WIN makes strong showing in hinterland …severalstaffersarrested,questioned
…pulled 18,273 votes against PPP/C's 25,229
Police probe missing $5M from GECOM France joins other Western nations in recognising Palestinian state HorroratChinese supermarket...
The Government of Guyana (GoG) on Monday announced the approval of a Petroleum Production
L i c e n c e ( P P L ) f o r
ExxonMobil Guyana Limited (EMGL's) seventh development in the Stabroek Block, the US$6.8 billion Hammerheadproject.
The announcement was made by the Ministry of Natural Resources in a statement on Monday morning. At the end of the review process of Exxon's
other block partners Hess Guyana Exploration Ltd holds 30% interest, and CNOOC Petroleum Guyana Limitedholds25%interest.
The Hammerhead developmentislocatedinthe south-western portion of the Stabroek Block offshore Guyana and targets the Hammerhead reservoir
H a m m e r h e a d w a s announced as Exxon's ninth commercial discovery in A u g u s t 2 0 1 8 . T h e Hammerhead-1 well was drilled in a new reservoir,
The Hammerhead project (named after the shark) receives government approvals; production expected to begin in 2029.
DevelopmentPlan(FDP)the ministry approved the FDP and issued the Hammerhead PPL.
The Stabroek Block which is estimated to hold 11.6 billion barrels of oil is operated by EMGL, who holds 45% interest. The
encountering approximately 197 feet (60 metres) of highquality, oil-bearing sandstone reservoir The well was safely drilled to 13,862 feet (4,225 metres) depth in 3,773 feet (1,150 metres)ofwater. First oil from the
…nowordonanyadditional fiscalbenefitsforGuyana
Hammerhead project is expected by 2029 The project will use aVery Large Crude Carrier (VLCC) conversion-type Floating Production, Storage, and Offloading (FPSO), which will be built by Japanese shipbuilder, MODEC.
Notably, a total of 445 million barrels of oil is forecast to be produced with a n e s t i m a t e d d a i l y production capacity of 150,000barrelsofoilperday (bpd) Hammerhead oil
productionwillbefacilitated through 10 production wells and8injectionwells.
Hammerheadisexpected to boost Guyana's overall production capacity at approximately 1.5 million bpd,withtheFDPprojecting this by the second quarter of 2029.
Additionally, the ministry stated that the associated gas produced from the Hammerhead Project reservoir will be transferred to the Gas-to-
Energy (GtE) pipeline network Hammerhead is expected to boost energy security, drive industrial g r o w t h a n d c r e a t e employment across various sectors, further positioning Guyanaasakeyplayerinthe globalenergylandscape.
Notably, MNR said the Hammerhead PPL features notable improvements when compared to previous licences in several areas.
“Some of these include its alignment with the Oil
Pollution Prevention, Preparedness, Response and Responsibility Act 2025; improved management of production levels and new conditions to cover offs p e c i f i c a t i o n f l u i d discharges and the transfer of associated gas from the Hammerhead development to the Gas-to-Energy p i p e l i n e T h e s e enhancements reflect the government's ongoing commitment to responsible (Continued on page 17)
With the emergence of the newly formed We Invest in Nationhood (WIN) party, led by businessman Azruddin Mohamed, Guyana's political landscape has undergone a significant shift particularly in the hinterland regions.
In just a few months leading up to the September 1 General and Regional Elections, WIN managed to attract thousands of supporters and secured 27% of the vote across the hinterland regions, trailing closelybehindthelong-established People's Progressive Party/Civic (PPP/C),whichgarnered37%.
According to the official Regional Democratic Council (RDC) election results, WIN secured 27% of the total votes across Regions One, Seven, Eight, and Nine, with 18,273 votes, just
…pulled18,273votesagainstPPP/C's25,229
10% behind the PPP/C, which garnered 25,229 votes , representing37%ofthevalidvotes intheseregions.
These figures are based on a total of 67,340 valid votes cast in thefourregions.
In Region One, WIN received 5,830 votes, securing six RDC seats, while the PPP/C led with 9,021 votes and nine seats. In Region Seven, WIN dominated with 5,085 votes and eight seats, surpassing the PPP/C, which earned 3,508 votes and five seats.
The competition was tight in Region Eight, where WIN took 2,558votesandsevenseats,closely trailingthePPP/C's2,847votesand sevenseats.InRegionNine,PPP/C onceagainledwith9,853votesand tenseats,whileWINsecured4,794 votesandfiveseats.
and
Overall, the PPP/C held a majority in Regions One, Eight, and Nine, while WIN emerged as the leading party in Region Seven.
The party's strong showing across all four regions marks a historic development, breaking the longstandingelectoraldominanceofthe PPP/C and APNU in these areas.
This shift changes the political landscape in Guyana, especially in thehinterlandcommunities.
A senior APNU official speaking to this publication on Sunday related that WIN and the PPP/C prominently featured highprofile Indigenous candidates, during their campaign. The official
who asked not be named admitted that the absence of genuine Indigenous advocacy from the APNU, led voters to shift their support to WIN, which fielded strong Indigenous voices like Dawn Hastings-Williams and Deon LaCruz, both of whom campaigned actively in Amerindiancommunities.
The overall electoral outcome confirmed APNU's disappointing performance in the 2025 General and Regional Elections WIN secured 16 parliamentary seats, overtaking APNU, which fell to thirdplacewith12seats.
WIN is now the main opposition party, while the ruling PPP/C, led by President IrfaanAli, retained a strong majority with 36 seats, securingAli a second term in office.
PrintedandPublishedbyNationalMedia& PublishingCompanyLtd. 24SaffonStreet, Charlestown,Georgetown,Guyana.
Publisher:GLENNLALL-TEL:624-6456
Editor:NIGELWILLIAMS
Tel:225-8465,225-8491. Fax:225-8473,226-8210
ThePPPCsaysithassevennewfacesinitsslateof ministers. Consideringthattheelectionsresults gave the ruling party three more seats, a case could be made that the new PPPC Government is almost identical to the old PPPC Government. Most of the old headsareback,mostoftheoldfacesarestillaround,andall thoseoldhatscouldbeinforanotherfiveyearsofenjoying life from the nation’s oil wealth, and to the detriment of citizens. PresidentIrfaanAliisputtingindoubletheeffort toconvinceGuyanesethatthingswillbedifferent,thatthe ministersareonashortleash,andthathisownfuseisshort onpatience.
“The new cabinet today has been put on notice that… ThisgovernmentisnotaboutpowerandIwanttomakethat veryclear.” Thepresidentisclear,butdidhisnewgroupof ministers, most of them from the old set, hear him? He didn’twatchthemenough,ortheydidn’tbothertolistento him the last time. So, what will be different this time, notwithstandingthepowerfulspeechesfromthepresident?
PresidentAli’sownwordsgiveaclue,andinthemannerof clues,theyoftenleadupafalsetrail.
“…thatmissionandtheplansweadvancearewhatwe want to achieve as a people together in this country, and tonight, I ask you to applaud them. I want all of them to knowthatwhilsttonightisarepresentationofoneaspectof government,theirworkisthehardpiece,thefoundationand strength,uponwhichwestand,andwewillcontinuetobe partofthisjourneyoftransformation.Andtheywillbethe foundation of transformation that lies ahead of us.”
Guyanesemaylikewhattheyhearfromtheirpresident,but the first question is whether he ever actually pauses and reflects,bylisteningtohimself?
Thereisnopresidentinthehistoryofthiscountrywho has promised as much as President Mohamed Irfaan Ali, andwhohasdeliveredlessthanPresidentIrfaanAli. What does that confirm, other than that he and his people are winners at crafting fine, flowing speeches, but losers in breathinglifeintothem. Afterhisfirstinauguration,itwas the same President Ali who promised to “review and renegotiate” all government contracts. He them promptly changedhismind,lostsightofhiswords,andcametoahalt with “sanctity of contract”, as his basis for not lifting a finger against the reprehensible 2016 ExxonMobil oil contract. If on the most promising, the most potentially enriching, development in Guyana, the president balked, thenwhatcanhebetrustedontodeliver? Therewereother areas in which he failed to be true to his commitments to citizens. He promised transparency, but presided over an Office of the Commissioner ofAccess to Information that wasasleepingdog,andarunningjoke. Virtuallynoaccess to information is the president’s idea of transparency He also promised five years ago, that there will be accountability,onlytodeliverakindwherethereisalmost zero accounting to taxpayers. Debt ceiling raised, more loans taken, oil money withdrawn, and all that Guyanese receive is conveyed in the blur of “national development priorities.” It seems that that is less about the people’s business, and more about the priorities of party politics. The Wales gas-to-energy project is US$2B and climbing, and it is all haze and spin about taxpayer dollars that are spent. Smoke and mirrors are the president’s version of accountability
Next, there is unity, as he promised, but which has left Guyanesemoretornanddividedthantheyhaveeverbeen. Millions upon millions, adding up to the billions, are captured by the PPPC Government’s cabals and cronies, while many Guyanese starve and limp through their days. We don’t know how such standards, attitudes, and actions inspire those who are left out to a place of harmony and unity But here is President Ali, flush with victory, and makingsweetspeeches. Hepusheshisministersintheright direction,andhecouldlookbetter Hehesitates,andheis lost.
DEAREDITOR
Readers of Stabroek News Sunday edition (9/21) were treated to an extraordinary commentary from the Chairperson of the Constitutional Reform Commission (CRC) former Chancellor Carl Singh Chairman Singh’s comments werewhatonewouldexpect from an external observer, bemoaning the fact that “everything that happens to
membership.”
The Chair laid out a catalogue of reasons – from finding chairs to invasion from Venezuela - to defend why the CRC has produced littletonothingoverthepast threeyears.Healsoinvoked
Commission
neededtobeeducatedabout constitutional reform before starting their work – which raises a host of issues about selectiontotheCommission. W
members were remunerated for all of this nothingness is unknown While nonperformance in itself is sufficient to conclude that the life of the CRC ought to
be closed down, a more cogent reason for reaching the same conclusion is the fact that the Commission from its inception was not seen as part of organically evolvinglawinGuyana.
Towards the end of the Constitutional Reform programme 1999-2000, the then Commission addressed the issue of continuous futurereform. Thisresulted in the Constitutional (Amendment no.6) of 2001 passed by the National Assembly on June 21, 2001 and assented to on 31 July 2001 by former President Bharrat Jagdeo When assented, the ‘Official Remarks’oftheConstitutional Reform Commission stated that thisAct be inserted after Article 119 of the Guyana Constitutionandreferredtoas the Parliamentary Standing Committee for Future Constitutional Reform Process Thepertinentclauses ofthatActareasfollows:
119A (1) The National Assembly shall establish a Standing Parliamentary C o m m i t t e e f o r Constitutional Reform for the purpose of continually reviewing the effectiveness
of the working of the Constitution and making periodic reports thereon to the Assembly, with proposals for reform, as necessary (2) Initsworkthe Committeeshallhavepower toco-optexpertsorenlistthe aid of other persons of appropriate expertise, whether or not such experts or other persons are membersoftheAssembly
This law intended to guidethecontinuousprocess ofConstitutionalReformhas beenignoredbytheMinistry of LegalAffairs, Parliament and the Constitutional Commission headed by formerChancellorSingh.
Moreover, Singh also introducedanotherproposal, namelythattheCommission should be re-structured for legal reasons since the PNC has been replaced by We InvestinNationhood(WIN) a s l e a d e r o f t h e Parliamentary opposition
The badly written law c r e a t i n g t h e C R C specifically named the PPP and the PNC to occupy the 50% of the seats on the Commission.
No matter what motivated the former
Chancellor to raise this matter it provides an opportune moment for both the PPP and the PNC to adjust to the new facts of politicallifecreatedbyWIN. WIN have changed the political calculus in ways that require both the ruling party and the PNC to obey the rules, given they are not above the law To a lesser extent, the same conclusion applies to the Forward Guyana Movement (FMG), especially in matters related to Regional politics. The obvious action required to correct all of the above obstaclesisforParliamentto create the Standing ParliamentaryCommitteein order to create the appropriate mechanism to address Constitutional reform.TheChairmanofthe CRC emphatically stated that the matter of restructuring the CRC was nothingtodowithhimselfor the Commission This is incorrect, both he and the Commission members could, as a matter of principle,resign.
Regards
GuyanaHumanRights Association
In the busy city of Georgetown known for its vibrant diversity and complexpoliticallandscape, as a young politician I had always been passionate about public service, driven byadesiretomakeagenuine differenceinmycommunity andneighborhood.
However, as I stepped into the world of politics, I quickly realised that navigating in this arena required a delicate balance of realism, firmness, and decency Ibeganmyjourney withafocusontransparency andopencommunication. I participated in Local Government Elections, while still working with government in 2016. As an independentcandidate.
I held community meetings, listening to the constituents’concerns, from advocating for street lamp post lights, Smart city solutions to environmental sustainability I understand thatbeingfirminmybeliefs didn’t mean dismissing others’ perspectives; rather,
itmeantengagingwiththem respectfully This approach earnedmethetrustofmany, as people quickly came to appreciatemywillingnessto listen and find common ground,evenwhenopinions clashed.
However, the political landscape was fraught with challenges.
I soon faced pressure from some political superiors and politicians who prioritised their own interests over the welfare of thecommunity Theytriedto persuade me to compromise myprinciplesforthesakeof expediency I quickly found myselfatthecrossroads.
Should I conform to the expectations of the establishment,orstaytrueto my commitment to decency andintegrity?
Insteadofsuccumbingto thepressure,Ichosetostand firm I am an educated individual.
I understand my role on the issues at hand. I engage in forming conversations w i t h l i k e - m i n d e d individuals who shared my
vision. I would reach out to community leaders, activists, and everyday citizens, tapping into their experiences and wisdom Together, they crafted solutions that addressed the complexities of the issues while remaining realistic about what could be achieved.
I held a series of open forums, where I encouraged honest dialogue, even when it became uncomfortable. I facilitatedconversationsthat allowedpeopletovoicetheir concerns, while also emphasizing the importance offindingabalancebetween development and the preservation of community
A m i d t h e h e a t e d discussions,Imaintainedmy composure,advocatingfora planthatincludedaffordable options and community spaces. My firm yet decent approach began to resonate, bringing people together rather than pushing them apart.
In the end, whether my peers or elders they all respected my ideas and knowledge.
T h r o u g h o u t m y experiences, I learned that navigating the complexities ofpoliticswasnotjustabout winningbattles;itwasabout fosteringacultureofrespect, understanding, and collaboration. I realised that stayingtruetooneselfwhile remainingrealisticaboutthe challenges ahead was the key to meaningful change. AsIcontinuedmyjourneyin politics, I became a beacon of hope in a turbulent landscape. My ability to remain firm, realistic, and decent amid the chaos inspired others to engage in the political process with integrity I decided to forge a path for myself that exemplified the idea that change could be both achievable and honorable, proving that with courage andcommitment,oneperson truly could make a difference.
Regards IvanBentham ExecutiveOfficer PresidentYouthAward RepublicofGuyana.
DEAREDITOR, The magical city of C h i a n g M a i , Thailand’s”Rose of the North” is Georgetown’s unknown soul sister At Chiang Mai’s heart lies a centuries-old canal that rings the city Once a defensive moat, it’s now rebornasacivicpromenade where people gather as the sun begins its desent behind Doi Suthep. Fountains rise into the orange glow of the sunset, trees share their shadows across walkways, children chase one another playfully along the water’s edge, and families linger on benches, enjoying the play of light on rippling water It is not merely a canal, but a stage where a vibrant civic life and leisure unfolds and isenacteddaily
Chiang Mai’s charm is notforeigntoGeorgetown’s richhistory Ourowncapital was once the “Garden City oftheCaribbean,”shapedby itswaterways.Avenueofthe Republic, Church Street, Carmichael Street, and the
Lamaha Canal once shimmered with order,
symmetry, and lush greenery Palms and flowering trees lined the canals; water cooled the manicured streets These spaces created identity and pride.Sadly,today,manyof these waterways are hidden under weeds, clogged with refuse, or reduced to functionaldrains.Yet,justas ChiangMaihasshown,they
can be re-imagined and reborn.
Imagine Avenue of the Republic transformed into a tree-lined promenade: its canal restored, its red-brick edgessoftenedbyflowering bougainvillea and yellow poui,withfountainssending arcs of spray into the fresh Atlanticair.Picturefamilies strolling safely along walkways, cyclists gliding past, vendors offering coconut water and art with music drifting from nearby cafés. Imagine the Lamaha Canal reinvented as a civic corridor, with gardens, play spaces, and open-air Balistyled restaurants where water, greenery, and light make daily life pulsating in culturalrichness.
This is more than beautification: it is about creatingacivicidentity
In Chiang Mai, canals and public spaces draw not only international visitors but also Thai families from other provinces who travel on weekends simply to experience the chic, laidback lifestyle of the city They come not only to see buttoenjoy,towalk,tosit,to linger,toBe.
Thisislifestyletourism, and it strengthens communitypride.
Georgetown, too, could becomesuchadestination,a place where residents of Region Three, Linden, Mahaica, and even Essequibo come into the capital not just for business
and leave in a hurry, but to stay and enjoy its charming civic life.Thisshift from an ethnic to a civic feeling of belonging is precisely the modern identity Guyana’s progressive government is building.
The economic lessons, too, are clear In Thailand, tourism contributes around USD65–70billionannually (yes!),nearly20%ofGDPin peak years. In 2023, Chiang Mai with just about 1.5 million people generated about USD 3 billion in tourism revenues, with millions of domestic and foreignvisitors.
Events like the Chiang Mai Flower Festival, held eachFebruary,bringthecity alive: more than forty floral floats shaped into temples and mythic animals parade through streets; traditional dancers in bright northern Thai costumes perform; parks bloom with orchids, rose, hibiscus and chrysanthemums; the air fills with fragrance and soft music. Tens of thousands travel from across Thailand for the festival, alongside visitors from abroad, generating more than USD 14 million for the local economyinjustafewdays.
These spectacles are not only festivals: they are annual civic rituals that reinforce pride and occasions to perform civic identity “God’s classroom intheair,”reinvented.
Georgetowncanachieve
the same magic. Imagine a restored Lamaha Canal becoming the stage for our own annual flower festival, blending Guyana’s orchids, bougainvillea, palms, and hibiscus into floats, performances, and displays that celebrate our diversity and creativity Imagine the AvenueoftheRepublicasa living gallery, where water and light frame cultural life in a dazzling Sound and Lightshoweverymonth.
Such events and spaces would not only attract tourists from overseas but alsocreatedomestictourism within Guyana, drawing families into an immersive experience of our capital’s modernciviclifestyle.
To move forward, Guyana should not simply send a delegation to study Chiang Mai: we should go f u r t h e r a n d t w i n Georgetown with Chiang Mai.
Twinningopensthedoor to technical exchanges in city design, shared cultural programs, reciprocal tourism promotion, and mutuallearning.Itwouldbe a gateway for Guyana to draw lessons from Thailand’s broader tourism success, lessons in heritage renewal, destination branding, festival culture, and lifestyle tourism.. This partnership would anchor Georgetown’s renewal in a tested model, while projectingGuyanainto
(Continuedonpage09)
DEAREDITOR
Asquatterwhoerecteda shack on the left of the roundabout, at the Railway EmbankmentOgleECD. This squatter is of great obstruction to the traffic as it sits directly on theturnheadingEast.
Sometimes there are vehicles that park directly on the turn that make it very difficult to have a clear vision when turning left. This is an unsafe practice and why is the government not doing anythingaboutit He has already abused almost all the neighbours around when spoken to abouttheloudmusic. T h e r e w a s a n a c c i d e n t o n t h a t junction where the motor cyclistdiedonthespot ( 3 0 t h A u g u s t , 2025), how many more will have to die before the governmentstepsin Ministry of Housing &Water, ( E r e c t a s i g n ) PROPERTY OF THE CENTRAL HOUSING &
DEAREDITOR, The recent cabinet reshuffle under President Irfaan Ali was a chance to signal renewal, merit, and accountability Instead, it feels like “five more years pun them same way”—a recycling of familiar faces, entrenched loyalties, and squanderedopportunitiesfor realchange.
To b e f a i r, t h e reassignment of Priya Manickchand was a commendable move No minister should remain entrenched in one portfolio indefinitely, and fresh leadership helps ensure accountability But beyond that single bright spot, the appointments reflect stagnation and loyalty over merit
Considerthelineup:
1 Susan Rodrigues (former Housing & Water) –Taintedbybriberyallegations and leaked recordings, her ministry is already synonymous with scandal Public trust has been eroded, notrestored Yetshemovedto head an entire ministry Recordings after recordings withscandalsyetapromotion Whereinpublicservicelifeis thispossible?
2 Charles Ramson Jr (Culture, Youth & Sport) –Overshadowed by family influence, with resources channeled to loyalists rather than genuine talent. Governance should not resemble family affairs Now theyaretwoministerswhoare aligned to Sports It would have made better sense to include a culture oriented personasasecondMinister
L A
UTH
I
” N
E N D I N G ON/ENCUMBERING OF THE ROAD RESERVE” ‘ALL TRESPASSERS S H A L L B E PROSECUTED’ IS THIS SQUATTER ABOVETHELAW??
Regards Concernedcitizen
3 Zulfikar Mustapha (Agriculture) – A master of PR but failing farmers and fisherfolk, who face higher costs and shrinking livelihoods, while his children flaunt privilege as seenonsocialmedia.
4 Vickram Bharrat (Natural Resources) –Oversight of mining and goldplaguedbycontroversy “Gold mines loading” sums up the lack of transparency andaccountability
6 Pauline Sukhai (Amerindian Affairs) –Recycled yet again, despite years of underwhelming delivery Indigenous communities rema
n underserved.
7.KwameMcCoy(Public Affairs) – Better known for propaganda than governance His return reflects political loyalty,notcompetence.Why exactlyishethere?
8 Gail Teixeira (Parliamentary Affairs & Governance)–Oncecriticalof APNU for “recycling old people,” yet she remains Hypocrisy is hard to ignore. Itstimethatsheretires.
9 Vikash Ramkissoon (New Appointment) –Appointmentraisesthesimple question: to do what? A portfolio without clear purpose Already social mediaismakingroundsona seriousallegation.
10 Sonia ParagFrequently shifted across ministries, suggesting favor within the party rather than proven performance. She didn’tperformyetmovestoa majorministry.
11. Ramraj (Public Service) – At retirement age yet recalled, contradicting PPP’sowncriticismofAPNU forrecyclingpensioners This was the opportunity to elevate a new generation of leaders—men and women w i t h c o m p e t e n c e , credibility, and vision Instead, the government has doubled down on loyalty over merit, recycling over reform, and stagnation over progress.
Guyana cannot afford anotherfiveyearsofcabinet scandals, nepotism, and musical chairs. The people deserve leadership that is bold, transparent, and transformative not more lip service and recycled politics.
5 Oneidge Walrond (Home Affairs) – Barely effective in Tourism, now tasked with security Crime and policing demand competence, not idleness What was the rationale of promotingincompetence?
Yoursfaithfully, A.Rampersaud
‘Rescue Georgetown’ initiative must be applauded
DEARSIR, Ihavebeenreadingwith great interest about the President’s “Rescue Georgetown”initiative.
I t w o u l d b e a n understatement to say that it istimelyandlongoverdue. In this 21st century, the stateofGuyana’scapitalcity iswithoutdoubt,aneyesore. From Sheriff Street to the Demerara River and from theseawalltoIndependence Boulevard, the city’s gutters and canals, with the exception of the canals outside the GDF compound and the President’s Office, have become garbage dumps Even the newly refurbished sea wall and
beachfront are being slowly infectedbythismadegerm. Therefore, I submit that in addition to improving waste management, rehabilitation of canals and drainage systems, the programme also has to addressbehaviourchangeon thepartofcitizens. Thecloggedguttersand canalsarearesultofcitizen behaviour-thatofpitching Whatever is not needed is, and more often by pedestrians and drivers, pitched into the nearest “receptacle”, i e roadside gutter, canal or the street Therefore, to aid this necessary behaviour change,itmaybenecessary
tohavelargegarbagebinsat almost every street corner, andmaybechaineddownto prevent them from being stolen! There may even be a need for “sanitation scouts” to gently and courteously remind citizens using the streets, to use these bins and so, slowly breakthehabitofpitching I commend the President’s initiative and sincerely hope that, over time, with the cooperation of ci
zens, cen
l government and City Council, Georgetown will revert to its state as a “gardencity”
Yourssincerely, SylviaBarrow
Just what is being recognised in Palestine statehood?
DearEditor
Some countries are recognizing Palestine statehood at UNGA 2025. But it has to be asked just what is being recognised: bombed out buildings and structures,acountryinruins and rubble and lay bare, a people shattered, hopeless,
fleeing for their lives aimlessly, scared and scarred?, livesandacountry totally destroyed by the ravages of a war which now borders on total capitulation and control of a people and theirland.
Whenthiswarisoverthe nationofPalestinewouldbe
wiped out. Maybe that’s the intention.
Palestine bleeds, while some,whichoncesupported, now recognizes statehood, while others use the UNSC to veto any tangible measures taken at the UN whilelookingtheotherway How much more must the peopleofPalestineendure? How much longer will the worldjustpaylipserviceto the daily atrocities occurring?
Regards
ShamshunMohamed
Former Director of the Local Content Secretariat within the Ministry of Natural Resources, Dr Martin Pertab has been appointed the new Chief Executive Officer of the Central Housing and Planning Authority (CH&PA). Pertab takes over the role months after Sherwyn Greaves had resigned amid a massive landsalescandal.Inapress release announcing the appointment of Pertab, the CH&PA said the new CEO was presented a special token and officially welcomedbytheDirectorof Operations, Mrs Denise King-Tudorandotherheads oftheagency “Dr Pertab is an accomplished professional with extensive expertise in finance and economics, and public policy, coupled with significantexperienceinthe public service,” the release stated He served as a Financial Analyst at the Ministry of Housing and Water in 2010 and subsequently served as Housing Economist at the Ministry of Communities from2016to2018.
In 2020 he was appointed Senior Petroleum EconomistattheMinistryof Natural Resources Most recently,from2022to2025, Dr Pertab held the position of Director of the Local Content Secretariat within the Ministry of Natural Resources.
r all Guyanese, the release concluded.
Back in February the CH&PA was hit with the scandal that ensnared the then CEO, Greaves. He was namedinalandsalescandal involving convicted fraudster, Edul Ahmad. Ed Ahmad was under scrutiny for the suspicious purchase of 30 acres of Prime State Lands at Ogle, East Coast Demerara (ECD) from the government. The purchase agreement was for the lands was made between CH&PA withGreavesatthehelmand Global Investment Inc., a company that Ahmad is associated with. A day later more suspicions over the transactionwereraisedafter a document was circulated across social media platforms showing Greaves as the beneficiary of property in New York USA worthsomeUS$750,000.
Academically,Dr Pertab holds a Bachelor of Science Degree in Economics from the University of Cienfuegos, Cuba; a Master of Science Degree in Economics from New Mexico State University, United States; and a Doctor of Philosophy (PhD) in Economics from the University of Aberdeen, Scotland CH&PA looks forward to Dr Pertab’s leadership as the agency continues to advance its mandate of providing affordable housing and sustainable community developm
Greaves was appointed CEOoftheCentralHousing andPlanningAuthorityback in September 2020. He had replaced Lelon Saul. At the time of his appointment,the CH&PA had said that he possessed a wealth of knowledge in the areas of effective leadership and communication as he holds UTCa Master in Business Administration from the Australia Institute of Business, a diploma in banking from the Associate Institute of Canadian Bankers as well as a certificate in People and TeamManagementfromthe Canadian Securities Institute.
Withacareerinbanking spanning over 27 years, Mr Greaves held key managerial positions throughoutthecountry
In a statement following his resignation Greaves had said that he was not pushed out, insisting that it was a familydecisionpremisedon the fact that the matter was trendingonsocialmedia.
“This decision is a deeply personal one made after consulting with my family Itstemsfromvarious postsonsocialmedia
(Contionuedonpage16)
In the second quarter of 2025, Guyana's sweet light crude was subjected to the lowestmarketratessincethe COVID-19 pandemic at just US$60perbarrel.
This is according to the latestNaturalResourceFund (NRF) report, published for the second quarter of this year
According to the document, “Oil prices opened the quarter at $74.74/bbl but soon after dropped to its lowest levels since the pandemic at $60.23/bbl. This arose after the US (United States) unveiled higher and more broad-based tariffs than expectedinearlyApril2025 on what was dubbed “LiberationDay.””
According to the report, thepriceofoilremainedlow between April and early May, but rebounded in the latter half of the quarter, drivenbyescalatingtensions in the Middle East and a temporary pause on the USChina trade war following a trade deal between the two
nations.
“As a result, oil prices rallied to a quarterly high of $78 85/bbl However, towards the end of June, prices stumbled OPEC's (Org
Countries) plan to increase production in July also contributed to oil prices falling in late June. To end thequarter,oilwastradedat $67.61/bbl,” the NRF report stated.
Guyana was previously warned by oil experts that falling oil prices could spell trouble for the country as it refuses to ring-fence the Stabroek Block projects to secure higher profits at an earlystage.
Aring-fencing provision would ensure that each oil project pays only for costs a
development.Intheabsence o
v
sion, ExxonMobil is allowed to
billexpensesrelatedtoother projects, as well as its exploration activities to p
e in production.
Since Exxon is allowed to recover 75 per cent of the oil produced monthly for costs, this reduces Guyana's profitshareamount.Leaders haveexplainedthatafterthe contractor recovers all the expenses related to the
(PC: Energy Intelligence)
block,thecountrywillenjoy a higher portion of revenue generated from the sector Stakeholdershoweverfrown onthisexplanation,astrends indicate a decline in oil prices.
During the period April to June 2025, Guyana sold approximately eight million
barrels of oil cargoes as its shareofprofitoil,compared with five million barrels or five lifts the previous quarter
An NRF receipt published in the official gazette on July 4, showed thateightprofitoilpayments weremadeforliftsexecuted
between March 10 and May 31 of this year, but paid into theNRFbetweenApril1and June30.
During the period, Guyana received payments totaling US$617,955,248 (GY$126billion)forthesale ofitsshareofprofitoil.
Guyana is expected to benefitfromatotalof31lifts for 2025 To date, the country has obtained a total of 80 lifts of profit oil since the inception of the Natural ResourceFund.
Inkeepingwiththeterms of the 2016 Petroleum
A
receives 12.5 per cent of oil
ExxonMobil-ledconsortium and2percentroyalty
The operator of the Stabroek Block enjoys the remaining 12.5 per cent in profit after 75 per cent is
production and exploration activities.
Demerara Bank Limited on Saturday will officially launch its Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR) Revolving Programme at its Corporate Office on Camp Street,Georgetown.
The landmark initiative sets aside G$10 million in fundingtosupportGuyanese s
Tank–style competition, where entrepreneurs will pitch their business ideas before a live judging panel. The event will introduce the programmes structure, showcase its benefits, and officially open applications forstart-upsseekingfunding of up to G$1 million each, the bank said in a press release.
Attendeeswillhearfrom senior executives, and partnersabouttheprogram's vision and how it aims to s
entrepreneurialecosystem.
At the programme the bankwilldisclosefulldetails of the Dream Build Lead (DBL) Innovation Tank Programme, including t
y requirements, and the innovative Shark Tank-style c
Keynote remarks will be
Demerara Bank Limited on Saturday will officially launch its Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR) Revolving Programme at its Corporate Office on Camp Street, Georgetown
managers on the company's commitment to supporting
communitygrowth.
There will also be media interviews with executives, marketing representatives, and potential applicants to capture perspectives on the initiative's national impact.
Attendeeswillhaveachance to connect with leaders, entrepreneurs, and partners in Guyana's business and community development sectors.
According to the bank, the Dream Build Lead InnovationTankProgramme is designed to break down barriersfacedbystart-upsin accessing financing By providing non-repayable grants of up to G$1million each,theprogramempowers
ten (10) startups with the resources to innovate, create jobs, and contribute to Guyana's economy Beyond financing, the programwillalsoemphasise sustainability, ethical business practices, and mentorship, ensuring that entrepreneurs are not just funded but supported in building long-term success.
“This launch represents more than just a financing program. It is a platform for innovation, creativity, and sustainablegrowth.Wewant to give entrepreneurs the tools they need to succeed and in turn, empower communities across Guyana,” said the Bank's ChiefExecutiveOfficer
The situation in Gaza has long passed the stage of polite diplomatic protest. It has long passed the stage of hollow resolutions, of carefully worded statements drafted in the perfumed chambers of international diplomacy Gaza is under siege Every day, dozens are being killed Israel, with cold efficiency, continues its campaign of slaughter, and the world, with its vast machinery of conscience, turns its head. And here in Guyana, a gathering is planned outside the
CARICOM Secretariat, of allplaces.ForThursday25th September 2025. A day of prayers, fasting, and handwringing to demand that CARICOM nations sever relationswithIsrael.
Thepietywillbeonfull display: a tent, the flag of Palestine, perhaps chants, perhaps placards, perhaps a candle or two. It will be an event calibrated for
spectacle but not for consequence.Theorganisers have chosen their target carefully Too carefully They will stand outside a Secretariat that is, for all its symbolism, a house of bureaucracy CARICOM is an abstraction, a chorus of the weak singing into the void of global indifference.
To demand that CARICOM act is to demand that no one act. It is a safe demand, a demand that will bear little consequence.
Why not, instead, assemble outside the Office of the President? Why not have your banners and your chants at the gates of Irfaan Ali’s compound? Why not demand that Guyana, this resource-rich nation that boasts of its place in the w o r l d , s e v e r i t s ties—diplomatic, trade, and investment with Israel?
Why not insist that Guyana, so eager to court moral authority in international forums, demonstrate that moralitybeginsathome?
But no. The organisers shrinkfromthat.Theyavoid the seat of real power, preferring the impotence of regional symbolism. They prefer the abstraction of C A R I C O M t o t h e immediacy of Guyana’s government. It is easier to shoutatafacelessinstitution than to demand that your Guyana’s leaders take a stand. It is easier to wrap oneself in the cloth of regional indignation than to strip bare the cowardice of ourlocalpoliticians.
Charity begins at home. If one truly believes that Israel is on a murderous s
t responsibility is to cut the ties of one’s own state. To stop Guyana’s government from clasping Israel’s bloodied hand. To pressure PresidentAliintoacting.But thisisGuyana,alandwhere moral gestures are cheap. It is safer to point fingers outward, to pretend that power resides elsewhere The organisers want to bask
Frompage05
a global conversation about modern,livablecities.
This vision builds on work already begun. The First Lady’s leadership in b e a u t i f y i n g t h e ‘Georgetown Seawall’ has proven how transformation restorescivicpride.Minister Susan Rodrigues, whose exceptional record at Housing now continues at Tourism, is the ideal person
tochampionaprojectofthis scale. With her infectious charm, energy and vision, thetwinningofGeorgetown and Chiang Mai could see our capital rapidly turn into Naipaul’’s “gold of imagination”.
IfChiangMaicouldturn an ancient moat into a vibrant stage of civic life, Georgetowntoocanbreathe newlifeintoitscanals. Therewardwillnotonly
be beauty, but a capital where our people come together as citizens, where civicprideflourishes,where tourism thrives, and where Georgetown reclaims its title as the Garden City of theCaribbean.
Thisfutureisaroundthe cornerasChiangMaioffers a template, with history and love. It’sourstodiscover
Sincerely, Dr.WalterHPersaud
Depolicegattostartgoingbyde school sports. And nat only fuh deter dem urchins wah wanttekwaydemlilchildrencellphones.
Acouple of years ago, dem boys pass by one ah dem secondary school sports. And dem boys notice a lot ah young men, driving cars and motorbikes, hanging outsidedeschoolsports.
Butdemwasnotonlyhangingout,dem was throwing nice words to dem young schoolgirlswhendempassing.Demboys hadtohallapunoneahdemandlikehedid wantsquareupfufight.
Butheknowdathewasnotsupposedto beoutdere.
He outderewithleeringeyesfuh dem young school girls and dat is why Dem boyscontinuetoinsistdatnomatterwhatis de age of yuh child, accompany yuh
in the glow of righteous indignation without paying the cost of confronting the government of the country where the protest is being held.
Theywillfast.Theywill pray They will gather outsideCARICOM’soffices because CARICOM cannot embarrass them, cannot expose their timidity Guyana’s government is no bystander to Gaza By maintaining its ties with Israel, it allows Israel to act without consequence Yet the so-called solidarity movementdaresnotsaythis aloud. It prefers the soft target.
And so, the protest will come and go. There will be lofty rhetoric, perhaps a headline or two The organisers will congratulate themselvesontheircourage. And yet, nothing will change.CARICOMwillnot act.Itcannot.Ithasnoarmy,
no treasury, no will. It is a talk shop. And Israel, that ruthlessstate,willnotlosea moment’s sleep over Caribbeanplatitudes.
But imagine, just imagine, if Guyana were to sever its ties. Imagine if PresidentAli,underpressure from his own people, announced that Guyana will no longer deal with Israel. That would be news. That would echo That would ripple through chancelleries and embassies. That would beasmallstatetakingareal stand. It would be an act of courage.
Andthatispreciselywhy it is not being demanded. Becausetodemanditwould meanconfrontingpower,not playacting at the margins. It would mean risking embarrassment, risking rejection. Better, then, to stay outside the CARICOM Secretariat, to sing the safe songs of outrage.Thisis the
truththattheorganisersmust face: that their protest is hollow, that it is directed at thewrongtarget,thatitlacks the courage to matter The dead in Gaza deserve better thanthisritual.Theydeserve a protest that demands that Guyanaleadbyexample,not hide behind CARICOM’s skirt. Until then, let us call this what it is: a performance.Aspectacle of conscience without cost And let us remind the organisers of a simple truth that should sting them to their core: charity begins at home.
(The views expressed in this article are those of the author and do not necessarily reflect the opinionsofthisnewspaper.)
childrentodeschoolsports.
Dehgatsomebigboyswholeffschool lang now, who does be like chicken hawk waitingfupreypondelilschoolgirls.And datissoshockingandshameful.
De police need to go by dem school sports and be on de lookout fuh all de predators wah does deh liming by de gate andtryingfuhformsmalltalkwithdemlil girls.Depoliceshouldaskdemwhatdem doingdereandwhydemoutsidedeschool sports.
We gat to protect we lil children from dese predators in society Otherwise is sheer stress and problems gan come we way!
Schoolssportsdoesattractnuffhawks. And de most dangerous are de ones on land. Talkhalf.Leffhalf.
PresidentIrfaanAlidrew his line in the sand on the occasion of his second inaugural address on the scourge of domestic violence Minister of Human Services and Social Security, Dr Vindhya Persaud, is already walking the line on that same domesticviolencepestilence inGuyana.
Some gender-based offenses should not be bailable. I agree fully I would agree still more fully if all of such gender-based offenses are nonbailable Showtheabusersthatthisis takenseriously,andthatthey will be dealt with accordingly No quarter given. Novictimneglected. No politics in the matter of domestic madness gone crazy In Guyana, that has happened, as the media reports and mortuaries can confirm.
A small note from me should help the minister MinisterPersaudhasbeenso long in politics that she seems to have forgotten the Hippocratic. She manages to sound more like a politician than Dr
Diagnostician To wit, domestic violence is
“something that she feels verystronglyabout…maybe this could be considered eventuallyasanoffensethat doesnothavebail,orthebail is higher because the people too often get out.” Thanks, M a d a m M i n i s t e r.
Remember I promised, no condemnation for the next 100 days, so I tailor with a recommendationortwo. Since domestic violence a n d g e n d e r- b a s e d (interchangeable) mayhem isanissueonwhichMinister Persaud feels “very strongly about” then there ought not to be any “maybe” or “considered eventually” in her vocabulary As the honorable minister knows better than I do, before “eventually” comes around, a handful of Guyanese women could be in a coffin, or languishing in a hospital badly wounded. I humbly
recommend that she
considers removing
“maybe” and “eventually” and lead that charge for no bail, all jail, for domestic violenceperps. Ifoneofthe fallouts from her casting
suchawidenet,isthatsome surprise perps are nailed, thenwhatmustbe,willbe.
For example, should some of her PPP comrades get overly unabashedly merry from prolonged e l e c t i o n s v i c t o r y celebrations, and 'pelt deh haan' as Guyanese say, then itistotheslammerforthem. No excuse. No exemption. Nobail. Iamconfidentthat Minister Persaud can fight thatbattleinthenewcabinet and emerge a champion for domestic violence victims, whilebecomingtheScourge ofGodfordomesticviolence perpetrators. If she has to transformintoGuyana'sfirst femaleAtilla,thenshecanbe assured that I am standing right beside her, against the tide of barbarians that overrun hearth and heart throughonedomestichorror showafteranother Furthermore, I heartily support that program of providing rentals for survivors.
And I endorse plans to expand that program Removethevictimsfromthe danger zone. Any related partythatoffendedthepeace
TheGuyanaPoliceForce (GPF) has launched an investigationintothealleged larceny of $5 million from theAccounts Department of the Guyana Elections Commission(GECOM). Severalemployeesfrom the department are currently being questioned in connection with the missing funds.
Crime Chief Wendell Blanhum confirmed the investigation to Kaieteur News, stating, “several GECOM employees are assisting the police in relationtoareportofsimple larcenyinvolvingthesumof approximately $5 million Guyana currency, property ofGECOM.”
GECOM's Public Relations Officer, Yolanda Ward, also acknowledged theincident.Whiledeclining to provide specific details, she confirmed that the Commission is addressing the matter “I will not speak on the issue. I can only say that there is an internal investigation, and once it is
completed, we will issue a statement,”Wardsaid.
K a i e t e u r N e w s understands that the cash wasdiscoveredmissingover the weekend, prompting the immediate involvement of thepoliceinthematter The
The revelation has placed GECOM under public scrutiny, especially coming just weeks after the conclusionoftheSeptember 1 General and Regional Elections. In preparation for the elections, GECOM had
matter gained public attention after the newly formed We Invest in Nationhood (WIN) party claimed on Monday that GECOM was experiencing financial irregularities According to WIN, their sources alleged that more than $50 million was unaccounted for and that several staff members had been arrested However, policehavesofarconfirmed the missing amount to be $5 million.
of the people, and then intrudes around such places (rentals) should be given theirlastritesandalastmeal. Next, I endorse any related training that helps victims find work and start on the r o a d t o f i n a n c i a l independence. Thus, in addition to getting victims out of physical flashpoints (the home), there is also steering them away from the dependency zone that can, sometimes, prove so fatal. At the rate things are going, MinisterPersaudandIcould becomethebestoffriends. I couldendorseherforhigher office.
Thereis,however,atiny point of departure. I note that in the Family Act of 2024, there is a provision that cements victims of violencestayinginthehome, while the perpetrator has to leave.
I h a v e a problem here, and itisatroublingone. When the victims have that choice of staying in the home of abuse, they become the equivalent of sitting ducks.
hiredtemporarystafftowork on polling day Kaieteur News spoke with one such worker, who confirmed that payments were scheduled for September 17. Those who could not collect their payments on that day were told they could do so this week.
Unfortunately,duetothe ongoing investigation and the discovery of the missing funds, temporary staff members have not yet receivedtheirpayments.
I see such a situation as victiminwaitingandinplain sight. Itistantamounttoan open invitation for an enraged and vicious partner to seethe and then blast off into depraved indifference andwantondisregardforlife and law (and love). Too frequently, the result is of Guyanese having to digest anothergrislyheadlinealong withtheirmorningcereal. I think that this has to be avoided at all costs, minimiseddowntozero. No victim should stick around their old address. Too often this has been at the pain of death. This is where those rentals are worth their weight in gold, and more than that, a life probably spared.
Inconclusion,therewere lots of positives from Minister Persaud. My hope is that she will move with energy and determination to tie up the couple of loose ends that I identified. Like Pres.Ali said, this domestic violence plague has to be stopped dead in its tracks. “Kill” was his verb of choice. Ithinkthatitfitsthe circumstances. Go forth, minister (The views expressed in this article are those of the author and do not necessarily reflect the opinionsofthisnewspaper.)
Agri.Ministrycontinuesengagement withUpper
…asgovt.movestodevelop35,000acrestoboostagriculturalproductivity
On Monday, Agriculture Minister,ZulfikarMustapha, alongwithMinisterofPublic Service, Government E f f i c i e n c y , a n d Implementation, Zulfikar Ally, met with a group of cane farmers from the Corentyne Coast as part of ongoing government engagement to fully utilise l a n d s t o i n c r e a s e productivity Minister Mustapha said that the government was working with the cane farmers to develop 35,000 acres to cultivate cane, citrus, and coconuts, a press release from the ministry said. “Last week, President Ali met with a number of canefarmersfromtheUpper Corentyne area, and he instructed that I, along with other ministers, work with the groups We have a number of farmers who indicated that they were interested in getting back into cane cultivation, while others said that they wanted to cultivate citrus and coconuts We've already beguntomapouttheareato dothenecessarysoiltesting. We've also engaged the Private Sector to construct a juice plant so that the citrus being planted there can be extractedandprocessedinto juices,”henoted.
While speaking on cane cultivation at Skeldon, Minister Mustapha said that GuySuCo is expected to cultivate approximately 1,000 hectares by the end of November. “GuySuCo has already started the cultivation of cane in Skeldon. Hopefully, by the end of November, they will becultivatingapproximately 1,000 hectares, with the eventual target being 5,000 hectares cultivated by the corporation at Skeldon Also, with the additional farmers who have between 10,000to12,000acres,cane cultivation will see a turnaround at Skeldon,” he added.
Minister Mustapha also said that, as it relates to infrastructure to support the cultivation of the various crops, a contract was awardedfortheconstruction of an 18-kilometer allweather road to support the initiative. He also said that the government, through the ministry'sNationalDrainage and Irrigation Authority (NDIA),willbeestablishing the main drainage and irrigationinfrastructure.
“Farmers had requested thatweupgradetheMoleson CreekRoadtoanall-weather road The contract was awarded for work to
c o m m e n c e o n t h e construction of an 18kilometer all-weather road. The cost for that is just over $800 million. That is one of themainprojectsinthatarea and it is expected to start shortly From the ministry, we'll be working with the farmers to develop all of the main drainage canals and other infrastructure to enhance the area,” Minister Mustaphasaid.
Last Wednesday, President Dr Mohamed Irfaan Ali met with a group of cane farmers at the Skeldon Estate, during which the Head of State emphasised the importance of linking state support to resultsontheground.Hetold the farmers that ongoing government investments in infrastructure must be matched by tangible increasesinproductivity
During his address, the President laid out an ambitiousvisionforamulticrop agricultural model where traditional sugarcane cultivationcanco-existwith high-value crops such as citrus.
He said this transition would be guided by scientific planning, supported by modern technology, and driven by marketneeds.
LeaderoftheWINparty, Azruddin Mohamed on Monday highlighted the financial burden parents of Lower Pomeroon, Region Two are facing to have their children transported to and from school due the poor condition of state-owned schoolboat.
ViahisTeamMohamed's Facebook page, Mohamed said “Residents in the lower Pomeroon reached out to
me, highlighting the
economic burden of transporting schoolchildren in the absence of a school boat Former President David Granger had handed over a school boat to the community back in 2015. TheboatwasdonatedbyMr Alfro Alphonso (now a supporterofthePPP).”
He noted that the boat had brought much-needed financial relief to parents, and many secondary school children benefited as it serviced students from St. John's to Charity “The boat was in operation until last term. It has been poorly maintainedandneglected,so it is now in a terrible state,
two alternative boats in place for students
The condition of the state-owned school boat that was transporting students of the Lower Pomeroon, Region Two. (Photos, Team Mohamed's/ Facebook)
unsafe, and no longer serving the needs of the people,”hedescribed. According to the party leader, parents are now compelled to use private boats,whichcost$1,000per child for a one-way trip. “That is $2,000 every day, over$10,000everyweekper child.Itthereforemeansthat
the promised $100,000 per child transportation grant will last for two and a half months, not even a full school term It is an impossible burden for struggling families. To this end, many teenagers are staying home from school regularly,whichinturnleads to school dropouts, ”
Mohamedexplained. He noted that despite repeated requests made to theEducationMinistryfrom residents of the Lower Pomeroon,nothinghasbeen done. “This is neglect, plain andsimple,”heexpressed.“I informed the people of Pomeroon during the campaign season that if
elected, I would ensure that Region Two has proper schoolboats.Thetruthis:no Oppositionleader,noprivate donor, and no parent alone can shoulder this responsibility, especially considering the wealth of this nation. This is the duty of the Government, ” Mohamed related Calling
for both President IrfaanAli and Minister Parag to address the issue, Mohamed pointed out that every child has a right to an education, and no child should have to stay away from school simplybecausetheirparents cannotaffordtheboatfare. Meanwhile, in response (Continuedonpage15)
Horror at Chinese supermarket
…Man crushed to death aswallcrumbles
A 28-year-old Cuban national was killed on Monday afternoon after a concrete wall collapsed at a construction site in Bachelor's Adventure, East CoastDemerara.
The deceased has been identified as Dayrovis Martinez Mendoza, a construction worker of 15th Street, Foulis, East Coast Demerara.
Thewall,measuredat15 feet high and 120 feet long, whichwasbeingbuiltaspart
of a Chinese-owned supermarket, came crashing down around 11:30hrs, trappingseveralworkersand fatallycrushingMartinezon thespot.
Sources from the area told Kaieteur News that a group of construction workers had been working near the wall when it suddenly gave way Witnesses said only one body was immediately visible in the rubble followingthecollapse.
Regional Commander, SeniorSuperintendentKhali Pareshram, confirmed that one person had died
Emergency Medical Technicians, the Guyana Fire Service, and members of the Guyana Police Force were quickly on the scene.
They worked to remove debris and determine if any other individuals were trapped beneath the rubble.
Only one body was recovered.
Preliminaryinformation suggests that the wall was being constructed on the eastern side of the supermarket. According to residents, construction began approximately three months ago Several residents had reportedly raised concerns about the structure of the wall. One resident shared, “We did raise concerns about the wall ever since they started construction. How it was beingconstructed,itlooked inferior, and we were worried that the wall might collapsedinwhichitdid,”a residentstated.
Excavators were seen clearingtherubbleinsearch of any additional victims. Eyewitnesses and residents noted that no designated safety officer was present on-site at the time of the incident and criticised the poorqualityofconstruction, whichtheybelieveledtothe fatalcollapse.
The scene was tense and emotional, with many residents gathering around, concerned for loved ones whoworkattheconstruction site. One distressed woman cried out, “My husband is under there!” as emergency
crews continued their efforts.
Meanwhile a Police statement detailed, Xie Guohui, a 49-year-old Chinese businessman, entered into a 40-year lease
agreement on 2024-10-07 with Carlos Paul, the owner of the property, for the purpose of constructing a supermarket and residential quarters.
“ Guohui stated that construction commenced approximately two months ago, which he personally supervised, having over 15 years of experience in construction He reported thathehadhiredsixSpanishspeaking labourers whose names he did not record,” policesaid.
On the day of the incident, the businessman claimed he was unwell and absentfromthesitewhenhe receivedacallatabout11:50 hrs. informing him that a fencewallhadcollapsed.
“He indicated he could not say what caused the collapse since he was not present,”policestated.
However, eyewitnesses detai
Spanish-speaking workers were working at the site when the eastern fence wall
suddenly collapsed, pinning Mendozabeneaththerubble.
“Police and Fire Service ranks later arrived, broke through the concrete, and removed Mendoza from beneath the rubble. The site was searched to ensure no additional persons were trapped, but none were found,”policedetailed.
T h e b o d y w a s subsequently removed and taken to the Memorial Gardens Funeral Home, awaiting post mortem examinations.
Minister of Labour and ManpowerPlanning,Keoma Griffith, visited the site shortly after the incident.
While observing the aftermath of the tragedy, Griffith pledged that the ministry will intensify efforts to prevent future workplace incidents He emphasisedtheneedforboth increased inspections and strongerpubliceducationon occupational safety “We needtoamplifyandcontinue inspections by our Health and Safety Officers,” the ministerstated.
“But equally, I believe we must find a way to have persons continue to join the educational aspect of health and safety Over the coming days, a robust plan is being examined to educate workers and employers on proper health and safety protocols,”headded.
Investigations are currently underway as officials work to gather
Alongside him was Roydon Croal, Assistant Chief Occupational Health and Safety Officer, and an official from the ministry Griffith confirmed with Kaieteur News that his ministry's Health and Safety Officers were conducting an immediateinvestigationinto whether proper safety protocols were being followed at the time of the incident.
Minister of Education, Sonia Parag has flagged slow pace of works on several school projects in RegionSevenandhascalled onthecontractorstogettheir acttogetherinordertomeet deadlines. Minister Parag and Minister within the Ministry of Local Government and Regional Development, Pauline Sukhailedateamofofficials on Saturday to inspect several projects in the region.
A c c o r d i n g t o information provided by the Education Ministry, contractorsinRegionSeven who have delayed infrastructural projects under the ministry will now berequiredtosubmitweekly status reports until their respective projects are completed “We want to keep track of the percentage ofworksandwealsowantto have visuals of what is happening on the ground,” MinisterParagstated.
Speaking on the works that are behind schedule, Minister Sukhai related that theywouldliketoseethatall the contracts which were
Minister
awarded be completed in a timely manner The team visited the site for theThree Mile Secondary School Dormitory It should be noted that this project is scheduled for completion in December The ministry noted that with the project slightly behind schedule, Minister Parag has instructed the contractor to extend working hours and double their manpower to getthejobdone.
“The contractor has agreed and committed to meeting the current deadline, despite significant challenges in getting sufficient construction materials into the
community,” the ministry shared.
Theyministrynotedthat the dormitory was previously a single building that accommodated both male and female students. This new project would see the existing building being renovated and a new one being constructed for the girls Inspecting another project,theMinisterandher teamwenttotheAmerindian communityofKarrau,where a secondary school is being constructed.
The ministry noted that this project is also behind schedule, owing to difficulties in sourcing (Continuedonpage15)
AstheAlfredDejongemanslaughtertrial gets underway on September 26 in the New Amsterdam Magistrates' Court, family memberssaytheyarenottoooptimisticabout apositiveoutcomeinthematter
It has been three months since Stacy Walton died by drowning, as confirmed by post-mortem results. The circumstances of her death are debated in the public domain after several inconsistent accounts of what transpired were given by her boyfriend Dejonge,whowasreleasedon$1millionbail. The family believes that justice may be
unlikely.
Raoul Walton, the father of 22-year-old Stacy,believesthathisdaughter'scasewillbe anotherstatistictheperpetratorwalksfreeor getsa'slaponthewrist.'
The Angoys' Avenue, New Amsterdam resident reasoned that bail being granted to herformerboyfriendDejongeisworrying.
Dejongehadtoldinvestigatorsthathewas in the vehicle being driven by Walton when, during the course of an argument, the car swerved into a trench along the Number Seven Village Public Road, West Coast Berbice. He also stated in another summary thathewasinacarashortdistancebehindher, andthathearrivedtothesceneofacarbeing overboard, which he found out afterwards to bethatofStacy
Theseconflictingreports,accordingtothe
father of the now dead woman, have all the making for a compelling case against the accused.
“Thereisnopositiveoutcomeinthiscase. Alfred is supposed to be in prison. He's supposedtogetremandedtoprison.”
“Youcouldclearlysee,ifitain'truleinthe familyfavourfromthebeginning,mostlikely the ending will rule just like how it ruled (there). Because justice is justice, and you don'thavetopaymoneytogetjustice.Justice supposed to be a rule.We're just watching to see what's going on...the family coping with it,becausethereisalwaysahigherjudge,”he expressedtothisnewspaper
“Life would never be nice without Stacy, becauseshewasmyonlydaughter.”
The lone girl among five children, Stacy WaltonoperatedabusinessinPittStreet,New Amsterdam The mother of one had frequently denied any physical abuse by Dejongewhenquestionedbyherfather
TheolderWaltontoldKaieteurNewsthat hedidallhecould,butitwasultimatelyupto Stacy, who he hailed as the “uplifter for this family,” as a young adult to make her decisions.
“The way she was striving, it was very impressive.Sheimpressedmeasherfather I wasveryhappytoknowthatmydaughterwas such a person. I will always keep that in my mindandmyheart.”
Eng. Nayef Ali Al Abri, Chairman of the Oman Civil Aviation Authority, and Lt. Col. (Ret'd) Egbert Field, Director General of the Guyana Civil Aviation Authority signing the agreement
Guyana and Oman signed an Air ServicesAgreementtoencourage and facilitate airlines operating air services between the two countries, as well as to other nations, on Monday, in Montreal, Canada, at the ICAO 42nd Assembly
Signing the Agreement on behalf of OmanwasEng.NayefAliAlAbri,Chairman oftheOmanCivilAviationAuthority,andLt. Col.(Ret'd)EgbertField,DirectorGeneralof the Guyana Civil Aviation Authority, on behalfofGuyana.
In addition to the standard articles on DesignationofAirlines,ApplicationofLaws andRegulations,CooperativeArrangements, Tariffs, Recognition of Certificates and Licences,AviationSafety,AviationSecurity, User Charges, among others, both sides expressedaneagernessforthisAgreementto open opportunities for airlines of both countriestoexpandtheirairconnectivity.
Field, said, “These agreements are necessaryandcreatethelegalfoundationthat will help Guyana realise HE President Ali's vision of Guyana becoming an international hub for air connectivity, more so with the
construction of a modern Terminal B at the CheddiJaganInternationalAirport.”
Currently, there are no direct flights between Guyana and Oman. Nevertheless, this agreement provides market access for airlines to operate and improve competitive air transport services, trade, and economic growthbetweenthetwonations. OmanAir, oneofOman'snationalairlines,operatesinat least 22 countries and serves over 37 destinations worldwide, including flights to Africa, the Far East, Europe, the Indian subcontinent, the Gulf Cooperation Council countries,theMiddleEast,andNorthAfrica. It is expected that this agreement will encourage interest from Omani airlines to consider including Guyana in their route network.
The agreement complements the more than50AirServicesAgreementsGuyanahas established with other ICAO States to develop air connectivity among States. Guyana and Oman established diplomatic ties on 17 January 1996. This agreement demonstrates the friendship and warm diplomaticrelationshipbetweenGuyanaand Oman.(DPI)
Frompage11 to the issue about the boat service, the Department of Education in Region Two in a statement on Monday acknowledged the concerns raised regarding the school boat that is currently out of service.
The department stated that they remain steadfast in its commitment to supporting the education of children from riverine communities such as St. John and Hackney.“Pleasebeassured that the safety and wellbeingofourstudentsremain ourhighestpriority
As such the vessel in question was deemed unserviceable and, in
keeping with safety protocols,hadtobetakenoff the route,” the department explained To prevent any disruption to children's learning, the department stated that in collaboration with the Regional Democratic Council (RDC), they immediately arranged for two alternative boats to transport students from Hackney and St. John to Charity “Thissystemwasin place since the reopening of
schools on the 8th September,2025.
These temporary measures ensure that no childisleftbehindwhilewe awaitthedeliveryofthenew school boat procured for the area in question (St John to Charity),”theyinformed.
Further, the department also highlighted that for this year they have been able to improve school riverine transportation across the Pomeroon-Supenaam Region. They said through
2025 Budget, the Regional Administration has since procured fourteen engines and ten new school boats, increasing the capacity and reliabilityofitsfleet.“Asof 2020 to now, there are 28 operational school boats s e r v i n g r i v e r i n e communities throughout the region, a testament to our ongoing efforts to provide equitableaccesstoeducation for every student, regardless of where they live,” they mentioned.
Parag reads riot act to Reg. 7...
Frompage14 construction materials Nonetheless, both Ministers emphasisedtheneedforcontractorstopulloutallthestops toensurethatallprojectsarecompletedwithinthestipulated deadlines. “We are dealing with children, so we have to work,”MinisterParagstated,notingthattheseinvestments are critical to the Government's plan to expand hinterland educationandensurethateverychildhasaccesstoasound secondaryeducation,regardlessoftheregiontheyarefrom.
Another project they visited was the Secondary School Dormitory in Bartica, a project that will feature three separate buildings. The ministry revealed that one of the buildingswillbehandedoveronWednesday,butoverall,the project is approximately 70 percent complete and is slated for completion by the end of October The ministry noted that, more projects are expected to be inspected in the comingweeks.
Sales Rep needed, ages 1830 years. Knowledge of vehicle model will be an asset. Contact: 619-1237.
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One Housekeeper needed. Must be 18 years & older. Call: 699-8486.
Domestic (Live in option available), female cook and male & female workers for the interior: 660-9093 / 6749999 / 661-5992.
One Clerk for TSI Eccles office English 1, Maths 2 call 615-9132 or email application: to techserigy@yahoo.com
Driver must be able to assist in workshop at Eccles, age 23-50, Car/ Van licence. Call: 615-9132.
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Former Minister of Finance under the coalition government, Winston Jordan said the wanton handing out of different subsidies by the PPP/C government is a misuse of taxpayers’ monies.
Speaking on the current situation of the rice growing sector on an episode of ‘The Countdown’, Sunday, Jordan said the government has already done everything it can to support the sector.
The subsidies to rice farmers include the removal of the commission from the Guyana Rice Development board (GRDB), distribution of free fertiliser and duty-free concession on machinery and equipment.
“It has provided cash transfers for the farmer. It has provided cash subsidy to subsidise the low price. It is subsidising an insurance premium, and of course, they go easy on farmers when it comes to the purpose of income tax with concession,” Jordan said.
He highlighted that there is not much that can be given to rice farmers except an increase to the price subsidy, “but this is a total misuse of taxpayers money… total misuse of taxpayers’ money in
Former Minister of Finance under the coalition government Winston Jordan that this whole country is suffering high cost of living all kinds of stories.”
The government has already committed to engaging with rice farmers and millers in order to assess the situation with current prices of paddy and address it as soon as possible.
Farmers across the country have been livid in the drop in the price per bag of paddy, arguing the huge decrease from $4000 to a mere $2,800 is highly unsustainable.
Minister of Agriculture, Zulfikar Mustapha told Kaieteur last week that “In relation to the prices for paddy, the farmers recently start to harvest it, harvest
paddy, and I’ll be looking at that… I haven’t had a chance to talk to farmers to find out what are the real issues. So, in the coming weeks, I’ll be meeting with the farmers, meeting the millers to work with (and) see what systems are in place,” he said.
Mustapha said at the time that he was only made aware that prices had fallen to $2800, so he would have to meet with the Guyana Rice Millers Association (GRMA) as well to have a better understanding of the issue at hand.
“Remember, over the last crop, we would have implemented a system where we make up the price of paddy. So, I’ve been looking at it. I’m not saying that we’ll do it immediately, but I have to listen to the concern, analyse the situation, see what we can do to resolve the matter,” he assured.
He continued, “in relation to paddy bugs, we have a system in place where we are working with farmers to eradicate it and, first of all, to control it and eradicate it. I think we have been very successful over the last three crops,” he said.
The minister added that
farmers are provided with chemicals and the expertise of technical staff, who work along with them directly to get the pests under control. It is his opinion that over the last three to four crops damages have been limited.
At a recent press conference held at the Office of the President, President Ali said that this crop is yet another exciting one, however “the international market and international prices are not as exciting as the production itself. So, I wanted to give some amount of information on what is happening in relation to the global market. Now, when you look at the rice production globally, is it an alltime high, with major producers, exporters such as India, Vietnam and Brazil, having record levels of production, not only record levels of production, but record level of stockpile.”
He explained that this glut in the market is as a consequence of it being flooded hence the low prices. The weighted average per ton of white rice is $450 this is according to export quotas at the end of August. This is a $14 reduction from a month ago and a $228 from a year ago.
The Pan-Caribbean Partnership against HIV and AIDS (PANCAP) has successfully concluded a landmark Motivational Interviewing (MI) training programme at the University of Miami Miller School of Medicine. Held from September 17 to 19, the intensive course equipped regional healthcare providers with advanced MI techniques to strengthen patient engagement and accelerate the Caribbean’s progress toward ending AIDS as a public health threat.
In a press release PANCAP said, the programme, building on the success of a prior learning journey to Amsterdam earlier in the year, provided participants with a comprehensive, in-depth exploration of MI, a patient-centred communication technique proven to enhance recruitment and retention in HIV prevention and treatment. Participants explored the spirit and process of MI, from engaging challenging patients and evoking change talk to concrete planning for behaviour change.
The curriculum blended theory with practical, handson demonstrations and roleplaying sessions, ensuring participants could immediately integrate the knowledge and skills learned into their respective clinics and community settings.
“This training represents a transformative step in our regional HIV response,” said Dr. Wendy Telgt Emanuelson, Director of the PANCAP Coordinating Unit (PCU). “By equipping healthcare providers with motivational interviewing skills, we are fostering deeper trust between clinicians and patients.
This approach will not only improve adherence to PrEP and treatment but also empower individuals to take ownership of their health, bringing us closer to achieving the 95-95-95 targets and ending AIDS as a public health threat in the Caribbean.” The training also focused on the latest scientific evidence and global guidelines, ensuring participants left with both the requisite communication skills and
technical knowledge to provide cutting-edge care.
“Participants left motivated and equipped to cascade these skills within their health systems,” Dr. Emanuelson added. “We have now empowered a core group of champions who will return to their respective countries not just to practice these skills, but to cascade them, creating a multiplier effect that will strengthen our entire health system’s response.”
Dr. Shanti Singh Anthony, Knowledge Management Coordinator at the PCU, emphasised the training’s strategic importance: “The proficiency our clinicians demonstrated in integrating MI into their consultation process will create ripple effects across health systems. This isn’t just about indi-
From page 06 directed at me personally,” Greaves a former Republic Bank staff said. He added: “Let me be crystal clear: my resignation is purely a personal choice and in no way an admission of guilt. Everything I have achieved has been through hard work and can be fully justified. However, these posts have caused significant distress to my family and impacted our mental well-being. While I take
vidual skills, it’s about building a more compassionate, effective HIV response that leaves no one behind.”
The training programme represents PANCAP’s continued commitment to strengthening regional capacity and accelerating progress toward reaching the 95-95-95 targets through innovative, evidence-based approaches and aligns with the forthcoming Caribbean Regional Strategic Framework (CRSF) 2026–2030, which prioritises innovation, health system integration, and community-led solution. PANCAP extends sincere gratitude to the faculty and staff of the University of Miami Miller School of Medicine, the Pan-American Health Organization, and The Global Fund for making this training possible.
Martin Pertab appointed new CEO... great pride in the work, we’ve accomplished at CHPA and the many milestones we’ve reached, stepping away now is in the best interest of my family and the organisation,” Greaves said. Saying that he did not enter public service to be subjected to such vilification, Greaves said, social media posts are not only upsetting but also irresponsible, inflicting immense mental strain on individuals and their families.
(Reuters) - France
recognised a Palestinian state at a world summit in New York on Monday, nearlytwoyearsintothewar in Gaza, joining Britain, Canada, Portugal, and other Westernallieswhomadethe same historic move on Sundayandwererebukedby Israel.
“We must do everything withinourpowertopreserve theverypossibilityofatwostate solution, Israel and Palestine living side by side in peace and security,” the
a
the beginning of a planned three-hour session at the UnitedNations.
“The recognition of the legitimate rights of the Palestinian people takes nothingawayfromtherights of the people of Israel,” he said before announcing the diplomatic move drawing lengthy applause from the audience.
Macron outlined a framework for a “renewed PalestinianAuthority”under whichFrancewouldopenan embassy subject to factors such as reforms, a ceasefire and the release of all remaining hostages taken from Israel and held by HamasinGaza.
The Palestinian foreign ministry said it welcomed France’s recognition, describing it as a “historic and bold” move that supports efforts to achieve peace and implement a twostatesolution.
But while the event, convened by France and Saudi Arabia, could boost
A displaced Palestinian woman, fleeing northern Gaza due to an Israeli military operation, walks with he belongings as she moves southward after Israeli forces ordered residents of Gaza City to evacuate to the south, in the central Gaza Strip, September 22, 2025. REUTERS/Dawoud Abu Alkas
themoraleofPalestiniansin their long search for statehood, it was not expected to deliver change ontheground.
The most far-right government in Israel’s history has declared there willbenoPalestinianstateas it pushes on with its fight against militant group HamasinGazafollowingthe October 7, 2023, attack on Israelthatkilledsome1,200 people.
Israel has become increasingly isolated and drawn global condemnation over its military conduct in Gaza, where more than 65,000 Palestinians have been killed, according to local health authorities. In recent weeks, Israel has begun a long-threatened groundassaultonGazaCity with few prospects for a
ceasefire.
Andorra, Belgium, Luxembourg and San Marino were also expected to recognise a Palestinian state on Monday ahead of this week’s U.N. General Assembly, after Australia, Britain,CanadaandPortugal didsoattheweekend.Malta made the announcement earlieronMonday Israel has said such moves will undermine the prospects of a peaceful ending to the conflict in Gaza.
The two-state solution wasthebedrockoftheU.S.backed peace process ushered in by the 1993 Oslo Accords The process suffered heavy pushback from both sides and has all butdied.
No such negotiations over a two-state solution
havebeenheldsince2014.
The United States and Israel boycotted Monday’s meeting Israel’s U N Ambassador Danny Danon said Israel would discuss what action to take in r e s p o n s e t o t h e announcements of recognition after Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu returns to Israel nextweek.
“Those issues were supposed to be negotiated between Israel and the Palestinians in the future,” hetoldreportersaheadofthe meeting.
The United States has told other countries that Palestinian recognition will create more problems, Secretary of State Marco Rubio said earlier this month.
Amid Israel’s intensified
Gaza offensive and escalatingviolencebyIsraeli settlers in the West Bank, there is a growing sense of urgency among some nationstoactnowbeforethe idea of a two-state solution vanishesforever
France has driven the move, hoping that Macron’s announcementinJulythathe would recognise a Palestinian state would give greater momentum to a movement hitherto dominated by smaller nations that are generally morecriticalofIsrael.
A d e l e g a t i o n representing the State of Palestinehasobserverstatus attheUnitedNations-butno votingrights.Nomatterhow many countries recognise Palestinian independence, fullU.N.membershipwould require approval by the Security Council, where the U.S.hasaveto.
EUROPEANDIVISIONS ANDISRAELI RESPONSE
While the majority of European countries now recogniseaPalestinianstate, twoofthecontinent’slargest economies, Germany and Italy,havesignalledtheyare unlikely to make such a movesoon.
Germany long a strong supporter of Israel because of its responsibility for the Holocaust — has grownmorecriticalofIsraeli policy, while insisting that recognition of a Palestinian stateshouldcomeattheend ofapoliticalprocesstoagree onatwo-statesolution.
TheGermangovernment spokesperson also said on Monday there must be no
further annexations in Israeli-occupiedterritory Italy said recognising a Palestinian state could be “counterproductive”.
On the ground, Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu has rejected numerous calls to end the campaign until Hamas is destroyed and has said he will not recognise a Palestinianstate.
Netanyahu said in a statement on Sunday he will announce Israel’s response to Palestinian state recognition when he returnsfromtheU.S.,where heisscheduledtomeetU.S. PresidentDonaldTrump. Israel is considering annexing part of the occupied West Bank as a possible response as well as specific bilateral measures against Paris, Israeli officials have said, eventhoughtherecognitions are expected to be largely symbolic.
Annexation could backfire and alienate such countries as the United Arab Emirates, a global oil power and trade hub with widediplomaticcloutacross theMiddleEast.
The United Arab Emirates, the most prominent of the Arab states that normalised ties with Israel under the U Sbrokered Abraham Accords in 2020, has said such a move would undermine the spiritoftheagreement.
The U S has warned of possible consequences for those who take measures against Israel, including France as host of the summit.
Frompage3 resource management and sustainable development,” the ministry
In April 2024, Exxon sanctioned its sixth project named Whiptail. Shortly after, Exxon began its work to seek regulatory approval for the Hammerhead project and earlier this year, the EnvironmentalImpactAssessment (EIA)fortheHammerheadproject was submitted to the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA). The company had also made a partial submission of the project’sFDPbackin2024. Followingthesubmissionofan application for the Hammerhead project, Vice President Bharrat Jagdeo, the country’s chief policymaker on oil and gas was asked on multiple occasions
whether improved fiscal terms would apply to ExxonMobil’s seventh development Jagdeo’s most recent disclosure inApril, he statedthatathoroughassessmentis being done and once completed, Guyanese would be informed of additionalfiscalbenefits.
Moreover, Hammerhead adds totheothersixsanctionedprojects underExxon’sbelt.Theseinclude, Liza One, Liza Two, Payara, Yellowtail,UaruandWhiptail.The first four projects are already in operation, producing an average 650,000 bpd, with an installed capacity of 900,000 bpd Construction is underway for the Uaru and Whiptail, with Uaru anticipated to start production in 2026, and Whiptail is anticipated forstartupin2027.
Earlier this year, Exxon also
submitted an application for an eighth project, Longtail. The oil company is aiming to bring all eight developments into production by the end of the decade, targeting a combined outputof1.7millionbpd.
The agreement governing the Stabroek Block extends favorable terms to the oil companies. According to the agreement, Stabroek Block partners can recover 75% of oil produced to cover investment costs The remaining25%isconsideredprofit and is split equally between Guyanaandtheconsortium,giving each 12 5% However, the consortiumpaysa2%royaltyfrom its share to Guyana From Guyana’s 14.5% total take, the government must pay the oil companies’ taxes The deal
stipulatesthatthesumequivalentto the taxes owed by the companies must be paid by the Minister responsible for petroleum to the Commissioner General of the Guyana Revenue Authority (GRA).
Exxon Fortheirpart,Exxonin astatementonMondayannounced that it made a final investment decision for the Hammerhead development after receiving regulatoryapprovals.
“We continue to set a new standardinGuyana–advancingan impressive seventh project just 10 years after first discovery, said President of ExxonMobil UpstreamCompanyDanAmmann.
“In collaboration with the people andGovernmentofGuyana,we’ve helped build a thriving new oiland-gasindustryinthecountrythat
is creating jobs, supplier opportunities, profits and followoninvestments.”
Furtheritwasdisclosedthatthe final investment decision for the Hammerhead project increases funds committed for seven approved projects to more than US$60 billion. It was also stated that more than US$7.8 billion has been paid into Guyana’s Natural Resource Fund (NRF) since production in the Stabroek Block startedin2019.
Thecompanyalsooutlinedthat there are currently some 6,200 Guyanese working in support of Stabroek block operations, which is about 70% of the workforce. It was noted too that the Stabroek Block partners have spent more thanUS$2.9billionwithGuyanese supplierssince2015.
ALJAZEERA-Atleast 37 Palestinians have been killed in Israeli attacks across the enclave since dawn, including 30 in Gaza City
Israeli air raids are continuing to pound Gaza City, where at least seven morepeoplewerekilledand manywoundedinthecentral Samerarea.Twowerekilled
in the Tal al-Hawa neighbourhood and one in a dronestrikeintheal-Sahaba area.Gaza’sHealthMinistry says al-Rantisi Children’s HospitalandtheStJohnEye HospitalinGazaCityareout of service due to Israeli b o m b i n g o f t h e i r surroundingareas.
Israeli forces have tightened restrictions on movement in several areas west of Ramallah in the occupiedWestBank.
Gaza’s Health Ministry
says the al-Rantisi Children’s Hospital and the StJohnEyeHospitalinGaza Citywereoutofservicedue to Israeli bombing of their
surrounding areas on Monday ItaddedthatthealRantisi Children’s Hospital was directly bombed a few days ago, causing extensive damage.
“The occupation is d e l i b e r a t e l y a n d systematically destroying the healthcare system in the Gaza Strip as part of its policy of genocide against theStrip,”theministrysaid.
Inthelatestupdateonits website on September 15, the St John Eye Hospital Group said its branch in Gaza would have been fully evacuated within the following 72 hours after the Israeli army issued a forced evacuation order of Gaza City
The Wafa news agency reported that soldiers closed the gates at the entrances to Ni’lin, Shuqba and Deir
A m m a r, b l o c k i n g Palestiniansfromcrossing. Troopsalsorestrictedthe movement of vehicles and individualsacrossatleast10 other towns and villages in
Aboy sits next to the body of a Palestinian killed in Israeli attacks, at al-Shifa Hospital in Gaza City
[File: Mahmoud Issa/Reuters]
the area, creating long queues and disrupting daily life. Israeli forces have increasedtheuseofmilitary gates, barriers and concrete blocks to isolate West Bank citiesandgovernoratesfrom oneanother Military restrictions have been accompanied by settler attacks aimed at displacingPalestiniansfrom theirland.
Israel now operates about 898 checkpoints and
Netanyahu, to annex the WestBankinresponsetothe moves by the UK, Canada andAustralia to recognise a Palestinianstate.
A n A u s t r a l i a n
anaesthesiologistworkingat Gaza City’s al-Shifa Hospital says medical staff are working to the sound of constant explosions and are riskingtheirlivestoshowup towork.
southern Gaza to show up for work “He worked a 24-hour shift, kept going all night, with a foot that he’d hurt because he was digging his tent for his family and children that he’d left in the south,” she said.
gates across the West Bank, including 18 installed since the start of the year and 146 addedafterOctober7,2023, when the war in Gaza started,Wafareported.
The restrictions have been implemented amid t
Speaking from the hospital,whereshehadbeen based for less than a week, Dr SayaAziz said there was a skeletal staff operating at the hospital, where she had experienced three bombings close to the hospital in as manydays.
“The [staff] who have turned up are essentially risking their lives to come,” she said She said one anaesthetic assistant had walked four hours from
“He couldn’t bring it upon himself to not come back to work because he said if it wasn’t him, who is going to turn up for these patients? Every soul tothemmatters ” Israel’s war on Gaza has killed at least 65,344 people and wounded 166,795 since October 2023 Thousands more are believed to be buried undertherubble Atotalof 1,139 people were killed in Israel during the October 7 attacks, and about 200 were taken captive.
PAHO ups calls for bold action, stronger partnershipsto reduce suicide
Atahigh-levelsideevent held Monday on the sidelines of the 80th session of the United Nations General Assembly, Dr Jarbas Barbosa, Director of the Pan American Health Organisation(PAHO),urged governments, civil society, andprivatesectorpartnersto intensify efforts to prevent suicideandexpandaccessto mentalhealthcareacrossthe Americas. Speaking at the event, “Partnering for Impact: Leveraging CrossSector Partnerships for Suicide Prevention in the Americas,”co-hostedbythe WHO Foundation and Boehringer Ingelheim, Dr Barbosadescribedsuicideas “a growing public health crisis that demands our immediate attention and action.”
“More than 100,000 livesarelosttosuicideinthe Americas each year,” he stated. “Between 2000 and 2021, the suicide rate in the Region increased by 17.4%, making the Americas the only geographic Region in the world to record an increaseduringthatperiod.”
The event brought together ministers, diplomats, global health experts, foundations, and civil society groups to explore the power of partnerships in confronting suicide a complex and preventable issue that
continues to claim lives and devastatefamiliesacrossthe hemisphere Dr Barbosa drew attention to recent findings from PAHO’s new regionalreportonSuicidein the Americas, noting that three of the countries with the highest suicide rates globally are located in the Region. While nearly 80% of suicide deaths occur among men, women are almostfivetimesmorelikely toattemptsuicide.
“Wemustrememberthat each suicide affects countless individuals, families, and communities that are all profoundly impacted by these enduring losses.Preventingsuicidesis therefore vital to building healthy and resilient communities,” he said. A new regional initiative for suicide prevention In response to the urgent need for action, Dr Barbosa officially presented PAHO’s new Regional Suicide Prevention Initiative, launched earlier this month withsupportfromtheWHO Foundation and Boehringer Ingelheim. The initiative aims to reduce suicide mortality across the Region, with a particular focus on countries experiencing high or rising suicide rates. Built around the WHO’s evidence-based LIVE LIFE implementation guide, the initiative will help
governments implement coordinated and sustainable suicide prevention strategies.
“We have the tools and the expertise to reverse the rising suicide trends in the Americas,” Dr Barbosa emphasised.
“But we must work together in partnership to successfully implement proveninterventions.Nowis the time to prioritise and investinsuicideprevention” The initiative focuses on three key objectives: strengthening governance and coordination of suicide preventionefforts;expanding thecapacityofhealthsystems to address suicidal behavior; and improvingmultisectoral collaboration
Five strategic areas will guide implementation: national suicide prevention strategies, surveillance and monitoring,accesstomental health services and care, addressing social and environmental risk factors, andreducingstigma.“Many of the interventions p r o m o t e d b y t h i s initiative—such as tackling the social and economic determinants of suicide and r a i s i n g p u b l i c awareness will require strong collaboration across sectors,includingeducation, labor, housing, the media, and civil society,” Dr. Barbosaadded.
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The Guyana Basketball Federation (GBF) believes the future of basketball in Guyanaisbrighterthanever, following a fruitful meeting on Monday with Minister within the Ministry of Culture, Youth and Sport, StevenJacobs.
Representing the Federation were Vice
PresidentsRawleToneyand Jermaine Slater, who engaged Minister Jacobs as part of his ongoing series of one-on-one consultations with na
po
ts associations. The initiative aims to reaffirm the Government’s commitment tosportsdevelopmentwhile a
collaboration and areas for improvement.
M
underlined that under the leadership of President Irfaan Ali, this Government
delivering on its manifesto promisesforsport. K
commitmentsisthecreation of pathways to ensure athletes are prepared for life aftercompetition,whilealso prioritizingtheholisticwellbeing of sportsmen and women.
Jacobs highlighted employment opportunities through coaching and mentorship as areas that can provide both personal and professional growth for athletes.
ARIES(Mar.21–Apr.19)
Overall,theforecastfortoday is fairly good. The aspects seemtofavorfiguringoutthe meaning o
a
hat's transpired over the past several weeks It's an opportunity for you to take a leisurely
TAURUS(Apr.20–May20)
Have you felt somewhat lost forthepastfewdays?Thefog maylifttodayandenableyou to situate yourself at last. You'reprobablyeagertosettle a question that has nagged at you and interfered with your judgment.
GEMINI(May21–June20)
You may have been feeling somewhat disillusioned. Perhapsyoulostsightofyour goals or misplaced your faith in yourself. You'll feel some reliefbeginningtoday
CANCER(June21–July22)
Youmightbetemptedtosettle certain matters by radical means. The visionary part of you means you're painfully aware of the world's wrongs. You see no reason not to take actiontocorrectthem.
LEO(July23–Aug.22)
Today will be fairly calm in terms of outside events, but yourinnerworldislikelytobe in a rush of activity Today you wish you could find the solutiontoyourheartachesas well as your career predicaments.
VIRGO(Aug.23–Sept.22)
You have a lot of thinking to do about your professional goals, Virgo. You'll go over the elements to see if there isn't some way to approach thingsdifferently
LIBRA(Sept.23–Oct.22)
Youjustcan'tdoeverythingat once, Libra. How do you expect to reduce your stress and recuperate while at the same time continue to be a superstar performer in every areaofyourlife.
SCORPIO(Oct.23–Nov 21)
Thisisagoodmomenttoadapt your logic and reason to reality, Scorpio. If you don't, you're going to run into some
ectual pro
ems Everyone knows that you find newideasplentiful.
SAGIT(Nov 22–Dec.21)
It'sgoingtobealittledifficult ta
you today, Sagittarius. You, who can be easily influenced by others, will be listening to and criticizing everything that peoplesay
CAPRI(Dec.22–Jan.19)
Haveyoubeenreviewingyour family history lately, Capricorn? Of special interest is your cultural background. What educational, social, and religious environment were you born into? What are its values?Intheend.
AQUARIUS (Jan. 20–Feb. 18) It's time to elevate your senseofself,Aquarius.You're justasgoodasanyoneelse,so why don't you believe it? The problem is that you're very sensitiveabouthavinganego. Even though you know everyonedoes.
PISCES(Feb.19–Mar.20)
Today your intellectual and expressive abilities should receive a boost from the planets.It'sanexcellenttimeto organize your thoughts about presentingaproject.
ofthegame.
With Guyana set to host the FIBA Women’s Caribbean Championships fromNovember9–17atthe Cliff Anderson Sports Hall, and the national teams scheduled to participate in several
national tournaments, Minister Jacobs reiterated the Government’sfullbacking.
“Whatever is in that manifesto must be done and completed, ” Jacobs affirmed, making clear the Government’sseriousnessin executing its plans for the sector.
The Minister was also briefed on the GBF’s longstanding relationship with th
ne
ship
has strengthened in recent years under the stewardship of MinisterCharlesRamsonJr
According to Toney and Slater, the Federation has benefitted tremendously from government support, including funding for national tournaments, assistance for teams traveling to overseas competitions, and collaborations that enabled Guyana to host major regional and international events.
Minister Jacobs, himself a former national cricketer, underscored that his approach will be to build on the solid foundation laid by MinisterRamson.
Drawing on his own sportingbackground,Jacobs e x p r e s s e d a k e e n understanding of the challenges faced by athletes and administrators, while reiterating that government support goes beyond financing, noting, that it is about creating long-term investments that allow athletes and coaches to thrive.
During the meeting, the GBF leadership presented the Federation’s plans for basketball’s growth in Guyana.
T h e s e i n c l u d e programmes targeting grassroots development, school-level engagement, and structured competitions formaleandfemaleathletes acros
and 3x3
continues to
Government leading from thefront.
The GBF, in turn, expressed its optimism about the sport’s direction and its confidence in the continued partnership with the Ministry of Culture, YouthandSport.
He noted that new initiatives will be rolled out to complement the work already being done by the
(BBC Sport) - Paris St-
Germain’s Ousmane DembelehaswontheBallon d’Or, the award for the best player in the world, for the firsttime.
The 28-year-old France forwardscored35goalsand made 14 assists in 53 matchesforPSGlastseason as they won the treble, including their first ChampionsLeague.
He was the joint top scorer in Ligue 1, with 21 goals,andnamedtheFrench top flight and Champions Leagueplayeroftheyear
And he also helped PSG to the Club World Cup final wheretheylosttoChelseain NewJersey
Dembele, who beat Barcelona teenager Lamine Yamaltotheaward,wasable to attend the ceremony in
Barcelona midfielder
Aitana Bonmati also won the women’s Ballon d’Or in 2023 and 2024 (Reuters)
Paris-andwasintearsashe stood on the stage - despite the fact his team were playingonMondayevening.
The forward is currently sidelined through injury, meaninghemissedPSG’s10 home defeat by Marseille in a game which was rearranged because of a storm.
It caps off a sensational career revival for a player who had not scored double figuresinaleaguecampaign season since he was a teenageratRennes.
PSG manager Luis Enrique – who was named coach of the year - deserves huge credit for Dembele’s award because of a tactical switchinmid-December
HemovedDembelefrom a wide right to centreforwardroleagainstLyonon 15 December, by which stagehehadonlyscoredfive goals.
He hit 30 goals for PSG fromthatdateonwards.
Dembele has finally
shown the quality that persuaded Barcelona to pay aninitial£96.8m,potentially rising to £135.5m, to sign him from Borussia Dortmundin2017.
However PSG - who dominated the 2025 Ballon d’Orawards-weretheteam who got the bargain by recruiting him for just £43.5min2023.
Dembele also scored twice in seven caps for Francein2024-25.
He is the sixth
Frenchmantowintheaward and only the second of the 21st century after Karim Benzemain2022.
Lamine Yamal, 18, finished second – and also wontheKopaTrophyforthe bestyoungplayer
PSG and Portugal midfielderVitinhawasthird, and Liverpool’s Mohamed Salahwasfourth.
Chelsea and England’s ColePalmerfinishedeighth.
Last year’s winner, Manchester City and Spain midfielder Rodri, did not make the shortlist this time afteraninjury-hitcampaign.
Bonmati wins record thirdwomen’sBallond’Or Spain and Barcelona midfielder Aitana Bonmati has made history by becoming the first player to win the women’s Ballon
Ousmane Dembele was one of many Paris St-Germain winners on the night (Getty Images)
d’Orthreetimes.
Bonmati, 27, took the award with her international team-mate, Arsenal winger Mariona Caldentey, coming second.
TherewerefiveEngland playersinthetop10.Arsenal trio Alessia Russo, Chloe Kelly and Leah Williamson camethird,fifthandseventh respectively, with Chelsea duo Lucy Bronze and Hannah Hampton ninth and 10th.
Bonmati also won the award in 2023 and 2024. It means Barcelona players havewonthehonourineach of the past five years after midfielder Alexia Putellas earnedtheprizein2021and 2022.
The award, officially called the Ballon d’Or Feminin,recognisesthebest
footballer of the year and is voted for by a jury of journalists.
Outside the top 10, Arsenal defenders Emily Fox and Steph Catley came 25th and 29th respectively, with midfielder Frida Maanum ending 27th
Chelsea pair Sandy Baltimore and Johanna Rytting Kaneryd finished 15th and 23rd, while former Blues midfielder Pernille Harderwas20th. Scotland and Real Madrid midfielder Caroline Weir finished 30th in the vote.
It was a great night for the Lionesses as manager Sarina Wiegman won the women’s coach award and Chelsea’s Hannah Hampton was named best women’s goalkeeper
BCB names four squads for trials in preparation for 50-over Inter-County Tournament
BySamuelWhyte
The Berbice Cricket Board (BCB) has selectedfoursquadstoparticipateintwotrial matchesonWednesdayandThursdaywitha finalgameonFriday Thesetrialmatchesare heldtoselecttheBerbicesquadtoparticipate in the Senior Inter County Cricket CompetitionscheduledforOctober
The first game is scheduled for Wednesday, September 24, at the Rose Hall CommunityCentreGround,EastCanjefrom 09:30hrs.
The teams are -TeamA: Tomani Ceasar, Afrigal Kadir, Romario Ramdehol, Kwesi Mickle, Afraz Ali Budhoo, Jonathan Rampersaud, Seon Glasgow, ShamalAngel, Feaaz Baksh, Leon Cecil, Gaurav Ramesh, Romario Shepherd, Kelvin Omroa, Sylus Tyndall, Micah Amsterdam and Titus Webster
Team B - Adrian Sukwah, Rampersaud Ramnauth, Javed Karim, Nigel Deodat, Damian Cecil, Joemal Lafleur, Leon Swammy, Jeremy Sandia, Salim Khan, Reuben Latcha, Veersammy Permaul, Isai
Thorne, Demetri Cameron, Raymond Vankenic, Devon Wharton and Malcolm Mickle.
Theteamsforthesecondtrialmatchatthe AlbionCommunityCentreonThursdayareTeamC:RampertabRamnauth, AlexAlgoo, Ricardo Ramdehol , Garfield Benjamin, Adrian Hetmyer , Sarwan, Chaitnarine, Sanjay Algoo , Kareem Mentore, Kevon Jawahir, KeithSimpson,MatthewPottaya, AkashHeeralall, GudakeshMotie,Clinton Pestano , Shelton Ramsay , Suresh Dhanai and KevinSinclair
TeamD-LeonAndrews,JuniorSinclair, Kevin Kisten, Zeynul Ramsammy, Shimron Hetmyer,ZameerNazeer,RavindraBudhoo, Deianath Persaud, Abdool Subhan, Steven Embrack, Trevon Stanislaus, Abdur Ramsammy, Omesh Matura, Davendra Latchman, OmariArthur,RishiPersaudand NaeemKhan
Athirdandfinaltrialmatchisscheduled for Friday, September 26, at the Albion CommunityCentrecomprisingoftheplayers selectedfromthetwoprevioustrialmatches.
The Caribbean Premier League ( C P L ) a n d RepublicBankLimitedhave announced the continuation of their groundbreaking partnership. The new threeyear agreement sees Republic Bank continue as Title Sponsor and Official Bank of the Republic Bank CPL, as well continuing the commitment to both the WCPL, and their expanding
grassroots cricket investment via the highly successfulRBLFiveforFun programme aimed at inspiringthenextgeneration ofcricketers.
This highly successful collaboration first started in 2016, when Republic Bank was the Official Banking P a r t n e r a n d g r e w significantly in 2023 when the bank became Title Sponsor for the first time. RepublicBank is the largest financial institution in the English-speakingCaribbean and the partnership with CPL, the largest regional sporting event, has been a game changing one for cricket fans around the region.
Withinnovativefan-first marketing & promotional strategies, Republic Bank has helped the League to drive deeper engagement with fans and communities, while funding innovation and deepening the tournament’s Caribbean identity Thenextthreeyears promise more excitement as the Republic Bank CPL continues to grow and spreadjoyacrosstheregion.
BothRepublicBankand CPL are deeply committed to both regional economic development and the development of Caribbean talent. With the tournament driving a significant economic impact, estimated at US$225.4m in 2024, the partnershipwiththeregion’s leading financial institution creates many synergies that benefits both organisations andtheregion.
Richard S Sammy, Group Vice President, RepublicFinancialHoldings Limited and Vice President, Republic Bank Limited, shared “We are absolutely thrilled to renew our p
Caribbean Premier League
for another three years Since 2016, we’ve been d
o investinginthedevelopment of cricket across the region, a n d t h
e n e w e d commitment is a testament to our belief in the power of the sport to bring people together and inspire a new generationofregionaltalent to shine brightly on a world stage. This partnership is m o r e t h a n j u s t a sponsorship; it’s a shared vision to enable a top-tier cricket experience for fans while providing digital-first banking solutions that meet the evolving needs of the Caribbeanpeople.”
Republic Bank CPL
CEOPeteRussellhadthisto say, “We are delighted to welcome back Republic Bank as the Title Sponsor and Official Bank of the Caribbean Premier League.
They have been a phenomenal partner of the tournament and their involvement ensures three more years of investment intoputtingtogetherwhatis one of the world’s great cricketleagues.Mypersonal thanksgoouttotheRepublic
The Lusignan Golf Club was the s t a g e f o r brilliance on Saturday, September 20, 2025, as Massy Distribution hosted its Goli and Soldanza Golf Tournament. While the day showcased talent from acrossthefield,thespotlight belonged to Christine
Sukhram, who outshone her competitors, mostly men, to c l a i m v i c t o r y i n commandingfashion. Sukhram, Guyana’s leading female golfer, produced a stellar round of 77 gross. With her handicap of10factoredin,shesecured a net score of 67, comfortably earning the top
position. Her accuracy and composure set her apart, reaffirmingherreputationas the face of women’s golf in Guyana and underscoring her ability to dominate against the strongest competition.
Close behind was Brian Hackett, who delivered a solid gross of 86. With his
handicap of 18, Hackett posted a net 68 to finish in second place. Third went to Carlos Adams, whose persistence saw him complete the round with a grossof94andahandicapof 23,endingonanet71.
Beyond the leaderboard, the day celebrated remarkable individual
Christine Sukhram
achievements Avinash Persaudcardedagross76to claim the Best Gross prize. Ravindra Harry unleashed powertocapturetheLongest Drive award, while Paton George demonstrated precisionwiththeNearestto the Pin (NTP) prize.Adding a splash of style to the tournament, Nichlas DindyalwashonoredasBest D r e s s e d C a d d y Representatives of Massy’s Goli and Soldanza brands praisedboththecompetition and the spirit of the day, emphasizing their pride in supportingGuyanesegolf.
Speaking on behalf of Goli, Jermaine Glasgow noted: “I was here for a while, and I actually got to see most of the competition. I must say, I learned a lot today, and I’m very excited
toknowthatwehavesucha passionate golf team. I must congratulate all of you on a job well done today I hope there’s many more tournamentsofthiskind.”
Adding her voice for Soldanza, Nikesha Marques expressed:“It’sapleasureto be here, a pleasure to have Massy sponsoring the tournament,andwe’rereally excited to be a part of this community So I must say, thank you and congrats to everyonethatwon.”
The Massy Guyana Golf Tournament was more than justcompetition,itwasproof that golf in Guyana continues to grow in talent andenergy Andatthecenter of it all was Christine Sukhram, reminding everyone that greatness knowsnoboundaries.
Old Fort and SHC
Sigma were crowned Under17 champions at the 2025 National Junior Hockey Tournament, following dramatic victories in their respectivefinalsonSunday
Sponsored by Igloo Ice CreamandSunshineSnacks, this year’s championship concluded in thrilling fashion at the National Gymnasium, with Old Fort andSaintsalsosecuringgold intheUnder-21divisions.
Penalty drama decides champions
In the Girls’ U17 final, OldFortandSHCSensation battled to a tense 1-1 draw The match was ultimately decided by penalty strokes, withOldFortprevailing2-1 toclaimthetitle.
TheBoys’U17finalwas equally gripping GCC Outlaws held a 2-0 lead against a determined SHC Sigma side, but Sigma clawed back with two late goals to level the match. In the penalty shootout, SHC Sigma held their nerve to secure a 2-0 victory and the championship.
In the Girls’U21 final, a fourth-minute strike from CharliaWebbwasenoughto handSaintsanarrow1-0win over GCC Spartans.Webb’s decisive performance also earned her the tournament’s MostValuablePlayeraward, whileIsabellaRamjohnwas namedBestGoalkeeper
TheBoys’U21finalsaw Old Fort dominate SHC S’Team in a 6-2 rout Shaquon Favorite and Simeon Moore scored early in the 8th and 10th minutes
Fort
to give Old Fort a 2-0 lead. SHC’s Jabril Lovell responded quickly, but Tournament MVP Yonnick Norton soon stole the spotlight; netting a stunning hat-trickinthespaceofthree minutestopushOldForttoa 5-1lead.
SHC S’Teammanageda second goal in the 17th minute before Favorite struck again to confirm Old Fort’schampionshipvictory Open Divisions: Old Fort, Saints Women reign supreme
The Men’s Open final endedindramaticfashionas
OldFortedgedSaints2-1on penaltiesafterathrilling3-3 drawinregulationtime.
In the Women’s Open division, Saints Women got their revenge over GBTI GCC with a dominant 5-2 win. Standout performances came from Kalya Scott and Clayza Bobb, who each scored twice Bobb was
goalkeeperSarahHarrytook home the Best Goalkeeper award.
As the curtain closed on anothersuccessfuleditionof
Tourname
, the Guyana Hockey Board recognized several standout athletes,including;Ketianna Percival (Old Fort Girls), Clayza Bobb and Fayed
SHC Sigma carts off with Boy’s U17 title, following 2-1 on penalty kicks
Mohammed (SHC Sigma), Charlia Webb (Saints) and Matthew Smith (Old Fort U21Boys)
The Guyana Hockey B o a r d e x p r
continued support of sponsors Igloo Ice Cream andSunshineSnacks,whose contributionsmadethe2025 tournamentpossible.
Part of the action on Sunday in the Girl’s U17 championship
Old Fort, SHC Sigma capture U17 titles at 2025 National Junior Hockey Tournament - Saints and Old Fort secure U21 Gold
…Government reaffirms commitment to basketball’s growth
