Kaieteur News

Glenn Lall:

Disasters of the oil industry unfolding in Guyana

...politiciansfailedandrefusedtoact

Since Guyana discovered oil and b e c a m e a producer,thisnewspaperhas been at the forefront of calls forbettermanagementofthe sector Beyond its advocacy for improved management, Kaieteur News has warned thepoliticiansandcountryat large, of the disasters that can befall this nation. These warningswerenotpaidheed to and today, these very disastersareunfoldinginthe country

This was recently highlighted by Kaieteur News Publisher, Glenn Lall, on his Friday evening radio programme, aired at 7:20 PMon99.1and99.5FM.

Collapseoffishing industry

The businessman pointed out that this newspaper repeatedly published stories from the various Environmental Impact Assessments (EIAs) conducted by ExxonMobil foritsoilprojects,wherethe company explained the impactsonthemarinesector.

“Today, fishermen are going out for days and can't even catch enough fish to payfortheice,muchlessthe gasoline So, we now importingfishfromJamaica

Du r i n g a discussion at CERAWeek by

S&P Global's energy conference in Houston last Tuesday,PresidentIrfaanAli told the delegates to put Guyana on their radar, as investment opportunities hereareendless.

“Our story in Guyana is much larger than oil and gas…Oilandgasisacatalyst formanyotheropportunities for development in the country I want you to put Guyana on your radar,” UpstreamOnlinereported.

andothercountriesthatonly the rich and powerful can

ExxonMobil,”Lallsaid.

Farming

The businessman also believes that locally grown fruits and vegetables which were once produced in abundance are also facing challenges “Crops are drying up, fruits and ground provisionsareweak,stunted, and full of diseases

Bananas, oranges, watermelon, tomatoes,

cabbage all being imported from Brazil, Suriname, and elsewhere!

Imagine this—Guyana, the land of fertile soil and fresh water, now importing fruits, greens and vegetables,” the Publishertoldlisteners.

Livestock

Still on agriculture, Lall recalled that he warned about the impact on animals four years ago, which he believes is now evident. He said, “Since then, you can't find a chicken or duck over four pounds they can't grow, they can't breathe. What are we left with? Scrawny, sick-looking fowl and ducks, limping around likeiftheygotpolio.

The same thing is

happening with the goats, sheep,andcows.”

Infrastructure

Shifting his attention to theincreasedexpenditureon infrastructure, the

businessman reminded listeners that he cautioned that the country's roads and bridgeswerenotdesignedto withstand overweight vehicles that service the oil industry.Today, Lall pointed out that the roads are collapsingfasterthantheoil profitscanpatchthem.

No accountability for spendingoilmoney

“We warned you about the new oil law Bharrat Jagdeo and Ashni Singh passed in 2022. I left my home on Christmas Day to warn Guyana that this law would allow them to spend our oil money however they like, without accounting for a single cent Now it's happening before our eyes,” theadvocateargued.

He explained that a Member of the Natural Resource Fund (NRF) Investment Committee, Terrence Campbell, has sincefiledlegalactionwhile government views this as a “nuisance”.

Lall said, “Money is leavingtheaccount,andthey

don't even know where it is going. When he (Campbell) spoke up and spoke out, Jagdeo ridiculed him, and went as far as to say he (Jagdeo) doesn't have to tell thenationhowhespendsour oilmoney.”

Gas-to-Energydisaster

“From day one, I called this project a dead donkey a debt trap for Guyana!Jagdeoishidingthe project documents, refusing toshowthenationhowitwill cut electricity bills in half. Now, one of the contractors move to the international courts, fighting for US$50 million, and the project hasn't even started properly asyet! Threedelaysalready sofar,lawsuitsincomingand Guyana is still in the dark about this mega-debt project,” the newspaper Publishersaid.

Environmental destruction

‘Put

K a i e t e u r N e w s previously reported on the dangers associated with the flaring of natural gas and today, citizens struggle with unbearable heat. Lall said Guyanese are now forced to walk around with fans in their faces, while children are fainting in the classrooms.

Hewaskeentonotethat, currently, ExxonMobil only has three projects in operation, as he questioned thefateofGuyaneseafterthe company commences production at its other planneddevelopments.

“We also exposed the t s u n a m i r i s k i n ExxonMobil's own documents.Ifatsunamihits, Guyana is done with. But Jagdeo and Norton? Silent. Notasingleemergencyplan inplace,”heargued. Ring-fencing

Despite highlighting the

advice of a number of institutions that advised this country to ring-fence its oil projects, the politicians here havefailedtoimplementthis provision to ensure the country benefits from the wealth generated from its resourcesearlyon.

LallbelievesGuyanalost as much as US$20B, so far, by failing to ring-fence the StabroekBlockprojects.

Hesaid,“Jagdeocussed outthePNCforfailingtoput ring-fencing in place for the first two projects, then did the exact same thing with 4 others!Brazil'sofficialssaid Guyana sold its oil like a cheap prostitute; Suriname's oilbossmockeduswiththat deal and Trinidad's Prime Ministerinwaitingcametill here to tell us that we can renegotiateouroilcontract.”

Inconclusion,Lallurged Guyanese that the resources belong to the citizensof this country, yet the leaders treat them like a “blind beggar at thegate.”

H e n o t e d t h a t governmentfailedtoprocure independentmeterstoverify the volume of oil being produced daily by Exxon and new projects will continuetobeapprovedwith those same terms although changescanbemade.

Lall was keen to note that it is Guyanese who will ultimatelypaytheprice.

But because of our vast natural resources, there are many other opportunities. Andtourism-[a]tremendous opportunity If you're looking to diversify your own business portfolio, Guyanaistheplacethatyou mustbe.”

Currently, oil is only being produced from the Stabroek Block, which is operatedbyAmerica'stopoil producer, ExxonMobil. Oil production is over 600,000 barrels per day from three developments in that block.

President Ali further stated,“Therearealotmore blocks that will go up for auction.Wearealsolooking at the government-togovernment collaboration and all the other spin-offs that come from the industry

Since oil prod

commenced in December 2019, Guyana's economy has recorded tremendous growth.

Notably, for the government's inaugural auction, 11 of the oil blocks on auction are located in the shallowareaandthreearein the deepwater zone. They range between 1000 square kilometres to 3000 square kilometreswiththemajority of them being close to 2000 squarekilometres. The oil companies will be expected to pay a 10 percent royalty and a 10 percent corporate tax to the government of Guyana. In the meantime, the cost recoverywillbecappedat65 percentinagivenyear,while profits will be shared 50/50 betweentheparties.

Kaieteur News Publisher, Glenn Lall during his recent Radio programme

Guyana President, Mohamed IrfaanAli, (right) speaks to S&P Global Vice Chair, DanielYergin,

Photo:

Kaieteur News

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

Publisher:GLENNLALL-TEL:624-6456

Editor:NIGELWILLIAMS

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

EDITORIAL

Trinidad and Trump

ItisgoodthataregionalleaderisstandinguptotheUS andtellingittotakeawalk. TrinidadandTobago'sPrime Minister, Dr Keith Rowley, said just that using cooler words. Regionalleadersshouldnotjustrolloverandplay deadbeforetheUSjuggernaut. Itisnothowcountriesthat enjoy friendly relations deal with one another, with insulting words used to force a developing issue. The issue is the employment of Cuban doctors by various countries, and on which the US has taken a disturbing position. US officials have used terms such as “forced labor” and “human trafficking” to brand countries using Cuban medical personnel. It is concerned about Cuba oppressingitspeopleandhaspromisedpunitivemeasures against nations that use Cuban doctors. Counties like Trinidad and Tobago, Guyana, and others had moved to ease their shortage of highly technical personnel, in this case doctors. Now the US has decided that that is exploitativelabor Ineffect,itwantsthosevisascancelled andthemedicalpersonnelsentbacktoCuba. Agroupthat for decades has filled an area of dire need is now considered by the US to embed elements of “human trafficking” and forced labor Today, it seems that the conceptofnationalsovereigntyandbigpoweroverreach are being shattered left and right, and on any vindictive whimthatcouldbemustered.TheTrinidadPMdidn'ttake too well to the developments involving Cuban doctors, with an eye to his country's involvement. He had a few pointedpositionstotake,andhiswordsleftnoroomasto howseriousheis,whatevertheUSreactionmaybe. “We rely heavily on healthcare specialists whom we have obtained from India, the Philippines, and mainly from Cubaoverthedecades.” Dr Rowley'ssecondpointwas that when the same Cuban personnel are being paid “top dollarequaltolocalrates”,thenallclaimsofpeoplebeing exploitedcrumbleundertheweightofanyhonestscrutiny On a general note, it could be said with confidence that national programs involving Cuban doctors are not mattersthatarehappeninginsomeunderthetablemanner, butverymuchintheopen. Further,mostworkinpublic health facilities where their pay is at competitive rates, while some of them work in private medical institutions, orhavetheirownprivateprofessionalpractice. Thelatter wouldbethosewhohavebeeninacountryforyears,and had already fulfilled their initial terms of employment. Also, there are those who opt to remain in whichever country gave them a welcome, and make that their new home.

USofficialsmustknowsomethingthattherestofthe worlddoesn't. But,noneoftheaboveconditionscouldbe said to represent any component of forced labor or exploitative labor or human trafficking. The mere mention of such terms has to be offensive to those who takesuchslursseriously PMRowleydid,andweareglad thathehadthecouragetospeakhismind,whilestanding hisground. Obviously,theTrinidadprimeministerisnot someone, who allows others to make him or his country into their willing stooge. “There are local people here encouragingthemtotakeawayourUSvisas.Icameback from California and if I never go back there again in my life, I will ensure that the sovereignty of Trinidad and Tobago is known to its people and respected by all.” Those are strong words from Rowley, but this Cuban doctorissue,andtheunilateralandheavy-handedmanner in which it has used to squeeze countries in this region definitelycalledforthatkindofsharpresponse. Whena national leader or a national government shows that it is willing to lie down and be steamrollered, then that is as goodasinvitingthattohappen.

ThereisalessonhereforGuyanaanditsleaders. Due tothebordercontroversywithVenezuela,thereisaheavy dependency on the US to make-up for this country's limitations. Still, there must be a limit to how much Guyana'sleaderswillbowtoUSdictates. Trinidad'sPM KeithRowleystandsasagoodexample.

OGGN Urges Minister Gail Teixeira to Address UN Concerns on Access to Information Act

DearEditor,

Inaseriesofletterspublishedinthe Sunday editions of Kaieteur News (February16&23,March2&9,2025), the Oil and Gas Governance Network Guyana (OGGN) informed the Guyanesepublicaboutquestionabletax practices of ExxonMobil and its partners—Hess Corporation and China National Offshore Oil Corporation (CNOOC)—and raised concerns about the lack of transparency regarding tax payments made by the Government of Guyana on behalf of these oil companies These payments are stipulated in the 2016 Petroleum Agreement, also known as the 2016 ProductionSharingAgreement.

Specifically, OGGN requested public statements on the flow of tax payments by the Government of Guyana from the CommissionerGeneral of the Guyana Revenue Service, Mr Godfrey Statia, the Minister of Natural Resources, Hon. Vickram Bharrat, and the Senior Minister in the Office of the President with Responsibility for Finance, Hon. Dr Ashni Singh. The last-named also plays a key role in providing the relevant financial data, including tax payments to the oil companies, for the

annual reports submitted to the Extractive Industries Transparency Initiative (EITI), to which Guyana has been a member since 2017. To date, OGGN and the public still await responsesfromthesepublicofficials.

Guyana'sAccesstoInformationAct 2011 (Act No. 21 of 2011) grants the public the right to access information heldbypublicauthorities.Thelawwas passed under the presidency of His Excellency Bharrat Jagdeo to promote transparency and accountability It stipulatesthatcitizenshavetherightto obtain information from public authorities, with requests made in writing to the designated information officer Public authorities are required torespondwithin30daysofreceivinga request.

One may ask why OGGN has not contacted the Minister of Natural ResourcesdirectlyandusedtheAccess to Information Act to obtain relevant i

Government's tax payments to ExxonMobil, Hess, and CNOOC. In fact, OGGN as well as Transparency Institute Guyana Inc. (TIGI) did so already back in 2021. OGGN inquired with the Minister of Natural Resources in a letter dated July 23, 2021,

requesting information regarding the tax certificates issued on behalf of the oilcompanies.Despitemultiplefollowup inquiries, the tax certificates remain hiddentothepublic.Inaseparatecase, Alfred Bhulai, at the time TIGI Secretary, approached the Ministry of Natural Resources in a letter dated March 26, 2021, requesting oil productiondata.Duetoinactiononthe part of the Minister, Alfred Bhulai contacted on March 1, 2023, the Commissioner of Information, Justice Charles Ramson Sr., to obtain the requested information under the provisionsoftheAccesstoInformation Act. While receipt of the request was acknowledged by the Commissioner, the requested information was never provided.

In a recent episode of Kaieteur Radio's program, OilTalk with OGGN Guyana (March 6, 2025; available on YouTubeandFacebook),AlfredBhulai, now an OGGN director, detailed his experiences with the Access to Information Act. The inadequacies of the Act were also highlighted recently byAttorney-at-LawChristopherRamin his Stabroek News column “The Road to First Oil” (Column 153 on March 7, 2025), and specific recommendations forrevisingthelawwereproposedby Mr AnandGoolsarraninhisStabroek News column “Accountability Watch”(March10,2025).

In 2024, OGGN raised concerns about Guyana's Access to Information Act 2011 in a shadow report submitted to the UN Human RightsCommittee(UN-HRC)aspart of Guyana's third periodic report on its implementation of the UN (Continuedonpage5)

Urgent Plea for the Reconstruction of Ann's Grove Secondary School

DearEditor,

Iamwritingthisletteras adeeplyconcernedcitizenof Ann's Grove Village and a proud former student of Ann's Grove Secondary School. At 65 years old, I havewitnessedtheevolution of our beloved community and the decline of one of its

m o s t s i g n i f i c a n t institutions—our secondary school.

It pains me to see the current state of the school, which is now nothing more than a fragile, crumbling structure. I strongly believe

that the Ministry of Education, Region 4, must reconsideritsdecisiontobid onMarch9,2025inthedaily Chronicle for repairs to this buildingandinsteadoptfora fullreconstruction.

For decades, Ann's GroveSecondarySchoolhas been a place of learning, growth, and memories for

generations of students, including myself. However, time has taken its toll, and the school is no longer structurally sound The building has been standing formanydecades,andrather than being a place of safety and education, it has now become a serious hazard.

Thephysicaldeteriorationof thestructureisalarming,and theriskitposestothelivesof students, teachers, and staff cannot be ignored any longer

ASchoolTooOldfor Repairs

While I understand that the Ministry of Education has announced that the school is up for bidding for repairs, I must strongly oppose this decision. This schoolisfarbeyondthepoint of repair Its foundation has weakened significantly, making any renovation efforts ineffective and

temporary solution to a muchdeeperproblem.

The building shakes violently at the slightest movement,makingithighly unstable. This is not just an occasional tremor; it is a persistentissuethatindicates a serious structural failure. Every gust of wind, every footstep on the upper floor, and every minor vibration cause the entire building to trembleinawaythatisboth frighteninganddangerous.

This level of instability suggests that the structure is incapable of withstanding natural forces such as heavy rain, strong winds, or even minorseismicactivity

Additionally, the school has been sinking over the years. When I was a child, we used to run and play beneath the building, which was raised on posts to allow airflow and prevent flooding. However, today,

the space beneath the structure has disappeared entirely This is a clear sign that the foundation is no longerstable,andtheground on which the school was built can no longer support its weight. The significant sinkingofthebuildingraises concerns about the soil stabilityandthepotentialfor furthercollapse.

AWeakandDangerous Foundation

The construction of Ann's Grove Secondary School was based on a spotpost foundation, meaning that it was built on wooden andconcretepoststhatwere meant to support the structure Unfortunately, many of these posts have detached from the floor, causing a dangerous gap between the foundation and therestofthebuilding.This is one of the most serious indicators that the school is

OGGN Urges Minister Gail Teixeira to Address UN Concerns..

Frompage4 International Covenant on Civil and PoliticalRights(ICCPR).

DuringtheUNhearingsinGeneva, Switzerland, the Government of Guyana was represented by the Minister of Parliamentary Affairs and Governance, Hon. Gail Teixeira. The UN-HRC's concluding report (May 2024)alsoaddressedissuesconcerning Guyana's Access to Information Act 2011. The Committee acknowledged theenactmentoftheActbutexpressed concerns that the Commissioner of Information does not respond to all requests from the public (Section 10). TheCommitteeurgedtheStatepartyto:

Takenecessarymeasurestoensure, in practice, the independence, effectiveness, transparency, and accountability of all anti-corruption bodies,includingtheCommissionerof Information(Section11c).

Ensure that the right of access to information held by the Commissioner

of Information can be effectively exercisedinpractice(Section11d).

There has not been any public response from the Government to the UN-HRC'sreporttodate.

GiventheUN-HRC's concernsand recommendationsregardingtheAccess to Information Act 2011, OGGN formally requests that Minister Gail Teixeira, who represented the State party in Geneva, provide a public statement addressing the following points:

1. What measures have been taken to ensure the effective implementation oftheAccesstoInformationAct2011?

2. What steps have been taken to improve the accountability and transparency of the Commissioner of Information?

3 For which years did the Commissionersubmitannualreportsto the National Assembly, as required by theAct?

4. How has theAct been revised to

facilitate citizen access to public information, excluding matters of personalprivacyornationalsecurity?

Efficientandbroadaccesstopublic informationisacriticalelementinanticorruption efforts, particularly in the management of natural resources such asoilandgas.

The Guyanese public deserves a revisedAccess to InformationAct that strengthens and facilitates citizens' righttopublicinformationasameansto promote good governance, transparency, and accountability at all levels of government, as well as full, prompt and unserved implementation ofthisAct.

Sincerely, AndreBrandli

JanetteBulkan

KenrickHunte

DarshanandKhusial

JoePersaud

FortheOilandGasGovernanceNetwork Guyana(OGGN)[www.oggn.org]

atriskofcollapse.

Without a proper foundation, the entire structure is compromised.

Teachers and students are forced to navigate a school environmentthatisunstable, uncomfortable, and, most importantly, unsafe The disconnection of the posts from the floor also means that the building no longer has the necessary support to withstand even minor shifts inweightormovement.

AGrowingThreatto HumanLife

Ann's Grove Secondary no longer just an aging building—itisadirectthreat to human life. If left in its currentcondition,itisonlya matter of time before a disasteroccurs.Acollapsing ceiling, a falling wall, or a complete structural failure could result in injuries or evenfatalities.Thisisnotan exaggerated concern; it is a realandurgentdanger

Imagine young children sitting in a classroom, eager to learn, when suddenly a portion of the ceiling gives way Imagine teachers walking through the corridors, only for the floor beneath them to collapse. These are not unrealistic fears but very possible scenarios given the current conditionoftheschool.

Waiting for a tragedy to happen before taking action would be irresponsible and unforgivable. Furthermore, the poor condition of the school affects not just physical safety, but also the o v e r a l l l e a r n i n g environment.Achild cannot

focusontheirstudies whentheyareconstantly worried about the roof over their head. Teachers cannot effectively educate students when they are concerned about the stability of their classrooms Education shouldtakeplaceinasecure, well- maintained space where students can learn withoutfear

TheNeedfora NewSchool Given the undeniable risks associated with the current state ofAnn's Grove SecondarySchool,Istrongly urge the authorities to abandon the idea of repairs and instead prioritize the construction of a brand-new schoolbuilding.

Repairing an unstable structure is like putting a bandage on a deep wound—it does not address the root of the problem and willonlyleadtomoreissues in the future.A newly built school would provide a safe a n d c o m

a b l e environment for students and teachers. It would be designedwithmodernsafety standards, ensuring that the foundation is strong, the materials are durable, and the overall structure is built to last. Investing in a new school is not just about creating a better physical space—it is about investing in the future of our children a n d c o m m u n i t y Furthermore, a new school would offer an opportunity to enhance educational facilities The current building lacks adequate (Continuedonpage6)

BLUNTNESS ON INDECENCIES!

In case you haven’t heard, please be informed that as part of our continued effort to channel positive changes in our country, our publisher, Mr. Glenn Lall, has dedicated our Page Seven to be “BLUNT” about on-going indecencies in our land that should matter, not only to us at this publication, but the entire nation.

MONDAY – MARCH 10, 2025

Bribe-taking ranks and the public

At the recent Police Officers' Conference President Irfaan Ali spoke about bribe-taking ranks declaring that if one pays a bribe to a police officer, one is complicit in theproblemofcorruption.

WhatthePresidenthasfailedto acknowledge is that corruption does not thrive in a vacuum. It thrives where it is tolerated, where itisexcused,andwhereitisquietly shuffled under the rug. Instead of pointing fingers at drivers trying to escape an absurdly tangled web of inconvenience, let's point them at those who use their position to turn law enforcement into a revenuegeneratingenterprise.

So, let's not be distracted by the co-responsibility argument. Let's not allow it to become the convenient excuse that prevents realaction.Let'sdemandbetter,not only from ourselves but from those who swore an oath to serve and protect.And if any officers feel the sudden urge to retire from their roadside negotiations, well, let's justsaytherestofuswon'tmissthe opportunity to keep our wallets a

littleheavier

TUESDAY – MARCH 11, 2025

Something brewing in the politicalair

Young Guyanese are showing an appetite for change, but appetite alone does not make a meal. For a new political force to succeed, it must be organised, disciplined, and, above all, prepared for the brutal reality of electoral combat in Guyana.

Change is never easy, and in Guyana, it is especially difficult. But there is something brewing in the political air, something that suggests the old order cannot remain unchallenged forever The two-party dominance has endured for decades, but no structure, however solid, is immune to the slow erosion of public trust. The question is not whether Guyana's politics will shift, but how long it will take—and whether, when the moment comes, the country will be readytoembraceit.

WEDNESDAY – MARCH 12, 2025

What'sstirringbeneath?

This disillusionment is not the standard frustration that precedes every election; it is deeper, more fundamental. It is the realisation that neither party has delivered the change that was promised, that corruption and cronyism persist regardless of who is in office, and that the proceeds of Guyana's newfound oil wealth have not trickled down to those who need it most.

It is this disenchantment that explains the increasing popularity o f f r e s h , u n a l i g n e d faces—individuals who have not yet been tainted by the machinery of the traditional parties. Whether they emerge from business, activism, or civil society, they are viewed with curiosity, sometimes evenwithhope.

THURSDAY – MARCH 13, 2025

The political behemoths shaking

Something new is stirring beneath the surface of Guyana's politics. A different kind of fatigue has taken hold, one that extends beyond the usual electoral dissatisfaction. The working class is growing disenchanted—not just withonepartyortheother,butwith the entire structure that has kept them in perpetual oscillation betweenthePPPandthePNC.

Recent events in our local politics have seen one of the two major political parties in panic mode.

The PPP, that has long relied on its hold over the electorate, particularly in its strongholds, is now faced with the unsettling prospect that its support is not as unshakableasitoncebelieved.The uproar in Lima Sands over the w e e k e n d w h e n y o u n g businessman, Azruddin Mohamed touched down bears testimony to this fact.The opposition PNC, too, must confront the reality that it is failing to capitalise on growing public frustration, instead appearing as an uninspired alternative rather than a credible challenger If there is one lesson fromGuyana'spoliticalhistory,itis that when both major parties feel threatened, they will set aside their differences and close ranks against a common enemy Should an emerging force gain enough traction, it is not unthinkable that the PPP and PNC, longtime adversaries, would join forces to protect their shared monopoly on power

FRIDAY – MARCH 14, 2025

PPPCafraidoftransparency

National leaders in the PPPC just like they are determined not to have a Petroleum Commission are ensuring that the good-for-nothing Access to InformationAct does not work.

They put a man to run the process,butheismoreinterestedin ensuring Guyanese do not access information rather than facilitating it.

President Ali and other members of his PPPC Government have embraced the practice of asserting loudly and consistently about how much they are about transparency

We suggest that both the president and his team cast their eyes in the direction of the all but comatose Office of the Commissioner of Information and itshead.

By even some minimum standard of self-respect, the president and his people should be promptedtochangetheirmindsand confirm that transparency in government is self-serving exaggeration,puremyth. Accessto informationisseverelylimited,that nonexistent.

No ringing endorsement

The International Monetary Fund ( I M F ) i s a cautious beast. It does not bare its fangs unless absolutelynecessary

Andeventhen,itprefers asoftgrowloveramenacing snarl.

To expect a damning indictment of the Guyanese government's economic management from an IMF Article IV Consultation would be to misunderstand theIMF'srole.

Itisnotinthebusinessof toppling regimes with harsh words Instead, it issues gentle nudges, phrased diplomatically, wrapped in the language of constructive engagement.

But this does not mean that its recent report on

Guyana is a ringing endorsement of the government'shandlingofthe economy

Farfromit.Oneonlyhas to read between the lines to see the deficiencies quietly implied, the gaps politely identified, and the shortcomings that remain just outside the margins of explicitrebuke.

For all its politeness, the IMF has delivered a report that suggests there is much worktobedone.

Even from a neo-liberal

perspective—theveryschool of thought that the IMF is o f t e n a c c u s e d o f championing and of which the PPPC government is an unrepentant disciple—there is little c

c o m p l a

c y T h e recommendations contained within the report highlight structural weaknesses, governance concerns, and fiscalpolicyrisksthat,ifleft unaddressed, could turn economic optimism into missedopportunity

Take, for instance, the call for a comprehensive medium-term fiscal framework.

This call was also made last year and seemingly has not been acted upon by the government. The IMF, in its ever-measured tone, recommends that Guyana adopt an explicit fiscal anchor and operational target. To the untrained eye, this may appear as simple guidance, an offering of best practices.

But to those who understand the language of international financial diplomacy,thisismorethana suggestion itisasignal

It suggests that fiscal policy, as it stands, lacks the discipline and structure necessary to ensure longt erm sustainability, even if

thefiscalpolicyisheadingin therightdirection.

In plainer terms, the government has not yet demonstrated a clear, credible plan for how it will manageitsspendingoverthe next decade, beyond broad ambitions and general assurances.

Similarly, the IMF's recommendation to enhance m o n e t a r y p o l i c y effectiveness speaks volumes.

Calls for a strengthened interest rate channel and better excess liquidity management are not merely technical proposals; they point to a financial system that remains inefficient in transmitting policy changes to the broader economy Excess liquidity in the banking system, if not addressed, could lead to inflationary pressures or speculativeactivity

That the IMF feels compelled to raise this issue at all suggests that current policies have not adequately dealt with these risks. The g o v e r n a n c e recommendations, though carefullyworded,aretelling.

T h e I M F , w h i l e acknowledging progress in revenue administration, still sees the need for greater transparency in public

DEM BOYS SEH

A friend in need is a friend indeed

Demboyssehafriendinneedis a friend indeed But nowadays, a friend in need does only get a friend in words—not in wallet.

Everybody full of nice talk. “We prayingfuhyuh.”“Staystrong.”“Keepde faith.”Demboyssehifprayeralonecould paylightbill,GPLwouldabebankrupt.If faith could clear court fees, all dem lawyerswouldabeouttawuk.

But no, people only got prayers and sweettalkwhenyouintrouble.

Dem same people who used to cheer yuh on when yuh was talking what dem like—suddenly dem vanish like morning dewwhenyuhneedlilhelp.

Whenyuhwasinyuhprime,demwas yuhbiggestfans.

Dem used to share yuh words, clap, andsehhowyuharealchampion.

But as soon as yuh foot slip, dem tun priest and only got “thoughts and prayers.”

Yuh could set up GoFundMe from now till kingdom come dem ain't chippingin.

Dem go be first to comment, “Stay strong, we behind yuh.” But dem behind yuhsofar,demdonedisappear Yuhlegal billhigh?“Staystrong.”Yuhcan'tpayyuh mortgage?“Keepdefaith.”

procurement.

E-procurement is not m e r e l y a m o d e r n convenience;itisasafeguard against corruption, inefficiency, and waste.That the IMF has to mention this E-procurement upgrading that is taking place suggests, as we know that our current procurement practices leave muchtobedesired.

On the financial regulatory front, the IMF's callfor betterdatacollection on corporate and household balancesheetshintsatgapsin the supervision of the bankingsector

Arobustfinancialsystem requires comprehensive data toassessrisksproperly Ifthe IMF is highlighting deficiencies in this area, it suggests that the financial regulatory framework is not assturdyasitshouldbe.

Thenthereisthematterof labor market policies. The IMF's suggestion to address labor shortages and skills mismatches implies a fundamental disconnect between the education system and the demands of theeconomy Ifworkersdonothavethe skillsneededtofillavailable jobs, the problem is not just one of training but of economicplanning.

Thereport'spolitehintin relation to vocational education and women's workforce participation underscores the need for a morecoherentlaborstrategy, one that anticipates future demandsratherthanreacting

Dem boys seh if faith was currency, GuyanawouldabericherthanDubai.

And don't talk about when yuh really downandout.

When dem hear yuh in trouble, dem doessuddenlygetrealbusy

One time yuh phone use to ring every second,nowevenspamcallsstopcoming.

Dem see yuh message but no response WhatsApp blue tick done becomegreytick.

Is then yuh realize, every man does standaloneatsometimeordeother

And de worse time is when yuh need helpdemost.

Is when yuh bank account flat, when yuh got lawsuit, when yuh health failing—that is when yuh see who really dehforyuh.

Andmostofdetime,isyuhselfalone.

Dem boys seh, some people like dem weather report—plenty forecast but no action.

Yuh see dem, yuh hear dem, but dem neverreallyshowupwhenyuhneeddem. Solehyuhproblemsbeyuhteacher

Next time yuh flying high, remember who clapping now but go missing when yuhdrop.

And when yuh down, just know—prayersalonecyaanpaydebills. Talkhalf,Leffhalf!

topresentshortages.

Thegovernmenthasbeen urged to update its labour surveys which has fallen b e h i n d s i n c e t h e APNU+AFCperiod.

Onclimateresilience,the IMFiscarefulnottodirectly criticize the government's approach but still sees the need to warn Guyana about its vulnerability to climaterelated shocks. The fact that this reminder is even necessary should give policymakers pause. In a country as vulnerable to sea level rise and flooding as Guyana, climate policy should not need gentle encouragement it should be at the forefront of economicplanning.

Perhaps the most damning evidence of the need for improvement is the recommendation to modernizenationalstatistics.

Arapidly evolving economy requires reliable data to informpolicydecisions.

If the IMF is calling for updated national accounts, price statistics, and labor force surveys, it is because these fundamental tools of economic governance are currentlyinadequate

A government cannot effectively manage an economy if it does not have precise, timely data on employment, household consumption, and sectoral performance

The IMF will never say outright that an economy is being mismanaged unless it isonthevergeofcollapse.Its

reports are designed to maintain engagement, to encourage rather than alienate. But those who read them carefully, who understand the nuance of economic diplomacy, will see that this latest report is hardly an unqualified endorsement of the government'spolicies. It is, instead, a polite but firm series of warnings, a collectionofsignalsthatallis notaswellasofficialrhetoric mightsuggest.

Ifthegovernmentwishes to treat this report as validation of its economic stewardship,itwoulddowell toreconsider

There is much to improve, and even from a neo-liberal standpoint, the challenges are clear The questioning about the risk of overheating suggests that fiscal discipline can be bettered,financialregulation needs strengthening and that governance reforms must go further

The IMF may not have roared, but it has certainly cleareditsthroat.Thosewho listen closely will hear the messageloudandclear

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

H@RD TRUTHS

Opposition at risk

If the two major opposition parties in Guyana wish to be taken seriously, they must gettheiracttogether

They would be wiser still to put their heads

together and quickly finalize contesting this year's elections contest as one group Or, they should gotheirseparateways

The least that both the

PNC and AFC could do is put themselves and their followers out of their misery

What I see as them walking a tightrope of careful discussions, is reallymoreofthetwoparties wrapping a rope around their own necks. They don't look toogood.

If anyone who could deal with reality were to ask

me,Iwouldsaythatboththe PNCandAFCarebeginning to look blue in the face There is a shortage of oxygensomewhere

First, some election facts shouldbeputtorest. Neither the PNC nor theAFC has the votes on its own to trounce the PPP, even as voter challenged as the latter finds itselftoday

Thus,itisbafflingallthis

hubbub about to coalesce or nottocoalesce.

Thehardtruthisthatthey coalesce, or they kiss their respective elections prospects goodbye. Starting as early as yesterday So, all

this back and forth, approaching the middle of March about who should get what, and how to divvy up the spoils, is nothing but an exerciseinfutility

T h e

G u y a n e s e people deserve better Iftheycan't make up their minds on a matter as basic as this(tietheknot,orturn their backs from the altar), then what can they make up their minds about relative to theburningissuesthatscorch Guyana?

In some respects, the two opposition parties continue alongthismerryroadoftheir making, and they risk going from juk ah yaak to the Dukes of National Jesters.

For the colloquially impaired,jukahyaakiswhat took up residence here, and whichbeforethatwentbythe lordly handle of Duke of York.

Frankly,withallthecards on the line, I have never seen two seasoned groups and their supporting casts be so wracked by paralysis and indecision. While they look shabby and more than a little unready, the Duke of Robb Street and Freedom House's Manor, the PPP General Secretary is given every incentive to snatch victory out of the jaws of defeat. Unless, the PNC and AFC have some extraordinary elections elixir unknown to therestofGuyana.

The last time that I encountered this kind of sloth and slackness, was when British Prime

M i n i s t e r , N e v i l l e

Chamberlain went to Munich; and Nero fiddled untroubled All Guyanese, whether they know the two names or not, should still do their research to get an idea ofwhatbecameofthem.

ThisiswhatthePNCand AFCstaresat.

Taking forever and then an extra mile (yes, I mixed up that one), only to end looking like complete zombies Since these are the seasons of prayer and self-sacrifice, I take that back

How about shells and salesmen? Iknow:someare going to ask how clever can one get, for what's the differencebetweenthosetwo (shells and salesmen) and zombies? In all of this, there is one consideration that has its merits. The PNC, with an able assist from theAFC, has somesecretassethandy

The numbers aren't favorable, so I scratch my head as to what it is If it isn't a slice of the

Venezuelan vote, then I surrender Maybe the PNC hasalreadymadeupitsmind. The elections of 2025 are so rigged against it, that there is only one avenue left asaresort

It tried for some traction at GECOM, could point to those efforts, and where they led: a town called Nowhere. The strangest case of all is to hear Opposition Leader, Mr Aubrey Norton, overflowing with confidence in public about dethroning the PPP Government Wishful thinking,orwisdomofakind unknown in Guyana? I wonder if Mr Norton's record of public confidence about this year's elections holdsjustaswellinCongress Place.

Though I don't have much stomach for it, I foresee that the Americans will once again be called upon to perform its familiar role of justice of the peace. Even in this area, I believe that the PPP has a head start on the PNC and AFC. The ruling party has been overeager in courting the new American Chief Executive, all but licking his boots.

The White House occupant relishes that kind of homage It is to the disadvantageofthePNC. He who has the king's ear, he is theonewhoneednotfear,the onethatcarriestheday

So, this is where the political wrestling stands today

The opportunity for five years of self-help and getting richer than the PPP, and the PNC and AFC are head-over-heels counting sheep.

When anyone sees any opposition energy, give a call

Ditto its efforts to snare somecrossovervotes. It has been the strangest kindofelectionsthisone. Alltheballsintheair,and no takers on the opposition side. Perhaps, that explains its current eunuchoid state. (Theviewsexpressedinthis article are those of the author and do not necessarily reflect the o p i n i o n s o f t h i s ) newspaper.)

‘Asoilpricesplummet,sodoesprofitsforGuyana’-Jagdeo

...as Govt. and Opposition refuse to ring-fence projects

Thedropinoilprices,drivenby an oversupply of the commodity, willdelayGuyana'sabilitytorepay the costs associated with the development of its resources. This meansthatincreasedprofitsforthe country will also take longer than anticipated.

This explanation was provided by Vice President (VP) Bharrat Jagdeo on Thursday during his weekly press conference at FreedomHouse.Hewasatthetime responding to a question from this newspaperontheimpactofnoringfencing.

Kaieteur News reminded the VP that he previously explained that the absence of this provision allows a faster recovery of costs, which would enable the country to receive a “bigger bone” in the future. With oil prices however declining, this publication asked Jagdeo, “Where does that leave Guyana? Would we still be able to payoffwithoutring-fencing?”

'Ring-fencing' simply means that each project would pay for itself.Thiswouldallowthecountry toreceiveagreatershareofprofits after costs are paid off. According to the Production Sharing Agreement (PSA) Guyana inked with ExxonMobil and its partners,

HessCorporationandCNOOC,75 percentofthemonthlyrevenuewill be deducted to cover costs, while the remaining 25 percent will be split equally (50/50) between the parties to the contract. In this manner, a ring-fencing provision would have allowed Guyana to benefit from half of the revenue generated in a project, after the expensesarerepaid.

In his response, Jagdeo highlightedthatamajorflawinthe 2016 PSA is that it lacked a ringfencing provision. As such, the Chief Policymaker for the sector notedthatthepaceofrepaymentfor new projects, added to the cost bank, would be dependent on the priceofoilwhichisvolatile.

Tothisend,Jagdeosaid,“So,to theextentthatthequestionyouask me, to the extent that oil prices comedown,itwouldtakelongerto retire the cost bank and therefore, longer to achieve the 50/50 (profit split).” The VP was keen to point outthatwhileoilpricesmaybelow for a period it is likely to increase forothers.

“Iarguethatbecausethemodel wasrunona$50perbarreloilinthe past,thatsomeoftheearliermodels thatwesaw,therewasatimeframe for retiring the cost bank based on

$50 at oil prices now way above that, that the cost bank will be retired faster, that is provided you don'taddnewprojectstoit,”Jagdeo toldreporters.

Headdedthatwhilethecurrent pricesarelowerthanwhattheymay have been about a month ago, it remainsabovethemodelprice.

In October 2023, when Brent crude prices averaged US$91, Jagdeo told reporters that by not ring-fencing the projects, governmentwas'givingupasmall

Table showing Brent Crude oil prices between 2019 and 2025 (Source: Statista)

boneforbiggerbonesinthefuture'.

The Vice President explained,

“Weadmittedthatweareforegoing revenue now in exchange for massivefutureincome,becauseits going into new projects that will increase production and so even with the same share of the 50/50 plusthetwopercentroyaltythatthe future income, because of the bigger scale will be massive in Guyana's case and we are deliberately foregoing that in this period for that purpose and then

trying to grab this bone now could causeyoutoloseallthebones,the biggerbonestoointhefuture.” With oil prices now lower and expected to further decline, Guyana's share of profits in the future will also reduce since the countrywouldbereceivinglessfor the sale of its oil. Government has made it clear that it will not be implementingthisprovision,while themajorpoliticalOppositionparty remains undecided about this mechanism.

Police Prosecutor makes history in Guyana with Calypso Monarch title From courtroom to stage: …Credits production team for success

Police prosecutor, Sergeant Quincy Lacon is crediting his team at Joey2Kool production for helping him create history in Guyana by becoming the first policeman to win the coveted Calypso Monarch competition.

Lacon,alsoknownbyhisstage name, 'Ego', dethroned seasoned competitor OKC, last month, to etch his name in the history books and win his first ever calypso title with his song “Trade Guyana”, written by Joel Brown and Gospel Singer,FaithCorrica.

“Iamproudasapolicesergeant tobethefirstCalypsoMonarchfor the Force,” Lacon said, while noting that his involvement in the competition and music, forms part oftheGuyanaPoliceForce's(GPF) 2022-2026strategicplan.

“…Whichispartnership,which is bridging the gap in terms of contemporary policing,” the 2025

Calypsokingexplained.

He added, “Why I am saying that is because my Calypso presentations have always managed to gravitate to the public andIalwaysspeaktothemthrough thelyrics.”

Laconhasalwaysbeenapartof the Force's entertainment set-up, dating back to when he was a constable.Hebranchedoutintothe Calypso competition and has been consistent, finishing amongst the topfoureachyear

This year, however, he crossed that hurdle to become the number one calypsonian in the country, making the Police Force and his familyproud.

LaconcreditshissuccesstoJoel Brown and his production team at Joey2Kool Production. He began workingwiththemusiccompanyin thelatterpartof2024.

“WorkingwithJoey2Koolfrom then to now has turned my entire

Police prosecutor, Sergeant Lacon proudly wears his police uniform

career around,” he told Kaieteur Newsasherecountedbalancinghis job in the courtroom with rigorous rehearsals and wardrobe changes forthecompetition.

“Ihadateamthatpushedmeto winthiscompetition,”hesaid.

The Calypso, “Trade Guyana”, wasinspiredbyanissuethatcould have seen Lacon not taking part in this year's competition. It was reportedly written and produced under a tight schedule to meet the deadlineforsubmissionandended up being the production that not

Quincy Lacon better know as “Ego”

Quincy Lacon, “Ego” performing “Trade Guyana” at the recently Calypso Monarch Competition

only went viral in the country but elevated the policeman and his team to Calypso supremacy in 2025.

Apart from his team's support, Lacon also worked hard and recalled being motivated to push himselfforthetopspot,followinga meetinglastyearwiththeMinister of Culture Youth and Sport and a Guyaneseartiste.

The Minister had reportedly advisedthatallartistesreturntothe drawingboard.

Lacon said he did just that and

even analyzed his competitors and brainstormedcreativeideas. Theefforthemadehadpaidoff and his production team helped create a different style of Calypso that captivated Guyanese both youngandold.

His success has motivated him tobringsomelifebacktocalypso,a genrehebelievesisslowlydying.

In next Sunday's edition of Kaieteur News, Lacon will share how he balances the courtroom with the stage to be a voice of the people.Staytunedforparttwo.

From humble beginnings…

Guyana'sHowardUniversityscholarshipawardee takestogreaterheightstofurtherstudiesinChina

Miss Noel at EGI Conference in Barbados withABEDS Brand Strategy Director, NikitaAbed

Moriah being a part of

Geetanjalie Sukhdeo

Meet the delightful Geetanjalie Sukhdeo, a biology student at the University of Guyana, who has her eyes on pursuing a career in medicine. This week’s beauty has a strong interest in voluntary work and is passionate about dance as a member of the Berbice Delights Dance Group. Geetanjali is also a Miss India Guyana 2023 finalist. Her favourite quote “To lose patience is to lose the battle” by Mahatma Gandhi serves as a reminder that perseverance and self-control is a key to achieving success.

Technology Frontier

WhyGuyana'sFutureDependson STEM Education and Innovation

By Karen Abrams, MBA, AA, Doctoral Candidate

As an education technology researcher, I see Guyanastandingatapivotal moment in our history The discoveryofvastoilreserves haspropelledournationinto an era of staggering economicgrowth,withGDP soaring by 43.6% in 2024

(Singh, Ashni Dr. presentation national budget, 2025) fueled largely byoilrevenues.Yet,beneath this windfall lies a sobering

reality, oil, while transformative, is finite. To secure long-term prosperity, wemustlookbeyondtherigs and pipelines and invest in our greatest renewable resource, our people I believethekeyliesinSTEM education and innovation, the bedrock upon which diversified, sustainable economiesarebuilt.History offers clear warnings. The “resource curse,” a term coined by economists, haunts nations that rely too

heavily on a single commodity Countries like Venezuela and Nigeria, despitetheiroilwealth,have grappled with economic instability, corruption, and underdevelopment.Withour newfound riches, I worry that we risk repeating these mistakes unless we channel our wealth into building a knowledge-based economy The stakes are high, but so aretheopportunities.

I look at nations like Singapore and the United

Arab Emirates, places that transformed themselves from resource-dependent economies into global innovation hubs by prioritizingSTEMeducation and technology-driven industries.Singapore'sfocus on research and engineering turned it into a leader in biotechnology and finance (World Bank, 2018), while theUAEnowinvestsheavily inAI and renewable energy, recognizing that oil alone cannot sustain progress (IRENA,RenewableEnergy Market Analysis: GCC, 2021). We, too, can follow suit, but only if we act decisively As someone deeplyengagedineducation technology, I see agriculture as a sector central to our identity yet ripe for modernization Today, farming remains largely traditional, but integrating precisionagricultureandAIdriven tools could revolutionize yields. Brazil, for instance, leveraged agritech to become a global agricultural powerhouse (FAO, Innovation in Agriculture: Case Studies from Brazil, 2023). Imagine our rice fields monitored by drones or our farmers using soilsensorstooptimizecrop health These innovations demand a workforce skilled in STEM, capable of merging tradition with technology Similarly, renewable energy presents a dual opportunity As the world shifts towards green

economies, I see our abundant

hydropower positioning Guyana as a Caribbean leaderincleanenergy More solar farms across the country or wind turbines a

achievable goals, but only w

technicianstrainedinSTEM fields (IRENA Renewable

E

Guyana, 2022). Meanwhile, the global digital economy, projected to contribute 25% of global GDP by 2030 (McKinsey, 2023), offers another frontier Rwanda's success in coding education and digital infrastructure proves that even small nations can compete on the tech stage (UNCTAD, Digital Economy Report, 2021). I believe our path forward requires coding bootcamps, AI labs, and partnershipswithtechgiants to nurture homegrown

transformation remains shaky Only 15% of our secondary students pursue advanced STEM subjects (Guyana Ministry of

Education, Annual Statistical Digest, 2023), a gap that threatens our ambitions. I see the solution starting early, introducing robotics, AI and coding in primary schools, as studies show early exposure fuels lifelong interest (UNESCO, Cracking the Code: Girls'

Education in STEM, 2022).

I t a l s o d e m a n d s collaboration; universities partnering with industries to design curricula that align with market needs and scholarships ensuring bright minds don't leave for opportunities abroad. Policy plays a critical role in this transformation. Expanding access to quality STEM education, particularly for girls and rural communities, mustbeapriority.Technical and vocational training p

og

ams should be strengthened to equip youth with practical skills, from repairing solar panels to programmingAIalgorithms. I envision innovation hubs,

modeledonSingapore'stech p a r k s , s p a r k i n g entrepreneurship, while public-private partnerships fast-track research into sectors like biofuels or cybersecurity

The oil boom has given us a rare chance to rewrite

our future. But wealth, if squandered on short-term gains, will evaporate like gasoline. The true legacy of this moment lies not in barrels extracted, but in minds empowered By investing in STEM education today, we can buildaneconomyresilientto oil's volatility, one where farmers, engineers, and tech en

progress.

As an education technology researcher, I believe the choice is clear: cling to the fleeting promise ofoilorplanttheseedsfora ha

vest tha

stains generations. The time to act isnow

WEEK-IN-REVIEW

Sunday

GRAdemandsover $900Minunpaidtaxes fromAzruddinMohamed forfourluxuryvehicles …saysfailuretopayup willresultinseizure

The Guyana Revenue Authority (GRA) has issued

tax demands totaling $900,801,201 to Azruddin Mohamed, following an investigation into the

declared values and compliance status of several high-end vehiclesheowns.

The Revenue Authority in letters to Mohamed indicated that it found discrepancies in declared values and breaches of tax exemption conditions that prompted the authority to seekadditionalpayments.

In separate letters dated March 4, 2025, GRA's Law

E n f o r c e m e n t a n d Investigation Division outlined the findings and financial obligations for the owners of a 2021 Toyota

Land Cruiser, a 2020 LamborghiniRoadster,anda 2020Ferrari488.

According to GRA, the declared values of two ToyotaLandCruisers—PAB 3000 and PAB 4000—were foundtobeinconsistentwith s i m i l a r v e h i c l e s Consequently, the values were adjusted, and the owners were notified that each vehicle now carries an additional tax liability of $24,641,272.

“The findings of the investigation revealed that the declared value is inconsistent with values of similar vehicles with the same specifications,” GRA stated in one of the letters. “As such, there are reasons to doubt the truth and accuracyofthedeclaration,” oneofthelettersstated.

In another case, a 2020 Lamborghini Roadster with registration PZZ 4000 was also found to have an undervalued declaration GRA has now adjusted its value and imposed additional taxes amounting to$371,775,168.

Additionally, GRA said

that it launched an investigation into a taxexempt Ferrari 488 owned by a re-migrant The authority found that the owner failed to meet the required residency period, did not present the vehicle forperiodicchecks,andwas notusingitasintendedunder the terms of the exemption.

As a result, the GRA is

demandingtherepaymentof $479,743,489 in foregone taxes.

“As a result, you are required to show cause why the Revenue Authority should not demand the foregone Customs Duty and Taxes,” one of the letters stated.

GRA has given all affected parties 14 days to either pay the outstanding t a x e s o r s u b m i t documentation proving the a c c u r a c y o f t h e i r declarations Failure to comply may lead to enforcement actions, includingvehicleseizures.

“In the event you fail to providesuchjustificationsor effect payment of the applicable taxes within the stipulated timeframe, the RevenueAuthoritymaytake alternative actions pursuant to the laws administered,” theAuthoritywarned.

Govt.goingafterthe MohamedsoverUSmillionsbutnotUSbillionsfromExxonin taxes–GlennLall

While the Governments of Guyana and the United States of America (USA) have been silent on the massivetaxesnotbeingpaid here by U S oil giant, ExxonMobil, the respective governments have slapped a local family with sanctions for allegedly evading the payment of about US$50 million in taxes to the local treasury

This has resulted in the government cutting off all business with the family, effectivelyshuttingdownits operations in the gold, petroleumandquarryfields.

Highlighting what he believesisagreatinjusticeto the Mohameds' family was PublisherofKaieteurNews, GlennLallduringhisFriday

evening Radio programme, airedon99.1/99.5FM.

Lallwhohasbeenabold voiceagainstcorruptionand an advocate for a fair oil contract with ExxonMobil usedhisplatformtosharehis concerns regarding the unfoldingevents.

Hewasclearthathewas not interested in defending the Mohameds' but in fact believes that if the family brokethelaw,thenitshould be subject to the legal system The newspaper Publisher however pointed out that to date, government has not received a shred of evidence to support the allegationsoftaxevasionby

thefamily

To this end, he warned listeners that the fate of the Mohameds' can befall any Guyanese in the future. In presenting his case, Lall reasoned, “A Guyanese family, accused with no evidence, not convicted of defraudingtaxesintheirown country, is now being cast aside, blacklisted, and financially crippled, by a foreigncountryandwhileall this is happening, ExxonMobil and other foreign partners walked out of Guyana with over US$10 billion in unpaid taxes to Guyana more than twice

of our leaders still believe this is about justice? Wake up people, wake up Guyana.”

While the Mohameds' havebeenbarredfromdoing business with U S companies, Lall noted that government has also turned its back on the family over theallegedtaxevasion.

who climbing towards that stage,willbechoppeddown. ThewholeofGuyanaknows that.”

thetotaldebtGuyanasitting withattheendoflastyear.”

The businessman

pointedoutthattheU.S.has not said a word against this, as he questioned the double standards that victimize Guyanese Lall instead observed that the American company is instead praised fornotmakingtaxpayments inGuyana.

Tothisend,hesaid,“The world cannot be that unjust, that distorted, that up-sided down Where is the U S sanction for that? Where is the outrage for the billions ExxonMobil extracts while Guyana borrows to prop up its budget, to survive year

after year? How do you explain this meh brothers andsisters?”

Lall, known for his analogies, told listeners of the programme that the situation is equivalent to a man who is accused of takingapintofmilkfromhis own cow being sanctioned, while a stranger who is taking the whole bucket of milk and the cow gets protection, special treatment, and free reign to doastheyplease.

He argued, “One set of rules for the foreign exploiters,anothersetforthe Guyanesepeople.Andsome

He said, “tell me, which law in Guyana gives the govt more so (Vice President Bharrat) Jagdeo, the authority to blacklist a privatebusinesswithoutdue process? The man and his family are entitled to a fair hearing,thatiswhatiscalled due process Look at the double standards in this country!”

Lall contended that drug lords still operate their businessesfreelyinGuyana; convicted criminals of some of the most heinous crimes arestillfreetooperate,along with corrupt officials who continue to loot the nation's wealth through shady deals andinflatedcontracts.

M o r e o v e r , t h e newspaperPublisherpointed outthatforeigncorporations are stripping Guyana's wealth, walking away with billions of US-dollars without paying a single cent in tax and still allowed to operatefreely

Politicallymotivated

The advocate believes that the actions taken by government against the Mohameds'aredeliberate.

He explained, “The young(Azruddin)Mohamed has been making waves throughout the country with hischaritablework,andthat iscausingfearinthepolitical arena. The government is seeing the love, the support, the admiration that Guyanese from all walks of lifearethrowingbehindthis young man for simply lending a helping hand whereitismostneeded,and the love of the people, the responseofGuyanesetothis young man is causing great fearinthepoliticalspectrum, moresothegovernment.”

Lall told listeners of his radio programme that his experience has thought him that too much popularity, influence and respect can threaten the “sweet life in office”forpoliticians,hence hebelievestheywouldleave nostoneunturnedto“crush” suchaperson.

Consequently, the newspaperPublishermadeit clear,“Thisisn'tabouttaxes. Thisisn'taboutjustice. This is about power and anyone

Hecontinued,“Theysee thesupport;theyseethelove he is receiving from the citizens and they see his influence growing and, in theirminds,ifheeverthrows hishatintothepoliticalring, both of them, the PPP and PNCareintrouble. So,what do they do? They move to crush him before he even getsthere.”

Lallwaskeentonotethat all State resources are being deployed against the family, witheffortsevenbeingmade to smear the young man's name through rape allegations,amongothers.

OnThursday,VPJagdeo during his press conference told reporters that anyone who does business with the Mohameds' can be sanctionedbytheU.S. Jagdeo said, “It's a gross misrepresentation to claim, ashe(NazarMohamed)did, that it's only American companies that could face sanctions if they associate with the Mohamed's ” According to him, this is clearly outlined in the statementissuedbytheU.S. Jagdeo quoted a section of the statement which outlines, “In addition, financial institutions and other persons that engage in certain transactions or activitieswiththesanctioned entities and individuals may expose themselves to sanctionsorbesubjecttoan enforcement action the prohibitions include the making of any contribution or provision of funds, goods or services by, to or for the benefit of any designated person.”

Weighing in Jagdeo's comments, Lall pointed to the duplicity of government choosing not to conduct b u s i n e s s w i t h t h e Mohameds' over an allegation but allowing ExxonMobil to continue to lootthecountryofbillionsin taxes.

Theoildealsignedbythe government of Guyana in 2016 waives the payment of corporate taxes by the company Be that as it may, ExxonMobil Guyana is required to pay taxes on its profits earned here to the government of Bahamas, where the company is registered.

K a i e t e u r N e w s previously reported that Guyana has so far given up (Continuedonpage21)

Azruddin Mohamed (GRAdemands over $900M)

Vice President, Bharrat Jagdeo

K/News Publisher, Glenn Lal

From page 20

over US$10B in taxes since it began producing oil in December2019.

Monday

'Outrageover deathoffirefighter' -familyblamespiss-poor serviceatGPHC,calls forindependentprobe

A27-year-oldmemberof the Guyana Fire Service (GFS), succumbed to injuries sustained while battling the recent fire at M a e ' s S c h o o l s i n

Subryanville on March 5, 2025 and his family is blaming the poor healthcare at the country's premier hospital,whilecallingforan independent investigation intothematter

Fireman 1871 Voshaun Manbodh, a resident of Melanie Damishana, East Coast Demerara, died on Saturday at the Georgetown Public Hospital Corporation (GPHC) around 23:18 hrs. Manbodh served in the service from February 2023 and proved himself to be a dedicated and courageous firefighter He was on duty last Wednesday when a fire broke out at the school at approximately 7:45 hrs While battling the blaze, portions of the building's roof and wall collapsed on him,resultinginsevereneck injuries that impaired his motor functions. He was rushed to the hospital for treatment.

However, his family has expressed grave concerns anddissatisfactionregarding the medical care Manbodh received after being admitted to the hospital They claim that improper treatment and a series of failures at GPHC led to his health deteriorating and ultimately, his death. In a statement issued on Sunday, the grieving family demanded an immediate investigationandforpersons tobeheldaccountableforthe alleged lapses in care. The family detailed several incidents that occurred during Manbodh's hospitalisation. The family explained that on March 6, an MRI was conducted on Manbodh, showing no signs of abnormalities and he was observed to be in a stable position However, the family stated that his condition progressively worsened in the following days due to “delayed medical interventions, inadequate monitoring, and

Fireman Voshaun Manbodh who tragically died following the Mae’s School inferno

critical lapses in care.” The family also noted that despite the severity of his injuries, Manbodh was placed in the general Male SurgicalWard,wherehedid not receive specialised neurologicalcare.

“Despite requiring urgent neurological evaluation, his MRI scan was painstakingly delayed, initially scheduled for 1:30 PM at St. Joseph Mercy Hospital but postponed due to poor preparation by hospital staff. When they finallyattemptedtotakehim forthescanafter2PM,there was a last-minute failure to properlysedatehim,leading to further delays and distress, ” the family explainedintheirstatement. Another troubling claim fromthefamilyinvolvedthe hospital's mishandling of Manbodh's physical restraints. They emphasised that the hospital staff attempted to restrain Manbodh using, “only two pieces of strings tied to his hands,” and loosely tied his legs, despite his unstable condition Manbodh was described to be in distressed throughouttheprocess.

Additionally, the statement revealed that Manbodh's mother was informed by another patient that he had fallen from his hospitalbed.However,when she arrived at the hospital, she was not informed of the incident by medical staff. “Shockingly, when she arrived at the hospital, staff downplayedtheincident;not mentioning anything to her at all and instead stated that h e w a s b e h a v i n g aggressively, leading to haphazard attempts at restraining him using only two pieces of string,” the

actioncanbetaken.

Meanwhile, in a formal statement the GPHC extended its deepest condolences to the family, colleagues,andthenationon the passing of “the heroic firefighter who sustained injuries in the line of duty and was receiving medical care at our institution.” “We honour the immense sacrifices made by our nation's servicemen and women and stand in solidarity with those mourning this tragic loss,” thestatementread.

conducted to determine the cause of Manbodh's death and the injuries resulting from the incident He acknowledged Manbodh's bravery stating, “Fireman Manbodh proved himself to be a dedicated and courageous firefighter At just 27 years old, he risked his life to protect others, a testament to his unwavering commitment to public service.Hispassingisagreat loss to the Guyana Fire Service.”

say whether the 46 discoveries made in the Stabroek Block superseded hisexpectations.

family stated. Despite the family'srepeatedattemptsto ensure proper care for Manbodh, his condition continued to worsen, and he

concerns about his lack of proper restraint, hydration, and medical oversight, yet her concerns were either ignored or inadequately addressed, “the statement added,“Theseseriouslapses in basic medical care contributed significantly to his worsening condition and ultimate deterioration and death After hours of suffering and repeated delays,Mr Manbodhpassed away, and his mother was only informed at 11:18 PM that night. His untimely and preventable death, raise grave concerns about the standard of medical care, hospital protocols, and emergency response procedures for injured servicemembers.”

Independentprobe

Contacted by Kaieteur News for a comment on the claims by the family, Chief ExecutiveOfficerofGPHC, Robbie Rambarran, confirmed that an investigation had begun First of all, an investigation hasstarted.Thefamilymade some claims we have to reviewwhethertheirclaimis factual or not. We have put together a group of independent doctors outside of Georgetown hospital to review their claims and that i n v e s t i g a t i o n h a s commenced After the investigation and the findingsarecompleted,then necessary actions can be taken. If anyone is culpable or what, or if it's not people culpable, it's just whatever

According to the GPHC, at this time, “we will not s p e c u l a t e o n t h e circumstances surrounding his passing. However, we assurethepublicthatGPHC remains steadfast in its commitment to the highest standards of medical care. Our institution has a strong track record of successfully treating and discharging servicemen and women injured while carrying out theirduties.”

Thehospitalstatedthatin response to concerns surrounding this case, it has launched an immediate investigation, led by a panel chaired by a senior clinician from outside the institution. “This panel comprises both externalandinternalmedical specialists to ensure a thorough and objective review. We remain committed to transparency

Minister Benn also expressed the ministry's full support for Manbodh's family, vowing to stand in solidarity with his loved ones and colleagues Acknowledgment was also given to the two other firefighters who were injured during the fire. SubOfficer, Ian Burnette, SubOfficer Dwayne Waldron, and Fireman Jouner Morrison were successfully treated and subsequently discharged.

'Remarkablesuccessof Guyana'sStabroek Blocknosurprise toExxonMobil'-Senior VicePresidentsays

WhileExxonMobiloften touts the risk it took in exploringGuyana'sStabroek Block as an excuse to avoid renegotiating the lopsided termsofthe2016oildeal,the company's Senior Vice

and will provide updates as theinvestigationprogresses. Once again, we extend our heartfelt sympathies to the family of the fallen firefighter and to the wider community affected by this loss, ” the statement concluded.

Manbodh'sbravery

Additionally,Ministerof HomeAffairsRobesonBenn in statement, assured that an investigation will be

With decades of experience,heexplainedthat while the discoveries made locally have been nothing short of “remarkable” they simply came as no surprise. “It's been a journey and maybe to answer your question directly, did it exceed my expectation, no. Notatall.Itdidn'tbecauseI knew that the company, my company, ExxonMobil, we're gonna do what we say we're gonna do, and we're gonna bring our very best,” Farrisboasted.

He continued, “So you just, you think about where we've come from, I mean Guyana always thought that there was oil and gas, we always knew we had some hypotheses at the area, we studieditforalongtimeand thisisourshottogomakeit happen.”

Farrisnotedthatsincehis last visit to the Guyana Energy Conference in 2019, thecompanyhasmanagedto develop three world class projects, now producing over650,000barrelsdaily It also has three in the development stages, already sanctioned by the government.

Accordingtohim,thisis “completely unheard of in ourindustryandinthedeepwater space so this whole expectation, I knew we wouldbringourbest,Iknew wedowhatwesaidwewere gonna do and then I've been verypleasedbytheoutcome a n d h o w q u i c k l y, responsibly, safely we've been able to not only find frontierresourcebutdevelop it at really industry leading pace that then brings significant value to the people of Guyana and that's whatourjobis.”

He described Guyana as an “oil super power” given the more than 11 billion

President for Deep Water, J. HunterFarrisrecentlyletthe proverbial 'cat out of the bag'.

The remarkable success of the block came as no surprise the company said, since it conducted its due diligence for an extended period. Farris in a recent interview with Chief Executive Officer of the Guyana Energy Conference, KianaWilburg was asked to

consortium over the past 10 years ExxonMobil first announced the discovery of oil in the Stabroek Block in May2015.

This later led to a string of other successful discoveries in the oil rich block. At the time the now heavily criticised 2016 Production Sharing Agreement (PSA) was signed, the company only marked three discoveries, amounting to about 1 1 (Continuedonpage22)

ExxonMobil Senior Vice President, Deep Water, J. Hunter Farris

From page 21

billionbarrelsofresources.

Exxon previously claimed there was risk involved in exploring the location since the country hadnoprovenreservesatthe time.Thecompanytherefore justified the terms of the contract for incentivising its investments. Even with the significant increase in the resourcesdiscoveredtodate, nowpeggedat11.6Bbarrels, government has refused to utilise the mechanism outlined in the contract, to seek a renegotiation of the lopsidedterms.

Experts previously argued that the substantial changes in the Stabroek Block justify Guyana's calls for a renegotiation. It was reportedthatformerHeadof the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA), Dr Vincent Adams said, “I have spent 30 years at the highest level of the US governmentandInegotiated (and) I evaluated contracts. Thatwaspartofmylifeand asamatteroffact,thatwasa mainpartofmylife,andI'm talking about the Exxons of the world. I have seen many contracts you can think about and changes are expected and the one thing that you always have a justification for changing a contract is when there is a majorchange.”

He went on to point out, “Asamatteroffact,inevery governmentcontractwehad, we had what was called a change control board. Every changethatcomesin,itgoes to the board and then we figure out what to do with it intermsofthecontractsoall this stuff about sanctity is…allnonsense.”

Tuesday

'Y'allain'tgetting noland’

-PPPactivisttellsLima Sandsresidentsaftertheir meetingwithMohamed

E l s i e S c h a d d e , Community Representative of the ruling People's Progressive Party in Lima Sands, Essequibo Coast, on Sunday threatened to deny residents house lots after they met with businessman, AzruddinMohamedduringa visittothatcommunity

ResidentsofLimaSands clashed with Schadde and PPP MP, Juliet Coonjah when they tried to prevent a meeting between the residentsandMohamed.Ina statement on its Facebook page, Team Mohameds said

newsofMr Mohamed'svisit toLimaSandsledtoastandoff between residents and Coonjah “The incident, which was caught on camera, highlighted the inappropriate behaviour of the PPP representatives, particularly the MP, who is electedtoservethepeopleof theregionand,byextension, the entire Guyanese population.”

Team Mohamed said the residents stood firm, eventually forcing the politicalactiviststoleavethe area. Despite this incident, Mr Mohamed met with the residents,whowereeagerto discuss the issues affecting them. Mohamed said his

visittothecommunitywasin response to a request from the residents and it was not the first time that agents of the PPP attempted to block him from entering a community or a public facility

Duringthestand-offwith the residents, Schadde was heard telling the residents: “All ah y'all apply for land. Y'alllazy,y'alllazy,y'allare a set a lazy people. Y'all cometomeforland,cometo me for land Y'all ain't getting no land.” For her part,Coonjah,writingunder a post by a PPP supporter, PryiaJagdeo,saidshehadan engagement in Lima Sands andwasnotawareMohamed

had a meeting. “So, while our party people was going, they blocked the road and I was late traveling from G/T (Georgetown) On my arrival, I saw my people cannot access the road and I wastoldthatourCDCChair wholivesinLimaSandswas heading towards our people andtheirthugsfromCharity circle her, so I immediately tried to get her,” Coonjah wrote “She, as a representative of Essequibo, had four questions for Mohamed:whyheiscoming to disturb the peace, having peoplefollowinghimandhe issanctioned;theAmericans are watching and we need support from our allies on

Nazar“Shell”Mohamedand his sonAzruddin Mohamed. Jagdeo had even made disparagingcommentsabout Azruddin. Nazar Mohamed had said that senior figures within

deliberately misrepresented the U.S- imposed sanctions to cripple his business. Last year, the U.S. Treasury's Office of Foreign Assets Control (OFAC) imposed sanctions on the father and son over allegations of tax evasion and on Permanent Secretary of the Ministry of Labour, Mae Thomas, for allegedly misusing her p o

government contracts to theMohameds.

Last Tuesday, Nazar Mohamedsaidthatmembers ofthePPPadministrationare

sanctionswhichhesayshave led to a systematic effort to affect their businesses. He added, “What I want to tell you, because I've seen, read andheardfrompeople,some veryseniorpeoplewithinthe politicalstructure,whohave b e e n d e l i b e r a t e l y misrepresenting what the sanctionisabout,ostracizing us ” Mohamed had highlighted his long-time support for the PPP but stressed that there is now a lotofhostilityfromtheparty towards his family The businessman had detailed the mounting challenges faced by his companies, particularly the refusal to renew his cabotage permission and issues with his mining licence. Jagdeo refuted Shell Mohamed's claim that, in light of the sanctions, only U S companies will face sanctions if they continue to workwiththeMohameds.

this Essequibo territorial issue; if he is in favour of Venezuela taking over and he cannot run for the presidency,” Coonjah continued.

The PPP/C and its activists have ratcheted up their attacks on

he Mohameds since the senior Mohamed, Nazar Mohamed spokeoutlastweekaboutthe administration'streatmentof their businesses Vice President Bharrat Jagdeo wasthefirsttorespondtosay thatthegovernmentwillnot risk the future of the citizenry and face potential consequencesbyassociating with U S- sanctioned Guyanese businessmen

Taxdemands

The Guyana Revenue Authority (GRA) has since issued tax demands totaling $900,801,201 to Azruddin Mohamed, following what the entity said was an investigation into the declared values and compliance status of several high-endvehicles.TheGRA in letters to Mohamed indicated that it found discrepancies in declared values and breaches of tax exemption conditions that prompted the authority to seekadditionalpayments.In separate letters dated March 4, 2025, GRA's Law E n f o r c e m e n t a n d

(Continuedonpage36)

Businessman,Azruddin Mohamed meeting with residents of Lima Sands

Lima Sands residents during their meeting with Businessman,Azaruddin Mohamed

Some facts about Poliomyelitis

Polio (poliomyelitis) mainly affects children under5yearsofage.

One in 200 infections leads to irreversible paralysis Among those paralysed, 5–10% die when their breathing muscles becomeimmobilized.

Cases due to wild poliovirushavedecreasedby over 99% since 1988, from an estimated 350 000 cases in more than 125 endemic countries, to just two endemic countries.As long as a single child remains infected, children in all countries are at risk of contractingpolio.

Failuretoeradicatepolio from these last remaining strongholdscouldresultina global resurgence of the disease.In most countries, the global effort has expanded capacities to tackle other infectious diseases by building effective surveillance and immunizationsystems.

In 1988, the World Health Assembly adopted a resolutionfortheworldwide eradication of polio, marking the launch of the Global Polio Eradication

Initiative (GPEI), spearheaded by national governments, WHO, Rotary International, the US Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) and UNICEF,andlaterjoinedby the Bill & Melinda Gates Foundation and Gavi, the VaccineAlliance.

Sincethen,theincidence ofpolioworldwidehasbeen reduced by 99%, and the world stands on the threshold of eradicating a human disease globally for only the second time in history, after smallpox in 1980.

Symptomsandrisk

Polio is a highly infectious disease caused by

a virus It invades the nervous system and can cause total paralysis in a matterofhours.

The virus is transmitted by person-to-person spread mainly through the faecaloralrouteor,lessfrequently, by a common vehicle (for example, contaminated waterorfood)andmultiplies in the intestine Initial symptomsarefever,fatigue, headache, vomiting, stiffnessoftheneckandpain in the limbs. One in 200 infections leads to irreversible paralysis (usuallyinthelegs).

Polio mainly affects children under 5 years of age.However,anyoneofany agewhoisunvaccinatedcan contractthedisease.

There is no cure for polio, it can only be prevented.

Polio vaccine, given multipletimes,canprotecta childforlife.

There are two vaccines available: oral polio vaccine and inactivated polio vaccine.

Both are effective and safe, and both are used in different combinations worldwide, depending on local epidemiological and p r o g r a m m a t i c circumstances, to ensure the best possible protection to populationscanbeprovided.

Eradication

The strategies for polio eradication work when they are fully implemented. This is clearly demonstrated by thesuccessfuleradicationof thediseaseinmostcountries oftheworld.

The Polio Eradication Strategy lays out the roadmap to securing a lasting and sustained world, free of all polioviruses, and transition and polio postcertification efforts are ongoing to assure that the

infrastructure built up to eradicatepoliowillcontinue to benefit broader public health efforts, long after the diseaseisgone.

Key to success is ensuringtheStrategyisfully implementedinallareasand isfullyresourced.Failureto implement strategic approaches, however, leads to ongoing transmission of thevirus.

Endemictransmissionof wildpoliovirusiscontinuing in areas of Afghanistan and Pakistan.

Failure to stop polio in these last remaining areas could result in global resurgence of the disease. That is why it is critical to ensure polio is eradicated completely,onceandforall.

Oncepolioiseradicated, the world can celebrate the delivery of a major global publicgoodthatwillbenefit allpeopleequally,nomatter wheretheylive.

Economicmodellinghas foundthattheeradicationof polio would save at least US$40–50billion,mostlyin low-income countries. Most importantly, success will mean that no child will ever again suffer the terrible effects of lifelong polioparalysis.

The global effort to eradicate polio has been declared a Public Health Initiative of International C

Regulations, and temporary recommendations by an Emergency Committee under the International Health Regulations have been issued to countries affect by poliovirus transmission or are at high risk of re-emergence of the disease.

The polio effort continuestosupportbroader public health efforts,

includinghelpingrespondto natural disasters, humanitarian emergencies, droughts, earthquakes, outbreaksofotherinfectious diseases and supporting disease surveillance for broader public health initiatives.

WHOResponse WHO, together with its GPEI partners, continues to support countries which remain affected by poliovirusorareathighrisk of polio re-emergence in implementing eradication strategies, focusing in the

immunization and disease surveillance.

Since the GPEI was launched, the number of caseshasfallenbyover99%.

In 1994, the WHO Region of theAmericas was certified polio-free, followed by the WHO Western Pacific Region in 2000 and the WHO European Region in June 2002.

On 27 March 2014, the WHO South-East Asia Region was certified poliofree,

interruptedinthisblocof11 countries stretching from Indonesia to India. In 2020, Africa became the fifth region to be certified wild poliovirus-free.

More than 20 million peopleareabletowalktoday who would otherwise have beenparalysed.

Anestimated1.5million childhood deaths have been prevented through the systematicadministrationof vitamin A during polio immunizationactivities.

German’s Restaurant acquires Tiger Bay property for commercial development

Ge r m a n ’ s

Restaurant has announced the acquisition of the property that formerly housed the well-known Foreman’s Electrical Shoe Shop in TigerBay

The site, located on Bentick Street, adjacent to Mattai’sSupermarket,spans from Water Street to Queen Street.

After remaining overgrown and unused for more than a decade, the propertywillbetransformed into a vibrant commercial

block designed to accommodate multiple businesses.

This development aligns with German’s Restaurant’s commitment to fostering economic growth and revitalization in the community Owner Clinton Urling

expressedhisenthusiasmfor the project, stating, “We are excited about the potential this property holds, not just for our business but for the widerTigerBaycommunity We hope this initiative contributes to the ongoing effortstorejuvenatethearea a n d c r e a t e n e w opportunities.”

German’s Restaurant looks forward to playing a role in the continued developmentofGeorgetown and will share further updates as the project progresses.

German’sRestaurantisa second-generation familyowned establishment specializing in authentic Guyanese cuisine With locations in Guyana and New York, US, German’s Restaurant has been serving delectable Guyanese dishes forover65years.

German’s Restaurant has acquired Tiger Bay property for commercial development

Time to boost your esteem with the platform ‘Confidence Becomes You’

Marchiswomen'shistory month;atimetocelebratethe achievements of women acrosstheglobeaswellasto reflect on some of the challenges faced by those of thefemininegender

To this end, Guyanese designer and entrepreneur Sonia Noel created the “ C O N F I D E N C E B E C O M E S Y O U " programmetohelpboostthe selfesteemofwomen. Noel believes while historically, w

significant societal and p

, confidence is essential for overcoming these obstacles, challenging stereotypes, and assertingourrightfulplace.

workplace biases, take risks, pursue new opportunities, and step outside their comfortzones,wheregrowth occurs.

She noted that the "

Guyanese Designer Ms. Sonia Noel (2 from right) is pictured with young women from United Business Fair.

Having experienced this

n

, M

Noel recognizestheadvantagesof confidence in achieving personal and professional

navigate and overcome

programmewascreatedover adecadeago,withtheonline version being launched duringCOVID-19.

AccordingtoNoel,when women are confident, they (Continuedonpage 32)

Jagdeo denies GRA's $900M tax claim against Mohameds is a conspiracy

Vice President Bharrat

businessman Nazar “Shell”

Mohamed that the Guyana Revenue Authority's (GRA) pursuit of over $900 million in taxes for high-end

vehicles owned by his son, Azruddin Mohamed, is a government-ledconspiracy

Duringaninterviewwith

News Source, Nazar Mohamed said that he believestheVicePresidentis behind GRA's demand for

taxes totaling $900,801,201 for the four vehicles

However, at his last press conference, Vice President Jagdeo said that it was AzruddinwhocaughtGRA's attention when he made a Facebook post about taxes he has contributed to Guyana.“So,hedidnoteven makethepostalone,theguy pu

p

s of h

s payment he posted his own tax business. It wasn't the PPP that released it…he brought this matter into the publicdomain,”Jagdeosaid.

He noted that it was Azruddin's Facebook post that led GRA to investigate theamountoftaxesthatwere paid for his vehicles before issuing a statement. “Now this is two days after he posted, how much taxes he paid…and then the GRA said hold on a minute,” Jagdeonoted.

“Heissayingitsrecently we decided to go after him, the PPP initiated the issue…he did (it) himself,” theVicePresidentdeclared.

Notably, during his response,Jagdeoalsohinted that an investigation will be done into a Ferrari that was reportedly brought into the country by a re-migrant, but nowappearstobeownedby AzruddinMohamed.

Jagdeo alleged that the Mohamedfamilybroughtin the Ferrari under a remigrant scheme “So, it doesn't belong to Azruddin MohamedbutinaFacebook post he speaks about…he postedthatthey(theFerrari) belongs to his fleet so clearly now that that has been done we have to check throughwhatarrangementit cameandseewhethertheremigrant breached the conditions to access the concessions and they will have an opportunity to presenttheircase…”Jagdeo said. Notably, persons after being awarded re-migrant status by the Minister of ForeignAffairs,benefitfrom preferential tax conditions when they import a vehicle andotherpersonalitems.

The Revenue Authority in letters to Mohamed indicated that it found discrepancies in declared values and breaches of tax exemption conditions that prompted the authority to seekadditionalpayments.

In separate letters dated March 4, 2025, GRA's Law (Continuedonpage32)

Vice President, Bharrat Jagdeo

From humble beginnings…

Guyana’s Howard University scholarship awardee scholarship takes greater heights to further studies in China

Moriah (sitting) being a part of an environmental community project in building

In Guyana, many individuals are filled with potential and ambitionbutfacechallenges to break free from their circumstances to achieve theirdreams.

Moriah Hamilton, a young woman from humble beginnings is a perfect example that no matter the smallestorimpoverishplace you come from or how difficult a situation may be, one’s ambition and willingness can lead them out of the trenches and accomplish more than they couldhaveimagined.

Four years ago, a then 19-year-old Hamilton from Sophia Georgetown, made

her community and family proud when she accepted to attend the Howard University in the United States to study Civil and Environmental Engineering as a major and computer scienceasherminor Now,atage23,Hamilton has reached even greater heights by becoming one of the 2025-2026 Schwarzman Scholars one of the world’s most selective graduate fellowship programmes.As part of this prestigious programme, she will attend a fully funded, one-year Master’s degree programmeinGlobalAffairs at Schwarzman College, Tsinghua University in

Beijing,China.

Hamilton is one of only 10 scholars chosen, and notably, the first Guyanese woman to be selected from n e a r l y 5 , 0 0 0 candidates the largest number of applicants in the programme’shistory

Throughout her time at Howard University, Hamilton had engaged herselfinmanyprogrammes inherfieldandtookonroles such as President of Howard’sEngineerswithout Borders Chapter and a Climate Change Youth AmbassadorforUNICEF

Speaking with The Waterfalls, Hamilton shared herexperienceofcollegelife at Howard. “It felt like a season of success in some way It’s quite public, but also quite motivational. It felt good for something to finally come to light, after just having so many aspirations,”shesaid.

Studyingataprestigious institution came with its challenges. The scholarship awardee admitted that her first two years at university were overwhelming, especially as she balanced multiple activities while attempting to fast-track her courses.

“Iwouldsaythefirsttwo years of the course, originally,Iwasfasttracking the courses within three years,soIhadlotsofcredits in between first and second year, and then I was just trying to do a lot of like school clubs and a bunch of otherstuff.”

She further shared how she was able to overcome these challenges by reminding herself of her goals and surrounding herself with like-minded individuals who shared her ambitions Hamilton said that she always strives to maintainhighgrades.

As Hamilton prepares to complete her studies at Howard University in May 2025,shesharedherjourney to becoming a Schwarzman Scholar Initiallydoubtfulof her chances, she almost didn’tapplybuthermentors and community encouraged hertotakethestep.

“I was watching the programmeforawhile,butI can remember, like, writing in my journal maybe two weeks before, and I was talking with my mentor the whole time. I was like, I know this is a lot to put together, because I started

my application late, and I don’t know I just wrote my journals like; I don’t know how to get this the applications done in 11 days.”

“But just felt in my

stomach, I felt like that programme was meant for me, or like curatedforme,it’svery entrepreneurial, and it’ global.Itisdevelopment

(Continuedonpage42)

Moriah Hamilton as President of Howard’s Engineering without Borders Chapter and a Climate ChangeYouthAmbassador for UNICEF

stairs for residents in Peru

Moriah Hamilton

Celine Dion warns fans to beware of fake, AI-generated songs appearing online

(CNN) — Celine Dion has issued a warning about AI-generated songs that are circulating on the internet.

“Ithascometoourattention that unsanctioned, AIgenerated music purporting to contain Celine Dion’s musical performances, and name and likeness, is currently circulating online and across various Digital Service Providers,” the Canadian star said Saturday in an Instagram post.

“Pleasebeadvisedthatthese recordings are fake and not approved, and are not songs f r o m h e r o ff i c i a l discography.”

Although Dion does not name any particular recordings,theuseofAIis an increasing source of

debate in the music industry

In April 2024, more than 200 artists, including Billie Eilish, Kacey Musgraves, J Balvin, Ja Rule, Jon Bon Jovi, the Jonas Brothers, Katy Perry and Miranda Lambert, signed an open letter speaking out against artificial intelligencerelated threats in the musicindustry.

The letter, which was organised by the non-profit ArtistRightsAlliance,called on AI developers, technology companies, platforms and digital music services to “cease the use of artificial intelligence to infringe upon and devalue therightsofhumanartists.”

Jagdeo denies GRA’s $900M tax...

Frompage30

E n f o r c e m e n t a n d Investigation Division outlined the findings and financial obligations for the owners of a 2021 Toyota Land Cruiser, a 2020 Lamborghini Roadster, and a2020Ferrari488.

According to GRA, the declared values of two T o y o t a L a n d Cruisers PAB 3000 and PAB 4000—were found to be inconsistent with similar vehicles. Consequently, the values were adjusted, and theownerswerenotifiedthat each vehicle now carries an additional tax liability of $24,641,272.

In another case, a 2020 Lamborghini Roadster with registration PZZ 4000 was also found to have an undervalued declaration GRA has now adjusted its value and imposed additional taxes amounting to$371,775,168.

Additionally, GRA said that it launched an investigation into a taxexempt Ferrari 488 owned by a re-migrant The authority found that the owner failed to meet the required residency period, did not present the vehicle forperiodicchecks,andwas not using it as intended under the terms of the exemption. As a result, the GRA is demanding the repayment of $479,743,489 inforegonetaxes.

“As a result, you are required to show cause why the Revenue Authority should not demand the foregone Customs Duty and Taxes,” one of the letters stated. GRA has given all affected parties 14 days to

It highlights AI threats including deepfakes and voice cloning, as well as “irresponsibleusesofAI,” such as using AI sound to diminishroyaltypayments to artists and the use of musical works by AI

developers without permission to train and produceAIcopycats

Dion, 56, recently returned to the limelight afterbeingforcedtotakea break due to Stiff Person Syndrome (SPS), a rare neurological condition that is characterized by m

New music on the way as Javo Donn set to blaze the stage at Igloo on Saturday

(Jamaica Observer)With trending songs like Cheat Code, Levels to This, Celebration and last year’s chart-toppinghitWuffWuff, dancehall artiste Javo Donn is ready to excite patrons at this Saturday’s staging of IglooinNegril.

The event unfolds at WavzBeachandwillfeature the musical juggling of Coppershot, DJ Ashile, Platinum Xclusive and DJ MarkoDean.

Javo Donn

either pay the outstanding

documentation proving the accu

declarations. Failure to

, including vehicle seizures.

“In the event you fail to provide such justifications or effect payment of the applicable taxes within the stipulated timeframe, the RevenueAuthoritymaytake alternative actions pursuant to the laws administered,” theAuthoritywarned.

The Mohameds have already signalled their intentiontotakelegalaction againstGRA’sdemand.

Last year, the U S Treasury’sOfficeofForeign Assets Control (OFAC) imposed sanctions on Guyanese businessmen

Azruddin and Nazar Mohamed over allegations of tax evasion and on Permanent Secretary of the Ministry of Labour, Mae Thomas, for allegedly misusing her position to offer benefits such as government contracts to theMohameds.

Since being sanctioned in June 2024, Nazar Mohamed recently started speakingout.Hehasalleged that since then, senior figures within the People’s Progressive Party g o v e r n m e n t h a v e deliberately misrepresented the imposed U.S. sanctions which he says has led to a systematic effort to affect their businesses. Further, the senior Mohamed has attributed the hostility from thepartytowardshisfamily, to his son’s political ambitions.

spasms, and heightened sensitivity to stimuli such as sound, lights and emotional distress, which that can cause muscle spasms, according to the National Institute of Neurological Disorders andStroke

She revealed her diagnosis in December 2022, and said she was spending five days a week on “athletic, physical and vocaltherapy”Dionmadea triumphant return to the stage at the Paris Olympics in July 2024, singing the EdithPiafclassic“Hymneà l’Amour” perched atop a platform on the Eiffel Tower during the opening ceremony

Speaking with Observer Onlineearlierthisweek,the elusive Javo Donn who is from Manchester, said patrons can expect a highenergyperformanceatIgloo.

“Thefanscanexpectjust vibrant energy while connectingwithmyfansand having a great time,” said JavoDonn.Thedeejay,who rarelydoesinterviewsisstill reeling from the success of last summer’s block buster hit Wuff Wuff, a joint

c Record

, Antuwang Music, Dan Sky Records, 6ix Real Records andHugoBoss.

He said new music, includingabodyofwork,is on the way “It’s safe to say that I may release an album or an EP I’m putting in the workbutforthetimebeing,I

have some new releases including Face Card, Club Lit with Byron Messia, a collaboration with Squash, one with Malie Donn and several other songs,” said JavoDonn.

Born Michael Orlando Bailey, Javo Donn has been involved in music for the past four years. “I chose the name Javo Donn because I wanted something simple but unique,” he disclosed. Javo Donn said if music

wasn’t on the cards, he would either be an entrepreneur or a real estate agent.

“I got into music just by being around artistes, and friends with a good ear for music recognised my talent and from there I started doing it full time.Along the journey, I have worked with producerssuchasAttomatic Records, Antuwang Music andDanSkyRecords,”said JavoDonn.

Time to boost your esteem with the ‘Confidence BecomesYou’platform...

Frompage28 are more likely to pursue promotions, new projects, andleadershiproles

“Confidence enables clear and assertive communication, vital for collaboration, negotiation, and leadership It also strengthens our ability to advocate for ourselves and others,promotingequality.”

S h e o p i n e d “Confidence fosters resilience, enabling us to recover from setbacks Confident women serve as powerful role models, inspiring others to pursue their dreams and achieve personalfulfillment

In essence, confidence isavitaltoolforwomento break barriers, achieve goals, and create a more equitableworld ” Noel is known for her dedication to celebrating women and providing

platforms for their development She has been actively participated

in and hosted numerous

women-empowering, transformational events in G u y a n a a n d internationally

Her highlights include being invited as the keynote speaker at the Ignite the Edge within Every Woman (EGI) Conference in Barbados and mentoring young women on the power of vision and confidence at the Invited Business Fair inSurinamethisyear

The Confidence Becomes You Platform has beenbackedbytestimonials. Hereareafew:

“Somewherealonglife’s journey, I truly lost myself and gave up on everything I once dreamed of. But the God I believe in has never failed me nor given up on me.

It only took one prayer, and He sent His faithful servant to rescue me. I am beyond happy and grateful for the wise counsel,

mentorship, teachings, advice,andmotivationfrom Ms.SoniaontheConfidence Becomes You programme.”

- Raffiella Rose Doobay, Public Relations Officer, Guyana

“ C O N F I D E N C E

BECOMES YOU definitely exceededmyexpectations!I hadnoideathatIwouldseea changeinlessthanaweek.

I am so grateful for the opportunity to have taken your class, and I will continue my growth beyondyourclass

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“I would like to thank you, Ms Noel, for launching this amazing programmegearedtowards helping others develop theirconfidence,figureout their purpose, and be intentionalwiththeirlife.

This programme has

helped me tremendously, fromthesimplefunctionof introducing myself properly to the major discovery of realizing my truepurpose I have learned a great deal about the attributes that I need to possess to bringoutthatconfidencein me ” - Akisha Henry, Entrepreneur,Designer,St Vincent

To celebrate Women’s History Month, Ms. Noel willbeofferingspecialrates and bonuses for those who r e g i s t e r f o r t h e “ C O N F I D E N C E B E C O M E S Y O U ” programmebeforetheendof March Companies and individuals are encouraged tosponsorwomenandgirls. Interestedpersonscanemail soniaenoel@gmail com or WhatsApp +5926848129

Consumers have rights These includetherightof choice, safety, education, a healthy environment, to offer redress, and to be informed and protected when purchasing products or services.

Every year on March 15, organisationsacrosstheworld join in observing World Consumer Rights Day (WCRD), geared towards raising awareness of consumerrights,protection, a n d e m p o w e r m e n t worldwide. WCRD was first observed in 1983 The date waschosentocommemorate President John F Kennedy's address to the US Congress on March 15, 1962, where he became the first world leader to formally recognize consumerrights.

Thethemeforthisyearis “A just transition to sustainablelifestyles”.

According to Consumers International –a body which bringstogethermorethan200 organisations worldwide to empower and champion the

WORLD CONSUMER RIGHTS DAY 2025 – GNBS JOINS IN PROMOTING CONSUMER PROTECTION

rights of consumers, “celebrating the day is a chance to demand that the rights of all consumers are respected and protected, and to protest market abuses and social injustices which underminethoserights.”

A key mandate of the Guyana National Bureau of Standards (GNBS) is consumer protection Since its establishment, the Bureauoffers a range of se

consumers

he development and adoption of standards for quality goods and services, Training and Technical assistance to e n s u r e b u s i n e s s e s implement national and international standards, certification of some products and services offered to consumers, product monitoring, and the verification of measuring instruments

used in trade, the health sector and law enforcement toguaranteeaccuracy

Notably, the product monitoring service offered by the GNBS directly impacts majority of the local consumers as it involves the monitoring of 17 categories of products to remove substandard items from the local market. These include electrical and electronic appliances, tyres, footwear, electrical equipment and fittings, furniture, gas stoves, cellular phones, gold articles and more. These items are inspected at the ports of entry, points of sale, or at importer's warehousesandbonds

Products found to be in compliance with the requirements of the relevant nationalstandardsarereleased tosuppliersforsale However, in instances where products fail to conform, the appropriate enforcement actions are taken by the

GNBS These include seizure, request for relabelling, or submission of the requisite Test Certificates proving quality. In addition, the GNBS provides testing of concretehollowblocks,cubes, cylinders and concrete structures, gold jewellery, oil, acids, ethanol and more. Oncebusinessesutilisethese testing services, consumers will be able to access quality productsonthelocalmarket.

In observance of WCRD thisyear,theGNBSconducted

a Webinar which can be viewed on our Facebook and Youtube pages, and a radio programme on Voice of Guyana. The programmes addressed consumers' rights and responsibilities while explaining the role of the Bureau in consumer protection Over the years, the GNBS has continually educated consumers through several types of engagements including outreach visits, schoollectures and meetings across the country, and

awareness opportunities have also helped to garner consumer feedback. Finally, even though World Consumer Rights Day is observed annually, we must remember that the rights and responsibilities of consumers arevalidallyearround Forfurtherinformationon thissubject,contacttheGNBS on telephone numbers: 2190065 or 219-0064 or visit its website:wwwgnbsgyorg

CONSUMER CONCERNS:

PATDIAL

Hearing impairment ranges frombeing"hardofhearing" to complete deafness. Ear ailment could be due to several factors:Tinnitus where strange bell- like sounds assail the ear; Vertigo where the head feels that it is spining making it impossible to stand up;

S e v e r e H e a d a c h e s ; Inflammation and Discharge from the middle ear;

A l z h e i m e r d i s e a s e ; Neurological conditions such as Stroke and Brain Tumor and even taking certain drugs or treatments such as chemotherapy All these various factors which couldleadtohearinglossare however dwarfed by Noise Pollution or excessive noise exposure. This article would therefore be involved with Noise Pollution since it is by far the most important and overarchingcauseofhearing impairment.

The sounds to the ear are

NOISEPOLLUTIONISALURKINGDANGERTOHEALTH

measured in decibels. 70 to 80 decibels are the norm which the ear could bear withoutanynegativeeffects; beyond 80 decibels, the ear could begin to pain and at 140 decibels, deafness would begin to manifest. Our modern world is one whichisenvelopedinhuman generated sounds, especially so in urbanized societies and many of these sounds are beyond 100 decibels and would begin to impair hearing. Examples of such noise polluters are modern industrial machines, noise generated by entertainments and youth parties with their loud music amplified, public transport which plays amplified music, music emanating from late night celebrations disturbing n o r m a l l y q u i e t n e i g h b o u r h o

, motorcycles where the noise controlling mechanisms had been removed, bars and heavy construction sites

These and other noise polluters cause hearing

ge segmentsofthepopulation. Hearing impairment and deafness have severe emotional and social effects andreducethequalityoflife. It results in depression; a

irretrievable failure and withdrawal from life. The sufferer moves away from social life since he or she is unable to understand or be under

ood in social gatherings and will not be able to sustain himself or herself in the work situation and would be disqualified f r o m f i n d i n g n e w employment Until the beginning of the 20th century, there was little help or relief that was afforded to sufferers who were often ridiculed and isolated, especially among working classpeople. Amongmiddle class people, there was more understanding since many

were acquainted with stories of deaf persons who had contributed to society such as Ludwig Van Beethoven. Untilthe1930'smedicalhelp was confined to trying to removewaxfromtheearand theuseofearfunnels.

After World War II, the Department of Health was able to recruit from overseas a few Ear, Nose and Throat Specialists (ENT) and these i n t r o d u c e d m o d e r n treatments. Inadditiontothe Public and Private Health Sectors improving the quality of service with the use of modern devices and equipment such as various types of hearing aids and the use of a wider range of medications, the Ministry of Health, the Ministry of E d u c a t i o n , t h e Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) and the Presidential Commission for the Prevention of NonCommunicable Diseases (PCPND) have been

addressing loss of hearing andearhealthfromasocietal standpoint as distinct from the Medical The EPA, among its duties of regulating all noise making activity such as Mining, is particularly focused on controlling the noise emanatingfromconstruction worksnowthatthecountryis experiencing a boom in the construction industry It is also engaged in training the Police in the academic aspects of noise pollution, as for example, the concept of decibelswhichwouldhelpto bring more effectiveness to theiroperationalactivities.

The Ministry of Health has begun screening babies t o d e t e c t h e a r i n g deficiencies so treatment could be administered early with a much better chance of success. The Ministry of Health together with the Ministry of Education have been engaged in testing the eyes and ears of school

children and giving them the prescribed spectacles and h e a r i n g a i d s a n d medications. This program for school children is ongoing.ThePolicehavethe responsibility of controlling noiseinpublicplacessuchas excessivenoiseonthepublic transport caused by loud music,noisybarsandparties and people in normally quiet neighbourhoods playing veryloudmusic

The Police are often frustratedbytheperpetrators of such noise pollution turning down or turning off such noise polluting instruments when the Police are approaching and continuing as soon as the Police would have departed. Public Authorities are however aware that noise pollution could only be controlled or eliminated by a change in the Culture of the population and this is being addressed in the schools and bypubliceducation.

From page 22

Investigation Division outlined the findings and financial obligations for the owners of a 2021 Toyota Land Cruiser, a 2020 LamborghiniRoadster,anda 2020Ferrari488.According to GRA, the declared values

of two Toyota Land Cruisers PAB 3000 and PAB 4000—were found to be inconsistent with similar vehicles. Consequently, the valueswereadjusted,andthe owners were notified that each vehicle now carries an additional tax liability of $24,641,272.

“The findings of the investigation revealed that the declared value is inconsistent with values of similar vehicles with the same specifications,” GRA stated in one of the letters.

“As such, there are reasons to doubt the truth and accuracyofthedeclaration,” oneofthelettersstated.

In another case, a 2020 Lamborghini Roadster with registration PZZ 4000 was also found to have an undervalued declaration GRA has now adjusted its

value and imposed additional taxes amounting

t o $ 3 7 1 , 7 7 5 , 1 6 8 . Additionally, GRA said that it launched an investigation into a tax-exempted Ferrari 488 owned by a re-migrant. The authority found that the owner failed to meet the required residency period, did not present the vehicle forperiodicchecks,andwas notusingitasintendedunder the terms of the exemption.

As a result, the GRA is demandingtherepaymentof $479,743,489 in foregone taxes.

“As a result, you are required to show cause why the Revenue Authority should not demand the foregone Customs Duty and Taxes,” one of the letters stated.

GRA has given all affected parties 14 days to either pay the outstanding t a x e s o r s u b m i t documentation proving the accuracy of their declarations Failure to comply may lead to enforcement actions, including vehicle seizures.

“In the event you fail to providesuchjustificationsor effect payment of the applicable taxes w i t h i n t h e

s t i p u l a t e d

timeframe, the Revenue

Authority may take alternative actions pursuant to the laws administered,” theAuthoritywarned.

'PPPkilledquesttopower sharing'-Ramkarran —allthepeoplewho hadsupportedinitiative changedtheirminds

ByDavinaBagot

Former Speaker of the National Assembly, Ralph Ramkarran has blamed the People's Progressive Party (PPP) for scuttling efforts towards power sharing here and he said there is need for higher collaboration among the major political parties in Guyana amid an escalation ofthreatsfromneighbouring Venezuela.

Venezuela over the past weeks and months has intensified its claim to the Essequibo Region, a mineral-rich portion of this country's territory The Nicolas Maduro-led administration on the morning of March 1, 2025 came in for staunch criticism, following the entrance of an armed vessel inGuyanesewaters,nearthe Floating Production Storage and Offloading (FPSO) platform – Prosperity –which is operating in Guyana's oil-rich Stabroek Block. The Venezuelan vessel radioed the FPSO platform stating that it was operating in what it termed “disputed international waters”beforecontinuingits coursetowardsotherFPSOs operatingintheoilblock.

Ramkarran during the inaugural episode of 'Nation Building- Guyana Beyond 2030'onMarch5,wasatthe time commenting on the importance of shared governancewhenhepointed to the importance of collaboration, especially in light of the recent acts of aggression by Venezuela

The Senior Counsel noted, “The situation between Guyana and Venezuela is getting very serious, this recent event points to an escalation by Venezuela There have been escalation, after escalation, after escalation and there is a military factor behind it.”

Consequently, the former Speaker of the National Assembly noted, “This situation is getting very drastic so I think we have to consider a higher degree of collaboration.”

Powersharing In his earlier comments, Ramkarran told viewers of theprogramme,streamedby Globespan 24X7, that he blames the People's Progressive Party (PPP) for failing to implement Dr

Guyana and therefore, even if, this might be a difficult time to envisage any agreement between the two parties, we should continue talking about it and the forces within the two political parties should be encouragedtokeepthatdoor open,”Ramkarranurged.

Wednesday

Former Speaker of the NationalAssembly, Ralph Ramkarran

Cheddi Jagan's vision for shared governance He explained,“Eventhoughjust prior to 1992 Cheddi Jagan confirmed his intention to establishawinner-does-nottake all government, it has notmaterialisedandGuyana isfarawayfromthatasitwas inthelate1970's.”

Ramkarranobservedthat the major political parties today are not in support of suchastrategy Itishisview that for an agreement to be reached in that regard, intense political effort will berequired,drivenbywider public demands and the realisation by the political forces that such an advance is necessary Ramkarran believes, “Until a political solution, in the sense suggested by Cheddi Jagan from the1970s until1992 is d e v i s e d w i t h t h e concurrence of the main political forces, this issue in our politics will remain a negativefeature.”

Ramkarran pointed out thattheinitiativeforapower sharing agreement was conceptualised by the PPP; therefore, the party was required to initiate the process which it did not. “I blamethePPPbecauseitwas ourresponsibilityatthetime butitnevercameupandthe shockingthingthatoccurred was that all the people who hadsupportedpowersharing and winner does not take all in the late 70's, they all changed their minds,” he noted.

While there were subsequent events which gave hope to the realisation ofthisvision,itsimplynever materialised according to Ramkarran He however stressed the importance of such a strategy to his audience “It is very importantforustokeepthat door or window open, the window to the possibility of a reconciliation between the twomajorpoliticalforcesin

Immigration Department weresummonedand“itwas found that the Venezuelans failed to present themselves to the Immigration DepartmentorPortofEntry, usingtheAtlanticOcean.”

“They were treated humanely,providedwiththe basicnecessitiesoffoodand placedataninstitution.They

75Venezuelans turnedback …afterillegallyentering Guyanathrough Essequibo

KaieteurNews-Seventyfive Venezuelan nationals, comprising adults and children, were on Monday intercepted by police in the vicinity of the Abram Zuil Sea Wall on the Essequibo Coast, Region Two. The 75 Venezuelan nationals comprised 57 adult males,

were deported today (Tuesday)totheircountryof origin with the assistance of adequate fuel and other amenities,”thepolicesaid.

Only recently, Shadow Foreign Affairs Minister, Amanza Walton-Desir criticised the government over what she described as its lax approach in f o r m u l a t i n g a n d implementing a national foreign policy which will cater to issues such as migration. “It is crucial that we address the challenges posedbyourporousborders whichcontinuetoexposeus tosignificantrisksthatcould undermine our national security, territorial integrity, and social cohesion,” she insisted.

Alluding to a Stabroek News article which quoted the M

y

immigration,RobesonBenn, saying that it is anticipated that the migrant population will increase in the coming months,”Walton–Desirsaid that to date, the government

The boat transporting the 75 Venezuelans who illegally entered Guyana

nine adult females, and nine children.

Police in a statement on Tuesday said that the interception occurred at about06:45hMondaybythe rankswhowereonpatrol.

“The Venezuelan nationals were in a boat measuring about forty-five (45) feet in length and eight (8)feetinwidthpoweredby two75HPYamahaoutboard engines,”thestatementsaid.

F o l l o w i n g t h e interception,membersofthe

The interception and subsequent deportation of the migrants come amid growing concerns over the large influx of Venezuelan hereandPresidentIrfaanAli recently acknowledged that the economic implosion of the neigbouring state's economy has been contributingtothecrisisand it has also increased the vulnerability of Guyana's borders.

Speaking at the recent Guyana Defence Force's A n n u a l O f f i c e r ' s Conference, he said that criminalscantakeadvantage of the migrant crisis and border vulnerability which will cause an increase in transnational crimes Therefore,heurgedtheGDF to remain vigilant and advance their border management capacity, so that they will be able to interceptanythreats.

is unable to provide a realistic estimate of the number of Venezuelan migrantsinthecountry “The reason is clear They simply do not know It is obvious that the PPP government has lost control over the migrant situation resultingingraverisktoour country's security and sovereignty.” Walton-Desir stressed “to mitigate these risksandprotecttheintegrity of our nation, we must (Continuedonpage37)

immediately establish a mandatory migrant registrationsystem.

ExxonMobil'slargestoil projectaimingto produce290kbarrels ofoil,upto1.5B cubicfeetofgasdaily …Threefieldstobe developedin8thproject

ExxonMobil Guyana Limited (EMGL), the operator of the Stabroek Block has submitted a Project Summary to the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA), outlining its plantodeveloptheresources in Longtail, Tripletail and Turbot as part of its eight project.

ExxonMobil's largest oil project aiming to produce 290k barrels of oil, up to 1.5Bcubicfeetofgasdaily

In the document seen by thisnewspaper,theoilgiant, which currently has another application pending at the EPA for its seventh projectHammerhead- explained that the development has an estimatedlifeof30yearsand is expected to come on streamby2030.

Exxon said, “The Longtail Development Project will develop the Longtail, Tripletail, and Turbot non-associated gas fields, and potentially additional resources, if determined to be feasible andeconomicallyviable.”

In the meantime, as a non-associated gas development, the primary produced fluid is nonassociated gas, from which condensatewillbeseparated on the Floating Production Storage and Offloading vessel (FPSO), prior to the remaining gas stream being reinjected into the reservoir for pressure maintenance and increased recovery of condensate.

According to the Project Summary, gas may be exported from the Longtail project as demand materializes. Current plans include non-associated gas productionofbetween1,000 to 1,500 million Standard Cubic Feet (MMscfd) per day of non-associated gas and 200 to 290 thousand barrels of condensate per day The FPSO will be able to store approximately two million barrels of condensate.

BlackRock Midstream describes condensate as extremely light oil The Longtail project would be the largest offsho

development pursued by the company in Guyana to date. Other oil projects were designed to produce up to 250,000 barrels of oil per day.Guyaneseproducts

Like its other projects, Longtailwillinvolvedrilling of production and injection wells, installation, commissioning, and operations of Subsea Umbilicals, Risers, and Flowlines (SURF), and a Floating Production, Storage, and Offloading vessel (FPSO) for handling and offloading of produced hydrocarbons.

The Project will utilise marine support vessels as w e l l a s o n s h o r e infrastructure, including but not limited to shorebases, warehouses, storage, and pipe yards, fabrication facilities, fuel supply facilities, and waste management facilities in Guyana. Such infrastructure will be used to support the drilling, installation, p r o d u c t i o n , a n d d e c o m m i s s i o n i n g operations of the Longtail Project.

T h e p r o p o s e d developmentislocatedinthe southeastern portion of the S t a b r o e k B l o c k , approximately 200 km from Georgetown and adjacent to previous Stabroek Projects. Exxonhasindicatedplansto usedrillshipstoproducethe non-associated gas and c o n d e n s a t e f r o m approximately 24 – 60 production and injection wells.Thesubseaequipment willbeinstalledatadepthof approximately1,600–2,000 metres.

TheproposedFPSOwill be a newly built floating facilitywithdoublesideand single bottom protection, w i t h a p p r o x i m a t e dimensionsof334mlongby 60 m wide by 32.8 m deep, and will be moored on location, approximately 200 km offshore, some 39 km southeast of the Liza Unity FPSO.

Exxon explained, “Its mooring system will be designed to keep the FPSO on station continuously for the duration of the Project (30 years). Condensate will be stored in the FPSO tanks prior to export to global markets via conventional tankers owned/operated by third parties. At production during Longtail operations, the FPSO may offload condensate to conventional tankersapproximatelyevery threetofivedays.”Guyanese products

About Longtail, TripletailandTurbot

The Longtail discovery wasannouncedinJune2018. Longtail is ExxonMobil's eighth oil discovery in the Stabroek Block. The well was drilled in a new reservoir, encountering approximately 256 feet (78 meters) of high-quality, oilbearing sandstone reservoir Thewellwassafelydrilledto 18,057 feet (5,504 meters) depth in 6,365 feet (1,940 meters) of water The Tripletaildiscoverywaslater announced in September 2019 and is ExxonMobil's 14th oil discovery It encountered approximately 108 feet (33 meters) of a high-quality oil bearing sandstone reservoir and was

Stabroek Block which is operatedbyAmerica'stopoil producer,ExxonMobil,with oil production over 600,000 barrels per day from three developments in that block. World Oil reported that talk of large-scale data hub development was prominent across CERAWeek's daytwo sessions, and President Ali iterated that Guyana is pursuingthisavenueaswell.

President Ali said, “We're strivingtobeamajorplayer o n t

workingonusingnaturalgas to generate power to drive large-scaledatacenters.”

Hess,anAmericancompany, and CNOOC, both holding 30% and 25% interest respectively Hess Corporation is pursuing a US$53 billion merger with Chevron However, ExxonMobil and CNOOC have initiated arbitration, citing a right of first refusal on Hess's share of the block. Despite this, Hess expressed confidence that the merger would proceedasplanned.

drilled in 6,572 feet (2,003 meters)ofwater

Meanwhile, the Turbot discovery was announced in October 2017 as Exxon's fifth discovery. The company said the Turbot- 1 well was drilled in a new reservoir, encountering 75 feet (23 meters) of highquality, o

It was further stated that Ali does not shy away from the truth that oil and gas developments have been the main catalyst for propelling Guyana forward, although he made the distinction that there is a wide array of economic strengths and goalsinsight.

The Head-of-State noted, “We want to be known as an economy that was propelled by revenue fromoilandgasprojects,but also an economy that is r

hly integrated,” Ali concluded, “In the next three to four

SpeakingattheGoldman Sachs Research: Energy, CleanTech & Utilities Conference earlier this year, John Hess, the Chief Executive Officer (CEO) of Hess Corporation, said that the Guyanese government has strongly endorsed Chevron's anticipated entry into the Stabroek Block. Hess said President Irfaan Ali has made it clear that maintaining a three-way partnership for the block is critical. “The government's beencleartheywantathreewaypartnershiptocontinue. They don't want a two-way partnership to own the asset,”Hessoutlined.Hehad said too, “So, President Ali has been very clear about that, he's gone public, he's

sandstone reservoir The well was safely drilled to 18,445feet(5,622meters)in 5,912 feet (1,802 meters) of water

Thursday

Toptwooilfirmscouldbe operatinginGuyanain thenext4years–Pres.Ali tellsU.Sconference

During his address at CERAWeek by S&P Global onTuesday,PresidentIrfaan Alinotedthatwithinthenext four years, Guyana could have two of the top oil operatorsworkinghere. Currently, oil is only being produced from the

years, we'll have perhaps two of the largest oil operatorsinGuyana.Alotof opportunities will be unlocked.”

P r e s i d e n t A l i ' s comments about having two of the largest oil operators workinginGuyanacomesat a time when he has voiced hissupporttohaveChevron, a major oil producer in the UnitedStates,joinAmerica's t o p o i l p r o d u c e r, ExxonMobil, in Guyana's prolific Stabroek Block Exxon is the operator of the Stabroek Block which is estimatedtohold11.6billion barrels of oil. The other partners in that block are

been in the Financial Times speaking about that and he's very supportive of Chevron becoming the third party in thecountry.”Thearbitration hearing is set for May 2025, with a decision expected approximately90dayslater

Newreportdetails deterioratingpress freedominGuyana …citesVPJagdeo's lengthypressersthat criticisedissentingvoices

A new report by CIVICUS Monitor, a global alliance of civil society organisations and activists, (Continuedonpage38)

Map showing the location of Exxon's 8th proposed development- Longtail (ExxonMobil's largest oil project)

President IrfaanAli and S&P Global Vice Chairman Daniel Yergin at Day Two of CERAWEEK in Houston, Texas

has warned about the deteriorating press freedom situationinGuyanaandcited Vice President Bharrat Jagdeo's weekly press conferencethataregearedat criticising dissenting voices and President Irfaan Ali's penchant for hiding behind c o n t r o l l e d m e d i a interactions and Facebook lives.

The report released on March 1, 2025, raised

concerns over the administration's approach to media engagement CIVICUS conducted an

e activist, shedding light on thechallengesfacedbylocal media outlets. The report emphasisedthatmanymedia organisations avoid critical

eld t h e m s e l v e s f r o m harassment.

The organization further notedthatGuyana'sposition on the Reporters Without Borders Press Freedom

Index has declined dramatically The report noted that while physical attacks on journalists are rare, they face substantial cyberbullying and efforts to discredit their work. The organisationalsopointedout that the government has downplayedthesignificance of the index's decline by offering public relations positions to journalists and selectively distributing state advertisement funds to media houses and social mediacommentatorsaligned withitsviews.

“The administration's approach to media engagement is particularly concerning,” CIVICUS stated.Theorganisationalso highlighted the strained relationship between local reporters and the government, stating, “The President typically avoids open press interactions, preferring controlled interviews, while the Vice President uses lengthy weekly broadcasts to criticisedissentingvoices.”

CIVICUS further underscored the escalating threats journalists have faced, particularly since the Guyanese government targeted the Guyana Press Association (GPA) in 2022.

“The situation took a concerning turn in 2022 when the government attempted to take over the Guyana Press Association, questioning its legitimacy andexcludingitfromofficial events,” CIVICUS stated.

The organisation detailed one occurrence where an investigative reporter's car was shot at, while a female journalistwasforcedtotake leaveafterbeingthetargetof false personal allegations.

“These tactics have created an environment of selfcensorship, where journalists often avoid critical reporting to protect t h e m s e l v e s f r o m harassment,” CIVICUS stated.

Thereportalsonotedthat civil society in Guyana is dividedontheissueofpress freedom While some organisations continue to advocate for press freedom and free expression, others including the government minimise these concerns

“The government has ensured many people have access to resources, even throughquestionablemeans, and this has affected how theyapproachissuessuchas human rights and press freedom,” the organisation explained.

Despitethisdivision,the anonymous activist, speakingthroughCIVICUS, emphasised the importance of international attention on the issue.

“International attention has proven effective in pressuring the governmenttoaddressthese issues. Even when it doesn't lead to immediate policy changes, global scrutiny can help deter further targeting of journalists and media organisations,” the activist stated. “This international support becomes even more crucial as we navigate this sensitive period in GuyanaVenezuela relations, where transparent and accurate reporting is essential for public understanding of domestic and regional issues.”The Guyana Press Association (GPA) continues to advocate for journalists' safety and working conditions, but CIVICUS emphasized that additional support from international and regional partnersremainscrucial.The association's president, Nazima Raghubir, disclosed to this publication that the statement had been shared with the GPAto address the ongoingissue.However,she could not provide a further comment.

Friday

EITIflagsGuyana's failuretocomplete costoilaudits

Chief Policymaker for the Petroleum Sector, Vice President, Bharrat Jagdeo

(EITI) has highlighted Guyana'sfailuretocomplete anyofthetwocostoilaudits conductedtodate.

Chief Policymaker for the Petroleum Sector, Vice PresidentBharratJagdeo

InitslatestReportforthe year 2022, the transparency watchdog explained that the EITI Standard states, “implementingcountriesare expected to disclose final costandtaxauditreports,or summaries of those reports, including costs deemed as non-recoverable and costs deemed non-deductible and anyadditionalrevenuestobe collectedasaresult”.

Inkeepingwiththeterms of the 2016 Production Sharing Agreement (PSA), costs deducted by ExxonMobil Guyana Limited(EMGL)aresubject to an audit by the Government of Guyana (GoG). Consequently, the documentnotes,“Atthedate of this report, two such audits have been carried out by separate teams, but agreement has not been reached on any potential adjustmentstobemade.”

Guyana's first cost oil audit was conducted by a British firm, IHS-Markit, andreviewedsomeUS$1.4B in expenses incurred by the oil giant between the period 1999-2017.Thefinalreport forthatauditwasfirstleaked t o t h e m e d i a a n d subsequentlyreleasedbythe GoG.Itconcludedthatsome US$214Mofthecostsbeing claimed by Exxon were questionable and therefore recommended that government challenges the amount. Despite the report being revised and handed over to government since March2021,thatprocesshas not concluded The government had said it stands by the findings of the audit firm and expressed its intention to challenge same through arbitration but there has been no move in that directiontodate.

Meanwhile, the second audit was conducted by a local consortium, VHE Consulting for the period 2018- 2020 The team reviewed approximately US$7.3B in costs submitted by the contractor and found o v e r U S $ 7 0 M i n questionablesums.Thefinal report for that audit has not yet been released to the public as suspicions grow over the sum flagged by the auditors.

In the meantime, the contractforathirdauditwas awarded to VHE back in October last year and is expected to be completed

identified as of Rianna Ambrose, and her mother as LucindaStephen.According tothepolice,thesequenceof events began around 20:00hrs on Wednesday evening when Stephen and her reputed husband, Regan Ambrose, were drinking alcoholattheirhome.

Subsequently, around 01:00hrs, an argument ensued between the couple whichquicklyescalatedinto ascuffle.“Asaresult,Regan Ambrose left the home and wentovertothehomeofhis reputed wife's sister, Joyce Stephen, and he told her of the fight between him and

Arrested:

this month. The consortium is tasked with reviewing a massive US$19 6B in expenditure racked up by ExxonMobilovertheperiod 2021-2023.

Notably, the Petroleum Agreement between the GoG and the ExxonMobilled consortium allows the group to recover 75% of the oil produced to cover costs, while the remaining 25% is shared as profit between the oil companies and Guyana. These audits are therefore crucialtoensurethecountry was not cheated out of its rightfulshareofprofits.

Motherallegedly beats4-yr-old daughtertodeath

A24-year-oldhousewife wasarrestedonThursdayfor allegedly beating her fouryear-olddaughtertodeathat Karaudarnau Village, South Rupununi,Region9.

Police said that the incident occurred around 01:00hrs The toddler is

not robust enough when it comes to punishing corruptioningovernment. Ramkarran shared this view during a Globespan 24X7 programme, 'Nation Building- Guyana Beyond 2030' last week. The Senior Counsel was asked by a Senior Journalist from this newspaper, who was a cohost of the inaugural episode,whetherhebelieves the laws are robust enough for punishing government corruption. Ramkarran also shared his perspective on how this issue could be tackled.

Hesaid,“Idon'tthinkthe laws are robust enough but it's not only a question of laws, it's a question of systems. The procurement system needs reforming in many ways and the procurement commission, the laws need reforming to enable the commission (to carryoutcertainfunctions).”

The Attorney-at-Law recalled that the body had previously expressed its limitations in intervening in a specific contract, subsequent to its award, although several breaches werefound.

To this end, he noted, “The whole apparatus needs reforming so that these bodies have the power to take decision to reject decisions and change contracts.”

LucindaStephen,”thepolice reported.

After Ambrose left the housetostaywithhissisterin-law, police reported that around 3:00hrs, Joyce Stephenreturnedtocheckon Lucinda and witnessed a horrific scene. She found Lucinda allegedly striking herdaughterontheheadfive times with a piece of wood, inflicting multiple injuries. The toddler was rushed to Aishalton District Hospital where she was pronounced dead on arrival. Stephens was arrested and placed in custody at the Aishalton PoliceStation.

Saturday

Guyana'slegalframework tooweaktopunishGovt. corruption-Ramkarran …saysprocurement systemalsoneedsreform

Former Speaker of the National Assembly, Ralph Ramkarran, believes Guyana'slegalframeworkis

Ramkarran pointed out t h a t t h e N a t i o n a l Procurement and Tender Administration Board (NPTAB)consistsmainlyof public servants. This Board plays an important role in scrutinizingbidsandmaking recommendations for the award of contracts The Lawyer is however, of the view of that there are other keystakeholders,inaddition to public servants, who shouldbeappointedtoserve on that Board. For instance, Ramkarran said that members of the private sector, educators, independent individuals and journalists should be i n c l u d e d t o m a k e recommendations and monitor the award of contracts.

“So, the system needs reforming, not only the question of laws, the system needs reforming,” he concluded.

Earlier this month, Opposition Members of Parliament (MPs), Ganesh Mahipaul and Christopher Jones,submittedaMotionto (Continuedonpage39)

Lucinda Stephen holding her now dead child; RiannaAmbrose

From page 38

the National Assembly, seekinganamendmenttothe ProcurementActtoallowthe Oppositiontohaveaseaton the National Procurement and Tender Administration Board.

TheMotionstressedthat it is essential to ensure that all segments of society, including the Parliamentary Opposition, are able to contributetoandoverseethe

v

t y a n d strengthening the overall trust of the public in the government'sactions.

Opposition parties have continuously accused government of awarding contracts to family and friends of the People's Progressive Party (PPP) rather than ensuring a fair distribution to qualified entitiesorindividuals.

Powers of Procurement Commission

In April last year, the Public Procurement Commission (PPC) in a report found that TEPUI –the company closely linked to social media personality, Mikhail Rodrigues, popularly known as the 'GuyaneseCritic'-hadfailed miserably during the evaluationprocessforbidsat the level of NPTAB but it was still handed an $865 million contract to build a pump station at Belle Vue, West Bank Demerara (WBD).

The PPC report highlighted several procurement breaches committed by TEPUI and overlooked by NPTAB in awardingthecontract.

The investigation was launched into the award of thecontractafteracomplaint was lodged with the PPC by Opposition Member of Parliament,DavidPatterson, whoraisedconcernsoverthe questionable circumstances underwhichthecontractwas awarded.

Foritspart,NPTABhad previously defended the contract award to TEPUI, claimingthat it followed the systems, processes and procedures enshrined in the Procurement Act and its regulations in the award of contracts.

According to the report, the contractor- TEPUI– did not demonstrate that it had construction experience or “[completed] projects of a similar nature” to the Belle Vue pump station project.

The document also highlighted several other

breaches.

Bethatasitmay,thePPC does not have the legal powertorevoketheawardof anycontract.

Pres.Alitodetermine whethermeeting Venezuela'spresident goodforcountryand nationalsecurity-Jagdeo

M

d

PresidentIrfaanAliwillhave to be assessed to determine whetheritisinGuyana'sbest interest and the country's nationalsecurity

ThisisaccordingtoVice President Bharrat Jagdeo who told reporters on Thursdaythattherehasbeen no plan to have a meeting withtheVenezuelanleader

Respondingtoaquestion posed by Kaieteur News on whether President Ali was considering the request, Jagdeosaid,“Ontheissueof Maduro trying to meet I think he has indicated that…I don't think they're currently any plans to meet that has been finalized. At this point in time, no such planhasbeenfinalized.

He'sindicatedadesireto meet,thathastobeassessed against what he wants to meeton,andalsowhetherit's goodforourcountryandour nationalsecurityinterest.”

Jagdeo said that assessmentmustbemadeby PresidentIrfaanAliwhowas in Texas at the time. The president met with several top-ranking officials from the United States government including General Randall Reed, the 15thCommanderoftheU.S. Transportation Command (USTRANSCOM), United States Secretary of the Interior Doug Burgum and U.S. Secretary of Energy, Mr ChrisWright.

“So, we're hoping to continue this high-level engagement with not just with the Department of Energy, but State Department, the Justice Department and other entities,”Jagdeosaid.

On March 12, this publication reported that days after his warships illegally entered Guyana's waters, threatening ExxonMobil's operations offshore, Venezuelan President Nicolas Maduro called for a face-to-face meeting with President IrfaanAli.

Maduro's call for the meeting was made during a

immediately under the Argyle Agreement for five days now, to demonstrate to him(PresidentAli)howheis violating international laws.”

Guyana and Venezuela are presently before the International Court of Justice (ICJ) over the territorialcontroversy

The ICJ had ordered Venezuela to refrain from takingactionthatwouldalter Guyana's control over the Essequibo until it rules on thecase.

Former Speaker of the NationalAssembly, Ralph Ramkarran

live broadcast aired on Venezuelan national televisiononMarch6,2025.

Venezuela under the leadership of Maduro is indirectly threatening an invasion of Guyana's Essequibo despite both countries agreeing that they will not “directly or indirectly threaten or use force against one another under any circumstance, i n c l u d i n g t h o s e consequentialtoanyexisting controversies (the GuyanaVenezuela dispute) between the two States on December 14, 2023, via the Argyle Declaration signed in St. VincentandtheGrenadines.

Venezuelan Coast Guards illegally entered Guyana's Stabroek Block and issued a warning to ExxonMobil FPSOS and drillrigsonMarch1,2025.

The Maduro regime immediatelycameunderfire from the international community, with the United States of America, France, the United Kingdom, CARICOM, the OAS, and the Commonwealth of Nations showing strong supportforGuyana.

In response, Maduro, on hisliveshowcalled“Maduro Live De Repente” attacked the Guyanese president and thentriedtobullyhimintoa face-to-facemeeting.

He accused Guyana of provoking Venezuela and called President Ali the “Zelenskyy” of the Caribbean.

“Yo he pedido que se convoque de inmediato desde hace cinco dias atras, una reunion del acuerdo Argyle para cara a cara demostrale a el (Ali) como esta violando los leyes internacionales.”

The translation is: “I have been asking for a meeting to be convened

Guyanahassincefiledin the registry of the International Court of Justice (ICJ) a request for provisional measures in the case concerning theArbitral Award of October 3, 1899 between Guyana and Venezuela.

Therequestwasmadeas a result of Venezuela's announcementofitsplansto hold elections in Guyana's Essequibo region, which is an integral part of its territory.

Guyana maintains that Venezuela's intent to annex

an area is in violation of the Court'sorderofDecember1, 2023 and the fundamental normsofinternationallaw

Guyanahasinformedthe Court that the planned Venezuelan elections are scheduled to take place on May 25, 2025 and would inevitably be preceded by preparatory acts, including acts within Guyana's Essequibo region, affecting theGuyanesepopulationand Guyana's sovereignty over itsterritory

As a result, in order to

preserveitsrights,Guyanais requesting that the Court order Venezuela to refrain from any acts within or affecting its sovereign territory, including the Essequiboregion. Further, Guyana requested the Court to convene hearings on its requestassoonaspossibleto enable such provisional measures as might be indicated by the Court to be issued before serious and irremediable prejudice to Guyana'srightsoccurs.

President IrfaanAli

Maya Lost her Birthday

This story was submitted to us by Marcia Faber

Number of readers for the last 30 days - 8,095

by Marcia Faber

“I lost my birthday. I lookedalloverthecalendar and it just isn't there. The calendar must have made a mistake,” Maya said sadly toherMom.

00:06/01:04 10 6K

Sarah Michelle Gellar shared story of her son's accidentatschool

Her bright blue eyes were brimming with tears. Mayawas6yearsoldandin firstgrade.

“It was on the calendar lastyear,”shesaid.

“Iknowitisn'ttherethis year You see, Maya, your birthday is February 29th and that means it is only on the calendar every four years. It is called a Leap Year,”saidherMom.

M a y a w a s v e r y confused. “So I only have a birthday every four years?” sheasked.

“Well, that is what the calendarsaysbutwealways celebrate your birthday every year,” her Mom answered “But how can I have a birthday if the day isn'teventhere?”shecried.

Maya's Dad just came homefromworkandsheran intohisarmscrying.

“Idon'thaveabirthday this year It isn't on the calendar,”shewept. “Yes, you do, ” he answered.

“I don't see how,” she said.“People who are born on that date celebrate it on February 28th or March 1st.”

“Why did I have to pick that day to be born?” she whined. “You are not the only person who was born onthatday Therearemany otherpeoplebornonthat day, too A Leap Year happens every four years to helpcoordinatethecalendar year with the solar year A

solar year is the length of time it takes the earth to completeitsorbitaroundthe sun…” she interrupted her Dad. “You are really smart, Daddy,”“Thedayyouwere born I looked up all this information I knew someday you would have a lot of questions, ” he answered.

Maya felt a little better knowingshewasn'ttheonly person who wouldn't find herbirthdayonthecalendar thisyear

She started to go up to herroom.

“Whereareyougoing,” askedherMom.

“Iamgoingtotellallmy friends about my new Birthday!”shesaidhappily

Howtomakeshamrocks outofconstructionpaper

This fun 3D paper craft brings plenty ofwow-factor,yetiseasy enoughforkids.

Materials

*ConstructionPaperOne piece of each rainbow color Red, Orange, Yellow, Green, Blue,&Purple.

*AButton Tools

*PaperCutter

*Stapler

*Hot Glue Gun and GlueSticks

Wake

up early and be happy

byUncleRoy

SometimesIfeellikesleepinglate, Andgetupaftereveryone, ButwhenIdoriseandcomeoutside, Myeyesburnfromthebrightsun.

AtothertimeswhenIgetupearly, Thesunisnowpeepingout, Ifindtheairsoniceandcool, Itfeelssogoodtomoveabout.

ThatiswhyInowtryeverynight, Tosleepsoastoriseearly; ThenIcangreetthesuncomingup, Whichmakesmywholedaysohappy

Make the most of yourself by using your resources wisely

Eachofushumanbeings has been endowed with

resources which are available to us to use in the propermannersoastomake thebestofourselves. These

include our personal qualities, which include our senses and other properties ofourbodies,thethingsthat we own which we use to carry on our lives, such as ourmaterialpossessions,our financial assets with which we provide what we need to keep living, the natural resources, such as water, energysourcesandfreshair, as well as the natural

thingsaroundus.

We always need to rememberthatitisnecessary for us to ensure that we use theseresponsiblyanddonot waste them as we go about ourdailyactivities. Itissad to see people abusing the

freedom they have to utilise the things at their disposal, which is making a negative impact on the world's resources. This may not seem crucial to them from the small amount that they expend, but little by little theseareaddingup,withthe possibility in the long term that we may come to the point when some vital resource is no longer availabletous.

Anotherofthesevaluable resources we all have been granted is the time we have atourdisposal. You will do well to make sure that you use this irreplaceable asset to do things that work to get the bestbenefitoutofit.

One of the ways in which youcanensurethisistoplan your future activities, both on the short term on a daily basis, and long term, as weekly, monthly and even

TripleCross puzzles

Tr i p l e C r o s s puzzles are a variant on the Cross-figure puzzle, a kind of numeric crossword puzzle.

Unlike cross-figures, which have across and downclueslikeacrossword puzzle,TripleCrosspuzzles use hexagonal grids with across, up, and down clues foreachofthe3axes.

Whatdoesthefutureholdforus?

for longer periods. For students, this will involve getting rid of distractions, like watching television while doing your work, playing games on the computeroryourcellphone, and spending some of your available time to really get connectedtoyourfamilyand friends, and do the things necessary to make you successful in working towardsyourgoals.

Onewaypeopleusetheir time beneficially is to read something worthwhile daily – poetry, a good book, passages from the scripture of your religion. Some people develop a wonderful practice of writing down their thoughts about what is happening to them every day, and this can be good reading in the future, and help you to see things more clearly, and make more fruitfulplans.

Smogfilledskiesandpoisoncars, Andbrokenlandwithuselessdust, Andnature'sbeautybehindbars. CanIevershowmychildren, Iftheyevercomemyway, Thebeautyofasunset, Attheendingoftheday? CanIwalkintoaforest, Andsurroundmyselfwithtrees, Yetknowthatitwillremain, FormetovisitasIplease? IknowthatIcantoday DoallthethingsI'vesaid, Butwhentodayisyesterday, Willallthesethingsbedead? Thisproblemisenormous

Aswegraduallytakeheed, Sowemustfixitquickly, Usingwordsandthoughtsanddeeds

Just as we are freely bestowed with so many resources to enrich our life, we have an obligation to ensure that we use them as efficiently as we can.

Solutions to last week’s

Tough Binox

by Krazydad

Guyana’sHowardUniversityscholarshipawardeetakestogreaterheights...

Frompage31 focused, its very niche and not overly academic. So I just thought it was the perfect programme for me. SowhenIheardIgotin,this is just perfect. This is God sent,”Hamiltonexpressed. Fortheloveandgratitude of her country and the aim of giving back, Hamilton expressed hope in coming backtoGuyanatocontribute However,sheisunsureofher immediate plans of coming rightbacktoGuyanaafterher

programm Hamilton explained, “I think after Schwarzman programme is very work oriented and networking oriented because there’sjustsomuchinteraction with officials Not everybody’s at the undergrad level We have, like, med students, people that work with municipalities in Dubai, in India. So you just reallyjustneverknow They say to, keep your expectations open, to what plansyouhaveafterbutIdo

intend to come back to Guyana Will it be immediately after? I still don’t know, because this is like,it’s10monthsinChina with people from all over; meeting people from everywhere. So I think I’ll see where passion takes me so, but I’ll be back here for sure.”

Reflectingonheryounger self , Hamilton admitted that she never imagined being where she is today, but her desire to match her energy,

personality, and passion with herworkhasalwaysdrivenher “Ididn’timaginemypathlike thisbutI’vealwayswantedto dosomethingthatmatchesmy energy, my personality, and my passion, around development,” she said Her inspiration stems from witnessing her country’s potential for growth and advancement ““InGuyana,I think that we’re just so resource filled There’re so many opportunities here, and we’resuchabeautifulcountry

thatIthinkthatwedeserve,we deserve that kind of advancement, and I want to helpwiththat,”sheadded Hamiltonalsoencouraged young girls to dream big “Dare to dream There is no limit to what you could do When I was at QC, I was the only girl in my physics class and the only girl in my green engineeringclass There’salot of strength in being the anomaly, and you can gather perseverance and resilience frombeingtheonlywomanin

theroom” Speaking to The Waterfalls Hamilton’s mentor, Patrick Stephens, praised her determination and resilience, highlighting thechallengesshefacedand howhervisionforthefuture setherapart.

“Ms. Hamilton’s story is a powerful reminder that no matter the challenges, with determination, community, and a vision for the future, anything is possible,” he said.

'Melly Mel' breaks silence

…claimsGovt.trying tomuzzleher

Social Media Activist, Melissa Atwell,onSaturdaynight,saidthat she has found herself fighting for her freedom, claiming that the Guyanese governmentistryingtosilenceher

“The Guyana government may try to silenceme,buttheycannotsilenceallofus”, she stated in a Facebook post while adding, “We will not back down. We will not be intimidated. The truth will always rise, no matterhowhardtheytrytosuppressit.”The postcomesdaysaftershewasarrestedinthe UnitedStatesofAmerica.

Initial reports suggested that she was detained by the United States Department of Homeland Security but subsequent reports said she was detained by the U S Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) at the Richwood Correction Center in Louisiana.

The circumstances surrounding her detention are unclear at this time and in her statement, she did not disclose why she was arrested.Atwell,whogoesbythealias'Melly Mel', is now claiming that the Guyanese Government might have played a role in her detentionbytheU.S.authorities.

“Asmanyofyouknow,Ihavespentyears being a voice for the voiceless, standing up against injustice, corruption, and the oppression of our people,” she said before adding“Butletmebeclear—thisfightisnot justaboutme.Thisisabouteverypersonwho has ever been silenced, targeted, or wronged byacorruptsystemthatseekstocrushthose whostandagainstit.”

A GoFundMe has reportedly been initiatedtohelpthesocialmediaactivistfight for her freedom. She said that the money raisedisgoingtowardslegalfeesandassured

Social media activist, MelissaAtwell

thatjusticewillprevail.

“Your help is not just appreciated, it is necessary,”shesaid.

Over the years, the activist has used her Facebookpageasaplatformtoassistvictims ofrapeandabuseandtospreadawarenesson socialissuesaffectingGuyanese,butrecently she began calling out the ruling government forallegedcorruption.

Herboldpostsaboutgovernmentofficials and even ministers have gathered lots of attentionandhaveattractedstrongcriticisms andevenalawsuitfromaseniorgovernment official.

Despite Atwell's claims that the ruling People's Progressive Party Civic (PPP/C) might be behind her arrest, Vice President Bharrat Jagdeo, on Thursday at his weekly press conference, said his government was notinformedorawareofherarrest.

'PERFECT' is only the beginning

Gospel Singer, Faith Corrica

-Gospelsinger, Faith Corrica

…says grateful for unwavering support

Gospel singer, Faith Corrica, said that releasing her new song, 'PERFECT',hasbeenoneofthe “most fulfilling experiences” of her journey asanartiste.

“I am overwhelmed with gratitude for everyonewhomadeitpossible.Thissongis not just another release, it's a reflection of faith, love, and the incredible power of divineinspiration.Andnoneofitwouldhave been possible without the incredible team thatstoodbymyside,”shesaid.

Corrica said the unwavering support showedbyherteam,whichincludedfamily, friends,fellowmusiciansandherpastor,was criticaltohersuccess.“Firstandforemost,I want to extend a heartfelt thank you to my Production Manager, Joshua Nedd. Your dedication, patience, and unwavering supporthavebeeninvaluablethroughoutthis process.Fromthefirstnotetothefinalmix, you poured your heart into this project, ensuringthateverydetailwasexecutedwith excellence.Your expertise and commitment brought“PERFECT”tolifeinwaysIcould haveonlyimagined.Itrulyappreciateyou!”

She continued: “To my pastor and mother, musicians, background vocalists, engineers, PRO, p

, videographers and everyone who contributed their gifts to this song, thank you!Yourtalentandhardworkelevatedthis project beyond what I dreamed. It all came together so beautifully and I am blessed to havehadsuchanincredibleteammakingthis visionareality.”

The singer detailed that every bit of supportshereceivedpushedhertorealiseher dreamsandshewillbeforevergreater

“YouremindmedailywhyIdothis,andI pray this song blesses you as much as you have blessed me,” she said while thanking God for the inspiration and opportunity to sharemusicthatglorifiesHim.

'PERFECT'isareminderthat“Hisloveis flawless,Histimingisdivine,andHisplans forusarealwaysgreaterthanourown.”

“This is only the beginning, and I can't wait to share more with you all. Until then, keep streaming, sharing, and letting “PERFECT” minister to your hearts,” the singersaid.

Body of man found in trench at Plaisance, ECD.

Man found dead in trench at Plaisance

Residents of De William Street, Plaisance, East Coast Demerara(ECD),discovered thebodyofmanonSaturday laying face-down in a trench near“ArchieDuckCorner”.

“If anybody missing family member, y'all come seewagoingonhay,”oneof the residents said in a Facebooklive.Thediscovery wasmadeSaturdaymorning.

The dead man is believed to beinhislate40sandmightbe ofmixedrace.Thedeadman was clad in a pair of blue pants with greenish yellowishstripeatbothsides a n d w a s a l r e a d y decomposing. According to residents, there was no sign of a body thereonFriday

Somearespeculatingthat the remains ended up there between Friday evening and Saturdaymorning. Policewerecalledandthe body was subsequently transported to the Memorial Gardens Funeral Home. Up topresstime,policewereyet to issue an official statement onthematter

Trumpadministrationmullstravelbanfordozensofcountries, includingAntigua,St.Lucia,Haiti,CubaandSt.KittsandNevis

WA S H I N G TO N , March 14 (Reuters) - The Trump administration is considering issuing

sweeping travel restrictions for the citizens of dozens of countries as part of a new ban, according to sources

familiar with the matter and an internal memo seen by Reuters.The memo lists a total of 41 countries divided

into three separate groups. The first group of 10 countries, including Afghanistan, Iran, Syria,

Cuba and North Korea among others, would be set forafullvisasuspension.

Inthesecondgroup,five

U.S. President Donald Trump (REUTERS/Evelyn Hockstein/File Photo)

countries -- Eritrea, Haiti, Laos, Myanmar and South Sudan -- would face partial suspensions that would impact tourist and student visas as well as other immigrant visas, with some exceptions.

Inthethirdgroup,atotal of26countriesthatincludes Belarus, Pakistan and Turkmenistan among others would be considered for a partial suspension of U.S. visa issuance if their governments "do not make efforts to address deficiencieswithin60days", the memo said.A U.S. official speaking on the condition of anonymity cautioned there could be changesonthelistandthatit wasyettobeapprovedbythe administration, including U S Secretary of State MarcoRubio.

The New York Times first reported on the list of countries.The move harkens back to President Donald Trump's first term ban on travelers from seven majority-Muslim nations, a policy that went through several iterations before it was upheld by the Supreme Courtin2018.

T

executive order on January 20 requiring intensified security vetting of any fo

admission to the U.S. to detect national security threats.That order directed several cabinet members to submitbyMarch21alistof countries from which travel should be partly or fully suspended because their "vetting and screening informationissodeficient."

Trump's directive is part

crackdown that he launched at the start of his second term.He previewed his plan in an October 2023 speech, pledging to restrict people from the Gaza Strip, Libya, Somalia, Syria, Yemen and "

threatensoursecurity.”

The State Department didnotimmediatelyrespond to a request for comment fromReuters.

GHRA condemns Govt. response to detention, relocation of ‘Melly Mel’

The Guyana Human RightsAssociation(GHRA) on Saturday condemned the responseoftheGovernment of Guyana to the detention of Melissa (Melly Mel) Atwellandherrelocationto a correctional facility that houses “‘high value’

detainees awaiting deportation.

In a statement to the media, the Association said

that the Richwood Correctional Centre in Louisiana, United States, that Atwell was reportedly transferred to, “is the same detention facility housing Mahmoud Khalil, the Columbia University studentprotesterinvolvedin NewYorkGazaprotests.”

The GHRA said that under her social media handle ‘Melly Mel’, Atwell is prolifically critical of “corruption in public and commerciallife,particularly by prominent political figures Her numerous heated exchanges have

attracted libel suits, including from the current Attorney-General, Anil Nandlall All major Opposition political parties have criticized her detention.”

Through Vice President Bharrat Jagdeo, the government said that it is unaware of Atwell’s detention However, the GHRA believes that these claimswerepromptedbythe a d m i n i s t r a t i o n ’ s “established practice of vindictiveness against its criticsthroughtheuseoftax claims, libel suits and preferential business practices.”

The Association also pointed out that Jagdeo’s s t a t e m e n t i n v i t e s speculations that there is a coincidence between President Ali’s meeting earlierintheweekwithU.S. Secretary of Energy, Chris WrightandAtwell’sarrest.

Additionally, the GHRA said that Atwell’s detention “adds to the catalogue of unsavoury consequences generated in general by the Trump administration’s xenophobic policies aimed at ‘Making America Great Again’.”

T h e s t a t e m e n t

continued: “Even though there are more outrageous threats to Canada, Greenland and Panama dominating international media, the campaign to ‘cleanse’ the US of ethnic, gender and sexual diversity is affecting a much larger number of countries,

includingGuyana.”

Further, the Human Rights Association said, “Under the pretext of r e m o v i n g i l l e g a l immigrants, people of colour, whether legal or illegal, migrant or born in the USA, are at risk. The GHRA has previously publicizedits concernsover the tactics employed by the US to force countries like Guyana to collaborate with itsdisreputablecampaignto rid the country of people targetedfor transfertotheir countriesoforigin.”

Atwell was reportedly taken into custody by Homeland Security in the UnitedStatesofAmericaon Thursday morning and is said to be cooperating fully withtheauthorities.

According to reports, she is allegedly being questioned about her activities on social media and complaints against her madebytheGovernmentof Guyana On Saturday, KaieteurNewsreportedthat Guyana’s political Opposition expressed grave concern over the woman’s detention.

In a statement to the media, the AFC said that Atwell’sdetentionwillhave aseriousimpactonnational efforts to expose corruption and unlawful conduct in Guyana.

“Like most Guyanese, wehaveseriousreservations on whether Ms Atwell would get anything like a fair trial if she was ever to return to Guyana Ms Atwell is viewed by the present regime as an enemy oftheState,”theAFCsaid.

The party believes that A t w e l l ’s c u r r e n t circumstances may not be unconnected to efforts by thegovernmenttohumiliate her and bring her back to Guyana as a message to other persons who are criticalofthem.

“Under her social media handle, “Melly Mel” has unveiled the corruption of government officials. Often corroborated with evidence, Atwell’s social media posts exposehowmembersofthe ruling People’s Progressive Party Civic (PPPC) have reportedly been siphoning off money to their friends, familiesandfavourites,”the party said. Meanwhile, the People’s National Congress Reform (PNCR) said that they have noted reports on social media regarding the detention ofAtwell by U.S. authorities.“Thereare (Continuedonpage49)

Govt. launches $10,000 Universal Healthcare Voucher for all citizens

The Government of Guyana, through the Ministry of Health, on Saturdayofficiallylaunched its GY$10,000 Universal

Healthcare Voucher programme at the Arthur ChungConferenceCentre.

The programme was initially introduced by PresidentIrfaanAlilastyear and is set to benefit both children and adults across the country Director of the

M i n i s t r y ’ s N o nCommunicable Diseases Programme, Dr Latchmie Lall, provided an overview of the programme. She said

that the Universal

Healthcare Voucher Programme is an initiative that will transform the way healthcare is approached in Guyana.

“OurPresidenthasmade it clear that healthcare must be accessible, proactive and

preventative, no longer should our people wait until illness takes hold before seeking help,” Dr Lall stated.

Embracing a future where early screening and timelyinterventioncansave Guyanese lives, Dr Lall mentioned that this GY$5 billion investment programmewillbenefitover 500,000 citizens (both children and adults) by providing them with a $10,000 healthcare voucher to access critical medical testing.

“Tests that can detect diseases like diabetes, anemia, coronary heart disease risk, kidney disease, diseaseofthethyroidgland, increased risk of prostate cancer, hyperlipidemias and uncontrolled cholesterol levels, before they become life-threatening,” she

President Irfaan Ali on Saturday at the launch of the government’s $10,000 Universal Healthcare Voucher programme. (Ministry of Health Photo)

explained.

The Director noted that this initiative is more than justapolicy,stressingthatit isalifelineandbypartnering with36healthcarefacilities, it is certain that this programme is spread across all10regions.

“We are also pleased to announce that we will

continue to partner with a totalof31eyefacilitiesand8 HPV screening providers to continue with programmes that we started last year We are ensuring that every citizen, regardless of where they are, has access to highquality medical screening andcare,”sheannounced. Regarding access to the

$10,000 voucher, it was revealed that citizens will receive their voucher at health centres, hospitals and outreach programmes and thatspecialeffortsarebeing made to reach remote communities and hinterland regions.Thesevoucherscan be used at private clinics, labsandhospitalsacrossthe country Dr Lall said at the ceremony that once tested, results will be sent to physicians at hospitals and health centres who will guide patients on the next stepofcare.

It should be noted that testing results can also be picked up directly from providersaswell.

TheDirectorencouraged allcitizenstotakeadvantage oftheprogramme.Sheasked that healthcare providers participate fully in the programme and ensure that t

diagnostic services and that communityleadersandnongovernmental organizations (NGOs) spread awareness and encourage participation andsupportoutreachefforts.

“This initiative represents a bold step forward, a commitment to buildingahealthier, (Continuedonpage49)

Notingtheimportanceof theinitiative,Dr Lallrelated thatthisprogramwillenable healthcare professionals to detect diseases earlier, leading to better treatment outcomes, lower healthcare costs by preventing complications, and improve life expectancy allowing people to live longer, healthierlives.Additionally, it will facilitate the collection of critical health data to inform future health policies.

Govt. launches $10,000 Universal Healthcare...

Frompage48

stronger, and more resilient

Guyana By working together, we can reduce the burden of disease, improve access to quality healthcare and create a future where every Guyanese citizen has theopportunitytoliveafull healthylife,”sheexpressed.

Meanwhile, President Ali, who delivered the feature address said that his government is committed to the people of this country and is working tirelessly to not only build a world-class healthcare system but to deliver world-class healthcare services. He said

the voucher programme is just a step forward in that direction.

President Ali also spoke of investments made in the sector that will be evident over time, while noting that health officials have been engaging international partners to train nurses, for the use of technology, and implementing policies geared at providing the best healthcareservices.

It is with this, he said, that local professionals are working tirelessly in developingpreventativeand treatmentcareforcitizens.

“Today we live in a

worldwhere80%ofchronic diseasescanbepreventedby better lifestyle, by better choices but we can’t understand what those choices are if we don’t have the data,” the president said n o t i n g t h a t n o ncommunicable diseases in the Caribbean accounts for approximately 76% of deaths while pointing to cardiovascular diseases, cancer, and diabetes as leaders.

ThePresidentsharedthat “The healthcare industry is shifting from a treatmentbased approach to preventative healthcare,

GHRAcondemnsGovt.response...

Frompage47

speculations that her detention is linked to complaints made by the Government of Guyana. In the interest of transparency, the PNCR calls on the PPP Government to provide clarity on whether it formally requested U.S. government action against Ms. Atwell, and if so, on what basis,” the PNC/Rsaid.

majorshiftgloballyfocusing on early detection, vaccination programme, lifestyle changes and policy intervention.”Headdeditis through these programmes and collecting the data, that the country is allowed to enhance its healthcare system to one that is preventative.

Further, the head-ofstate disclosed that citizens, through the vouchers, will benefit from a 40-70% discountonservicesthatare provided by private laboratoriesandhospitals.

“But a lot of what we have done has been on the curative side and what we want to make sure is that there is a continuum. So we want to focus on the preventative side and that is where these vouchers are situated to make sure that people can get the relevant test,andoncetheyaretested, we can determine whether they are at risk for certain diseases, and if they are at risk, what precautions they needtotake,”heexplained.

communicablediseaseinthe country

“We also took the opportunity in this initiative to make sure that we focus on our children and this is also complementing a programme that we introduced about a year and a half ago, where we have started a school health programme, going into the schools, screening every child to ensure that they are healthy,”hestated.

Noting that there are

Atwell has been openly critical of the governmentaswellasseveralministers.The PNC/R said that it also acknowledges that “threateningcommentsmadeaboutherbya very senior PPP official and the civil legal action filed against her by at least one PPP minister.”Assuch,thepartyremainsfirmin its commitment to the fundamental principles of democracy including the right tofreespeech.EventhoughAtwellhasbeen openly critical of the government and opposition, the PNC/R believes that all Guyanese, no matter their political stance, should be able to freely express their views withoutfearofunduepersecution.

Minister of Health, Dr Frank Anthony, thanked President Ali for the initiative and noted that efforts are continuously being made to improve infrastructure and provide quality healthcare and service.

According to the health minister, some people may be experiencing symptoms ofdiseaseswithoutrealizing it,astheyhavenottakenthe timetogetchecked.

He said that with this new programme, health officials would now be able to at least identify the most p r e v a l e n t n o n -

established to care for children and adults, the Health Minister yesterday shared,“Thisvoucherisone of those really great initiatives that would help with the prevention of diseasesortodelaytheonset ofdiseases.”

“As such, we urge the government to be transparentaboutitsroleinthiscase,ifany, andtoreassurethepublicofitscommitment to upholding democratic freedoms. The PNCR will continue to advocate for the rights of all Guyanese to speak freely, even whentheirviewsdifferfromours,”theparty said.

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Guyana writes U.S. on Cuban labour programme policy...

From page 45 leaders have spoken out against the U.S. policy, making it clear that they are willing to give up their visas in support of the programme while noting that there is no exploitation of the Cuban medical professionals who come to the Caribbean.

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Barbados’ Prime Minister, Mia Mottley, was the first regional leader to state that she is prepared to have her U.S. visa revoked in defence of the Cuban medical programmes.

On March 14, 2025, Kaieteur News published a report from the Caribbean Media Corporation (CMC) which quoted the Barbadian leader as saying, “This matter, with the Cubans and the nurses, should tell us everything that we need to know. Barbados does not currently have Cuban medical staff or Cuban nurses, but I will be the first to go to the line and to tell you that we could not get through the (Covid-19) pandemic without the Cuban nurses and the Cuban doctors.”

Mottley was at the time making a statement to the Barbadian Parliament.

Trinidad and Tobago’s Prime Minister, Dr Keith Rowley, on March 10, 2025, in a video posted by Kawsachun News, said that his country, over the decades, has relied on certain specialists for their health care delivery and has obtained professional assistance from countries like the Philippines, sometimes from

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“Out of the blue now we are being called human traffickers because we hire technical people who we pay top dollar equal to local rates, but we are now being accused of taking part in the programme where people are being exploited. That’s somebody’s interpretation, and of course, there are local people here, encouraging them to take away our US visas,” he said.

Rowley disclosed that he had just returned from California and if he never journeys to the U.S. again he “will ensure that the sovereignty of Trinidad and Tobago is known to its people and respected by all.”

Similarly, Prime Minister of St Vincent and the Grenadines, Dr. Ralph Gonsalves, on March 13, 2025 ,while addressing a forum via a video posted by Kawsachun News, said that the U.S. Secretary of State has issued a statement saying that “countries which have, which are complicit, in his words, with trafficking in persons and exploiting Cuban professionals, the doctors and engineers who come, yeah, those who are complicit with lose their passport. They lose their visas and their families.”

PM Gonsalves made it clear that it is a fact that his country is not involved in any exploitation of Cuban workers, and neither is the Cuban government. However, if the U.S. is determined to take his visa and that of his family then he would like to publicly say he is not looking for a fight.

“We have to be honest and open, the hemodialysis which we do in Saint Vincent at the modern medical and diagnostic center, with these 60 persons, without the Cubans there, I will not be able to offer that service. So, does anybody expect that I to go because I want to keep a visa that I would let 60 persons from the poor and working people to die? It will never happen,” he firmly stated.

Grenadian Prime Minister Dickon Mitchell on March 7, 2025 in an interview with Prime Time Caribbean, said that his country’s perspective is that they have a legitimate partnership with the people and Government of Cuba who have, over several decades, provided support to Grenada in the medical field. In this regard, the Prime Minister said that Grenada will continue to support and defend the partnership between the two countries.

“I think it’s a matter for us to clarify with (the U.S.) State Department and U.S. government. I mean, everybody understands how important the Cuban programme has been and continues to be for many countries in the world- the Caribbean included. I do not believe that any public health system in the Caribbean can survive without the support of the medical persons from Cuba,” the PM said.

The Guyana Government last year had allocated some $60M to house Cuban doctors and technicians who were expected to arrive in the country. Minister of Health, Dr. Frank Anthony, had said that

some 200 Cuban doctors and nurses were expected to arrive in the country early last year. Back in 2022, at an event to celebrate the 50th Anniversary of the establishment of bilateral relations between Guyana and Cuba, President Ali had said: “When we think about our healthcare system and the thousands of doctors and nurses that benefited from training in Cuba; when we think about our engineering system; when we think about the medical brigades that came to support our health sector; when we think about the selfless sacrifice of sharing even when Cuba itself had limited resources, it tells us about a people who are committed to the cause of humanity, a people who are committed to the upliftment of humanity, a people who are committed to ensuring that they do their bit to making the world a better place.”

President Ali said then that Cuba has always been a faithful friend to the Caribbean Community (Caricom) and continues to be a top destination for leaders in the LAC Region to seek medical treatment.

“This tells you something about the character of the people themselves… [and their] interest in humanity. Cuba has shown us that if we put humanity at the centre of what we do, we can achieve great things,” President Ali stated. Nevertheless, the Head of State contended that Guyana will continue to maintain its strong, solid, respectful and dignified relationship with Cuba.

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Guyana writes U.S. on Cuban labour programme policy-Pres.Ali

…says no labour laws have been breached

The Government of Guyana has written to the Trump administration about its policy on the hiring of C u b a n m e d i c a l professionals, enquiring whether there are specific issues the United States of America wants to be addressed.

PresidentIrfaanAlimade this disclosure on Saturday onthesidelinesofthelaunch oftheHealthcareVoucherat the Arthur Chung ConferenceCenter

He was asked by the media to state his government'spositiononthe U S ' threats to sanction governments, officials and their families should they hire persons through the Cuba labour export programme.

The President made it clear that every country has its own policy on matters, adding, “We have already responded to the U S through our official channels. That is, whatever workers we have here, whether it's from Cuba, India… you know we have health care workers from all over, from Africa, from India, from Cuba…that they fall under the same labour laws, local labour laws and internationallabourlaws.”.

Further, the Guyanese leader emphasized that his government has asked the U S to identify specific issues they would like

addressedandeffortswillbe m a d e t o d o s o collaboratively

“…because the U.S., as you know, is a very important partner also for Guyanaandweworkclosely together on many issues,” PresidentAlitoldreporters.

The Head of State said while he has not seen the contract for the Cuban Medical Brigade to know when it expires, all the

persons working in Guyana are subject to local and international laws. He said too that the U.S. has been assured of this and the benefits the health workers receive.

Thegovernmentisyetto

receive a response from the U S , the President disclosed.

Asked whether the civil approach taken by Guyana wastakenbyotherHeadsof Government of the Caribbean Community (CARICOM), he replied, “I can't speak for the other Caribbean governments. I know when the policy was announced in its entirety by Secretary Rubio, we were at

heads' meetings. And this was one of the subjects that heads would have requested a meeting on with the U.S. StateDepartment.”

On February 25, 2025, the United States DepartmentofState,through

its Secretary of State Marco Rubio, announced that there will be an expansion of the visa restriction policy for persons exploiting Cuban labour

“Today,weannouncethe expansion of an existing Cuba-related visa restriction policy that targets labor linked to the Cuban labour export program This expanded policy applies to current or former Cuban

government officials, and other individuals, including foreign government officials,whoarebelievedto be responsible for, or involvedin,theCubanlabor export program, particularly Cuba's overseas medical

missions. This policy also applies to the immediate family of such persons. The Department has already taken steps to impose visa restrictions on several individuals, including Venezuelans, under this

expanded policy,” Rubio said.

Further, the Secretary of State said that Cuba profits from the “forced labor of its workers and the regime's abusive and coercive labor practices are well documented.”

“Cuba's labor export programs,whichincludethe medicalmissions,enrichthe Cuban regime, and in the case of Cuba's overseas medical missions, deprive ordinary Cubans of the medical care they desperately need in their home country The United States is committed to countering forced labor practices around the globe. To do so, we must promote accountability not just for Cuban officials responsible for these policies, but also those complicit in the exploitationandforcedlabor ofCubanworkers.”

Several Caribbean

(Continuedonpage50)

Amended local content law to allow Guyanese to own supply vessels - Jagdeo

Guyanese will stand a better chanceatowningsupplyvesselsin the oil and gas sector when the government amends the Local Content Act, Vice President BharratJagdeosaidonThursday

The Vice President was at the time speaking at his weekly press conferenceheldatFreedomHouse, RobbStreet,Georgetown.

Kaieteur News asked him to state how locals can secure supply boat contracts and whether they havetheoptiontobid.

In response, Jagdeo said that Guyanese can work together to formcompaniesaimedatgrabbing, amongotherthings,supplyvessels' contracts,sinceitmaybecostlyfor onepersontodoso.

“We hope to amend the local

content law to give more room for local ownership of supply vessels, but these supply vessels are very costly You know, they run into millionsofUSdollars.Somaybeit may be beyond the reach of an individual in Guyana to afford thesevessels,”Jagdeosaid.

He advised that it would be wiseforpartnershipstobefostered with overseas companies and a consortium of Guyanese companiestoallowformorelocals toinvestinthesehigh-valueareas, ultimatelybringingmorevalueand incometothem.TheVPexplained, “onceyougetacontractthere,it'sa long-term contract, and it's predictable, and therefore you can make money on it. So, we hope in thefuturethatthelocalcontentlaw

canevolvetoallowmoreroomfor Guyanese in these areas, like how wedidwithsomeotherareaswhere we had 100%, you know, procurement from Guyanese companies.”

He admitted that they may not get to 100% locals in this area immediately but bigger shares of thesupplyboatcontractsshouldgo tothelocalsandthisistheintentof thelegislativeamendments.

The Government of Guyana has been working for some time now to amend the local content laws to ensure that locals benefit more and to close loopholes that allow foreigners to cheat the system and benefit from policies specificallycraftedforGuyanese.

On March 9, 2025, this

publication reported that local companies have benefitted from the majority of the 2024 local content earnings The Vice Presidentassuredthatbasedonthe earnings in the oil and gas sector, localbusinessescontinuetobenefit fromthebulkofearnings. He said that every effort is beingmadetoprotectGuyanesein accordancewiththeLocalContent Act.Jagdeo was asked by Kaieteur NewswhethertheUS$743Mspent on local content last year was verified by the government and whether the bulk of it is in the pockets of locals rather than foreignerswhouselocalsasfronts for their businesses.“…right now, there's $700M odd that you speak of.It'sasubstantialsumofmoney,

nearly$150billionofprocurement opportunities going to Guyanese companies,” the Vice President said.He explained that while by definition and documentation presented,allofthecompaniesare Guyanese, some may be local in theorybutforeigninpractice. Jagdeoremindedthatthereisan ongoing investigation to identify such companies. He said that the government has identified loopholesbeingusedbyforeigners to circumvent the local content legislation.

“…but the bulk of the money would be mainly to our local companies,thebulkofit,andwe're very pleased that it happened because it is great opportunities,” heassured.

Vice President, Bharrat Jagdeo

Prime Minister Grenada, Dickon Mitchell

Barbados Prime Minister, Mia Mottley

Prime Minister of Trinidad and Tobago, Dr. Keith Rowley

Ralph Gonsalves Prime Minister of St. Vincent andthe Grenadines

Mumbai Indians defeat Delhi Capitals by eight runs to win second

ESPNcricinfo – The

Mumbai Indians are champions of the Tata Women’s Premier League (WPL) for the second time after a tense eightrun win over the Delhi Capitals in Saturday’s final at the Brabourne StadiuminMumbai.

The 2023 champions

were on the back foot early, losing the wickets of o p e n e r s H a y l e y Matthews (3) and Yastika Bhatia (8) within the first six overs after Capitals skipper Meg Lanning put them in to bat after winning thetoss.

Nat Sciver-Brunt and captain Harmanpreet

K

crucial 89 for the third

stability to the Mumbai batting effort

Kaurhitninefoursand two sixes on her way to a top score of 66 off 44

approach, hitting four foursinher30off28balls insupport.

Some crucial late runs from Amanjot Kaur (14*) helped Mumbai recover from 132-7 with two balls left in the 19th over to post a respectable149-7in their20overs.

Marizanne Kapp bowled beautifully for her 2-11 off four overs while Jess Jonassen and Shree Charani took two wickets, each

Sunday March 16, 2025

ARIES(Mar.21–Apr.19)

Something is currently compellingyoutobemoreof a world citizen than usual, Aries. You may find this somewhat disturbing You feel as though the roots of youridentity

TAURUS(Apr.20–May20)

Your surroundings are currently changing, Taurus. Perhapsyourcircleoffriends has already undergone a majorchange.Thefactisthat you no longer have so many prejudices about the people youmeet.

GEMINI(May21–June20)

Gemini, you're demystifying theconceptoftalent.Youused to look enviously at other peopleandthink,"IwishIhad anaturalabilitylikethat."

CANCER(June21–July22)

Areyouthinkingofgoinginto businessforyourself,Cancer? Being self-employed doesn't automatically mean you will have more freedom Of course, you will be your own boss.

LEO(July23–Aug.22)

Within the next few days, you'relikelytogainaccessto dimensionsofperceptionyou neversuspected,Leo.Perhaps you will become aware of certain energy phenomena, peakexperiences.

VIRGO(Aug.23–Sept.22)

Often fiery temperaments like yours are drawn to fight for great causes despite the better judgment of more down-to-Earth people. As a result, you have great leadership potential that may emergetoday

LIBRA(Sept.23–Oct.22)

Your optimism is likely to receive a little boost today, Libra.Amemorableemotional encountermaybethesourceof some extra zeal. Or you may derive great satisfaction from beingpartofagroup.

SCORPIO(Oct.23–Nov 21)

Perhaps you should suspend your inhibitions for the day, Scorpio, and let your dreams guide you. For instance, you mightimaginethattheneedto make any choices has vanished.

SAGIT(Nov 22–Dec.21)

This is the type of day you enjoy The climate is positive, and the energy is flowing. It's as though you have a magic wand.Yougiveitawaveandpresto - the day's tasks and chores are done! By this evening.

CAPRI(Dec.22–Jan.19)

If the world collapsed today, you wouldn't bat an eyelash. You're perfectly content sailing along on cloud nine! Thesourceofyourblisscould bethatnewpersoninyourlife.

AQUARIUS (Jan. 20–Feb. 18) You may have had some emotional disappointments lately, but today will restore yourfaithinlove.Allyouneed to do is act. Your amazing lucidity and realism keep you from hoping for the impossible.

PISCES(Feb.19–Mar.20)

Put on your traveling shoes, Pisces. Fear of the unknown may have prompted you to postpone certain trips. You claimedyouweretoobusy,but noonereallybelievedthis.

Similar to the Indians, the Capitals lost their two openers within the first six overs, Lanning for eight and Shafali Verma forfour

They then lost Jess Jonassen two balls into the seventh over to be reeling at 37-3 before, not long after, Annabel Sutherland danced down the wicketandmissedaball from Saika Ishaque that was happily collected by wicketkeeper Yastika Bhatia who thencarriedoutthestumping to make it 44-4 after eight overs

Jemimah Rodrigues (30) and Sarah Bryce (5) then both fell in quick succession to leave the score now at 83-6 with one ball remaining in the 13thover

Marizanne Kapp and Niki Prasad then made things interesting with a 40-run seventh wicket partnership before Kapp fell caught on the boundary by Matthewsoff thebowlingofSciver-Brunt foratopscoreof40from26 balls to leave the score at 123-7.

Pandey tried her best with 25* off 23 balls but it wasn’t enough in the e n d S c i v e r - B r u n t finished with 3-30 from her four overs while Amelia Kerr took 2-25 in support

Mumbai Indians are now the first team to win multipleWPLtitles while the Capitals have the unfortunate record of losing the final of all threeeditions,sofar

Scores: Mumbai Indians 149 for 7 (Harmanpreet 66, Sciver-Brunt30,Kapp2-11, Jonassen 2-26) beat Delhi Capitals141for9(Kapp40, Rodrigues 30, Sciver-Brunt 3-30)byeightruns.

Harmanpreet Kaur blazes and Nat Sciver-Brunt put on an 89-run stand to lift Mumbai Indians. (BCCI)

River Bridge Closure to

Puerto Rico’s Carolina heading to Georgetown for historic One Guyana 3x3

Luis Cuascut one, of the faces of 3x3 basketball for Puerto Rico, will be in Guyana for the One Guyana 3x3 tournament.

Basketballfansareinfor a treat, as some of the world’s best 3x3 teams make their way to Guyana for the highly anticipated One Guyana 3x3 Quest, set for April 5-6 at the Cliff AndersonSportsHall.

The ultimate prize? a coveted spot in the FIBA 3x3 World Tour in Edmonton, Canada, in August.

Leading the pack is Puerto Rico’s team Carolina, ranked 14th globally by FIBA and the third-highestrankedteamin theAmericas

Carolina’s presence at the tournament is expected to elevate the event’s profile, as they join elite teamsfromSwitzerland,the Dominican Republic, Trinidad & Tobago, Suriname, Bermuda, St Kitts & Nevis, the Cayman Islands, Mexico, the USA, Ecuador, St Lucia, St Maarten,andGrenada.

Carolina is spearheaded by Antonio Ralat, who led Puerto Rico to gold at the 2023 AmeriCup and a runner-upfinishinthe2024 edition, falling just short againsttheUSA.

Ralat, ranked 47th globally and the top player inPuertoRico,isrenowned for his skill and experience on the international stage. Notably, he finished second at the 2023 World Tour in

Edmonton when the team wasknownasSanJuan.

SupportingRalatisLuis Cuascut, ranked 58th globally and second in PuertoRico.Cuascut,alsoa key figure in Puerto Rico’s AmeriCuptriumph,iseager toreturntoEdmontonaftera fourth-placefinishin2024.

The formidable duo is joined by Bryan Colon and Nathaniel Butler, completing a squad rich in experienceandtalent.

The Guyana Basketball Federation(GBF)expressed excitement over hosting the first-ever 3x3 Quest in the E n g l i s h - s p e a k i n g Caribbean.

The federation, in a release, highlighted that Carolina’s participation, along with other top-tier teams like Lausanne from Switzerland, will significantly enhance the tournament’sprestige.

The GBF pointed out, that the One Guyana Quest is the biggest 3x3 tournament to ever hit the Caribbean, and Guyana is ready to deliver an unforgettableevent.

For Carolina, the One Guyana 3x3 Quest is a crucial step toward reclaiming glory on the world stage, however, the competition will be fierce, with teams from across the AmericasandtheCaribbean eagertomakehistory

Slingerz FC to face East Coast...

Frompage59 tryingtoachieveasaclub.”

According to Shabazz, “The East Coast Team will befulloftalentandthekind of test we need to build a winning momentum Playing on a community ground against a partisan homecrowdwillbetheideal atmospheretotestourcrew.”

S l i n g e r z F C i s determined to build on their strong start this season after

finishing second in the previous Elite League campaign behind the Guyana Defence Force, despite maintaining an unbeatenrecord.

WiththeEastCoastAllStars poised to provide a solid challenge, Slingerz FC will be looking towards matches against similar opponents like Linden and the East Bank All Star teams

All set for today’s horseracing action at Kennard Memorial Turf Club

BySamuelWhyte

After months of preparationthedayisfinally here and all roads lead to prestigious Kennard

Memorial Turf Club (KMTC) for the annual Phagwah one day horserace meet.

Thousands are expected toswarmtheBushLotFarm, Corentyne, Berbice venue, todaySundayMarch16,for what is being dubbed the horserace meet for the year sofar

Therearesixracesonthe day’s card. A hefty $6M in cash, trophies and other prizes are at stake with a number of the country’s top horsesenteredtocompete.

A specular line up has

Mrs. Chand Kennard receives the prestigious Metro Stationay and Office Supplies Trophy from the Manager for the Feature C1 and lower event.

taken entry for the feature C1andlowereventandthat alone is worthy of the day’s entrance fees, dubbed the Metro Stakes compliments of the Metro Stationery and Office Supplies Company

The winner will race away with$1.2Mandtrophyover 7furlongs. Avirtualwhois who for horses in that category has taken entry

Those inked to go include Beckham James, Stolen Money, Spankhurst, Bossilina,JohnBull,Ritorna Vincetori and Stormy Victory Agatetopolebattle isinthemaking. The co-feature F class and lower seven furlongs event is also expected to be keenly contested. The likes

Guyana finish Group Stage in Third Place,

set for

Bronze Medal match at 2025 Junior Pan American Challenge

Guyana’s Junior Women’s Hockey Team

delivered thei

m

st dominan

tacking performance of the tournament in their final group-stage match against Trinidad & Tobago at the 2025 Junior Pan American Challenge.

Despite controlling possession and applying relentless pressure in the Trinidadian half, Guyana securedanarrow1-0victory. The breakthrough came early when striker Rebecca Ferreira capitalized on a defensive miscue, intercepting a pass between Trinidad & Tobago’s defenders.Shedroveintothe circle and expertly slotted the ball between the goalkeeper’s legs to give Guyana the lead. Despite

of Morning Colours, Creemore, Beckham James, Forlance Kingdom and Full Forcewillbegunningforthe win. Picking a winner for the H and lower seven furlongs event will be a difficult task as a close race isinthemaking.

The Three years-old Guyana Bred six furlongs matchup is expected to be another crowd puller The likes of RuffTime, I’ll have

Another, She’s Perfect, Royal Guard, Easy Bella, Citation, Rude Boy ll and Perfect Gold will all be looking for the perfect finish.

Alarge field is expected in the event for J and lower horses.

The final event listed on the day’s card is for L class openanimals.

Bestowed with having one of the best horseracing

facilities in the country, the KMTC is accredited with staging well organized horseracemeets.

The KMTC is in splendidshapeandariveting day of racing is anticipated withmouthwateringaction.

n u m e r o u s s c o r i n g opportunities and sustained attacking pressure throughout the game, this remainedtheonlygoalofthe match.

With this result, Guyana finishthegroupstageinthird place and will now face Trinidad & Tobago once again in the bronze medal match today, Sunday, March 16, at 10 a.m. The team will be looking to replicate their attacking intensity and finish the tournament on a high note. All matches from the tournament can be streamed live on the PAHF YouTube channel.

Stay tuned for further updates on the Guyana Junior Women’s Hockey Team’s journey at the 2025 Junior Pan American Challenge.

Ropnauth Sewsankar- 6786722. With the absence of a Guyana Horse Racing Authority (GHRA), the event will be conducted under the aegis of the KMTC.

Outstanding individual performers, including top jockey, top trainer and top stable will be rewarded compliments of the Trophy Stall Last minute queries can be made with Satish Bowan

Racetimeis12:30hrs.

GFF Inc. president, Wayne Forde, makes official visit Wayne visit to newly-elected Fruta Conquerors FC Leadership

TUCVILLE, GUYANA

– President of the Guyana Football Federation (GFF), Wayne Forde, made his first official visit to the newly elected Fruta Conquerors

Football Club executive at the Conquerors Arena in Tucville, following an invitation from President MartinMassiah. Forde, who previously served as President of Fruta Conquerors, engaged with Massiah, Vice President Mark DeFreitas, Secretary Odessa Abrams, Coach Samson Benaiah Gilbert,

and Executive Member Junior Ramkelawan in discussions on the club’s future,includingitspushfor Concacaf Club Licensing, modernized operations, and playerdevelopment.

“ I h a v e a d e e p connection to this club, and it’s exciting to see bold new leadership driving it forward,”Fordesaid.“Fruta Conquerorsismorethanjust afootballclub;itisafootball institution embedded in the heartofGeorgetown,pulling from communities where people may not have the most money, but they have the talent, passion, and

determination to succeed.

Theclubhasplayedacritical role in molding young men and women into leaders, providing a structured environment for growth, discipline, and opportunity The success stories of players like Ryan Hackett, who rose through the club’s ranks to become one of Guyana’s most notable footballers, are a testament to the transformative power of football. Football clubs are the bedrock of a federation and serve as the primary

development.”

Massiah outlined his vision to transform

Conquerors, focusing on

professionalizing club operations. “We are laying the foundation for a worldclassfootballinstitutionthat will set new standards in Guyana,”hestated.

The visit reinforced FrutaConquerors’statusasa pillar of Guyanese football development and the GFF’s commitment to supporting clubs that drive player growth, innovation, and excellence.

Tucber Park Cricket Club

disappointed over non-selection of Joshua Thomas in Guyana U-15 Team

The Executives and membersoftheTucberPark Cricket Club (TPCC) have expressed extreme disappointed over the nonselection of Joshua Thomas intheGuyanaunder-15team although he was the joint leading wicket taker in the just concluded GCB Under15 Inter-County Super50 tournament.

Thomas, a left-arm chinnaman spinner, a skill rarely seen since the invention of the game, performed exceptionally well throughout the tournament claiming 4-37 against Berbice, 3-46 against Demerara and 2-43 against Essequibo to finish the tournament with 9 wickets. He was level with another wrist spinner (right arm leg spin) Reyaz Latif who also took 9 wickets in thetournament.

With regional cricket allocating bonus points at the youth level for wrist spinners and fast bowlers, it wouldbejustifiabletoselect

Tucber Park Cricket Club is expressing disappointed with the non-selection of Joshua Thomas (left) in the Guyana under-15 team. (Newsroom photo via Tucber Park CC)

both

the opportunity

tournaments in the past, a releasefromtheclubnoted. While TPCC feels

slighted by this nonselection,theclubhopesthat such a special talent be nurturedforthefuture. The club is encouraging young Joshua Thomas to continuetoworkhardonall aspects of his game as the journeyhasnowonlybegun.

Fruta

GFF president, Wayne Forde (2nd left), made his first official visit to the newlyelected Fruta Conquerors Football Club Executive at their facility in Tucville.

Slingerz FC to face East Coast All-Stars in preparation for Elite League campaign

Slingerz FC will play East CoastAll-Stars on March 16 at the Golden Grove Community Centre Ground from 7:00 pm.

As part of their strategic preparation for the ongoing Guyana Football Federation (GFF) Elite League, SlingerzFootballClubisset totakeontheEastCoastAllStarteamtonightat7:00pm at the Golden Grove CommunityCentreGround.

Theevening’sactionwill kick off at 5:00 pm with a clash between Victoria Kings and Golden Stars, setting the stage for what promises to be an exciting night of football on the East Coast.

Slingerz FC commenced their Elite League campaign

last weekend with a commanding 4-1 victory overMonedderlust.

T h e w i n w a s spearheaded by Jamaican striker Kemar Beckford, who netted an impressive hat-trick, while Golden Jaguars defender Jeremy Garrett added the fourth goal.

With the next Elite Leaguefixturescheduledfor March 28 against Mainstay Goldstars FC, Slingerz FC HeadCoachJamaalShabazz

Jamaican Kemar Beckford scored a hat-trick against Monedderlust in Slingerz FC’s opening night win in the Elite League.

emphasized the importance of staying match-fit and maintaining team cohesion duringthenearlythree-week break.

“We have an almost three-week downtime betweenourfirstandsecond game of the league, and for us, match fitness is very important,andweonlyhave thatifweplay Theleagueis only 18 games long for the clubs,sothesematches,like the one against East Coast tonight, will be very important in what we’re trying to achieve this season,”Shabazzexplained.

Shabazz further noted thatwithseveralSlingerzFC players in contention for selection to the Golden Jaguars squad for the upcoming Gold Cup Qualification, it is essential to keep the rest of the squad activelyengaged.

He added, “We have a squad of very talented playersandthismatchgives ourotherplayersachanceto play They’re all very importanttowhatweare

(Continuedonpage56)

Milo/Massy U18 Football C/ship underway

The 11th Annual

Milo/Massy Under-18

S c h o o l s F o o t b a l l Tournament, organized by the Petra Organisation, kicked off yesterday at the Ministry of Education and Queen’s College grounds in Georgetown This highly anticipated competition will run for a month and feature 24 teams from the ten administrative regions, all vying for the coveted championship title and a $300,000 first-place prize, which will be allocated toward a school project of thewinner’schoice.

B e y o n d t h e championship title, the tournamentoffersadditional incentives. The top eight teams will automatically qualify for the upcoming E x x o n M o b i l U 1 8

Championship later this year, while the top two finishers will earn the opportunity to compete in the KFC International Goodwill Series in December With several teams showcasing their competitive edge in the recently concluded elimination playoffs, this year’s tournament promises tobeanintenseandthrilling contest.

The traditional March Pastevent,ahallmarkofthe tournament’s opening ceremony, was won by Waramuri Top Secondary, whose banner boldly declared,“Whilehavingfun, wewilltakethecrown.This yearisweyear.”

The opening ceremony was graced by several distinguished guests,

including Deputy Chief Education Officer for Hinterland Development, Marti DeSouza; Head of the Allied Acts Unit, Nicolas Fraser; Milo Brand Representative, Tisha Miller; and Assistant Director of Sports, Franklin Wilson,amongothers.

Delivering the feature address, Miller expressed Milo’s enthusiasm for continuing its partnership with the Petra Organisation.

“WeatMiloarethrilledtobe back as partners in this initiative,aspartofMassy’s corporate and social responsibility Being a force for good, we are committed tosupportingawiderangeof social, cultural, and economic initiatives,” she stated. Miller emphasized that communities are at the

heart of Milo’s business.

Recognizing the importance of sports as a safe and constructiveoutletforyouth, she reaffirmed the brand’s commitment to supporting s u c h e v e n t s “ B y participating in sports activities like this, students not only engage in meaningfulcompetitiveplay but also createopportunities for their personal and professional growth,” she noted.

“Once again, we are excitedtocollaborateonthis venture as we work towards shaping the future of our next generation,” Miller concluded.

With the tournament officially underway, anticipationishighasteams set their sights on championshipglory

Sponsor representative, Tisha Miller, kick off the tournament yesterday at MoE ground.

Guyana finish Group Stage in third place, set for Bronze Medal match at 2025 Junior Pan American Challenge

Sports

PuertoRico’sCarolina headingtoGeorgetownfor historicOneGuyana3x3

Mumbai Indians defeat Delhi Capitals by eight runs to win second WPL title title

Mumbai Indians celebrate with the WPLtrophy. (Getty Images)

Puerto Rico’sAntonio Ralat is one of the top 3x3 players in the World.

Captain Sarah Klautky (on the ball) in control against Trinidad and Tobago.