Canada slaps retaliatory
Wednesday Edition August 26, 2026 - Vol. 21 No. 34
tariffs on U.S.…asgoods worth tit-for-tat trade
Price $200
US$20 billion war intensifies
Online readership
yesterday, 36,744
Guyana must build refinery to guard against global shocks PAGE
3
...as oil-producing nation still heavily dependent on imported fuel to meet energy demand - Pres. Ali
Motorcyclist killed in crash while overtaking on turn
Dead: Stephen Seenauth
p. 12
Omai eyes 2030 production startup p. 8
Suriname turns down Guyana’s Corentyne youth offer of alternative ferry dies after collision (See stories on pages 12 & 13)
...as stranded Guyanese cry out for help
with truck
Dead: Joshua Crawford
Exxon resumes oil production at Liza Unity Hundreds of Guyanese have been stranded in Suriname since the ferry service was suspended owing to safety concerns
…days after fire breaks out in laundry room on FPSO
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Guyana must build refinery to guard against global shocks ...as oil-producing nation still heavily dependent on imported fuel to meet energy demand - Pres. Ali To guard against external shocks and position Guyana for greater economic benefits from its oil industry, President Irfaan Ali has stated that Guyana must have an oil refinery, along with adequate fuel storage capacity to strengthen the country's energy security. During his recent press conferences, Ali underscored that there are certain factors over which governments have no control, particularly developments in the global environment and international energy markets.“The global environment and imported inflation. Now, look at what's happening in the global environment. We produce crude oil, but we import all refined oil, our gasoline and everything. So we import back all the price differentials. Since the war, you know what has been happening,” he noted. Currently, oil is being produced offshore Guyana by American oil giant
ExxonMobil Corporation through its subsidiary ExxonMobil Guyana L i m i t e d . To d a t e , ExxonMobil is producing oil from the Liza One, Liza Two, Payara, its third project, and Yellowtail, its fourth project. A fifth Floating Production Storage and Offloading (FPSO) vessel, the Errea Wittu, recently arrived in Guyana and is slated to come online during the fourth quarter of this year, increasing the country's daily oil production beyond one million barrels per day. However, while Guyana is now a major oil producer, the country remains heavily reliant on imported refined fuel to meet its energy demand. Against this backdrop, Ali said that Guyana's exposure to external shocks is one of the reasons he believes an oil refinery in the country is a necessity. “We cannot have crude oil and don't have security of supply, one and security
President Irfaan Ali brings with it stability and then give us some shield against shocks that are currently existing,” Ali noted, further disclosing that there are interests in the construction of an oil refinery in Guyana. “We're hoping that we can have investment in that refinery,” he added. In addition to the oil refinery, the president disclosed that it could also be linked to a National Oil Company. He explained that this would be done, not as an investor, but as a company that looks holistically at the entire ecosystem in terms of
the supply. Beyond the oil refinery and National Oil Company, Ali pointed out that there is also the issue of security in terms of storage. He noted that storage is an important c o m p o n e n t o f e n e rg y security. “Whether you have 30 days storage, 90 days storage, 120 days storage. Because that is a major problem. If our storage remains where it is, then it's not matching the development aspirations of our country. So all of that can be looked at in the entire ecosystem of a refinery,
storage, and where we want to position Guyana,” Ali stated.President Ali further outlined that the refinery and storage component form part of a larger plan as he believes Guyana must become an important supplier in the regional energy market. “That is why DR and the rest of CARICOM are important in this whole ecosystem. So that we can build out a trading mechanism that look at refined products, that position Guyana as a supplier in the region, whereas we build our own national safety system and our own stock, but positions Guyana also to have greater economic benefit,” President Ali explained. In April, amid global supply chain disruptions and rising fuel costs, President Ali announced that Guyana and the Dominican Republic (DR) are advancing discussions on establishing a local oil refinery, as part of a broader strategy to shield from external shocks.
The renewed focus for a local refinery comes amid ongoing geopolitical conflicts that have rattled global energy markets and driven up transportation and logistics costs. “We're in serious discussion back to have a refinery here in Guyana for national security and the fertiliser plant for national and regional security…we have to now use this as an additional step in the learning curve that the entire world is going through. The entire world is reorienting its system as a result of what is taking place,” Ali said. Guyana and DR had signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) dating back to 2023. The signing of the MOU had spurred deliberations about establishing an oil refinery in Guyana capable of refining approximately 50,000 barrels of oil daily. It was reported that DR is poised to hold a controlling stake of 51% in this collaborative endeavour.
Political loyalty should not determine access to jobs, contracts for youths - APNU A Partnership for National Unity (APNU) on Friday reminded Guyanese that political loyalty should not be the determining factor in whether young people are able to access jobs or benefit from government contracts. Attorney-at-law and party member Ronald Daniels said that it is time to have an honest conversation about the youths of this country, as the story being peddled about unprecedented economic growth does not always match the reality “being experienced by the generation that is supposed to inherit this country.” “Guyana is earning more money than at any other point in our history, yet too many young Guyanese are still struggling to find meaningful employment, afford housing, build businesses and establish financially independent lives. We produce graduates and skilled professionals who cannot find employment in the fields in which they were trained. Engineers are taking jobs outside of engineering. Economists are working outside of economics. IT
professionals are leaving the country or accepting positions unrelated to their qualifications,” he said. Daniels pointed out that young people are constantly being told to educate themselves and acquire skills in order to benefit from opportunities that may present themselves in the future. However, upon becoming qualified, those opportunities are either unavailable, poorly compensated or totally inaccessible without the right political connections. “That is a serious national problem. We also need to confront the growing perception that political loyalty is becoming a currency for opportunity in Guyana. Young people should never have to demonstrate allegiance to a political party, attend political activities, publicly endorse political figures or become politically connected simply to improve their chances of accessing a job, contract, appointment or o t h e r o p p o r t u n i t y. I f t h a t perception is allowed to become the accepted reality, then we are not
building a meritocracy; we are building a system of political patronage. Young Guyanese should not have to choose between their political independence and their economic future,” he lamented. Furthermore, Daniels stressed that a person's qualifications should matter more than the political party with which they are affiliated. At the same time, the level of competence an individual possesses should carry more weight than who they know, just as their work ethic should matter more than whether they are prepared to pledge their loyalty to the administration in power. In light of this, he challenged the government to answer the question: “What is the point of an economy growing at record levels if young Guyanese cannot convert that growth into better lives?” The lawyer argued that economic growth cannot simply be measured by Gross Domestic Product (GDP), oil production, government revenue or the number of projects announced. It must also be measured by wages, purchasing
power, employment opportunities and the ability of ordinary citizens to build wealth. He noted that young professionals are entering a labour market where the cost-of-living has risen sharply, while many salaries have failed to keep pace with the realities of modern Guyana. Food, rent, transportation, building a home and owning a vehicle are all expensive. “Starting a business requires significant capital. Yet we continue to expect young people to survive on salaries that leave little room for savings, investment or meaningful economic advancement. “A young professional should not have to earn a degree, accumulate experience and work full-time only to remain financially incapable of renting a decent home, purchasing property, starting a business or supporting a family,” he added. Daniels stressed that this is not a pathway to generational wealth or economic empowerment, but rather a situation that is difficult to accept when the country is
Attorney-at-law and party member, Ronald Daniels generating billions of dollars in oil revenue. He urged the government not to continue celebrating national wealth while ignoring the question of how that wealth is changing the lives of young Guyanese. Young people should be able to see the much-talked-about transformation in their pay cheques, the opportunities available to them, the communities in which they live and their ability to build a future in them.
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Kaieteur News Printed and Published by National Media & Publishing Company Ltd. 24 Saffon Street, Charlestown, Georgetown, Guyana. Publisher: DR. GLENN LALL - TEL: 624-6456 Editor-In-Chief: NIGEL WILLIAMS Tel: 225-8465, 225-8491. Fax: 225-8473, 226-8210
EDITORIAL
Guyana and ExxonMobil going forward Guyana’s Stabroek Block is an oil fountain. It is a proven commodity. The oil is light and sweet. The price is cheap, almost a giveaway. ExxonMobil has recovered all of its investment. It has done very handsomely for itself with billions in expenses recovered, some either unaudited, or treated to friendly audits. What more can ExxonMobil want? Surely, it cannot want to hold onto the lopsided 2016 Production Sharing Agreement that it engineered to its huge advantage, and to Guyana’s loss. Similarly, other questions call for answers. What does Guyana want for its oil? Where does the PPPC Government stand now that the local oil environment has changed? What moves should it make to benefit this country? ExxonMobil is often informing the world about how it is a trusted partner to Guyana. A trusted partner would not have set out in 2016 to strip Guyana of a fair share of oil profits, through that vile oil contract. A trusted partner that knows from its full range of expertise and exploration activities that the Stabroek Block is virtually risk-free does not resist renegotiating that odious 2016 contract. Cheap, high-quality oil, that is close to refineries and markets is another in an endless stream of advantages enjoyed by ExxonMobil. Yet, this so-called trusted oil partner of Guyana does not want to hear the word ‘renegotiation’. Does not open the door to such a discussion. Citizens sitting on a massive offshore national patrimony have a question to consider. Is ExxonMobil a true partner of Guyana, or is this American supergiant a dangerous predator to the interests of this country? Just recently, the Chief Executive Officer of ExxonMobil, Darren Woods, announced that it is closing in on some oil discoveries in the Stabroek Block that have incredible commercial potential. It is unknown at this time what that means relative to more barrels of oil. Woods’ own language was brimming with barely controlled excitement. The pending Guyana oil finds could be in the billions of barrels, and keep ExxonMobil at the top of the oil world well into the next century. From an ExxonMobil perspective, it is obvious that the company is on the verge of a breakthrough that does not have equal. We at this paper think that, with all the superlatives shared by Woods, the company should be willing to let Guyana get more going forward. In consideration of the many US billions made from Guyana’s oil, and with many more billions seemingly about to materialise, there is a great time for ExxonMobil executives to listen to what Guyana wants. The Americans should be ready for good faith negotiations to arrive at some mutually satisfactory point. The handicap is that the PPPC Government seems to be very contented to let the oil deal remain where it is, and not press ExxonMobil to come to the table of renegotiation. The same people, who once roundly condemned the 2016 contract, are now among its biggest embracers and closest supporters. Vice President Bharrat Jagdeo has disappeared from the oil scene. President Ali who raised expectations with his promise to ‘review and renegotiate’ all contracts is now a shadow of himself, where that is concerned. From all indications, the PPPC Government and its oil stewards seem please to leave the 2016 oil contract untouched, even while it continues to represent serious hemorrhaging on this country. It baffles us that a sitting government that promised so much is happy to reduce itself to a sitting duck. It has no interest in ring-fencing future projects. This is an area where ExxonMobil has exploited to gouge Guyana of its oil revenues and watch its own profits blow through the roof. Guyana has to know what it wants and set a target. It is obvious that the PPPC Government is so fearful that it wants nothing to do with changes to the 2016 contract terms and conditions. The 2% royalty is an insult. Zero taxes paid by ExxonMobil stand as a national embarrassment. Yet, the PPPC Government will not budge, likes where it is. This mindset must be changed, even if it has to be forced on Guyana’s leaders. Guyana must get more for its oil. The 2016 contract must be renegotiated.
By the President’s own logic, the murder charge against Captain Price and the two others should be withdrawn immediately DEAR EDITOR, I run the risk of repeating myself, however fundamental issues about good governance should never be considered tiresome. Last week, the media published a statement allegedly emanating from our modern-day oracle and patriarch of the famous Uitvlugt, to the effect that he with majestic pomp will do nothing to relieve the embattled ministers from their office until the commission of inquiry into the Barima tragedy, submits their report. Others have dealt with what appears to be an incomplete statement since by inference it leaves the two honourable ministers in office, with all the complexities and improprieties of having ministerial responsibility during whatever inquiry or probe the COI may wish to conduct. This pronouncement comes on the heels of a published statement allegedly made by one of the president’s top advisors, a friend of ours, to the effect that Captain Price of the ill-fated MV Barima and two others are responsible for the July 18, unfortunate occurrence. But dear editor and citizens, be that as it may, we expect some level of consistency from persons who, as I noted earlier, are the puppeteers pulling all of the strings of the puppets preforming on stage. As rational beings, we must share, as I do, the contention, and the argument, that we should await the determination of the Barima commission of inquiry before taking any punitive action. The logic and wisdom of this stance and position is unassailable and flawless, given the above Captain Price and the two others
should have the capital offence of murder charges withdrawn immediately. As tears flowed from Captain Price and others like myself, I could not avoid observing that this action took place during the month that Captain Price and the descendants of manumitted Africans was celebrating emancipation. It is clear that not enough of us appreciate the significance of the struggle for freedom, from the most brutal acts of slavery known to modern-mankind. I make this nexus because those in the fore-front of the abomination, of this murder charge, their fore-parents came here in 1835 during the period our erstwhile masters referred to as apprenticeship from 1834 to 1838. They did not come to toil in the unfavourable conditions of the sugar and cotton plantations, but to replace the void being created by the departing European mercantile community. Perhaps the statement “out of evil cometh good”, may be applicable to the Barima event. Post July 18, we must note machinations of the State apparatus, and here I pause to thank and praise the leader of the opposition and others, for exposing and bringing to the fore-front the massive estate owned by a single individual, better than any in the Caribbean and on par with large establishments in North America. The sweetheart deals and the wishing away of our magnificent natural recourses are all troubling, while the majority of citizens still struggle to make ends meet. Our new masters inferred that a reason for the increased cost-of-living is due to more persons shopping in supermarkets, and eating
out at restaurants, troubling, very troubling. As emancipation month comes to an end, it must serve as a driving force to help all of us to understand our history, and to know that history has a puckish way of repeating itself. Further, that the conditions in Guyana are now driven by the same greed and disregard for the lives and well-being of those at the bottom of the ladder, attitudes and beliefs which the slaves fought against relentlessly sacrificing their lives to be free. As is the case in Guyana today, we have non-Afro-Guyanese who are in the struggle against the sad, sorry, sordid state of affairs that is taking over the Cooperative Republic of Guyana. Recall the likes of British gentlemen Thomas Clarkson, William Wilberforce, Fowell Buxton, and John Newton, who fought against the evil of the slave trade, which led to the overthrow of colonial slavery. Today we must share events that created the Guyana of today. There were missteps and acts of bravery along the way, there were moments that were damned and others that were glorious. As we survey Guyana today, we must be prepared, within the confines of the law, to speak up and demonstrate, to make it clear that we will not surrender to the disparities between the new very rich and the very poor. In coming days, I will seek to engage the leaders of our political parties, some religious organisations and Guyanese patriots on the situation in Guyana today, the overarching message will be, “we will be better together”. Sincerely, Elder Hamilton Green
The President’s response & the intellectual decline of public discourse DEAR EDITOR, When one examines the ongoing debate regarding recent comments made by President Irfaan Ali in response to a question about the rising cost-ofliving, it becomes painfully obvious that public discourse in Guyana continues to lose nuance, context and analytical depth at an alarming rate. This is what the President was asked by Demerara Waves journalist Denis Chabrol at his August 18 press conference: “What more can government do to assist with the rising cost-of-living?”. President Ali’s response was multipronged, touching on high energy costs, imported inflation, and the main point of contention, a change in consumer behaviour. The President pointed to three observable changes in consumer behaviour: first, that more Guyanese are choosing to shop at supermarkets as opposed to farmers’ markets; second, that more Guyanese are now eating out more frequently; and third, that there is a change in diet – a claim supported by consumption data. These were his words: “But, we
have also changed our eating pattern in the country and that is something we [government] have to address. More persons today are shopping in the supermarket than were shopping in the supermarket four years ago. So that’s a cultural issue that has come upon us [the government] that needs to be addressed. The same person who was buying sweet potato and cassava and plantain in the market are now buying it in the supermarket; and they [the supermarkets] have a whole different margin of profit because, of course, they have higher overheads – the AC and shopping in that environment, sometimes rental and so on – so that is another issue, the changing shopping pattern, the changing eating pattern.” What followed was a coordinated campaign, by public personalities supported by sections of the media, to deliberately misconstrue those words to suggest that Guyanese were ‘living above their means’ by shopping at supermarkets and eating out often. Kaieteur News, for example, in its August 21, 2026, edition misquoted the President in its headline which read: ‘Change your eating habits’ - Pres. Ali
blames citizens lifestyle for rising costof-living. At no point did the President say, explicitly or implicitly, that Guyanese ought to change their buying or eating habits as a measure to reduce cost-ofliving. But social media provided fertile ground for this idea to germinate and proliferate. Even Red Thread, in an August 24 statement, jumped at the opportunity to rebuke the President for telling Guyanese, “Where to shop?” and, ironically, urging the Head-of-State to “first get his facts right”. What was lost upon Red Thread and those who participated in the spreading of misinformation was the President’s commitment to having his government – and not consumers - “address” the issue of higher cost which is a consequence of changes in consumer behaviour. This involves government redesigning aspects of the choice environment so that affordable options become more accessible without dictating what consumers must choose. How do we know this? Because the Continued on page 5
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We don’t need President Irfaan Ali to tell us where to shop DEAR EDITOR, We don’t need President Irfaan Ali to tell us where to shop. We are our own economists. As poor people, we are forced to shop around. So, when the President wants to tell us where to shop, he should first get his facts right. We are the ones who compare prices before buying, not because we like shopping around or have time on our hands to lick from pillar to post to find a bargain, but because we are forced to do so due to the outrageous cost-ofliving. Yet in his remarks, the President seems to be blaming us for this very situation! So, Mr. President, let us just tell you something you do not seem to know. Your remarks suggest that you do not shop, and were not briefed by people who do, so you should be the last to speak on this issue. For your information, as of Saturday, 22nd August, 2026, these are the prices for some simple items in one Georgetown supermarket as compared to the market. I’m not advertising the supermarket here, but in Bounty Supermarket, the smallest packet of Karibee brown rice costs $214. In Bourda market, the price is $300. The smallest packet of Demerara Gold sugar is $189 at bounty and $250 in the market, a small packet of thunderbolt flour costs $312 at bounty and $340 in the market. One packet of natura milk costs $691 at bounty and $700 in the market.
If you want to talk about shopping in the market, Mr. President, then please talk about things that you know. It is all well and good for you to sit in your office and dictate to ordinary citizens what you think we should do when you’re not wearing our shoes. The cost-ofliving is not high because we shop in supermarkets rather than markets. In this hard guava season, we shop where we can save a dollar. Why do we need to do that? Mr. President, you also want to tell us about eating out. Don’t you and your family/friends eat out at fine restaurants? Does it mean that because we are poor, we should not be entitled to go out and try to have a decent lunch or dinner? Why is it that you and a few are to have the privilege to be able to do that, but not “ordinary” people? It’s like saying to the poor woman, “yuh poor, wha’ yuh want with a washing machine or dining out? Talking about changing our eating patterns, many times we cannot eat a nutritious meal. We have to eat for belly full, just to ensure that we don’t faint. The high cost-of-living has put us in that position. Sometimes we choose restaurants because it’s cheaper and more convenient than preparing a meal. For example, there are some Chinese restaurants where one box of food could serve 3 persons and it only costs $1600. Why should we be
victimised for being poor, when the reason we’re poor is because we live in a system that is designed to keep us down. We have the national minimum wage at $60,147 and public servant wage $100,000 in this so-called “oil rich country” (fastest growing economy). A country where ordinary citizens are supposed to be grateful for handouts like cash grants, that you Mr. President made fun of in one of your speeches at one of your fancy events. Just a few days ago, we were helping a young woman to find a place to rent for her family. As a public servant, I asked her what her budget is, and she said $55,000. We couldn’t find any place to rent for that price. The cheapest we were able to find was a 2-bedroom small apartment for $70,000 monthly and that is on the East Coast. So, what of her salary, Mr. President? She works in Georgetown and has two school-aged children. What is left for her to eat, feed her children and send them to school, not forgetting the utility bills, transportation for her to get to work among other responsibilities? The $100,000 cash grant doesn’t take us anywhere and that is a short-term fix. So, Mr. President, when we want to talk about easing the pressure on the cost-ofliving, it starts with you and your government. Give people a living wage and deal with price control. Mr. President, you are the one who says you care about the
people of this country but your salary is over $3 million a month and you probably don’t even have to touch your salary because you have all the perks that we don’t have. You don’t have to pay any utility bills, you don’t have to pay taxes, your medical expenses and that of your family are being covered by taxpayer dollars. You don’t have to pay to go on your vacation either and the list can go on and on. We don’t have any of those privileges, so when you want to talk to us about the cost-of-living, start with what happened to the money that was allocated in the budget to ease the cost-ofliving, where did that money go? How did that help us? We only heard about it in the budget and so far, we have not as poor people been able to see where that money went. Some of us have supermarkets near our homes. Are you saying to a pensioner who receives a meagre $46,000 monthly to skip the supermarket near her/his home to travel to the market and have to find transportation money to do so? We also need to take into consideration the deplorable condition of the market. Some of us don’t want to go there because of this. When we had that long spell of rain, the flooding market left much to be desired. This is not about condemning the market people; it is not their fault that they are working under such horrible conditions. Some of us were consciously refusing to go in
The Ali administration is out of touch with their fellow Guyanese DEAR EDITOR, It is of no surprise that the Ali administration has requested all Guyanese to tighten their belts and reduce expenditures. This is the same administration that was partying with dignitaries while our hardworking teachers / nation builders were on strike for better wages. It took one of those dignitaries to point out how poor and uncaring the optics of the situation looked. Was that an act of a caring administration? This is the same administration whose spokesperson (Jagdeo) would refer to fellow Guyanese as stupid. Is that the act of a respectful administration? This is the same administration that falsely promised a holiday cash grant to get votes while mocking the recipients as though they were children that had to behave to get what is rightfully theirs. Is that the act of a trustworthy administration? All of this took place while record budgets were unilaterally approved which has resulted in the overheating of
the economy that is now fueling a costof-living crisis. Government expenditure has skyrocketed! Asset accumulation by public officials has reached record levels, and the President has the audacity to tell the public to reduce their spending. Not only is it insulting to place the blame for the cost-of-living increase on the shoulders of fellow Guyanese, but it is also a slap in the face for businesses trying hard to make ends meet. The President’s time would be better spent organising a long overdue referendum on the renegotiation of the oil contract, which was supposed to occur after the general elections but to no surprise it has not. Just as the promise made while the PPPC was out of office to renegotiate the Exxon contract has not occurred. The Ali administration has lost the trust of the electorate with their broken promises and lack of accountability. Irfaan should also focus his efforts on eliminating the corruption that has led to government overspending and an
increase in the cost-of-living. But this administration has shown time and time again that it is incapable of cleaning its own house. Will this change? The mishandling of Ministers who should have already been put out to pasture tells a clear lesson of what to expect. The president must set the example for the nation by doing what he has asked others to do. Irfaan must reduce government spending, cut the budget, increase the savings in the natural resource fund (NRF) and renegotiate a royalty increase with Exxon similar to the level negotiated by Suriname at a minimum. This will enable all Guyanese to benefit from an increase in the amount and frequency of the cash grant. Thus, putting more disposable income into the pockets of every citizen and reversing the cost-of-living crisis that is making life harder for every Guyanese. Set the example with your administration Mr. President and things will start to change for the better. Best regards, Mr. Jamil Changlee
the market to buy food, because we were not sure how the flood waters affected those foods and we were not willing to take chances for our own safety and that of our families. So, Mr. President, if you really care about the cost-ofliving and people’s wellbeing, then make the budget poor people friendly. Let’s see that money being spent on the things that are necessary for poor peoples’ existence. Create more opportunities for poor people. We are the ones who have to wait years to get a house lot, a very small piece of land less than an acre, with no proper infrastructure, in a country today where people
with money and connections are coming and getting acres of land in the blink of an eye. Mr. President, you want to talk about fixing things, start with a living wage and affordable access to goods and services for ordinary citizens: fix the market places, drainage, all the broken systems that make Guyana an impossible place to eat three square meals for most of us. But please, don’t blame poor people and our eating habits for this situation. Yours truly, Joy Marcus Halima Khan Vanessa Ross Susan Collymore Wintress White
The President’s response... From page 4 President said so in his response to the journalist: “And then of course we have the issue of the exorbitant profit lines that the retailers are charging, or the add on. So, the farmers, when you go to the wholesale market, the farmers are saying look we’re selling plantain at X dollar, but when it gets to the [retail] market it’s 10X. So, we [government] may need to look at the creation of farmers’ markets across the country, as a permanent part of our buying ecosystem so that farmers have direct access to the market.” This proposed policy intervention in the market, if pursued, would not be an attempt to reverse consumer behaviour; but rather to redesign the choice environment within which those behaviours have emerged to make more affordable alternatives more accessible and attractive. The President’s observation of the changes in consumer behaviour was therefore diagnostic to inform policymaking. He was simply saying that the way Guyanese buy and consume food has changed over the last four years and this change has implications for cost-of-living, which is why his government must examine and address it by intervening in the market to bring relief to citizens. That in the age of technological and intellectual advancement this simple point was lost on so many is of profound concern. Yours respectfully, Ravin Singh
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Kimbia Bean Facility to strengthen farmers' access to storage, processing
President Irfaan Ali during a personal meeting with families of victims from MV Barima tragedy
The new Kimbia Bean Conditioning and Storage facility
H.E.A.R.T. sees more than $75M in support to MV Barima affected families More than $75 million in financial assistance has been provided to families affected by the MV Barima tragedy, as the government continues its coordinated recovery and support efforts through the H.E.A.R.T. Initiative. Since its official launch back in July, the initiative has coordinated assistance for more than 750 affected persons across Regions One through Ten, providing support ranging from funeral and memorial expenses to housing, education, legal and psychosocial services. According to a release from the secretariat, the initiative which is being led by Lead Coordinator Lieutenant Colonel Dominic Shepherd, has garnered more than $75 million in financial and material assistance helping families with funeral, memorial and wake-related expenses. Educational assistance, including backpacks and school supplies, while food hampers continue to be distributed to affected households. Additionally, housing support is also being advanced, with the Ministry of Housing approving 20 families for land and turn-key homes. Targeted relocation plans are also being developed for households
displaced by the tragedy. The initiative is also working to help affected families replace important documents lost in the tragedy. Fast-track arrangements are being coordinated through the Guyana Elections Commission, Guyana Police Force and Guyana Revenue Authority for the replacement of national identification cards, passports and driver's licences. Meanwhile, the Attorney General's Chambers is providing additional assistance to families on probate, estate and guardianship matters. Psychosocial support remains a key part of the recovery process, with social workers and psychologists from the Ministries of Health, Human Services and Social Security, and Education providing higher-level trauma interventions in Regions One, Three, Four, Seven and Nine. Support has also been received from the private sector. Corporate partners, including the Global Super League, have provided financial assistance, while telecommunications resources such as phones, SIM cards and data have been mobilised to help families remain connected (Continued on page 9)
Farmers in Kimbia and surrounding communities in Region Ten are set to benefit from improved storage and agro-processing with the construction of a new Bean Conditioning and Storage facility, designed to strengthen Guyana's expanding bean industry. On Saturday, Minister of Agriculture Zulfikar Mustapha conducted a site visit to the new Bean Conditioning and Storage Facility, where work is progressing on the major agricultural infrastructure investment strengthening Guyana's growing bean industry. The facility is being developed with six silos, each capable of storing 250 tonnes of beans, providing a combined storage capacity of 1,500 tonnes. It will also include two wet bins, two dry bins, a warehouse and a processing plant, creating an integrated
system to support farmers beyond the point of harvest. The investment is expected to have a direct impact on farmers. It will address one of the key challenges associated with increased agricultural production: the availability of adequate post-harvest infrastructure. Once operational, the facility can help farmers gain greater access to proper storage and conditioning facilities. It will also help protect harvested beans from spoilage and other post-harvest losses. This is particularly important as farmers expand production, since increased yields must be supported by the capacity to safely store commodities until they can be properly processed and marketed. The facility is also expected to create greater opportunities for (Continued on page 9 )
Inside the processing facility at the Kimbia Bean Conditioning and Storage facility
60 Pre-Service teachers to benefit from Exxon's STEM training programme ExxonMobil Guyana on Monday launched the Guyana S T E M Te a c h e r T r a i n i n g : Enhancing Learning, Leadership and Academic Rigour (STELLAR) programme, a transformative teacher development initiative designed to strengthen STEM education and elevate student outcomes in secondary schools across Guyana. As the first major programme under the Guyana STEM Initiative (GSI), ExxonMobil Guyana's US$100 million, 10-year commitment to advancing science, technology, engineering and mathematics education nationwide, STELLAR represents a strategic investment in the country's future STEM workforce by building educator capacity, strengthening instructional excellence and fostering leadership within the education system. The oil company said beginning in August 2026, 60 preservice secondary school educators from across Guyana will undertake specialised training in mathematics
Programme facilitators, pre-service teachers, CPCE officials, representatives from the Ministry of Education, Minister Sonia Parag, President of the ExxonMobil Foundation Alvin Abraham, representatives of the ExxonMobil Foundation, and representatives of ExxonMobil Guyana (left to right). and science through the Cyril Potter College of Education. Over the two-year programme, participants will develop advanced content knowledge, evidencebased instructional practices and leadership competencies that will enable them to deliver engaging, high-quality STEM learning experience in classrooms throughout the country. “Through hands-on STEM learning,
laboratory experiences, inquirybased instruction, and classroom practice, teachers will gain the skills needed to engage students in critical thinking, problem-solving, and discovery,” said Alvin Abraham, President, ExxonMobil Foundation. "They will be prepared not just to teach STEM, but to inspire it.” The programme begins with participants engaging in an
intensive week-long training designed to introduce the STELLAR framework, establish expectations and build a strong foundation for their academic and professional journey. "You are going to be a part of a revolutionary team because STEM is going to revolutionise education for the future,” the Honourable Sonia Parag, Minister of Education, said to the pre-service teachers. “This
isn't just teaching; this isn't just another CPCE programme. This is innovation, this is technology, and this is the future of your country." Through investments in teacher development, student-focused opportunities and world-class STEM learning infrastructure, GSI aims to create a vibrant STEM ecosystem that prepares Guyanese students to lead, innovate and (Continued on page 15)
Kaieteur News
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Wednesday August 26, 2026
Omai eyes 2030 production startup Canada-based Omai Gold Mines is working towards a 2030 production target at its gold project in Region Seven (CuyuniMazaruni), which is projected to produce 6.3 million ounces of payable gold over an 18-year mine life, including peak annual production of 435,667 ounces.The Omai Gold Mine hosts the Wenot open pit deposit and the adjacent Gilt underground deposit. Omai, through its subsidiary Avalon Gold Exploration Inc., owns 100% interest in the mine, which produced over 3.7 million ounces of gold from 1993 to 2005.
In a statement following the release of the project's Preliminary Economic Assessment (PEA), Avalon said it is working towards a 2030 production objective, subject to further technical studies, environmental and regulatory approvals, financing and a future construction decision. Alongside technical development, the company is progressing through the environmental review process. OMAI's application for an Environmental Impact Assessment (EIA) has been submitted to the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) and public
consultations have been held in Linden, Mile 58, Georgetown and Mahdia. The company said it is working with the EPA to determine the Terms and Scope for the next phase of baseline and environmental studies, with further stakeholder engagement expected as the process advances. According to Avalon, project planning will address areas including w ater management, tailings safety, b i o d i v e r s i t y, w a s t e management, monitoring, rehabilitation and mine closure, alongside occupational health and
safety systems appropriate for a modern mechanised operation. “If developed, OMAI is expected to contribute to Guyana's economic diversification through wages, local procurement and investment and, once in production, applicable taxes and royalties. The company's stated objective is to build on OMAI's long legacy in Guyana by creating sustained value for all stakeholders, including workers, communities, businesses and the wider economy,” the company noted. Since its return to
“mining-friendly” Guyana in 2020, Omai has embarked on an aggressive drilling campaign, looking to reclaim its position as a top gold producer in South America. The PEA mine plan incorporates both the Wenot and Gilt deposits and support production averaging 351,488 ounces of gold annually over an 18-year mine life, with peak year production of 435,667 ounces. According to the PEA, the combined production from the two deposits is estimated at 6,326,775 ounces of payable gold.
Notably, the PEA is based on the updated Mineral Resource Estimate (MRE) published in April. That MRE outlines approximately eight-million ounces of gold resources – 2,495,000 ounces of gold in the indicated category and 5,465,000 ounces in the inferred category. The Wenot deposit comprises 1,453,000 ounces in the Indicated category and a further 4,000,000 ounces in the i n f e r r e d c a t e g o r y. Meanwhile, the Gilt deposit hosts an Indicated MRE of 1,040,000 ounces and inferred of 1,470,000 ounces of gold.
HOATTA engages public and private hospitals on certification requirements for kidney transplantation The Human Organ and Tissue Transplant Agency (HOATTA) convened a sensitisation session with representatives of private and public hospitals and specialists involved in kidney transplantation to strengthen understanding of the regulatory requirements governing organ and tissue transplantation in Guyana. The session brought together representatives from Georgetown Public Hospital Corporation (GPHC), St. Joseph Mercy Hospital, and Woodlands Hospital Inc., as well as specialist clinicians, including intensive care physicians, nephrologists and transplant surgeons. The session formed part of HOATTA's ongoing work to support the implementation of the Human Organ and Tissue Transplant Act No. 1 of 2022 and to promote safe, ethical and quality-assured organ donation and transplantation services in Guyana. In her presentation, Chairperson of HOATTA, Dr. Shanti Singh-Anthony, provided an overview of the Human Organ and Tissue Transplant Act No. 1 of 2022 (the Act No.1 of 2022), the establishment and role of HOATTA, and the agency's statutory mandate. Particular attention was given to the provisions of the Act No.1 of 2022 relating to the designated officer and designated hospital, and their importance within the regulatory framework for organ and tissue transplantation. Dr. Shanti Singh-Anthony further noted that, “in accordance with Act No. 1 of 2022 and the related regulations and policies, HOATTA is mandated to establish the framework and standards for certification. At the same time, recognising the local context and the challenges that hospitals may face in meeting certain mandatory certification requirements, HOATTA stands ready to work
Participants at the Stakeholder's Engagement on Transplant Centre Certification collaboratively with hospitals to identify gaps and support the strengthening of capacity in the areas where support is needed.” This emphasised the mandatory requirement of having a transplant coordinator for certification. Dr. Singh-Anthony further explained that the certification process will follow a structured three-step approach. First, a health facility seeking certification as a transplant centre will submit an application to HOATTA. Then, upon receipt and review of the application, HOATTA will appoint a health facility certification assessment team to conduct an assessment of the facility against the established certification framework and standards. Lastly, where the outcome of the assessment is a recommendation for certification, HOATTA will make a formal recommendation to the Minister of Health for the designation of the health facility as a Transplant Centre, in accordance with Act No. 1 of 2022. The core of the session was a detailed review of the transplant centre certification manual, presented by Dr. David Samaroo, Member of HOATTA and focal point for the certification process. The manual outlines the requirements and process for attaining institutional certification as a transplant centre. Dr. Samaroo guided participants through the key
requirements, including technical human resources, infrastructure and equipment, clinical protocols, standard operating procedures, guidelines, and other essential institutional requirements. He encouraged the hospital leadership to prioritise the mandatory requirements and put in place the necessary measures to ensure compliance. In addition to the other mandatory requirements, the certification framework places particular emphasis on the establishment of a multidisciplinary kidney transplant team, comprising of qualified transplant and/or vascular surgeons, nephrologists, transplant nurses, and other related professionals. The team brings together the necessary clinical and technical expertise to support the evaluation of donors and recipients, transplantation, post-transplant care, and the management of potential complications. He further explained that, during the assessment process, the Health Facility Certification Assessment Team will categorise each requirement as fully met, partially met, or not met. Based on the findings, recommendations will be provided to address identified gaps and strengthen the facility's readiness for certification. Dr. Samaroo emphasised that HOATTA, together with the health facility certification assessment
team, stands ready to work collaboratively with hospitals to provide guidance and support in addressing identified gaps and building the capacity required to meet the certification requirements. Dr. Gordon, Chief Executive Officer of the HOATTA Secretariat, emphasised that certification is central to protecting patients and upholding the integrity of Guyana's transplant programme under the H u m a n O r g a n a n d Ti s s u e Transplant Act No. 1 of 2022. She emphasised that “Certification is not about creating barriers. It is about setting the standard,” Dr. Gordon stated. “A standard that is our assurance to the public that any institution performing living kidney donation and transplantation in Guyana has the capacity, the team, the systems, and the safeguards to do so safely, ethically, and transparently.” Dr. Rita Gobin, Chair of the Institutional Review Board of the Ministry of Health, shared, “Living kidney transplantation can save and transform lives, but it must always protect the autonomy, safety, and dignity of both donor and recipient. Donation must be voluntary, based on fully informed consent, and free from coercion or financial inducement.” Dr. Gobin further shared that " HOATTA's certification process provides essential assurance that
hospitals have the expertise, systems, and ethical safeguards required to deliver transplant services safely, transparently, and responsibly, while maintaining public trust.” Mr. Enoch Gaskin, Chief Executive Officer of the St. Joseph Mercy Hospital, shared on what certification would mean for his institution: “Certification will provide an opportunity for the St. Joseph Mercy Hospital to directly contribute to a better quality of life for persons suffering from chronic kidney disease.” D r. Vi l a s G o b i n , C h i e f Executive Officer of the Woodlands Hospital, also shared on the certification procedure: “Woodlands Hospital welcomes the publication of the Manual on Certification of Transplant Centres. It provides a clear framework for healthcare institutions to strengthen clinical governance, patient safety, and quality standards while supporting the development of safe, ethical, and internationally aligned transplant services in Guyana. We look forward to working closely with HOATTA as we develop the hospital's Kidney Transplant Programme.” D r. S i n g h - A n t h o n y encouraged participating hospitals to begin reviewing the certification document and to engage with HOATTA as they assess their current capacities and identify areas requiring further development. The sensitisation session represents another step in the development of a structured national framework for organ and tissue transplantation in Guyana a n d r e f l e c t s H O AT TA ' s commitment to ensuring that transplantation services are delivered within a system that prioritises patient safety, donor protection, ethical practice, quality of care and accountability. (Source: Ministry of Health)
Kaieteur News
Wednesday August 26, 2026
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Lack of time and misinterpretation? The belated explanation offered by Ralph Ramkarran, former Chairman of the Constitution Reform Commission (CRC) that the present constitutional gridlock over the appointment of Guyana’s Chancellor and Chief Justice resulted from a misinterpretation by the Oversight Committee of the CRC’s recommendation for a “consensual mechanism” deserves careful constitutional scrutiny. It is certainly important to revisit the history of the 1999 reform process. But history cannot, by itself, determine the meaning of a constitutional provision that Parliament ultimately enacted and which has operated for more than two decades. The starting point must be the distinction between what the CRC recommended and what the Constitution now says. It is contended that the CRC recommended that the Chancellor and Chief Justice “should be appointed through a consensual mechanism.” T h e C o m m i s s i o n ’s report dealt with judicial independence as a central constitutional value and sought, among other things, to remove judicial appointments as far as possible from partisan political control. The critical question, therefore, is whether the Oversight Committee merely “misinterpreted” that recommendation or whether it exercised the constitutional and legislative responsibility entrusted to it
by translating a general recommendation into a specific constitutional rule. The distinction is legally important. A constitutional commission makes recommendations; it does not itself enact constitutional l a w. T h e O v e r s i g h t Committee was charged with taking those recommendations forward into the constitutional text. Indeed, the contemporary records show that the Committee understood that its task involved preparing drafting briefs and determining the constitutional framework necessary to give effect to the recommendations. Th e e v e n t u a l constitutional language is not ambiguous. Article 127(1) provides that the Chancellor and Chief Justice shall each be appointed by the President “acting after obtaining the agreement of the Leader of the Opposition.” That mechanism is considerably stronger than consultation. It creates a constitutional condition precedent: the President cannot make the substantive appointment unless the Leader of the Opposition agrees. That raises the obvious question: if the intention was merely to create a mechanism likely to produce consensus, why was the ultimate language framed as an absolute requirement for the O p p o s i t i o n L e a d e r ’s agreement? Was it simply misinterpretation? I doubt whether. The Fourth Report of the Oversight Committee, dated
April 2000, shows that the Committee was actively considering precisely what a “consensual mechanism” might mean. Under Task Force D, the Committee expressly examined the issue and recorded possible models from Malawi and South Africa. One proposal was a parliamentary process requiring a two-thirds majority, followed, if necessary, by further rounds of voting. This demonstrates that the problem of designing a mechanism was not conceptually beyond the reform process. Alternatives were being discussed. The historical record therefore appears more complicated than the proposition that the CRC simply ran out of time and the Oversight Committee inadvertently converted “consensual mechanism” into “agreement between two individuals.” There is, nevertheless, a powerful constitutional argument for revisiting the a r r a n g e m e n t t o d a y. Constitutional interpretation should not be divorced from constitutional purpose. The purpose of the reform was to strengthen judicial independence and public confidence in judicial appointments—not to give either political leader an indefinite veto over the constitutionally prescribed heads of the judiciary. A constitutional power intended to secure consensus should not become, by its operation, a power to prevent constitutional government from
Dem Boys Seh...
De rich nudging aside de poor It’s a tale of two vendors in GT – a place where the roadsides are more saturated with vendors than a sponge in bucket of water. You see, there was once a time when vending was the humble profession of those who needed it most, the real working-class hustlers. But, oh my, how the times have changed! The rich have taken it upon themselves to cash in on the free-for-all which was allowed to develop by the authorities. They roll up to prime roadside spots early in the morning in and they set up shop. Some of them already have stationary caravans in place. It costs almost a million dollars to build one of those. Some roadside vendors do better business than some small shops. Meanwhile, the poor vendors are catching hell. They started off with dreams of being their own bosses. But in their quest for independence, they’ve managed to make themselves paupers. Some of them sit in the scorching sun and drenching rain, barely making enough sales to cover the price of a sugar cake. At day’s end, they pack up shop and
trudge home. Their profits, or lack thereof, would make you laugh if it weren’t so painfully ironic. They’re living on credit, and their smile is as fake as a cheap knockoff watch. These poor vendors strut about as if they’re the entrepreneurs of the year, but in reality, they’re balancing on the edge of the precipice of bankruptcy. Now, the real business magnates aren’t far away. They have decided to join the vending fray, too, albeit on the paved pavements of wealth. Their turnover? Well, it’s in the tens of thousands of dollars. They’ve swept in, jostling aside the competition as if they were clearing crumbs from their dinner table. And you look around, and you can’t help but think: the real poor folks in Guyana have been evicted from their own vending territory. Large swathes of the pavements and roadsides have been seized by the rich, leaving no space for those who genuinely need it. The divide between the haves and the have-nots has never been starker. Talk Half! Leff Half!
functioning. The principle of legality requires public powers to be exercised for the purposes for which they were conferred. It would therefore be constitutionally troubling if the power of “agreement” were understood as an entirely subjective veto, capable of being exercised for political reasons unrelated to the s u i t a b i l i t y, i n t e g r i t y, c o m p e t e n c e o r independence of a proposed appointee. A mechanism which depends upon two political actors voluntarily agreeing indefinitely is not, in the strict sense, a mechanism for producing consensus. It is a mechanism for requiring consensus. The distinction is fundamental to the gridlock that now besieges the
appointments of Chancellor and Chief Justice. The 1999 reformers were attempting to solve a real constitutional problem: the danger of executive domination of the judiciary. They succeeded in strengthening the Opposition’s role, but the resulting provision appears to have substituted the possibility of executive dominance with the possibility of political deadlock. The task now is not to assign blame for what happened twenty-seven years ago, but to learn the constitutional lesson. The central question for the present reform process should therefore be simple: How do we preserve the constitutional principle that the appointments of judicial officials should be free of
political maneuvering and that, consequently, neither the Government nor the Opposition should control the appointment of the heads of the judiciary, while ensuring that neither can prevent the judiciary from having substantive leadership? Answering that question requires widespread consultations, expertise and, most of all, patience. (The views expressed in this article are those of the author and do not necessarily reflect the opinions of this newspaper.)
H.E.A.R.T. sees more than $75M in support... From page 7 and support the resumption of affected businesses. The H.E.A.R.T. Secretariat has already conducted outreach and follow-up activities in Regions Four, Five and Six and is now moving into another phase of communitylevel assessments and direct interventions. As part of the continued coordination of support, the Secretariat will meet with representatives from UNICEF on Wednesday, August 26, to finalise additional support
frameworks. The legal team will also shortly meet with affected families and their representatives in Region Four to provide guidance on legal matters arising from the tragedy. The H.E.A.R.T. Initiative was formed to provide sustained support beyond the immediate aftermath of the tragedy, ensuring survivors, bereaved families and affected communities continue to receive the necessary assistance as they work towards recovery. (DPI)
Kimbia Bean Facility to strengthen farmers’... From page 7 farmers in Region 10 and surrounding communities to increase production, knowing that there is infrastructure available to handle larger quantities of beans. By providing storage and processing capacity within the region, the initiative can also reduce logistical challenges with moving agricultural produce to distant facilities.
The inclusion of a processing plant within the facility will strengthen the value chain of beans by creating opportunities for locally produced commodities to be conditioned and processed before reaching consumers and potential markets. This can result in greater value being retained within the local agricultural economy while supporting the development of new market opportunities. (DPI)
Kaieteur News
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D TR
HAR
HK
BY G
LALL
Wednesday August 26, 2026
H@RD TRUTHS
BY GHK LALL
MV Barima - a month later The night of Saturday, July 18, 2026 and the early hours of the agonising Sunday that followed are now dates etched into the memory and history of Guyanese. The first hours brought the first pieces of news of a tragedy about which none had a clue that it was really one. And as big as it eventually turned out to be. In the rush of events since that poignant July 18, there is so much pain that doesn't ease. So many questions for which no one can offer the type of convincing answers needed at this time. From several indicators, I gather that the MV Barima disaster is already water under the bridge. Notwithstanding about 100 lives lost, and so much responsibility for this tragedy still sidestepped from top to bottom, the emphasis now is about
moving on, and about separating from a time of terrible loss of life. From one section of official Guyana, there is the sense that the less said about the MV Barima tragedy, the better. Unsaid publicly is 'nothing can bring them back.' I will say what I said publicly more than once: negligence and arrogance contributed in so small way to the death of that boat and the departure of unknown scores of lives. Guyanese have lost partners. Families have lost mothers, or fathers, or children. Communities have lost neighbours. A country is in splinters. Still, there is a level of nonchalance, perhaps, even contempt for the dead [and the living], at different levels of official Guyana. I fear that the MV Barima
tragedy will peter out like a death on some lonely country road. Some tears and some handwringing, and before the last mournful hymn could be sung, the seats of prominence are already empty. For sure, there has been a show of sympathy. It seems to be more of a formality. Just get it over and done with; move on to the next juicy moneymaking project. Life has been cheapened. But it shouldn't be to this extent, and this quickly, if at all. The MV Barima has become a nuisance and hindrance for some at high elevations. Spin works for some of the grieving. In the hearts of others, there is anger and disgust. If this is this scant degree of interest now, a short month later, then not much that is inspiring should be
expected in the days ahead. For example, there is a Commission of Inquiry (COI) in motion. It can't seem to get off the mark. Early September is currently making the rounds. What will the families that lost loved ones get from this COI? What quality of inquiry will the people of this country get in the midst of a tragedy that has no owner, has no source? The clarity of contributory facts and circumstances, along with names and faces? Or, an exercise in blandness, the veiled, and the guarded? In other words, a whitewash and a coverup? I do not know at this time. But time will reveal. Nothing that is
hidden stays hidden forever. It is a sad state in which this country finds itself. Truth has drowned, and the search for it is cursory. Everyone knows their lines, have their marching orders. No one dares to step out of line. If I have to make a call at this early moment, I anticipate the pro forma COI that stays away from troublesome areas, that avoids rocking any boats (a disturbing but fitting reference), and that delivers what circles around responsibility for the tragedy. Or what leads the families and other Guyanese to believe that they have been taken for a ride.
Victimised, yet again. This is how callous the reactions have been from the early hours of July 18. This is what has continued, with mostly official commitment to silence and distance. Leadership crisis amid human disaster. (The views expressed in this article are those of the author and do not necessarily reflect the opinions of this newspaper.)
Exxon resumes oil production at Liza Unity The Liza Unity FPSO
…days after re breaks out in laundry room on FPSO Operations aboard the Liza Unity Floating Production Storage and Offloading (FPSO) vessel have resumed following a small fire in the laundry room of the vessel's living quarters on Sunday. This was confirmed by ExxonMobil Guyana Limited (EMGL) on Tuesday. “Operations have returned to normal, and the offloading which was temporarily interrupted has now been completed,” a representative of the company disclosed. The development comes a day after the Ministry of Natural Resources (MNR) announced that it would investigate the circumstances surrounding the fire aboard the FPSO, which produces more than 220,000 barrels of oil per day (bpd). On Sunday, Exxon in a brief media statement said, “Heat detectors aboard the Liza Unity FPSO were activated in the laundry room of the living quarters,
indicating a small fire, which was quickly extinguished. The appropriate response procedures were initiated.” Meanwhile, the oil major confirmed all personnel aboard the vessel are safe and accounted for and that production and offloading operations were suspended as part of the company's established safety response. The company had indicated that operations would resume following completion of the necessary checks. MNR in a statement said Exxon reported to the ministry that the blaze was quickly extinguished and the appropriate response procedures were immediately initiated. Consequently, the ministry said, “…that the relevant regulatory authorities will conduct the necessary follow-up to determine the circumstances surrounding the incident.” It added that it will continue to closely engage ExxonMobil Guyana
Limited and the relevant regulatory agencies on this incident. The Liza Unity is Guyana's second FPSO and produces hydrocarbons from the Liza Two project. The vessel commenced production activities in February 2022. The vessel was designed to produce 220,000 bpd but was optimised by Exxon which pushed production to about 250,000 bpd. It is moored in water depth of about 1,650 m and is able to store approximately 2 million barrels of crude oil. Unity is one of the four FPSOs in Guyana's fleet. ExxonMobil also produces oil at Liza One, Payara - its third project - and Yellowtail, the fourth project. A fifth FPSO, the Errea Wittu recently arrived in Guyana and is slated to come online during the fourth q u a r t e r o f t h i s y e a r, increasing the country's daily production beyond a million barrels per day.
Kaieteur News
Wednesday August 26, 2026
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Corentyne youth dies after collision with truck Joshua Crawford, a 26-year-old mechanic of Lot 21 Alness Village, Corentyne lost his life after he was involved in a road accident at Nigg Public Road, Corentyne on Tuesday. The incident occurred at about 05:11 hours, according to police in Region Six, and involved motorcar # PZZ 5030, which was owned and driven by Crawford, and a motor lorry # GAF 3405, owned by Raveena Biysoondial, of Port Mourant, Corentyne, Berbice. The lorry was reportedly driven by 29year-old Raymond Swamber, also of Alness Village. Police stated that at the time, the lorry was heading east along the northern drive lane on the abovementioned road, proceeding allegedly at a normal rate of speed, while Crawford was proceeding west along the southern drive lane. Crawford's car reportedly suddenly turned north into the lane of the motor lorry, which resulted in a collision between the two vehicles. Due to the crash, Crawford received severe injuries about his body and was removed from the wrecked car in an unconscious condition by public-spirited citizens. He was taken to the Port Mourant Public Hospital, where he was seen and examined by a doctor on duty. He was transferred immediately to the New
Dead: Joshua Crawford, 26 Crawford's wrecked car following the accident Amsterdam Public Hospital for further medical attention. Upon arrival, he was seen and examined by a doctor on duty who pronounced him dead on arrival. Crawford was the eldest of three children. His sister, J. Simon spoke to Kaieteur News on Tuesday, disclosing that she last saw her brother on Monday just after 12, when he came to her to retrieve some money, and they interacted for approximately 5 minutes before he left. She explained that a video she saw indicated that her brother was attempting to swerve, and the side
of his car caught the truck. She told Kaieteur News that she was contacted around 9:00 a.m. Tuesday morning. "I heard about the accident when my aunt called but she didn't say what it was. So I called her back and she said 'just be strong' and she 'has some pictures to send'. After that I message my brother's fiancee and asked if Joshua is alright. She said 'no'. I then called his phone and I'm guessing a nurse answered and she asked who I was, and that if I can make it to the NA hospital." After confirming that she can, Simon made preparations
immediately to travel to the hospital, but just as she was nearing Rose Hall, another aunt called and informed her that her brother had succumbed due to the accident. Crawford was recently employed at NTS Amega Global, located in Georgetown, but left almost a month ago as he was gearing to migrate to the USA in September. He was a graduate of the Port Mourant Training Centre, and obtained a certificate as fixer machinist. A skillful tradesman, he was employed at the Albion Estate, before enlisting at BACIF. "My brother was a loving and
good person. Anything you asked for, he would give. He loved anything to do with fix, breaking down and putting together vehicles, and other machinery. He was a very hardworking and dedicated person to his trade...that was my only brother and he's gone. I can't call him when things don't go right, when I need help or anything," his sister shared with this publication. A breathalyzer test was conducted on the driver of the lorry, Raymond Swamber, which showed readings of 16 and 13 micrograms. He is in custody assisting with the investigations.
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Wednesday August 26, 2026
Kaieteur News
Family of 14 among Guyanese stranded in Suriname amid ferry service suspension ...citizens appeal for safe alternative to return home A family of 14 is among hundreds of Guyanese passengers left stranded in Suriname over the weekend after a decision was taken by the authorities in that country to suspend the crossborder ferry service until further notice. Safiyah Khan of Tuschen, East Bank Essequibo, told Kaieteur News that she and her relatives decided to take a road trip to Suriname last week. “I promised my son a trip, if he did well at his exams. This was our first time here so we decided to come together as a family. We are 11 adults including three children so it's 14 of us altogether.” The woman noted that when she arrived at the crossing on Friday to return home, they were told that the vessel was not ready. “On Friday, we spent the whole night at the stelling. We sleep in our bus actually 11 hours with three children, only for them to call out Saturday morning around 10 o'clock and tell us the boat is not working. And we were there all night. We asking, we find it out, and no one say nothing
to us,” Khan related She noted too that no one from the Government of Guyana or Suriname has reached out to her family for assistance. “Nobody never reach out to us. We are here struggling at the moment. We're wondering what's going on. We are on our phone every second to see what's going on. We are finding it really, really hard here,” Khan explained
a friend's house. We beg to stay here for a couple of days, waiting to see if the boat is going to work. My children don't want to go backtrack. They are crying out. They're afraid of the speedboat.” Khan is hoping that an alternative can be provided soon as she and relatives are basically out of funds and may not be able to sustain themselves for much longer.
Safiyah Khan and her family members who are stranded in Suriname amidst suspension of the ferry service
The line of vehicles still waiting to cross the Corentyne River to return to Guyana The woman told this publication that since Saturday her family has had to return to Paramaribo. She continued, “We have to drive all the way back to get a house to stay because we can't afford a hotel. We are at
She told Kaieteur News, “whatever money we have, we plan for the vacation, it finished because when we go Nickerie, we spend out SRD [Suriname currency] we had because we say we going home and there's no use for
SRD in Guyana. We didn't expect this to happen to us. At the moment, my only wish is for us to return home with our family safely and in time for my son to attend his orientation and start school.” The Khan's family can be
reached on mobile number +592-660-4521. Anyone wishing to assist them can reach out. Kaieteur News was able to speak with another traveler who remains stranded in Suriname. The
man who spoke to the newspaper on condition of anonymity said he was visiting Suriname with four other relatives including his three children when he learnt that the vessel would be out be out of operation. “We drove over. I first started my journey on Wednesday and when we were at Moleson Creek we were hearing that the vessel had problems, of which they're going to fix it on their way. After hearing that, I was telling myself that this was trouble but I continued my trip anyway.” On his return to the crossing on Saturday, the man said he learnt the vessel was out of operation. He (Continued on page 15)
Rare cottontail rabbit scientifically recorded in Guyana for first time The first scientific record of the cottontail rabbit “Sylvilagus parentum” has been confirmed in Guyana thanks to efforts by a collaborative team of Indigenous community members and international scientists. B e f o r e t h i s d i s c o v e r y, confirmed specimens had been collected only from western Suriname more than 40 years ago. The Guyana record therefore represents a major extension of the species' known geographic range in South America and provides important new information on its distribution. The discovery was published in the peer-reviewed scientific journal Mammalia, providing the first peer-reviewed scientific confirmation of Sylvilagus parentum in Guyana and making the discovery available to researchers worldwide. “This discovery demonstrates the remarkable value of combining Indigenous knowledge with modern scientific research,” said Dr. Adam Ferguson, Negaunee Collection Manager of Mammals at the Field Museum. “The people of Karaudarnau have known this rabbit existed for generations. By
working together, we have been able to document it scientifically and contribute important new knowledge about one of the Guiana Shield's least-known mammals.” In a statement, it was noted that while residents of the Wapichan community of Karaudarnau have known of the rabbit's presence for generations, the species had never before been scientifically documented in Guyana. The first scientific evidence came in 2020, when the Rupununi Wildlife Research Unit (RWRU), working through the Sustainable Wildlife Management (SWM) Programme, captured images of the rabbit on a camera trap in Karaudarnau Village, Region Nine. The photographs represented the first scientific record of a rabbit from Guyana but were insufficient to determine the animal's identity. Further evidence emerged during the preparation of the Mammals of the Rupununi field guide in 2021. Community discussions revealed that Karaudarnau was the only community in the Rupununi where residents consistently reported the presence of rabbits, reinforcing Indigenous knowledge that the
The first scientific confirmation of the cottontail rabbit “Sylvilagus parentum” in Guyana species had long inhabited the area. Community members also shared the Wapichan name for the rabbit, “Kazoo Tain”, highlighting the longstanding local knowledge of the species. To determine the rabbit's identity, researchers from the RWRU, the South Rupununi Conservation Society (SRCS), and Karaudarnau Village partnered with scientists from the Field Museum (USA) and the Royal Ontario Museum (Canada) in 2023 to collect four adult specimens for detailed scientific analysis. At the time, the researchers did not know whether the rabbit represented an introduced species, an undescribed species, a
previously unknown subspecies or a species already known to science. However, genetic analyses have now confirmed that the rabbit is Sylvilagus parentum, a species that was formally described only in 2017. It was further stated that the confirmation of Sylvilagus parentum presence in Guyana raises questions about the species' ecology, conservation status and distribution. As such, researchers are now planning additional surveys to determine the rabbit's full range within Guyana, estimate its population size, better understand its habitat requirements and e c o l o g y, a n d g e n e r a t e t h e
information needed for an International Union for Conservation of Nature (IUCN) Red List assessment. Despite being recognised as one of the world's most biologically rich countries, Guyana continues to yield important scientific discoveries through ongoing research and partnerships with Indigenous communities. The statement underscored that the confirmation of Sylvilagus parentum highlights how much remains to be learned about the country's wildlife and reinforces Guyana's position as a globally significant stronghold for biodiversity conservation. Moreover, it was noted that the discovery also highlights the importance of long-term biodiversity monitoring and the critical role that Indigenous communities play in advancing scientific knowledge. Further, through the combination of local ecological knowledge with modern technologies such as camera trapping and genetic analysis, researchers continue to reveal previously undocumented aspects of Guyana's extraordinary biodiversity.
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Wednesday August 26, 2026
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Suriname turns down Guyana’s offer of alternative ferry The MV Canawaima has been grounded for weeks
...as small boat crossing flourish The Guyana-Suriname ferry service remains suspended amid a growing disagreement over the safety and condition of the M.V. Canawaima, with Guyana maintaining that the vessel can continue operating while Suriname's Maritime Authority (MAS) is demanding immediate repairs. In a statement on Tuesday, the Government of Guyana said it has been in “constant and daily contact” with Surinamese authorities since the suspension in an effort to restore the vital cross-border service. According to the Government, two technical inspections were recently conducted by maritime experts from both Guyana and Suriname. The ins pections reportedly concluded that the Canawaima could remain in operation for another three months before being taken into drydock for maintenance. However, despite those assurances being provided in writing, Guyana said MAS has insisted that certain works which would normally be undertaken during drydocking must instead be
completed immediately. The development has effectively left the ferry service in limbo, inconveniencing hundreds of travellers who depend on the vessel for transportation between the two countries. Guyana said it supports safe travel and considers public safety a priority, but is also seeking to find a practical solution to restore the service. The Government disclosed that it had proposed an alternative vessel to operate the route, but that proposal was rejected by MAS. Undeterred, Guyana said it is now seeking to propose another vessel to the Surinamese authorities while continuing negotiations with MAS to have the Canawaima resume service, even if only on a short-term basis. The Government has not disclosed the specific defects or repairs that MAS wants addressed immediately, leaving questions over the precise nature of the disagreement between the two sides. In the meantime, persons travelling to Suriname by small boats can still access immigration services.
Travellers departing Guyana by small boat are required to report to the Immigration Office at the Moleson Creek Terminal for processing. Upon arrival in Suriname, they must report to the Immigration Office in New Nickerie. Passengers departing Suriname are similarly required to report to the relevant immigration authorities. The Government said it understands the frustration being experienced by users of the ferry service and is pursuing all available options to restore operations. It apologised for the inconvenience and assured the public that efforts are continuing to resolve the impasse “as soon as possible.” O n M o n d a y, t h e Suriname-Guyana Chamber of Commerce (SGCC) called for greater clarity over the temporary suspension of the MV Canawaima Ferry Service, warning that the disruption is already affecting passengers, transport operators, businesses and the movement of goods between Guyana and Suriname. While stressing that passenger and crew safety
Motorcyclist killed in crash while overtaking on turn An Essequibo man was killed on Sunday when the motorcycle he was riding collided with a hire car while he was reportedly overtaking another vehicle at a turn along the Charity New Road Public Road, Essequibo Coast, Region Two. The dead man has been identified as Stephen Seenauth, 21, of Charity Squatting Area, Essequibo Coast. According to police, Seenauth was riding an unregistered motorcycle west along the roadway when he attempted to overtake another vehicle as the vehicles approached a turn. He reportedly lost control and ended up in the path of a hire car travelling east at about 60 kilometres per hour. Police said their investigations revealed that Seenauth was travelling at a fast rate when he made the overtaking manoeuvre. The hire car was being driven by a man known as 'Match Stick', who reportedly told investigators that he attempted to swerve to avoid the motorcycle. However, the motorcycle clipped the left front side of the car.The impact reportedly flung Seenauth from the motorcycle, causing him to land a short distance away on the asphalted roadway. Public-spirited citizens subsequently picked him up in an unconscious condition and rushed him to the Oscar Joseph District
Dead: Stephen Seenauth
Hospital, where he was pronounced dead on arrival. The hire car driver was detained by police for questioning and subjected to a breathalyser test. Police said the test detected 13 micrograms of alcohol in his breath. Investigators have also checked the area for CCTV footage that could assist with the probe, but no cameras were found. Kaieteur News was told that police intend to prosecute the hire car driver as investigations continue.
must remain paramount, the Chamber said a reliable cross-border service must, first and foremost, be a safe one. The SGCC noted the conflicting positions surrounding the vessel's seaworthiness, noting that Minister of Public Works, Juan Edghill, recently said technical inspections involving maritime experts from both countries concluded that the vessel could remain in operation for three months pending drydocking. However, the Maritime Authority Suriname (MAS) subsequently determined that certain outstanding matters should be addressed immediately. The Chamber also cited a Suriname Nieuws Centrale report on an August 21 assessment by
Marine Consulting & Survey, which identified significant corrosion requiring further examination and remedial work. The assessment reportedly found no leakage and concluded that the vessel could remain operational for three months pending drydocking, while also identifying outstanding documentation and certification requirements. Against this backdrop, the SGCC is urging the authorities to explain precisely what remains outstanding and why the vessel was subsequently taken out of service. “Transparency around these matters would help the travelling public and business community better understand both the decision
taken and the pathway toward resumption of service,” the Chamber said. The SGCC also raised concerns about passengers and transport operators stranded on both sides of the Corentyne River, many of whom are now facing unexpected expenses for accommodation, transportation, fuel and other necessities. The Chamber urged the authorities and operators to prioritise those affected and clearly communicate what immediate assistance or alternative arrangements are available, particularly for persons unable to sustain an extended delay. It is also calling for a coordinated plan for the ferry's return to service, (Continued on page 18)
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Wednesday August 26, 2026
New $140.8M simulation centre commissioned in Reg. 8
M
inister of Health, Dr. Frank Anthony on S a t u r d a y commissioned a $140.8 million simulation centre in Region Eight which will strengthen healthcare training for personnel there. According to information shared by the health ministry, the $140,848,000 facility marks another significant step in the government's efforts to expand healthcare training opportunities and build a skilled health workforce across the country. The new simulation centre, the ministry said, is designed to provide students and healthcare workers with hands-on, practical training in nursing and other healthcare disciplines. The facility will allow trainees to develop and refine essential
clinical skills in a controlled environment before applying those competencies in healthcare settings. Delivering the feature address at the ceremony, Minister Anthony explained that the facility will address an important component of nursing education by allowing students to complete practical aspects of their training within the region. “Whether it's learning how to give an infusion, find a vein, deliver a baby, whatever the skill we require each nurse to know, this facility will enable it. We are not only going to train nurses; we are going to train other categories of healthcare workers,” Minister Anthony said. He emphasised that while theoretical knowledge remains
Minister of Health, Dr. Frank Anthony on Saturday commissioned the $140.8 million Simulation Centre in Region Eight. important, healthcare professionals must also be equipped with the practical competencies necessary to perform effectively in clinical settings. According to the health
minister, the centre will play a critical role in ensuring trainees are better prepared to apply their knowledge and skills when providing care to patients. By expanding training opportunities within the region, the initiative will also help to develop a stronger local healthcare workforce and create opportunities for persons interested in pursuing
careers in the health sector, he noted. According to him, the new Kato Hospital which is currently under construction, will need workforce once completed. “Importantly, the ministry intends to build the workforce required for the facility by training and employing persons from within the region,” he added.
Caribbean cancer cases set to soar 55% by 2050 Cancer cases across the Caribbean are projected to surge by approximately 55 per cent by 2050, placing even greater pressure on already stretched health systems, prompting the Caribbean Public Health Agency (CARPHA) and the Caribbean Association for Oncology and Hematology (CAOH) to forge a new five-year partnership to strengthen the region's response. The Global Cancer Observatory estimates that annual new cancer cases in the Caribbean will climb from 123,884 in 2024 to 191,997 by 2050, a release from the regional body said. Against that backdrop, CARPHA and CAOH have signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) establishing a framework for cooperation in cancer surveillance, prevention, professional training, research, nutrition, workplace safety and access to safe, quality-assured cancer medicines. CARPHA Executive Director Dr. Lisa Indar said the scale of the challenge requires sustained regional collaboration. “Regional collaboration has always been one of the Caribbean's greatest strengths,” she said, adding that the partnership would help strengthen cancer prevention, early detection,
Formalising a new five-year partnership aimed at strengthening the Caribbean's response to the significant and growing burden of cancer. (L-R) Dr. Erica Wheeler, Consultant, CAOH; Dr. Dwight Lowe, Clinical Chair, CAOH; Dr. Marisa Nimrod, Chair and CEO, CAOH; Dr. Lisa Indar, Executive Director, CARPHA; Dr. Horace Cox, Director, CARPHA and Mrs. Helen Royer, Director of Human Development, Caribbean Community Secretariat (CARICOM) at the signing of the MoU cancer control and access to quality-assured medicines. CAOH Chief Executive Officer Dr. Marisa Nimrod said the agreement would create opportunities for joint programmes, regional training, research collaboration and professional networking, while helping advance Caribbean cancer policy and programme
development. A major focus of the partnership will be improving cancer surveillance and the quality and use of cancer registry data. Guyana is among the countries covered by the IARC Caribbean Cancer Registry Hub, a CARPHAsupported initiative designed to strengthen cancer registration and improve the availability and quality
of data needed for cancer-control planning. The Hub conducted an incountry assessment of Guyana's cancer-registration system in May 2019 to examine existing arrangements and identify areas for improvement. CARPHA has also identified Guyana among countries receiving technical support and capacity-building assistance to
strengthen cancer surveillance systems. Under the new CARPHACAOH partnership, the o rg a n i s a t i o n s w i l l s e e k t o strengthen the regional cancer workforce, support research and knowledge exchange, promote healthy nutrition and physical activity, improve workplace safety in handling hazardous cancer medicines, and strengthen medicine quality assurance, pharmacovigilance and postmarket surveillance. CARPHA said its Caribbean Regulatory System and Medicines Quality Control and Surveillance Department will play key roles in supporting the initiative. The agency is also expanding its work across the cancer-control continuum through the IARC Caribbean Cancer Registry Hub, which aims to ensure that Caribbean countries have reliable population-based cancer data to guide policy and evaluate interventions. The partnership comes as the region faces an expanding cancer burden and growing demand for complex oncology treatments, making reliable cancer data, trained specialists and safe medicines increasingly critical to cancer care across the Caribbean.
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Wednesday August 26, 2026
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Canada slaps retaliatory tariffs on U.S. goods worth US$20 billion ...as tit-for-tat trade war intensifies O T TAWA , A u g 2 5 (Reuters) - Canada hit back on Tuesday with retaliatory tariffs on about $20 billion worth of U.S. annual imports and rolled out aid for businesses and workers, matching Washington’s latest duties dollar-fordollar. The counter-tariffs on U.S. goods take effect on September 8 and impose duties of 15%, 25% and 50% across around 700 products imported from south of the b o r d e r, a g o v e r n m e n t statement said. U.S. President Donald Trump’s new 50% tariffs on US$20 billion of Canadian imports took effect on Saturday after talks between the two countries collapsed. The new tit-for-tat tariffs mark a new low in relations between the longtime allies, and ‘Trump earlier on Tuesday threatened to rename Lake Ontario, which straddles both countries, “Lake America.” “Our dollar-for-dollar, rate for rate counter-tariffs as well as a multi-billion dollar support package will protect workers, farmers, families, and businesses,” Canada’s Finance Minister FrançoisPhilippe Champagne said.
The White House and the U.S. Trade Representative did not immediately respond to a request for comment. Canada levied the 50% tariffs on steel, aluminum, furniture and clothing, set the 25% tariffs on cheese, appliances and some seafood, and placed the 15% tariffs on electronics and tools, a Canadian government official told reporters. Tr mp’s new tariffs are relatively narrow, affecting roughly 5% of Canada’s exports to the United States. But trade analysts say they could have severe, concentrated effects on some sectors that are already struggling like wood products, particularly kitchen cabinet makers. Canada’s retaliatory tariffs, calculated using 2024 trade figures, cover goods accounting for nearly 4.5% of Canada’s imports from the United . Industry Minister ‘Melanie Joly said the counter-tariffs were primarily aimed at protecting Canadian businesses but were also aimed at applying political pressure before Americans vote in the November 3 midterm elections. “We need to make sure
Canada levied the 50% tariffs on steel, aluminum, furniture and clothing.
that the competitors don’t have access to the Canadian market in a better way than their own... products, and that’s why the retailers need to show that from Canada,” she said. “Second, we’re also targeting products that will target states in the U.S. and so we’re being wise and strategic `to put political pressure, and that’s why we think it’s the right thing to do right now.” The Canadian tariffs will also cover some prepared foods, perfumes and toiletries, plastics, lumber, wood pulp and paper products, carpets and clothing. The list also targets industrial goods including iron and steel, aluminum,
60 Pre-Service teachers to benefit from... From page 7 compete in an increasingly technologydriven global economy. Guyana STELLAR serves as the foundation of that vision, equipping educators with the knowledge, skills and confidence needed to inspire excellence in the classroom and strengthen STEM outcomes across Guyana. At the heart of GSI is a simple but powerful belief: exceptional STEM education begins with exceptional teachers. By investing in educator development today, ExxonMobil is helping to build the talent, leadership and innovation capacity
that will drive Guyana’s future development for generations to come. The Guyana STEM Initiative is a US$100 million, 10-year investment by ExxonMobil Guyana to strengthen STEM education nationwide. The initiative includes the development of two STEM centres, teacher training and certification through the Guyana STELLAR programme, and other strategic interventions aimed at enhancing educational outcomes, building local capacity and preparing Guyanese students for future opportunities in STEM-related fields.
Family of 14 among Guyanese stranded... From page 12 noted that given the situation, his family has since returned to the Airbnb, they rented for the weekend. “We are staying here for now but it’s not sustainable. If we are practical, the funds I have will last until the next few days. I visited the market to get a few items and now we have to look at somewhere cheaper to stay,” he said. The man is hoping that a safer alternative to returning home is provided by the Guyana Government as well as the Suriname authorities. At present, the Guyanese Government has temporarily legitimised the backtrack route for citizens to return home. However, the publication has learnt that this poses a problem for many Guyanese who went to Suriname with their vehicles. “They question is if we leave, what
assurances will we have that our vehicles will be safe until the ferry service is back in operation,” the man queried. Videos sent to this publication show lines o f v e h i c l e s s t r a n d e d a t t h e M . V. CANAWAIMA crossing since last week. Kaieteur News understands that several persons have opted for the backtrack route to return home while others are left with no other choice but to remain in Suriname as they lobby the Guyanese authorities for assistance. Many have reported that they are unable to use that backtrack route to travel from the other side of the Corentyne River with their young children, vehicles and other commodities. In the meantime, the Government of Guyana and Suriname remain at loggerhead over the safety of the M.V. CANAWAIMA to ply the route.
hand tools and other metal products, machinery ‘and electrical equipment, as well as rail engines, motorcycles, furniture and gaming equipment, government documents showed. Canada also unveiled a C$7.5 billion package of measures featuring support
for small and medium-sized businesses, a stream for funding cash flow of companies, and support for workers at risk due to the ‘new tariffs. The Business Development Bank of Canada, a federal lender, will provide part of the support to affected businesses, offering
interest-free loans of between C$2.5 million and C$5 million. Joly said companies would not be urequired to make repayments for 36 months, a period that would run through the end of the Trump administration’s term.
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Suriname turns down Guyana’s offer...
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From page 13 including a clear timeline for the required repairs, whether the current intervention will affect or accelerate the vessel’s planned drydocking, and what interim arrangements will be made to preserve cross-border connectivity. Of particular concern is the absence of clarity on when a replacement vessel
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will be deployed. The SGCC said the disruption underscores the urgent need for a properly inspected secondary vessel and, ultimately, investment in a new ferry to provide the redundancy required for such a critical bilateral transportation link. The Chamber further pointed to the existing arrangements governing the ferry service. The Canawaima Ferry Service Inc. was incorporated in Guyana, while Canawaima Management Company N.V.
was incorporated in Suriname as its wholly owned subsidiary. The latter owns Transport and Harbours Department Inc. in Guyana and Scheepvaart Maatschappij Suriname (SMS NV) in Suriname. According to a 2026 NCN publication referencing the Suriname-Guyana Joint Venture Agreement, Guyana supplies all fuel, lubricants and batteries for the ferry’s daily operations, while Suriname is responsible for maintenance and dry-
docking. The SGCC said the Canawaima is far more than a ferry service, describing it as an essential economic and social link connecting the two countries and facilitating trade, tourism, investment and the daily movement of people and goods. “Continuity, predictability and safety must therefore be considered together,” the Chamber said. The latest disruption, it added, reinforces the need for a sustainable, long-term solution to the SurinameGuyana ferry connection. In February 2025, the SGCC advanced a Public-Private Partnership (PPP) proposal for the management of the Canawaima Ferry Service, aimed at supporting a more sustainable and reliable model for the operation of the vital cross-border link.
Wednesday August 26, 2026
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CFU U14 Challenge Series Tier II champions, Guyana, return home The Guyana CFU U14 Boys team officially arrived home to a massive welcome from proud parents, families and friends at the Cheddi Jagan International Airport over the past weekend. They left Guyana with a
mission. They return as Champions! Guyana’s Under-14 Boys were crowned as the Caribbean Football Union (CFU) Tier II Champions, completing an outstanding campaign at the CFU U14 Challenge Series in Punta
CFU U14 Challenge Series Tier II champions celebrate in a team photo following their arrival home. (GFF)
Wednesday August 26, 2026 ARIES (Mar. 21–Apr. 19) Karma swings by for a visit—have you been good lately (or in a past life, at least)? Whatever happens today is a payment of some kind, but try not to read too much into it until you've had time to process. TAURUS (Apr. 20–May 20) Your ability to understand people on a deep level is tested today, and most likely you pass with flying colors! Someone you don't know well is scrambling for help, but only you can see it. GEMINI (May 21–June 20) Your creative side needs extra attention today—so give it whatever it needs. If you want time to draw or brainstorm, take it, and if you need a walk outside, you've got to go for it. CANCER (June 21–July 22) Your social intuition is strong now, so make sure that you're at least trying to read people right. You may find that your energy is best spent on new endeavors and meeting new people.
LIBRA (Sept. 23–Oct. 22) Your assistance is key today—someone needs you! It might not be a life-or-death matter, but the odds are good that you can help them find a deeply satisfying way to live their lives. SCORPIO (Oct. 23–Nov. 21) Your thoughtful side is out in force today, and you may find that you are full of great ideas about what to do next. It's a good time to sit down and write things out, but it isn't so great for drawing up a firm plan. SAGIT (Nov. 22–Dec. 21) Other people are making good points today as they discuss what went before—so listen up! You may need to try something a little different if you want to get ahead, and that could mean anything. CAPRI (Dec. 22–Jan. 19) Music really resonates with you today, so make sure that you're listening to the tunes that move you in the right direction. It's one of those days when it's vital to deal with the right atmosphere.
LEO (July 23–Aug. 22) Try to indulge your creative side today, as it needs a boost. Your spiritual energy is just right to get there, even if you can't quite get anything practical done until tomorrow or the next day.
AQUARIUS (Jan. 20–Feb. 18) What you share is much more important than what you keep on a day like today, so make sure that all the right people are in the loop. You may find that you push the group as a whole a lot further than you thought possible!
VIRGO (Aug. 23–Sept. 22) You usually have a good grasp of details, but for now, you may find that your energy is better spent on big-picture stuff. Better still, seek more clarity on the finish line, as it is extremely confusing now.
PISCES (Feb. 19–Mar. 20) Take care of those around you today—the odds are that they are flailing while you are doing quite well. They are sure to remember your kindness should the situation be reversed one day.
Cana, Dominican Republic, with a well-deserved victory over Suriname in the final. The Guyanese boys secured the championship following an intense penalty shootout after the teams played to a 1–1 score line in regulation time. Dane Vancooten found
the equaliser in the 45th minute to keep Guyana in contention. Guyana held their composure under pressure to prevail 4–2 on penalties, with Wayshawn Forde, Adiel Hamilton, Dane Va n c o o t e n a n d A a r o n Vasconcellos converting from the spot to secure the
Tier II title and cap an impressive tournament run. The Guyana Football Federation congratulates the players, coaching staff and entire delegation on their outstanding achievement and for proudly representing Guyana on the regional stage.
India in charge in Colombo despite Dinusha defiance (Reuters) - Sri Lanka’s Sonal Dinusha remained on course for his second century of the series but India retained a firm grip on the second and final test in Colombo on Tuesday. Replying India’s 503-9 declared, Sri Lanka reached 265-8 before rain and bad light brought an early end to the third day’s play, with the prospect of the follow-on still hanging over the hosts. Dinusha was unbeaten on 85, which followed his scores of 100 and 84 ‘in the opening test in Galle, which India won comprehensively to take a 1-0 lead in the two-match series. Lahiru Kumara was unbeaten on eight, with Sri Lanka still trailing by 238 runs. Earlier, Pasindu Sooriyabandara (80) led Sri Lanka’s resistance after the hosts resumed on a precarious eight for two at the Sinhalese Sports Club ground. India seamer Prasidh Krishna (3-47) dismissed Kamil Mishara (19) and Kamindu Mendis (32), while Manav Suthar removed home captain Dhananjaya de Silva (8) ‘leave Sri Lanka reeling at 137-5. Sooriyabandara, who made his test debut as a concussion substitute in Galle, fought hard but fell short of what would have been his maiden test century. Attempting to cut a delivery from Ravindra Jadeja, Sooriyabandara could ‘only deflect the ball on to his back thigh. It then rolled on to hit the base of the stumps, with the impact enough to dislodge the ‘bail. India fast bowler Mohammed Siraj had Niroshan Dickwella caught down the leg side for nought, while Suthar (3-83) removed Keshara Nuwantha for 18 to ‘keep the pressure on Sri Lanka. Dinusha struck two sixes and six fours in a fluent innings and looked comfortable against both pace and spin.
Scores: Sri Lanka 265 for 8 (Dinusha 85*, Sooriyabandara 80, Prasidh 3-47) trail India 503 for 9 dec by 238 runs.
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Guyana starts preparation to host 2027 CARIFTA Games Guyana has officially begun the process of preparing to host the 2027 CARIFTA Games, marking a historic milestone for the country as it prepares to stage the premiere youth and junior track and field competition in the Caribbean
for the first time since the Games began in 1972. North American, Central American and Caribbean Athletic Association (NACAC) President Michael Sands visited Guyana as part of the initial preparations for the
country’s hosting of the Games and on Monday toured the National Track and Field Centre at Leonora, West Demerara, which will serve as the principal venue. Sands was accompanied by NACAC official JohnPaul Clarke during the visit.
The delegation met with Minister of Culture, Youth and Sport Charles Ramson Jr., Minister within the Ministry of Culture, Youth and Sport Steven Jacobs, Director of Sport Steve Ninvalle, National Sports Commission (NSC) ViceChairperson Cristy Campbell and Guyana Athletics Association President Sheryl Hermonstine at the Lenora facility. The visit provided an opportunity for the NACAC delegation and Guyanese officials to assess the country’s readiness and discuss the requirements associated with staging the prestigious regional championship. Discussions focused on Guyana’s preparedness, infrastructure, organisation and other key areas necessary to deliver a s u c c e s s f u l C A R I F TA Games. The engagement also represents the beginning of a collaborative process between NACAC and the local sporting authorities. The 2027 edition will carry particular significance for Guyana, which has never previously h o s t e d t h e C A R I F TA Games despite, being a
Director of Sport Steve Ninvalle and NSC Director Cristy Campbell were also part of the delegation of officials visiting the Stadium as the preparations began. longstanding participant in the competition and producing several outstanding athletes who have competed at the regional and international levels. The CARIFTA Games
were first held in Barbados in 1972 and were formalised to commemorate the transition from the Caribbean Free Trade Association (CARIFTA) to the Caribbean Community (CARICOM).
Wednesday August 26, 2026
Kaieteur News
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Boxing quartet gets South American Games opportunity after Commonwealth disappointment
Guyana’s boxing team for the South American Games from left: Emmanuel Pompey, Akeelah Vancooten, Lennox Daniels (coach), Kevin Allicock and Shakquain James. The Guyana Boxing Association (GBA) has named Keevin Allicock, Shakquain James, Emmanuel Pompey and Akeelah Vancooten to represent Guyana at the 13th South American Games in Buenos Aires, Argentina, from September 12 to 26, giving the quartet another opportunity to compete internationally after missing the Commonwealth Games.
The selection comes after the boxers were all denied the opportunity to compete at last month’s Commonwealth Games in Glasgow, Scotland, despite travelling with the Guyana delegation and preparing to enter the ring. The boxers were rendered ineligible after mandatory once-in-a-lifetime genetic sex test results were not returned before the competition began.
The requirement stems from World Boxing’s recently introduced Sex Eligibility Policy, under which all competitors aged 18 and older must undergo a PCR genetic test to verify their biological birth sex before competing in sanctioned events. The test detects the SRY gene, which identifies the presence of Y-chromosome genetic material. Under the policy, athletes determined to be male at birth are eligible for the men’s category, while those determined to be female at birth may compete in the women’s division. GBA President Steve Ninvalle said sending the four boxers to Argentina fulfils a commitment made following the disappointment in Glasgow. “We’re happy that boxers are getting a chance to compete after not being able to do so at the Commonwealth Games,” Ninvalle said. He said the association had promised the athletes another opportunity to represent Guyana at the next major event, and the South American Games now provide that platform. The group will once again be under the guidance of National Coach Lennox Daniels
and, according to Ninvalle, have remained focused on their preparations since returning from Scotland. The GBA is hoping the boxers can continue Guyana’s strong tradition at the South American Games, which have been held every four years since 1978. Boxing has consistently contributed to Guyana’s medal tally at the Games. At the 2022 edition in Asunción, Paraguay, Allicock won bronze in the 57kg division, while Desmond Amsterdam claimed bronze at 80kg. Their medals, alongside Nicolette Fernandes’ silver in women’s squash singles, accounted for Guyana’s three medals at those Games. The 2018 edition in Cochabamba, Bolivia, also saw boxing produce two bronze medals, with Allicock earning another thirdplace finish, then in the 56kg category, while Collin Lewis took bronze at 64kg. Guyana finished that edition with five medals, with Leslain Baird’s silver in the javelin, while Winston George and Jenea McCammon claimed bronze in the men’s 400m and women’s 100m hurdles, respectively.
Kaieteur News
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Wednesday August 26, 2026
Coach vs Student battle headlines Round Two of Pegasus Weekly Chess League
Martin Poon (left) and Jaden Taylor. GEORGETOWN, Guyana — Round Two of the Pegasus Weekly Chess League, organized by Drayton’s Chess Club, concluded on Monday, August 24, 2026, at the Pegasus Hotel Guyana, with another evening of competitive chess, dramatic turning points and a three-way battle developing at the top of the standings. The theme for the evening was #GameFaceNight, and the players represented the occasion splendidly, bringing their best game faces to the boards as the seven-round competition continued. Among several interesting matchups, one encounter stood out — coach versus student, as Oluwadare Oyeyipo faced Sana Sreebalakumar. Coach vs Student The game began with the Ruy Lopez, one of chess’s most established openings, but it did not
remain conventional for long. The players continued: 1. e4 e5 2. Nf3 Nc6 3. Bb5 a6 4. Ba4 Nf6 5. O-O d6 6. Bxc6+ bxc6 7. d4 Qe7 8. Bg5 h6 9. Bh4 g5 10. Bg3 At first glance, Black’s position may have appeared uncomfortable to the casual observer. The doubled pawns on the c-file were visually unattractive, while White had developed quickly and castled to safety. But chess positions are not always what they appear to be. As the game developed, Black’s pieces remained active and the advance of the kingside pawns forced White’s bishop backwards. By move 10, deeper analysis showed that Black was not in trouble at all. In fact, Black had emerged with a slight advantage. Then came the turning point. An inaccurate move from the student on the very next turn gave Oyeyipo the opportunity he
Sana Sreebalakumar (left) and Oluwadare Oyeyipo. needed. The experienced coach immediately capitalised, and within another six moves the game was effectively decided. Oyeyipo ultimately secured the victory, but not without being tested by his student. For Sana Sreebalakumar, the game demonstrated how small inaccuracies can dramatically change a position. For spectators, it provided an example of one of the fascinating features of competitive chess: a position that appears favourable can change completely with a single move. One Wrong Square Changes Everything The encounter between Jaden Taylor and Martin Poon provided another of the night’s memorable moments — and perhaps its most painful. Ta y l o r h a d s u c c e s s f u l l y navigated his way to a winning position and was only one move
away from checkmate. Then disaster struck. With victory within reach, Taylor placed his queen on the wrong square. Instead of delivering the decisive blow, the mistake allowed his opponent to win the queen. The position changed immediately from a virtually certain victory for Taylor to one from which there was no realistic recovery. Poon seized the opportunity and went on to secure the point. It was a cruel reversal for Taylor, but also a perfect illustration of the unforgiving nature of chess: the quality of the previous moves does not protect a player from the consequences of the next one. Three Players Remain Perfect At the top of the standings, WCM Jessica Callender, Keron Sandiford and Davion Mars emerged from Round Two as the
competition’s three remaining perfect scorers, each sitting on 2 points from two games. Callender continued her strong start by defeating Raymond Sookdeo, while Sandiford overcame Ryan McKay. Mars also maintained his perfect record with victory over Odimmie Reece. Behind the leaders, the field remains tightly packed. McKay, Reece, Oyeyipo, Sookdeo, Owen Mickle, Sreebalakumar and Poon each have 1 point, while Sachin Beharry sits on half a point. Jaden Taylor and Annastaysha Marcano are currently on 0 points after two rounds. With five rounds still to play, the league remains wide open, and the Swiss pairing system should increasingly bring the leading performers into direct competition as the tournament progresses. Attention now turns to Round Three, with players eagerly awaiting the next set of matchups and another opportunity to climb the standings. Drayton’s Chess Club Introduces “Game of the Week” Drayton’s Chess Club is also introducing a new interactive feature alongside the Pegasus Weekly Chess League — Game of the Week. Each week, a position from league play will be presented to chess players and members of the general public with one simple challenge: Can you spot the move? This week’s accompanying position comes from last week’s action. Readers are invited to study the position and determine the decisive continuation. The answer will be revealed in next week’s Pegasus Weekly Chess League article. #GameOfTheWeek #PegasusWeeklyChessLeague #DraytonsChessClub The Pegasus Weekly Chess League is organized by Drayton’s Chess Club and is played on Monday evenings at Pegasus Hotel Guyana.
Kaieteur News
Wednesday August 26, 2026
2026 MOE/Beharry Secondary School’s Under-19
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T20 Cricket final…
BEI storm to inaugural title after mauling Annandale by 61 runs in lopsided finale
New champions Berbice Educational Institute collecting their individual medals yesterday. Curtains came down on what was one of the more exciting T20 School’s Cricket tournament in years as Berbice Educational Institute (BEI) romped to the inaugural Beharry U19 T20 championship title; after making light work of Annadale Secondary by 61 runs during yesterday’s finale hosted at the Enterprise Ground. After weeks of intense T20 cricket played across a number of venues in Guyana, just two teams remained after the dust settled recently; paving the way for what was an exciting match from start to end.
Playing in front of a packed crowd, BEI had a decent but mixed opening outing as they found themselves stuck on 92-7 by the end of their 20 allotted overs. Despite none of their players dropping a big score, the collective scoring effort led by opener Arush Hemraj (24), leading run-scorers for the tournament Luke Amsterdam (14), skipper Gilbert Griffith (10), Ryan McPherson (11), Demetrius Reid (10) and Ray Ramnauth (10) kept their school in the game. Annandale Secondary had a tough outing with the
Runners-up Annandale Secondary entered the tournament as dark horses and did exceptionally well to reach the finals.
ball, as Sanjay Dindyal (224), Ruel Dindyal (1-13), Kevin Singh (1-14) and opposition Captain Joshua Bollers (1-15); tried to contest the proactive approach taken by the BEI batters. Needing 93 for victory against one of the better teams of the tournament, went south for Annandale after they were flattened inside 15 overs, ending on 31-10. After losing wickets early, Annandale Secondary found themselves in tons of trouble, as almost their entire top order was already back in the pavilion by the end of the
first 10 overs; with the team’s score under 30. When play resumed, the remaining Annandale batters were no match for the mixed, rampant BEI bowling assault which picked apart the last few opposition players to seal and empathic win with overs to spare. Led by the spin wizard and finals MVP, Gilbert Griffith (3-2) who at one stage was on a hat-trick, was supported by speedster Lemeul DeJonge (3-9) who was exceptional alongside Ramnauth who returned to claim 1-6 to set up a crushing, historic win for their school.
Man-of-the-Match Berbice Educational Institute Gilbert Griffith 3-2-3 overs Economy 0.7.
Boxing quartet gets South American Games opportunity after Commonwealth disappointment Sports Minister Charles Ramson Jr. along with Junior Minister Steven Jacobs lead officials on a tour of the National Track and Field Centre at Leonora.
Guyana starts preparation to host 2027 CARIFTA Games rts o p S Inaugural Ministry of Education/Beharry U19 School’s T20 Cricket Champions Berbice Educational Institute celebrate yesterday following a commanding win at Enterprise Ground.
2026 MOE/Beharry Secondary School’s Under-19 T20 Cricket final…
BEI storm to inaugural title after mauling Annandale by 61 runs in lopsided finale Printed and published by National Media & Publishing Company Ltd., 24 Saffon Street, Charlestown, Georgetown. Tel: 225-8458, 225-8465, 225-8491 or Fax: 225-8473/226-8210.