More than 82 killed in new Israeli attack on Gaza aid seekers
Jagdeo’s promised 50% reduction in electricity tariff for 2025 in doubt
Tasers to be used to maintain public order during elections Chief Justice rules summons served overseas unlawful
PNCR executive member, Ganesh MahipaulcouldbethevicepresidentinanA Partnership for National Unity (APNU) government should the elections be won by the coalition, opposition leader, Aubrey NortonsaidFriday
Norton was questioned why Mahipaul was seemingly 'overlooked' while Juretha Fernandes was chosen as the prime ministerial candidate for the upcoming elections, and whether the 'crossovers' from theAllianceforChange(AFC)werenowpart of the People's National Congress Reform (PNCR).
He said the former members of theAFC are not members of the PNCR, but of the APNU.HighlightingthechartoftheAPNU, Norton disclosed that opportunities exist for individuals as well as organisations. He also assured that everyone will be facilitated and will enjoy the benefits whether at an individual or organisational level within the APNU.
Hetoldthemediathathe“spokewithall thepersonsintheAPNUandrepresentatives, and we generally agreed that we needed Juretha Fernandes as the prime ministerial candidate. She has the intellect. She is a woman She is from the indigenous community, and in contact with the indigenouscommunity,andwebelieveshe's qualifiedtobeprimeminister.”
Norton said that he would not pit Fernandes against Mahipaul because he was part of the discussions and agreed that she wasagoodchoiceintheelections.
“We intend to have three main phases of the campaign, myself as leader, directors, primeministerandGaneshMahipaulaskey, senior, possible vice president. Now you would agree that the leadership needs to reflectthesociety,”hesaid.
The opposition leader made it clear that while both parties are qualified, decisions have to be made and in doing so all factors have to be examined and a combination created.
“It's for that reason, the combination has been created. Ganesh has been a longstanding member of this party, in opposition and like any member, he is entitled to any position,butheisalsoapoliticalpersonwho understands politics and will do what is necessary to ensure we get the best combination to go into the elections, and so thatiswhereweare,”Nortonadded.
OnJune19thispublicationreportedthat shadowministeroffinanceandthenmember of the Alliance For Change (AFC) Juretha Fernandes, has been named the prime ministerial candidate for A Partnership for National Unity (APNU) in the upcoming generalandregionalelections.
Opposition leader, Aubrey Norton told
Leader of the Opposition Aubrey Norton
thispublicationinatelephoneinterview,that the political body has been searching for a capable person, confirming that Fernandes has been doing a lot of work in parliament. These include shadowing the finance minister, and robust budget presentations, amongotherthings.
“We also look to see if the person is someone who engages the ordinary man on the ground. So, we only want intellectual capacity We also want the prime minister candidate to be somebody who can engage withpeopleontheground,andinthisregard, wethoughtthatshewasagoodcandidate.”
HerevealedthatMahipaul,whoisalsoa memberofparliamentwillalsobepartofthe topcandidates.He saidthesedecisionswere made so that the top of the list will have representatives of every ethnicity reflecting thetruenatureofGuyana.
“…in fact, as an Indigenous woman, we think she can work with the Indigenous communities, both in opposition and in government.So,wefeltthatthatisthewayto go. In addition, she was always one of the personswhohavebeenprocoalition,wanting toseeusworktogetherandtotheextentthat we couldn't get agreement with theAFC she was prepared, on principle, to promote coalition politics by joining us, we have accepted her and is promoting her as our primeministerialcandidate,”headded.
Having Fernandes as the PM candidate wasagreedonbyallAPNUmemberparties, as Norton confirmed there have been engagements on the criteria which she fits perfectly
“…wehavebeenengaging,andourparty had long decided the basic criteria we were lookingfor,andshefittedintothecriteriawe were looking for, not only us, but even our partners in theAPNU, we spoke with them. They were comfortable with her as a prime ministerialcandidate,”headded.
SeniorMagistrate,Leron Daly on Friday dismissed charges against former Georgetown Mayor Ubraj Narine and opposition Member of Parliament Sherod Duncan, ruling that the state failed to provide sufficient evidence to prove allegations of attempting to exciteethnicdivision.
The two opposition figureswerechargedbackin December 2022. Narine and Duncan were accused of makingstatementsallegedly stirring racial hostility and cybercrime.
The charges stemmed from comments made by then Mayor Narine during a Ministry of Public Works' exercise to remove stalls alongNewMarketStreet(in front of the Georgetown PublicHospital).
Duringaninterviewwith Duncan, Narine said, “Is it becauseIamaHinduandhe is a Muslim that he cannot work with me The governmentisadictatorship government and is this state going to become a Muslim state ? These are black peopleherewhoarevending here and you are going to bulldoze them instead of having a talk with them like you did with the speedboat operators,ricefarmers,cane cuttersorfishermen,theyare mostly Hindus that's why you went there, but because these are black people, you are bulldozing them like animals,likedogs…”
Delivering her ruling, MagistrateDaly,pointedout thatseveralcrucialelements of the offenses were not proven by the prosecution, particularly the requirement to demonstrate intent to stir hostilitybasedonrace.
“To my mind, the following evidence was necessary First, I am of the view that evidence that the defendant excited or attempted to excite hostility orillwillagainstasectionof
A66-year-oldpensionerwasfound motionless in a trench, located on the western side of the Church of God Road, Buxton, East Coast Demerara (ECD). DeadisGeorgeJulianHarryofLot 103 Church of God Road, Buxton, ECD. According to a statement from the Police, the deceased suffered from 'seizures' and was a patient of the Georgetown Public Hospital Cooperation(GPHC).
Police were made aware of the discovery on Friday at approximately 07:45hrs,aftertheyreceiveda911call.
Harry was identified by his cousin, AritaPhillander “Thebodywasdiscoveredfloating face-downinthetrench,cladinablack T-shirt, navy-blue long pants, and barefoot,withawatchonhisleftwrist. Thebodywasexaminedandnomarks ofviolencewereobservedonthemost exposedareas,”policesaid.
Former Mayor of Georgetown Ubraj Narine
thepublicoraperson.That's the first thing the state was required to prove that the defendant, by his words or actions,excitedorattempted to excite hostility against a sectionofthepopulationora particular person,” the magistratesaid.
MagistrateDalyoutlined that based on the evidence presented to the court, attributed to Narine, the court is of the view that the statementsdidnotamountto racial hostility but were interpreted as a comparison between the treatment of differentgroups.
“The way I interpreted whatwassaid,thewordsthat were spoken, I saw those wordstomethatthespeaker that would have been Mr Narine. He was making a comparison of the way two groups of people were treated. That's the way I interpretedit.Thewordsthat were said, and the conclusionIcametoisthata
comparison was being made,”sheruled.
Regarding the Cyber Crime Act charge, the magistrate noted that the state did not produce evidence to confirm that a computersystem,asdefined under the Act, was used to transmittheallegedvideo.“I did not find that the state presented evidence in support of the elements of the computer system. I have to ask you, [prosecutor name] did you present evidenceinrelationto[this], I know the act defines what the computer system is However, the court noted thatthedevicethatwasused, was never taken to be examined,”sheaskedduring herrulingandtheprosecutor acknowledged that she did not lead evidence to support thataspect.
Senior Magistrate Daly also declared that the state had not met the prima facie case required for either charge and dismissed the matters entirely “So, in the circumstances, this court rules that in neither of the matters,thestatewouldhave discharged its burden, at leastattheprimafacielevel, both matters are dismissed based on insufficient evidence,”sheconcluded.
Harry was pronounced dead at the scenebyaphysicianfromMelanieFire Station.Hisbodywasthentakentothe Memorial Gardens Funeral Home where it awaits a post-mortem examination.
Meanwhile, interviews were done with persons in the area and surveillancecameraswereobservedon a building opposite the scene. Police noted that statements are being obtained.
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Publisher:GLENNLALL-Tel:624-6456
Editor-in-Chief:NigelWilliams
Tel: 225-8465, 225-8491. Fax: 225-8473, 226-8210
It may be premature to take the position that the escalating clashes between the Israelis and Iranians could spiral into the uncontrollable. But it could with the two bloodenemiesnowlockedinmortalaerialassaultstargeting eachother'scities. Wecouldbejumpingoutofthestarting blocktooearlyinsayingthattheexchangesbetweenthetwo nations could blow both of them apart. It must be remembered that both are reported to possess arsenals capableofdeliveringuntolddestruction.
This is where the Middle East is dangerously poised right now. It would be wise for the world to weigh how quickly the current boiling, but still low-level aerial skirmishing,couldpusheitherorbothsidestothebrink,and get out of hand before anyone can control it. There is enough reciprocal hatred to fuel to such a point. BothTel AvivandTeheranareonthewrongendofwaveafterwave of missiles. The longstanding animosities in that always volatile environment feed simmering fires. This is most likely to be tech war, close to the one waged by the US in Kuwaitand,itsearlierstages,inIraq. Thenewlanguageof war and its tools is incorporated in the assaults of drones. Whether drones or bunker-busting bombs or hypersonic missiles or the ever-hanging specter of nukes being deployed in what struggles under the euphemism of 'conflict', people are dying and tensions are rising dangerously
Inanall-outtechwar,itisclearthattheIsraelisenjoya considerable edge over the Iranians. Ahelpful hand from the US added to the Israeli superiority Now the stealthy entryoftheChineseonthesideoftheIranianscouldbejust enough to make the tech battles a little more even one. China has sneaked in one plane under the radar at points, followed by two other secret flights in a similar manner What were those planes carrying in their cargo holds? Armaments better than those of the Russians look like one possibility,andsomesophisticatedelectronicscouldbethe other Todate,whatevertheIranianshave,ithasleftthem flatfooted to the Israelis seemingly operating at will in the skies overTeheran and northwards of it. Just recently, the Chinesegotanopportunitytotestsomeoftheweaponsinits lineup in the Indo-Pakistan clashes. The Pakistanis apparently got the better of those encounters, thanks to its Chinese-made assets. It could be that some of that same high-tech stuffed was raced to Iran as part rescue mission, and also to send a message to the world, especially adversariesofthatembattledcountry Iranisnotlefttoits own devices, but has a powerful friend in the Chinese; a powerfulandwillingone. Outofwhatmayseemassmall and well-contained military adventures by the Israelis and Americans suddenly takes on the appearance of an altogether different kettle of fish. Already, the expert advisersaretalkingaboutanewColdWar Tous,itdoesn't seemtobecoldatall,butveryhotwhenallthatisgoingonis considered. Itishowmattersthatstartsmallcouldblowout ofcontrol.Meanwhile,thepositionoftheUSaboutwhose sideitisoninthisso-called'conflict'couldn'tbeclearer:itis all Israel, with even US strikes on Iran being recklessly mentioned. The hardline position of “unconditional surrender” once used by President Harry Truman is now back in vogue, as coming from President Donald Trump. That by itself is dangerous, since it doesn't cool inflamed tension, and only makes matters worse. The response of Iran's Supreme Leader, Ayatollah Khamenei was unyielding:“thebattlebegins”,wearereadytogodown. In aflash,theworldenteredintoveryuncomfortableterritory One miscalculation, one misinterpretation, or one misjudgmentisallthatittakes,forthisconflicttogettotally outofhand,andspreadintotheunknown. Knownorunknown,itdoesnotbodewellforawatching world. Aside from oil prices and economic fallouts, allies will be dragged unwillingly to show their mettle. Cooler heads, steadier hands, are now at a premium. They are missinginaction.
DearEditor, I write in my capacity as Minister of Public Works to categorically reject the baseless, misleading, and politically motivated assertions made by MP Annette Ferguson in her letter published on June 18, 2025, regardi
ComplexatHaagsBosch.
Let me be clear: the c
by Ms Ferguson are not only factually incorrect but also deliberately deceptive, representing a blatant attempt to undermine a project that is critical to the transformation of public administration and national infrastructureinGuyana.
1. The project is active and advancing Ms Ferguson's suggestion that thereis“novisibleprogress” and “nothing to show for $8 6 billion” is a gross falsehood. As the Minister responsible, I affirm that the project is well underway, despite challenges related to materialprocurementfor18” x 18” piles, mechanical issues with the piledriving equipment,andgeotechnical anomalies.
The works are 26% completeandareontrackto meet their planned target of 48% completion by the end of December 2025. If Ms. Ferguson had taken the time to request a briefing or visit the site in any meaningful capacity, she would have seen a workforce of 74 skilled profe
, surveyors, operators, and contractors all working diligently under the oversight of our supervision
consultant, VIKAB (Guyana) Ltd. Foundation works, including complete pilingforTowers1,2,and4,
as well as the helipad, are either 100% or substantially completed. Preparations are underwayforconcretepours and steel tie-ins for grade beams and pile caps; works that are critical and intentionally designed to be below ground and therefore not visible to the casual, uninformed observer Piling isthefoundationalbackbone of the 12-storey towers, ensuring stability and loadbearing capacity As of June 18, 2025, 74% of the piling work has been completed, with389pilesoutofthetotal 536 piles installed. These pilesvaryinsize-14”x14”, 16”x16”,and18”x18”with lengthsspanningfrom105to 120feet,tailoredtomeetthe specific geotechnical demandsofthesite.
2 F i n a n c i a l accountability is rigidly enforced. The total budget approved by the National Assembly for the entire design-and-build contract is GY$ 15,874,143,300 Payments are made strictly in accordance with certified milestones To date, the contractorhasreceivedGY$ 7.432billionwhichaccounts for mobilization advance of GY$ 2 6 billion, works completed and materials, plants and Equipment such as but not limited to prestressed concrete piles, structural steel, corrugated steels (rebars), prestressed hollow core slabs, Silent Genset 300KVA and tower cranesandhasalreadybegun repaying the standard advancepayment,withGY$ 1.118billionrecoveredasof January13,2025.Thereisno room for arbitrary disbursement or misuse of public funds under my watch Every cent is accounted for through structured certifications and strictoversightmechanisms.
3. On the Steel: Facts, NotFabricationsContraryto Ms. Ferguson's flippant and uninformed reference to “sand and a billboard,” the project has already procured the core structural steel components necessary for the erection of the superstructure. Let me put the facts on record: a) 5,610 pieces of structural steel havebeenordered,packaged in 98 containers, with an invoice value of US$ 9,032,342. b) 18 containers have already arrived at Port Georgetown c) The remainder will arrive by the end of July 2025, aligning precisely with the constructionschedule.These materials were procured in full compliance with Clause 14 4(6) of the contract, which permits payments for imported materials upon submission of verified shipping documentation Thisisstandardinternational practice, ensuring that our local project proceeds withoutdelayduetomaterial shortages.
4 Clear roadmap to completion. Let me remind the public that this Ministry operates with discipline and vision. Our target of 48% project completion by the endof2025issupportedbya clear,time-boundactionplan thatismonitoredonaweekly basis. From the completion ofpilingandsteelfabrication by June to tower crane installation in July and full steel structure erection beginning inAugust, we are advancing in a coordinated and professional manner. The steel superstructure installation alone is scheduled to reach 61% by December 2025, with the Central Utility Building reaching95%.
5 Clarifications on miscellaneous issues
Caribbean Green Builders Inc. (CGBI) is a legally registered and operational entity led by qualified individuals who actively manage this project on the ground This Ministry's contract is specific to the Government Office Complex. The contractor's other business ventures are unrelated and irrelevant to the issue at hand Steel shipments and payments are alignedwiththetermsofthe contract. No deviation has occurred Ms Ferguson's publiccommentsrepresenta reckless disregard for the truth and a dangerous attempt to politicize development.
The public deserves honest, fact-b
grandstanding. I will not allow misinformation to derail this government's unwavering commitment to development, transparency, anddelivery
As Minister, I take full responsibility for the executionofthisprojectand reaffirm to the people of GuyanathattheGovernment Office Complex is progressing under strict scrutiny and in full compliance with the highest standards of public accountability Should Ms. Ferguson genuinely desire clarity,myMinistryremains open to providing a factual briefing. Until then, I urge her to refrain from weaponizing disinformation for political gain. Let the recordshowthatthisproject isreal,active,andontrackto deliver lasting value to the peopleofGuyana.
Respectfully, Bishop JuanA.Edghill Minister of Public Works Co-operative RepublicofGuyana
Journalists must not allow politicians to avoid accountability
DearEditor, I feel compelled to express my disappointment regarding the conduct of a journalist at Mr Bharrat Jagdeo's recent press conference. The journalist attempted to pose three questions, presumably in relation to my letter published in the Stabroek News on Wednesday, June 18, 2025, captioned, 'Minister Edghill must explain how $8.6b has been spent on this proposed gov't complex,' approved by the
National Assembly for the construction of a 12-storey officecomplex. Regrettably, Mr Jagdeo responded dismissively, telling the journalist, “ spare me Annette Ferguson ” Faced with this, the young journalist appearedintimidatedanddid not pursue the line of questioning any further Press conferences are meant to provide a platform for journalists to rigorously questionpublicofficials,yet Mr Jagdeo often seems to
dictate the tone, framing which questions are asked, and which he chooses to answer The Constitution of Guyana guarantees freedom of expression, and any attempt to silence or intimidate members of the media should be strongly condemned. I sincerely hope that at the next press conference, journalistswillnotallowMr J a
Since MinisterEdghillhasfailedto respond to the specific
concerns raised in my June 18 letter, Mr Jagdeo, who has effectively positioned himself as the chief spokespersonforthePPP/C, must now answer these questionsandprovideclarity on this highly questionable project. Guyanese taxpayers deserve transparency The $8.6 billion in question is public money, and it is our collective right to demand answers from those in leadership.
Yourssincerely, AnnetteFerguson,MP
DearEditor,
Finally, the two main political parties have announced their chosen candidates for President and Prime Minister in the upcoming elections. While there is a lot of hoopla surrounding which parties intend to contest the electionsandinwhatformat, the electorate deserves to haveaclearchoicetomake.
The Guyanese people deserve to know who the candidates are, so they can do their assessments and make an informed choice with their votes. Now that names and faces have been putforwardforthepositions by both the PPPandAPNU, head-to-head comparisons can be made and the citizenry can decide which team is better suited to lead Guyanaintoitsmostpivotal era yet The PPP has confidently declared that incumbent President Irfan Ali will again lead their ticket as Presidential candidate with Brigadier (R'td)MarkPhillipsasPrime Minister APNU has unequivocally decided that Aubrey Norton will be its Presidential Candidate and (more tacitly) said that formerAFCmemberJuretha Fernandes will be its Prime Ministerialcandidate.While five years in government would have certainly given President Ali definitive experience,itisimportantto also look at the candidate's performance in previous leadershiprolesaswell.
Ali spearheaded transformational housing initiatives while serving as Minister of Housing and Water for nine years, and even in opposition post2015, served as Chair of the Public Accounts Committee
and Co-Chair of th
Commit
of the Parliament, all before he turned forty The PPP is presenting a presidential candidate who is not only youthful and a proven electoral winner, but also possesses decades of executive experience and a proven track record. APNU hasfinallydecidedthattheir
candidate for President will be Aubrey Norton This decision has apparently not been well received by many within the party, and with good reason. Mr Norton's leadership experience is limitedtohispoliticalparty
Evenwhenhispartywas ingovernment,hewasgiven no leadership or Ministerial portfolio, but was instead relegated to the position of Advisor on Youth Empowerment(hewasinhis 50's at the time) in a department within the Ministry of the Presidency Mr.Nortonishopingtolead an entire nation, when his own party – rightfully - did notbelievehecouldmanage a ministry The current state of affairs inAPNU is in fact testament to Mr Norton's failures as a leader Incumbent Prime Minister Brigadier Mark Phillips is againthePPP'scandidatefor the position. A giant in his own right, Phillips previously headed the GDF with a strong, capable leadership style that has nevercomeintoquestionon anysideoftheaisle.Adding the last five years in his current executive role to decades of military leadership experience, the PPP has in effect presented an unimpeachable candidate forPrimeMinister–withthe perfect combination of experience and competence. Unlike the PPP, the APNU did not formally announce a Prime Ministerial candidate to the people. Instead, the nation learned through supposed leaks that AFC memberandparliamentarian Juretha Fernandes would be thecandidate.
While the entire backdoor stratagem that brought Ms.Fernandes'totheforeis i m p o r t a n t – a s a manifestationofthemistrust and affinity for dishonesty that exists as part of the APNU-AFC codependent dysfunction – it is also important to consider whether she is in fact a competent pick for the position.Mr.AubreyNorton on Friday admitted during a press conference that Fernandes was selected
because she is a woman and is of indigenous heritage. Appointingacandidatetobe atokenbecausetheyarenonafro Guyanese – despite a lack of leadership experience or track record –is disappointing but unsurprising for the APNU, which partnered with the WPA to contest the 2025 elections WPA's David Hinds himself has said that APNUputsunqualifiednonblacks in token positions as 'ethnic window dressing' so as to attempt to bamboozle the electorate Former APNU Minister Winston
Jordan echoed this perspectivewhenhetoosaid that non-black APNU appointees were 'sitting on black votes', implying that they were only chosen for positions because of their race and had no actual place inParliament.
Their Prime Ministerial pickisareminderthatAPNU remains steadfast in its commitmenttotribalpolitics – with its leadership believe thatvotesofallwholooklike the candidates they present somehow automatically belong to them, and they thereforedonothavetowork toconvinceGuyanesetovote for them – despite their numerous failures and shortcomings in and out of government Itis2025andthe electorateisinformed;voters are looking for competence andsubstanceincandidates
The candidate's demonstrated ability to lead and willingness to serve the peopleiswhatwilldetermine whowinstheseelections,not their gender or race The APNU has presented a PresidentialCandidatewhose only legacy is now the completedisseminationofhis own party and a Prime Ministerial candidate who lacks vital experience and leadershipskillstocontestan election against a sitting President who has had decades of executive experience and a Prime Minister who has led the nation's armed forces and deftly managed three different portfolios in his currentposition.
TimicaEastman
DearEditor, I am writing to highlight a concerning and ongoing issue at the state media entities NCN/DPI. For several months now, staff have been forced to work under unacceptable sanitary conditions due to persistent problems with dirty and unavailable water There is no access to clean water for washing hands or utensils after lunch, and the toilets
arefrequentlyoverflowing. It is disheartening that d e s p i t e n u m e r o u s complaints, this matter remains unresolved. Employees continue to sufferinwhatissupposedto be a prestigious national institution. It appears that those in charge, including Mr Neaz Subhan and Mr Edward Layne, have shown little interest in addressing thesebasichealthandsafety issues. Instead, there are growing concerns among staff about the misuse of governmentresources. We call on the relevant authorities to urgently investigate and resolve this matter. Clean water and proper sanitation are fundamental workplace necessities—notluxuries.
Sincerely,
C
Member
DearEditor,
Former Mayor Pandit UbrajNarinespokeaboutthe sugar industry in a promotion that appeared on June 19, 2025, on the social media pages of the online news outfit, Village Voice. The former mayor, who seems to be seeking to bolster his waning political star, denounced President Irfaan Ali's and his Government's efforts to sustain and revive the sugar industry Straight from the opposition's playbook, PanditNarinehasengagedin deception and dishonesty Thisisveryconcerningfrom someone who occupies the roleofareligiousleader The now-ex-Mayor rhetorically askedwhoignoredthesugar workers' suffering. In our view, Pandit Narine should be ashamed to even pose suchaquestion.
It does not require an extensive examination to know who ignored the workers' trials and tribulations. The facts speak for themselves. When the former Mayor's party occupied the ranks of government between 2015 and 2020, this was the treatment meted out to the
sugarworkers:
1.Sending home some 7,000 sugar workers – the lar
exerciseinpost-independent Guyana;
2.No pay rise between 2015 and 2020, effectively keepingworkersat2014pay levelsfor5years;
3 Arbitrary withdrawal ofbenefitsandconditions;
4 Ignoring workers' rights set out in agreements andlaws;
5 Haughtiness and arrogance by the then GuySuCo management, amongotherthings In that period, sugar workers' real wages fell dramatically While they regressed, they saw their colleagues in other sections of the state's employ benefit from pay rises and other improvements. The life and well-being were sucked out from scores of communities across the sugar belt.Wasn't this ignoring workers suffering?
The treatment sugar workers, their families, and communities faced during the Coalition government's term was evident and palpable. It was a naked betrayal of the 'Good Life' promise, a departure from the big pay rises promised and the talk of safeguarding thesugarindustry
Inthepastfive(5)years, sugar workers have been treated with respect, equity, and justice. There are active efforts to rebuild the destruction caused by the Coalitionandtorestorewhat was broken There is a conscious and clear commitmenttosafeguardthe industryandrecognisingthe tangible socio-economic valuewhileaimingtoexploit its potential.While they will seektodeceiveandmislead, the truth is well-known. No amount of propaganda can changethefacts.
Guyana Agricultural andGeneralWorkersUnion (GAWU)
Vice President, Bharrat Jagdeo on Thursday failedtoprovideadefinitive response on whether Guyanese will be able to enjoy the promised 50 per cent reduction in electricity costsbytheendofthisyear
Ever since the Gas-toEnergy Project was announced, the government has been dangling promises of cheaper electricity by 2025 The administration said cheap electricity would beavailableoncetheproject was completed by its initial completiondateof2025.
However, there have been numerous delays and with a new completion date of June, 2026 being floated, citizens are questioning whethertheywillstillseethe 50 per cent cut on their electricitybillsforthisyear
Jagdeo was asked at his Thursday'spressconference,
“on the Gas to Energy Project and the 50 per cent reduction you had said that there was a possibility that government might not wait until the completion of the projectwhenitwasexpected tobedonebytheendofthis year,thatwecouldseethere is a possibility we could see the50percent,couldwestill seethat?”
Jagdeo told reporters he doesnotthinkthisshouldbe an election issue, as if it is done immediately the opposition would come out tosaythattheyhavedecided tograntthereductioninlight oftheelections.
“…this project is going to be completed next year, (so) before then or at the completionpointthepriceof electricityinGuyanawillbe cutby50percent,andthat's a promise we made…so let meleaveitatthat…itcould happen before but it's also
the outside date is the completion of the gas to energy project which is slated for June next year,” theVPsaid.
On September 27th, 2024 it was reported by this publication that the highly touted US$2 billion gas-toenergy (GTE) project is intended to reduce monthly electricity bills by 50 per cent but vice president, Bharrat Jagdeo is unable to sayhowsoonconsumerscan expectthisreduction.
In the absence of a feasibility study for the project, stakeholders have been constantly questioning the project's capacity to delivercheaperelectricity
The VP during his weekly media conference wasaskedhowsoonafterthe operationalization of the plant,a50percentreduction in the cost of electricity couldbeexpected.
To this end, he explained, “I don't know if one day or a week or so but it will, it should happen almost immediately becauseifwearegettingall this power in the grid immediately that means we canturnoffalotofthehighcost generating equipment that we have now and substitute this with the new power plant so almost immediately The benefits will be seen almost immediately”
The GTE project is expectedtodeliversome300 megawatts (MW) of cleaner
andcheaperelectricity Jagdeo noted that the Heavy Fuel Oil (HFO) generating sets, currently in
operation, will be turned off and be used as a backup powersupply
“If the gas-to-energy projectcanmeetthedemand, andthatiswearegenerating at 4 cents per kilowatt hour there, then every other generating set will go into reserve,”hesaid.
The vice president noted that the country is presently operating without any reserve, due to a large increasing demand for electricity
According to him, “Our installed capacity is close to peak demand so there is no reservesothat'swhyifaunit goes down you have power outages, so these reserves nowwouldbetheresojustin
caseyouhavelocalissuesor something, they would be maintained and put into reserves.”
Bethatasitmay,Jagdeo saidifthedemandsurpasses the 300 MW generated by the Wales power plant, government “may have to turn on some of these units backagain.”
Government expects the GTEprojecttobecompleted by April, 2025 The contractor, CH4/ Lindsayca has however indicated that the power plant and Natural Gas Liquids (NGL) facility willbehandedoveratalater date. The extension is likely to cost the contractor some US$11.3 million per month accordingtoJagdeo.
DearEditor,
During the month of May, we remember the people who arrived in Guyana hundreds of years ago. Many of them, darkskinned in complexion, originated from the western region of East Africa, specifically for Tanzania, known as first home to humankind.Fromthere,they spread across the world and becametheforefathersofall races, including those who eventuallycametoGuiana. They used their own forms of transportation, mostly walking, and over
intelligent, skillful and adaptable.Theiradaptability wastestbydramaticclimate changes about a million years ago. These changes, includingaseriesoficeages followed by warmer weather, required them to use their bra
resourcefulnesstosurvive. Migration became more necessary as they searched for more favorable climates. Thousands of years ago, changing land and sea patterns made migration easier However, this movement was sometimes
haltedbyrisingseas. In rare cases, bridges of ice allowed early humans to migrate from one continent to another, helping to populate the world. Some moved to Asia, walked to North-to-North America, and further south through Mexico and Panama into SouthAmerica,theytraveled east and settled in now knownasMabaruma/Waimi. Itwasahighlandsotheycut down a patch and there they cultivated cassava while others hunted and they sharedthelegendarystoryof El Dorado with other Indian elders.
In the Southern regions, early settlers had to hunt, fish, and plant to survive. What was once mangrove swamp stretched for miles, filled with slushy water, as far as the eye can see Looking South as far as Grove or Friendship and East, somewhere is Crabwood Creek From North of the land of many waters, to South, about 7 miles further South, the whole coast was mangrove and swamp lands for miles. No one could inhabit this place. The Amerindians were the first people to name the land - "the land of many waters" because of the wide rivers flowing through Guyana The very north, around the Corentyne River, was uninhabitable at first, home to dangerous animals andfriendlyonestoo.Thatis whattheIndiansfoundwhen theyarrived.
Sincerely, FrankDeAbreu
C
hief Justice (ag)
Roxane George on Friday declared that the criminal defamation libel charges brought against political activistRickfordBurkebythe stateisunconstitutional Burke, a New York-
based Guyanese and President of the Caribbean
Guyana Institute of Democracy (CGID) was chargedwithconspiracywith other persons to publish defamatory libel with a view to extort money and conspiracy with other persons to offer to abstain from publishing defamatory libel with a view to extort money A summons, issued byMagistrateFabayoAzore attheVigilanceMagistrates'
Court, was served on Burke at his home in Brooklyn, New York, USA, move the chief justice ruled was unlawful.“Ihaveconcluded thattheproposedservicehas not been established and in any event was unlawful Indeed, the magistrate admitted the applicant's contentionthatthesummons is only effective within the jurisdiction of Guyana,” Justice George said. Burke through his legal team filed civil proceedings to quash the summons naming Attorney General and Minister of Legal Affairs, Anil Nandlall SC in the challenge to the summons. Roysdale Forde, SC Burke's attorney submitted inter alia
that there is no authority conferred on any officer of the Guyana Police Force to effect service of a summons issuedbyaMagistrateunder the Summary Jurisdiction ProcedureActCap10:02on a defendant resident outside thejurisdictionofGuyana.
“The process of a M
exercising Civil or Criminal Jurisdiction under the Summary Jurisdiction MagistratesAct Cap 3:05 is restrictedbySection68(1)of the aforesaid Act to the geographic limits of Guyana,”hesaid.
Forde also pointed out that the constitutional frameworkdoesnotallowfor the defamation of a private
The Guyana Elections Commission (GECOM) on Friday defended its recent last-minute revisions to the statutory nomination forms for the upcoming General and Regional Elections scheduled for September 1, 2025, stating that the changes are essential to upholdingtheintegrityofthe electoralprocess.
In May, GECOM officiallyannouncedJuly14, 2025,asNominationDayfor the upcoming General and RegionalElections.Then,on June 12, GECOM issued a statement confirming the a p p r o v a l a n d implementation of a modified version of the Nomination Form, which must be submitted along with the Lists of Candidates
by political parties contestingtheelections.The revised form was proposed by Chief Election Officer (CEO)VishnuPersaud.
T h e a m e n d m e n t introduces separate sections requiring nominators' signatures for the National Top-Up List, Geographic Constituency List, and
Regional Democratic CouncilList.
During that time, GECOM explained that the decision was prompted by multipleincidentsfollowing Nomination Day during the 2023 Local Government Elections At that time, several individuals alleged they either did not sign the formsasnominatorsorwere unawarethattheirsignatures had been used for that purpose.
These claims sparked
widespread public
controversy and disrupted the timely processing of candidates'lists.
However, these changes have sparked dissatisfaction among political party members, leading to questions about GECOM's preparedness for the upcomingelections.
As such, GECOM in a statement on Friday acknowledged the inconveniencecausedbythe timing of the changes but emphasized that it operates within its legal mandate to safeguardafair,transparent, and credible electoral process “GECOM recognizes the timing of the amendmentandunderstands the challenges that procedural changes may present to contesting political parties,” the commissionsaid.
GECOM noted that duringarecentmeetingwith representatives of political parties, the commission discussed the reasoning behindtheamendment.“The amendment was introduced as part of GECOM's commitment to upholding the integrity of the electoral process Specifically, the revised form requires political parties to demonstrate the requisite level of public support across each of Guyana's ten administrative regions,” the commissionexplained.
Additionally, the commissionemphasizedthat the revised nomination form's requirements apply equallytoallpoliticalparties and are intended to promote fairness, transparency, and public confidence in the
person to be regarded as a criminaloffence
In handing down her decision, Justice George declared that the offence of defamatory libel is inconsistent with the freedom of expression guaranteed by Article146oftheconstitution
She noted too that in a modern democratic society such as Guyana's if someone feels aggrieved by what has been said about them, they mayfileacivilsuit
“It is declared that the resorttocriminaldefamatory liable to protect individual reputation is unnecessary, disproportionately excessive and not justified and or requiredtoprotectreputations, rights and freedoms of other p e r s o n s a n d a r e unconstitutional as being in violation of Article 146:6 which is the freedom of expression provision in our constitution,” the Chief
electoral system. “GECOM remains committed to continuousengagementwith all stakeholders to ensure that the nomination process is clearly understood and that the necessary support is available,” the commission stated.
GECOM's public assurancescamejustoneday after political party representatives voiced strongdissatisfactionduring Thursday's stakeholder briefing.
A Partnership for National Unity (APNU) memberCarolSmith-Joseph expressed frustration over what she described as sudden and disruptive changes by GECOM, which she said are affecting her party's preparations. “There are a lot of last-minute changes that GECOM has been making, which is unacceptable. However, we are still pressing on,” she toldreporters.
Echoing similar concerns, Alliance For Change (AFC) member Beverly Alert criticized the timing of the changes to the nomination forms “GECOM is the one who said they are ready for elections,andthentheywent back and changed the [nomination] form,” she said.AnotherAFC member, NicoleTrotman,highlighted the impact on her party's progress. “We had to redo every single signature we had,andthatcameninedays after the election date was called. So I'm asking if they are giving us back the nine dayswhichtheyhavetaken (Continueonpage16)
Justiceexplained.
JusticeGeorgenotedthat the laws of Guyana provide forthereturnofpersonswho are accused of criminal offences
“Givenwhatisdisclosed intheevidence,oneisleftto questionwhether advice was soughtandobtainedfromthe Chambers of the Director of Public Prosecutions As regards the constitutionality ofthecharges,therespondent did not fully address this issue in the submissions, merely stating that the charges are related to conspiracy to commit a felony, to wit extortion and not defamatory the Respondent has clearly sidesteppedthisissue,which has to be considered in the context that the basis of the charges is in the provisions ondefamatorylibel.Titleten oftheCriminalOffencesact is entitled Defamatory
Libel,” she acting chief justicesaidnotingthevague natureofthecharges.
JusticeGeorgereminded that an accused must “know preciselywhatarethewords allegedlyusedbyhimorher tofoundthecharge.”
“Indeed, in civil proceedings in defamation, the offending language must not only be specifically proven, it must be specifically pleaded,” she added.Thestatewasordered topay$500,000incosts.
Leader of the People's National Congress Reform (PNCR) and A Partnership for National Unity (APNU) presidential candidate, Aubrey Norton, has vowed thatthepartywillnotallowa repeat of the 2018 political betrayal by then-Alliance
For Change (AFC) parliamentarian Charrandas Persaud, that toppled the coalition government via a no-confidencevote.
Speaking at a PNCR press conference on Friday, Norton was asked what measurestheAPNUwillput in place to avoid being vulnerable to political defection, given the recent crossoversofAFCmembers intotheAPNUcamp.
Persaud's surprise vote with the then-opposition
People's Progressive Party/Civic (PPP/C) in December 2018 led to the collapse of theAPNU+AFC coalition government and
the eventual calling of early generalelections,thoughthe electionswerenothelduntil March2020.
Norton admitted that while it is impossible to guarantee absolute loyalty, the APNU has done its due diligenceandisconfidentin the integrity of those who havejoineditsranks.
“We are clear in our mindsthatthepeopleweare talking with and about are people who have shown a commitment to coalition,”
Norton assured He noted that he carefully studied the Charrandas debacle and that lessons have been learned to ensure that such political sabotagedoesnotrecur
“We are well aware of what happened with Charrandas Personally,Idid my analysis of the situation, andwewilltakemeasuresto ensure that it doesn't repeat itself But you live in a real world Youliveinaworldin
which some people could be bribed I'm not saying Charrandas was bribed but people could be bribed,”
Nortonsaid Hefurthernoted that the coalition is prioritizing character when
selecting candidates and allies “Whatwedoistryto find persons who we believe areinterestedinservicemore thanmoneythatisoneofthe safeguards But we're dealing with human beings I have
confidence in those persons that would have come to be involvedwiththeAPNU,that they will serve the APNU, andtheywillnotbeattracted by filthy lucre,” Norton stated.
Recently, it was
announced that Opposition MemberofParliament(MP) Juretha Fernandes, will be the APNU coalition Prime Ministerial candidate. This crossoverwasdonewithout the blessing of the AFC. Notably, the AFC has disclosed that it is prepared to move to the polls come September 1, without the A P N U . A l o n g s i d e Fernandes, Sherod Duncan and Deonarine Ramsaroop have also crossed the floor fromtheAFCtoAPNU.
After the APNU+AFC coalition government lost the 2020 elections and the PPP-government took over, Persaudwasselectedforthe post of Guyana's High Commissioner to India However, his time in New Delhi was short-lived. Back in 2022 he was removed as G u y a n a ' s H i g h Commissioner to India after verbally abusing a female animal rights activist one year earlier Persaud was in August 2021 recorded on camera verbally abusing the woman. The Ministry of ForeignAffairshadsaidthat the matter was closed as the allegations had not been substantiated In a video Persaud was clearly heard speaking in very coarse language to a womansaying:“Idon'tneed adoginmyyardalright. Youwantthedog,takeit and put it between your legs…youprobablywantthe dog to F#@% you…that's whatyouwant.Idon'tcare… I don't care who you are. F#@% you!” President IrfaanAli later said Persaud had agreed to return to Guyana after he had spoken with him. “Notwithstanding all of this, Mr Charrandass has agreed with me that in keepingwiththebestinterest of Guyana, and the image of Guyana,thathewouldreturn home from his posting in India,” President Ali had saidFurther, last November Persauddisclosedthathewas handed a $50 million road contract by the government, but said he was not happy w i t h t h e w a y t h e administrationishandlingthe infrastructuresector Persaud revealedthathewasawarded a contract to rehabilitate a sectionofroadinCummings Lodge, Georgetown When asked about his views on the PPP's management of the country, Persaud said, “generally, I have some thingsthatarecontentious,if youwanttocallthem,things that are happening around herewiththePPPthatI'mnot happy the issue of contracts.”
In a dazzling display of irony so rich it should be taxed by the Guyana Revenue Authority, Vice President BharratJagdeodeclaredthat the renegotiation of the oil contract is a “mute” issue. Yes,“mute”.Asin,unableto speak.Asin,voiceless.
It was the kind of Freudian slip that deserves to be preserved in the National Archives, next to the 1999 and 2016 Esso contracts.Amuteissue?The man has gone from political leader to postmodern performanceartist.
Of course, he probably meant“moot”,whichiswhat people usually say when they’re trying to dismiss
somethingtheycan’tdefend. Buthischoiceof“mute” is so much more revealing. It’s not just a slip of the tongue—it’saconfession.A confession that he is not attaching importance to those plugging for the renegotiation of the oil contract. Unfortunately, this amounts, according to one opinion poll, to 94% of the population.
Imagine it. Nearly every man, woman, and halfconscious mosquito in this country wants a better deal, but Jagdeo sits at his press conferenceanddeclaresthat it is a mute issue for this mattertobethesubjectofthe elections.
Mute?Sir,theonlything
muteinthisscenarioisyour regardforpublicopinion.
One would think — in a democracy, and we’re still clinging to that idea like it’s the last cassava ball at a wedding that such overwhelming public consensus would provoke some reflection… Maybe a national conversation Maybe even just a polite, “We’re looking into it.” But no.TheVicePresident,with the calm detachment of a man ordering lunch, is dismissiveoftheissue.
And that’s the real tragedy here. Not just the contract — which, let’s be clear,isaboutasgenerousto Guyana as a landlord who charges you rent for the
Funeral is plenty
money dese days. Dese days peoplefrightenbadbadfuh dead. Not because of pain or hellfire but because funeraldoescostmorethan ahouselotinEccles.
When dem undertaker tell you what it will cost, yuh does want believe that coffin now come wid AC, Bluetooth, and Wifi. Yuh ain’t even get to enjoy it, but yuh family gotta pay likeyuhbuyingaLexus.
Undertaker charging yuhfuhembalm.Thenyuh got caterers, tents, chair covers, sound system, and printed T-shirts fuh somebody who na even breathing.
Onemantellhefamily, “If I dead, just cremate me and dash me ash pon de seawall suh I could
finallygetabreeze.”
Demboyssehitusedto beaburdentolive,nowisa liabilitytodead.
Yuhbettertekvitamins, drink bush tea, and stay alive.At least GPLbill got payment plan. Cemetery don’t!
But lang ago we never had all of these problems. People used to set aside money fuh dem burial… likemehfriendSam. Sam dead Leff ten million Guyana dollars in hewillfuhhefuneral.Big, elaboratethinghedidwant. De last mourners just stepoutdeyardwhenRose, hewife,turntoshebestfren Patsyandseh,“IthinkSam woulda been pleased, man.”
Patsy whisper, “I sure he woulda. But tell me something, gyal — how
muchdewholethingreally cost?”
Rose seh calm calm, “Dewhole$10million.”
Patsy nearly choke pon she black cake. “Wha?! Yuh serious?! De ting look nice,but$10million?Wah reallycostsuhmuch?”
Rosestartcountponshe finger: “De funeral home tek $1.3 million. Church get a small $100,000 donation. Food and drinks was‘bout$100,000too.De rest went to de memorial stone.”
Patsysquintupsheeye. “So yuh telling me $8.5 millionguhpunamemorial stone?Wahkindabigfancy stoneisdat?”
Rose smile sweet sweet, lean in and seh: “Is not big… is 17 and a half carats.”
Talkhalf.Leffhalf
rainwater falling through your leaking roof — but the arrogance. The gall. The complete disconnection between those in power and thosestuckinminibustraffic with$300intheirwalletand $7,000inexpenses.
It’s almost poetic Jagdeospeaksofmuteissues whilethepeoplescreaminto the void. The government claims prosperity is coming whilethesupermarketprices continue to burden them. Everyone but the political elite seems to be living in a reality where oil wealth is a punchline,notapaycheck.
Let us not forget: this is not the first time arrogance and dismissiveness has
tripped the People’s Progressive Party/Civic. In 2 0 1 1 , i t l o s t i t s parliamentary majority In 2015, it lost power altogether And now, Jagdeo’s linguistic genius and towering indifference threaten to sabotage the presidencyofayoungleader who, in some circles, is still seenasholdingouthopefor thenation.
Whatdoes itsay abouta party when one of its most visibleleaderstreatsamajor demand by the electorate
like background noise? When the opinion of the masses is treated not just as inconvenient,butas“mute”.
And where is the opposition in all of this?
Hiding behind a thesaurus, no doubt, trying to decide whether to call the contract
“ d r a c o n i a n , ” “disproportionate,” or just “bad, bad, bad.” Tiptoeing around the issue like it’s a livewire.
The oil contract is not mute It is screaming
Screaming in every underpaid teacher’s salary
Screaming in every public hospital where there is a need for better service
Screamingintheanxietiesof housewiveswhentheystand in front of a vendor in the market. Screaming in every young person who realizes thatinGuyana,youcanhave oil and still not afford cookinggas.
The only thing mute is the government’s sense of obligation.
Whilecitizensraisetheir voices in frustration and demand fairness, the administration responds withadeafeningsilenceand casualindifference. It’s as if accountability
itself has taken a vow of silence under this government.
So perhaps it’s time — especially for loyal PPP supporters who still cling to the idea that theirs is a people’s party — to ask whetherJagdeoisaguardian oftheparty,oritsundertaker
Perhaps it’s time to distance yourselves from the man who statements fly in the face of 94% of the population.
Otherwise, the PPPC may end up suffering the same fate as in 2015. And Irfaan Ali may end up followinginthefootstepsof DonaldRamotar
If the people’s will is a mute issue, then the people maysoonfindtheirvoicein the only place that matters — the ballot box. And trust me:thatwon’tbesilent.
(The views expressed in this article are those of the author and do not necessarily reflect the opinionsofthisnewspaper.)
Interesting the issues that nettle the once venerable Office of the President (OP). The presidentshouldresign. The call unnerved. I am going places, but given how Guyana 's highest office has been degraded, there's recoiling at featuring there.
A citizen who once saw nothing wrong in what LFS Burnham did to Guyanese, now sees the same in the incumbent. Nowrongs. No
failings. If Burnham, then any Some can freely sell their virtues; though enriching, it's still cheapening. Thus, there's worming and slithering about for evidence; a serpentine crawl via banana peels remade into rollerskates. Some upscaling is recommended. Produce the evidence.
I usually reject dealing with those who disrespect themselves: unworthy of
time, attention Today, exceptionismade.
For the first piece of evidence, I recommend social media's archives; a good memory aid. Records neither erased or set afire. Deliberately,accidentally,or conveniently
Unable to recall doesn't meanunabletoretrieve. It's a good starting point. The second piece is more qualitative. It encompasses fitness for that office that
stands at Guyana's apex. I call it a confluence of the circumstantial, what is not presidential. Gunssmoking. The president looks like tainted goods. Guyana is in deepmess.
Whyisthepresident-any president or prime minister, orevenaminister-thatclose toanythingofsuchanature? Those are his fingerprints, aren'tthey,asalleged? Isaid what I said about the fallibility of human recall, and I say it again for the public record: it can be genuine. And,itcanalsobe when circumstances so demand a sanctuary rushed to for the comfort and distanceofimmunity Third, when national leaders set certain standards, they are not part of certain expectations, then the trickier issues of the day are kept far away from them. Citizens, even close friends, donors, supporters, think twice. Thereisonethought. Not him! Or, in domestic English: caaan risk goin' to dah maan, nah fuh sumting likedis.
Fourth, when the opposite seems to be the practice, with the presidential door probably left ajar or held wide open, those who matter feel comfortable entering, and stating their business. Or seizeforthemselvestheright to send their texts for presidential attention. To state differently, the texts in and of themselves, as alleged, tell of familiarity with some custom and practice.
Hence,Idon'tknowhow anyone with any standards
can disagree, can stoop solowastoask:where's the evidence? My concern, the challenge for all Guyanese, is how many more approached the esteemed Office of the President at its pyramid's peak, with issues of like kind? Before and since? When a donor, a partner, in what is now this Tax-gate obscenity has that degree of access, that casualness of association, that intimacy of relationship,tothinkofwhat repulses honest Guyanese, and then engage in that exchange, what does that say? Where does that leave everyone,fromthehighestto the lowest? No spinning, fulminating, defending can waterthosedown,wishthem away
Fifth, when OP is respected,nonehastoshelter in not recalling. Or the number is public. Or thousands beseech. None has to defend. Because the calling, honor, of the presidency were all involved, responses had to be crystal: don't come here withmatterslikethose. Deal withtheGRA. Iappreciate, however,thatGuyanaworks differently Still,apresident that respects that office, respectsthepeople,respects what they placed in his hands, and respects himself, is sensible (should be honorable enough) not ever to be around this unholy mess. He had to stop that dead. Hard talk. Hard
stance Hard truth Someone in OP should summon the courage to tell himthose.
Tell him that's my
position, and his should be higher Sixth,theevidenceflares in the amount foregone HowmanypeopleinGuyana can make that happen, includingthoseattheGRA? And, how only now there is this staggering amount suddenly recalled, demanded For last, I haven't heard of one public servant, senior or junior, called to the carpet and tarredpubliclywith:howthe hell did this happen, who is responsible for, had a hand in, this billion-dollar caper? Where does this lead, tier up? By process of elimination or logic for almost a billion in taxes? This is not the standards of salesmen or propagandists. Butofleadershipethics. Of personal decency and insulation. Presidents who value their reputation shudderatthemeremention oftheirnamesinmatterslike this tax one (others left unmentioned).
The question for Guyanese is this. What is worse: the alleged involvement itself and the cost to the treasury, or the appearance of a sitting president'snamedredgedout of the OP's cesspool? For evidence, simply scan the environment, connect the dots. Resign! Resign!
(The views expressed in this article are those of the author and do not necessarily reflect the opinionsofthisnewspaper.)
The Ministry of E d u c a t i o n announced on Friday that the 2025/2026 school year will begin on September8,2025.
“Thismeansthatschools will open on September 8, 2025fortheChristmasterm. We wish all of our learners andteachersalltheverybest forthetworemainingweeks of this term and for their August holidays,” the ministry posted on its Facebookpage.
Initially, school was expected to be reopened on September 1, but with general and regional elections set for that date, Minister Manickchand promised earlier this week thatanewdatewouldbeset.
Noting that schools are usually used as polling stations, the minister relayed on Tuesday that general and regional elections are important as they reinforce and refresh democracy.
“Wearehappytogiveup the schools for that important purpose of allowing people to exercise theirwill,andtherewillbea change that will be announcedlater Weusually accommodate it,” the ministerhadstated.
The use of tasers by the Guyana Police Force (GPF) willplayasignificantrolein maintaining public order during the September 1, 2025 general and regional elections, Deputy Commissioner of Police, Simon McBean has disclosed.
The move, aimed at enhancing safety and maintaining discipline amid rising public confrontations, followsthelaunchofathreedaytasercertificationcourse onThursday
In a statement released Friday, the GPF said the programme,conductedatits Officers' Training Centre in p
during the election period, McBean explained, “Tasers are for persons who are not compliant…personsthatyou areseekingtoarrestandthey areresistingpolicearrest.”
He also assured that the useoftasersdoesnotposea serious threat to citizens. “It is not something that is harmful.Itissomethingthat has been tested. The taser willtemporarilyincapacitate
contraction, and we will be abletoarrestthem,”McBean saidexplained.
Initially,theuseoftasers by the GPF was limited to traffic officers However, Deputy Commissioner
Amethyst School of Martial Arts and the Security Training Academy, covers training on Conducted Energy Weapons (CEWs), specificallytheTX200P,and the deployment of BodyWornCameras(BWCs).
McBean confirmed that the use of tasers will be part of the police force's election'ssecurityplan.
“Policinginpublicorder is a day-to-day policing strategy We are preparing ourselves to use as much less-lethal force as possible, sotheimplementationofthe taserisoneoftheless-lethal forceoptions,”hesaid.
When questioned about how tasers would be used
McBe
following the completion of the training programme, f r o n t
n e officers including traffic r a n k s a n d f
r s t responders—willbethefirst to be equipped with tasers. Headdedthat,eventually,all membersoftheforcewillbe trained and certified to use them.
“We are leading there, butwehavetostartwithour frontline officers, first responders, those officers youseeonpatrol,trainedand certified. I presume shortly wewillgettothestagewhere allpolicemenbecomepartof it,”McBeanstated.
Meanwhile, during the
opening ceremony of the training programme, Assistant Director of Prisons, Kevin Pilgrim provided an overview of the training, emphasising that taserswillbeutilisedduring theimpendingelections.
Police in a press release said, "Mr Pilgrim also highlighted the critical role of this training in election securitypreparedness."
The use of tasers by police officers, particularly on citizens who violently
resist arrest or refuse to cooperate with traffic officers,comeinresponseto a rising number of violent altercations between traffic ranks and civilians This promptedtheGPFtoissuea public statement on June 2, 2025, via Radio Eve Leary, announcingtheuseoftasers.
According to the GPF,
significant challenges in enforcingthelaw,especially (Continuedonpage17)
A 24-year-old man was sentenced to two years' imprisonment after pleading guiltytosimplelarceny
The accused, Alle Dash of Golden Grove, East Coast Demerara (ECD), appeared at the Bartica Magistrates' Court before Magistrate Teriq Mohammed, where the charge wasread.
Being accused of committing the offence on Clifton Cooper, Dash was sentenced.
Man sentenced to 2 years for larceny Accused: Alle Dash
Deputy Commissioner of Police Simon McBean
ExxonMobil Guyana Limited (EMGL) has extended its contract with Stena for the Stena Carron drill rig which has been operating offshore Guyana in the prolific Stabroek Block.
According to Stena, in January2025anewcontract extension was signed with ExxonuntilDecember2025, with an option for further extension.
This publication had reported that Exxon had contracted four drill rigs from Noble: Noble Tom Madden, Noble Sam Croft, Noble Don Taylor, and NobleBobDouglasandtwo fromStena:StenaDrillMAX andStenaCarron.
However, earlier this year the Stena DrillMAX completed its work programme with Exxon StenaDrillMAX joined Exxon'sGuyanafleetbackin 2021. Last October, Stena DrillMAX arrived back in
Guyana, to resume work for E x x o n M o b i l a f t e r exploration drilling offshore Canada.InSeptember2024, it was announced that ExxonMobil has extended its contract with American offshore drilling company Noble Corporation for four of its drill ships to work in theStabroekBlock.
According to Noble, ExxonMobil has awarded 4.8 additional rig years of back
Commercial Enabling Agreement(CEA)whichhas been assigned evenly across the four drill ships: Noble Tom Madden, Noble Sam Croft,NobleDonTaylorand Noble Bob D
glas, extendingeachrig'scontract duration from June 2027 to August2028.
In May 2023, Noble announcedthatExxonMobil Guyana had extended their contract for the rental of the four ultra-deep-water drill ships to work in Guyana
until second quarter of 2027 Notably, the drill rigs cost an average of US$420,000 (GYD$84 million) to US$500,000 (GYD$100M) per day for each ship, based on currentmarket-rate.Marketratechangestwiceperyear–MarchandSeptember
To date, Exxon has obtained approval from the Government of Guyana for six development projects in the Stabroek Block – Liza PhaseOne,LizaPhaseTwo, Payara,Yellowtail,Uaruand Whiptail.
The first three projects arealreadyproducingoilata daily estimated rate over 600,000 barrels per day (bpd).
Exxon has been on an extensive drilling operation in the Stabroek Block Yellowtail is expected to come onstream later this year and Uaru and Whiptail to follow in the coming years.
L-R: Ili Jarvis, Coach Colette Ault, Tyra Stephney, Coach Sharmala Singh, Rylon Williams
Eccles
Detectives were on Thursday led totheareawhere thebodyofJennyMohamed of Non Pariel, East Coast Demerara (E C D), was dumped after she was allegedly murdered by her reputed husband, her daughterandson-in-law
The suspected murder weapon
Guyana's groundbreaking National LearningPodsProgramisonceagainputting thenationontheglobalmap.Ateamoffive young innovators and their dedicated coacheswillproudlyrepresentGuyanaatthe InternationalGreenwichOlympiad(IGO)in London, one of the world's most prestigious showcasesforstudentexcellenceinscience, technology, engineering, and mathematics (STEM).
In a statement on Friday, STEMGuyana said that the historic moment is powered by thesuccessoftheLearningPodsinitiative,a nationwide education support program designed to close academic gaps through hands-on, tech-enabled learning. Sponsored by the Inter-American Development Bank (IDB), Scotiabank, and MODEC, the programme has empowered thousands of students across the country, including this year'sIGOdelegation,fromRegions2and7.
At the heart of this achievement are two remarkableeducators:MissSharmalaSingh,
who leads the Mainstay Lake Learning Pod on the Essequibo Coast, and Ms. Colette
Ault, who heads the Bartica Mayor's Office Learning Pod. The devoted coaches have spent years mentoring students, building theirconfidenceandsharpeningtheirskillsin STEM, teamwork, and innovation. Their tireless commitment has earned their students; Rylon Williams, Tyra Stephney, and Ili Jarvis, a place on the international stage.“This group reflects some of the committedandhardworkingmembersofour program,” said Karen Abrams, Director of STEMGuyana,whichtrainsandmanagesthe LearningPodsandtheIGOteam.
“We are proud to identify, prepare and empower young people from underrepresented regions and give them the opportunitytoshine.Manyofthesestudents have been with us for three years, they're prepared, passionate, and worthy of the challenge.”The team's journey to London is (Continuedonpage16)
According to Crime Chief Wendell Blanhum, whilethewoman'sbodywas discoveredonThursdayJune th19 ,itisbelievedthatshehad been murdered since June th10 atherNonParielhome.
TheGuyanaPoliceForce (GPF) launched an investigationafterMohamed was reported missing by relatives. However, during a search of her home, investigators discovered bloodstains, prompting the arrest of the three suspects, the reputed husband, the victim's daughter Saffia Mohamed and her son-inlawAustinRamchand.
“The daughter and her husband admitted that they devised a plan to kill the victimafterthey(3suspects), along with their child, were subjected to constant abuse by the victim,” the crime
In custody, Saffia Mohamed In custody, Austin Ramchand
chiefsaid. According to him, the victim's daughter and her son-in-law devised a plan and executed it by killing Mohammed and dumping herbody
The suspects led police ranks to Eccles New Road, along a secluded route leadingtoOgle,ECD,where Mohamed's body was
dumped. Her remains were discovered wrapped in a jumbo-sized garbage bag, covered with a tarpaulin, with a rope tied around her neck.
Blanhum said that the body bore multiple stab wounds, and the murder weapon, a knife, was also recoveredbyinvestigatorsat thescene.
Days after she was selected as the prime ministerial candidate for the APNU coalition, Member of Parliament, Juretha Fernandes has expressed gratitude and honor to servethepoliticalunit.
“To be selected as the prime ministerialcandidatefortheAPNU Coalitionisbothanimmensehonor andaprofoundresponsibility,oneI accept with humility, knowing that nomeaningfulprogressisachieved alone,” she said in a statement on Friday
She continued, “this moment belongs to the people of Bartica, who shaped my belief in community; to the mentors who guidedmewithpatience;andtothe countless Guyanese whose struggles and aspirations must always remain at the center of governance.”
Fernandessaidherjourneyfrom
‘Safe
the Bartica Town Council to date, hastaughtherthatleadershipisnot aboutelevation,butservice.”
“The lessons learned at the grassroots level were never mine alone; they were gifted by colleagues,elders,andconstituents who demanded accountability and collaboration. That same spirit of teamwork must define our national pathforward.”
Theshadowministeroffinance andformermemberoftheAlliance For Change (AFC), was named the prime ministerial candidate for APNU by opposition leader, AubreyNortononTuesday
Norton told Kaieteur News shortlyaftertheannouncement,that APNU has been searching for a capable person, confirming that Fernandes has been doing a lot of work in parliament. These include shadowingthefinanceminister,and
robustbudgetpresentations,among other things Meanwhile, in her statement, Fernandes expressed that coalition politics is Guyana's strengthatthiscriticalhour
“No single voice, no individual leader can unite our diversity or solve our challenges alone. What's neededisdisciplinedunity,ashared commitment to policies that put people first, and a government that views its mandate as a covenant with all Guyanese, not just some,” shesaid.
As such, Fernandes said she is grateful to stand alongside Aubrey Norton, a principled leader, whose vision for a people-centered government aligns with theAPNU Coalition'shighestideals.
She noted that the role is not a platformforpersonalambition,but an opportunity to work within a team dedicated to equitable
development, where every Guyanese benefits from Guyana's wealth.
“My acceptance is a pledge to uphold that collective mission Governanceisnotaspectacle-itis thedailyworkoflistening,building consensus, and delivering results. Together, with humility and resolve, we will prove that leadershipmeansliftingothers.
The task ahead is greater than any one of us. But united we can achieve it for the people of Guyana,”Fernandesadded.
“We also look to see if the personissomeonewhoengagesthe ordinarymanontheground.So,we only want intellectual capacity We also want the prime minister candidatetobesomebodywhocan engage with people on the ground, and in this regard, we thought that shewasagoodcandidate.”
APNU'sPrime PinisterialCandidate, Juretha Fernandes
Safe Haven, Guyana's first digital platform that connects families with certified caregivers, was launched on Friday at the Palazzo on Camp and Lamaha Streets in Georgetown.
The launch marked a significant milestone for cofounder of the Safe Haven app Angenie Abel, who shared that the platform was created to offer caregiving services for both children and the elderly.To make the service more accessible and user-friendly,Abelpartnered withMobileMoneyGuyana (MMG) to streamline payment transactions and enhance the overall caregivingexperience.
Duringheraddress,Abel shared the deeply personal inspiration behind the creation of the Safe Haven app.“Todayisareallyproud moment for me and for the Safe Haven team, because what you are seeing here is something that came from a very personal space,” she said. Abel recounted times in herlifewhenshedesperately needed caregiving support but couldn't find reliable or experiencedhelp.“Whenmy father needed support, we struggled to find someone with experience and reliability Whenmysonwas born,weneededalittlebreak fromtimetotime,butagain, the options were few and far,”sheexplained.
Recognizing this gap in
Co-founder of the Safe Haven app
Angenie Abel (right) and Marketing Services Lead at MMG Charleston Hansdell
the caregiving space, Abel was motivated to create a solutionthatwouldservenot only her family but others facing similar challenges
“That is where Safe Haven was born, from the desire to fill the gap with something safe, accessible, and built with the realityof Guyanese familiesinmind,”sheadded. Abel further explained how the app functions, describing Safe Haven as a
platform. “Safe haven is a digital platform that is built tohelpfamily,sourcetrusted caregiversweatherforchild care and elder care, at the sametimeitisaspacewhere caregiverscanfindrealwork opportunities with structure,”shesaid.
Highlighting the app's development, she said: “Since 2023 we have made many attempts, hi
pushing. We built a website
Safe Haven app
atfirstandthenan app.Butitjustwasn'tenough tojusthavetheplatform.We wanted a truly seamless exp
ience, from the momentsomeonebookscare towhenthecaregivershows upattheperson'sdoor.”
Shenotedthatoneofthe biggest challenges for Safe Haven was integrating a user-friendly digital paymentsolution.
“Therejustwasn'tauserfriendly digital solution in
Guyana to support this kind ofservice.”
After years of research and development, Safe Haven successfully integrated MMG, allowing families to book caregivers and complete secure payments directly through theirphones.
“Now clients can search for available caregivers based on their needs and schedule,andcompletetheir booking and payments
securely right from their phone. The app is designed to prioritize the client experiencewhilethewebsite is built to manage caregiver onboarding and document uploads.”
She emphasized that all caregiversontheSafeHaven platform will be fully certified to ensure the highest standard of care for families “Safety is everything. You will never see a caregiver on Safe Haven who hasn't been properly screened This includes police clearance, reference checks, and all relevant certifications. This isn't just about convenience, it's about trust and giving families peace of mind,” Abelstated.
The app is actively working to expand its services by introducing specialized care categories and imp
menting a structured training program aimed at e
uring a consistentlyhighstandardof care.
Additionally, Marketing Services Lead at MMG Charleston Hansdell, shared hisoptimismabouttheapp's potential impact “Today marks a meaningful milestone as we witness the launch of a platform that is set to make a lasting impact on care services in Guyana. Users whether booking or offering care services can enjoy a fast, secure, and convenientwaytomakeand receivepayments,”hesaid.
The Georgetown Public Hospital
Corporation (GPHC) on Wednesday launched for the first time a
Compounding Sterile PreparationIVProgramina bid to ensure safer medication preparation and improve pharmacy practices. It is the first such programinGuyana.
The Compounding
Sterile Preparation IV Program offers numerous benefits,includingimproved infection control, greater medication accuracy, increased patient safety, and alignmentwithinternational qualitystandards.
“Over time, GPHC aims t o e x p a n d s t e r i l e compounding services hospital-wide, alleviate the
burden on nursing staff, and raise the overall quality and safety of care delivered to patients,”GPHCsaid.
The hospital in a press releasesaidthataspartofits o b s e r v a n c e o f Commonwealth Pharmacy Week 2025, a new nonhazardous compounding hood at the Maternity Pharmacy was also commissioned.
c
“ T
advancement in GPHC's ongoingeffortstomodernize pharmaceutical services and enhance patient safety
through the aseptic preparation of intravenous (IV) medications,” the hospitalnoted.
“This week's launch is a
Two clinical pharmacists; Leslyn Bunbury and Shweta Parasram
were awarded certificates in completing specialized training and sterile IV compounding.
The new non-hazardous compounding hood which was commissioned at the
significant milestone for both the hospital and the country
For the first time, IV
medications will be compounded under sterile conditions right at GPHC: dramatically reducing the risk of contamination and improving the accuracy, safety,andqualityofpatient care,”GPHCadded.
Further, the hospital noted that through the dedication of a truly multidisciplinary team, including professionals from
Pharmacy, Nursing, Facilities, Engineering, and Medical Services, the achievements were made possible.TheGPHCsaidtoo
that it also reflects the continued partnership between GPHC and Mount Sinai International, underscoring a shared commitment to sustainable health system strengthening andcapacitybuilding.
Looking ahead, GPHC stateditwillsoonactivateits Hazardous Compounding Hood (Chemotherapy Hood), already installed at theOncologyClinic.
This hood will support t
chemotherapymedication.
Further, it was reported that nurses and doctors who currently mix these drugs will undergo specialized
trainingtooperatethehood, further enhancing safety for both patients and healthcare providers involved in oncology care Once the clinical pharmacists are certified in chemotherapy compounding, GPHC said, they will begin mixing chemotherapy drugs in addition to non-hazardous medication.
M e a n w h i l e , o n Wednesday also, two clinical pharmacists; Leslyn Bunbury and Shweta Parasram, were awarded certificates,makingthemthe first in the country to comple
training and certification in sterileIVcompounding.
A 45-year-old man was on Friday sentenced to six months'imprisonmentafterpleadingguiltytodamaging fourcarwindows.
Theaccused,QuintonHaywoodofLot179Pineapple Street, East Ruimveldt, Georgetown, appeared before MagistrateAnnetteSinghattheGeorgetownMagistrates' Court.
It is alleged that Haywood on June 15, 2025 at PineappleStreet,EastRuimveldt,Georgetown,damaged fourcarwindowsvalued$300,000,propertyofRickford Gillis.
The prosecution told the court that on the day in question, at about 03:00hrs the victim's motorcar HD 4782 was parked at his East Ruimveldt residence, when theaccusedreturnedfromafootballmatchandplacedhis box of food on the car and went to the shop. Upon his return, he saw that his food was gone which made him furious.
Haywoodthenarmedhimselfwithseveral'bigbricks' andbrokethevictim'scarwindows.
GilliswasalertedandreviewedhisCCTVfootage.He said he saw Haywood committing the act.Areport was made and the accused was arrested, and while under caution he admitted to the allegations and was later charged.
Magistrate Singh before making her decision, asked Haywood why she should not give him the highest penalty He apologised for his actions and was later sentenced.
Accused Quinton Haywood at the Georgetown Magistrates' Court on Friday.
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(Al-Jazeera) Israel and Iran continue to exchange missile attacks for an eighth day, as hundreds of thousands protest against Israel on the streets of Tehran.
At least 17 people, including three in serious condition, have been wounded in Israel after Iran’s latest missile salvo, with explosions reported in several locations.
Iranian Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi is meeting European officials in Geneva for talks on Iran’s nuclear programme and ending Israel’s attacks.
Addressing the UN Human Rights Council in the Swiss city, Araghchi condemned the Israeli attacks as a “betrayal” of diplomatic ef-
forts with the US, saying Iran the the US had been due to craft a “promising agreement” on the Iranian nuclear programme.
The White House says, due to “chance of negotiation”, President Donald Trump will decide in the next two weeks whether the US will join Israel in attacking Iran.
Meanwhile, David Des Roches, a former Pentagon official, told Al Jazeera that Iran’s missiles seem to be mostly aimed at relatively poorly defended or undefended Israeli assets, rather than key military facilities.
“The targets are different from things like commandand-control headquarters or
air bases, which are defended by key point defence systems, he said.
“So far, the targets that have been hit in Israel seem to be militarily insignificant, so that indicates a lack of confidence in the ability of the missiles to hit a precise target, or a target of military value.”
Abas Aslani, an Iranian affairs analyst, says today’s mass protests across Iran demonstrate that Israel’s attacks on the country are bringing people together.
Israel and the US had been hoping to “create a sense of chaos in the society in order to provoke the public against the government”, Aslani told Al Jazeera from Tehran.
“But it turned out differently and it created a sense of unity among [people from] different walks of life in the country as well as political factions,” he explained.
“Today, many people went to attend the Friday prayers.
It was much more crowded than prayers in previous weeks. We were seeing people who normally do not attend Friday prayers [go] just for the sake of condemning Israeli aggression … This has made people rally around the flag.”
From page 12 made possible by the generous support of the Guyana Diaspora, local families and contributions from the Ministry of Education, Office of the Prime Minister, Office of the Vice President, and the Ministry of Local Government. Together, these partners are demonstrating a united national commitment to preparing Guyana’s youth for leadership in a global, technology-driven future.StemGuyana said that beyond competition, participation in IGO is transformational. Students gain global exposure, enhance their university applications, and develop life-changing skills such as public speaking, intercultural communication, and independent thinking. Their trip to London will be more than a showcase, it will be a defining chapter in their personal and academic growth.
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As Guyana prepares to wave its Golden Arrowhead proudly on the international stage, STEMGuyana invited the nation to rally behind “these exceptional young ambassadors, and the remarkable coaches guiding them, who embody the promise of a smarter, more innovative future.”
GECOM defends...
From page 7 away from us, because that is not acceptable,” she asserted.
On the other hand, Attorney General and Minister of Legal Affairs Anil Nandlall, SC, member of the Peoples Progressive Party/Civic, (PPP/C), voiced no objections to GECOM’s amendments. He stated, “We don’t have any fundamental objections. GECOM has been consulting with all the parties and the process forward, so nothing should come as a surprise. I believe it is a consultative process… and the amendments that we have made to ROPA and the National Registration Act were intended to cut out a lot of discretion and to make the system more accountable, more transparent. So we are happy that those provisions are now being implemented.”
DPI - Representatives from the Government of Guyana and the United Kingdomcametogetherthis week to launch the next phase of joint work to addressmarinepollutionand support the sustainable development of Guyana’s BlueEconomy.
The visit, held from 16–20 June, is part of the “Enhancing Water Quality
for Sustainable Blue Economy Development” project an initiative supported by the UK Government through the SustainableBlueEconomies
Technical Assistance Platform The project is being implemented by the U K ’ s C e n t r e f o r Environment, Fisheries and Aquaculture Science (Cefas), in collaboration w i t h G u y a n a ’ s Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) and the United Nations Cartagena ConventionSecretariat.
Project workshop at the EPAA key highlight of the visitwasatwo-dayNational Workshop on the Blue Economy and Marine Pollution (17–18 June), hosted at the EPA Head
Office The workshop brought together officials from various ministries and agencies to exchange knowledge and perspectives on national Blue Economy goals, pollution risks, and priorityactionsforpollution m a n a g e m e n t a n d investment.In her address to participants, British High Commissioner Jane Miller highlighted UK’s support to Guyana to develop its Maritime Economy Plan (MEP) which was launched in 2021. This plan, part of Guyana’s broader Low Carbon Development Strategy (LCDS) 2030, focuses on identifying key sectors within the maritime industry and creating tailored action plans to address gaps, overcome obstacles, and build capacity.She noted that the MEPwasdesignedtolaythe foundation for continued dialogue and action to support Guyana in advancing work towards the development and protection ofitsoceanresources.
High Commissioner Miller said, “together you will brainstorm ways to strengthen Guyana’s
national capacity to assess
safeguarding the country’s
resources.”
EPA Executive Director KemrajParsramemphasized the significance of the c
“O
partnership with the UK Government, the British High Commission, Cefas, a
a Convention Secretariat is
cooperation—itisamodelof meaningful collaboration Together,wearebuildingthe scien
y
institutional strength, and
necessary to protect our
ecosystems.Thisinitiativeis helping to ensure that all Guyanese from coastal communities to national agencies—are equipped to lead, respond, and innovate in safeguarding water quality and advancing our BlueEconomygoals.”
The workshop was followed by two days of stakeholderengagementand planning meetings (19–20 June), involving community
representatives, technical expertsandprojectpartners. The project, which will continue through 2025, is currently focu
d on conducting a national situation analysis to map existing knowledge and identify priority pollution risks This analysis will inform the development of technical solutions and
aligned with Guyana’s
sustainable ocean and coastal development ambitions Dr Will Le Quesne, Director of the International Centre for OceanProtectionandUseat Cefas, added, “Protecting the health of the marine environment is critical to Guyana’s development goals. This partnership with Cefas and the UK Government strengthens the international collaboration neededtoensuretheworld’s oceans continue to support our people and economies forgenerationstocome.”
This initiative marks a significant step in the UK’s support for climate-resilient developmentinSmallIsland Developing States (SIDS), leveraging world-class UK marine expertise to codevelop practical tools and strategies for sustainable marineresourceuse.
Frompage11 asmorecitizensaredeliberatelycommitting trafficviolationsandresistinglawfularrest.
confrontations, often involving unarmed ranks being physically attacked by motorists, have become more frequent across the country As a response, traffic ranks will be equipped with taser guns to managesuchsituationsmoresafely
However, Traffic Chief, Assistant Commissioner of Police, Mahendra Singh, inapreviousinterviewwithKaieteurNews, clarified that the new policy does not grant police officers free rein to use tasers on
citizens who act violently without first attemptingtode-escalatethesituation.
“A taser is a last resort, similar to any other means of force being utilised by the policeinGuyanatoaddressanyone.So,this is where it goes.Ataser will not be utilised against anyone unless it is absolutely necessary that every other means or methodology that the police would apply to deal with the situation, to de-escalate the situation,toaddressasuspectwhoisarrested and/or is in custody for traffic offenses all would have been exhausted, and there's no other means by which you can address it,” Singhexplained.
Aljazeera - At least 82 Palestinians were killed across Gaza by the Israeli armyonFriday,sourcessaid, includingseveralinanattack where jets bombed a house westofDeirel-Balah.
At least 37 people were killed in central Gaza, including 23 who were seeking aid, according to hospital sources. In Gaza City, another 23 people lost their lives, while 22 were killed in southern Gaza – 11
of whom were also aid seekers.
Israeli attacks on hungry Palestinians near aid centres have killed hundreds of people since the Gaza Humanitarian Foundation (GHF) started distributions onMay27.
TheshadowyIsraeli-and United States-backed group tasked with distributing aid supplies has been criticised bytheUnitedNationsforits “failure” to ensure the safe
deliveryofsuppliesinGaza, where aid agencies have warned that the entire population is facing the threat of famine after Israel imposed a total blockade from early March to late May.Ismailal-Thawabta,the director-general of Gaza's Government Media Office, said on Thursday that the total number of aid seekers killedstoodat409,and3,203 morehadbeeninjured.
UNICEF warned the
Israeli attacks on Palestinians attempting to receive food aid have killed hundreds of people and wounded many others since GHF started distributions on May 27 [File: AFP]
GazaStripwasalsofacinga man-made drought as its watersystemscollapsed.
“Children will begin to die of thirst,” spokesperson JamesEldertoldreportersin Geneva on Friday “Just 40 percent of drinking water production facilities remain functional.”
The UN agency warned that the GHF distribution system was “making a desperatesituationworse”.
Elder, who was recently in Gaza, said he had many testimonials of women and childreninjuredwhiletrying toreceivefoodaid,including a young boy who was woundedbyatankshelland laterdiedofhisinjuries.
He said a lack of public clarity on when the sites, someofwhichareincombat zones, were open was causing mass casualty events.
“There have been instances where information [was] shared that a site is open, but then it's communicated on social mediathatthey'reclosed,but that information was shared when Gaza's internet was down and people had no accesstoit,”hesaid.
OnWednesday,theGHF said in a statement it had distributed three million meals across three of its aid siteswithoutanincident.
As Israel's war on Gaza
continues, it has also traded air attacks with Iran for a week.
Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan warned on Friday that Israel's conflict withIrananditsgenocidein Gaza are “quickly reaching thepointofnoreturn”.
“This madness must end as soon as possible,” Erdogan said during a speechtotheOrganisationof Islamic Cooperation's youth forum in Istanbul. “Israel complainedaboutdamageto its hospitals today, yet it has so far carried out over 700 attacks on healthcare facilities in Gaza alone,” he added, reiterating calls for a ceasefire.
SportsMax – Trinidad and Tobago and Haiti are staring down the barrel of a premature Concacaf Gold Cup exit after they played out a 1-1 stalemate in their Group D showdown at the Shell Energy Stadium on Thursdaynight.
The result leaves both Caribbeannationswithjusta pointapiece,sittingthirdand fourthinthestandings,while the United States sealed a spotinthequarterfinalswith
a 1-0 win over SaudiArabia atQ2StadiuminAustin.The Americans lead the group with six points, followed by theSaudiswiththreepoints. It means Trinidad and Tobago must defeat Saudi Arabia on Sunday at Allegiant Stadium in Las Vegas to have any hopes of advancing. For Haiti, the roadiseventougher,asthey must pull off a stunning upset over the in-form
Americans at AT&T
Stadium in Dallas to stay alive.
Thursday’s contest between the two Caribbean sides was a tense, evenly matchedaffair,asbothteams squandered opportunities to snatchallthreepoints.
Haiti, who were reduced to10meninthe39thminute when Jean-Kévin Duverne was shown a straight red card, took the lead early in the second half Striker Frantzdy Pierrot broke the
deadlock in the 49th minute when he finished a rightfooterafterbeingteedupby Louicius Don Deedson just outsidethepenaltyarea.
ButTrinidadandTobago rallied and drew level in the 68th. A pinpoint free kick deliveryfromKevinMolino found the towering Justin Garcia, who rose highest in the box to nod home the equalizer and give the Soca Warriorsalifeline.
ARIES(Mar.21–Apr.19)
You'll find that things are slipping nicely into place for you today, Aries Your persuasivemannerandgentle nudges are just enough to get peoplewhereyouwantthem.
TAURUS(Apr.20–May20)
When faced with ten entrees onthemenu,itmightbehard for you to choose just one. Feelfreetoordertwoormore, Ta u r u s D o n ' t l e t indecisiveness slow you down.Atthesametime.
GEMINI(May21–June20)
Your dreams won't come true unless you believe in and act onthem,Gemini.Nooneelse is going to do it for you. Unless you have a fairy godmother, you need to take mattersintoyourownhands.
CANCER(June21–July22)
If people hassle you or give you a hard time about your appearance today, pay them nomind,Cancer Youhavethe righttoliveyourlifeanyway youwantto.
LEO(July23–Aug.22)
Reachforthepotofgoldatthe end of the rainbow, Leo. It's closerthanyouthink.Indeed, your dreams are completely within your reach, and there are huge forces at work helping you achieve your goals.
VIRGO(Aug.23–Sept.22)
Today is your day to dream and dream big, Virgo. Think aboutwhatitisthatyouwant most out of life. Aim your arrow to the stars and pull back your bow as far as possible. There's no limit to howfaryoucango.
LIBRA(Sept.23–Oct.22)
Expand your mind to its furthest reaches today, Libra. There's an incredible opportunity opening up for you in which you can make great strides in a creative realm.Followthemusic.
SCORPIO(Oct.23–Nov 21)
Your mind may seem rather cloudy today, Scorpio, but don't let this hinder you. In fact, you'll find that you can use this feeling of fantasy to your advantage. Try to bring moremagicintoyourlife.
SAGIT(Nov 22–Dec.21)
Today is an excellent day for you,oneinwhichyou'llfinda great deal of strength in your emotions, Sagittarius Trust that your instincts are serving youwell.
CAPRI(Dec.22–Jan.19)
Things might get a bit confusing for you today, Capricorn. Don't feel like you needtomakesenseofitall.In fact, this task may be impossible. Just be yourself. Let your creative nature shine through.
AQUARIUS (Jan. 20–Feb. 18)Mixyourrealitywithabit of fantasy today, Aquarius. Allowyourfeettocomeoffthe ground for a little while. Give yourselfarest.Takesometime to meditate and clear your mindofyourdailyworries.
PISCES(Feb.19–Mar.20)
Let yourself go into high creative mode and drift into a whole other world, Pisces. Escape your present reality and explore your fantasies through any sort of artistic endeavor Dreamasbigasyour mindallows.
T h e N a t i o n a l
Gymnasium will once again be the venue for this weekend Ministry of Culture, Youth & Sport N
s Commission Sponsored Cheddi Jagan Memorial NationalSecondarySchool Boys Windball Cricket playoffs, Quarterfinals,
The momentum swung firmly in Haiti’s favour late in the game when they earned a golden opportunity to steal victory from the penalty spot in the 86th minute. However, Mondy Pruniersteppedupandfired the effort high over the crossbar.
Meanwhile, in Austin, the United States edged Saudi Arabia thanks to a 63rd-minute goal from defender Chris Richards, who slotted home a leftfooted finish from close rangeafterawell-takenfree kickbySebastianBerhalter
Circle ‘A’, Z-Tekk, Road Warriors...
Frompage24 will go all the way this time aroundandwhichhavebeen very clinical in both their matches so far, Road WarriorsofBrazil,willhave togetpastBentStreet‘B’in whatwillbeahugegamefor thelocalside.
Road Warriors’ Luis Da Silva’s tally of eight (8) goals so far is the most by any and he will certainly be aimingtobuildonthis.He’ll have solid support from teammates, Thalyston PinheiroandJoaoDeSouza with 4 and 3 goals, to their credit.
Road Warriors have scored a total of 23 goals in their two matches to date, a phenomenalaverageof11.5 goals per game. Bent Street ‘B’willturntoLennoxCort (4goals)toleadtheircharge andwillhopethatthelikesof Samuel Garnett step it up along with Tyric McAllister andRandyRoberts.
The two female matches tonight will see Iconic StrikerstakingonTuackville Terrorist’s from 20:00hrs followedbyAvacadoBallers against Pouderoyen The six-teamfemalecompetition is being played using the round-robin format with the top four moving into the semifinals.
Semifinals, 3rd place and Finals.
Programme organised by Sports Officer A Munroe.
Besidethetrophiesand medalsalotofsurprisesare upforgrabs.
Play is set to get underway at 9am, today, Saturday21June.
Frompage25
alongside partners such as SkyTec,MVPSports,Banks DIH (under brands I-Cee SoftDrink,MantaSupreme, Rainforest Water, Qiin and Duetto Biscuits, and Tastee Snacks), Demerara Mutual, and Stena Drilling The event also enjoys the
continued backing of key
including the Ministry of Education, Ministry of AmerindianAffairs, and the Ministry of Culture, Youth and Sport, all of whom play
success.
The Massy Women’s Caribbean Premier League official player draft show for the 2025 season will be broadcast on Monday, June 23 at 10:00h.
Th e M a s s y W o m e n ’ s C a r i b b e a n Premier League (WCPL) is excited to announce that the officialplayerdraftshowfor the 2025 season will be broadcast on Monday, June 23 at 10:00h ECT/15:00h BST/19:30hIST Fans across the region and around the world can tuneintocatchalltheaction asthenextchapterofWCPL cricketbegins.
H o s t e d b y t h e charismaticAlexJordan,the show will feature in-depth analysis and expert insights
from cricket pundits Daren Ganga and Nikhil Uttamchandani.
Viewers will get the exclusivefirstlookatthefull line-ups for the upcoming season, as the retained, signed and newly drafted players for all three WCPL franchises are officially unveiled.
This year’s WCPL will feature the following teams, Barbados Royals, Guyana Amazon Warriors and the TrinbagoKnightRiders.
The 2025 tournament is scheduled to run from September 6-17 with all
matches set to take place at the Guyana National Stadium,Providence.
The tournament will feature six group games before the top two teams compete in the final to decide who takes home the WCPLtrophy
Withablendofseasoned stars and rising talent, the draft show will set the tone for what promises to be another spectacular season ofWCPLcricket.
The show will be broadcast on the CPL’s YouTube and Facebook pages.
PA Media - Jack Draper guaranteed himself a top-four seeding at Wimbledon after reaching the semi-finals at Queen’s Clubforthefirsttime.
The British number one battled past American Brandon Nakashima 6-4 5-7 6-4 on the Andy Murray Arena. Draper is now two wins away from becoming only the second home men’s singles winner in the Openera–afterthemanthecourtisnamedin honourof.Butmoreimportantly,Draperhas moved above Novak Djokovic and Taylor Fritzintheworldrankingstoacareer-highof four ThatmeansatWimbledon,the23-yearold can avoid Jannik Sinner and Carlos Alcaraz, the world numbers one and two respectively,untilthesemi-finals.
“I’ve got to get to the semis first,” he smiled. “But last year I went there ranked 40th and now I’m fourth. To get to that position is an incredible feeling. It is testamenttotheworkmeandmyteamhave doneandI’mproudofthat.”Inahard-fought first set Draper saved six break points as Nakashimatriedtohaulbackanearlybreak.
Draper then made hard work of taking the opener, finally getting the job done on his sixth set point. In the second set Nakashima eventually converted one of his chances when Draper sent a tired-looking forehand longtotakethematchthedistance. At3-3inthedeciderDraperbroughtuptwo breakpointsandthoughthehadmadethefirst with a backhand out wide, but the crowd’s cheershaddrownedouttheautomaticlinecall However, he thudded the second out of Nakashima’sreach,savedtwobreakpointsashe served for the match and wrapped up another hard-foughtwinintwohoursand22minutes “It meanstheworldtome,thesupportI’vereceived this week has been amazing,” added Draper afterbecomingBritain’sfirstsemi-finalistsince Cameron Norrie in 2021 “At times I’ve not played great tennis but I’ve tried to believe in myself” Inthesemi-finalsDraperwillfaceCzech world number 30 Jiri Lehecka, who ended JacobFearnley’spromisingdebutrun. The British number two looked heavyleggedinanerror-strewn7-56-2defeat.
Guyana’s martial arts scene reached new heights in June as the International Shotokan Karate Federation of Guyana (ISKF-Guyana) proudly represented the nation at the 56th ISKF Master Camp, held in Pennsylvania,USA.
The spirited 20-member team returned home with several commendable accomplishments after participating in the weeklongevent,whichtookplace fromJune6to13.Thecamp brought together ISKF members from around the globe and featured training sessions led by esteemed instructors, including Hiroyoshi Okazaki Shihan
(9th Dan, ISKF Chief Instructor) and Shojiro TobitaSensei(7thDan).
Amajor highlight of the camp was the international tournamentheldonJune12, where Guyana’s athletes tested their skills on the globalstage. JustinSampsoncaptured gold in the Male Open Kata (Under-18) division, while Nyota Rodrigues earned bronzein theFemaleOpenKumite (18+ division) and added a silver medal in the Female MixedKumitecategory The Male Team Kumite (18+) trio of Bradley Mohabir, Alex Rodrigues, and Shawn Jemmott also secured
bronze medals, adding to Guyana’s impressive medal tally
Preparations for the MasterCampwerebolstered by a successful National TournamentheldonMay31 at the Marian Academy Auditorium.
The event featured 98 competitors across various categories and served as a key step in identifying top talent for international representation.
T h e t o u r n a m e n t concluded with several indivi
underscoring the depth of talent in the Guyanese
received the Best Junior Male award, while Chelsea
ira McKoy were named Best FemaleJuniors.
T
d
ed a
Ki
ant performance, winning both theFemaleKumiteandKata events, and taking 1st place inbothcategoriesofthe15+ Female Blackbelt Contest Kristian Chaves mirrored her success, clinching gold inboththeMaleKumiteand Kata(20+)divisions.
In a significant development during the ISKF Country Directors’ Meeting, Guyana formally proposed to host the 6th
S h o t o C u p Wo r l d Tournamentin2029,ISKF’s most prestigious global event.Inrecognitionoftheir
contributions, ISKFGuyana was also honored with the ‘Best Supporting Country’award.
Looking ahead, ISKFGuyana is setting its sights onthe5thShotoCupWorld Tournament in Mexico in 2026.
Medalists from the recent national competition are being considered for selection to represent Guyana at the upcoming globalevent.
Outside the competition arena, ISKF-Guyana’s Secretary, Marlon George, successfully completed the examinationstoearnhis‘C’ Class Judges License, a significant achievement attained during live tournamentjudging.
The association extended heartfelt thanks to its partners, including Guyana Beverages Inc. and Trophy Stall, for their continued support in advancingmartialartsinthe country
The final four in the inaugural June Madness Futsal championship will be known tonight when the quarterfinalsarecontestedat the Cliff Anderson Sports Hall. A total of forty-eight teams commenced action a
few weeks ago and now it’s down to the business-end of thechampionship.
conclusion of the round-of16 on Thursday night, the final four teams inked their names in the win column to cement the match-ups that willcertainlyseeenthralling battles with the respective winnersbookingtheirplaces in semifinals. Back Circle ‘A’displayedrippingformin downing Festival City and have earned a date with Z TekkwhichupstagedLinden All Stars in an epic clash. GoldIsMoneywillthrowall on the line when they come up against the giant slayers, BombSquadwhotookdown the might Bent Street ‘A’to reachthisstage.
National Champions, SpartaBosshavenotbeenas clinical as they can be and have eased into this round having scored just six goals, they will take on North East inwhatisanticipatedtobea fiercebattle.
Theteamthatmanyfeel
(Continuedonpage21)
The ultimate Schools Under-14footballfeverisset to ignite today, as the sixth annual ExxonMobil Boys’ and Girls’ U14 Football Championship kicks off at 11:00a.m.attheMinistryof EducationGround,Carifesta Avenue.
Organised by the everreliable Petra Organisation, the highly anticipated youth tournament,eagerlyawaited by schools and studentathletesalikewhoultimately rely on this tournament for football success The tournament which is also part of the School’s TVET development programme promises three weeks of thrilling rivalries, budding talent, and spirited competition Teams from across the country including nineoftenregionsaresetto battle for early bragging rights and ultimately championshipglory
The sixth installment of
Petra-ExxonMobil U14 Football C/ships get underway today at MoE ground.
thechampionshipwillbegin with the traditional and much-anticipated March
Pastceremonyat10:00a.m., settingthetoneforanactionpackedopeningday To open the Girls’ division, Chase’s Academic Foundation take on East RuimveldtSecondary,while MarianAcademy clash with Bush Lot Secondary, and St J o s e p h H i g h f a c e Charlestown Secondary, all
scheduled to kick off simultaneouslyat11:00a.m.
Continuing in the Girls’ segment at 11:45 a.m. with six more fixtures are; AbramsZuilvsYarrowkabra
S
Secondary vs Christ Church
Secondary, Wakapoa Secondary vs New Central High,President’sCollegevs West Ruimveldt Secondary, WaramuriSecondaryTopvs N
Marian Academy is set to open their 2025 campaign against St Joseph High at 14:00 hours.
lphin Secondary vs Vryman’s Erven Secondary and Good Hope Secondary vs Vreeden-HoopSecondary
The Boys’action begins at 12:30 p m , featuring another set of high-energy matches.Firstup,see;South Ruimveldt Secondary going up against Cotton Field Secondary concurrently to that; Charity Secondary will take on President’s College
andAbrams Zuil will tackle NewCentralHigh.
Following these, several more key matchups are slated,including;ThreeMile Secondary vs Vreed-enHoop Secondary, Bush Lot Secondary vs Yarrowkabra Secondary, Mackenzie High vs Dolphin Secondary, Christ Church Secondary vs New Amsterdam Secondary and Marian Academy vs St Joseph High, a potential
After a brief break, the day’s proceedings will conclude with a flurry of eightexcitingBoys’division
vs Bygeval
vs Good Hope
Secondary vs Annandale Secondary and St John’s S
RuimveldtSecondary
tournamentismadepossible through the generous support of title sponsor ExxonMobilGuyana, (Continuedonpage21)
McAL June Madness Futsal - Semifinalists to be decided tonight
Back Circle ‘A’, Z-Tekk, Road Warriors, Bent St. ‘B’, Gold Is Money, Bomb Squad, North East & Sparta collide
ISKF-Guyana Karatekas achieve Back-to-Back Back-to-Back success locally and internationally
