffic woes compete with the

internet service to rob this

Toputalittleicingonthe cake, I recommend that Guyana's 76,000 senior citizens get a free pass, or pay half price. I have already leaped to the stage that it is worth doing, with feasibility study to support,

manhours. An East BankEast Coast rail link could addresstwoofthosethatcost somuch.

(The views expressed in this article are those of the a u t h o r a n d d o n o t necessarily reflect the opinionsofthisnewspaper.)

EU report urges reforms to strengthen media Independence and transparency

The European Union Election Observation Mission (EU EOM) has called for strengthening the independence of the Guyana National Broadcasting Authority (GNBA) in its final report on the 2025elections.

The mission emphasized the needforanimpartialandinclusive appointment process for the GNBA'sboardmembers,aswellas greater accountability through a transparent decision-making process This recommendation stems from longstanding concerns that political interests may influence the GNBA's board appointments and decisions, underminingitsindependence.

Journalists at the European Union's observervation mission press conference.

The EU report highlighted that the GNBA is tasked with overseeing compliance of audiovisual media with the law and licence requirements, and it operates a media monitoring unit. However,themissionnotedthatthe regulator does not release its monitoring reports for public scrutiny, which further erodes public trust in its impartiality The report also pointed out that the

regulatory framework governing the media is insufficient. “The Constitutionguaranteesfreedomof

GNBA'sboardislargelycomposed of nominees from the ruling party, and its hearings are closed to the public. These practices contribute to a lack of transparency in decision-making, which the EU believes diminishes media confidenceintheregulator'sability toactindependently In addition, the EU criticized the lack of equitable coverage

broadcasters during election periods, an issue frequently raised by opposition parties. The mission explained that the legal and

unconstitutional in June 2025.31 However,costlyandcomplexcivil defamationlawsuitsareoftenused by the government and business community, to target critical reporting. The right to access informationofpublicinterestisnot fullyguaranteed,”theEUstated. Themissionfurtherhighlighted that although the 2011 Access to InformationActallowsindividuals to request government-held information, its implementation is weak, and journalists face significant barriers in obtaining information.Thisissuehassparked protests against the Commissioner (Continuedonpage22)

WINthreatenslegalactionover non-electionofOppositionLeader

The We Invest in Nationhood(WIN)party,led by businessman Azruddin Mohamed, is threatening to sue Speaker of the National Assembly Manzoor Nadir for failing to convene a meeting of the opposition members of parliament for the election of the Leader of theOpposition.

In a letter dated November 17, 2025, WIN's attorney Siand Dhurjon said t h a t t h e 1 6 n o ngovernmental members of parliament which include Azruddin Mohamed, Natasha Singh-Lewis, Tabitha Sarabo-Halley, Dawn Hastings-Williams, Odessa Primus, Duarte Hetsberger, Tonshana Famey-Corlette, Vishnu Panday,BeverleyCornelius, Gobin Harbhajan, Deon La Cruz, Nandranie Singh, Dr. Gordon Barker, Janelle Sweatnam, Dr. Ryan Richards and Dr Andre Lewis,calledontheSpeaker to convene the meeting within14days.Failuretodo so, will result in the institution of proceedings in theSupremeCourt.

“Onbehalfofmyclients, I do hereby require that you take all steps necessary to convene a meeting among the non-governmental members of the National Assemblyforthepurposeof electing the Leader of the Opposition under Article 184(1) of the Constitution within fourteen (14) days failingwhichIshallinstitute proceedings in the Supreme Court to compel you to act accordingly and to seek all other reliefs necessary to vindicate my clients' interests,” Dhurjon said in theletterwhichwasreceived and stamped by the Speaker'ssecretariat.

The attorney detailed that at the first sitting of the th13 Session of the National Assembly on November 3,

The lawyer's letter which was sent to the Speaker of the National Assembly by the WIN MPs on November 17.

2025, the Speaker was handed a letter by several of his clients after they were sworn-in as Members of Parliament to convene a meeting on the same day to elect the Leader of the Opposition.“I am instructed that you then responded verbally to Ms. Natasha Singh-Lewis, MP that you wouldnotbeconveningsuch a meeting on that day and you ambiguously stated, 'it doesn't have to be until the next sitting',” Dhurjon relayed.

The attorney noted that there was no impediment preventing him from convening the meeting on November3,sinceallofthe non-governmentalMembers ofParliamentwerepresentat

Six months jail time for ‘Chiney Man’ on narcotics charge

QuaseyAlves,called'Chineyman',ofLot86,3rd Street,BetterHope,ECD,appearedbeforethe SparendaamMagistrate'sCourttoanswertothechargeof possessionofnarcoticsforthepurposeoftrafficking. Hewasreportedlyinpossessionof63.5gramsof cannabis. The48-year-olddefendant,basedonpolicereports, wasarraignedattheSparendaamMagistrate'sCourt#1 beforeMagistrateCliveNurse,wherethechargewasread tohim.Hepleadedguiltyandwassentencedtosix monthsinprison,andwasalsoslappedwitha$90,000 fine.

ConferenceCentre.

Further, the lawyer said

subsequently sent by Ms. Singh-Lewis,MPseekingan update on when the meeting wouldbeconvened,towhich therewasnoresponse.

Dhurjon reminded the Speaker in his letter that the LeaderoftheOppositionisa

t constitutional officeholder

responsibilitiesunderlaw

“It is inconceivable that the Constitution could have ever contemplated that your unqualified and mandatory obligation under Article 184(1) of the Constitution could be unduly delayed to some uncertain time in the unknown future,” the attorneyposited.

HecalledontheSpeaker to act with alacrity to have the Leader of the opposition

electednotingthathisclients are prepared and willing to meet at the earliest opportunity to facilitate the election.

Attempts to contact Speaker Nadir on Tuesday proved futile as calls to his m

went unanswered Contact was made with Clerk of the NationalAssemblySherlock Isaacs,whoindicatedbriefly thathewasatameetingand couldnotspeak.

Followingtheconvening of parliament earlier this

month,Isaacsexplainedthat while the constitution outlines the process for electing the opposition leader, it does not specify when the meeting must be held.

“Theconstitutiondoesn't saywhenthemeetingistobe held, if it's at the first sitting or the second sitting or third sitting; it's at the discretion of the speaker,” Isaacs told reporters.

WIN in a statement following the convening of parliament expressed concern that the Speaker's silence calls into question the impartiality of the parliamentaryprocess.

SpeakeroftheNational Assembly, Manzoor Nadir Taxi driver on $500,000 bail for stealing cattle

A32-year-old taxi driver of Lot 7, North Slip, Sparendaam, East Coast Demerara appeared at the Sparendaam Magistrate's CourtOnebeforeMagistrate CliveNurse,toanswertotwo coun

Thepartysaidthatwhile the President was swiftly sworn in following the elections, the same urgency should have been applied to the election of the OppositionLeader.

As such, the WIN party further ac

o f deliberately stalling the process.

“The Leader of the Opposition is not symbolic; theConstitutionrequiresthat the holder of this office be consulted on major appointments, including the Police Commissioner, Chancellor, Chief Justice, and members of the Judicial Service Commission Delaying this office undermines the balance of p

disregard for constitutional governance,” the statement added.

“This unexplained silence stands in contrast to the Speaker's public oath to execute the functions of his office'withoutfearorfavour, affection or ill will,' and raises legitimate concerns regarding the impartial a d m i n i s t r a t i o n o f parliamentary processes,” thepartysaid.

s of larceny of cattle.The accused, Godfrey Liverpool, pleaded not guilty, and bail was granted tothetotalsumof$500,000, with each charge amounting to $250,000 According to police reports, Liverpool carried out the theft on two occasions against Sheik Rahaman, a 63-year-old businessman from LBI East Coast D

, on September 1, 2025, and September 2, 2025. His case will be called again on January5,2026.

Godfrey Liverpool

Guyanatorepair200roofsinhard-hitJamaica

N

y o

m

n Jamaicans have been affected and more than 150,000 homes damaged or destroyed by HurricaneMelissa,promptinga major regional response led by Guyana, which has deployed the Guyana Defence Force engineerstorepair200roofsin hard-hitWestmoreland.

Prime Minister Andrew Holness shared the updated figures during a high-level CARICOM tour on Monday, calling the destruction “ s i g n i f

c

n t a n d unprecedented”

The storm has caused an estimated US$8 billion in physical losses, severely

straining Jamaica’s recovery capacity

Holness said Guyana’s engineering corps will work with the Jamaica Defence Force, members of parliament andlocalcouncillorstoidentify the first households for rapid roofreplacement.

“ W e e s t i m a t e conservatively that about 900,000 Jamaicans have been impacted and roughly 150,000 homes destroyed,” Holness said “Everyaidgivenandevery commitment made must quickly advance the recovery andmakeJamaicastronger.”

GuyanaPresidentIrfaanAli

Continuedonpage22

Inter-American Development Bank President Ilan Goldfajn, Grenada Prime Minister Dickon Mitchell, Guyana President Irfaan Ali, Antigua and Barbuda Prime Minister Gaston Browne, Jamaica Prime Minister Dr Andrew Holness and Barbados Prime Minister Mia Mottley touring a section of Whitehouse, Westmoreland, on Monday to get a first-hand look at the devastation caused by Hurricane Melissa.

UG to award doctorates to Sanders, Samaroo, Fernandes and others

Several deserving individuals, well established in their respective fields, will be conferred with honorary doctorates from the University of Guyana (UG) at its two-day 2025 graduation ceremonythisyear

Thecohort,recognisedfortheir significant achievements and contribution to Guyana, the Caribbean, and the wider world, was drawn from the disciplines of business, sport, engineering, diplomacy, literature, music, agriculture,andeducation.

In a release, the university announced that “this year’s honorees represent excellence in embodying the university’s commitment to national development, innovation, and culturalpride.”

Making the illustrious list are Sir Ronald Sanders, Komal Samaroo, Nicolette Fernandes, EgbertCarter,GraceNichols,John Agard, Mohindra Persaud, Terry Gajraj,andClementSankat.

SIRRONALDSANDERS

Current Ambassador ExtraordinaryandPlenipotentiaryto the United States and the OrganisationofAmericanStatesfor Antigua and Barbuda, Sir Ronald Sanders has been hailed a

“transformativefigureindiplomacy, business, and academia,” who has been instrumental in resolving constitutional conflicts through missionsheled

“His career reflects a commitment to diplomacy, good governance, and Caribbean advancement,” the university submitted Sanderswillbeconferred his doctorate at the graduation ceremony of the Faculty of Social SciencesonSaturday,November22

The embassy in Antigua and Barbuda noted that the award, together with a recently conferred honorary doctor of letters (D.Litt) from the University of the West Indies, underlines his regional standing as one of the Caribbean’s most accomplished diplomats and publicintellectuals.

Reacting to the announcement, Sir Ronald said he was “deeply honouredtoreceivethisdistinction from Guyana’

university.”

MR.KOMALSAMAROO

The executive chairman of DemeraraDistillersLtd.(DDL)has beenrecognisedasafoundationof the local business community, and an international leader in the banking, trade, shipping and distilling industry Samaroo holds

over 50 years of service, during which his visionary leadership catapulted DDLto the world stage as a respected enterprise. He will receivehisawardatthegraduation

Entrepreneurship and Business Innovation (SEBI) on Friday, November21.

MS.NICOLETTE FERNANDES

Dubbed the ‘Squash Queen’, Fernandes is Guyana’s most decorated and successful professional female squash player, achieving a historic world ranking of No. 19 and winning gold at the Central American and Caribbean Games in 2006, and securing multiple world masters titles in 2022 and 2024. Her award will be conferred at the graduation ceremonies of College of Behavioural Sciences, College of Medical Sciences, Institute for Human Resiliency, Strategic Security and the Future on Friday, November21.

MR.EGBERT

‘BERT’CARTER

Mr Egbert Carter’s illustrious career in civil engineering, environmental planning, and heritage preservation spans more thansixdecades.Hisworkincludes

the Berbice River Bridge, the CBJ Lecture Building at the University of Guyana. He will be awarded at the graduation ceremonies of Faculties ofAgriculture, Earth and Environmental Sciences, Engineering and Technology and IDCEonThursday,November20.

MS.GRACENICHOLS

Ms Grace Nichols is a celebratedpoetandauthorwhohas been central to Caribbean and Britishliterarylandscapesforover fourdecades.Herworks,including “I is a Long Memoried Woman” and “Passport to Here and There,” explore themes of migration, heritage, and resilience. Nichols’s children’s literature and poetry continue to bridge cultures and generations, celebrating the Guyaneseexperienceanddiaspora.

MR.JOHNAGARD

Mr JohnAgard,renownedpoet andplaywright,isacclaimedforhis innovativeuseofGuyaneseCreole and English, creating a powerful literary voice that resonates globally His performances, publications,and educationalroles have enriched Caribbean and British cultural spheres. Both John Agard and Grace Nichols have beenhighlydecoratedandawarded by the British Government over

their long and distinguished careers. Both Nichols and Agard will be awarded at the graduation ceremonies of the Faculty of Education and Humanities on Saturday,November22.

MR.MOHINDRAPERSAUD

Mr Mohindra Persaud is the Executive Chairman of the Nand Persaud Group of Companies, regarded as a trailblazer in agricultural innovation, rural development, and philanthropy Under his leadership, the Nand PersaudGrouphasmodernizedrice production,supportedfoodsecurity, andupliftedcommunitiesespecially inregion6througheducation,youth engagement, and environmental stewardship Hishonorarydoctorate will be conferred at the graduation ceremony of the Faculty of Natural Sciences, on Thursday, November 20

MR.TERRYGAJRAJ

Terry Gajraj is renowned throughout the Caribbean and beyond for his iconic Chutney and Soca hits as a singer, songwriter, and cultural ambassador, advancing Guyanese music by fusing Indian folk with Caribbean rhythms into the infectious and oftenhumorousChutneygenre. Continued on page 21

Ambassador, Sir Ronald Sanders

Professor Clement Sankat Guyanese writer and poet, Grace Nichols

Guyanese Chutney and Soca star, Terry Gajraj

Renowned poet and playwright, John Agard

Executive Chairman of the Nand Persaud Group of Companies, Mohindra Persaud

Executive Chairman of Demerara Distillers Ltd. (DDL), Mr. Komal Samaroo

Mr. Egbert ‘Bert’Carter

Guyana’s squash queen, Nicolette Fernandes

'Meaty' remanded to prison for possession

of narcotics

26-year-old Jarell Taylor, called 'Meaty,' a miner of Lot 53, Britton Street, Plaisance, ECD, appeared at the Sparendaam Magistrate's Court #1 before Magistrate Clive Nurse, where he was charged with the offence of possessionofnarcoticsforthe purposeoftrafficking.

Taylorwassaidtohavein his possession 247 grams of cannabis.

He pleaded not guilty to thechargewhenitwasreadto him, and was then remanded toprison. Hisnextcourtappearance issetforDecember18,2025.

Woman jailed for trafficking cocaine, fined $810k

A27-year-oldwoman,on Monday, was found guilty of possession of 540 grams of cocaine for the purpose of trafficking and sentenced to 32monthsinprison.

Lisa Ramnarine, who appeared at the Georgetown Magistrates' Court before Magistrate Leron Daly, was alsofined$810,000.

In2022,thethen23-yearold woman was remanded to prison for allegedly smuggling cocaine in a religious item via a courier service She pleaded not guilty to that charge which allegedthatonJune7,2-22at DHL's Fifth Street, Alberttown, Georgetown Headquarters, she trafficked the540gramsofcocaine.

Ramnarine, who was arrested by ranks of the Customs Anti-Narcotic Unit (CANU), was remanded to prison.

Barber remanded for inciting bombing on police headquarters

Albert Ramnauth, a 30year-old barber of Lot 170, Pomona Housing Scheme, Essequibo Coast, was hauled before the Charity Magistrate'sCourtforusinga computer system to incite persons to commit a terrorist act. He appeared before Magistrate Ravindra Mohabir, and was not required to plead when the charge was read to him. He wasthenremandedtoprison.

The Guyana Police Force (GPF) disclosed that the offence was committed on public justice, and sought to encouragepersons tocommit aterroristact.Itfurtherstated that the crime occurred on November7,2025,whereina

Jarell Taylor

Lisa Ramnarine

Albert Ramnauth

EU mission flags misuse of personal data, cyberbullying, and digital inequities in 2025 elections

The European Union Election Observation Mission (EU EOM) has raised serious concerns

about the conduct of the September 1 General and Regional Elections, regardingtheuseofcitizens'

personal data in political campaigning and the rise of cyberbullying targeting journalists, social media

influencers,andotherpublic figures.

According to the mission, these issues pose

significant risks to digital secur

y, freedom of expression, and voter protection.

In its recently published finalreport,theEUreported that the digital information environment during the election was active but highly antagonistic, often dominated by manipulative content that left little room for respectful, diverse politicaldebate.Despitethis, the mission noted that some digital media outlets and influencers, including those

constructive efforts to

nonpartisan discussions on key social issues, party platforms, and candidates, helping voters make more informeddecisions.

However, the EU expressed concern about uneven access to digital information across the country In several regions, limited or non-existent internet connectivity hindered citizens' ability to exercise fundamental rights suchasaccesstoinformation and freedom of expression. The mission observed that many rural communities lackedTV,radio,andmobile phone coverage altogether “In such cases, the government-installed free Wi-FioraStarlinkterminal, was the sole source of internet available, but only in a small area around the community centres. In the electoral context, this limited access to the news

a n d r e d u c e d t h e effectiveness of GECOM's digital voter information efforts for the citizens residing in those areas,” the EUstated.

Additionally, the EU flagged CybercrimeAct not being evenly implemented during the elections season.

The mission stated that it observed that no action was taken against clear cases of cyberbullying, including online harassment of journalists, influencers, and oppositionpoliticians.

The mission pointed out that,between2024andearly 2025,severaldigitalcontent creators and ordinary citizens were arrested and chargedforonlinepoststhat criticized the President or supported public protests. According to the EU, this had a chilling effect on preelection discussions, particularly on sensitive issues like corruption and policing.

As such, the EU emphasized that all public

figures, regardless of political affiliation, should receive equal protection and that online content restrictions must remain within international human rights norms. The report urges alignment of the Cybercrime Act with international standards to protect political expression online. Civil society groups have long warned that the Act can be used to silence critics, journalists, and activists.

The EU also raised serious concerns about the misuse of personal data during the election period. Because the country's data protection laws have not yet been fully implemented, the mission noted that politicallymotivateddoxing took place without any consequences. It also found indicationsthatgovernmentheld personal information, especially data from cash grant recipients, may have been used for political advantage.

AccordingtotheEU,the 2023 data protection act is largely in line with international standards, setting out how State agenciesand privateentities must handle personal information and requiring individuals' consent for its use.The act also establishes a data protection office headed by a commissioner appointed by the president. However, the EU reported thattherehasbeennopublic discussion about the s e l e c t i o n o f t h i s commissioner, and no progress toward making the officeoperational.

The report documented several incidents involving the unlawful publication of personal information

“Several opposition leaning influencers and politicians informed about unlawful

(Continuedonpage22)

Child rapist gets 10-year sentence

Justice S

K i s s o o n l a s t

Thursday handed downa10-yearsentencetoa New Amsterdam man for raping a child under the age of16.

Anthony Patterson was arrested on April 21, 2024 after he reportedly lured a 12-year-old girl into his home and forced himself on her Bail was refused and he was remanded to the New AmsterdamPrisonwherehe awaited trial at the High Court.Hehadpleadedguilty tothecharge.

U

sentence,asombrePatterson maintained his innocence, denying that he committed the crime despite having pleaded guilty at the commencement of the case. He also pleaded with the courtformercy

“Ijustwannasaysorry I didn't had sex with the girl thatIdehinjailforsir I'm begging for a small mercy

I won't find myself around lil girls anymore,” the convicted man stated to thecourt.

Justice Kissoon then comprehensivelyoutlinedto

Patterson the basis for determining the sentence, highlighting immediately the spiraling incidents of sexualcrimesinthecountry Justice Kissoon also underscored that the matter athandwasnotatrivialone, but a grave one in which a vulnerable member of society, no less than an unfortunate and traumatised 12-year-old girl, was violated in one of the worst ways.

Healsoweighedinonthe prevalence of rape cases, more so the commission of suchcrimesagainstinnocent

Callsgrowforgenuineconstitutionalreform...

Frompage6 to establish a Constitutional Reform Commission (CRC)

and urged the new government to allow the commission to resume its workimmediately

The Carter Center encouraged commissioners toengagemeaningfullywith the Guyanese people on reforming the electoral system, creating a more independent and less politicised elections body

and strengthening democratic checks and balances within government institutions.

children.

Patterson, the Justice emphasized, abused and violated the trust reposed in him by the child who held him as a neighbour, and an adult with whom she was familiar

Due to the harrowing experience, Justice Kissoon outlinedthattherearebound to be detrimental social and mentaleffectsthatwilllinger with the child, which could provesevere.

He said she will need much counselling for the challengesbroughtonbythe actcommittedagainsther A

Patterson's psychiatric assessment presented by Justice Kissoon showed that he is used to manipulating persons, which he strategically employed to reel in the unsuspecting youngvictim.

T o u p h o l d h i s sentencing, Justice Kissoon also informed the court that Patterson had several prior infractions of different natures,andthathewasnota stranger to law enforcement and prison officials, having served time for larceny before.

UG to award doctorates

to...

The Center emphasized that persistent political polarization has blocked many significant initiatives intended to improve the

F u r t h e r, i n i t s preliminary report, explaining the need for constitutional reform, the Carter Center highlighted that Guyana's highly polarised political environment and the deep lack of trust between major parties have significantly u n d e r m i n e d t h e effectiveness of the Guyana Elections Commission ( G E C O M ) “ T h e commission struggled to reach consensus decisions, even on minor matters, which at times led to gridlock and hampered GECOM'sabilitytoimprove its operations,” the report stated.

administrationofelections.

To address these issues, the Carter Center recommended structural reformstoGECOMaimedat enhancing its independence, p

,

efficiency while reducing the direct influence of the country's two dominant politicalparties.

“The Carter Center is

Constitutional Reform Commission and is hopeful that it will resume its work immediately and consider alternative independent and depoliticized structures for the country's election management body,” the Centernoted.

Frompage16

Gajrajwillbeawardedatthe graduation ceremony of the Faculty of Education and Humanities on Saturday, November22.

Professor Clement Sankat

Professor Clement K Sankat's distinguished career in engineering education and research has s h a p e d t e c h n i c a l advancement across the Caribbean most notably at theleveloftheUniversityin Trinidad and Tobago and Belize. As Director of the Guyana Technical Training College Inc. in Berbice, he leads efforts to prepare

skilled professionals for Guyana'sdynamiceconomy

He receives his award at the graduation ceremonies of Faculties of Agriculture, Earth and Environmental Sciences, Engineering and Technology and IDCE on Thursday,November20.

Theuniversitystatedthat

the recipients' work

“exemplifies the values of leadership, innovation, and service, inspiring the next generation of Guyanese and Caribbeancitizens.”

The selection of honorary awardees undergoes a year-long process, during which nominations for honorary

doctorates are made via an academicdivisionwithinthe universityatleastoneyearin advance of the award to allowfortheshortlisting.

“This year, 27 excellent s u b m i s s i o n s w e r e consideredfromwhichthe9 choices were determined since only a limited number of awards can be made each year Nominations from previous years are eligible for consideration in subsequent years,” UG noted.

A total of 3700 students will be graduating from 180 diploma, degree and post graduate programmes this graduationseason.

Rape accused: Anthony Patterson

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Guyana to repair 200 roofs in hard-hit Jamaica

From page 15 said the devastation in Westmoreland and St. James asindescribable,sayingonly an on-the-ground visit reveals the magnitude of the crisis.

“You have to be here to see this devastation. There are no words,”Ali said. “But the resilience and strength of

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the Jamaican people tell you everything about the Jamaican spirit.”

AlisaidGuyanawillsend additional manpower, equipment,food,water, tarpaulins, buildingsupplies,chainsaws, generators and storage tanks as part of its wider relief mobilisation.Themosturgent effort, he stressed, is fasttracking the first 200 roof repairs.

“We want to move very quicklytohave200roofscompletely redone, starting right here in this community,” Ali said while speaking in Whitehouse, Westmoreland.

“Prime Minister Holness has set a tight schedule to get everyoneundersomeformof shelterbeforeChristmas,and we will support that fully.”

Antigua and Barbuda’s Prime Minister Gaston Browne also voiced strong support, calling Jamaica’s

situation “significant” and urging residents to remain hopeful.

“We’re here to stand in solidarity with Prime MinisterHolnessandthepeopleof Jamaica,” Browne said. “We are not new to hurricanes –they are always disruptive –but what you are facing now is enormous.

To hear that as many as 900,000peoplehavebeenaffected is significant.”

Browne said his country would provide financial assistance and deploy soldiers tosupportthereliefeffort.He encouraged Jamaicans to “soldieron”andrebuildwith confidence.

“We are resilient as Caribbean people, and this, too, shall pass. We rebuilt BarbudaafterHurricaneIrma, and today it is significantly better than before. Jamaica canrebuildbiggerandbetter,

too,” said Browne. Grenada Prime Minister Dickon Mitchell echoed Browne’s sentiments, saying Jamaica could count on the full support of the region.

“We wanted to show our solidarity with the government and people of Jamaica because we understand the challenges you are going through; we have gone through them ourselves,”

Mitchell said. “The support of our brothers and sisters in the region helped us to rebound,andwewanttodothe sameforJamaica.”

MitchellsaidCARICOM had repeatedly demonstrated itsabilitytorecoverfrommajor disasters and would remain at Jamaica’s side throughout the rebuilding process.

His comments came as Holness reaffirmed that disciplined fiscal management

over the last decade had positionedJamaicatogalvanise internationalsupportquickly, even as the country faces massive revenue losses.

“Ourfinancialsituationis of great concern and must be managedcarefully,”Holness said. “But today I see opportunity,torebuildbetter,stronger,andtofixwhatwaswrong in the first place.”

He assured residents that debris removal teams would be redeployed from St James toWhitehouseandBluefields inWestmorelandwithindays, whilemodularhomesarebeing procured for mediumtermshelter

The JDF has already set up a distribution hub to expand relief deliveries. Holness thanked residents fortheirpatience:“Ifwework together,wecanrecover,just aswehavebefore.”(Jamaica Gleaner).

EU mission flags misuse of personal data, cyberbullying...

From page 20 publication of their and their familymembers'personaldata on social media. Verified images also showed PPP/C activistsprofilingpeoplevisible in photos from WIN events. Suchunwarrantedpublicity was intimidating, yet no action against the perpetrators was taken by the police. Further,thePPP/Ccallcentre used mobile phone numbers ofcitizenswhoreceivedcash grants to solicit votes,” the EUEOMstated.

Giventheseconcerns,the mission called for the full implementation of the data protection act, including the establishment of the data protection office, to ensure thatvoters'personalinformationisprotectedfrommisuse.

The issue of potential data misuse resurfaced in August when Vice President andPPP/CGeneralSecretary, Bharrat Jagdeo acknowledged that his party obtained citizens'phonenumbersfrom “various sources” to contact

voters ahead of the elections.

Citizens reported being contacted by agents of the PPPduringthecampaignseason.

Somehadquestionedhow the party accessed their phone number and even their names and it had been suggested that the ruling party usedinformationgatheredby the government during the $100,000 cash grant process.

When pressed on concerns about government data privacy, Jagdeo insisted that

data remain protected under the newly passed legislation. He argued that voter outreach calls are standard politicalpracticeworldwideand stressed that the PPP/C engages voters respectfully, unlikeotherparties,whichhe claimedrelyontransactional approaches.

Jagdeo maintained that the PPP/C's extensive network of activists is focused ondirectengagementandlistening to citizens.

EUreporturgesreformstostrengthenmedia...

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From page 12 of Information, with the rulingPeople'sProgressiveParty Civic(PPP/C)promisingtoreplacetheCommissionerifreelected.

The mission also noted that the 2011 Broadcasting Act governs broadcast media licencing,whiletheTelecommunicationsActregulatesthe

“The 2017 Broadcasting (Amendment) Act aimed to expand the legal provisions andclarifiedthedefinitionof different types of broadcasting services, though not providing mechanisms for the state broadcaster's operations,” the mission added.

The EU pointed to instances where the GNBA failedtomonitorgovernment programmesthatoftendominate the media, reinforcing concerns about the regulator's lack of independence.

Anotableexampleofthis wasPPP/CGeneralSecretary, BharratJagdeo'srepeatedac-

cusations against independent media outlets, alleging they were working with the State-runWINduringweekly press conferences. These accusations were echoed by pro-PPP/Cinfluencersonsocialmedia,whichledtodefamationlawsuits.

The EU mission viewed such cases as indicative of broader issues with media freedom and the abuse of State resources to target critics.

Overall,theEUdescribed the media landscape in Guyana as “vibrant but highlypolarizedwithnumerous outlets aligned with the government, resulting in a disproportionate coverage in favour of the ruling party.”

Additionally,theEUmission stated that, “State-run media favoured the government, while the editorial outputofmostprivatebroadcast, print and digital outlets reflectedtheirowners'political alignment, more frequently withthePPP/C.”

However, the mission notedthatfewprivateoutlets, “upheld journalistic standards, providing nonpartisan scrutiny of candidates, their policies,andtheelectoralprocess.”

Hamas says UN resolution on Gaza does not meet demands

(AL-JAZEERA) Hamas

says a UN Security Council resolution backing Trump's Gaza plan fails to meet the political and humanitarian demandsofPalestinians.

Earlier, the UNSC approved the US ceasefire plan for Gaza, which includes the deployment of aninternationalstabilisation forcetotheStrip.

While the resolution does mention a possible future Palestinian state, it does so in a convoluted manner

The text says that “conditionsmayfinallybein placeforacrediblepathway

to Palestinian self-

determination and

statehood” once the Palestinian Authority has carried out a reform programme and Gaza's redevelopment has advanced.

It also says that the US “will establish a dialogue between Israel and the Palestinians to agree on a politicalhorizonforpeaceful a n d p r o s p e r o u s coexistence”.

Thereferencetoafuture possibility of statehood for the Palestinians has proved controversialinIsrael.

Benjamin Netanyahu, who is under pressure from right-wing members of his government,saidonSunday

thatIsraelremainedopposed to a Palestinian state and pledgedtodemilitariseGaza “the easy way or the hard way”.

Al Jazeera spoke to Palestinians in Gaza City about the UN Security Council's endorsement of Trump'splanfortheenclave.

“I completely reject this decision,” said Moamen Abdul-Malek. “Our people areabletoruleourselves. We don't need forces from Arab or foreign countries to ruleus.Wearethepeopleof thiscountry,andwewillbear responsibilityforit.”

Mohammed Hamdan said the plan, which would see the establishment and deployment of an international stabilisation force to demilitarise the territory, was not in the interestsofPalestinians.

“It would strip the resistance of its weapons, despite the fact that resistance is a legitimate right of peoples under occupation.”

Sanaa Mahmoud Kaheel saidPalestiniansrejectedthe decision,whichwouldbring uncertaintytoGaza.

“They initially said the PalestinianAuthority would take control of the Gaza

Strip, and we were enthusiastic about that. But things will be unclear with

the international forces, and we do not know what might happentomorrowortheday after tomorrow with them beinginGaza,”shesaid.

“This could help Trump tightenhisgriponGazaand work towards establishing a 'riviera' there, as he himself said before Nothing is guaranteed ” The UNapproved Gaza resolution's lack of guarantee for an independent Palestinian state leaves “a good deal of cause for concern”, an analysthaswarned.

Mohamad Elmasry, a professor at the Doha Institute for Graduate Studies, toldAl Jazeera that

Palestinian statehood had beenestablished.

“They're saying that if certain conditions are met, which are by no means a given, then there might be a pathforward,”Elmasrysaid.

“Not only is there no mention of the international consensus, but there's also no mention of the illegal Israeli occupation of Palestinian land. There's no mentionofthesiegeofGaza or how you would begin to bring about a viable Palestinian state without addressing these root causes.”

Elmasry said it was “interesting” that he had not seen any Palestinian civil society organisation come out in support of the resolution Al-Haq, the largest of them, had spoken out against it, he noted, adding that it “speaks volumes”.Theceasefireplan backed by the UN Security Council is an important step towardslong-termpeace,the UNchiefhassaid.

Antonio Guterres made the comment in a statement p u b l i s h e d b y h i s spokesperson today, where he said: “It is essential now to translate the diplomatic momentum into concrete

andurgentlyneededstepson theground.”

After thanking countries including Egypt, Turkiye, Qatar and the US for their diplomatic efforts, Guterres stressed the importance of moving towards the second phase of the US ceasefire plan, “leading to a political process for the achievement of the two-state solution, in line with previous United Nationsresolutions”.

Israel's Benjamin Netanyahu welcomed the resolution as a victory for Trump and a victory for the Israeli government's agenda that wants to see Gaza demilitarised.

Yair Lapid, who heads the opposition in the Knesset, sounded like he was on the right of Netanyahu. Several former andcurrentUSofficialshave said the resolution was drafted in a way that won't make anybody completely happy Even the vague mention [of Palestinian statehood] in the text of the resolution has ignited a stormofdebateinIsrael. Remember, this is the mostright-winggovernment inIsrael'shistory TheIsraeli Knesset had adopted a resolution saying that Israel stands committed to making surenoPalestinianstateever exists.

Nigeria intensifies search for 25 abducted schoolgirls

( A L - J A Z E E R A ) Security forces in northwest Nigeriaareintensifyingtheir efforts to find the 25 schoolgirls abducted by gunmeninanearly-morning raid on their school this week.Policesaidmenarmed with rifles stormed

Government Girls Comprehensive Secondary School in Kebbi State's Maga town approximately 4amlocaltime(03:00GMT) on Monday, arriving on motorcyclesinanapparently well-plannedattack.

On Tuesday, security teams swept nearby forests where gangs often hide, while others were deployed alongmajorroadsleadingto theschool.

Kebbi Governor Nasir Idris visited the school on Monday and assured of efforts to rescue the girls, and Lieutenant-General Waidi Shaibu, Nigeria's

Theattackersexchanged gunfire with police before scaling the perimeter fence and abducting the students. The assailants killed the school's vice principal duringtheattack. No group immediately claimed responsibility for abductingthegirls,andtheir motivationwasunclear

chief of army staff met with soldiersinthehoursafterthe

operations and relentless day-and-night pursuit of the abductors,” according to an armystatement.

“We must find these children.Act decisively and professionally on all intelligence. Success is not optional,”Shaibutoldtroops during a visit to Kebbi on Tuesday “You must continue day and night fighting.”

He urged the soldiers to “leavenostoneunturned”in the sea

schoolgirls.

Monday's raid was the second mass school abduction in Kebbi in four years,followingaJune2021 incident when bandits took more than 100 students and staff members from a governmentcollege.

Those students were releasedinbatchesovertwo years after parents raised ransoms Some of the students were forcefully married and returned with babies.

At least 1,500 students have been kidnapped across the country since members of the Boko Haram armed

group abducted 276 girls fromtheirschoolinthetown ofChibokonApril14,2014.

In March 2024, more than 130 schoolchildren were rescued after spending more than two weeks in captivity in the Nigerian stateofKaduna.

Kidnapping draws ire fromTrumpsupporters WhileKebbiStatepolice told news wire AFP on Tuesday that the abducted schoolchildren were all Muslim, supporters of US President Donald Trump haveseizedonthetragedyto embolden their claim that Christiansareunderattackin

Nigeria.

“Whilewedon'thaveall the details on this horrific attack, we know that the attack occurred in a Christian enclave in Northern Nigeria, ”

Republican Representative RileyMoorewroteonX.

Trump has threatened to invade Nigeria “guns-ablazing” over what rightwing lawmakers in the US allege is a “Christian genocide“.

Nigeria has rejected the US president's statements, saying the country's various securitycriseshaveleftmore Muslimsdead.

Palestinians sit beside a fire in Gaza City [Dawoud Abu Alkas/Reuters]

BLUNT BLUNT BLUNT BLUNT

Bluntlyput…insteadofvision, we’refedemptypromises

Guyana: what a sad state we've become—sitting on oceans of oil yet kept in the dark like bats. Nine years since discovery, five years of pumping, and through it all… silence.

Not one meaningful word of hope, prosperity, or a real national plan from any of the so-called leaders on either side of the political divide.

When they finally do speak, it's only to defend what fattens the foreigners' bank accounts.

Instead of leadership, we get lies. Instead of direction, we get six for nine and pig in bag.

And while they wine and dine with foreign interests, we—the rightful owners of this wealth—are left scraping for cash grants, struggling to pay bills, and watching our future auctioned off through oil project after oil project.

Lusignan Golf Club Reflects on a Strong and Successful 2025

As the year winds down, the Lusignan Golf Club (LGC) is reflecting on what Secretary Chet Bowling describesasoneoftheclub's most successful and rewarding seasons in recent years From record participation at major tournaments to significant infrastructuralupgradesanda

rise in female membership, 2025 has been marked by steady growth and renewed momentumforthesport. Bowling highlighted the Guyana Open as the high point of the year, noting that the tournament ran smoothly and attracted more than 80 participants The event drew strongteamsfromtheUnited

States, Canada, Barbados, and Suriname, creating a highly competitive and festive atmosphere He described it as one of the best-executed editions in recentmemory,creditingthe combined efforts of players, officials, and corporate partners.

Guyana's performance at

the Suriname Open was another major achievement for 2025 The local team competed fiercely and returned home with several prizes, a reflection of the growing strength and discipline among Guyanese golfers Bowling said the showing in Suriname underscored the country's potentialinregionalgolfand demonstrated the value of consistent training and exposure.

Wednesday November 19, 2025

ARIES(Mar.21–Apr.19)

In a philosophical or political conversation,youdon'thesitate to offer your thoughts Your examplesmaybeextreme,but yourprinciplesaresound

TAURUS(Apr.20–May20)

Youshouldbeinagoodmood, although you might have a hard time fully expressing yourself.Perhapsyoufeellike there is someone keeping an eyeonyoureverymove.

GEMINI(May21–June20)

You may get the feeling that despite all the hard work you've accomplished, something is still missing, Gemini. There's still a long road ahead, regardless of the goalsyou'veattainedsofar.

CANCER(June21–July22)

Freedom may be a theme for youtoday You'rebeginningto question what it is you're tryingtofreeyourselffrom.A person? Job? Commitment? These may be the very things youstarttosearchforassoon asyou'refreeofthem.

LEO(July23–Aug.22)

You'retheliquidthattakesthe shape of its container, Leo. Even though this may seem like the most nonconfrontational way to do things, you may find that it's actually a cause of great frustrationforyouandothers

VIRGO(Aug.23–Sept.22)

Youmayfeellikeapuppythat has been let outside for the first time, Virgo. The air is warm and you're full of energy You're ready to run over the fields and hills Unfortunately,you'retiedtoa stake and you can't move beyondaten-footradius.

LIBRA(Sept.23–Oct.22)

Youmayfeelastrangetension. Itseemsthatnothingyousayor do is quite right, Libra. As much as you may try to do the correct thing, you can't make thingsclickthewayyou'dlike.

SCORPIO (Oct. 23–Nov 21)

It may be hard for you to maintain your self-discipline. Your childlike nature wants to go out and play Emotionally, you're anxious to let loose and followyourplayful,instinctual nature.

SAGITTARIUS(Nov22–Dec21)

Ifyou'reunclearaboutthetopic of discussion, say so Asking questionsisanimportantpartof learning You shouldn't be afraid to ask. Communication maytakeonaserioustone,and intellectual discussions are likelytogetheated.

CAPRICORN(Dec22–Jan19)

Youmaybeshywhenitcomes to expressing your emotions today,Capricorn.Thiscouldbe a rare thing for you. Other people may wonder if somethingiswrong.

AQUARIUS(Jan.20–Feb.18)

Youmaynotknowwhichway to turn,Aquarius. You may be emotionally weighed down by sentimental feelings and memories that bind you to the past You may also feel restrictedbyauthorityfigures.

PISCES(Feb.19–Mar.20)

Your mind may be going in manydifferentdirections,with fantastic ideas about how things should be done, Pisces.

T h e d i f f i c u l t y i s communicatingtheseideasina way that makes sense. Others mayseeyouasathreattotheir authority

The club also recorded key improvements this year, including the purchase of six new golf carts, which Bowling considers an important investment The addition is expected to encourage greater participationfromexpatriates and, importantly, increase accessibility for women interested in the sport. That predictionisalreadybearing fruit, with the club welcoming four to five new female players in 2025 Bowlingdescribedtherisein women's participation as a meaningful step forward for the development of golf locally

Corporate Guyana continuedtoplayasupportive role throughout the year, and Bowling emphasized that partnerships with local businessesremainessentialto the club's operations Sponsorships, customer appreciation events, and branded tournaments all contributed to the success of the golfing calendar and helped sustain the club's activities.

Among other major events, Bowling noted the AmCham Open, which once again drew large crowds and createdalivelyandenjoyable atmosphere

The club also hosted a charity tournament this year, with proceeds going toward several charitable organisations, a gesture Bowling said reflects the club's commitment not only to sport but to community service.

Lookingbackontheyear, Bowling expressed pride in the club's achievements and gratitude for the support it continues to receive He said 2025 has been “a good year, truly a good year,” and believes the LGC is wellpositioned to continue building on its successes as thenewyearapproaches

LGC Secretary Chet Bowling.

HarpyEaglesGymmakestrongreturntocompetitiveboxing

The Harpy Eagles

Boxing Gym (HEBG) signaled a strong return to the competitive circuit on Saturday, as the Guyana Boxing Association (GBA)

s t a g e d i t s l a t e s t Developmental Tournament attheAndrewLewisGym.

The event showcased emerging talent across school-age, junior, and elite divisions,offeringaglimpse into the next generation of Guyaneseboxing.

WhiletheAndrewLewis Boxing Gym (ALBG) walkedawaywiththetitleof BestGym,theHarpyEagles' spirited resurgence was evidentthroughoutthecard.

Intheopeningboutofthe evening, NABA's Ukesh Persaud secured an RSC victory in the second round over HEBG's Jaydan Leung in the school-age 31–33kg division.

But the Harpy Eagles quicklyreboundedinBout3, where Donovan Tray delivered a commanding RSC win in the first round against his clubmate, EmmanuelNelson,inanall-

36–39kg.

The gym continued to make its mark in the junior ranks, despite P&P's Troymell Devince earning a second-round RSC victory over HEBG's Trovalta Harris in the 39–42kg category Still,severalofthe Eagles' young fighters impressed with resilience, technique, and improved ring craft, evidence of renewed structure and focus

atthegym.

One of the standout contests for HEBG came in Bout 7, where Joash Soodoo battled fiercely before narrowly losing on points to P&P's Ezekiel Teyson. Moments later, in Bout 8, ALBG's Josh Chester stopped Harpy Eagles' Samuel Benn via RSC in the second round of their 43–46kg school-age match.

HEBGclosedthenight

with pride as Imotep Vanderstoop, representing ALBG but long associated with the Harpy Eagles system, was named Best Boxerofthetournament. At the end of the event, theAndrewLewisGymwas declared Best Gym, with Harpy Eagles earning a commendable runner-up position alongside the New Amsterdam Boxing Academy and the Pace & PowerBoxingGym.

Harpy Eagles Boxing Gym made a strong return to the competitive circuit on Saturday.

The Ivan Madray T 20 first division knockout cricket competition Skeldon CC and Police CC in winners' row

Sk e l d o n

C o m m u n i t y Centre defeated Blairmont Community Centre by two wickets in their game of the Ivan Madray First Division T 20 cricketcompetition.

Scores were: Blairmont CC batted first and were dismissedfor87alloutwith C.Harry26andA.Jaikarran 13makingcontributions.

BowlingforSkeldon,D. Jaggernauth snared 4-10, while S. Rasheed bagged 413.

In reply Skeldon did not find things easy as they limped to 89 for 8 with S. Rasheed 18, C. France 15 and T Reynolds 14 top scoring.

Bowling for Blairmont, ShabeerBakshandC.Harry pickeduptwowicketseach.

Meanwhile, the Berbice River Cricket Association (BRCA) made an historic entry into First Division cricket in Berbice. They travelled for long distances out to the coast to play the Police CC team in another gameofthecompetition.

The game which was playedattheYoungWarriors GroundinCumberland,East Canje, saw Police winning by five wickets. The game wasreducedto15oversdue to rain. The BRCA batted first and were held at 100-6 in their allotment of overs with Quacy Sinclair 25, RonaldSingh21,MelroyDe

Silva 18 and L. Lindie 12. Extrascontributed14.

BowlingforPolice,Paul James and Rocky Hutson picked up two wickets each while there were one apiece for D. Mitchel and Joel Seitram.

Police in reply reached 106-5withKareemMentore 41andRBeharry23thetop scorers There were 23 extras.

The wicket takers for BCRA were Melroy De SilvaandL.Lindiewithtwo each, while J. Leacock took one.

The BCB lauded the efforts of the BRCA for fielding a team in the competition.

The BCB is looking

competition.

Smith sprints to 100m bronze as Guyana finally hits the Medal Table at Islamic Games

Gforward to seeing a player from the Berbice River area making his debut for

West Indies players ShamarJosephand

Keliza Smith secured bronze for Guyana at the Islamic Games.

uyana finally found reason to celebrate at the Islamic Games in Saudi Arabia, after national sprinter Keliza Smith powered her way to a bronze-medal finish in thewomen's100mfinal,endingthe country'smedaldroughtatthisyear'scompetition.

Smith clocked 11 59 seconds to secure third place behind Bahrain's Edidiong Odiong, who won gold in 11 17, and Cameroon's Kolle Etame Herverge Tonjock, whoclaimedsilverin11.38.

Thoughnotherfastestperformance,Smith'seffortwas enough to earn Guyana its first medal of the Games and one that comes as a welcome boost for the delegation, given the country's relatively challenging outing so far in Riyadh.

With several athletes falling short of their personal bests and struggling to advance in earlier events, Smith's bronze provided a much-needed lift and restoredoptimismwithintheGuyanesecamp.

Meanwhile, national 400m record holder Aliyah Abrams added another encouraging highlight for Team Guyana by advancing to the finals of the women's 400m

Abrams clocked 53 01 to finish third in her semifinal heat, booking an automatic qualifying spot and keeping the nation's hopes alive for another podium finish

Berbice.

Romario

Sheppard hail from the Canje River area. (Samuel Whyte)

Berbice River Cricket Association (BRCA) team that played against Police in the Ivan Madray cricket

Royal International Hotel partners with Petra for 2025 KFC Goodwill Series

Following the success of the tournament in recent past, the Royal International Hotel has reaffirmed its commitment to partnering with the Petra Organisation for the upcoming KFC Goodwill International Football

Series, which will feature secondary school teams fromsixregionalterritories. A simple sponsorship presentation was held yesterday at the company's Mandela Avenue location, where General Manager (GM) Pamela Manasseh hosted Petra Directors Troy

MendoncaandMarlanCole ahead of next month's kickoff.

Overthecourseofitslast fiveeditions,thetournament has earned widespread acclaim and is now widely regarded as the premier secondary school football championshipintheregion

Recently, Minister of Sport Charles Ramson described it as the “Champions League”ofschools'football during a development meetingwiththeorganisers, a testament to its growing reputationasatrue“clashof thechampions.”

Eight teams are set to compete in this year's GoodwillSeries

Three local schools will join international participants including St Benedict's College of Trinidad and Tobago, Kingston College of Jamaica, Anglican

N

complete the localquota. Refl

ng on the partnership, Mendonca e

“This partnershipspeaksvolumes for the belief in this programme

Royal International coming onboard for the second time in two years

has pro

tournament is making the impactweaspiretoachieve and with that we (Petra) would like to extend our a

thegrassrootslevel,adding, “Petra's dedication to nurturing young talent, fostering character growth, and creating meaningful opportunities through sport is not only admirable it is trulyessential

The organisation's p r o g r a m m e s h a v e empoweredcountlessyoung players, encouraging them to dream bigger, strive harder, and believe in their ownpotential.”

Manasseh underscored thatthepartnershipextends beyond football, describing

Co-Director of Petra, Troy Mendonca.

managementandstaffatthis c

partneringwithustobringto thepublicsomeentertaining Under-18Football.”

champion (TBD), and Monteiro Lobato of Brazil.

For local players, the

valuable exposure against some of the region's top schoolteams.

Petra Co-Director Troy Mendonca offered an overviewofthepreparations, noting that the international teamsareeagertocompete

According to him, the Region Nine representative is expected to be confirmed withinthenextweekbyvirtue ofplayoffs,whilethetoptwo finishers of the ongoing RBL U18 League will be d e t e r m i n e d o n

Royal International echoed its continued support for Petra's mission, sharing, “We are in full endorsement of Petra's impact in sports and youth development ”

Duringthepresentation, General Manager Pamela Manasseh reaffirmed that commitment: “I am proud to stand before you today, reaffirmingourunwavering support for Petra as an organisational pillar of strength and inspiration in the realm of sports and youthdevelopment ” She praised the organisation's influence at

it as “A Partnership in Mission ” She highlighted t h e R o y a l t e a m ' s commitment to shared values,noting, “We recognize that Petra's mission closely aligns with our own principles This is why we are present today not merely as sponsors or supporters, but as genuine partnersinprogress ”

With less than a month remaining before kickoff, the2025editionoftheKFC Goodwill International Football Series is shaping up to be the biggest yet United in purpose, both Petra and the Royal International Hotel look forward to elevating the tournament to even greater heights

From page 31 impact was undeniable. S h e f i n i s h e d t h e tournament with All-Star honours, leadingallplayers inrebounds(12.5pergame), ranking second in assists (6 5), and averaging an impressive 17 points per outing. She also recorded the tournament's only tripledouble 19 points, 12 rebounds, 10 assists, and ninestealsagainstSuriname. Her leadership and dominance were pivotal in guiding Guyana to qualify for the FIBA CentroBasket Tournament for only the second time in history, the first being in 1997.

For Adams, the a c h i e v e m e n t w a s meaningful; for Guyana, itwasmonumental

Royal Int'l Hotel General Manager, Pamela Manasseh speaking at yesterday's sponsorship presentation.

High-OctaneThrilleratGNICasMysticMarvels EdgeTourismGuyanaTitansinRun-Fest

Cricket fans were treated to a displayofpowerhitting and nerve-wracking momentumshiftsonSunday as Tourism Guyana Titans faced off against the “Tapeball Turn Hardball” squadandtheGCAhopefuls, MysticMarvels,atthenewly renovatedGNICSportsClub Ground,WoolfordAvenue.

In a match filled with fireworks, the Mystic Marvelssuccessfullychased downatoweringtotaltoseal a memorable three-wicket victory

Winning the toss and electing to bat, the Tourism GuyanaTitanscameoutwith clear intent attack from ball one. Their openers took full advantage of the powerplay, dispatching the bowlers to all parts of the ground. However, a timely bowlingchangefromMystic captainBrianHeadleybroke the opening stand in the 6th over,haltingwhatseemedto bearunawaypartnership.

Shortly after, Shaquel King produced a stunning inswingingyorkertodismiss former Demerara player

Athletics

Andrew Samaroo. But the Titansrefusedtoslowdown. Fiaz Yamin found his rhythm, stroking the ball

with confidence and maintaining the powerplay momentum. He was well supported by Kevin McAdam, who lit up the ground with a blistering 60 off just 28 balls—including fivesixesandsixfours.

Despite the onslaught, Mystic Marvels' bowlers stucktotheirplans.Headley led from the front with figures of 3 for 62, aided by Ridge Rajaram (2 for 4) and Roopie Rajaram (2 for 24), as they eventually bowled out Tourism Guyana Titans for a substantial 261 in 31.1 overs.

In reply, the Mystic Marvels' chase began on shakyfooting.OpenerRidge Rajaramwasdismissedfor5, undone by a cleverly disguised off-spinner that drewhimforwardandledto a stumping His partner, however, took the attack back to the Titans. Leron Crawford smashed a flamboyant 36 in the powerplay, supported by

OrandyKing,astheMarvels signaledearlyintenttochase aggressively

But the momentum swung again when both Crawford and King fell in quick succession each brilliantly caught by Carl Singh at long-on. However, Man of the Match Riaz Mohammed launched a remarkable counterattack, blastingasensational121off 56 balls, including 16 towering sixes. He singlehandedly kept the Marvels alive as wickets tumbled around him before he was finally joined by captain Brian Headley who entered surprisingly low in the batting order, adopting theroleofanchorholdinghis nerve when stability was neededmost.

In a thrilling finish, the MysticMarvelsreached262 for7in30.4overs,sealinga three-wicket win in one of the most entertaining matches seen at GNIC since itsrenovation.

Final Scores: Tourism Guyana Titans – 261 all out (31.1 overs) Mystic Marvels –262/7(30.4overs).

fraternity mourns passing of Triple Jump champion Domon Williams

Domon Williams in action at the AP Invitational.

TheathleticscommunityinGuyana

is mourning the passing of fivetime national triple jump champion, Domon Williams, a standout athlete whose talent and dedication left an enduring mark on the sport. According to sources, Williams passed away following a briefperiodofillness.

Based in Jamaica in recent years, he competed at several of the island's premier track and field meets, earning commendable success and further cementing his regional reputation.

Widely regarded as Guyana's best triple

jumper, Williams dominated the event locally,maintaininganunbeatenstreakatthe NationalChampionships.Hispersonalbestof 16.44minthetriplejumpstoodasatestament tohisexceptionalability Williams last represented Guyana at the Central American and Caribbean (CAC) Games,wherehefinishedsixth. His passing leaves a significant void in Guyana's athletics fraternity, and he will be remembered not only for his achievements, but also for the inspiration he provided to fellow athletes and aspiring jumpers across thecountry.

The newly developed GNIC Ground hosted some action this past weekend.

2025/26 CWI CG United Regional Super50 Cup Round 1…

HarpyEagles,ScorpionssquareoffasRegionalSuper50action

Seekingtowrapup2025 on a high note, the Guyana HarpyEagleswingedouton Sunday ahead of Round 1's triple-header start to this season's CWI CG United

Regional Super50 Cup; which bowls off today in a mouth-wateringclash versus theJamaicaScorpions. Franchiseswillassemble in the Twin Island Republic

of Trinidad and Tobago for this year's skirmish which will see the Guyanese desperatelyseekingtobreak an almost two-decade long curse of holding the elusive

50-OversRegionaltitle. The local lads wrapped up their recent encampment with a few intense training sessions as they sought to fine-tune/iron out any potential kinks in what shouldbeawell-oiledHarpy Eagles unit. The squad, flanked by coaches Ryan Hercules and Garvin Nedd, departed local shores after a fewdaysofffromtheirfinal practice session which was heldattheEverestClub.

Eagles skipper Matthew Nandu and his fairly young squadwillhavemuchworkto do this season, especially withamonkeyontheirbacks havingnotheldthetitlesince many of the current player were just youngsters to say theleast.

Despite their young age core, the likes of Kemol Savory, Antony Adams, Ronaldo Alimohamed, KevlonAnderson,Gudakesh Motie, Keemo Paul and others have tons of experience at the highest levels in their own capacities.

Youngsters Shamar Apple, Thaddeus Lovell, Sylus Tyndall to name a few haveahugeopportunitythis seasontocementspotsinthe teamoratleastintheoverall setupofthesquad.

While Guyana will be trying their hand at a newlookteam,theJamaicanswill befancyingthemselveswith a slightly more seasoned, veteran mix of weapons at theirdisposal.

WestIndiesTestbatsman Jermaine Blackwood will be the key for the Scorpions, while familiar vets like Marquino Mindley, Kirk Mckenzie, Jeavor Royal aetc, can help their young stars in spinner Abijhai

Mansingh,TamareRedwood andothers;togetagoodstart totheseasoncometoday As customary,theplayerssought to immediately acclimatized uponlandinginTrinidadafter wingingoutSunday,towhich pushed in some final work ahead of their first clash in Game 2 of today's threematchshowdown,versusthe Scorpions at the Queen's ParkOvalfrom9:00h.

Meanwhile, home-team

Trinidad and Tobago Red Force will tackle the Barbados Pride over at the Sir Frank Worrell Memorial Ground in St Augustine, with rivals Leeward Island Hurricanes and Windward IslandVolcanoeswillcollide over inTarouba at the Brian Lara Cricket Academy Ground.

TheCGUnitedSuper50 Cup2025Squads: TrinidadandTobagoRed Force

Joshua Da Silva (captain), Navin Bidaisee, Yannic Cariah, Bryan Charles,CephasCooper,Jyd Goolie, Terrance Hinds, RickyJaipaul,JoshuaJames, Jason Mohammed, Kjorn

Ottley, Shatrughan Rambaran, Abdul-Raheem Toppin,TionWebster

Head Coach: Rayad Emrit

JamaicaScorpions

Brad Barnes (captain), Andre Bailey, Jermaine Blackwood, Carlos Brown, Khari Campbell, Javelle Glenn,JordanJohnson,Kirk

McKenzie, Marquino Mindley, Romaine Morris, Abhijai Mansingh, Jeavor Royal, Tamarie Redwood, PeatSalmon.

Head Coach: Robert Haynes BarbadosPride

Kyle Mayers (captain),

Joshua Bishop, Leniko Boucher,KraiggBrathwaite, Dominic Drakes, Jonathan Drakes, Matthew Jones, Akeem Jordan, Javed

L e a c o c k , Z a c h a r y McCaskie, Demetrius Richards, Kemar Smith, Kevin Wickham, Nyeem Young.

Head Coach: Vasbert Drakes

WindwardsVolcanoes

Teddy Bishop (captain), Sunil Ambris, McKenny Clarke, Darel Cyrus, Kenneth Dember, Shadrack Descarte, Dillon Douglas, Keon Gaston, Johann J

, D

n

McDonald, Kimani Melius, Kirtsen Murray, Darron Nedd,StephanPascal.

Head Coach: Keon Peters

LeewardIslands

Hurricanes Karima Gore (captain), Jewel Andrew, Carlon Bowen-Tuckett, Rahkeem Cornwall, Daniel Doram, N

Hamilton, Kofi James, Mikyle Louis, Micah Mckenzie, Ishmael Peters, Oshane Thomas, Tyrone Williams.

Head Coach: Steve Liburd

GuyanaHarpyEagles

M

du (captain), Antony Adams, Ronaldo Alimohamed, Kevlon Anderson, Shamar Apple, Mavendra Dindyal, Thaddeus Lovell, Richie Looknauth, Gudakesh M

, Raymond Perez, Kemol Savory, Junior Sinclair, SylusTyndall.

Head Coach: Ryan Hercules ©.Ross)

Guyana Harpy Eagles Captain Matthew Nandu and his men winged out for Trinidad & Tobago Sunday last, ahead of their opening bout versus Jamaica Scorpions.

Family witnesses Joy Adams greatness for witnesses Joy greatness the first time …

By Rawle Toney

JoyAdams delivered

a masterclass performance at the Cliff Anderson Sports Hall during the FIBA Women's Caribbean Championship, putting the home crowd on its feet and guiding Guyana to a remarkable secondplacefinish.

As team captain,Adams led from the front, helping Guyana to three victories in the five-team tournament, with their only loss coming againsteventualchampions, the US Virgin Islands (USVI).

It was Guyana's best finish at the Caribbean

Championships since winning the title back in 1996,ahistoricachievement fueled in large part by Adams' brilliance on both endsofthefloor

But beyond medals, statistics, or accolades, the moment meant something far more personal for the Linden-bornstar

While Adams had long dreamed of representing Guyana,doingsoinfrontof her family, many of whom had never watched her play in person, became the highlight of her basketball journey

“It's an indescribable feeling,” said Adams, who competes professionally for Lointek Gernika Bizkaia in Spain's top-tier basketball

Adams calls it “the best feeling ever”

MAAC Rookie of the Year, and made two MAAC Tournament Teams Her remarkable 81 career double-doubles placed her among the top ten in NCAA history

Despite this storied collegiate and professional

career, Adams always held one dream closest to her heart, to wear Guyana's colours.

She made her national debut in 2021 at the inaugural FIBA 3x3 AmeriCup in Miami, where s

tournament, leading all s

st singlehandedly pushing Guyana into the knockout round.

Yet, even then, she longed for the traditional five-on-fiveformat.

“It's an all-time dream,”

Adamssaid.“SinceIstarted playingbasketball,I wanted to represent Guyana. I can onlyfeeljoyrightnow,andI hope I can do this again and again.”

At the Caribbean Championship,Adams'

(Continuedonpage28)

league. “It's a joy to share with my family what I do every single day This is the best feeling I've ever had in basketball, and it's somethingI'mgoingtohold onto.”

Her family has always beenheranchor Growingup inAmelia'sWard, Linden in a community affectionately known as Cinderella City, Adamswassurroundedbya communitywheresportwas culture.

Football was her first love,butaftermigratingand settling into school abroad, coaches encouraged her to takebasketballseriously Her rise was swift Adamsbecameastandoutat Evans High School in Orlando, Florida, earning Central Florida Athlete of theYearin2012. ShewasalsonamedFirst Team All-Metro, Second Team All-County, and the Florida Athletic Coaches Association 7A District 11 Player of the Year Those achievementspavedherway to Iona College, where she wentontocementherstatus asoneofthegreatestplayers in the Metro Atlantic

Athletic Conference (MAAC).

At Iona, Adams became theMAAC'sall-timeleading rebounder and the school's second all-time leading scorer SheearnedthreeAllMAAC First Team selections, was named

Joy Adams battles against the USVI at the Cliff Anderson Sports Hall, while her family watches for the first time. (FIBAPhoto)

Guyana basketball star shares a light moment with some of her family at the Cliff

after they saw her play for the first time. (FIBAPhoto)

Family witnesses Joy Adams greatness for the first time

… Adams calls it “the best feeling ever”

Royal International Hotel partners

with Petra for 2025 KFC Goodwill Series

Sports finally hits the Medal Table at Islamic Games Smith sprints to 100m bronze as Guyana

Royal International Hotel onboard with Petra for the 2025 Goodwill Series. In photo is Troy Mendonca (second left) receiving sponsorship from Royal Int'l, GM Pamela Manasseh in the presence of Troy Peters and company Manager

Anderson Sports Hall

JoyAdams put on a show against Jamaica at the CliffAnderson Sports Hall. (FIBAPhoto)