Israel bombs two Gaza hospitals, killing at least 18 Palestinians
Govt. cites ‘Stabilization Clause’ as excuse for not ring-fencing
‘Endthecrimeand insanityofpaying AFC ups call for FBI to probe death of Adriana
Lawyer:
be flown to
-GlennLall Exxontosearch foroil’
Amna Ally laid to rest
Vice President, Bharrat Jagdeo
also for dry holes it encounteredintheprocess.
Acrosstheworld,itisnot unusualforoilcompaniesto be prohibited from recovering expenses it incurred in its search for the resource, but here in Guyana, leaders not only allow the operator of the StabroekBlocktochargethe country for oil it found, but
Publisher of Kaieteur Newsandsternadvocatefor a better oil deal, Glenn Lall during his recent radio programmeon99.1/99.5FM described this act as a “crime” and pure “insanity” as he called out both the People’s Progressive Party (PPP) and the Opposition groups for allowing this injustice.
Lall told listeners of the radio programme, “No oil-
richcountryonearthaccepts exploration costs as an expense. Let us look at itTrinidad, Brazil, Belize, Venezuela, Suriname, none of them accepts that kind of expense on their books, exceptGuyana.”
Instead,thebusinessman pointed out that those
countries permit oil companiestoexploreattheir own risk. He argued that Guyana has permitted ExxonMobil to bill this countryforallitsexploration
conductedsince1999.
The businessman contended, “We have this crime and insanity where Guyana is paying ExxonMobil billions of USdollars to search for oil...the worst part is that not one of these so-called clowns fighting to put a stop to this madness.” He pointed out that the country’s Chief Policymaker for the petroleum sector, Vice President Bharrat Jagdeo wasaskedtocommentonthe state of affairs at his recent press conference on Thursday where he told reporters that government has no intention of ending exploration.
He said, “right now we havenointentionofstopping any exploration for more oil and gas when the explorationactivitiesgoonit alsofeedsbackintothelocal economybecausethepeople who come in to do the exploration, they have to utilise the services of the country.”
With the GoG not prepared to make any changes where exploration cost is concerned, Lall pointed out, “Every day, search or no search, find or no find, Exxon can hand us bills, bills that we can’t verify,andExxontakingout the money that we can’t stop.”
The businessman noted that both opposition and
government are aware that Guyana should have put a screeching halt to exploration costs the same day Exxon announced the country’s first oil discovery in2015.
According to him, “it is likethis: Youagreetopaya mantojumpinyourtrenchto see if it has fish He comes out,tellsyouithasplenty,and you pay him Next day, he starts catching the fish, but stillchargingyoueverydayto keep searching for more fish and the money you getting fromthefishhecatchesisless than what he puts in his pockets to keep searching Whatkindoffishingbusiness is that? You done know the trenchfulloffish andwhen youaskyourfatherwhenheis goingtostoppayingtheman forsearching,helooksyouin theeyeandtellsyou helike itsuh”
While the country has beenlosingrevenuetotheoil company for exploration cost, it has been turning to various lending institutions to help finance its development agenda. Lall pointed to one instance where the government contractedaUS$527million loan from the United States Export Import (US EXIM) Bank to fund the Gas-toEnergy (GTE) project. He said the country could have savedinonthoseexpensesto f i n a n c e i t s o w n development.
Printed and Published by National Media & Publishing Company Ltd. 24 Saffon Street, Charlestown, Georgetown, Guyana.
Publisher: GLENN LALL-TEL: 624-6456
Editor: NIGELWILLIAMS
Tel: 225-8465, 225-8491. Fax: 225-8473, 226-8210
PresidentIrfaanAlihasdevelopedareputationofsaying therightthings,whathebelievesGuyanesewanttohear He brims with energy, aims high, in promising Police Reform. Is he capable of delivering? Every honest, hardworking Guyanese want genuine police reform. Only when that happens,willGuyanesefeelsecure,beginbelievingagain.
The concern that we at this publication have, is that the presidentislongonpromisesthatstrikeachord,butwoefully short on delivering material improvements. Police Reform couldbethekickstartthatGuyaneseneedsodesperately,and not just for ordinary street crimes. Guyanese want and need the kind of police reform that probes anywhere, follows wherever crime trails lead, regardless of how high in the government,inrichsociety,theygo.
What kind of police reform the president envisions as an end product? Does police reform encompass the comprehensive and meaningful, or the superficial and what masks the rottenness in the Guyana Police Force (GPF), which then negatively impacts citizens? Who from where willbechargedtoleadtheway,tobeinvolved,intheintricate reengineeringof the GPF? Should any of the names that the president keeps in his phone lists be involved in police reform, then it begins as a loser, will be a loser when that process is finished. When real police reform takes shape, is delivered, Guyanese will know the value they're getting. They will see it happening, through less unsolved crimes, investigations that are not stifled or steered in a different direction, usually dead ends. Guyanese will know what policereformiswhenitisexperiencedonthestreetandpoor villages, when there is reason for interaction in a police station.
President Ali's own history comes back as his worst witness. He was the one, who promised transparency, but Guyanese live with a world of secrets. Access to information,asprovidedforbylaw,isavictim. Remarkably, he defends that lack of access, which gives impetus to a publicservanttogloatthat,ineffect,thepresidenthasallbut handed him a blank check to erect information firewalls, as he has done. There's a blanket of secrets, one that is impenetrable, grows more mildewed by the moment, throughtheinactionthatleadstoatrophy
Further, the president was the leader who promised accountability, and what did the nation get but coverups, what has many elements of a political protection racket. What do Guyanese know about what ExxonMobil is doing offshore,andwhatstepsthegovernmentistakingtoclosethe gaps? Why does the vice president, Bharrat Jagdeo, dig up all the old tricks from his book, plus some new ones, to pull the wool over the eyes of both the sensible and senseless in Guyana? When the president is tongue-tied and handcuffed on those two most vital of areas only, then he is not quite the fittestpersontopromisepolicereformofanykindtoanyone.
The fact that refuses to go away is that the GPF has been used as a political football and a political whip by one government after the other, PPPC, PNCR, no exception. Police Reform that has meat to it will eliminate that, with no sacred cows. Unless PresidentAli and his government have thestomachforthatstandard,thatreality,thenitisawasteof time to promise Guyanese police reform. It is sweet for the president to discover that police reform has its merits. He hasmademanysweetpromisesbefore,onlyforGuyaneseto growincreasinglybitterfromtheshamshandedtothem. An army of spin doctors has failed to instill confidence in Guyanese,becausetheyseewhattheyaregetting:morespin. When the serious is in demand, the government has developedconsiderableskillsindeceivingcitizens.
The fact that the president is now all vigor about Police Reform at this particular time is not in his favor The first impression is that he channels attention away from the government's machinations that fed GPF corruptions. The other is that 2025 is an elections year, so promises come helter-skelter from the president, vice president, and others. Thebeststartisreformingthemselvesfirst.
The Office of the Former President has taken note of an article in the Guyana Times newspaper published on 21stApril2025undertheheadline: “Ed Minister slams failed Five Bs programme under APNU/AFC…says APNU/AFC robbed children of cash grant and squandered money.”
The article appeared to have quoted theremarksoftheEducationMinisterat a recent meeting in Region No. 9 at which she claimed that the promises by theAPNU+AFC administration did not materialise. She asked residents of Region No.9, rhetorically, if they have seen any boats, bicycles, buses or breakfasts from the former administration.
The Office of the Former President wishestocorrectthisuntruthandpoints out that it is public knowledge that school buses were indeed distributed to every hinterland region as part of the Public Education Transportation Service (PETS). The former President
Granger personally presented buses at Annai. Buses were also distributed to other hinterland regions. The former First Lady also assisted in distributing bicycles.
T h e P u b l i c E d u c a t i o n Transportation Service was introduced by the former administration without the benefit of petroleum revenues to
It is essential to listen to
DearEditor, Indigenous communities across Guyana are rapidly transforming and advancing, demonstrating that we are not being left behind. Kudos to the current administration for its commendable efforts. Progress must continue as Amerindians strive for a dignified life and upward mobility in our beautiful and blessedcountry.
These significant developments occurring in
important to recognise that a government cannot address all issues on its own, but we are seeing improvements across various sectors Nonetheless, more work is needed in areas such as road infrastructure, salaries, cultural preservation, humanitarian efforts, social services, and banking in our communities.
In light of this, it is essential to listen to grassroots voices, such as village Toshaos, councillors, and residents, to understand their challenges and recommendations This collaborative approach can
effectively address these
issues and facilitate holistic progress. Therefore, I would like to present the following
Toshaos to bring forward at the upcoming National ToshaosCouncil(NTC):
1. Salaries for Toshaos and councillors: In villages with large populations, like Santa Rosa village councils a n d o t h e r g r o w i n g communities, they should receiveamonthlysalary.The Toshaos and team often
enable improve the attendance and performanceofprimaryschoolchildren and not top win votes as a campaign stunt a few weeks before the general elections. The attached photographs disprovetheMinister'sclaims.
Yours respectfully, Office of the Former President David Granger
dedicate significant time to managing village affairs and burning issues like domestic violence and family matters without compensation, which negatively impact their families. This reality inevitably contrasts with the traditionalcommunalpratice
authorities can utilise the Oil and Carbon funds to support thesecommunityleaders.
2 Implementation of Cash Grants: During the National Toshaos Council meeting, Indigenous leaders should advocate for the establishment of a law ensuring that all citizens can benefit from the oil revenues in Guyana through cash grants of One Million Guyana dollars every six months.
3. Online Banking Services: The state provides (Continued on page 6)
The President must act now
DearEditor,
This is an open letter to our Head of State, President Irfaan Ali. For some time now, law abiding citizens have openly and privately complained about the behaviour of members of the Guyana Police Force. They have complained of crudeness and arrogance displayed by senior and junior members of the GuyanaPoliceForce.
In any truly democratic society, with all that has happened and is happening, any Head of State should not awaitanyinquiryofanysort, but by now, would have sent
theTop Cop and a number of his senior officers off. A recent letter written by Paul Slowe, (Ret'd) Asst. Commissioner painfully refers to the many breaches and disregard for standard operational procedures by ourPolice.
The greater tragedy is that fortunately there still exist some senior officers and ordinary ranks who are professionally driven but must exist in an environment where sections of our population have already lost confidence and any sort of trustinthePoliceForce.
Mr President, apart from
the well known mis-steps of the police, your pre and post budget boasted how much resources have been directed to the Guyana Police Force, vehicles and the latest extravaganza,bodycameras. Yet, the majority of police stations and outposts claim that they have no vehicles to respond to requests from the public, not to mention, the n o n - f u n c t i o n i n g o f telephone lines at Police Stations.
Mr President, you must act now We are fed up with platitudesandpromises. Hamilton Green Elder
DearEditor,
The Guyana Human Rights Association (GHRA) remains gravely concerned
over the unresolved circumstances surrounding the death ofAdriana Younge and the rising public distrust it continues to provoke. The dominant theme driving national unrest is not merely the tragic nature of the death itself, but the deepening disbelief in statements and actions issued by the police and government officials
This trust vacuum has been filled by social media narratives with fluctuating levelsofcredibility
The Government's stated strategy of limiting its response to “known facts” offerslittlereassurance.
This approach has proven circular, as the missing facts lie within the purview of the very agencies—namelythepolice and government—that claim to be restrained by them.
From evasive conduct surrounding events at the h o t e l , m i s l e a d i n g interpretations of CCTV footage, curbing public and press access to autopsy results, the government's handlingofthecasehasbeen marked by obstruction, rather than transparency This pattern raises questions
aboutpoliticalmotives. With national elections on the horizon, AfroGuyanese-led street unrest inevitablytriggersareturnto party loyalty among elementsoftherulingparty's traditional support base Linking such unrest to electoral concerns without hard evidence would be r
H
r, administrative ineptitude in not providing reliable informationcouldencourage suchthinking.
International diplomatic missions including those of the UK, US, and the EU—have urged calm and reaffirmedtheircommitment to democracy and peace in Guyana However, such calls, while welcome, fall short of addressing the core issue: namely public trust in national institutions, such as the Guyana Police Force, the publicly-owned media and public spokespersons In response to this reality the GHRA urges diplomatic partners to give equal priority to ensuring the technical recommendations of any international investigative support are made directly available to theGuyanesepublic. Thecurrentcasemustnot repeat the failures of the 2020 initiative to resolve the
West Coast Berbice murders of the Henry boys and young Haresh Singh. In that case, cooperation between the GPF,theGHRA,thefamilies of the murdered boys and theirlawyersawtheDirector of the highly respected Buenos Aires-based Latin A
AnthropologyTeam(EAAF) b
cooperation of the Ministry of Home Affairs prevented the CID from meeting or benefitting from this visit by the same institution that years earlier had identified Che Guevara's remains in Bolivia.The 'commitment to democracy' dimension of that initiative, i.e. keeping thepublicinformed,tookthe form of a public lecture by the EAAF Director in the Catholic Cathedral attended also by the Heads of all the Latin American diplomatic missions based in Guyana. With respect to the current case, since the public cannot be expected to accept conclusions delivered solely byaninstitutionthathasthus far relied on evasion, misinformation, and selective enforcement, a similar form of flexible and imaginative cooperation over information-sharing is (Continued on page 6)
DearEditor,
The Honourable Ambassador to Guyana from the U.S. shared with the nation that the FBIwasveryusefulintheinvestigationofthe Mahdia Fire. Given that a Commission of Inquiry was held, it would also be useful to have the FBI review the evidence provided andthefindings.
The changes put in place based on the findings of the CoI have been limited and maybehavingathirdpartyperspectivethatis more familiar with the current capabilities of the first world in the prevention of such fires will help identify additional root causes and preventative steps that could have been taken andthatshouldbetakengoingforward.
A review of the Commission's work and the evidence provided will also allow for a non-biased assessment of the facts that will addadditionalobjectivityinthereviewofthe tragedy
By only holding the 15-year-old child accountable for the fire the process may be lacking a broader view around the situational circumstances that led to the tragedy and the FBI's review may point to additional contributingfactors.
The FBI will also be able to exclude the emotionsaroundthetragedythattookholdof everyoneinvolvedatthetimeoftheCoI.
A broader investigation into the tragedy by the FBI should be welcomed and will help bring closure to the families that are still disputing the findings of the initial investigation/inquiry
It is also an opportunity for our local authorities to learn from the FBI and their involvementshouldbeembracedinthisway
Sincerely, Mr. Jamil Changlee
DearEditor,
As the 59th anniversary
o f o u r c o u n t r y ' s independence draws near so does Maduro's brazen and cynical attempt to hold a sham election in 12 days timeinourcountry'snational territory
While observing by TV the military parade held at the Red Square, Moscow, to markthe80thanniversaryof the victory over Hitlerite f a s c i s m , I s p o t t e d Venezuela's President N i c h o l a s M a d u r o hobnobbing with invitees fromothercountries.
They were sitting in a stand viewing the said parade.
It was then that the question occurred to me; how could Maduro, known internationally to be the a g g r e s s o r t o w a r d s neighbouring Guyana with the intent to 'govern' part of our country's national territory, claim at the same time to be a revolutionary andanti-imperialist?
While some might argue that Maduro is not alone in that respect the fact of the matter is that he alone is before the International Court of Justice (ICJ) where hewasorderednottodisturb the peace in the area deemed tobeofcontroversy.
While in Moscow, Maduro must have briefed those leaders with whom he mayhavemettosellthemhis own twisted version of the border controversy with this country
Moreover, he must have briefed them about his plan to hold an election in his so called 'Zona de reclamation' however, it is highly improbable that he would have told them about the ICJ's Orders against his government not to disturb thepeaceintheregion.
Since it is widely recognizedthatMadurodoes not stand the ghost of a chance at the ICJ he therefore has to tact and turn at the international level particularly since he finds himself cornered by the ordersofthecourt.
M a d u r o ' s a n t i -
imperialist posture is both cynicalandhypocritical.
He claims that he is fighting imperialist countries to 'reclaim lost territory' known as the Zona de Reclamation' from a country 'the imperialists are protecting because of past colonial vestiges and because of imperialist investments' in 'land that belongs to Venezuela' thus making out thatVenezuela is a victim of colonial and imperialist aggression, A corollary to his outlandish ambitions is that occupation of the Essequibo, whether physical or virtual is compatible with antiimperialism!
ActinglikealittleCeasar sitting in Caracas who had his eyes trained on the far horizontotheeast,Maduro's intention is to appoint Roman type praetors and consuls to govern others a land belonging to Guyanese citizens who have already registered their refusal to suffer the consequences of living under the rule of foreigner who claims to be anti imperialist but whose actions by their very nature is an attempt at Venezuelan imperialistdomination.
According to Marisa Linton, author, historian, at Kingston University in London….. 'Revolutionaries had to present themselves as absolutely virtuous, and the slightest doubt about their sincerity or the reality of
their virtue could discredit them.'
In the context of G u y a n a / Ve n e z u e l a 'relations' it seems to me that professor Linton in her reference to 'revolutionaries' must have had in mind the Maduro shade of a revolutionary L e a v i n g M a d u r o posturing and hypocrisy aside, for the time being, as May 25th draws closer I have concerns about the maintenance of Guyana's national and security interests and efforts at backsliding by opposition operativeshereinGuyana.
My own view is, this is not the time to stir domestic turmoil since such actions can only serve to harm Guyana's ongoing efforts first, at nation building and second, at the ICJ Moreover, such actions may embolden Venezuela to take advantage of domestic turmoil and to mount even more aggressive actions againstGuyana.
In the circumstances, those who might be plotting andplanningactivitiesatthis time thot do not align with our country's national and security interests should be forewarned about the disastrous consequences t h e i r a c t i o n s c a n have National unity and s o l i d a r i t y m u s t b e paramountatthistime.
Yours faithfully, Clement J. Rohee
DearEditor,
I write in response to the recent article published in StabroekNews,whichpaints ableakpictureofGuySuCo's first crop performance While it is undeniable that c h a l l e n g e s p e r s i s t , e s p e c i a l l y a m i d unpredictable weather patterns, it is crucial to approach such analyses with a nuanced perspective that recognises ongoing efforts and the broader context shaping the industry's currentlandscape.
Agriculture, by its very nature, is deeply vulnerable to external factors beyond immediate control most
notably, weather The recent rains have been particularly heavy and prolonged, causing substantial disruptions to the harvesting schedule Mechanical harvesters, which account for approximately 45% of cane supply, require dry conditions to operate effectively When saturated, these machines remain idle, leading to delays of about a week before the fields dry enough for harvesting resumes.
It is vital to recognize that these weather-related setbacks are cyclical and, while frustrating, are part of the agricultural cycle that farmers and industry stakeholders have long contendedwith.
The industry's resilience hinges on adaptivestrategies rather than solely attributing poor performance to planningdeficiencies.
Since the onset of rainfall, GuySuCo has demonstrated resilience by maximizingthebriefperiods when conditions permit harvesting The Uitvlugt
Similarly, the cut-andload operations, constituting the remaining 55%, are hampered by slippery g r o u n d s , f u r t h e r compoundingdelays.
estate, for example, managed to surpass its production targets despite these adversities This achievement underscores a dedicated effort to optimize available resources and adapt operational plans in real-time.
F u r t h e r m o r e , technological upgrades and mechanizationinitiativesare ongoing to enhance efficiency Thegovernment's investments aim to modernize the industry, making it more resilient to weatherfluctuations.
These include upgrading machinery, improving drainage systems, and exploring non-traditional crops and value-added products like ethanol and molasses an essential diversification strategy to reduce dependency on sugar alone.
The Guyana sugar
industry is woven into the fabric of our nation's history and socio-economic development. From colonial times to the present, sugar estates like Skeldon,Albion, and Uitvlugt have been pillarsofcommunitylifeand economic stability The closures under previous administrations caused significant socio-economic hardship,fuelingacollective desire to revive and sustain thisvitalsector
The current government, under His Excellency
President Dr Irfaan Ali and Minister ofAgriculture Hon. Zulfikar Mustapha, MP has prioritized the industry's revival.
I n v e s t m e n t s i n infrastructure, technology, and diversification reflect a strategic effort to restore the industry's vitality and secure livelihoods. While current challenges are undeniable, it
is overly simplistic and unfair to dismiss the industry's efforts as mere failures of planning Weather, labor dynamics, and historical shifts all play roles in shaping outcomes. The industry's resilience, ongoing reforms, and strategic diversification demonstrate a committed effort to surmount these obstacles.
In moving forward, stakeholders must continue to support innovative solutions, invest in technological upgrades, and foster cooperation across the supplychain.
Only through a c o m p r e h e n s i v e a n d understanding approach can we hope to see sustained improvement and a bright future for GuySuCo and the communitiesitserves.
Respectfully
Anthony Harry
It is essential to listen to grassroots...
From page 4 internet service in all Indigenous communities, contributing positively to education, communication, and access to modern technology Therefore, I recommend that the Toshaos advocatefortheintroduction of online banking for residents in these areas. This could alleviate travel expenses for disbursing cash grants and enhance convenience for the local population. I hope that soon
the entire country can be fully digitalized, aligning withglobalstandards.
4.HolisticDevelopment: Moderndevelopmentshould n o t o n l y f o c u s o n infrastructure and material upliftment but also promote humanitarian and social awareness for the overall w e l l - b e i n g o f t h e community
Communityleadersmust allocate funds to address social issues by forming men'sandwomen'sgroupsto foster awareness and education. Additionally, funds should be reserved for humanitarian assistance to support shut-ins, elders, and vulnerable individuals in the communities.
By implementing these recommendations, we can continue to foster progress and holistic development w i t h i n I n d i g e n o u s communitiesacrossGuyana. Yours sincerely, MedinoAbraham
From page 5 required involving all sectors – Parliament, civil society, the diplomatic community, the mediaandtheaffectedfamily AdrianaYounge'sfamily–andindeedthe nationasawhole-hasarighttoatransparent investigation of their daughter's death Secondly,thecommitmenttodemocracyalso requires that the results of such an
intervention are communicated to them fully anddirectlybytheexpertsinvolved.
Such an approach ensures both the necessary technical expertise and the political will to truth, justice, and public trust areupheld.
Regards Executive Committee
Guyana Human RightsAssociation
Canadian gold firm, Omai Gold Mines Corp. has released new positive assay resultsfromits2025drilling programme aimed at expanding the Wenot gold deposit at its 100%-owned gold project located in Region Seven (CuyuniMazaruni).
Theresults,disclosedon May 12, 2025, include three drill holes and one hole extension totaling 2,607 metres.Todate,Omaisaidit has completed 20 drill holes amountingto13,700metres, nearing the originally planned 15,000-metre campaign.
“The programme is expected to surpass the p l a n n e d 1 5 , 0 0 0 m programme as results continue to extend the known limits of the gold mineralization at Wenot,” Omaisaid.
Omai holds a 100% interest in the gold project, which encompasses two gold deposits: the shearhosted Wenot Deposit and theadjacentintrusive-hosted GiltCreekDeposit.
Commenting on the new
drill results, Omai’s
President and Chief Executive Officer (CEO), Elaine Ellingham said,
“Today’s results exemplify the continued resource expansion potential of our Wenot shear-hosted orogenic deposit Wide interceptsofhigh-gradegold mineralization continue to extend the known limits of
gold mineralization at Central, East, and West Wenot.”
She underscored that management believes that these results will contribute to a significant expansion in the upcoming Mineral
Resource Estimate (MRE) update. The company has engaged an independent engineering firm to commencetheupdatedMRE whichisexpectedtotake2-3 monthstocomplete.
“We believe that maximizing the Wenot resource will create more value for our shareholders. This drilling paves the way for a near-term updated MRE, that will form the basis for an updated PEA (Preliminary Economic
Assessment) later in 2025,” Ellinghamsaid.
Notably,theresultsfrom its first PEA for the Wenot Project revealed that the projectisslatedtoyieldover 142,000 ounces of gold annuallyovera13-yearmine life. At its peak, production is anticipated to soar to 184,000 ounces in a single year, with a total estimated production of 1,840,000 ouncesofpayablegold.
Moreover, Ellingham statedthatanadditionalhole at Gilt Creek is expected to startshortlytofurthertestfor potential expansion and to collectdatafortheupcoming PEA. Although it is not includedinthebaseline2024 PEA, Omai plan to include the Gilt Creek underground deposit as well as an expanded Wenot deposit in the updated 2025 PEAmine plan.
The Omai property mineral resource estimates totals 4.3 million ounces (Wenot at 834,000 oz averaging 1 48 g/t Au (Indicated) & 1,614,000 oz. averaging 1 99 g/t Au (Inferred) PLUS Gilt Creek at 1,515,000 oz. averaging 3.22 g/t Au (Indicated) and 665,000 oz. averaging 3.35 g/tAu(Inferred)).
An American Pope?
Somebody is kidding me, right?
The world already has D.J. Trump and J.D Vance (sounds like a rap band), and now the former Robert Prevost reincarnated as Pope Leo XIV. That’s one American too many, without even counting me. The first Leo from 1500 years ago turnedouttobeagoodone:Leothe Great.
There is hope. But I am still grappling with this development from the city where Al Capone made his rounds, Chicago. There was another fine American who madetheDemocraticPartyhisown fiefdom in the Windy City, Mayor RichardJ.Daley Whatracketshe ran for John F Kennedy and his dad! TheHolySeeinRomecould stay the course, continue the luminous works of the departed Francis (the Great) through the auspicesofthemanfromChicago, the new Pontifex Maximus Leo XIV These Roman numerals are goingtotakesomeremembering.
My hope was that one of the cardinals from Ghana or Manila would occupy the chair of St Peter
intheVatican. Onehadageagainst him, the latter had to contend with somehistoryandotherbackstories, includingthemoderndayrainbow, itsnegatives. Theofficeofpontiff isatallorder,onethatcallsforthe ruddyvigorofafisherman. Francis hadthatforawhile,untiltheweight of that office made him seem smaller and, puzzlingly, bigger at thesametime.
Chicago and Lima are hard places to survive. But here is the biggestsurvivorofallLeoXIVnee Robert Prevost. He should well. Like the Filipino and Ghanaian, who are not out for good, barring divine intervention, the good shepherding works, that humble and inclusive embrace, should go on. After all, these fellows are clones from his sack of appointments.
With 81% of the voting power at the conclave, whoever was chosen to be the next leader of the Roman Catholic Church was highly likely to be in the mold of PapaFrancisco. Unlessheisareal stealthoperator,Ithinkthatthereis the highest probability that Pope
Leo XIV will accelerate some of the much-needed reforms in the Church. I say some, and rather guardedly, because there is that Conservativewingofcardinalsand bishopsiswaitingtotesthismettle.
They are nobody’s pushovers. They know how to tie up legislation, keep certain things off the books, and out of the faithful gaze. If anyone has any doubts, simply dial the hotline in heaven andaskforPopeFrancis.
Tell whoever answers that the recommendation came from me.
SeehowIamblessed! Butasmuch as I may be (and I am), Pope Leo XIV is going to need many more blessings.
Because if there is one place that is more treacherous than beautiful Guyana, it is the sovereignty that is called the Vatican. See! If Ali and Jagdeo thinkthatIhaveitinforthem,note carefully please how I don’t spare anybody
Thenewpopehashisworkcut outforhim. Hehastocontendwith men of God who do not like the changes that God likes. I did say
thatthenewjobcamewithitsown minefield. It is a religious one, which is the most dangerous kind. Menprayforgrace,thenseektotrip andmakeonefallontheface.
They guys don’t play, especiallynowthattheyareonthe retreat. Also, the Francis man has todealwiththemaninWashington, and some other hard men who operateneartheYangtzeRiver
Acomplicatedworlditisthathe inherits, with boat people everywhereandwithnowherefora dockingstation,andnoonetolook withChristianloveonthem.
Let this fact not elude, the economicmigrantsarenotgoingto Hindu India or Muslim Pakistan, currently duking it out in the shadow of the Himalayas. The homeless migrants are being rejected and returned by Christian andCatholiccountries. Wherehas the love of Jesus gone, that is the questionthatwillchallengethenew maninRome.
Asifthosearenotenough,there isthestormofperversityhappening to the Palestinians, right in the middle of the Holy Land. How is
thatforastickyone,withtheUSA firmly entrenched on the side of those who some from America’s BibleBeltviewastheChosenOnes of God. I have got news for them that also is part of my sales pitch, claimtosomestanding.
So,backoffandgetanewone, folks. Whatistheworldcomingto, where even children of God are muscling in on other people’s territory! IthinkIamgoingtostick withGuyana. Liketheysay:better the devils that are known, than the onesthatareinthebush.
I welcome Pope Leo XIV, as one American to another (ah, the brotherhood, the club) and wish him well. I share with him one of my standing, immovable ideologies: When God is on my side, who from hell can stand against me. Put that in your pipe andsmokeit. Betteryet,developa tasteforit.
(The views expressed in this article are those of the author and do not necessarily reflect the opinionsofthisnewspaper.)
The Guyana Human RightsAssociation (GHRA) onTuesdaysaiditcontinues to be “gravely concerned” about the unresolved circumstances surrounding thedeathofAdrianaYounge and the increasing “public distrust it continues to provoke.”
Adriana was reported missing on April 23 during
an outing with family members at the Double Day International Hotel and Bar, Tusche
discovered dead in the hotel pool the next day
Importantly, after the child was discovered missing, an alarmwasraisedandchecks were made around the hotel premises, though not
Frompage3 bodysentoverseas,thenthat’sit,”Dr Toddexplained. It has now been nearly a month sinceAdriana’s death. Her body has been preserved at Sandy’s Funeral Home. According to the family’s attorney, the Younge family is determined to uncover the truth—regardless of official supportorstateperception.
“Thefamilyisatthestagewheretheyarenotinterested inwhatthegovernment’sperceptionis.Theywanttoknow thetruth.Iftheygetthetruth,andtheyareabletosay,‘Okay, I am satisfied,’ even if the authorities do not use the informationtoprosecuteorso,weknowwhattodolegally with that. But that is not their primary concern. Their primary concern is the issue of truth. What happened to her,”thelawyersaid.
thorough.
The police had initially said there was surveillance footage showing the child entering a vehicle The child’s parents had resisted the claims and maintained thatAdrianadidnotleavethe hotel Questions and criticismswerelodgedatthe feetofthepolice,forcingan admittance to releasing inaccurateinformationtothe public. Two police officers werefiredforneglectofduty relativetothesaidcasewhile theCommanderofRegional Division #3, Assistant Commissioner of Police Khalid Mandall, was placed on administrative leave to facilitatetheinvestigation.
The death of the child sparked protests which resulted in the foreign missions in Guyana calling forcalm.
However, the GHRA said that while the diplomatic community in Guyanahaveurgedcalmand
r e a f f i r m e d t h e i r commitment to democracy and peace, those calls have fallenshortofaddressingthe core issue of “public trust in nationalinstitutions,suchas theGuyanaPoliceForce,the publicly-owned media and publicspokespersons.”
The Human Rights
Association urged “diplomatic partners to give equalprioritytoensuringthe technical recommendations of any international investigative support are made directly available to theGuyanesepublic.”
The Association warned thattheAdrianaYoungecase should not “repeat the failuresofthe2020initiative to resolve the West Coast Berbice murders of the Henry boys and young HareshSingh.”
“Inthatcase,cooperation between the GPF, the GHRA, the families of the murdered boys and their lawyer saw the Director of
the highly respected Buenos Aires-based LatinAmerican Forensic Anthropology Team (EAAF) brought to Guyana. However, the noncooperation of the Ministry of Home Affairs prevented the CID from meeting or benefittingfromthisvisitby the same institution that years earlier had identified Che Guevara’s remains in Bolivia,”thestatementsaid.
The body said that ‘commitment to democracy’ - keeping the public informed – in that case took the form of a public lecture bytheEAAFDirectorinthe Catholic Cathedral attended also by the Heads of all the Latin American diplomatic missionsbasedinGuyana.
Further, the GHRA emphasised the need for t r a n s p a r e n c y a n d accountability noting that in the Adriana’s case the “public cannot be expected to accept conclusions delivered solely by an
institution that has thus far relied on evasion, misinformation, and selective enforcement, a similar form of flexible and imaginative cooperation over information-sharing is required involving all sectors – Parliament, civil society, the diplomatic community, the media and theaffectedfamily.”
TheAssociation said too thatAdriana’sfamilyandthe entirecountry“hasarightto atransparentinvestigationof theirdaughter’sdeath.”
“ S e c o n d l y, t h e commitment to democracy also requires that the results of such an intervention are communicated to them fully and directly by the experts involved. Such an approach ensures both the necessary technical expertise and the politicalwilltotruth,justice, andpublictrustareupheld,” GHRAstated.
Additionally,theGHRA
Continuedonpage22
Members of the Alliance For Change (AFC) protesting outside the Arthur Chung Conference Centre.
The Alliance For Change (AFC) has renewed calls for the government to invite the Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI) to probe the circumstances surrounding the death of 11-yearoldAdrianaYounge.
The party made its concerns knownonTuesdayduringaprotest outside the Arthur Chung ConferenceCentre,wherethe36th Annual Conference and General Meeting of the Association of Caribbean Commissioners of Police(ACCP)isbeingheld.
Speaking with Kaieteur News, AFC leader Nigel Hughes explained the party’s motive. “We sought to bring to the attention of the commissioners of the Caribbean,thefailureoftheGPFto charge the police with the murder ofKeonFogenayandtherefusalof the Government of Guyana to requesttheinterventionoftheFBI
toassistwiththeinvestigationsinto themurderofAdrianaYounge.”
The 36th Annual Conference and General Meeting of the Association of Caribbean Commissioners of Police (ACCP) officially opened on Monday and will run through Friday, bringing togetherpolicecommissionersand senior law enforcement officials from across the Caribbean to discuss regional security issues, strengthen collaboration, and develop strategies to address commonchallenges.
On the protest site, Hughes voiced his disappointment in President Irfaan Ali’s handling of theAdrianaYoungecase.
On the side-lines of theACCP meeting Monday, President Ali defendedhisgovernment’sactions in the case, stating that all necessary measures have been taken. “I was disappointed by the
comments made by President Ali yesterday (Monday). This is an issue that all of us have to put behind, but we can only do that oncethereisjustice.Wearesaying to the president, accept the offer from the United States, invite the FBItocome.”
The 11-year-old girl was found dead in a hotel pool on April 24, nearly20hoursafterbeingreported missingduringafamilytrip
Despite growing public calls forinternationalinvolvementinthe investigation, the Government of Guyanahasnotformallyrequested assistance from the FBI in investigatingAdriana’sdeath.U.S. Ambassador to Guyana, Nicole Theriot, confirmed that no official request has been made by the administration.
President Ali on Monday appeared visibly irritated when pressed by reporters about the
government’s refusal to invite the FBI, stating, “I’m not going to belabour this point anymore Everything I have committed to in the case, we brought in the independentpathologist,theyhave done their work There’s an
independent investigator in, I’ve donewhatIsaidIwouldhavedone. The political handlers are now at work aggressively let the political handlers deal with what theywant.”
TheAFCisalsorenewingcalls for justice in the case of Keon Fogenay, who was fatally shot by police in Linden. Hughes said, “I wanttosaythatuptonow,nobody hasbeenchargedforthemurderof Keon Fogenay Mr Fogenay was murdered in plain sight by a member of the Guyana Police Force and no charge was brought againsthim.”
Thirty-two-year-old Fogenay was fatally shot in the eye by a police officer on April 8, 2025, duringamassiveprotestinLinden that erupted following the police shooting to death of Ronaldo Peters. Sofar,noonewasformally chargedforFogenay’sdeath.
The Ministry of Natural Resources (MNR) in an attempt to evade calls for ring-fencing on Tuesday made the argument that the ‘Stability Clause’ in the Exxon oil deal prevents the Government of Guyana (GoG) from implementing suchaprovision.
The ministry was responding to an article publishedbyKaieteurNews on May 9, 2025 under the headline, “7th oil project must not be approved without ring-fencing, other benefits-Dr Adams.”
Inthatarticle,theformer Head of the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA), Dr Vincent Adams also revealed that during the A Partnership for National Unity and Alliance For Change (APNU/AFC) tenure in office, the Coalition was actively pursuing a ring-fencing provision but these plans were abandoned when the new government took office in2020.
Inresponse,theMinistry said it wholly rejected “this treacherous insult to the intelligenceofGuyanese”.It reminded that it was the same Coalition government that signed the Stabroek Block Production Sharing Agreement (PSA) “in secret” and hid same from publicscrutiny
TheGoGpointedoutthat after unrelenting calls, the agreement which did not feature a ring-fencing provision,wasmadepublic.
Further, it explained, “It would be recalled that the contract also contains a Stabilisation Clause that prevents Guyana from increasing its fiscal take, unlesstheoiloperatoragrees to the same. If there are any arbitrary changes, that very clause emphatically states that ExxonMobil and its partners must be duly compensated for any economic loss they suffer at thehandsofanynewpolicy, regulationorlaw.”
T h e r e f o r e , t h e implementation of this provision would in turn allow for only costs relating to a specific project to be recovered. In this manner, more profits would be available for both the governmentandtheoperator after those expenses are cleared.
Meanwhile, MNR shifted its attention to the former government’s intent toimplementring-fencing.It said, “Citizens would also recall that the APNU+AFC neverintendedtoapplyringfencing provisions to ExxonMobil’s contract, as Dr Adamsfalselyclaimed.”
The Ministry quoted a Kaieteur News article dated August 5, 2019 published with the headline “Energy dept to demand more royalties, profit oil in future contracts.”
Inthatarticle,theformer Head of the Energy Department, Dr Mark Bynoe was asked whether the Model PSA will ensure thatfuturedealssignedwith oil majors would feature a strict ring fencing provision to which Dr Bynoe respondedintheaffirmative.
To this end, MNR said, “In its 2025 piece, Kaieteur News claimed it contacted Dr Bynoe, who noted that the previous government was in talks with ExxonMobil on this issue. He is quoted as saying, “I thinkitwasinitsearlystages ofdiscussion.”
It appears that Kaieteur News has a comprehension problem Nothing in the quote it supposedly extracted, said anything aboutExxonacceptingringfencing being added as a provision to the Stabroek BlockPSA.”
While MNR boldly accused Kaieteur News of a “comprehension problem” the same Ministry sadly failed to grasp that both of thequotedindividualsinthe recentarticlestatedthattalks were ongoing towards the implementation of a ringfencing provision. It was never reported in the article that Exxon agreed to the provision.
The article explicitly states, “...the Coalition was actively pursuing a ringfencing provision for the StabroekBlock.”
While the government claims that the Stabilisation Clause presents a hurdle where ring-fencing is concerned, it should be noted that this provision wouldnotaffectthe‘profits’ of the operator. In fact, this mechanism is used to allow faster recovery of cost. By refusing to implement this provision, Guyana has agreedto‘delayprofits’until allcostshavebeenrecovered byExxonMobil.
The Ministry of Public Work is seeking a contractor to undertake the construction of riprap sea defence infrastructurealongtheshorelineofKensingtoninMahaica, RegionFive.
Aninvitationforbidsissuedbytheministrycategorized theprojectasemergencywork.
The ministry said the project is estimated to cost $449,754,250.
Bidding for the project will be conducted through the National Competitive Bidding procedure specified in the ProcurementAct2003,andthebidsareexpectedtoopenon May 27, 2025 at the National Procurement and Tender AdministrationBoardoffice.
Thispublicationunderstandsthatsuchprojectsareaimed atstrengtheningGuyana’sfloodprotectioninfrastructure.
ThePublicWorksMinistrywasallocated$8.2billionfor seaandriverdefenceinthe2025nationalbudget.
One man was sentenced tothreeyears'imprisonment, w h i l e a n o t h e r w a s remanded, for the Sussex Street cocaine bust which occurredonMay7,2025.
Roger De Freitas appearedatthePortKaituma Magistrate's Court, on Tuesday before Magistrate Rabindranauth Singh who readthecharge.
De Freitas pleaded not guilty to the charge which alleged that on May 7, 2025, he had in his possession 11.148 Kilograms (kg) of cocaine. Bail was refused and he was remanded to prisonuntilJune11,2025.
Meanwhile, Wendez Pompey made his first court appearance last Friday at the Georgetown Magistrate's Court, before Senior MagistrateFabayoAzore for the same offence He pleaded guilty and was sentenced to three years' imprisonment, along with a fineof$1.7million.
Just last week, three
personsappearedincourtfor thesamedrugbust,twowere remanded and one was releasedonbail.
One of the men, Colin Alfred told the court that he would take the wrap for the drugs and initially pleaded guilty to a drug trafficking charge, but subsequently changedhisplea.
The court heard that CANU officers received information about a drug trafficking operation involving Jason Defreitas,
AlfredandTerrenceBentick. CANU caught the two men doing a hand over on Sussex Street,Georgetown.
Kaieteur news reported on Saturday, that Alfred was walking along the said road with a black bag, walking towards a silver Toyota Allion, bearing registration numberPAJ8554.
Thecarwasparkedatthe side of the road when he handedthebagtoBentick.
Momentsaftertheofficer approached both men and
'Pay more attention to mental health of police officers' -ACCPPresident
President of theAssociation of Caribbean Commissioners of Police (ACCP), Atlee Rodney on Monday, called on regional law enforcementagencies,includingGuyana's,to prioritise the mental health of police officers, warning of great loss of officers if the issue remainsunaddressed.
Speaking during the Caribbean Commissioners of Police General Meeting at theArthurChungConferenceCentre,Rodney emphasised the increasing pressures faced by officers and the lack of institutional support fortheirmentalwell-being.
”Inthemidstoftheircommitmentandthe pressuresofthejob,todayIwishtopointouta critical part of policing, which I believe is lackinginallourregionalorganisations. This istheaspectofattentionpaidtomentalhealth of police officers,” he said. Rodney stressed that while officers are hailed as heroes, the mental strain they endure often goes unnoticed. “As leaders, we must place more emphasis in this area and to provide the necessarysupporttoourofficers,”heurged.
Highlighting the potential consequences of inaction, he warned that failure to address mentalhealthchallengescouldleadtotheloss of police personnel, which can pose public safetyrisks.
“It is my desire that we in the Caribbean address this hidden pandemic, especially in our respective police organizations As leaders, let us must seek professional assistance for the hard-working, but so often stressed out law enforcement officers,” he said.
“Our non-actions will lead to the loss of police skills, police knowledge, police experience, public safety, but also the loss of police officers' lives. I urge us to address this hidden pandemic together, for the welfare of ourmenandwomeninpolicing.Itwillbenefit oursocietyasawhole,”Rodneyadded.
President of the Association of Caribbean Commissioners of Police (ACCP), Atlee Rodney
He expressed optimism that the issue would be actively addressed during the ongoing conference. “I am hopeful this week we will maximize the opportunity to learn, to teach, and to network, all in an effort to address our present police and law enforcement challenges in our region and beyond.”
Recently, the Guyana Police Force has come under intense public scrutiny due to its poor handling of the case involving 11-yearoldAdrianaYounge.
The young girl was reported missing on April 23, 2025, during a family trip to Tuschen,EastBankEssequibo.Herbodywas discovered by her father, Subrian Younge, approximately20hourslaterintheswimming pool of the Double Day International Hotel. The case has drawn public outrage, with Adriana's family repeatedly calling for international investigators including the FBI, Scotland Yard, or the Royal Canadian Mounted Police (RCMP)—to lead the probe. Accusations of mishandling by local police have fuelled mistrust and intensified calls for accountability
identified himself as a CANU officer He informed them that he received information that narcotics werebeingtransportedinthe vehicle and that he would havetoconductasearch.
The officer searched the black bag which contained several parcels. He made a small incision into the parcels and noticed a white p o w d e r y s u b s t a n c e suspected to be cocaine
AlfredandBentickweretold of the officer's observations and what they will be chargedwith.
They were then arrested and taken to CANU's headquarters, along with the suspected cocaine The substancewastestedandwas proven to be cocaine, which weighed 11.148 kg. Samples were taken, marked and lodgedatCANU.
Under caution, Alfred
told investigators that Defreitas paid him $400,000 to deliver the cocaine to the city and Bentick called him to collect the cocaine
However, when told of the allegation, Bentinck remainedsilent.
Alfred said at the time he got the money, he was frustrated and thought Defreitas had given him it to purchase beers since that is a norm.
Thirty-nine-year-old Eubeern Bristol called 'Eusie,' was remanded to prison on Tuesday, for the murder of Leon Fordyce called 'Nasty Man' which occurred on May 4, 2025 at High Dam Angoy's Avenue, NewAmsterdam,Berbice.
Bristol, who appeared at the Albion Magistrates' Court, was not required to plead to the indictable charge. He was later remanded and will return to courtonJune9,2025.
According to reports, two persons died and a woman was left nursing a stab wound following a brawl at High Dam,Angoy's Avenue, New Amsterdam, Berbice.
Investigators said that around 22:30hrs, Lafleur was in the company of Neon DeJonge and an identifiable male known only as “Thunder” or “Bristol”
Remanded: Eubeern Bristol
whentheincidentunfolded.
An argument reportedly broke out between the group and Anganisha Newyear regarding threats made to her 26-year-old son, GregoryDeJonge.
“The argument escalated and Newyear was stabbed in the abdomen and Leon Fordyce reportedly received a blow to the head, he was
Dead: Leon Fordyce
pronounced dead on arrival at the New Amsterdam Hospital Shawn LaFleur was also stabbed and was escorted to the New Amsterdam Hospital However, he succumbed to hisinjuriesonMonday,May 5th, 2025, while being t r a n s p o r t e d t o t h e
Hospital,”policesaid.
TGuyana Police
rce (GPF) is seeking help from the public to identify anAmerindian man who died on May 11, 2025, atthePuruniBackdam.
In a statement issued Tuesday, the police said it is requesting assistance to properly identify the deceased who is knownas'ChineyMan.'
According to police, the deceased is between 40 and 45years-old and his last place of work was Puruni River area, RegionSeven. The body is currently at the Bartica Regional Hospital Mortuary
If anybody knows the individual kindly make, contact withtheGPF
The Regional Democratic Council of Region Seven is preparing to spend approximately $78 million to construct health posts at Arau and Daag Point Villages in the Lower Mazaruni.
The Regional Administration recently issued a tender seekingcontractorstoundertaketheworks,andnotedthatthe
Below are the companies and their bids:
Regional Democratic Council of Region Seven Construction of Health Post at Dagg Point, Lower Mazuruni.
Bidder Amount Tendered
Jardine Construction
RadonConstruction
G&FConstruction &FurnitureSupplies
Band NConstruction,
$26,500,000
$28,780,000
$25,795,679
$30,084,654
healthpostforArauisestimatedtocost$47million,whilethe facilityforDaggPointispeggedat$31million.
Bids for the project were recently opened at the National Procurement and Tender Administration Board (NPTAB) office where it was revealed that 14 contractors have applied to undertake the works at Dagg Point, while seven bidders
Construction of Doctor's Living Quarters at Wax Creek.
Distinguished entomologist and the DirectorofTechnicalServicesatOrkin, Dr. Ron Harrison, one of the world's leading pest control companies, visited Guyana to lead an exclusive training session aimed at enhancing pest management expertise among local technicians, existing clients and prospectiveclients.
The training session, hosted by Rid OPesPestControlincollaborationwith Orkin, underscores a shared commitment to delivering advanced, science-based pest management solutions. Dr Harrison's visit marks a significant milestone in strengthening the local pest control industry through
knowledgeexchange,technicaltraining andthepromotionofbestpractices.
With decades of experience in entomology and pest control, Dr. Harrison is recognized globally for his innovative approaches to pest management and his dedication to environmental safety and public health. His visit aims to empower local technicians with the latest techniques, insights into pest behaviour and effective treatment strategies to ensure healthier,pest-freeenvironmentsacross Guyana.
The training session covered a wide rangeoftopicsincludingintegratedpest management (IPM), the latest
advancements in pest control technology and practical applications tailored to the unique challenges faced inGuyana.
“This visit is an incredible opportunitytoshareexpertiseandfoster collaboration within the pest control industry in Guyana,” said Dr Ron Harrison. “Our goal is to equip local technicians and clients with the knowledge and tools necessary to effectively manage pests while prioritizingsafetyandsustainability.”
Rid O Pes Inc /Orkin Guyana remains committed to maintaining the highest standards of pest management andcustomerservice.
body of a
was
haveexpressedaninterestintheArauproject.
The government has been constructing health centres and postsinvariouscommunitiesacrossthecountry,especiallyin remote areas to ensure residents have equitable access to healthcare. Persons in those far flung communities usually havetotravellongdistancestoaccesshealthcare.
Apensioner and
vendor were on Monday released on a total of $70,000 bail, when they appeared at the Georgetown Magistrates' Court to answer to several charges.
The defendants, 76-yearold Samuel Greene of Lot 9 Samaroo Dam, West Bank Demerara (WBD) and 32y e a r - o l d S h o n d a i Ramlochan, of Lot 76 William Street, Kitty, Georgetown,appearedbefore Senior Magistrate Fabayo Azorewhoreadthecharges.
It is alleged that on April 2, 2025 on Camp Street, Georg
d Ramlochan causing her actual bodily harm. It is also alleged that he used abusive, threatening language and provoked Ramlochan on the samedayatthesaidaddress. Meanwhile, Ramlochan
was also charged for allegedly assaulting Greene andprovokinghimonApril2, 2025 on Camp Street, Georgetown. They both pleaded not guiltytothecharges.
Greene had legal representation who requested bail on his behalf and informedthecourtthathehad no prior matters pending. Meanwhile, Ramlochan appearedunrepresented.
M a g i s t r a t e A z o r e released Greene on $15,000 bail for the assault causing actual bodily harm charge and $10,000 bail for the other three charges; totaling $45,000bail.Ramlochanwas granted $15,000 bail for assault causing actual bodily harm,and$10,000bailforthe other charge totaling $25,000 bail. They are expected to return to court on May 27, 2025.
Aljazeera - Nine Israeli missiles have slammed into and around the courtyard of the European Gaza Hospital in Khan Younis in southern Gaza, killing at least 16 people and wounding 70, the enclave's Ministry of Health says, in the second deadly bombardment of a medical facility inthecitysincedawn.
The fate of several other people remained unclear on Tuesday as rescue operations were ongoing, a civilemergencyofficialsaid.
Doctors Without Borders, knownbyitsFrenchacronymMSF, said Israel's attack on Nasser Hospitalmarkedthesecondtimein sevenweeksthesamebuildingwas targeted “After the first attack seven weeks ago, we had to move our burn unit to a nearby building, where we now treat severe burns, trauma injuries and run two
surgical theatres,” MSF said “Following today's attack, outpatient consultations are suspended, and the number of our colleagues in the facility is reduced.”Eslaih was the director of the Alam24 News Agency and a freelancer who contributed to international news organisations, including photos of the Hamas-led October7,2023,attacksonIsrael.
Israel has claimed Eslaih was a Hamas fighter who participated in the attacks, an allegation he vehementlydenied.
Dozensofjournalistskilled
At least 178 journalists and media workers have been killed in Palestine, Israel and Lebanon since the war began, according to the Committee to Protect Journalists.
Gaza's Government Media Office putthedeathtollat215.
Israel'smilitarysaidinaposton
Telegram that the strike targeted a Hamas “command and control complex” at Nasser, the largest hospital in southern Gaza, without providingevidence.
“The compound was used by the terrorists to plan and execute terrorist attacks against Israeli civilians and troops,” the post said, in what appeared to be a reference
toEslaihandHamas.
Gaza's Health Ministry condemned “the repeated targeting of hospitals and the pursuit and killing of wounded patients inside treatment rooms”, saying it “confirms Israel's deliberate intent to inflict greater damage to the healthcaresystem”.
Hospitals in Gaza have been a
frequent target of Israeli attacks since the war began in October 2023 although attacking health facilities, medical personnel and patients is illegal under the 1949 GenevaConventions.
According to officials in Gaza, Israel has bombed and burned at least36hospitalsacrosstheenclave sincethewarerupted.
BBC - US President Donald Trump has said the US has "no stronger partner" than SaudiArabia during his first major foreign trip - a whirlwind visit of Gulf countries mainly focused on shoringupinvestment.
Day one of the tour saw the two sides announce a $142bn (£107bn) arms deal, as well as other investments that Saudi Arabia's crown prince said could eventually beworth$1tn.
Trump also made Saudi Arabia the first foreign stop duringhisfirstterm,in2017. The rest of his trip will include stops in Qatar and theUAE.
Speaking for nearly an hour in Riyadh, Trump also announced that the US wouldbeliftingsanctionson Syria in order to give the country "a chance at greatness".
US President Donald Trump and Crown Prince Mohamed Bin Salman photographed with other officialsinRiyadh Trump's arrival in Saudi Arabia on Tuesday was met with a grand reception, including a lavish lavendercoloured carpet rolled out to greet him. He had even chosen a purple tie to match it.
Riyadh swapped red carpets for lavender in 2021, sayingthatitwasasymbolof the kingdom's desert wildflowersandgenerosity.
C r o w n P r i n c e Mohammed bin Salman met Trump on the tarmac and provided an honour guard of A r a b i a n h o r s e s t o accompany his presidential limo.
In a speech later, Trump said:"Ilikehimalot."
The pomp and ceremony was a drastic change from the muted reception for former US President Joe Biden, who declared Saudi Arabia a "pariah" state after the murder of a dissident journalist, before he travelled to the oil-rich kingdomtoseektheirhelpin lowering petrol prices, fist-
bumpingthecrownprince.
TrumpflewtotheGulfto strike financial deals and argued in his speech that it is through this kind of commerce and economic developmentthattheMiddle East would transcend violenceanddivision.
In his remarks at an investment forum, Trump lauded the US-Saudi relationship as "more powerfulthaneverbefore".
"From the moment we started we've seen wealth that has poured - and is pouring - into America," he said.Trump is trying to woo foreigninvestorstotheUSto
boost the American economy, a key focus of his administration in the nearly four months of his second term.
"I like him too much," TrumpsaidofSaudiArabia's crown prince and de-facto ruler, Mohammed bin Salman."That'swhywegive somuch."
Tesla CEO Elon Musk is one of a few corporate leaders that joined Donald TrumponhistriptoRiyahd
U
making, Trump was joined by billionaire ally Elon Musk and other business
leadersatalavishlunch.
During his address, Trump said it was his "dream" to have Saudi Arabia join the Abraham Accords, a deal brokered in his first administration that saw relations between Israel and some Gulf countries normalisedforthefirsttime.
But his good friend, Mohammed bin Salman, has made it clear that will not happen until there is a permanent end to the war in Gaza and a clear path to Palestinianstatehood.
There is a limit to what thisfriendshipcandeliver.
Trump only briefly
addressed the ongoing conflict between Israel and Hamas.
He told those in attendance that people in Gaza deserved a "better future", which had been held back by Hamas choosing "to kidnap, torture and target" for "political ends" - a reference to the 7 October 2023attackonIsrael.
Trump also announced he was lifting sanctions on Syria to improve the country'snewgovernment,a move he suggested was requested by Mohammed binSalman.
"Oh, what I do for the crownprince,"theUSleader said.
American sanctions on Syria had been in place for over a decade, meant to applypressureandeconomic pain against the dictatorship of former President Bashar al-Assad, who was ousted in December
Syria has since elected a new transitional president, creating an opening for renewed US diplomacy efforts.
Trump was expected to meet Syrian President Ahmed al-Sharaa on Wednesday in Saudia Arabia.
From Saudi Arabia, Trump will head to both Qatar and the UAE, which has already committed to investing $1.4tn in the US overthenextdecade.
Th e G u y a n a
B o x i n g
A s s o c i a t i o n (GBA) has confirmed that a team of four promising young boxers, along with two experienced coaches, will represent the country at the upcoming Americas Boxing Confederation ( A M B C ) E l i t e Championships, scheduled forMay18–23inEcuador
Leading the charge is rising female boxing star Abiola Jackman, who will compete in the Women's 81kg division. At just 22 years old, Jackman is determined to etch her name in the history books by delivering a standout performance on South Americansoil.
Joining her on the
international stage is 17year-old Ken Harvey, a technically gifted and fearlessfighterwhowilltake part in the 60kg Youth Division.
Harvey has made a name for himself locally through dominant performances, and has already shown he can hold his own against top regional opponents. Now, he sets his sights on testing his skills at the elite continental level, with hopes of translatinghisrecentsuccess intoapodiumfinish.
T h e G u y a n e s e delegation also includes two other 17-year-olds; Joseph Jackson and Simeon Haymer Jackson will step into the ring in the Youth 75kg class, while Haymer will compete in the Youth
67kgcategory
Both young pugilists have been working tirelessly in the gym and are eager to maketheirmarkinEcuador
Guiding the boxers through this crucial campaign are Coaches
Lennox Daniels and Jeff Roberts, whose experience
and mentorship will be vital in preparing the team for the high-caliber competition ahead.
“This is a young team, and their participation reflects our broader vision to expose Guyana's best young boxing talents beyond the Caribbean,” said GBA PresidentSteveNinvalle.
Ninvalle highlighted that the selected boxers have not o n l y d e m o n s t r a t e d unwavering commitment to the GBA's development programme over the years, but more importantly, they have proven themselves ready to step up to the d e m a n d s o f e l i t e competition.
“It'sessentialthatourtop young athletes are given the opportunity, from an early stage in their careers, to face world-class opponents That's how we shape their future and elevate the standard of boxing in G u y a n a , ” N i n v a l l e
ARIES (Mar. 21–Apr. 19
You have some very urgent desires,buttheyremainasecret toeveryoneelse Insolitude,you cultivate your interest in philosophyandmysticism
TAURUS (Apr. 20–May 20)
You're usually the life of the party, but today you may wanttopullintoyourcocoon, far away from the world and all its noise. You need to empty yourself of all negativeideasandthoughts.
GEMINI (May 21–June 20)
Your judgment about people relies too much on general opinion, Gemini. As soon as you meet someone, you accept what others think about him or her without tryingtofindoutmore.
CANCER (June 21–July 22)
Do you have a tendency to give more weight to popular opinion than your own feelings, Cancer? Maybe you only want to see movies that everyone talks about, listen to the popular music, or read best sellers
LEO (July 23–Aug. 22)
Your thoughts are leaning toward the past, Leo. You aren't moving backward, but you may want to get in touch withyourroots.
VIRGO (Aug. 23–Sept. 22)
People can read you like a book today, Virgo. Because of the current planetary positions, you're a bit touchierthanusual.
LIBRA(Sept.23–Oct.22)
Your excellent analytical skills may not be up to par over the next few days. You seem overwhelmed by your emotions.
SCORPIO (Oct. 23–Nov. 21)
The planetary aspects invite you to explore strong expressions of feeling, Scorpio A declaration of love, autobiography, spiritual confession, apology, or reconciliation
SAGIT(Nov.22–Dec.21)
This is an excellent time to share your feelings with the person you love, Sagittarius. It might seem a little scary to you.
CAPRI(Dec.22–Jan.19)
You may feel like walking barefoot, comforting your friends, or playing with children.There'satenderness and openness in the air that affectseveryone.Itwillbelike awonderfuldayinthecountry.
AQUARIUS (Jan. 20–Feb. 18)
Thecurrentplanetaryaspects are heightening your natural compassionforother people Your relationships will be at the front of your mind today, Aquarius You feel good about yourself and otherpeoplecantell!
PISCES (Feb. 19–Mar. 20)
You were born with a certain grace and beauty, Pisces Today you will be able to cultivate your love for beautifulthings.
explained.
He added, “One of the pillars of the GBA's mission is to ensure that our athletes receive the exposure and experience they need to grow And that kind of development can only happen when they compete atthehighestlevels.”
Ninvalle also expressed particular excitement about A b i o l a J a c k m a n ' s participation, noting that the world-ratedboxerisnotonly a beacon of hope for women's boxing in Guyana butalsoasymbolofwhatthe country can achieve on the globalstage.
“We're especially looking forward to seeing Jackman test herself against the best in the AMBC. This Caribbean champion has the potential to be a trailblazer for female boxing in Guyana,andthistournament could be a major stepping stoneinhercareer,”Ninvalle concluded.
Emma Raducanu scolds opponent for trying to ‘throw me off' with medical ...
Frompage33 notanicefeelingtohave.“I'm so happy with how I didn't let therestofthematchgetaway with me, that's big progress compared to matches I've playedinthepast.”
Kudermetova lost her momentum after an unlucky moment in the opening game of the second set, when the Russian was dealt a bad bounce off the clay when leading40-15onserve.
Raducanu won the next four points to break, which started her comeback. She was asked afterwards how s h e n e g o t i a t e d Kudermetova's timeout and said it was an attempt from her opponent to slow her down.
“It was difficult, luckily I was 5-0 up when she took the timeout.Ikindofknewitwas to throw me off but I kept my cool, luckily I had a good cushion and served it out,” Raducanusaid.
“From the third set I was really on it. It's hard after serving for the first set, it doesn't just slip your mind, you do refer back to it even if you'regoingintothethirdset. I'm really happy with how I refocused.
“I'm happy with the variety that I have on my shots, I'm able to return from twodifferentpositionsupand back,whichisnew I've adopted the back more in the last two matches and it's helped me get into the point.
“But I still think I can be better out of the corners and moving,sometimesIfeelabit caughtoutstill.”
Raducanu said she was not aware of her draw in Rome,whichwillseeherface the World No 3 Gauff in the last-16, in what will be just their second meeting after a second-round match at the AustralianOpenin2023.
Gauff, 21, has more experience and pedigree on clay,havingreachedaFrench Open final and featuring in the Madrid Open final last week,whereshelosttoWorld No1ArynaSabalenka.
“ S h e ' s a g r e a t competitor,” Raducanu said. “I'm playing pretty good tennis right now and she is going to be a great test, she's made the French Open final so she's great on this surface. I'm going to keep focused but savourthisonefornow.”
The Berbice Cricket Board (BCB) has summoned a number of players for a meeting with the board's Disciplinary Committee, todayWednesdayMay14.
Followingallegationsofa numberofplayersinvolvedin various code of conduct breaches during the recently concluded Guyana Cricket Board (GCB) U19 intercountytournament.
The meeting is expected to commence from 15:00h sharp, at the BCB office in New Amsterdam, Berbice
A m o n g t h e p l a y e r s summonedare,theRamnauth Brothers, Rampertab and Ramperaud, Skipper Matthew Pottaya, Nigel Deodat alongside a string of teammates.
Alsocalledtothemeeting are team Manager Ravindra Beharry and Coach Shamar Angel, both who were named as part of the investigation by theBCB.
List of names summoned for BCB Disciplinary Meeting:
SheltonRamsay
ShamalAngel
NigelDeodat
DemetriCameron
JavedKarim
ZameerNazeer
SureshDhanai
RomarioRamdeholl
JoemalLafleur
RampertabRamnauth
RampersaudRamnauth
SanjayAlgoo
MatthewPottaya
SalimKhan
OkasieBoyce
KevinKisten
DamionCecil
AfrazAliBoodhu
AriAfrizalKadir
MicahAmsterdam
DanielJoseph RashadGaffur
KumarDeopershad
RomeshBharrat
AdilAli
DevonWharton
KhemrajTika
AvishkarBeharry
DanielJoseph
RashadGaffur
KumarDeopershad
RomeshBharrat
Manager: Ravindra
Beharry
Coach:ShamarAngel
O
Youghestir Bachan stroked a responsible, unbeaten 103 to fire West Coast Warriors to a comfortable, 6-wicket win over Intruders on Sundayinthelatestroundof the2025NewYorkNational Cricket League 30-over competition.
Playing at Beach 58 venue,theformerEssequibo cricketer Bachan struck eight sixes and similar number of fours as West Coast Warriors responded with 193-4 with 21 balls to spare after Intruders compiled 188-9 from their allotted30-overs.
The left-handed Bachan lost fellow opener Rajendra Khan for 8, while soon after Anthony Providence (02) also perished early as Warriorsslippedto35-2.
However, Chandrapaul Persaud helped stabilized things with 20 before Bachan and Brandon Cabose took their team home with a matchdefining, unbeaten 119-run fifth-wicketstand.
Cabose, like Bachan, also represented Essequibo at the Inter-County level. Cabose scored a supportive 32 which contained four boundaries.
Century-maker Youghestir Bachan, left, and Brandon Cabose strike a pose after their partnership.
Bachan occupied the creasefor79ballsachieving thelandmarkwithasixover midwicket, sealing victory also. Abdool Raheem and Kalash Singh picked up two wickets each for Intruders conceding 19 and 31 runs respectively.
Earlier, former Guyana youth player Renwick Batson clobbered five sixes andhammeredeightfoursto make 85 from 59 balls for Intruders.
Batson, the Berbician-
born, got little support from the other batters as only B r y a n S e e p e r s a d contributed25notout.
Seamer Javed Shafeek churned out an excellent, bowling performance for West CoastWarriors with 335 from his maximum six overs.
Avi Dhanpaul also making an impression with the ball capturing three wickets for 38 runs from six off-spinovers.
West Coast Warriors, who won two games now from three fixtures, will continue their quest for supremacy on Sunday when they clash with hosts Staten IslandCricketClub.
The other game was rained out for last year's runners-up side West Coast Warriors.
Sixteen teams are currently participating with the top eight progressing to theplayoffsegment.
The curtains are set to come down August 31 with thegrandfinale.
The Trinidad and Tobago Legions created history on Saturday by capturing the inaugural West Indies Breakout League with an exciting 17-run win over the Leeward Islands Thunder In a thrilling finale at the Brian Lara CricketAcademy, the home side posted 181 for five in their 20 overs after beingsentintobat.
The visitors then made a spirited effort to reach their target, but fell just short, finishing on 164 for nine at the end of their allotted 20 overs.Legions opener Kamil Pooranprovedtobethehero, smashing 73 from 44 balls with seven fours and four sixes to hold the innings together after the Thunder threatened to take control of t h e c o n t e s t
He added 52 runs for the first wicket with Amir Jangoo, who struck 23 from 17 balls, to give the Legions a solid start.ThundercaptainKarima Gore broke the partnership by dismissing Jangoo, but Pooran continued to attack during a 30-run stand with N a v i n B i d a i s e e
Butfromadominantposition of82foroneinthe10thover, theLegionslostthreewickets for the addition of just one runtohandthemomentumto theThunder
Leg spinner Micah McKenzie claimed the wickets of Bidaisee for five and Jyd Goolie for a duck, while Gore trapped Crystian Thurton LBW for a duck. Pooran then added 39 crucial runs with captain Joshua Da Silva before he was dismissed by Anderson Mahase to leave the score 122 for five at the start of the 15thover
Skipper Da Silva, along
with Joshua James, then bludgeoned 59 runs from the lastfiveoverstogettheirside up to a competitive total. Da Silva finished unbeaten on 40 from 31 balls with four fours and one six, while James was not out on 26 off 16 deliveries, inclusive of two sixes and one four Gore took 2-22 with his leftarm spin and McKenzie grabbed2-29.
The Thunder's run chase got off to a blazing start with openers Jamie Cornelius and Kofi James plundering 57 runs inside five overs
However, when Cornelius was dismissed by fast bowler McKenny Clarke for 11, it sparked a sudden collapse, which put the Legions in control of the match
Bidaisee had Jewel Andrew caught for 14 and bowled Mikyle Louis for one and Goolie dismissed Gore for just five, to see the Thunder slump to 89 for four in the 10thover James remained unfazed by the loss of wickets around him and continued his counter-attacking innings, eventually reaching his half c e n t u r y
But just when it looked as though he would carry his side to victory he was dismissed by Goolie for the top score of 63 off 36 deliveries, as the Thunder slidto102forfive.
His dismissal effectively ended theThunder's hopes of victory,anddespiteafighting effort from their lower order, they could not keep up with the ever-increasing run rate and ultimately fell short of t h e i r t a r g e t
Goolie ended with 3-13, Clarke snared 3-34, while Bidaiseetook2-27.(CMC).
From page 31 the DCB, Anandjit expressed immense gratitude to Regal Stationery and Computer Centre for embracing the IndependenceT10 Cup, noting that such partnerships with the corporate community are key to fostering the growth and developmentofcricket.RegalStationeryandComputerCentre isthethirdcorporateentitytoalignwiththeIndependenceT10 Cup, following in the footsteps of Office Express and Anil Beharry Real Estate, Construction and General Business Services.Anandjit added that preparations are moving apace for a grand day of cricket and teams are excited to commence thebattleforchampionshiphonours.Eightfirstdivisionteams from the county will compete for top honours, with the format beingaonegameknockout.TotalcashprizeofG$500,000and trophieswillbeupgrabsattheone-dayevent.Whiletheteams will be represented by players within the respective associations,eachteamisallowedtwoguestplayersfromother counties.The champion team is guaranteed G$250,000 cash plus trophy; the runners-up G$150,000 and trophy, while the losing semi-finalists will receive G$50,000 each.On the individual side, Man-of-the-Match in the semi-finals and final willreceiveatrophy
Trinidad and Tobago Legions are the inaugural West Indies Breakout League champions after an exciting 17-run win over the Leeward Islands Thunder.
After two weekends of challenging, exciting, and power-packed moves on the c h e s s b o a r d , K e r o n Sandiford, a former Junior Chess Champion, has emerged as the winner of the 2025 National Open Chess Qualifiers, which concluded lastSundayattheDavidRose SpecialSchool.
Sandiford secured first place with 6.5 points in the eight-round competition, with six wins and one draw Although he faced stiff competition throughout the competition, he proved he wasaforcetoreckonwith.
InaRoundFivematch-up with top Junior Kyle Couchman,Sandifordgotthe better of his opponent in about 50 moves. A major battle unfolded during their faceoff Couchman tried desperatelywithhisRooksto attack and threaten Sandiford's King. But, in the cat-and-mouse struggle, Sandiford also maneuvered his Rooks, Knight, and three menacing pawns to confine Couchman's King With nowhere to run and
Defending Champion
Champion, in Round Eight. That encounter lasted less than twenty moves, and Sandiford was again victorious.Fifteen-year-old Couchman finished in second place with 6 points from the eight rounds, with five wins and two draws. He secured a walkover from Narine in Round Eight, and his only loss was to Sandiford. Narine finished third with 6 points with notable victories over Gopaul and Sandiford. He suffered a loss in Round Five againstCMSachinPitamber Pitamber finished fourth
checkmate soon to follow, Couchman gave up the fight in the final moves of the game.
In Round Six, Sandiford confronted Saeed Ali, a former Junior Champion
Both players reached an endgamewithQueensstillon the board However, a cunning Sandiford took advantageofadevastatingXray to capture Ali's Queen, forcing him to resign and accepttheloss.
Sandiford suffered his onlylossinthetournamentto reigning Junior Champion Ricardo Narine in Round Seven. He was matched with Joshua Gopaul, another former National Junior
placewith6points:fivewins and two draws. His only loss came against CM Ronuel Greenidge.
Greenidge, one of Guyana's most seasoned players, earned the fifthplace spot with six points after suffering losses against CouchmanandSandiford.
In sixth place is fifteenyear-old Alexander Zhang, who is no stranger to the chess competition with five and a half points. He secured five wins and one draw and lost against Narine and Pitamber Gopaul took the seventh-place position with five points, including five wins and three losses against Sandiford, Narine, and
Pitamber.
WCMAditiJoshisecured her eight-place position with fivepointsafterdrawingfour games and earning three victories The current Women's Chess Champion only lost in the 5th Round against Gopaul. Her notable draw in this tournament was against AFM Davion Mars. Joshiistheonlyfemaleinthe topninequalifiers.Rounding up the top nine players is Rolex Alexander, with five
points.
Of the nine players who have qualified to enter the National Championship, two are former National Junior Champions, notably Joshua GopaulandKeronSandiford. The reigning National Junior Champion Ricardo Narine and Women's Champion Aditi Joshi are among the nine candidates to play CM Taffin Khan in their attempt to unseat him and take the NationalChampiontitle.
In a surprising turn of events, newcomer to the tournament scene, Marcia Lee, pulled off a seventh round victory over FIDE rated player Treskolé Archibald in a 55 move, roller-coaster game. Lee was one of the 7 female players whochallengedthefield.
Chess enthusiasts can look forward to the National Chess Championships, th startingfromMay24 toMay th st st 26 , May 31 and June 1 ,
2025, at the David Rose Special Scho
competition will utilize a Round-Robin format, ensuring each of the ten talented players will face off against every other participant across nine intenserounds.
Our appreciation is extended to the David Rose Special School for their kind provision of the venue. We also acknowledge the invaluable contributions of FIDE Arbiters Mr John Lee and Mr Anand Raghunath, whose expertise ensured the systematic and disciplined executionofallgames.
The top twelve boards were live-streamed on lichess.org.
Get ready for a strategic twist! The Guyana Chess Federation is hosting a Chess 960 tournament on Sunday, May 18th, 2025, at the prestigious Pegasus Suites, Kingston. Register your spot todayatguyanachess.gy
Sales Representative of Regal Stationery and Computer Centre
Anuradha Bahadur
(left) presents the sponsorship cheque to DCB Secretary Davteerth Anandjit.
Momentum is building to the first-ever Demerara Cricket Board (DCB)
Independence T10 Cup on May25,withRegalStationery
and Computer Centre confirming its support to the grand fund-raising event.Set tostartat10:00handconclude under lights at the LBI Ground,EastCoastDemerara, the competition promises scintillating cricket with top local players set to showcase their skills in the highintensityformat.
Regal Stationery and Computer Centre of 69 S e a f o r t h S t r e e t , Campbellville, Georgetown, has pledged G$150,000 to the initiative, further extending it b
development and cricket in particular
Sales Representative Anuradha Bahadur, moments b
sponsorship cheque to DCB Secretary Davteerth Anandjit, pointed out that Regal Stationery and Computer Centre is always keen on being involved in activities that make a positive difference.Proceeds from the Independence T10 Cup will be channeled into cricket development in Demerara, and Bahadur indicated that is something the company is pleased to be associated with. Speaking on behalf of (Continued on page 29)
Raducanu is through to the last-16 of the Italian Open. (Getty Images)
Independent - Emma Raducanu said she was proud of how she kept her focus as she came from behind to defeat Veronika Kudermetova and reach the last-16 of the ItalianOpen.
After losing the first set, Raducanu dropped just one game as the Briton surged to a 5-7 6-0 6-1 victory and booked a clash with fourth seedCocoGauffinRome.
Raducanu was pleased with how she bounced back from the first set and didn't let Kudermetova back into the contest, believing the former World No 9's medical timeout late in the second set was an
attemptto“throwmeoff”.
Kudermetova went off court for several minutes as Raducanu was forced to wait, but the 22-year-old kept her composure and highlighted the “big progress” she has made.“The best thing about today I think was recovering afterthefirstsethavingserved for it,” Raducanu told Sky Sports.
“I threw in a pretty poor game at 5-4 serving but I felt under pressure on Veronika's returns, she was literally redliningeverythinganditwasall going in and I was like, I don't know where to serve, and it's (Continued on page 27)
