Kaieteur News

Elaine Ellingham, the President and Chief Executive Officer (CEO) of Omai

Jailed: Rand y Thomas

FamilyofCorentyneteensays lockedoutfrompost-mortem

The family of 16-yearoldAltafKingsaysitssearch for answers has been dealt anotherpainfulsetbackafter they were allegedly prevented from witnessing

t h e p o s t - m o r t e m

examination on the teenager'sbody

The autopsy was performed on Monday by Government Pathologist Dr VivekanandBridgemohanat the old Skeldon Hospital,

four days after the Corentyneteendiedduringa police pursuit that has sparked widespread public outrage.

Speaking with Kaieteur News, Altaf's stepfather, Rakesh Sahadew, said he, the teen's biological father, Andra King, and his uncle, Vasdeo Megnauth, attended the hospital expecting to observetheprocedure.

According to Sahadew, Altaf'sfatherwasallowedto identify his son's body before the examination began, but moments later, family members were orderedtoleavetheroom.

"They said they don't

like normal people that die, yuh does go there and witness. All because is a police story, they stop we fromwitnessingit,"hesaid.

The family has since indicatedthatitisconsulting attorneys and is prepared to pursue legal action if it is dissatisfied with the outcomeoftheinvestigation intotheteen'sdeath.

The now deceased Altaf King with his father,

want nobody, no family member, to stand up and watch what going on. Just the police. Somebody is supposed to stand up and watch what going on when them cutting, but them ain't want that, " Sahadew alleged.

The family said they were given no explanation for the decision. They said u n d e r n o r m a l circumstances, at least one relative is permitted to witness a post-mortem examination alongside policeofficers.Beingdenied that opportunity, they said,

Andra King

has only deepened their suspicions, particularly given the allegations surrounding the teenager's death.

"We were denied in watching the post-mortem. They said they just want us to identify the body, but we're supposed to watch what going on. They didn't allow we to do that,"Altaf's fathersaid.

King believes the family's exclusion has only intensified their grief and fueledconcernsofapossible cover-up.

"If was a normal story,

Altaf, of Eliza Mary Race Course, Corentyne, died on Thursday evening following a high-speed chase involving a police patrol vehicle. Police have maintainedthattheteenager crashed into a utility pole while attempting to evade officers. However, eyewitnesses have disputed that account, alleging that the police vehicle struck the motorcycle,causingthefatal injuries.

G r a p h i c v i d e o s circulated on social media showedtheteenagerlyingin a pool of blood with severe injuries. The post-mortem examination concluded that he died from multiple injuries.

granted $100,000

A34-year-oldboat

captain from Puruni Landing, Middle Mazaruni River, has beenchargedwithattempting tosetfiretoabuilding.

Dwayne Sookdeo appeared before Magistrate Teriq Mohammed at the BarticaMagistrate'sCourton Monday, June 29, where he

waschargedwiththeoffence of Attempting to Set Fire to Building,contrarytoSection 146 of the Criminal Law (Offences)Act,Chapter8:01. Sookdeo pleaded not guilty to the charge and was granted bail in the sum of $100,000.

Thematterwasadjourned toAugust10,2026.

Charged: Dwayne Sookdeo

Omai banking on Amaila Falls hydro project to boost gold processing capacity

Canadian miner Omai Gold Mines Corp has disclosed that future expansions of its processing plant at its gold project in Guyana could benefit from Guyana's potential nearfuturedevelopmentoflower cost, “green” energy solutions including the proposed Amaila Falls HydropowerProject.

The company recently reported that phase one of metallurgicaltestworkatits Omai Gold Project has improved projected gold recovery rates to as high as 95%.

This means that the company is able to extract a greater percentage of gold contained in ore during processing.

Omai's proposed processing plant would include conventional crushing, grinding and carbon-in-leach circuits, with the option of

recovery to capture coarse gold.

Using its latest Mineral Resource Estimate (MRE), Omaiprojectsthattheshearhosted Wenot Deposit and theadjacentintrusion-hosted GiltDepositcouldsupporta processing plant capable of handling between 20,000 and25,000tonnesoforeper day(tpd),upfromtheearlier projected 15,000 to 18,000 tpd.

According to Omai, future plant expansions could benefit from planned energy projects in Guyana like government's planned 165-megawatt (165MW) Amaila Falls Hydropower Project and the liquefied natural gas (LNG) facility whichisacomponentofthe US$2 billion Gas-to-Energy (GTE)projectatWales,West BankDemerara.

The Amaila Falls Hydro project was introduced by a p r e v i o u s P P P / C Administration in 2011, but projectfacedobstaclesinits realisation and was shelved onmultipleoccasions.

The project is located

Elaine Ellingham, the President and Chief Executive Officer (CEO) of Omai

110 miles west of Omai's gold project located in Region Seven (CuyuniM a z a r u n i ) O m a i highlightedthatgovernment has recently gone out to tender with the design for Amaila Falls project, includingatransmissionline to within 22 km of the proposedOmaiplantsite.

Request for Proposals (RFP), five bids were received in May from international contractors for the Amaila Falls Project, three of which are Chinese companies.

The project which is being executed through the OfficeofthePrimeMinister, will be done under a BuildOwn-Operate-Transfer (BOOT) model, with a minimum installed capacity of165MW

Kaieteur News reported that some companies bid eitherviaconsortiumorjoint venture.Outofthefivebids, three are from China, while the other two are headquartered in the United StatesofAmericaandIndia. According to information released on NPTAB website the five bidders are Afcon Infrastructure Limited (of India) in joint venture with Scandian Infrastructure AB (of Sweden); CAMCECMEC Consortium (of C h i n a ) w h o b i d

US$668,000,000; China Gezhouba Group Company Limited-HYI(ofChina)who bid US$432,338,377; OEC USA in joint venture with GE Vernova (of USA), and Worley (of Australia) who bid US$800,060,842; and Sinohydro Corporation Limited (of China) who bid US$416,866,949.21.

Meanwhile, the Wales GTEproject,whichincludes the construction of a 300megawatt(MW)powerplant and the LNG facility Wales. The project has faced mounting criticisms over delaysandescalatingcosts.

The project is now expected to achieve first power by the end of 2026. Theproject'sinitialdeadline wasDecember2024.

While the first power turbine is expected to come online by the end of 2026, the other gas turbines are expected to be fully commissioned by the first quarter of 2027 and the combinedcycleoperationto becompletedbyJune2027.

Omai has previously listed the US$190 million Linden-to-Mabura Road project as another key piece of infrastructure expected to benefit its operations. The road passes within 12

kilometres of the company's property

In2020,theGovernment ofGuyanasecuredaloanfor thisproject.

The US$190 million road project comprises a US$112-million loan from the Caribbean Development Bank (CDB), a grant of £50 million (US$66 million) from the Government of the United Kingdom via the CDB - administered United

Infrastructure Fund, along with US$12 million providedbygovernment.

Since its return to Guyana's mining sector in 2020, Omai, through its subsidiary Avalon Gold Exploration Inc , has identified2.5millionounces of gold in the indicated categoryatthehistoricOmai Goldproject.

The company holds

100% interest in the project which hosts two orogenic gold deposits: Wenot and Gilt. Thecompanyhasbeen engagedindrillingactivities at both the Wenot and Gilt deposits as part of the company's 50,000-metre exploration programme as preparationsareongoingfor the project's Preliminary Economic Assessment (PEA), expected within the nextfourtosixweeks.

Omai Gold Project

Georgetown GUYANA

KaieteurNews

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

Publisher:GLENNLALL-Tel:624-6456

Editor-in-Chief:NigelWilliams

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

EDITORIAL

Gaza’s children

The latest report by the United Nations Independent International Commission of Inquiry should disturb the conscienceofeverynation.

Its language is among the strongest yet employed by a UNinvestigativebody,concludingthatthereare“reasonable grounds” to believe Israeli forces deliberately targeted Palestinian children as part of a broader strategy to destroy the future of the Palestinian people. If these findings withstandlegalscrutiny,historywilljudgethisasoneofthe darkestchaptersofthetwenty-firstcentury

The report’s most haunting sentence is perhaps its simplest: “The essence of childhood has been destroyed.” Those words encapsulate far more than statistics. They describe a generation robbed not only of life but of innocence,education,securityandhope.

According to the commission, more than 20,000 Palestinian children have been killed and over 44,000 injuredsinceOctober2023.Itallegesthatchildrenhavedied not only under bombardment but from sniper fire, drone attacks, starvation and the collapse of medical care. The report concludes that this suffering “was not incidental but intendedtodestroytheexistenceofthePalestiniansinGaza asagroup.”

Thatisanallegationofextraordinarygravity Itdemands neither dismissal nor political spin, but rigorous, independent examination and accountability through internationallaw

Thereportpaintsanalmostunimaginablepictureoflife in Gaza. Hospitals have allegedly been reduced to rubble. Neonatal wards have ceased functioning. Children have undergoneamputationswithoutanesthesia.Thecommission saysGazanowhastheworld’shighestconcentrationofchild amputees, many condemned to lifelong disability in a territorywithlittlecapacityforrehabilitation.Schoolshave been destroyed, leaving an entire generation without education. Thousands have been orphaned. Hunger has becomeroutineratherthanexceptional.

If proven,thesefindingsrepresentprofoundfailuresof humanityitself.

ThecommissionfurtherallegesthatPalestinianchildren detainedbyIsraeliauthoritieshavebeensubjectedtotorture, abuse and sexual violence, while others have disappeared into detention without access to parents or legal counsel. It also concludes that virtually every surviving child in Gaza nowbearsseverepsychologicaltraumafrombombardment, displacement,bereavementandfear

Yet the report is also careful to place these findings within the wider context of the conflict. It recalls that its earlierinvestigationsfoundthatHamasandotherPalestinian armed groups committed war crimes and crimes against humanity during the October 7, 2023 attacks, including the murder, abduction and mistreatment of Israeli civilians and children Those atrocities deserve unequivocal condemnation. No grievance, however deeply rooted, can justify the deliberate targeting of civilians or the taking of hostages.

Butneithercanoneatrocityjustifyanother International humanitarian law was created precisely because war unleashes humanity’s worst instincts. It does not distinguish between children based on nationality, religionorethnicity AnIsraelichildandaPalestinianchild possess equal dignity, equal rights and equal protection underthelaw Anyattempttoranktheirsufferingdiminishes the universal principles upon which modern human rights arefounded.

Oneofthereport’smosttroublingobservationsisthatthe destruction extends beyond the present generation. By dismantling healthcare, demolishing schools and inflicting widespreadtrauma,theCommissionarguesthatthefutureof Palestinian society itself is under assault. Whether or not international courts ultimately uphold every legal conclusion contained in the report, few can dispute the visiblerealitythatGaza’schildrenhaveenduredsufferingon ascalerarelywitnessedinmoderntimes.

The people of Guyana are not subjects to be patronised

DEAREDITOR,

I write to object to the propaganda that is presently in circulation led by the Minister of Education, Ms. Sonia Parag that the “Because We Care” cash grant for schoolchildren is a gift from the PPP government.

For the record and from my pen to Ms. Parag’s ears, this education grant is not a gift from the PPP, since the PPPneverpaidonedollarof taxinitsentirelife;itisnota giftfromPresidentIrfanAli, becauseheandallpresidents of Guyana including Mr Bharat Jagdeo do not pay taxes as prescribed by the law This money is coming from the taxes paid by the teachers,nurses,soldiersand

policemen among others Because the taxpayers generated this fund, it is a processofgivingbacktothe peoplesomeoftheirtaxes. Therefore, it is an entitlementtothechildrenof Guyana funded by the taxpayersofthiscountry

Minister Joseph Hamilton put it plainly in 2021 when he told parents: “Wedon’tthinkwearedoing yousomespecialfavour The money that will be distributedtoyoutoday,itis your money…” The money belongstothepeople.Thisis public money, not the president’s personal wealth

or the government’s benevolence.

Yet government ministers and officials

routinely attribute the grant to the president and his administration, creating the impression that it is a personal favour from the leader rather than a policy fundedbythepeople. This narrative serves to cultivate political loyalty rather than acknowledge the rights of citizens.There is a term for this: it is called patrimonialpolitics—theuse of state resources to create a relationship of dependency and obligation When politicians distribute taxpayers’moneyandexpect gratitudeinreturn,theytreat citizensnotasrights-holders butassupplicants.

Let us be clear The money for the “Because We Care” grant comes from the

consolidated fund The consolidatedfundisfilledby taxpayers. The government issimplytheadministratorof these funds, not their owner When a child receives the grant,theyarereceivingtheir entitlement as a citizen of Guyana—not a favour from anypolitician.

I call on the government anditsministerstoceasethis political propaganda. Stop presenting the people’s money as a gift. Stop using ourchildren’seducationasa tool for political branding. ThepeopleofGuyanaarenot subjectstobepatronised.We are citizens with rights, and our taxes fund the services wereceive.

Regards, VishnuPrashad

The 22-year silence that taught a generation not to care

DEAREDITOR,

We are often told that local government is a small matter: drains and dams, potholes and parapets, councils too minor to bother with. I beg to differ Local democracyistheoldestthing weeverbuiltinthiscountry, and what was done to it deservesfarmoreangerthan itreceives.

Go back to 1839. Barely ayearafterslaveryended,83 freed men and women pooled their coins, bought Plantation Northbrook, renamed it Victoria, and governedthemselves,laying out lots, raising schools and churches, electing their own to manage the common landanddrains.Thatvillage council was the first thing free Guyanese ever built for themselves Local democracy is not a footnote to our history; it is the foundation.

Now consider what became of that inheritance. In1994,wewenttothepolls andchoseourcouncils.That proved to be the only local governmentelectionthePPP

heldinitstwenty-threeyears in power From 1994 until 2016, twenty-two years, not a single local election took place.Itwongeneralelection after general election, yet never let us choose the councils that paved our streets.Theexcuse,repeated every year, was that the system was being reformed. Thetalksranfortwenty-two years.OnlyafterthePPPlost office did the APNU+AFC coalition, in 2016, finally bring the people back to the polls.

Why does this matter?

Becausecivic-mindednessis learned, and the local ballot is the school where it is t a u g h t R e s e a r c h consistentlyfindsthattaking part in local governance builds what a healthy nation needs: engagement, confidence, leadership, and the plain belief that one’s voice counts. A generation shut out of that school for twenty-two years never sat theclass.TheGuyanesewho came of age between 1994 and 2015, and the UN estimatesseventypercentof

The international community must now decide whether thesefindingswillbecomeanotherdocumentgatheringdust on diplomatic shelves or the catalyst for meaningful action. The Commission has recommended sanctions against those allegedly responsible, cooperation with the International Criminal Court, unrestricted humanitarian access, the reconstruction of hospitals and schools, and suspension of armstransferswherethereisaclearrisk,theycouldfacilitate violationsofinternationalhumanitarianlaw

These recommendations deserve careful consideration, not because they emerge from politicalpressure but because they flow from allegations that strike at the heart of

usarenowunderthirty-five, grew up without ever knocking on a door for a candidate, arguing at a community meeting, or watching a neighbour win a seat and fix something broken We call them apathetic. They were never taught how to be anything else.

And here is what that silence delivered. With no elections, the councils still had to be run, by people choseninGeorgetownrather than in the community Lapsed councils were handed to appointed Interim Management Committees, many of them, critics documented at the time, packed with ruling-party loyalists. Your town was no longer run by neighbours you could vote out, but by appointees you never chose and could not remove, answerable to the minister, nottoyou.Spreadthatacross seventy councils and ten municipalities and the logic is plain: the more local government a party controls by appointment, the tighter

internationallaw

its grip on the country, and the fewer platforms remain for anyone to challenge it. Call it neglect if you like; it looksfarmorelikeastrategy that worked for over two decades.

The defenders of those years will say the delays were technical: the laws needed reform, there was wrangling in Parliament, these polls are hard to run. Someofthatistrue.Butwhat reform takes twenty-two years? What discussion needsanentiregenerationto growupbeforeitcanreacha conclusion? A delay of two years is administration. A delay of two decades is a decision.

The good news is that 1839 was never destroyed, onlyputtosleep.Thevillage council still stands, and this generationcanstillbetaught thatthestreetistheirstofix, the council theirs to fill, the nation theirs to shape. Some willsayitistoolateforthem.

ButIbegtodiffer Yours in National Development RandolphJ.Critchlow

Justice cannot be selective. Human rights cannot depend uponalliances.Andtheprotectionofchildrencannotbecome hostagetogeopolitics.

Iftheworldfailstorespondwithseriousness,impartiality andmoralcourage,itwillsendadangerousmessagethatthe lawspainstakinglyconstructedafterthehorrorsoftheSecond WorldWarapplyonlywhenpoliticallyconvenient.

The Commission’s closing message is: Gaza’s children havenotmerelylosthomes,schoolsandfamilies.According toitsinvestigators,theyhavelostchildhooditself. Thatisanaccusationtheworldcannotaffordtoignore.

Rodrigues-Birkett’s UN bid raises questions of impartiality

DEAREDITOR,

The Government of Guyana has embarkedon an aggressive campaign to secure support for Carolyn

Rodrigues-Birkett’s candidacy for SecretaryGeneral of the United Nations.

Guyana today possesses considerable oil wealth and undoubtedly has the financial means to lobby capitalsacrosstheworld.

But in the emerging world order, influence alone cannotandshouldnotsecure international confidence

The question before the international community is no longer who can marshal the greatest resources, but who best embodies the principles upon which the

United Nations was founded justice, fairness, human dignity, impartiality, and respect for the equal rightsofallpeoples.

That is where Carolyn Rodrigues-Birkett’s candidacyfallsshort.

The world is undergoing profound geopolitical change. Power is no longer concentrated in a handful of capitals. Nations of the GlobalSoutharedemanding a rules-based international order where might does not determine right, but where right is measured by justice, equality, and adherence to the UN Charter The next secretary-general must possess the moral authority to speak truth to power, whetherthatpowerresidesin Washington, Moscow, Beijing,TelAviv, orTehran. Guyana once understood this.

As a young nation emerging during the Cold War, Guyana earned internationalrespectthrough its principled policy of nonalignment Distinguished diplomats such as Dr Mohamed Shahabuddeen and Rashleigh Jackson demonstrated that a small state could n

ng principle.

Guyana consistently advocated the peaceful settlement of disputes, decolonisation, human rights, national sovereignty, and the dignity of all peoples. Our voice carried weight because it was respected as independent Thatlegacyisnowatrisk.

During the recent IsraelIran confrontation and the wider crisis in the Middle East, Guyana adopted positions that many viewed as aligning with one side of an increasingly polarised

consistentlyurgingrestraint, dialogue,andnegotiationsin the interest of international peace. A nation whose diplomatic tradition was built upon non-alignment and peaceful coexistence should be encouraging negotiations—not appearing totakesidesinconflictsthat threatenglobalstability The United Nations does not require another partisan advocate It requires a bridge-builder

If CARICOM truly wishestopresentacandidate capable of uniting the international community, it should be looking for leadership of the calibre consistently demonstrated by Barbados Prime Minister

Mia Mottley, whose advocacy has focused on equity, climate justice, and the interests of small developing states while maintaining credibility acrossgeopoliticaldivides.

Instead, Guyana has presentedacandidatewhose public record raises serious questions about political impartiality.

Ms.Rodrigues-Birkettis Guyana’s Permanent RepresentativetotheUnited Nations. She represents the State of Guyana—not the governing party Yet, on repeated occasions during election periods, she has publicly urged support for the PPP/C administration. That is not the conduct expected of an international public servant aspiring to become the world’s chief civilservant.

Those concerns are compounded by unresolved humanrightsissuesathome.

African Guyanese organisations have petitioned United Nations mechanismsoverallegations ofdiscrimination,exclusion, and unequal treatment Rather than engaging these c o n c e r n s t h r o u g h meaningful dialogue, the Government has too often dismissed them, while the organisations raising these issues have experienced political and economic consequences.

The experience of the International Decade for People of African Descent illustrates this concern. The Decade was proclaimed by the United Nations to advancerecognition,justice,

and development for people of African descent Yet I D P A D A - G , t h e organisation established to help advance those objectives in Guyana, was demonised and deprived of government funding instead of being supported in fulfillingtheUnitedNations’ statedobjectives.

Likewise, the United Nations Human Rights Committee has repeatedly called for effe

allegations of extrajudicial killingsinGuyana.

Morethantwoyearsafter those recommendations were reiterated, many continue to question why a comprehensive inquiry has notmaterialised.

Acountryseekingtolead the United Nations should demonstrateawillingnessto confront difficult human rights questions at home ratherthanallowingthemto remainunresolved.

Guyana’s absence from the recent conference in Ghana on reparations for slavery was equally telling. Slaveryhasbeenrecognised bytheUnitedNationsasone of history’s gravest crimes against humanity Yet, despite Guyana’s significant population of African descent, the government did notaccordtheissuethelevel o f r e p r e s e n t a t i o n demonstrated by Barbados and other countries that participated prominently in thosediscussions.

Adiscerniblepatternhas emerged in which African Guyanese organisations, African leaders, and institutions perceived to be independentofthePPP/Care marginalised rather than engaged.TheGuyanaTrades Union Congress (GTUC), Critchlow Labour College, and IDPADA-G stand as examples of institutions that have lost State support or subventions, limiting their ability to serve their constituencies and benefit equitably from the nation’s resources.

Guyana has entered a politicalerainwhichaccess, opportunity, and equitable treatment increasingly depend upon political allegiance or silence in the face of discrimination and exclusion This marks a sharp departure from Guyana’s earlier political

traditions and has become increasingly entrenched since the presidency of BharratJagdeoandunderhis continued leadership of the governingparty

The result is a political culture increasin

y vindictiveness, division, exclusion, and the denial of f

participation and selfdetermination.

It is a politics that

conformity over dissent Rodrigues-Birkett publicly championed this political approach during the last elections, even as much of the world is moving toward g

independence, inclusion, and respect for universal democraticprinciples.These are not merely domestic political debates. They go directly to the qualities expected of anyone seeking to become SecretaryGeneral of the United Nations.

Guyana’s Constitution spea

ive democracy Article 13 calls for the inclusion of citizens andtheirorganisationsinthe management and decisionmaking processes of the s t a t e Ye t m a n y organisations including trade unions and African Guyanese representative bodies have experienced marginalisation when advancingpositionscontrary tothoseofthegovernment.

Leadership at the United Nations demands something higher than partisan loyalty It demands independence of thought, moral courage, and thewillingnesstodefendthe rights of all people equally, irrespective of political convenience.

Guyana may possess the financial resources to campaign vigorously for its candidate.Butmoneycannot purchase moral authority

The secretary-general must command the confidence of nations with competing interests because the office itself is expected to remain abovepolitics.

The question, therefore, is not whether Carolyn Rodrigues-Birkett is Guyanese. The question is whether her public record reflects the impartiality, independence,anduniversal commitment to justice that the United Nations now requires in an increasingly dividedworld.

The emerging world order is demanding leaders whouniteratherthandivide, whobuildbridgesratherthan deepen fault lines, and who place universal principles abovepartisanloyalties.The office of secretary-general wasneverintendedtoreward political allegiance; it exists to uphold the Charter of the United Nations and defend the equal dignity of all humanity

Those are the standards bywhicheverycandidatefor secretary-general should be judged - and they are the standards against which Carolyn Rodrigues-Birkett’s candidacy must be measured.

Sincerely, LincolnLewis

Venezuela’s earthquake relief effort and the CIOG

DEAREDITOR,

My thoughts and prayers are with the peopleofVenezuelaatthisverydifficulttime following two devastating earthquakes

While I am in full support of the government’seffortstosendreliefsuppliesto Venezuela, I am baffled and aghast over the government’sdecisiontoutilisethefacilities oftheCentralIslamOrganisationofGuyana asthesolecollectionpointaccordingtowhat Ihavegleanedfromthenewspapers.

We have an entity known as the CDC (Civil Defence Commission) headed by Colonel Nazrul Hussein located on Thomas lands, which has a suitable premises that should be adequate to serve as the central

collectionpointandasthearmyisinvolvedin the effort even the GDF compound could be usedastheyhavethemenandmachinesand otherresourcestohandlethistaskefficiently

So,thisbegsthequestionwhytheCIOG? I think those in authority should note that persons from other groups are watching this closely and will ask why the Hindu and Christiangroupshavenotbeenaskedtoassist or indeed other organisations such as the Guyana Red Cross etcetera who may have experienceinthesetypesofoperations.

Lookingforwardeagerlytoanswersfrom thecompetentauthorities.

Yourssincerely, ChrisPersaud

BLUNT BLUNT BLUNT BLUNT

Rallying for Venezuela

Disasters do not recognise ideology, borders or political differences. The devastating earthquakes that struck Venezuela last week have left thousands dead, injured and homeless, while countless families still wait anxiously for news of loved ones trapped beneath the rubble. This is a moment for humanity, not politics.

Whatever disagreements nations may have with Caracas, they cannot justify indifference to immense human suffering. The international community must rally behind Venezuela with search-and-rescue teams, medical supplies, temporary shelters and financial assistance to ease this unfolding tragedy. Caribbean neighbours, too, have a moral obligation to stand in solidarity with one of their own during its darkest hour.

Today's victims could easily be tomorrow's neighbours elsewhere in our disaster-prone region. Compassion is measured not by words but by action. The world must answer Venezuela's cry with generosity, urgency and unwavering humanitarian commitment.

Rice farmers to receive subsidies next week

- Min. of Agriculture

Rice farmers across Guyana will begin receiving subsidies next week, the Ministry of Agriculture announcedonMonday

The initiative is in keeping with a commitment made by President IrfaanAli in April of this year, and f o r m s p a r t o f t h e government's efforts to offer continued support of the rice industry, considering the increasing global challenges which are affecting markets and production in the agriculturalsector

“ F o l l o w i n g consultationswithfarmers,it was agreed

assistance would be provided through direct cash transfers Rice farmers cultivating 50 acres or less will receive $15,000 per acre, while those cultivating more than 50 acres will receive $10,000 per acre,” thestatementreminded.

Through the Guyana Rice Development Board (GRDB), the ministry embarked on a mission and h a s c o m p l e t e d t h e registration process for eligible farmers, and underwent the verification claims necessary to ensure t r a n s p a r e n c y a n d accountability subsequent to theconclusionofharvesting.

The verification process has since been completed andhaspavedthewayforthe beginning of payments next

Minister ofAgriculture, Zulfikar Mustapha

week.Theinitiativeissaidto cost th

ment approximately $3 billion, reflecting its commitment to supporting the farmers,

s

n d strengthening the country's riceindustry

“The gove

nment remains committed to working closely with our farmers to ensure that the ricesectorcontinuestogrow, remains competitive, and contributes to national food security, economic growth, and rural development,” it added.

It was reported by this publication on June 19 that over 2800 rice farmers in Regions Five and Six are expected to benefit from the m u l t i b i l l i o n - d o l l a r assistance.

Minister of Agriculture, Zulfikar Mustapha, met with rice cultivation committees from the two regions, to discuss findings stemming from a series of field visits, alongside verification exercises which were

conducted to identify which farmers were eligible for the initiative,thestatementread.

“During the meeting, committee members provided updates on the verification process and outlined the results of their assessments. The exercise was undertaken to ensure that all eligible farmers are accurately identified and captured for the distribution of assistance. According to the reports, a total of 1,387 farmers in Region Five and 1,484 farmers in Region Six have been verified and are set to benefit from the programme,” the statement said.

During his address to the committee members, Mustapha stressed the importance of maintaining accuracy and transparency throughout the process used to verify farmers He r e m i n d e d t h a t t h e administration is committed to ensuring assistance reaches the beneficiaries and that the integrity of the exerciseisupheld.

Govt. to use part of US$90M IDB loan to rehabilitate Reg. 9 schools

The government will use part of a US$90 million Inter-American Development Bank (IDB) loan to provide design and supervision services for the rehabilitation of several primaryschoolsinRegionNine.

This is according to a request for expressions of interest published on the government's procurement website The primaryschoolswerenotnamedinthetender notice.

According to the notice, the government hasreceivedfinancingfromtheIDB,towards Support for Educational Recovery and Transformation (5809/OC-GY) and intends to apply part of the proceeds for consulting services.

The document states that the scope of services for a consultancy firm includes developing architectural and engineering design drawings, bills of quantity and technical specifications that comply with the updatednon-academicstandards,focusingon climate resilience, sustainability, and EDGE certification level 1 criteria for improved energyandwaterefficiency

The firm will oversee the rehabilitation process, ensuring adherence to quality

standards, the bank's Environmental and Social Policy Framework (ESPF), timelines and budgets, coordinating with contractors, andmanagingon-sitesupervision.

Additionally, the firm will guide the selectionofmaterialsandequipment,support the implementation of maintenance plans, and train key personnel on the school's maintenance requirements to ensure the facility's long-term functionality and sustainability

“The estimated implementation period is twenty-seven (27) months,” the document noted.

Bids for the project are expected to open on July 14, 2026 at the National Procurement andTenderAdministrationBoard(NPTAB).

The IDB had approved the financing of US$90 million towards the Support for Educational Recovery and Transformation projectbackin2023.

This publication reported at the time, that the loan was designed to expand access to safeandimprovedlearningenvironmentsand enhance educational services for vulnerable students in Guyana, the IDB said in a press release

ThecourtsmustsettletheGECOMquestion

Much has been said in recent months about the deadlock over appointments to the Guyana Elections Commission (GECOM)

The impasse was created after it was felt that the new leaderoftheoppositionhada right to select his nominees to GECOM to replace the APNU-appointednominees.

This view however was not shared by the either the existing oppositionnominated commissioners that presently sit on the commission.Norhasitbeen supported by the former leader of the opposition and headoftheAPNU.

Various solutions have been proposed to break this impasse One recent suggestion is that one seat should go to the main opposition, We Invest in Nationhood (WIN), one should remain with an existing APNU-nominated commissioner, and the remaining seat should go to the Forward Guyana Movement which holds a seat in parliament. On the surface, this may appear to beapracticalcompromise.

Theproblem,however,is thatthisisnotfundamentally a political dispute. It is a legalone.

When a disagreement arises over political preferences, compromise is often possible Political parties can negotiate, make concessions,andarriveatan arrangement that everyone can live with. But when the disagreement concerns the meaning of the constitution or the law, compromise cannot provide a lasting answer. The law is not decidedaroundanegotiating table. It is interpreted by the courts.

The central question in the present controversy is straightforward Do the existing oppositionnominated commissioners enjoy security of tenure that continues regardless of changes in the office of the leader of the opposition? Or does their tenure become subject to review whenever there is a new leader of the opposition?

Reasonable people may hold different views on this issue Lawyers may disagree Political parties certainly disagree. But there is only one institution in Guyana that possesses the constitutional authority to provide a definitive interpretation That institutionisthejudiciary

Dem Boys Seh...

Until that legal question is answered, every proposed politicalsolutionwillremain vulnerabletochallenge.Any arrangement reached today may simply create another dispute tomorrow One side will continue to argue that theappointmentsarelawful, while the other side will insistthattheyarenot.

GECOM occupies a unique place in our constitutional system. It is the body responsible for administering elections and safeguardingtheintegrityof the democratic process

Public confidence in GECOM cannot rest on political convenience It must rest on clear legal foundations.

Somemayarguethatthe parties should simply find common ground and move forward. While compromise has its place in politics, it cannotreplaceconstitutional interpretation.Ifthelawsays one thing, no amount of political bargaining can makeitsayanother Political agreements may resolve temporarytensions,butthey cannot override the constitution.

Indeed, Guyana has faced similar situations before There have been

Will we ever get it right with GPL?

Dem boys want know if Guyana and GPL trapped in one of dem soap operas wherethestorydoesgoroundandroundbut never reach an ending. Every year, people hear about modernisation, transformation, expansion, upgrades and investments, and every year, people still can’t get reliable current.

Dem boys remember when the APNU+AFCGovernmentwasinofficeand blackouts had become so scarce that some people start wondering if GPL had accidentally stumbled onto the secret of electricity Infact,somegeneratorimporters must have been nervously checking their inventory and asking whether they would soon have to start selling lawn chairs and kitchenutensilsinstead.

Back then, when the current stayed on, people thought the country had finally turnedacorner Nowadays,however,itfeels asifthecornerturnbackonus.

What got dem boys scratching dem heads is that Guyana now got more money than ever before. We hearing about billions in investments, power ships, new substations,upgradedtransmissionsystems, andenoughenergysecurityplanstolightup halftheCaribbean.

Yet somehow the average citizen still getting surprise power outages with the regularity of a television commercial. It is almostasiftheblackoutshavesignedalongterm employment contract with GPL and

o c c a s i o n s w h e n constitutional disputes produced uncertainty and political disagreement. In at least one notable instance, a private citizen approached the courts seeking clarification of the law The resulting judicial determination helped to bringclaritytoacontentious issue and assisted in resolvingtheimpasse.

That precedent offers an important lesson When constitutional uncertainty exists,thecourtsprovidethe properavenueforresolution.

Thepresentdisputecalls for the same approach

Someone whether a politicalparty,acivilsociety organisation, or even a concerned citizen should move swiftly to seek a judicial interpretation of the relevant constitutional provisions The courts shouldbeaskedtodetermine

the precise nature of the tenure enjoyed by opposition-nominated commissioners and whether a change in the office of leader of the opposition affectsthattenure.

Such a ruling would benefit everyone. It would provide certainty to the government, certainty to the opposition, certainty to GECOM itself, and most importantly, certainty to the public.

Unresolved legal ambiguities create fertile ground for political conflict.

Judicial clarification, on the other hand, establishes a common framework within whichallsidesmustoperate.

The issue before the country is therefore not who should occupy a particular seat on GECOM. The more important issue is who has the authority to decide the matter Un

constitutional system, that authority belongs to the courts.

The sooner the legal questionisplacedbeforethe judiciary, the sooner the country can move beyond speculation, argument and politicalmanoeuvring.What Guyana needs is not another compromise that may be challenged tomorrow. What Guyana needs is a definitive legal interpretation that settles the matter once and forall.

(The views expressed in this article are those of the author and do not necessarily reflect the opinionsofthisnewspaper.)

nobodycanfindtheterminationclause.

DemboyssehGPLisbeginningtosound like a student who keeps promising better results next term. Every report card comes with a lengthy explanation about future improvementwhiletheparentsstaringatthe samemarks.

The irony is that every announcement about improving the power system does seem to be followed by another blackout. Some people now get nervous whenever they hear the words “major upgrade.”They startchargingeverydeviceinthehouseand looking for the flashlight before the speech evenfinish.

Meanwhile, the power ships must be wondering what more they can do. Dem boysimaginethemshipslookingtowardthe shore and asking if the electricity reaching landbybicycle.

Of course, nobody denying that upgrading an entire national grid is complicated. But Guyanese are simple people when it comes to electricity They judge success by one scientific measurement:whetherthefanstillturning.

The more things change at GPL, the more they seem to remain the same. And unless something fundamentally changes, Guyanese may soon have the most modern blackouts in the world—fully upgraded, technologicallyadvanced,andarrivingright onschedule.

Talkhalf.Leffhalf.

H@RD TRUTHS

PPP exposing itself with the PAC

PAC. WhatdoIseewith Guyana's Public Accounts Committee? How its work is probably thwarted? How much the Guyanese people arebeingshafted? Whenthe billions are collected and celebrated,it'sallbuglesand blastsofflourishingrhetoric from the PPP Government. Inessence,therevelriesofa cast of thousands guzzling fromthenationaltrough. In contrast, when it's time for the books to be opened and

accounting to be made, the PPP Government is now all of ventriloquists, their antics, and what is sick. From real-life, I share with citizens circumstances that they may, unfortunately, knowtoowell. Intrying,in trusting, they have often ended up with the tormenting. It's what the PPPisdoingwiththePAC. Money is put in a man's hand. Trusted and credited. A worker A brother A

stranger insisting she's a partner (Genderequalityin action today). Include even an employer It's a sad day sometimes,whenitistimeto present the books, to payback, and to put matters right. A good lender is a poor thinker Except for bankers,ofcourse. Theman or woman that owes an accounting, an explanation, an excuse, or an apology takes flight. Settles for distance. No phone calls

coming. None returned. It is bad debt and bad 'fren' time. It usually means that something went wrong, is wrong,andisbeinghandled wrong. By the cheating employer By the now lost brother,disappearedworker, and the distant stranger I place that in the laps of Guyanese I draw one

responses to the allimportantPAC.

H o w communitieswere enriched, if at all. Whoeverenriched themselves, if any, are left with only one choice - hide. Makethemselvessmall and scarce Wh cons the Guyanese people through the filing of official m i s s i n g r e p o r t s (unavailable, unlocatable), leaves room, for one conclusion only There is somethingtohide. Sixyears of spending that raises all manner of alarms (and audit reports) require a world of hiding Sidestepping Shifting. Running. Thinkof themanthatwaslentmoney and can't be found to settle his debt. Isn't that what he does? Hide? Buy time. Come up with one load of baloney after another If baloneyisn'tunderstood,try bull,witha'S'anda'H'asthe next letters attached. When an employer doesn't want to payoraccounttotheNISand GRA, what does he or she do? If he is found, he gets hostile. Or syrupy smooth. Check on the PPP Govt's resourcefulness in parliament with getting the PAC off and running, and there is a close relationship. Like an identical twin Perhaps, President Ali may wish to share He is respectfully invited to say a word. On these simple truths,hardtruths.

Itryanotherapproachto highlight more of this now Phantom PAC. Healthy to assessfromanotherangle. If the PPP Government had been clean, done right, with six years of budget billions,

there would be no PAC absences There would always be a PAC quorum to get its business done Because there would be a six-year record over which to be proud. Because it would be open door, and open conversation, at the PAC. No session missed. For then, there would be the workofthePACtotestifyto how well the PPP Government served as a faithful and trusted steward of the Guyanese people billions. All six years of AuditOfficeworkwouldbe acceleratedforward. Sothat the accolades could pour in, so that the cries of chronic PPPcorruptionwouldbeput to rest. No question. No contest. No test left. Now that would be a triumphant day

Nothing would please me more than to laud Drs. Ali, Jagdeo, Singh and hail them and their teams in two words. WELLDONE! But when the PAC is forced to operate as though incest happened, then Guyanese gettoseethegymnasticsand masquerades that they see, absorb.

(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.)

...relatives launch campaign to find suspect Bikers killed in Clonbrook hit-and-run

Two men lost their

l i v e s i n a suspected hitand-run crash late Sunday night along the Railway Embankment at Clonbrook EastCoastDemerara.

Dead are: Collis Bristol, called "Cappo," and Akeem Burgess, known as "Burnham, " both of NabaclisVillage,ECD.

K a i e t e u r N e w s understands that Bristol and Burgesswereonabikewhen acarhitthem.Thecardrove awayfromthescene.Publicspirited citizens later responded to assist the men, but they were pronounced deadattheEnmoreRegional Hospital by the time they were transported there for treatment.

Police up to press time didnotreleaseanystatement ontheaccident.

Meanwhile, angry residents of Clonbrook and relatives of the deceased have lamented the police slowresponsetotheaccident and have launched a campaign offering a reward for information on the suspect.

L a s t w e e k a t a stakeholder consultation, Deputy Commissioner of

Budhram said road safety is a shared responsibility which requires collective action.

He noted that road accidents, whether minor, serious or fatal, continue to occur daily countrywide

The latest statistics show a fourpercentincreaseinfatal accidents during the current reporting period, while road fatalitieshaverisenbyseven percent.

Permanent Secretary of the Ministry of Home Affairs, Andre Ally, 56 fatal accidentsand62deathswere recordedinthefirst170days of 2026. During the same period last year, there were 54 fatal accidents and 58 deaths.

Speeding accounted for 75 per cent of all fatal accidentsrecordedsofarthis year

Deputy commissioner Budhram said the police

Collis Bristol

Akeem Burgess

internationally recognised Safe System Approach, which acknowledges that while human error is inevitable, deaths and serious injuries on the roads arepreventable.

Theapproachfocuseson stronger legislation, safer infrastructure and vehicles, responsible road users, effective enforcement, publiceducationandtheuse ofAI technology to create a safertransportsystem.

O t h e r measures introduced by the GPF also include the deployment of 21 operational speed cameras, the issuance of more than 27,000 electronic traffic ticketsandthesuspensionof 22 drivers' licences for serioustrafficoffences.

The force has also expanded road safety education programmes in schools and communities while increasing patrols in accident hotspots and highrisk corridors to curb

speeding, impaired driving, distracted driving and other dangerousbehaviours.

T o i m p r o v e accountability during traffic enforcement, officers are now equipped with bodyworncameras.

Accordingly, the learner driver'sprogrammehasbeen reassigned and digitised following longstanding publiccriticism.

It is being delivered through the Guyana Digital Schoolplatform.

D e s p i t e t h e s e

advancements, the deputy commissioner stressed that technologyandenforcement alone will not change road userbehaviour.

“Lasting improvements in road safety require every stakeholder to play a role. We must work together to fosteraculturethatcomplies with traffic laws, motivated not by fear of penalties but by a shared commitment to preservinglife,”hesaid.

Looking ahead, the GPF 2027–2030 strategy will further modernise traffic management by expanding speed camera coverage nationwide and traffic collision and accident hotspot/mapping under the SafeCountryInitiative.

The strategy also includestheintroductionofa demerit point system, the deployment of speed governors (speed limiters), the expansion of electronic ticketing for heavy-duty vehicles and the use of artificial intelligence and data analysis to support smarter, evidence-based policing.

Venezuela quakes death toll rises to 1,719, thousands still missing

(AL-JAZEERA) Officials in Venezuelahaveannouncedthatthe confirmed death toll following a pair of powerful earthquakes that struckthenorthwestofthecountry lastweekhasincreasedto1,719,as rescue efforts continue for thousands who remain missing or trappedbeneaththerubble.

Jorge Rodriguez, the leader of theVenezuelanNationalAssembly, stated in an address on state television on Monday that the number of injured had risen to 5,034 and that 15,866 were now homeless after the back-to-back magnitude7.2and7.5earthquakes.

Astrong aftershock also jolted Venezuela earlier on Monday during a crucial period for search and rescue efforts, with the United States Geological Survey (USGS) registering a 4 6-magnitude aftershock at a depth of 10 kilometres (six miles), with the epicentre north of Caraballeda on Venezuela’sCaribbeancoast.

Rodriguez stated that there were no immediate reports of additionaldamage.

“Hereweareagain,backinthe street. I don’t know when we’ll have a moment of true peace,” Concepcion Hernandez, 51, told TheAssociatedPressnewsagency, as she evacuated her apartment building in the Chacao

municipality of Caracas after the newtremor International and local rescue efforts have been racing against time and focusing on the northern portcityofLaGuaira,thehardesthitareaofthecountryembroiledin a long-running political and economiccrisis.

Officials believe that tens of

thousands of people are still missing as rescue efforts continue, involvingsome30,000Venezuelan emergency workers and 2,700 foreign experts. The critical 72hour window for rescuing trapped victims after a natural disaster passed on Saturday evening However, a handful of rescues on Sunday offered glimmers of hope.

Survival can be extended if people haveaccesstofoodandwater

“Today we have recovered people alive and, therefore, operationsarenotbeingsuspended.

Wealwaysmaintainhope,”interim PresidentDelcyRodriguezsaidon Sunday Venezuelan authorities say they’ve received support from 24

countries, which have sent more than 500 tonnes of supplies, 2,700 rescue and support personnel and about86“teamswithsearchdogs.

Salvadoran President Nayib Bukelesharedthestoryofarescue of 21-year-old Aaron Levi in a collapsed building in La Guaira, writing on X: “This rescue was madepossiblethankstotheefforts of rescue teams from Venezuela, Mexico,andElSalvador.”

Venezuela’spresidentsaidLevi had spent 106 hours buried under rubble. Reporting from Catia La Mar in La Guaira, Al Jazeera’s Teresa Bo said on Sunday that family members had marked several collapsed homes where they were unable to recover the bodiesoftheirlovedones.

“The relatives are waiting for them outside for their bodies to be retrieved,”Bosaid.

She added that aid, including water and food, had only just started to reach the hardest-hit areas, where many residents continuedtocampoutside.

Bo described the disaster as a majortestbothfortheinternational community and for the new government of Rodriguez, who assumed the presidency after the US military’s abduction of former President Nicolas Maduro in January

Rescue workers search for earthquake victims in Caraballeda in Venezuela, on June 28. [AFP]

GPHC gets first ever MRI machine

Minister of Health, Dr Frank Anthony on Monday announced the installation of a Magnetic Resonance Imaging (MRI) machine at the Georgetown Public Hospital Corporation (GPHC), the first ever machine in the public healthsystem.

“The installation of the first MRI machine in the public healthcare system at Georgetown Public Hospital is now underway, bringing world-class diagnostic serviceswithinreachof e v e r y c i t i z e n , regardless of their abilitytopay

This is what real investment in people lookslike.Wepromised t o m o d e r n i s e healthcare, and we are delivering,stepbystep, project by project, promise by promise,” the minister said via a Facebookpost.

Back in June last year, Director of M e d i c a l a n d ProfessionalServicesat the Georgetown Public Hospital Corporation ( G P H C ) D r

N a v i n d r a n a u t h Rambaran said the hospital was expecting

themachine.

Hedisclosedthatthe acquisition was part of the $2billion the hospital was investing in a new imaging and interventionsuite.

"So let me give you just a few examples of what we can expect in the future The Georgetown Public Hospital invested close to $2 billion in a new i m a g i n g a n d interventionsuite.We'll havethefirstMRIinthe public healthcare system along with a new CT scanner for GPHCandabrand-new Cath lab, again, this is an investment of close

The Georgetown Public Hospital gets first ever Magnetic Resonance Imaging (MRI) machine

to $2 billion, and it's pretty unmatched for things we have done before,” he said at the time.

This publication reported last week that Minister Anthony a n n o u n c e d t h e installation of a new ComputedTomography (CT) scanner for

GPHC. At GPHC, the ministermentionedthat

a total overhaul is underwaytoreplacethe oldscannerwithastate-

of-the-artmodel.

“This is being complemented by the construction of a new two-story diagnostic and surgical facility nexttotheAccidentand E m e r g e n c y Department,whichwill house an additional CT scanner, the hospital's newest MRI machine, dedicated digital mammography suites, and advanced urology equipment for noni n v a s i v e s t o n e treatments,”headded.

Oil rig explosion in Venezuela leaves at least 17 workers injured

(Reuters) - An explosion at a rig operated by state-run oil company PDVSAinVenezuela'sLosLlanoscentral regionleftatleast17workersinjuredlate on Sunday, including two with severe burns,threesourcessaidonMonday

The accident occurred at PDVSA's Colven02riginApureState.Someofthe injured workers were transported to Colombia for medical assistance, and otherstothenearbytownofGuasdualito, according to the sources, videos and photos on social media, which showed tall, yellow flames and a plume of black smoke.

Incidents are frequent at PDVSA's aging infrastructure, including fires and outages impacting oil production and refining operations A similar explosion at a gas processing plant in Lake Maracaibo killed a workerlastmonth.

PDVSA did not reply to a request for comment.

The company is trying to restart some operationsaffectedbytwodeadlyearthquakes last week, including its smallest refinery, the 146,000-barrel-per-day El Palito in central CaraboboState.

Copjailedformurder ofCubanwoman

The 20-year-old police constable who was fingered in the murder of Cuban national Dailen Paneque Gomeshasbeenremandedto prison after being formally charged in connection with thecrime.

Randy Thomas was on Monday, June 29, hauled before His Worship Magistrate Teriq Mohamed at theVigilance Magistrate's Court, where the indictable chargeofmurder,contraryto common law, was read to him. He was not required to plead and was subsequently remandedtoprison.

The matter has been adjournedtoJuly21,2026.

The charge relates to the death of 26-year-old Dailen Paneque Gomez, a Cuban nationalofMonRepos,East Coast Demerara, who was last seen alive on June 18, 2026, while on her way to work at the Mon Repos HealthCentre.

Her disappearance immediately triggered concern and a police investigation, which later escalated into a murder probe.

Days later, on June 24, 2026, the woman's decomposed body was discovered in bushes at Enmore Backdam, East CoastDemerara.

Police sources had indicated that the discovery came after sustained investigative efforts by detectives, who were tracking movements and leads developed during the missingpersoninquiry

Therecoveryofthebody

Dead: Dailen Paneque Gomez

previously reported that investigators believed the suspect was known to the victim and that initial inquiries pointed to a targeted attack after the two werebelievedtohavemeton thedayshewentmissing. It is further alleged that the suspect later led investigators to critical information during questioning.However,those claims have not been tested incourt.Authoritieshavenot yet disclosed a formal motive,andtheinvestigation remainsongoing.

With Thom

s n

Jailed: Randy Thomas

markedamajorturningpoint in the investigation, leading to the arrest of the police constable.

K a i e t e u r N e w s

w formally charged and remanded, the matter will return before the Vigilance Magistrate's Court on July 21,2026.

Govt. seeks contractor for Neurological Centre

Withanallocationof$134 billion approved in the national budget this year for the Ministry of Health, the government is preparing to spendaportionofthatmoney to build a neurological centre inRegionFour.

This is according to an invitation for bids issued by the ministry, seeking contractors for the project. The advertisement states that bids are expected to open on July9,2026atNPTAB.

Earlier this year, during the presentation of the national budget, it was announced that plans were underwayfortheconstruction of the National Neurological Rehabilitation Centre, which will provide specialised clinical care and long-term management of brain injuries such as stroke, head and spinal cord and neuromusculardisorders.

Senior Minister with the responsibilityforFinance,Dr Ashni Singh said that $1.1 billion was budgeted to build the centre along with a modernoncologydepartment to provide a comprehensive patient-centred cancer care facility

At the sod-turning ceremony for the Industry PolyclinicbackinAugustlast

Youth

year, Minister of Health Dr Frank Anthony said the projects form part of the government's commitment to transforming the local health sector.“While we are doing that, we also recognise that there is a challenge with p e r s o n s w h o a r e hypertensive. Some of them

might get complications that endedupwithastrokeandso wearealsoworkingtobuilda national rehab centre for stroke patients,” Dr Anthony saidatthetime.

“And so, maybe next two yearsorso,youwouldseethat cometofruition.So,whenwe talkaboutaworldclasshealth care, we're not paying lip service to this, what we are doing is investing The government is investing to make sure that we can develop these types of facilities,”headded.

substance abuse reaching 'alarming' levels -

Health Minister warns

...as 80% of secondary students admit to vaping, cannabis and alcohol use

Minister of Health Dr Frank Anthony has raised concerns over alarming levels of substance use among Guyana's secondaryschoolstudents,revealingthat43%ofthoserecently screenedadmittedtoconsumingalcohol.

Speaking on Friday at an awareness ceremony to mark the InternationalDayAgainstDrugAbuseandIllicitTrafficking,Dr Anthony disclosed that 6,039 secondary school students were screened earlier this year The findings showed that 43% had consumedalcohol,32%reportedvaping,while5%admittedto using cannabis."Of the 6,039 students that we screened at the secondary school level, at least 43% said they have consumed alcohol,andthenextmoreprevalentthingwasvaping.So,32% ofthesechildrensaidtheywouldusuallyvape,andthatmustbe alarmingtous,"thehealthministersaid.

Describingthefiguresastroubling,Dr.Anthonystressedthe needforstrongerinterventionprogrammestopreventsubstance useamongyoungpeoplefromworsening.Henotedthatalcohol oftenservesasagatewaytotheuseofmoredangerousdrugsand calledforclosercollaborationbetweentheMinistriesofHealth andEducationtobuildresilienceamongstudentsandhelpthem resist peer pressure.Addressing local officials and international partners at the ceremony, the minister also underscored the importanceofacoordinatedresponsetosubstanceabuse,saying theproblemistoowidespreadforanysingleagencyorcountryto tackleonitsown.WhilecommendingtheworkoftheCustoms Anti-Narcotic Unit (CANU), he stressed that prevention, educationandtreatmentmustremainnationalpriorities.

Dr AnthonyalsoannouncedapartnershipwithMountSinai Hospital that will see local healthcare professionals receive specialisttraininginaddictionmedicine,strengtheningGuyana's capacity to treat substance use disorders.”If there's any takeaway,let'sthinkaboutwhatwecandotopreventharminour children,"theministerurged.

WPA to lead protest over Former Presidents' Benefits Bill

The Working People's Alliance (WPA) is urging Guyanese to take to the streets on July 6 in protest against the government's p r o p o s e d F o r m e r Presidents' Facilities and Benefits Bill 2026, noting that the legislation places the interests of a few above the needs of ordinary citizens.Thecallwasissued byWPAExecutiveMember, Kidackie Amsterdam, who isinvitingcitizenstogather at Church of God Road in Buxton from 10:00 a.m. or s t a g e p e a c e f u l demonstrationsintheirown communities across the country.Amsterdamsaidthe proposed legislation, which seeks to provide an expanded package of benefits for former heads-

of-state,representsanabuse of the government's parliamentary majority at a time when many Guyanese are struggling with the rising cost-of-living, unemployment, low wages and inadequate public services."This is not about personalities. It is about protecting the public purse. It is about demanding responsible governance," Amsterdamsaidinarelease tothepressonMonday

According to the WPA executive, while former presidentsshouldbetreated with dignity and respect, any benefits provided must be balanced against the country's financial realities and the needs of taxpayers. He said the bill could significantly increase the

State's financial obligations through expanded provisionsformedicalcare,

securityAmsterdam said the money earmarked for such benefits would be betterinvestedinimproving salariesforteachers,nurses, police officers and other

strengthening healthcare, supporting pensioners and

disabilities, upgrading infrastructure and creating more opportunities for youngpeople.

Calling the legislation a

regardless of political

WPAExecutive Member, Kidackie Amsterdam

affiliation, ethnicity or religion, and peacefully opposethemeasure.

"Let us send a clear message that Guyana's wealth belongs to all Guyanese and should first be used to improve the qualityoflifeofthepeople," hesaid.

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Govt.accusedofstonewalling PAC,delayingscrutinyofbillions

The office of the leader of the opposition has accused the government of deliberately stonewalling the work of the PublicAccounts Committee (PAC), noting that a fifth attempt to convene the body failed on Monday becausegovernmentmembersonceagainfailed to show up.

The opposition said the repeated delays arepreventingscrutinyofbillionsofdollarsin public spending.

According to a release Monday, PAC Chairman,VishnuPandaywasstillawaitinga response from government members on whether they would attend the scheduled sitting.Theofficesaidfourpreviousattemptsto hold meetings had already collapsed because governmentrepresentativeswereunavailable.

The opposition said the continued delays are preventing one of parliament’s most importantoversightcommitteesfromcarryingout its constitutional responsibility of examining the Auditor General’s reports and ensuring thatpublicfundsarebeingspentlawfullyand inkeepingwithparliament’sapproval.

The latest setback comes after the PAC itselftookninemonthstobereconstituted.Now, despitefinallybeingestablished,thecommittee remains unable to begin its work.

According to the Opposition Leader’s office,thecommitteehasonlycompleteditsexamination of Auditor General’s reports up to 2018,leavingreportscoveringtheperiod2019 to2024stillawaitingparliamentaryreview.It warnedthateverymissedmeetingpushesback scrutinyofbillionsofdollarsinpublicexpen-

diture.

“The Guyanese people deserve an explanation as to why the government continues to frustrate the work of the very committee constitutionally mandated to scrutinise public spending,” the office said.

Ithascalledongovernmentmembersserving on PAC to fulfill their constitutional responsibilities and facilitate the immediate resumptionofthecommittee’swork.Itsaidmeaningful transparency and accountability cannot exist if parliamentary oversight is repeatedly brought to a standstill.

VACANCY

PAC Chairman, Vishnu Panday

UK’s prime minister-in-waiting vows to rip up politics as usual

(Reuters) - Andy Burnham, Britain’s prime minister-in-waiting, vowed onMondaytodeliverradical change to the nation’s politics by handing more power to its regions and encouraging collaboration over argument in a 10-year mission to spur “good” growth.

In a speech at the People’sHistoryMuseumin Manchester, “one of my favourite places on earth”, Burnhamofferedsomedetail of his plans if, as expected, he becomes Britain’s seventh prime minister in a decadeassoonasJuly20.

Promising Britain’s “biggest rebalancing of power”, he said he would build more social housing, givelocalgovernmentsmore controloverwaterand other utilities and take on a costof-living crisis, all while sticking to the current government’sfiscalrules.

To standing ovations, Burnham again said his blueprintwouldbebasedon

his work as Greater Manchester mayor in northwestern England, where his focus on delivering promises meant

getting businesses, local politicians and community groupsinvolved.

And in a pointed comment to Prime Minister Keir Starmer, who said he was stepping down last week, he said he would end “the business as usual” approach to politics which `hedescribedasfailingtolift the living standards of so manyinthecountry

BURNHAM PROMISES TO BE ACIRCUIT BREAKER

“I am going to give Britain the circuit breaker it needs by building a more collaborative politics in Westminster, by taking power out of the centre and putting it in the hands of the people and places who can use it best,” he told an audience that included other regional mayors and M a n c h e s t e r- b a s e d lawmakers.

“Imaginegoodgrowthin every postcode and hope in every heart Imagine no more, let’s make it happen,” Burnham said in a speech that appeared to be directed at countering the rise of Nigel Farage’s populist ReformUKparty

In the domestically focused speech, the former mayor, making light of his decision to wear his trademark T-shirt under a suit jacket rather than a formalshirt,saidhiselection to parliament earlier this month had convinced him thatpoliticianshadtochange theirapproachradically

Hepromisedtoshakeup the civil service to smooth policydevelopment,startthe biggestprogrammeofsocial housing building since the years following World War Two, reindustrialise the country and help young peopleintojobstoreducethe welfarebill.

Hesaidhewouldcreatea ‘Number 10 north’ to share some the `prime minister’s Downing Street operations with a team in Manchester, specifically on housing, the reform of utilities and reindustrialisation.

“It’s crucial that the devolution agenda has local business at its heart and bringsbenefitstoallpartsof the UK,” said Shevaun Haviland,directorgeneralof the British Chambers of Commerce. “The difficult truth is, whoever leads the

UK, the primary challenge remains the same deliveringgrowth.”

In a nod to the markets, which had some concerns Burnham would increase borrowing,Burnhamsaidhe would be able to change Britain’s politics without breaking with “the stability that comes from sound public finances” or “the discipline of our current fiscalrules”.

While investors welcomed the commitment, with British 10-year governmentborrowingcosts falling ‘slightly as he spoke, some market commentators said the speech was thin on detail and his plans would takealongtimetodeliver.

REFORM UK CALLS FOR NEW NATIONAL

ELECTION

His words were welcomed by Labour lawmakers, including a potentialrival,formerhealth ministerWes Streeting, who has decided not to pursue a leadership challenge, making a coronation even morelikely

“Finally some hope again,”saidStreeting.

But the list of problems

Outgoing Greater Manchester Mayor and newly elected Makerfield MPAndy Burnham addresses members and supporters of the Labour Party. REUTERS/Temilade Adelaja/File Photo

he will have to deal with is lengthy. Burnham, dubbed the‘KingoftheNorth,faces the same constraints as Starmer-anaemiceconomic growth, the rise of populist politics, a cost-of-living crisisandverylittleroomfor manoeuvrebecauseoffiscal constraints.

Opposition parties were quick to question why Burnham had failed to take questions at his first substantial policy outing after being returned to parliament for the area of Makerfield on June 18 and

doubted whether he had ‘a plan.“Hedoesn’thaveaplan beyondtellingthemayorsto go and sort it out,” Kemi Badenoch, leader of the opposition Conservatives, said. “If he wants to be the leader of our country, it’s timetostartactinglikeit.” Richard Tice of Reform UK described the speech as m o r e e v i d e n c e o f

“Burnham’scoup”,referring to the lawmaker’s likely elevationtopowerwithouta national vote. “We need a generalelection,”hesaidon X.

U.S. says it has agreed to ‘stand down’ after exchange of strikes with Iran

(AL-JAZEERA) The US and Iran have agreed to “stand down” following an exchange of strikes over the past few days, media reportsciteaUSofficialassaying. Itcomesafterseveralattacksin and around the Strait of Hormuz, with both nations accusing each otherofviolatingtheirceasefire.

The US official told the BBC’s US partner CBS News on Sunday thatvesselswouldbeabletomove through the Gulf waterway “freely”,andthattalksonadealto permanently end the war would continue.

On Monday, Deputy Iranian

Foreign Minister Kazem Gharibabadideniedthattherewere plans for technical talks this week.

But US President Donald Trump said a meeting would be held in Qatar’scapitalatIran’srequest.

“IRANHASREQUESTEDA MEETING. IT WILL TAKE PLACE TOMORROW IN DOHA!”hewroteonTruthSocial, withoutgivinganydetails.

Later, White House Press

SecretaryKarolineLeavitttoldFox News that US special envoy Steve Witkoff and Trump’s son-in-law Jared Kushner “will be flying to Doha for high-level meetings this week,aswecontinuetodiscussthe memorandumofunderstanding”.

On 17 June, the US and Iran signeda14-pointMemorandumof Understanding (MoU), which included an “immediate and permanent termination of military operationsonallfronts”.

AspartoftheMoU,Iranagreed

to use its “best efforts for the safe passageofcommercialvesselswith nochargefor60days”.

But the ceasefire agreed less thantwoweeksagohasbeenunder threat in recent days because of renewedattacksbybothsides.

Strikes resumed on Thursday after an Iranian projectile hit a cargoshipintheStraitofHormuz.

Over the weekend, the US retaliatedwithaseriesofstrikeson Iran,hittingmultipletargetsinwhat US Central Command (Centcom)

called a direct response to the “continued aggression” against commercialshipping.

On Saturday, Iran responded withstrikesonUSbasesinKuwait andBahrain.TheUShassaidnone of these attacks reached their targets,andtherewerenocasualties ordamage.TheStraitofHormuzis a key waterway for oil and gas shipments, and was effectively closed by Tehran after the US and Israel launched attacks on Iran at theendofFebruary

On Friday, the US also mediated the signing of a framework agreement between IsraelandLebanonaimedatpaving thewaytoalastingpeace.

Due to ongoing fighting between Israeli forces and the Iranian-backed armed group Hezbollah in southern Lebanon, thatceasefirealsolookedshaky

The leader of Hezbollah rejectedtheagreementandaccused the Lebanese government of undermining Lebanon’s sovereignty On Sunday, two days aftertheagreementwassigned,the Israeli army said it had struck a 200m-long tunnel used by Hezbollah in southern Lebanon, whichitsaidcontainedhundredsof weapons.

TheUSwasinformedaheadof theattack,accordingtoastatement from Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu and Defence MinisterIsraelKatz.

Tehran says hostilities in Lebanon must stop for a wider ceasefiredealtostick.

SinnersurvivesWimbledonscare,grimdayforBritishhopes

LONDON, (Reuters)Men’s defending champion Jannik Sinner flirted with a first-round exit before passing a stern physical test on the opening day of Wimbledon, opens new tab butseveralseedsdepartedon a day when defeats for Britishplayerspiledup.

With chief rival Carlos Alcarazinjured,Sinneristhe big favourite to retain his

crown but arrived with question marks over his stamina after collapsing to a shock second-round defeat attheFrenchOpen. Whenhelostthefirstand thirdsetstoSerbia’sMiomir Kecmanovic on Centre Courthelookedindangerof becoming only the third defending men’s champion to lose in round one but battledtowin4-66-36-7(6) 6-26-3.

While Sinner lived to fightanotherday,men’s11th and 12th seeds Casper Ruud and Andrey Rublev bowed out. Ruud was handed a tough draw in the shape of big-serving Pole Hubert Hurkaczanddulylost6-462 7-6(7) while Rublev was edged out in a five-set cliffhanger against fellow ‘Russian Roman Safiullin,

losing a decider set tiebreaker 14-12 after missingtwomatchpoints.

HOME HOPES QUASHED

Therewasheartbreaktoo for surprise French Open runner-up Maja Chwalinska asshelost2-67-56-2toThai qualifier Mananchaya Sawangkaew on Monday after the Pole fell and hurt herselfwhileonmatchpoint.

Jannik Sinner (ITA) reacts after winning a point against Miomir Kecmanovic (SRB) (not pictured. (Geoff Burke-Imagn Images)

Japan’s Naomi Osaka once again dressed to impressandhertennisshone tooasthe14thseedbeatElsa Jacquemot6-17-5.

American fourth seed Jessica Pegula beat Darja Vidmanova 7-5 6-3 while Swiss 11th seed Belinda Bencic had far too much experienceforyoungBritish wildcardMikaStojsavljevic.

It was a grim day for the homenation.

Twenty-one players, including12wildcards,were in the first round draw but after Emma Raducanu withdrew with an injury on the eve of the tournament, shewasfollowedonMonday by Jack Draper who announced he was also pulling out with an arm injury

Six other home players did take to court but all six lost, including British number one Cameron Norrie, seeded 26, beaten in five by ‘American qualifier MichaelZheng.

SINNER SURVIVES

FALLAND BLOODIED FOOT

Sinnerrackeduphis94th Grand Slam match-win, equalling the Italian record of Nicola Pietrangeli, but shed plenty of sweat and a little blood in reaching that mark.

“Itwasalittletightinthe beginning, I didn’t play at mybestbutItriedtogetinto it. It was my first official match on grass (this season) which is also a very

important factor,” Sinner toldtheCentreCourtcrowd.

“I’m happy I turned it around because the third set was a very tough one `to swallow.”

Sinner suffered a fall in the third set and later had blood stains on his white shoe from a broken toenail. Hehadapointtogotwosets to one ahead but lost it and Kecmanovicpounced.

The Italian dominated from then and later said his foot injury was not serious despite the pounding it took during his third-longest match at ‘Wimbledon at threehoursand30minutes.

“I’m actually surprised thattheyletmekeepplaying because my all white outfit turned into a little red,” he added Court One fans expectingtoseeRaducanuin actionwereleftdisappointed as a duel between two more former U S Open championsDaniilMedvedev andMarinCilicfellflat.

Cilic ‘was made to look all of his 37 years as eighth seed Medvedev romped to a 6-16-26-4victory Two of the new generation shone though Brazil’s Joao Fonseca, cheered on by a large contingent of fans in yellow soccer shirts, beat Spanish veteran Roberto Bautista Agut 7-6(4) 6-4 6-3 while rising Spanish teenager Rafael Jodar, also aged 19, made an impressive debut, beating British wildcard FelixGill6-36-37-5.

Republic Bank renews sponsorship for 18th consecutive...

Frompage22

Discipline, Student and Teacherbond,CareerChoice and the RHTYSC would provide everything needed by the students and entrance feeshallbefree.

Students would also be exposedtobasiccoachingon how to play cricket by the RHTYSC coaching staff Organising Secretary and Cricket Manager Robby Kissoonlall disclosed that each student at the camp

w o u l d r e c e i v e a n educational package consisting of a school bag, hard cover exercise books, pens,pencils,sharpenersand rulers.Thetopstudentofthe Summer Camp would receive over five hundred thousand dollars ($500,000) worth of prizes including an electricbike,personallaptop computer, financial scholarship, electronic tablet, comfort sleep mattress, designer clothing,

household items, cosmetics hampers,designerwatchand anAHandLKissoon’sLazy Boy Kissoonlall stated that overall, the cricket teams would be sharing out over $1.5M worth of prizes and gifts to participants of the camp.

West Indies Under19 female leg spinner Danella Moons expressed thanks to theManagementandstaffof the Williamsburg branch of Republic Bank for their

continued support of the Summer Camp. She made special mention of Manager Sattie Cox and her deputy Denise Ramdial She committedherclub-matesto organising a very successful Summer Camp, which would achieve all of its objectives.

The RHTYSC, she stated, is very committed to promoting education to all youths in Berbice The cricket teams organising the four weeks camp are the Poonai’sPharmacyUnder11 and Under 13, Farfan and MendesUnder15,Bakewell Under 17 and Second

Tuesday June 30, 2026

ARIES(Mar.21–Apr.19)

Yesterday's trajectory might run into a couple of snags today Youcouldfindthatyour dreamy nature conflicts with the planned and steady This conflict of interests may be creatingsometensionthatwill bedifficulttoworkwith.

TAURUS(Apr.20–May20)

Try to keep yourself in line with your emotions today, Taurus. It's possible that a powerful yet subtle force is slowly trying to pull you off track.Ifso,thinkabouttaking abreak.

GEMINI(May21–June20)

You could find that an emotional issue rubs you the wrong way today, Gemini. Your tendency is to want to escape. Try to do so in a healthy manner. Watch your favoritemovieorreadabook.

CANCER(June21–July22)

Yourartisticsidemaywantto take to the airwaves in some way today, Cancer Perhaps you should consider building yourownwebsiteorgettinga spot on a local radio show Your dreams need a vehicle fordistribution.

LEO(July23–Aug.22)

You could find that what was so light and active yesterday runs into roadblocks today, Leo.Itmightseemasifyou're suddenly heading straight for abrickwallregardingsomeof yourcurrentprojects.

VIRGO(Aug 23–Sept 22)

Thepaceofthingsislikelyto slow down a bit compared to what was happening yesterday Takethistimetodo someplanningandstabilizing. You've plowed forth into the fields.

LIBRA(Sept.23–Oct.22)

You might find that there's a quality of dreaminess to your emotions today that keeps you from focusing on the task at hand, Libra. People are likely to be stubborn and confused, andyoucouldbeoneofthem.

SCORPIO(Oct.23–Nov 21)

Little voices are whispering in your ear today, Scorpio. They could be asking you to join them in the clouds.You might getthefeelingthatthere'salot of tension between what your heart has to say and what your mindhastosay

SAGIT(Nov 22–Dec.21)

Someone could be prodding you to take action today, Sagittarius. It might be best if you beat them to it and motivate yourself. Stay a step ortwoaheadoftheherd.Lead your own stampede and go whereveryouwanttogo.

CAPRI(Dec.22–Jan.19)

You might experience a great deal of emotional confusion today, Capricorn. There's a debate brewing inside you. You're having a hard time decidingwhethertopursuethe practicalorthefanciful.

AQUARIUS(Jan.20–Feb.18)

Keeping things in balance will be a challenge today You're likelytofindthatthere'sconflict brewing that doesn't seem to want resolution It's OK You mayfindthatthebestsolutionis toescapeintotheclouds

PISCES(Feb.19–Mar.20)

Tension is likely to arise in many different areas of your life, Pisces. It's possible that you'reeithertoodreamyortoo practical for the issue at hand. It'simportantforyoutostrikea balance.

Division, Pepsi Under 19 and Intermediate, Metro Fema

, Namilco ThunderboltFlourUnder21 and First Division. Among the players involved in the organising committee are Kevin Sinclair, Kevlon Anderson, Junior Sinclair, Slyus Tyndall, Shemaine C

Grimmond, Danella Manns, Trevon Harriot, Jayden Gounga, Leon Reddi, R

Jonathan Rampersaud, C

TomeshwarDeochan.

(

Gildharie half-century...

Frompage23 failed to reach their target as they were kept to 123-10 in 17overs.

Much like Charity, Santa Rosa had a slight recovery thanks to a laboring 34 not out off 44 balls (1x4) by KrishonJacobs,whotriedto keephisteaminthegame.

Damage was done by David Soman (3-21) and Quine Peters (3-33) who essentiallybowledtheirteam to victory, as De Souza (16) andChedCharlie(19*)were theonlyothertopscorersfor SantaRosaSecondary AbramZuildefeatAurora Secondaryby2wickets Decent bowling spells from Aaron Decosta (2-24), Rhonel Nurse (1-7) and Eshwar Tilak (1-20) was enoughtokeepAuroraunder wrapsastheywerestrangled for 93-6 by the time their oversexpired.

National youth player and skipper Jathniel Nurse ledthescoringwith33off23 (1x4 2x6) while Chedanan Bissoon(19)andShamarSue (16)lentsupport.

Abram Zuil fought through the hurdles but held their nerves to sneak past their required target as they ended on 94-8 with 5 deliveriesremaining.

Match MVP, Tilak then returnedtoscoreatesting29 not out with 15 from Ravid Fredricks,whointheendgot the better of Aurora, despite strong bowling efforts from Arif Singh (2-10), Zaheer Ramkissoon(2-11)andAidel Seenauth(1-13).

Action continues this weekend as the Zone 1 final Between Charity Secondary andAbramZuilSecondaryis scheduled to play under lights at the Anna Regina Stadium.

Republic Bank, Ramdial noted is very committed to the promotion of education, culture and sports to youths across Guyana as part of its socialresponsibility

Acting Branch Manager

expressedconfidencethatas usual, the summer camp would be well organised by the club. She noted that the bank was very impressed by the organising skills of the RHTYSC over the years.

M e a n w h i l e , t h e RHTYSC and its cricket teams would shortly be honouring the top C.S.E.C and National Grade Six Student from Rose Hall Town for 2026 Both Awardees would receive a $130,000 personal laptop computer along with a trophy, medal and framed certificate of excellence under the Shirene and Shreemund and Zabeeda Haniff Memorial Education P r o g r a m m e T h e Programme is sponsored by contractor Raymond Haniff of Diversity Investment of Montrose, East Coast Demerara in memory of his motherandgrandmother

Republic Bank renews sponsorship for 18th consecutive year RHTYSC Grade 6 Summer Camp

The cricket teams of the Rose Hall Town Youth and Sports Club since 1992 has hostedtheirGrade6Summer Camp as part of the club’s Say Yes to Education

Campaign. On Monday last, Republic Bank (Guy) Ltd, renewedtheirsponsorshipof theGradeSixSummerCamp forthe18thconsecutiveyear at a simple presentation

ceremonyatRoseHallTown at the bank’s, Williamsburg branch.

Club Secretary, Hilbert Foster stated that the Club andit’stencricketteamsfirst

Branch Manager (ag) Denisa Ramdial hands over sponsorship to Danielle Manns in the presence of other staff members and RHTYSC cricketers.

hostedtheSummerCampin July 2009 after some concerned Secondary School teachers urged the management to do so. The mainobjectiveofthecampis toassistgradesixstudentsto make a successful transition to the secondary level in September The2026edition

would start on Monday 13th ofJulyattheArea‘H’ground and would be conducted by educator Sabrina PotterChairman.

Thecampwouldcaterfor eighty students, who would be taught Maths, English, History, Integrated Science and basic Spanish. Students

would also be involved in numerous lectures and discussions on a number of topics of interest to them. Among topics to be covered would be Peer Pressure, Importance of Education, Substance Abuse, Personal Hygiene,Importanceof Continued on page 21

Ramesh Sunich congratulates Ariel Trophy Stall Masters Cricket Team on their recent victory

ProprietoroftheTrophyStall, Ramesh Sunich, has extended congratulations to the Ariel Trophy Masters Cricket team following their triumph in the New York Softball League MastersCompetition.

SponsoredbytheTrophyStall andAriel,Sunichlaudedtheteam followingtheirsuccess.

“I extend heartfelt congratulations to the Aerial Trophy Stall Masters Cricket Team on its outstanding triumph intheNewYorkSoftballLeague MastersCompetition2026.

Theteam’ssuccessisafitting rewardforthehardworkinvested by the players, sponsors and supporters. Special appreciation isduetoMr ArielPersaudandhis company for partnering with TrophyStallinco-sponsoringthe team.”

Ramesh Sunich of Bourda Market, left, and Samuel Kingston of Ariel Masters with the team jerseys at a previous event.

“Ialsowishtoexpresssincere gratitude and congratulations to Mr Samuel Kingston for his leadership of the team.The team’sconvincingandwell-deservedvictory standsasarewardforhisleadershipandtothe collectiveeffortofhisplayers.

Congratulations once again on a

remarkable achievement. May this success serve as a foundation for even greater accomplishments in the years ahead and continue to inspire the growth of Masters cricket.

Best wishes and continued success,” Sunichconcluded.

Guyana Open returns to Lusignan Golf Club on October 31 and November 1

Lusignan Golf

Club (LGC) is p l e a s e d t o announce the return of the Guyana Open, Guyana’s p r e m i e r g o l f i n g championship, which is scheduled for October 31 andNovember1,2026.

The highly anticipated tournament is expected to attract the country’s top golfers, along with regional a n d i n t e r n a t i o n a l competitors, for two days of excitingchampionshipgolf.

Building on the success of previous editions, this year’s tournament promises an even greater display of skill, sportsmanship, and camaraderie as players compete across several divisions for coveted championship honours. The G u y a n a O p e n h a s established itself as one of theCaribbean’spremiergolf tournaments, providing a platform for local golfers to competeagainsthigh-calibre international talent while promoting the continued growth of the sport in Guyana.

Preparations are already underway at the Lusignan Golf Club, where the grounds team are working diligently to ensure the course is presented in championship condition Playerscanexpectatruetest of accuracy, strategy, and consistency on one of the region’sfinestgolfcourses.

The event will officially c

Reception on the evening of October 31, bringing together sponsors, players, club members, officials, and invited guests before competitiveplaybegins.

LGC Public Relations Officer, Dr Joaan Deo, expressed enthusiasm ahead ofthetournament.

“The Guyana Open continues to be the flagship event on our golfing calendar, and we are delighted to once again welcome golfers from Guyana and overseas to the Lusignan Golf Club. Every y

continuestogrowinstature, andweremaincommittedto providing a first-class experience both on and off thecourse.”

Dr Deo added that the club’s members, volunteers, and organising committee h

preparations to ensure anothersuccessfulstagingof thetournament.

“Our team is working tirelessly to prepare the course and ensure every aspect of the event reflects the high standards that playershavecometoexpect. We are grateful to our sponsors, volunteers, members, and supporters w h o s e c o n t i n u e d commitment makes this tournament possible. Their partnershipcontinuestoplay a significant role in the development of golf in Guyana.”

Beyond the competition, the Guyana Open continues to promote sports tourism, strengthen regional and international sporting relationships,andinspirethe

2026 Beharry U19 School’s T20 Cricket tournament… Gildharie half-century pilots

Charity to easy win

Man-of-the-match Jeral Gildharie led Charity to a strong win.

A polished half-century from middleorderbatsmanJeralGildharieguidedCharity Secondary to an easy win whileAbram Zuil snuckinacrucialvictoryaspartofSunday’s double header in the ongoing Ministry of Education/Beharry Secondary School’s Under-19T20Crickettournamentcontinued attheJoeJagmohanGround.

CharitybeatSantaRosa Secondaryby18runs

Taking first strike, Charity did an excellentjobingettingto141-6afterbatting outtheirfull20overs.

Despite losing a few wickets including opener Nickel Griffith (21) who had a

nextgenerationofgolfersby showcasing the values of integrity, discipline, and excellence.

Lusignan Golf Club

invites golf enthusiasts, sponsors,supporters,andthe wider public to be part of another memorable edition of the Guyana Open as

Guyana’s best golfers compet

internationalvisitorsforone of the country’s most prestigiousgolfingtitles.

- Abram Zuil seal tense 2-wicket victory

Abram Zuil’s match MVP Eshwar Tilak.

blistering start with three sixes off just 13 balls, Charity found their star in halfcenturionJeralGildharie.

Afterlosing6ofhistoporderteammates, the Man-of-the-match stroked a classy 50* off47with6fours,whichtookhisteamfrom a tough position of losing half their team beforerecoveringnicely

Only Ramesh Henry (3-23) and Jay De Souza (2-35), managed to make inroads for Santa Rosa, who then misfired during their chase. Aidedby43extrarunsthankstosomeoffbowlingbytheCharitylads,SantaRosastill Continued on page 21

Martinelli scores 96th-minute winner as Brazil beat Japan to reach last 16

BBC Sport - Gabriel Martinelli scored a dramatic96th-minutewinnerasBrazilcame from behind to beat Japan and reach the last 16oftheWorldCup.

With just seconds left, Brazil won possessionbackontheedgeoftheJapanbox and Bruno Guimaraes slipped the ball into Martinelli,whotookatouchbeforeslottingin offthepost.

ItwasaheartbreakingendforJapan,who hadmorethanmatchedBrazilinthefirsthalf andbattledvaliantlyinthesecond,butCarlo Ancelotti’s side kept pushing and got their rewardinfinalmoments.

Japan were comfortable in the first half and Kaishu Sano pounced on Danilo’s loose passtodrivepastCasemiroanddrilltheball into the bottom corner to give his side the lead.

Brazil struggled to respond before halftimebutlookedadifferentsideafterthebreak with Casemiro rising to power home Gabriel’sback-postcross10minutesafterthe restart. The goal had been coming and the five-timeWorldCupwinnersnearlytookthe leadinstunningfashionthreeminuteslater Vinicius Jr received the ball 10 yards insidetheJapanhalf,nutmeggedhismarker, drove into the box, jinked past another defenderandstabbedhisshottowardsthefar corner-onlyforJapankeeperZionSuzukito tipitontothepost.

Japan regrouped from there and while Brazil continued to push forward, chances werelimited.

ThatisuntilAoTanakalosttheballonthe corner of his own box and was ruthlessly punishedbyMartinelliandBrazil.

Amazon Warriors, GSL merchandise now on sale at Box Office

Cricketfanscannowgearupforthe2026 season as official GuyanaAmazonWarriors and ExxonMobil Guyana Global Super League merchandise are available for purchaseattheBoxOfficeat233-234Camp Street,Georgetown.

Fanscanshopawideselectionofofficial team apparel and accessories, including the brand-new2026jerseysformen,womenand children, as well as hats, keychains, water bottles,andotherexclusivefanmerchandise.

Thelaunchgivesfanstheopportunityto proudlyweartheWarriors’coloursaheadof the upcoming cricket season and show their supportforthefranchise,bothatthestadium andbeyond.Fansareencouragedtovisitthe Box Office early to secure their preferred merchandise, as popular sizes and items are expectedtobeinhighdemand.

The Guyana Amazon Warriors continue toexpandtheirrangeofofficialmerchandise, offering supporters more ways than ever to represent the team throughout the 2026 campaign.

The new Global Super League designs are also in stock, offering fans the opportunity to support a homegrown Guyanesetournament.

Fanscanalsopickuptheirticketsforthe ExxonMobil Guyana Global Super League, with the Box Office open from 08:30h to 16:30h Monday to Friday and 09:00h to 13:00honSaturday

The Warriors are set to defend their title in the ExxonMobil Guyana Global Super LeaguefromJuly23toAugust1,afterwhich they will play in the Republic Bank CaribbeanPremierLeaguefromAugust7to September20.

Japan’s Takehiro Tomiyasu clears a header off the line by Brazil’s Casemiro. (REUTERS/Annegret Hilse)

Dozens of youth cricketers benefit from Developmental Seminar

Close to one hundred youth cricketers in the ancient county of Berbice are now better prepared to represent the county on and off the cricket field after successfully participatinginalifedevelopmentseminar TheBCB/Smalta One Day Life Development Seminar was organised by the CricketDevelopmentCommitteeoftheboardwithsupportof the Guyana Breweries. It was held at the Port Mourant CommunityCentreandwasattendedbyyouthcricketersfrom eachsub-association–WestBerbice,NewAmsterdam/Canje, LowerCorentyneandUpperCorentyne.

The day’s programme was chaired by BCB Secretary Ryan Algu, while Vice President David Black formally welcome the participants. Guyana Breweries Inc Regional ManagerAlbert Budhoo urged the attentive youth cricketers tograsptheopportunitytolearntobeasportsmanintheeraof technology Budhoo, expressed pleasure of been associated with the historic one day seminar Noting, that not all of the youthswouldgoontoplayfortheWestIndies,Budhoourged them to put the knowledge into their daily lives. He pledged his company’s support for further developmental programmesinthefuture.

Participantswereinvolvedintendifferentlecturesduring the day’s seminars. Topics covered in the morning session were History and legacy of Berbice Cricket, Importance of Education for the Modern Sportsman, Personal and Team DisciplineandGeneralSportsEtiquetteandProtocol.Aftera onehourbreakforlunch,topicscoveredwereFundamentals of Public Speaking and Articulation, Media Relations and handlingpressScrutiny,Navigating,PeerPressureandSocial challenges, Professional and Personal Hygiene and Anti doping,SubstanceAbuseAwarenessandPrevention.

PresentersattheseminarincludedformerBCBPresident Hilbert Foster who took the youth cricketers on a trip down memoryontheHistoryofBerbiceCricket.Attheendofhis lecture, twelve participants were able to win educational packages for answering questions on the history of Berbice Cricket.

OtherlecturerswereEducatorsDR.NarandatHussainand Karl Vanier, Senior Police Officer Michael Newland, Pastor Alwin Alladen, Veteran media officer Christopher Holder, Region 6 Sports Officer Randy Mangru andYouth advocate MohamedAli-Khan.

Organisersoftheseminarwerepleasantlysurprisedatthe intense interaction by the participants during the all day seminar Ameri Hughes of West Berbice and West Indies Under19femaleplayerDanielleMannsweredeclaredthetop students with Berbice Player LukeAmsterdam as the runner up.Theyallreceivedafinancialprizealongwithaspecialgift fromtheRoseHallTownYouthandSportsClub.

BCBSecretaryRyanAlguattheclosingceremonyurged the participants to take their new found knowledge to better them and to assist other youths in their respective clubs. He alsoexpressedgratitudetotheGuyanaBreweriesIncfortheir sponsorship and expressed the hope for further programmes inthefuture.

TheBerbiceCricketBoardalsoannouncedthatitsannual cricket academies would be held inAugust 2026 in the four sub-associationwhiletheboardwouldalsobepublishingit’s secondcoachingmanualforyouthsshortly

The top three awardees pose with their prizes along with BCB officials.

Participants of the Seminar pose after the conclusion of the event.

Sports Martinelli scores 96th-minute winner as Brazil beat Japan to reach last 16

through

Guyana Open returns to Lusignan Golf

Club on October 31 and November 1

Avinash Persaud and Christine Sukhram will be looking to defend their titles in the 2026 Guyana Open.

Brazil’s Gabriel Martinelli celebrates scoring in the 96th minute to see his side

to the next stage of the World Cup. (Getty Images)

Brazil players celebrate their late strike to advance to the last 16-stage of the FIFA World Cup tournament. (Getty Images)