K
AIETEUR NEWS
Guyana’s largest selling daily & New York’s most popular weekly
Mass protests in France spiral
Sunday Edition October 18, 2026 Online: www.kaieteurnews.com
into worst riots in years
Price $260
Online readership yesterday, 37,236
Govt. moves to
restrict vape
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imports. .cites danger to children Front Page Comment
...Pres. Ali says only health authorities will be able to When someone is accused... approve exceptions for medicinal, other legitimate uses
Berbice child still missing; three in police custody
Ramson digs in on oil, gas info requests PAGE
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— tells activist to await final ruling by ‘judges of superior, exceptional vintage’
CCJ rejects ‘Guyanese Critic’ appeal - $22.5 million defamation judgment stands
U.S. reportedly pushing Govt. to pay GTE contractor US$102M more - sources
When an individual is accused of a serious offence, circumstances may warrant that person being temporarily removed from the workplace while the allegations are investigated. This is not a declaration of guilt, nor should it be interpreted as one. It is a precaution designed to protect the integrity of the investigation, preserve evidence and prevent possible interference with witnesses. Administrative leave, however, should not become an automatic response to every allegation. The measure must be justified by the circumstances, not by public pressure or an assumption of guilt. These principles have come into sharp focus following allegations of rape and threatening behaviour made by a female member of the Guyana Police Force against Deputy Commissioner Fazil Karimbaksh, who heads the Special Organised Crime Unit (SOCU). The allegations remain allegations, and the officer is entitled to due process. Equally, the complainant is entitled to the protection of the law. The difficulty with sending the Deputy Commissioner on leave arose because of the absence of a duly constituted Police Service Commission (PSC), the constitutional body vested with disciplinary authority over police officers of or above the rank of Inspector. The Police Force subsequently announced that the Deputy Commissioner had been sent on leave pending the investigation. Thereafter, a dispute emerged over the Commissioner's authority to compel him to proceed on leave. His lawyer challenged the legal basis of the directive, and the Commissioner subsequently withdrew his letter concerning pre-retirement leave. The episode exposes a serious institutional weakness. When an allegation of this gravity is made against a senior officer who occupies a position of considerable authority within the police service, the law should provide a clear, timely and defensible mechanism for determining whether temporary removal from duty is necessary. It should not leave the matter dependent on uncertainty over which authority possesses the power to act. Sending someone on leave pending an investigation is not necessarily a disciplinary sanction. Properly conceived, it is a temporary protective measure, intended neither to punish nor to prejudge the outcome of the investigation. Nevertheless, where compulsory leave affects an officer's duties and status, the authority to impose it must be grounded in law. The Constitution vests disciplinary control over senior police officers in the PSC, while permitting the (Continued on page 3)
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Sunday October 18, 2026
CCJ rejects ‘Guyanese Critic’ appeal - $22.5M defamation judgment stands Mikhail Rodrigues, widely known as the “Guyanese Critic,” and his news entity, They Break News Inc., have reached the end of the legal line in their bid to overturn a $22.5 million defamation judgment after the Caribbean Court of Justice (CCJ) dismissed their application for special leave to appeal. The decision, issued on October 14, 2026, by a panel comprising CCJ Justices D e n y s B a r r o w, P e t e r Jamadar, and Chile EboeOsuji, leaves intact the rulings of Guyana's lower courts and finalises a legal dispute brought by Leader of the Opposition, Azruddin Mohamed. In dismissing the application, the court stated that it was satisfied there was "no egregious error of law in, nor risk of a gross miscarriage of justice arising from" the Judgment of the Court of Appeal of Guyana dated April 24, 2026. The
Mikhail Rodrigues legal battle stems from defamation proceedings instituted by Mohamed against Rodrigues and They Break News Inc. Justice Nigel Niles originally ruled against Rodrigues in High Court case 2024-HC-DEM-CIV-
Azruddin Mohamed, Leader of the Opposition SOC-121, ordering him and his company to pay $22.5 million in damages, along with $3.5 million in punitive damages. Justice Niles had issued a judgment in default after Rodrigues failed to submit his defense within the prescribed timeframe.
Rodrigues subsequently sought to set aside the default judgment, arguing through his legal team led by attorneys Sanjeev J. Datadin and Mohanie Anganoo of Whitworth Chambers that the trial judge erred in law. Rodrigues
contended that Justice Niles placed an unbalanced emphasis on procedural rules, failed to properly consider an extension of time, and ignored the overriding objective of determining cases fairly on their merits. Upon appeal, the Full Court of Guyana, presided over by Justice Fidela Corbin-Lincoln and Justice Nicola Pierre, firmly upheld Justice Niles's original judgment. In a detailed written decision, the Full Court affirmed that the trial judge correctly applied the Civil Procedure Rules (CPR 12.03) regarding default judgments, "The learned trial judge considered and correctly applied the criteria set out in CPR12.03 with respect to setting aside a judgment in default," the Full Court noted. "Specifically, I d o n o t find that the learned trial judge erred in his finding that the
e x p l a n a t i o n p r o v i d ed for failing to file the defence was not reasonable and, more importantly in my view, that the defence as set out in the draft defence had no real prospect of success." The judges further held that there was no basis upon which the court ought to disturb the exercise of judicial discretion, finding n o m i s t a k e o f l a w, misapprehension of facts, or disregard of legal principle. Following the Court of Appeal's decision on April 24, 2026, which sustained the Full Court's findings, Rodrigues filed an application for special leave to appeal directly to the CCJ on June 8, 2026. With the CCJ's formal order signed by Deputy Registrar and Marshal Gizel Thomas-Roberts, Rodrigues and They Break News Inc. remain liable for the $22.5 million defamation judgment, $3.5 million in punitive damages, as well as associated court costs.
Kaieteur News
Sunday October 18, 2026
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Ramson digs in on oil, gas —tells activist to await final ruling by info requests ‘judges of superior, exceptional vintage’ ...Ram calls for his removal Commissioner of Information Charles Ramson Sr. appears to have shrugged off a recent High Court ruling on his statutory responsibilities, describing Justice Nicola Pierre as “a puisne Judge” and suggesting that applicants await “final judicial directions” before he determines their requests for information. In a letter dated October 14, 2026, addressed to environmental activist Danuta Radzik, Ramson invoked the ongoing judicial review process to justify his position, despite Justice Pierre's September 28 ruling that he had breached the Access to Information Act 2011 by failing to determine three requests submitted by Attorney-at-Law Christopher Ram. The Commissioner's response raises fresh questions about his willingness to discharge the responsibilities of his office, particularly as Radzik and other members of civil society have been waiting almost a year for documents relating to the Government's Gas-to-Energy project and the management of
Danuta Radzik hazardous waste from offshore oil operations. In an October 1 letter, Radzik reminded Ramson that the information requests were submitted on October 22, 2025, and that the statutory period for determining them had long expired without an extension being communicated. She argued that, under Section 18(3) of the Act, the failure to determine the requests amounted to a deemed refusal of access. Citing Justice Pierre's ruling, Radzik demanded that Ramson determine the requests within 14 days and either provide the documents or issue written refusals with
When someone is accused... From front page Commission to delegate specified powers. But what happens when the Commission is not constituted and an urgent situation arises? The absence of the Commission should not be treated as an automatic transfer of its constitutional powers to the Commissioner of Police. Nor should the law leave the Commissioner without a clearly defined means of protecting an investigation where the circumstances genuinely demand immediate precautionary action. This is a legislative gap that demands attention. Parliament should enact a clear framework authorising appropriate designated authorities to impose compulsory administrative leave or temporary restrictions on duties where reasonable grounds establish a genuine need. The legislation should distinguish precautionary leave from formal interdiction and disciplinary punishment, and specify the circumstances in which each measure may be used.Such authority must come with safeguards. The affected officer should receive written notification of the grounds, retain applicable salary and benefits unless the law provides otherwise, and have access to a timely opportunity to challenge the decision. These safeguards prevent administrative leave from being weaponised against an officer.The Karimbaksh controversy should therefore prompt a broader examination of the law governing the temporary removal of public officers from duty when serious allegations arise. It is not a question of declaring anyone guilty or innocent. It is a question of ensuring that the authorities have lawful means of protecting the investigative process. Justice requires fairness to the accused. It also requires protection for complainants, witnesses and evidence. Our laws must provide a practical means of securing both. When they do not, Parliament has a responsibility to correct the deficiency.
Commissioner of Information, Charles Ram
reasons, warning that she would seek judicial review if he failed to comply. However, in his response, Ramson advised her to await further judicial directions.“Accordingly, I am minded to suggest that you await any final judicial directions with respect to the provisions of Guyana's neoteric Access to Information Act 2011, which solely regulates the actions of the Commissioner of Information and, by which, I will be bound,” he wrote. Ramson also referred to Justice Pierre as “a puisne Judge” and contrasted that description with judges of “exceptional, superior vintage.” The Commissioner further stated that Radzik's letter had been received from the occupant of a building next to his office. The High Court ruling arose from proceedings brought by Attorney Christopher Ram after the Commissioner failed to determine three requests submitted in March 2025. Those requests concerned tax payments and revenue associated with the ExxonMobil-led consortium under the 2016 Petroleum
A g r eemen t, as w ell as records relating to the operation of the Office of the Commissioner of Information. Justice Pierre found that Ramson had failed to determine the requests within the statutory period and that his insistence that Ram first approach another public authority imposed a procedural requirement not contained in the Act. The Court declared that the Commissioner is a public authority under the legislation and ordered him to process and determine all three requests within 60 days, in accordance with the Act and the Court's interpretation of the law. The ruling did not direct the immediate release of the d o c u m e n t s . R a t h e r, i t required the Commissioner to make the initial determinations in accordance with the legislation, including providing reasons where access is refused. Radzik's requests cover 11 categories of documents, including environmental permits for the 300megawatt Gas-to-Energy power plant and the Natural Gas Liquids plant, requests for proposals for the project,
Attorney, Christopher Ram
u p d a t e d environmental and social baseline studies, and a feasibility study for associated gas required under Article 12 of the 2016 Petroleum Agreement. The applicants are also seeking hazardous waste reporting forms submitted by oil and gas companies between 2022 and 2025, environmental permits for several oilfield service and waste management c o m p a n i e s , a n d certifications for marine vessels and road vehicles transporting hazardous waste and dangerous materials.Meanwhile, Ram, in commenting on the issue, called on President Irfaan Ali t o r e m o v e t h e Commissioner, arguing that Ramson's response demonstrated contempt for citizens, the Court and the President. In a letter to the editor, Ram said Radzik was entitled to expect decency from a former Justice of Appeal and Attorney General, but had instead been addressed as “Comrade”, while one of the country's judges was dismissed as inferior to judges of “exceptional, superior vintage”.
“This is contempt for a citizen, for the Court and for the President,” Ram wrote. He argued that Ramson's conduct was particularly troubling given that the Commissioner continued to receive public funds while failing to fulfil the responsibilities of his office. Ram also placed responsibility for the situation on President Ali, n o t i n g t h a t t h e Commissioner is a presidential appointee and that the Access to Information Act was enacted by the Government's own party.“If Mr. Ramson will not carry out the law, he should step aside for someone who will,” Ram stated. He warned that if Ramson remained in office without intervention from the President, citizens could conclude either that Ali was unable to control his appointee or that the Commissioner was acting in keeping with the Government's wishes to keep the public in the dark about the oil and gas sector. “Mr. Ramson is disrespecting the whole country. It is time for the President to show who is the boss,” Ram declared.
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Kaieteur News Printed and Published by National Media & Publishing Company Ltd. 24 Saffon Street, Charlestown, Georgetown, Guyana. Publisher: DR. GLENN LALL - TEL: 624-6456 Editor-In-Chief: NIGEL WILLIAMS Tel: 225-8465, 225-8491. Fax: 225-8473, 226-8210
Sunday October 18, 2026
Kaieteur M@ilbox Send your letters to Kaieteur News, 24 Saffon Street, Charlestown, Georgetown or email us kaieteurnews@yahoo.com
EDITORIAL
Jagdeo’s political desperation and the US Ambassador on taxes PPP’s fear of a changing Guyana
“It’s wonderful to hear all of these tax incentives and other support mechanisms being put in place for local businesses but the international companies are still struggling a little bit with this. Hopefully, we’ll be able to overcome these challenges together.” It is surprising that it took so long for the US Ambassador to Guyana, Nicole Theriot, to speak that publicly. At the heart of her statement is that US companies expect more, the US government expects more, and that the Guyana Government should be more generous with its tax packages. We put our own points before Ambassador Theriot, hoping that she finds them worthy of consideration. Perhaps, if US oil giant, ExxonMobil, paid a fair and reasonable share of taxes on its oil operations and income, then the Guyana Government would have the room, would have a cushion that permits some tax concessions to other US investors weighing their options about investing in Guyana. When ExxonMobil was so canny, so visionary, to insert zero taxes in its handcrafted 2016 Production Sharing Agreement with Guyana, that had two fallouts which have considerable meaning now. Zero taxes, and nowhere near to zero taxes, can no longer be the baseline, against which other potential investors measure their own tax expectations. In fact, we would assert that ExxonMobil’s greed (zero taxes, and other contract provisions) led to US companies being looked at in a different light. If a company as rich and as experienced as ExxonMobil could inflict this huge cost on Guyana’s treasury, then what about the hungry ones longing for their own turn and bite at the Guyana apple? We reinforce that second point: because ExxonMobil grabbed so much for itself, Guyana does not have the heart, Guyana cannot afford, to be as generous, as it would like to be with other US companies. The ExxonMobil poison runs deep in Guyana. We appreciate that Ambassador Theriot has to speak up for US companies. That is what she is here for, to give of her best in representing US interests, with commercial ones right at the top. We appreciate also, that the PPPC Government is always keen on enhancing the special bond that exists between Guyana and the US. One way that it has done is by being very receptive to US overtures, such as the acceptance of third country nationals, and the expulsion of Cuban medical personnel. If there ever was a government that has been accommodating US demands and appeals, to the point of a fault, it has been the PPPC Government. For the US ambassador now to make a case for a better tax regime for US companies is really asking too much. By way of a quick digression, Guyana is on the lips of the world. An economy that is booming, investment opportunities like nowhere else, and a business-friendly government. Yet, there is the dark side of GDP at record levels, and Guyana’s economy bursting at the seams. Citizens and businesses wage a losing daily battle to obtain foreign exchange to transact their affairs. A country that has millions and billions written all over it, and yet obtaining the world’s currency, US dollars, is like searching for a needle in a haystack. Company profits are repatriated, and what is left is left for citizens to fight over, or pay through the nose to get a few hundred US dollars on the open market. Foreign companies paying their share of taxes could make a difference. Indeed, ExxonMobil has a signed and sealed agreement, but it calls itself a partner. Like a marriage partnership, when one partner grabs all the riches, then that is an unhealthy, the worst of an unconstructive, relationship. We do not differ with Ambassador Theriot and her observations about logistics, scale, and skills availability. The PPPC Government may talk big, but Guyana is a small country that is overwhelmed by the magnitude of its natural resource bonanzas. Government leaders compound the problem by racing ahead with new invitations, new investors, and new projects. The people leading those want better tax considerations, so their profits increase. All the time, forex is chronically short, citizens are hungry. We urge the US ambassador to rethink her words and postures.
DEAR EDITOR, The unscrupulous spectacle of Bharrat Jagdeo courting APNU at the wake of the late Mr. Corbin speaks volumes about the political quandary that confronts the PPP. It speaks volumes about the character and integrity of the Vice President and his profound inability to lay politics and power to rest even for a moment and especially at a wake of a deceased person. A gathering intended to honour the deceased and afford his family the dignity of mourning was instead overshadowed by political manoeuvring. The occasion raises a fundamental question: why is Jagdeo, after years of bitter political rivalry, public attacks and denunciations of APNU, now so eager to pursue political cooperation? The answer may lie in Guyana’s changing political landscape. The emergence of WIN and the growing
political significance of Azruddin Mohamed represent a challenge to the P P P ’s l o n g - s t a n d i n g p o l i t i c a l dominance that Jagdeo and his establishment cannot afford to dismiss. It is evident that they are scared, threatened and grasping at straws to avoid their inevitable collapse. Guyanese are increasingly questioning the empty promises, political patronage and assurances that have kept the PPP in power for decades. Our citizens are demanding accountability and scrutinizing those in power. A younger generation is watching closely, and it is apparent that the PPP have found themselves in uncharted territory and should not assume the electorate will continue to reward it with their votes. The decades-long political rivalry between the PPP and APNU is well established. Their relationship has been
marked by bitter exchanges, public denunciations and profound political divisions. But Jagdeo now seems prepared to put aside years of enmity to cooperate with APNU. This dramatic shift warrants scrutiny. When a political leader who has continuously attacked a rival suddenly wants its cooperation, the public is entitled to ask whether the motivation is of national interest or political self-preservation. The circumstances surrounding Jagdeo’s own political history offer further grounds for reflection. Ralph Ramkarran, one of the PPP’s most prominent figures and widely regarded as the party’s leading contender, publicly voiced concerns about corruption and governance during Jagdeo’s presidency. His departure from the PPP was ultimately an expression of the underlying tensions of the party’s Continued on page 6
Sunday October 18, 2026
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Kaieteur M@ilbox Kaieteur M@ilbox The Guyana Development Bank: We must be more responsible Invest in Businesses with a Social Purpose DEAR EDITOR, Fallen leaders of a bygone time, new leaders with reckless tendencies, and total disregard for our history of difficulties and struggle. Even the U.S. Ambassador commented on the wasteful spending due to the poor location selection for the Gas to Energy Project. It does not matter which generation you are from, $100M USD is a substantial amount of our money that had to be spent which could have been easily avoided if they had picked a location that was on solid ground. These are funds that could have been used to prevent the MV Barima tragedy and could have been used to improve the rescue preparedness and capabilities of our Coast Guard. The level of wasteful spending that is occurring is completely unacceptable. Have they forgotten what it was like before? Have they forgotten the lack of running water, the lack of electricity and the lack of food in the stores? Have they forgotten the long lines for basic food items? Have they forgotten having to use the newspaper when toilet paper was not available? Leaders had to go to those that took advantage of us to borrow money that we urgently needed to keep the country running and our people healthy. Have they f o rg o t t e n t h e l a c k o f medicine to take care of the sick? Now we have medical bonds where medical resources go to waste. Past presidents had to seek loan forgiveness because it was difficult to pay off the loans. We can no longer afford any leader who has a propensity to waste. There was a time when being in government meant an opportunity to help your community and uplift those around you. Now it is now turning into an opportunity to fatten pockets. The Chinese are purging their ranks of the corrupt and incompetent. It’s time that we did as well. When the example being set is rooted in greed there is theft and greed throughout the land until those in positions of power who are doing wrong are uprooted. Instead of being conservative, cautious, and responsible in our spending, wastefulness is everywhere. We do not need anyone who has no respect for the
sacrifices made in the past. We have no need for any leader who does not respect the value of a hard-earned dollar. Waste not want not! Instead of creating a clean and safe environment that is inviting and allows for prosperity, we have one where leaders seek trouble and a grand spectacle that tells the outside world that Guyana is a place to avoid. The lack of discipline and professionalism is very evident. The country is stretched beyond its capacity, yet the greedy are still pushing for faster development so they can get their hands on the funds in the NRF and Consolidated Fund. The cries for more money and larger budgets have already begun in preparation for next year’s budget. However, they are still leaving the country without the results we need to truly move forward and progress. Shootouts at night, cutlasses being wielded in public when there is a conflict, road accidents with passengers due to recklessness, and the nonpayment of suppliers for waste collection create an atmosphere that conveys chaos and forms the impression that our nation is not ready to move forward with the best of them. We can no longer operate in this manner. We are a people capable of greatness! We can achieve whatever we put our minds to. If there is a message to be sent via video, hire a professional film crew using the latest technology and have the point made when the timing is appropriate. If there is a disagreement with a reporter or another country’s visa policy have the department of public information and the ministry of foreign affairs deal with their respective matter in a professional manner. There is no need for those in leadership to add to the unprofessional, chaotic, and disrespectful atmosphere that has resulted in increased violence and a lack of tolerance for those who have opposing views. Uncouth behaviour and the commonplace “buse out” must be curtailed as the office being held grows in importance. The expectation is that each leader will carry himself or herself in a manner befitting of his or her duties and responsibilities. Continued on page 6
DEAR EDITOR, The launch of the Guyana Development Bank on October 5, offering interest free, collateral free loans of up to G$3 million to small and medium-sized enterprises, presents a tremendous opportunity. It should also encourage us to broaden our business imagination. Guyanese must think beyond fast food, minibuses and taxi services and consider the many unmet needs that could support viable, useful enterprises and communities needs. Social enterprises deserve particular attention. These businesses sell goods or services while making a social or environmental purpose central to their operations. Revenue pays workers and operating expenses, while an agreed share of profits supports their mission. Their contribution can also come through whom they employ and the services they make affordable. Consider the dog food market and many vendors we see along roadways selling dog food. Many of these persons are related or live not too far from each other. Alongside existing vendors, imagine a Guyanese manufacturer producing quality wet and dry foods for dogs of different ages, sizes and nutritional needs, together with suitable treats and chews. A clearly defined share of sales could support stray dog rescue, rehabilitation, spaying and neutering, adoption and education about
responsible care. Such a venture could create jobs, develop local production and provide continuing support for animal welfare. There are examples to learn from. In Guyana, Iwokrama connects tourism and sustainable forestry with conservation and community livelihoods. In the United States, Homeboy Industries operates businesses, including a bakery, that provide employment and training for formerly incarcerated and ganginvolved people. Commercial activity can serve a wider public purpose. The possibilities extend to access to justice. Community legal enterprises could combine paid services, institutional contracts and partnerships t o s u p p o r t f r e e o r a ff o r d a b l e representation for persons with disabilities and others unable to afford a lawyer. Health-focused and social justice clinics could bring lawyers and social workers together to address problems involving housing, income, health and family circumstances. Environmental enterprises could earn revenue through recycling, repair, composting, waste collection and restoration. Sports enterprises could combine paid coaching and facility rentals with subsidized programmes for children and athletes with disabilities. Security enterprises could offer professional services while providing
training and employment opportunities and affordable safety improvements for vulnerable households. Even within food production, there is room to think beyond another BBQ stand or the familiar range of pastries. Why not reimagine Guyanese pastries, develop distinctive packaged products and build brands that connect local growers, skilled bakers and new markets? A bakery could combine quality products with paid training for young people and others struggling to enter employment. The development bank’s financing could help eligible ventures purchase equipment, test products or establish a modest operation. Larger projects may require additional investment and partnerships. The bank should actively consider credible social enterprise proposals. Universities, established businesses and the diaspora could contribute expertise, mentoring and purchasing commitments. The bank’s launch gives us an opportunity to widen both access to capital and our understanding of entrepreneurship. Let us use it to build businesses that produce, innovate, create skilled employment and help solve the problems Guyanese encounter every day. Dreams of being your Human Services and Social Security Minister, Sincerely, Rawle A. Small
Teachers First, Technology Second: Delivering on the Vision We Took to UNESCO DEAR EDITOR, At the recent UNESCO Executive Board meeting in Paris, our Minister of Education, the Honourable Sonia Parag, laid out a clear and principled vision for Guyana’s education future. She spoke of equitable access for hinterland, riverine, and Indigenous learners. She emphasised teacher development, inclusive digital transformation, ethical AI governance, and stronger data systems. She called for progress to be measured by how effectively we reach those facing the greatest barriers. That vision is correct. But a vision at UNESCO must become a plan in Georgetown, Anna Regina, and Mabaruma. And if we are honest about our constraints, the plan must start with people, not machines. G u y a n a ’s b i n d i n g constraint is not connectivity alone. It is labour. We already face shortages of teachers, ICT technicians, trainers, and content developers. The oil and construction boom is
competing for the same skilled workers. We have connected 97% of schools to high-speed internet and invested close to $1.8 billion in ICT hubs. We launched the Guyana Digital School in December 2025. These are real achievements. But a survey of 145 Guyanese educators found that 71% identify a lack of AI training as a critical capacity gap. If we deploy AI platforms without first building the human capacity to use and maintain them, we will create
expensive idle equipment. So, the sequencing matters. Teachers first. Lowmaintenance, offlinecapable infrastructure second. National policy and a labour plan third. Ethics early but light. Higher education later. First, teacher capacity. This is the emergency. In the next budget cycle, we should train at least 500 teachers in AI-assisted instruction, with priority for hinterland and riverine regions. We need one regional AI teacher-coach per
region, a train-the-trainer model, and tiered certification: can use AI, good at using AI, specialist in AI pedagogy. The Guyana Learning Channel, EdYou FM, and our ICT hubs are ready delivery platforms. Teachers must be confident and competent before we ask them to transform learning. This is exactly the kind of teacher development Minister Parag championed at UNESCO. Second, offline-first and Continued on page 6
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Sunday October 18, 2026
Kaieteur M@ilbox Kaieteur M@ilbox Teachers First, Jagdeo’s political desperation and the... Technology... From page 5 interoperable infrastructure. Many hinterland and riverine schools still face unreliable connectivity and power. Every AI platform contract must require offline synchronisation, open standards, local caching, solar-compatible power, and maintenance training for local staff. This reduces dependence on scarce highlevel IT labour and makes our existing 97% connectivity more useful. Technology that only works in Georgetown is not national technology. Third, a national AI in Education Strategy for 2027–2032. This must include a labour plan: how many teachers, tech coaches, content developers, and data stewards we need, and where they will come from. It must include incentives for teachers to serve in remote communities and clear career pathways for AIcertified educators. Without this, projects will remain fragmented and duplicated. Fourth, ethics and data governance. Establish a small AI in Education Ethics and Data Protection Committee under the Ministry. Focus first on s t u d e n t d a t a p r i v a c y, assessment integrity, and
responsible AI use in School-Based Assessment. This need not be expensive, but it must be early. Parents and teachers need to trust the system. This is consistent with the ethical, humancentred approach Minister Parag articulated at UNESCO. Fifth, higher education. The University of Guyana should start with microcredentials and certificate programmes for in-service teachers. A full AI degree can c o m e l a t e r, o n c e t h e secondary and teacher pipeline can supply students. Planning should start now, but operational priority should wait. If only one thing can be funded first, fund t e a c h e r A I c a p a c i t y. Infrastructure without trained teachers is just expensive equipment. Our children, especially those in hinterland and Indigenous communities, deserve AI that works, not AI that sits in a box. Minister Parag told UNESCO that progress must be measured by how effectively we reach learners facing the greatest barriers. That is the right test. Let us pass it by putting our teachers first. Yours faithfully, Dr. Walter H. Persaud
We must be more... From page 5 A good example must be set for our people and each subsequent generation. We need our leaders to set an example that uplifts our people and helps take our nation to the next stage of development. This does not mean losing our culture nor does it mean losing our passion or love for what we do. What it does mean is creating an environment where other perspectives are welcome and truly considered so we may learn from each other and grow together as a people. Remember, as a knife sharpens another so does one mind sharpen another. Understanding begins with listening, and we must have the patience to listen to each
A mini health check is the first step to donating blood
other without the need to kill the other person because of a disagreement. CRG urges our leaders and those aspiring for roles in leadership to truly consider and reflect upon the approach being taken to resolving problems when they arise. People may forget what you have done, but they will always remember how you have made them feel. And we must not turn our backs on the feelings of others especially now that we have many tragedies upon our homeland. We must slow down and focus on making our nation safe for each other. Wastefulness and greed cannot be a part of this process. We know what it is to struggle together and we know what it is to succeed together. The path forward must not discard the lessons of the past as we continue to try to embrace the opportunities to continue to grow together as one people. Sincerely, Mr. Jamil Changlee
From page 4 internal political culture. Similarly, figures such as Khemraj Ramjattan and other younger politicians eventually left the party as differences on leadership and direction grew. This is part of a broader historical debate about the concentration of power, internal party democracy and the consequences of challenging entrenched leadership. Jagdeo’s tenure was marked by significant controversy and tensions with political colleagues, business leaders, senior public officials and other influential institutions. Jagdeo’s political career can best be understood by looking at the very party structures that facilitated his rise to power. Janet Jagan was key to his leadership within the PPP, supporting his rise to being a leading figure within the party, and ultimately the presidency of Guyana. But the tensions that followed between Jagdeo and senior party figures raise important questions about the nature of political loyalty, succession and the concentration of authority within the party. Of particular note is the incident where, in the presence of disagreements, Jagdeo reminded Janet Jagan that she was a private citizen. This exchange illustrates how political authority can become estranged from the people and institutional relationships that helped give rise to it. This is particularly striking because Janet Jagan was not simply a former president; she was a founding figure of the PPP whose political standing helped shape the party’s leadership and succession. Her own 1999 resignation statement identified Jagdeo as the designated successor under the PPP/C’s previously announced succession arrangement. Such episodes raise important questions about the tolerance of dissent and the exercise of political authority. Guyanese must remember these experiences when evaluating presentday political manoeuvres. APNU should consider this history carefully. This is not an attack on APNU, neither is it an attempt to dictate on what political decisions APNU should take. It is a reminder that political co-operation must be based on principle, transparency and the interests of the people. A party needs to be wary of being used as a tool in another party’s political survival game, especially where the long-term consequences may be the marginalisation of a legitimate opposition. The danger is that the pursuit of political survival may erode democratic representation. Azruddin Mohamed occupies the constitutionally established position of Leader of the Opposition. Any attempt to bypass that office, to undermine its legitimacy, or to exclude its occupant from meaningful political participation, raises serious questions about democratic accountability. Political alliances are not inherently wrong, but they become problematic when they seem to be aimed at weakening a political rival rather than benefiting the electorate. The recent shooting and assassination attempt on Azruddin Mohamed has exacerbated these fears.
A full independent and transparent investigation is required by the circumstances. No responsible society should prejudge the findings, but equally the public should not dismiss legitimate questions on political safety, law enforcement and the wider climate in which opposition figures operate. Any deliberate attack on the life of a political leader, would be an assault, not merely on an individual, but on the democratic rights of the people he represents. The danger is not only physical violence. Political exclusion, institutional manipulation and marginalisation of legitimate opposition can also undermine democracy. If efforts emerge to diminish Azruddin Mohamed’s political standing through improper means, Guyanese must insist that every action be judged against the principles of constitutionalism, due process and the rule of law. No government should be permitted to use state institutions to eliminate political competition. Jagdeo’s overtures to APNU may therefore represent a revealing moment in Guyana’s political evolution. Whether motivated by genuine cooperation or electoral calculation, they demonstrate the tensions confronting a governing party that can no longer assume unquestioned political loyalty. The PPP’s record of governance, allegations of corruption and concentration of political power warrant serious public scrutiny. Corruption does not start and thrive at the bottom of government. It also must be examined at the highest levels o f p o l i t i c a l a u t h o r i t y, w h e r e institutional cultures are set, where accountability is either reinforced or diminished, and where political loyalty may count for more than public responsibility. If corruption is not properly addressed, public trust erodes, and democratic institutions risk being compromised by political interference. And, this corruption epidemic has resulted in mass awakening, the people are no longer fooled. The PPP has lost the trust of the people and their desperate attempts to clinging onto power is evident in the attempted assassination and forced political courting with APNU. The PPP’s challenge is not simply to find new political partners. It is to
restore public confidence in its own conduct. But it is important to note that no amount of political courting can s u b s t i t u t e f o r a c c o u n t a b i l i t y, transparency and respect for democratic institutions. Guyana is changing. Citizens are becoming more politically conscious, younger voters are increasingly unwilling to inherit the political loyalties of previous generations, and PPP-inflicted fear is no longer a reliable substitute for public confidence. Guyanese are questioning authority, demanding answers and insisting on a political culture in which criticism is not treated as hostility and dissent is not treated as disloyalty. Jagdeo may seek new alliances to preserve the PPP’s political position, but he has to understand that no arrangement between political elites can indefinitely override the will of an awakened electorate. APNU must make its own decisions according to its principles and the interests of its supporters. The responsibility for the PPP’s political predicament rests with the PPP itself. The people of Guyana must be on guard. Elections are not enough to maintain a democracy. It demands independent institutions, constitutional protections, freedom of expression, a meaningful opposition, and a population ready to defend its rights peacefully and resolutely. The PPP could try to re-brand itself through political alliances, but it is important for Jagdeo to know that credibility cannot be bought through political opportunism. It has to be earned with integrity, accountability, transparency and respect for the people. The message to Jagdeo and the PPP is clear Guyanese are no longer prepared to surrender their political future to fear, intimidation or backroom deals. The next generation will be judging political parties on their behaviour, not just empty promises. No political alliance can permanently defeat a people who have awakened to their own power. And no government, however entrenched, is entitled to mistake its time in office for ownership of the nation. Jagdeo’s days of power are numbered, the PPP’s legacy has been shattered, and its dictatorial reign is expiring and they know it. Yours sincerely, Hadiyyah Mohamed
Brazil sees record fall in Amazon deforestation as key election looms (BBC NEWS) Brazil’s government says deforestation rates in the country’s Amazon and savanna regions have fallen to record lows ahead of a presidential election run-off in which the rainforest’s future is a key issue. Left-wing President Luiz Inácio Lula da Silva, when he assumed office three years ago, pledged to end deforestation by 2030 in the Amazon. It had surged under his right-wing predecessor, Jair Bolsonaro. Lula will face Bolsonaro’s son Flavio in the run-off on 25 October, with polls suggesting a neck-and-neck
race. Flavio is expected to continue his father’s policies if he wins, though he has pledged to fight organised crime in the Amazon. Satellite data shows that in the year to July 2026, the deforestation rate fell by 41.8% in the Amazon - the biggest drop since records began in 1988. The fall in the Cerrado, Brazil’s savanna region, was 23.8%. The Amazon rainforest - the world’s largest - is a crucial buffer in the global fight against climate change and 60% of it is located in Brazil. Continued on page 46
Sunday October 18, 2026
Kaieteur News
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Sunday October 18, 2026
OP:ED Access to Information: Ramsonesque Absurdity, Curial Effrontery and Presidential Hypocrisy By Christopher Ram Charles Ramson Sr., Commissioner of Information, answered two citizens. A year earlier, Danuta Radzik and Elizabeth Deane Hughes, two outstanding members of civil society, had asked him for environmental permits
and hazardous waste records connected with the costly and poorly executed Gas to Energy project and offshore oil operations. He never replied. After the High Court ruled against him in my case, they resent their request to Ramson. His reply, which opens "Dear Comrade," deserves to
be read by President Ali, who holds portfolio responsibility for the Access to Information Act. Ramson announced that he would deal with their letter "in truly Ramsonesque fashion." Only a man suffering from acute insecurity, or gross self-adulation, turns his surname into an adjective.
And what is the Ramsonesque fashion? A year of silence, a lecture in place of a decision, and a sneer at the judge who found against him. He dismissed the ruling as "a decision of a puisne Judge," and advised the two women to await "final judicial directions" from "Judges of exceptional, superior vintage" on "Guyana's neoteric Access to Information Act 2011." The Act is fifteen years old. If it seems “neoteric” to Ramson, it is because he has wasted thirteen years of it. He closed with satisfaction that the women had accorded him "my official Title," unlike the practice "tolerated by that Trial Judge in [my] Case." A year's silence to two citizens troubles Ramson less than the judge's failure to insist that I call him "Justice." Contrast Ramson's "superior vintage" with his letterhead: his name and post-nominals; Notary Public, Justice of the Peace and Commissioner of Oaths to Affidavits; Commissioner of Information; and the address, the Office of the President. A man who craves his "official Title" cannot distinguish his private practice from a public office. He conducts the State's business on stationery that advertises his own, under the President's portfolio. Readers may recall that in March 2025 I asked Ramson for the taxes paid by the Government on behalf of the ExxonMobil-led consortium, their treatment in the public accounts, and the annual reports the Act requires. He sent me first to the Ministry of Natural Resources. I went. He still decided nothing. On 28 September Justice Nicola Pierre held all three requests valid and deemed them refused by Ramson (para 139) who unlawfully imposed a precondition "which Parliament did not impose". Reflecting on Ramson's integrity, the judge noted that he had denied receiving letters he had himself answered. She called his affidavit "casuistry"
(para 38), "particularly ironic and lamentable" in a case about access to information (para 14). She dismissed his claim that a request for his own office's records was an "absurdity" because he cannot "self-oversee" (paras 53 and 128). The absurdity was his. She ordered him to decide within sixty days which expires on 27 November. President Ali has neither the courage nor the inclination to confront what the Court's findings and Ramson's own letters make plain: he is unfit for the office. It would be a mistake to make this about Ramson alone. The Court found his office is not independent of Government (paras 65 and 68), and the Gazette of 31 October 2025 shows the President kept the portfolio for himself, along with the Environmental Protection Agency, which holds most of the documents Ms. Radzik and Ms. Hughes want. As Minister, Ali has duties of his own. No section 44 report on the Act has ever been laid in the National Assembly, and the Court found no evidence of the Part III statements either (para 89). Guyana was the first to ratify the Escazú Agreement on environmental information, and President Ali wore it as a badge of
honour. In 2025 citizens took Guyana's information blackout to the InterAmerican Commission on Human Rights. His Administration's chair was empty. A badge of dishonour and cowardice. Nothing stops Ali from saying the Court must be obeyed, laying the missing reports, or asking Parliament to amend the Act. Silence is a choice, and Ali has made it. What kind of inverted society are we living in when a man paid millions of public dollars to release information withholds it, and citizens must go to court to get what the law already promises? On 15 July 2025, the President assured me that the Act, and my requests under it, would be addressed after the elections. Fifteen months on, his Commissioner sneers at the Court and he says nothing. Which side is he on: the Court or his Commissioner? Was he ever serious? He was not. It was hypocrisy. I will not let up. Ramson has until 27 November to obey the Court, and I shall shortly begin proceedings against the Government of Guyana for every citizen's constitutional right to information. The President can still make them unnecessary. He need only do what he promised, what the law requires and what the Court has made plain.
Kaieteur News
Sunday October 18, 2026
PAGE 09
The great old-age pension gold rush Guyanese aged 65 and over, who have spent decades living comfortably in Canada, the United Kingdom and the United States, are suddenly discovering that the land of their birth has something more attractive than pepperpot and the Caribbean Premier League (CPL). It has an old-age pension worth more than US$200 a month. And just like that, Guyana has become the C a r i b b e a n ’s n e w e s t retirement destination, except that some of these retirees are not actually retiring here. They are arriving, registering for oldage pension, opening bank accounts, collecting their money and then disappearing back to Toronto, New York and Miami. Some have hardly set foot in Guyana for years. Others may have forgotten where the Post Office. Now, before anybody starts accusing me of being unpatriotic, let me say that there is nothing wrong with Guyanese living abroad returning home to claim a benefit to which they are legally entitled. The problem arises when people who do not satisfy the eligibility
requirements find ingenious ways of getting onto the pension roll, while the authorities appear to be watching this pension gold rush with the enthusiasm of a man observing somebody else’s leaking roof. Under the rules, old-age pension is available to persons aged 65 and over who satisfy the applicable residence requirements, including 20 years of prior residence in Guyana before qualifying. Remigrants had to satisfy two years residency before being eligible. The intention of the law was therefore clear: the pension was intended for resident Guyanese alone. A means test, which once determined whether applicants had sufficient resources of their own, was abolished in 1992. But Guyanese have always been an inventive people. Give us a regulation and somebody will find a loophole wide enough to drive a minibus through. The reported trick is wonderfully simple. A person arrives in Guyana, applies for a Guyanese passport and then uses a foreign passport when travelling back overseas. The pension authorities, allegedly unable to match
the person’s departure to the pension record, approves the pension and pays in into the person’s bank account. In other words, the pensioner leaves, but the pension stays. It is a remarkable arrangement. The beneficiary enjoys the comforts of life overseas while the Guyanese taxpayer helps finance the arrangement from thousands of miles away. The person is physically absent, but financially present. It is almost as if we have discovered how to export pensioners without exporting the pension. And apparently, the word has spread. Relatives are now encouraging overseasbased family members to come home, register and get their piece of the action. We have always had family reunions in Guyana. Now we may have pension reunions, where the conversation revolves around the best bank to use and whether the passport officer is asking too many questions. The numbers, however, are no laughing matter. At September 30, 2009, there were 42,666 persons receiving old-age pensions, costing approximately $2.419 billion. By 2025,
Dem Boys Seh...
Every Queen gat a Kingmaker Dem boys seh nowadays, if yuh want know who is a heroine in Guyana, doh bother look pun de battlefield. Just open Facebook! Every day, a new set of queens emerging. One buying a car, another building a house, and a next one talking bout how God bless she and how she achieve everything through hard work and determination. Dem does post up dem picture beside dem car, in front of dem house, and sometimes in dem new kitchen, looking like dem just win a Nobel Prize in economics. Dem boys ain’t begrudge nobody success. If yuh work hard and get through, yuh deserve a medal. But some of dem success stories got more chapters than a soap opera. When yuh start skinning up de files, yuh sometimes discover that behind de independent woman is a very dependable fairy godfather. He ain’t waving no magic wand. He waving a wad of money! And while Cinderella does lose she slipper at midnight, some of these modern-day princesses does lose all memory of who paying de bills. Dem does talk bout being self-made, but dem foundation got somebody else’s cement. Dem boast bout buying dem own car, but dem never mention who driving de money into dem account. Dem talking bout building a house, but dem keeping de identity of de chief contractor classified like a state secret. And Facebook does applaud! Everybody clapping, sharing, and telling dem how inspirational dem is. If yuh believe
everything yuh read, every young woman in Guyana is a millionaire before thirty, and every man in de country is either a fairy godfather or looking for a job as one. But while these social media celebrities busy polishing dem halos, there are real heroines right here in Guyana who ain’t got time to pose for pictures. Dem is de mothers who stretch a small salary to feed a family, pay bills, buy school supplies, and still find money for a child who suddenly remember that tomorrow is Sports Day. Dem is de daughters who go to work all day, travelling by minibus, come home exhausted, cook, clean, care for children and elderly parents, and sometimes go to bed hungry so dem pickney can eat. Nobody giving dem a standing ovation. Nobody posting inspirational quotes bout dem sacrifices. Dem ain’t trending, but dem keeping families alive. So, hail up to dem hardworking mothers and daughters battling this high cost of living with courage, dignity, and determination. Dem don’t need a fairy godfather to make dem heroines. Dem proving every day that real greatness ain’t measured by de car in de driveway or de house in de photograph. It measured by how much yuh carry when nobody watching, and how much yuh give when yuh got barely enough for yuhself. And dem boys seh, if Facebook start giving out medals for surviving life on a small salary, half of Guyana’s mothers would need a bigger wall to hang dem all! Talk half. Leff half.
reports indicated that some 73,000 persons were receiving the benefit. Now consider the 2012 Population and Housing Census. It counted 38,319 people aged 65 and older in Guyana. Of these, 13,835 were between 65 and 69, 10,339 were between 70 and 74, and 6,908 were between 75 and 79. Another 4,079 were between 80 and 84, while 3,158 were at least 85. Even allowing for population growth, when a reported pension roll of 73,000 9a as at 2025) is compared with a census count of 38,319 9 (as at 2012) how do we account for the extraordinary difference? Years ago, when the pension roll had climbed to approximately 54,000, an AFC parliamentarian reportedly raised concerns about possible irregularities. Nothing of consequence appears to have followed. In recent times, there have also been rumours that a staff member connected with the pension system was arranging for people to be placed on the list in exchange for a month’s pension every year. And here is the irony.
Those who are exploiting the system today may be helping to destroy the very benefit they hope to enjoy tomorrow. By inflating the pension roll, they increase the burden on public finances and make it harder to protect the benefit for genuinely eligible elderly Guyanese. One day, a government faced with mounting costs might decide to restore a means test or impose additional restrictions. Then the ordinary pensioner, who spent a lifetime working, raising a family and contributing to this country, could find himself answering questions about income and assets because somebody overseas decided that a Guyanese pension was a useful addition to their monthly budget. Naturally, the truly ingenious will find another loophole. They always do. But the elderly citizen in Buxton, Bartica or BarimaWaini, who depends on that pension to buy food and medicine, may not be so fortunate. The government should therefore stop admiring the
size of the pension roll and start examining its contents. Conduct an independent forensic audit, verify eligibility, reconcile the records and prosecute fraud where evidence exists. Protect legitimate pensioners while closing the loopholes that permit abuse. Otherwise, we may soon have a pension system in which the people collecting the money are living abroad, the people financing it are living here, and the people who genuinely need it are left wondering whether there will be anything remaining for them. And somewhere in To r o n t o , a G u y a n e s e pensioner will be raising a glass to the homeland. He may have only visited a few times since migrating overseas, but he will always r e m e m b e r i t f o n d l y. Especially on pension day. (The views expressed in this article are those of the author and do not necessarily reflect the opinions of this newspaper.)
Sunday October 18, 2026
Kaieteur News
PAGE 10 UTHS
D TR
HAR
HK
BY G
LALL
H@RD TRUTHS
BY GHK LALL
EPA Director, Parsram
M
y good friend, Mr. Khemraj Parsram is at it again. Trying his hand at being a jester. He should stick to his role as Guyana's EPA Director, which is proving to be more than a handful for him. The man should collect war pay for his heroic efforts to protect Guyana's environment from the invading hordes. They may not remind of Genghis Khan's marauders out of the wilds of Manchuria, but there's an awfully uncanny resemblance to Americans and Canadians and Australians, among others of that happy brigade. Mr. Parsram, in a streak of brilliance, offered what glowed with confidence and conviction: nothing moves
forward with the uranium project until the EAB rules on non-EIA appeals. Dr. Vincent Adams wrote. Dr. Parsram responded indirectly. “The EAB will review and determine if to agree or disagree with our decision…nothing moves forward until the EAB makes its decision.” Recall what I said about Executive Director Parsram having a go at being a comedian? Well, he just proved it, didn't he? When has the EAB (Environmental Assessment Board) gone against Guyana's Environmental Protection Agency? When has the EAB summoned the nerve, found the guts, to give the thumbs down to a project favored by a foreign entity? To foreign
entities favored by PPP powers, who get superstars to do shovel work? Wherever they come from, and from the moment they work out their arrangements with the political gatekeepers (especially family related ones), the foreign explorers and operators are good to go. I hate to differ with a Guyanese saddled with such a huge role on his head and in his hands, as Mr. Parsram, but I must. What makes this public service harder is that Executive Director Parsram is of such immaculate reputation. It's more incentivizing, why I must register my difference publicly. Mr. Parsram could be forgiven for forgetting, not making the connection. Did
he forget Justice Gino Persaud, and how he was pilloried from post to post, for being honest? Which EPA with any sense left would not read the signs sent, and get in line? Which EAB is desirous of singling itself out-through objection, through disagreement, and through reversal-and opening itself for the mark of a subversive? The Justice Gino Persaud development (a case of rotten Guyanese and American eggs [official ones]) was and is more than about some stupid ass visa revision. It was intended as a warning. And a line drawn: those who lack a certain kind of understanding, those short of the required degree of local wisdom, ways will be found to beat both understanding and wisdom into their stubborn heads. For fairness, and for the r e c o r d , t h i s acknowledgement is published. The EAB in its
membership is made up of Guyanese who know the stakes, who know how the system works, who know how the game is played. C'mon, Mr. Parsram, those stalwarts are not going to rock any boats. What and have another Barima, a bloodless, boatless, one! Mr. Parsram should know better. He knows enough to know not to make speeches that fall apart, even under the friendliest scrutiny. I appreciate that he is under pressure, has to say something if only to sound authoritative, as if he knows of that which he speaks. Remember also, that he has to find ways to earn his war pay. He knows of the political wars declared against Guyana's public servants. Which Police commander will be a hero and sacrifice himself to save a damsel in
distress? Which High Court judge (or magistrate) will go against the sensitive, deciding, showstopping ones? A n d l a s t , f o r M r. Parsram's continuing education: which EAB will pull the trigger and detonate that uranium setup? The EPA boss serves his own interests better when he keeps the rubberstamp and stamp pad close. He must leave the funny stuff to those who can be both funny and d e a d l y s e r i o u s simultaneously. The views expressed in this article are those of the author and do not necessarily reflect the opinions of this newspaper
Sunday October 18, 2026
Kaieteur News
PAGE 01 EGA 11 P Anthony Paul
Article 7, Part II: When the Strategy Changes Midstream: Who Pays for What Is Left Behind? Guyana's changing gas picture shows why strategy must adapt without turning today's assumptions into tomorrow's liabilities
Part I examined one way an integrated gas programme can fall out of step: the individual projects do not arrive together. Since then, two developments have illustrated another challenge. Sometimes the underlying resource picture itself changes while Government is considering the infrastructure, industries and contracts that will depend upon it. Reuters reported this week that ExxonMobil and its Stabroek partners estimate that approximately 2 billion cubic feet per day of gas may ultimately be required for reinjection to sustain oil-production targets. Sources told Reuters that this could cause Guyana to reduce a proposed 6 million tonne-per-year LNG project, perhaps initially to 3 million tonnes, or defer part of the export programme while giving priority to domestic power and industrial uses. No final decision has been reported. Almost simultaneously, another piece of the resource picture moved in the opposite direction. Exxon's head of exploration told Energy Intelligence that the company had made what he described as a “big discovery” in the central Stabroek Block several weeks earlier. Appraisal and production testing are continuing before a development proposal is submitted. If developed, it could become the tenth Stabroek development. The public information available so far does not establish how much of the discovery is oil, gas or condensate, or how much gas might eventually be commercially available. Exxon's Exploration Push Gains Ground From Gabon to Azerbaijan.pdf One development may constrain the gas available
for sale. The other may e v e n t u a l l y e n l a rg e t h e resource base. Neither can yet be translated simply into firm gas available for LNG, power or petrochemicals. That is precisely why Guyana needs resource orchestration rather than a collection of individual projects. The molecule may already have a job underground A gas discovery is not the same thing as gas available for sale. In an oil reservoir, gas may be needed for pressure maintenance, reinjection or other reservoir-management purposes that protect oil recovery. The value of that molecule may therefore be greater underground, at least temporarily, than if it were immediately sent ashore or exported. The first allocation decision is consequently not LNG versus electricity versus fertiliser. It may be production versus reinjection. This does not mean that Exxon's estimate should automatically determine n a t i o n a l s t r a t e g y. T h e operator properly has to optimise reservoir performance and the commercial value of its developments. Government, as resource owner, has a different obligation: it must understand independently why particular reinjection volumes are required, what incremental oil recovery they support, how those requirements change through time, what alternatives exist, and how new developments such as Longtail, Haimara or later discoveries alter the portfolio. Longtail is already under Government review as the first Stabroek development centred heavily on gas, with start-up proposed for 2030, while the gas-rich Haimara development is progressing through the regulatory process for the early 2030s. The question is therefore not simply, “How much gas has Guyana discovered?” It is: How much gas can reliably leave the reservoirs,
when, for how long, and without sacrificing greater value elsewhere in the petroleum system? Strategy should change when the evidence changes Changing a plan is not necessarily evidence that the original plan was wrong. Petroleum development proceeds through progressively better in f o r matio n . We lls ar e drilled. Reservoir models change. Production performance reveals things that seismic data and appraisal wells could not establish perfectly beforehand. New discoveries create options that did not previously exist. Good strategy must therefore be neither rigid nor disposable. It must be durable enough to support long-lived investments, but adaptable enough to change when geology, markets, economics or national
priorities change. The difficulty is that infrastructure and contracts become progressively harder to change. An LNG facility, second pipeline, power plant or petrochemical complex may require commitments decades before the final molecule is produced. Investors require confidence about feedstock. Lenders require contracts. Pipeline capacity has to be sized. Industrial sites, ports and utilities may have to be developed. This creates an important sequencing principle: uncertain resources should not be converted prematurely into inflexible commitments. Government does not need perfect knowledge before acting; that would paralyse development. It does need decision gates at which the evidence
supporting the next commitment is tested. As uncertainty reduces, commitments can become firmer. Programme management then becomes a way of preserving options while the resource picture evolves. The questions become practical: What level of resource assurance supports the proposed LNG scale? Which commitments can be phased? Which contracts remain conditional upon gas availability? Who bears volume risk if reservoir requirements change? What happens to a pipeline or industrial investment if expected gas arrives later, or in smaller volumes, than initially forecast? These are not reasons to delay indefinitely. They are reasons to understand what becomes difficult to undo at each stage. When change comes
after commitment Trinidad and Tobago's Alutrint experience illustrates the harder case: strategy changes after several parts of the supporting programme have already moved forward. The proposed aluminium smelter at La Brea formed part of a broader industriald e v e l o p m e n t s t r a t e g y. Before the project was abandoned, supporting infrastructure and commercial arrangements were already progressing. Construction of the smelter itself had also encountered environmental and legal challenges before the 2010 change of government, so its discontinuation should not be reduced simply to politics. The associated Trinidad Generation Unlimited power plant, however, demonstrates how (Continued on page 44)
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Sunday Monday October May18, 02,2026 2022
Women's Commission slams police over failure to remand Seeram – says handling of domestic violence case undermines public confidence in justice system The Women and Gender Equality Commission (WGEC) has condemned what it described as a “flagrant disregard” for the judicial process following the failure of the Guyana Police Force to execute court orders to remand government official Daniel Seeram to prison after his conviction for assaulting his former spouse. In a statement issued on Friday, the Commission, through its Chairperson, Indranie Chandarpal, said the handling of the matter undermines public confidence in the justice system and raises serious questions about equality before the law. Seeram was convicted on October 5, 2026, for assaulting his former spouse and causing actual bodily harm during an incident on September 11, 2023. He was ordered remanded to prison
pending sentencing, which is scheduled for November 2, 2026. According to the Commission, Seeram
applied for bail, arguing, among other things, that his remand would interfere with his work because he has weekly meetings with his supervisor. The Magistrate denied the application and issued a warrant for the police to hand him over to
the Guyana Prison Service. H o w e v e r, t h e Commission said the police failed to execute the order, despite such transfers being
a routine part of their duties. Seeram subsequently approached the High Court through his attorney, seeking judicial review of the Magistrate's authority to remand him.The Commission said media reports indicated that the
State was represented by the Deputy Solicitor General from the Attorney General's Chambers in support of Seeram's challenge to the Magistrate's ruling. It noted that it is customary for the State to represent the judicial officer in such proceedings, adding that, in this case, the Magistrate was not afforded the right of reply. The High Court ultimately upheld the Magistrate's ruling. However, the Commission said it was particularly troubled that the police again failed to comply with the court's order to place Seeram in custody with urgency. “The Women & Gender Equality Commission is astonished and distressed at the flagrant disregard for established Judicial process,” Chandarpal stated. The Commission said that, for more than 15 years,
Daniel Seeram it has worked throughout Guyana to educate the public, particularly women, that intimate partner violence and all forms of family violence must not be tolerated and that p er p etr ato r s s h o u ld b e brought before the courts. It said the Commission has consistently sought to assure the public that the State and Judiciary are equipped and prepared to respond to complaints and incidents of violence. However, the handling of Seeram's case, it argued, threatens to undermine those efforts and reinforces the perception that justice is not equally accessible to all. The Commission said the public nature of the case, coupled with Seeram's position as a senior government officer, has heightened concerns about whether the law is being applied equally. “This case unfortunately, puts all of this into question and reinforces the view that justice is not for all,” the Commission stated, adding that the situation could be characterised as a “mockery” of the judicial process.It further warned that the circumstances could deepen the reluctance of victims of abuse to seek justice, particularly where alleged perpetrators occupy positions of power or are perceived to enjoy the backing of influential persons. “The beating of one's spouse is a serious matter,” the Commission said. It called on the relevant agencies involved in the matter to explain the rationale for their actions, given their respective mandates. Following days of public scrutiny and silence from State officials, the Guyana Prison Service last week Saturday night confirmed
that Seeram was transferred to the Camp Street penitentiary. Seeram's lawyer, Nigel Hughes also confirmed that the former Region Four Chairman is in jail. Speaking with Kaieteur News, Hughes addressed the controversy surrounding the execution of the judicial remand order, confirming that Seeram is serving his pre-sentencing detention within a prison facility in accordance with the rulings of both the Magistrate's Court and the High Court. The confirmation had followed a week of speculation ignited when public commentators, media reports, and opposition figures highlighted delays and official silence surrounding Seeram's transfer from police detention into the correctional system. Seeram was convicted by Magistrate Abigail Gibbs at the Sparendaam Magistrate's Court for assault causing actual bodily harm. The conviction stemmed from a September 11, 2023 domestic violence incident involving his former wife. Upon delivering the verdict, Magistrate Gibbs ordered Seeram remanded to prison pending his sentencing, scheduled for November 2. In response to the magistrate's order, Hughes immediately mounted an urgent High Court application for judicial review seeking presentencing bail. However, High Court Judge Joy Persaud Singh dismissed the motion, ruling that Magistrate Gibbs acted lawfully and within her jurisdiction. Justice Singh's decision explicitly reinforced the lower court's directive for Seeram to remain in prison custody. Seeram's formal sentencing hearing is on November 2.
T N U L B . . . T B N U T L N T B . U . L . L T B . N . U . N U T L N B . U . T . L N T U N B . N U . . L U L LUNT B . T . . T T N N B U B . U . L . L T B . B . . N . . . T T LU N N T U U L N L B U . B . . L . . . T B Jagdeo’s warning T . . N . N T U L N LU B U . . L N . T B U . . L N . T B U . . L N . T B U . . L N . T B U . . L N . N T B . . U N . L T U B L N . . B . U . . T L . N T B . . U N . L N T B U N . . L . U T B L . . N B . . . T U . L N T B U . . L . UN T B U . . L N . T B U . . L N . T B U . . L N . T B U . . L N B U U .BLUNT. . . L . T B . . N . T U . L N . T B U . UN .BLUNT.. UNT...BL T...BL . L N . T B U . . L LUN ...BLUNT. LUNT...B NT...BL T B U . . L N . T B U . . L N . T B B U . . L N . T B U . . L N . T B U . . L N . T B U . . L N . T B B U . . L N . T B U . . L N . T B U . . L N . T B U BBL T...BLUN BLUNT... ...BLU . T . N . N T T U L U N L B U T...BLU U B . L . N . B T . . . N T U N N N L U U U B L . L B T LUNT.. UNT...B BL B Sunday October 18, 2026
Kaieteur News
Vice President Bharrat Jagdeo's warning that the PPP/C and PNCR risk extinction may be less about political evolution and more about the threat posed by WIN's emergence. With WIN displacing the PNCR as the main opposition, the old political order faces an unprecedented challenge. Jagdeo's call for the two traditional parties to move beyond racial politics and cooperate could therefore be read as a strategy to preserve their dominance and prevent WIN from consolidating its gains. His reminder that the PNCR emerged from the PPP's political tradition adds an intriguing dimension to his appeal.
For a PNCR battered by electoral decline, cooperation with the PPP could offer a lifeline, but at what cost? The party risks surrendering more ground if it cannot rebuild independently. Yet, with young voters rejecting inherited loyalties, any alliance designed principally to contain WIN could backfire. The electorate, not the old parties, will decide Guyana's political future.
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Sunday October 18, 2026
Govt. moves to restrict vape imports ...cites danger to children ...Pres. Ali says only health authorities will be able to approve exceptions for medicinal, other legitimate uses President Irfaan Ali on Saturday night announced plans to restrict the importation of all types of vaping products into Guyana, citing growing concerns over their widespread and unregulated use, particularly among children and young people. In a statement delivered via his Facebook page, President Ali said Finance Minister, Dr. Ashni Singh would soon sign an order under the Customs Act, Chapter 82:01, imposing the restrictions, with exceptions requiring approval from the Minister of Health, the National Tobacco Control Council or the Tobacco Control Board, as specified in the order. The President said the measure was intended to
address the growing public health risks associated with vaping while allowing legitimate medicinal, therapeutic and alternative applications to continue under the supervision of the relevant health authorities. “This measure is necessary in light of growing concerns over the widespread and unregulated importation, sale, and use of vapes and vaping products in Guyana,” the Guyanese leader said. He added that the Government had a responsibility to protect public health, particularly the well-being of children and young people, and to ensure that products posing potential risks to consumers were subjected to appropriate oversight. He said the decision followed
engagements with parents, teachers, children, religious leaders and other members of society who had expressed concern about the increasing use of vaping products. He warned that vaping products were not harmless, despite often being marketed as alternatives to conventional cigarettes. The President pointed to concerns about exposure to toxic substances, nicotine addiction, respiratory problems and the potential effects on the mental health and brain development of children and adolescents. “Vaping with all of the other alternative substances is negatively affecting our children and young people,” he said. Ali also highlighted the
risks associated with exposure during pregnancy, noting that the potential consequences extended beyond immediate health concerns. He warned that the easy availability of vaping products could expose children and teenagers to risks at an early age, including in the school system. “The absence of complete knowledge about those long-term effects must not be mistaken for evidence of safety,” the President said. P r e s i d e n t A l i u rg e d parents, teachers, religious leaders and community leaders to educate young people about the dangers associated with vaping, particularly products containing additives. He said the Government had received concerns from teachers, parents and children about the use and misuse of vaping products among teenagers and, in some instances, younger children in schools. The President acknowledged that
some vaping products were promoted as alternatives to conventional cigarettes and nicotine products, and that certain technologies might have medicinal or therapeutic applications. However, he stressed that such uses would have to be assessed and approved by the relevant health authorities. “The decision on the qualification has to be done at the level of the Tobacco Control Board,” he said. According to the President, the restrictions are primarily intended to address the importation of vaping products for recreational use, without preventing legitimate applications that health authorities deem necessary and appropriate. He said the move formed part of a broader international effort to strengthen regulation of vaping products, adding that several countries had already imposed restrictions on their importation and distribution.
President Irfaan Ali President Ali maintained that the Government was seeking to protect children, schools, families and communities while ensuring that any permitted use of vaping products remained subject to established laws, regulations and medical standards. “We have to protect our children, we have to protect our schools, we have to protect our society,” he said. The President described the announcement as a response to concerns raised across Guyanese society and said the Government had a duty to take measures to address emerging public health challenges. The order is expected to establish the restrictions and the framework under which exceptions may be granted by the designated health authorities.
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Sunday October 18, 2026
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Opposition leader says ...as new video surfaces of fearful for life confrontation with police F
Missing child, Orlando Jaikarran
ollowing his release from police lockups on Friday, Opposition Leader Azruddin Mohamed has vehemently denounced a late-night shooting incident on Barr Street, Kitty, labeling it a premeditated assassination attempt. His allegations were further detailed and supported by former Assistant Police Commissioner Paul Slowe on his show, SPEAKING OUT EXPOSING CORRUPTION AND INCOMPETENCE (Season 5, Episode 122, aired October 16, 2026), where Slowe characterised the government's narrative as a complete setup. Speaking to reporters outside the courthouse immediately after securing bail, Mohamed detailed the sequence of events that led him into the Kitty area on Monday night. He explained that his journey began after receiving a call around 10:00 p.m. from two parents regarding an incident at Ramakrishna Primary School on Middleton Street, Kitty, where a faulty school gate had fallen onto two children, ages six and seven. Mohamed stated that the children suffered severe injuries, noting that they are yet to receive any scans or MRIs despite concerns of internal head injuries, causing them to miss a week of school. He called on Minister
Assistant Commissioner Paul Slowe
Sonia Parag to ensure the faulty gate is fixed, explaining that he decided to take a drive along Middleton Street to observe the issue firsthand before a scheduled morning meeting with the parents. According to Mohamed, as his vehicle traveled along Barr Street at a normal speed of 40 to 60 kilometers per hour, heading down from Vlissengen Road, he noticed two idling vehicles with their lights and engines on, parked near the residence of Senior Superintendent Prem Narine, whom Mohamed identified as a witness in an ongoing extradition matter. Mohamed stated that after driving past down to Middleton Street, his group decided not to stop by the vehicles and turned back. As they returned, Narine jumped out near the stoplight and opened fire on his vehicle without provocation. "I put my hands in the air.
I said, 'Prem, what is the matter with you?' And pow, pow, pow, about four to five shots were aimed to my direction," Mohamed recounted. "The people of this country understand what happened as yet, you know. They don't understand what happened. This is exactly what happened... I am concerned for my safety. Because the manner in which Prem jumped out of that vehicle was to kill…” Mohamed alleged that he is under constant surveillance, claiming that Special Branch units track his every move from his home in Houston and that Narine possesses direct access to live CCTV camera feeds on his phone alongside police walkie-talkies. Mohamed further raised concerns about the misuse of state resources, pointing to police vehicle PAM 8500 and four uniformed officers stationed 24 hours a day
outside the Aiden Hotel on Robb Street. Meanwhile, analysing the case on his October 16 broadcast, Slowe delivered a scathing critique of the police press release and the government's narrative. Slowe dismissed the official version of events, which claimed that Narine heard a shot, took cover, and returned fire, as "fanciful, nonsensical, absurd, ridiculous, preposterous, senseless, and foolish, all rolled up in one." He mocked the wording of the official police release, which stated that Narine heard "what appeared to be a gunshot" rather than what sounded like one, asking how a gunshot gets an "appearance" and questioning how hearing an unverified noise could ever justify opening fire on a passing vehicle. Slowe highlighted major ballistics and physical impossibilities in the state's account, noting that if Mohamed's vehicle was driving past, physics dictates that any return fire from someone taking cover would hit the rear or back windscreen of a moving car, rather than the right side near the front wheel. Furthermore, Slowe analysed the recovery of a .32 casing from the open roadway, explaining that when a semi-automatic weapon is discharged, the extractor and ejector mechanism throws the empty casing to the right and
Berbice child still missing; three in police custody The Guyana Police Force on Saturday reported that ranks in Regional Division No. 5 are continuing efforts to locate missing child Orlando Jaikarran of Bath, West Coast Berbice. “On Friday, October 16, 2026, police ranks conducted searches at several locations in the Bath, West Coast Berbice area, including surrounding backlands, as part of the ongoing investigation. Despite these efforts, the child has not yet been located,” the police stated. The Force further disclosed that three persons are currently in police
custody as investigations and search efforts continue. The Bath Primary School, in a Facebook post on Thursday, October 15, appealed for the public's urgent assistance in locating Orlando, who was last known to be at his residence. “His family is extremely worried and is appealing to anyone who may have seen him or has any information about his whereabouts to please come forward,” the school stated. Anyone with information that could assist in locating the child is asked to contact the school at (592) 720-5228.
Azruddin Mohamed, Leader of the Opposition
slightly to the rear. Slowe noted that for a casing from a gun fired inside a car with intact windows to land on the street, the shooter would have had to extend their hand completely outside the vehicle window, exposing the entire claim as fabricated. Reviewing available video footage from the scene, Slowe observed that Mohamed's vehicle passed at a fairly good speed rather than driving slowly as alleged by police, while a parked pickup truck with its parklights on failed to respond for a full 22 seconds after the car passed. Slowe emphasized that despite several days passing since the Monday night incident, the police have failed to release a single frame of official CCTV footage from the heavily
monitored area to corroborate their story. Slowe also slammed the police handling of the vehicle and the sudden recovery of a firearm, pointing out that after police intercepted the vehicle at Vlissengen Road and Sandy Bob Street, they failed to conduct a standard tactical search on the spot or cordoned off the area. Instead, the vehicle was driven to Kitty Police Station by an unknown officer. Slowe questioned how an officer could drive the vehicle to the station without noticing a pistol right at his feet, only for a firearm containing four rounds to "appear" under the accelerator pedal after senior officers arrived and defense attorney Siand Dujon turned his back for just 10 seconds. Reflecting on the legal proceedings, Slowe detailed the bureaucratic hurdles faced during the bail process, where bail was set at $250,000 for each of the three charges, possession of arms, possession of ammunition, and perverting the course of justice, totaling nine charges across the individuals involved. Slowe explained that court procedures strictly require manager's cheques for bail amounts over $150,000, noting that administrative delays (or "Maximum Administrative Delay") are frequently weaponised to ensure individuals are forced to spend the weekend in custody at Camp Street or Lusignan Prison. Mohamed has reiterated the grave threat to his personal security and his capacity to function as Opposition Leader.
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Sunday October 18, 2026
Returning dead left baking in sun on CJIA tarmac for four hours The body on the CJIA tarmac
...airport to probe claims by family to deteriorate. According to the family, clearance was not initiated until passengers and cargo from three flights had been discharged. After waiting for approximately four hours, one of Lall's relatives reportedly had to contact an acquaintance at Customs to help expedite the clearance process. However, even after the remains were cleared, the family encountered another obstacle, claiming that they could not find a forklift operator to assist with removing the body from the tarmac and transferring it to the waiting hearse. Unlike some major international airports, CJIA does not have a designated area for storing human
remains after they are removed from arriving aircraft. CJIA, however, has mandated that all stakeholders and agencies operating at the airport and its terminals give priority to the handling of arriving human remains. Under the airport's policy, the clearance and transfer process should begin immediately upon arrival to ensure an efficient and timely handover. The circumstances surrounding the delay have raised questions about whether the airline and ground-handling agency followed the established procedures. CJIA officials told Kaieteur News yesterday that they had only learnt of
the incident when the newspaper raised the matter. They noted that the airport regularly holds meetings with stakeholders
to ensure efficient service delivery. Following the concerns raised, CJIA said it would investigate the matter, while
noting that the airline and ground-handling agency would have to r e s p o n d t o t h e allegations.
MP wants livestreaming of MV Barima COI hearing M
ember of Parliament and Leader of the Forward Guyana Movement, Amanza Walton, has issued a formal appeal to the Chairman and Members of the Commission of Inquiry into the capsizing and sinking of the M/V Barima, calling on the panel to immediately reverse its decision prohibiting the livestreaming of public hearings at the Arthur Chung Conference Centre. In a letter addressed to the Commission, Walton argued that restricting proceedings to physical attendees severely disadvantages the families of victims, many of whom reside in remote Region One communities such as Port Kaituma and Mabaruma, as well as the wider Guyanese public and diaspora. "While the Commission has opened its proceedings to members of the public who wish to attend, public access must be practical and not merely theoretical," Walton stated. "Many of the families directly affected reside in Region One. For them, attendance involves considerable travel, accommodation expenses, lost earnings, and disruption to family life... No family should be forced to choose between its livelihood and hearing how its loved ones died." The Parliamentarian emphasized that livestreaming would disclose no testimony that a citizen seated inside the hearing room cannot already hear. She noted that relying solely on physical attendance risks reinforcing public suspicion and undermining trust in the inquiry's transparency. To demonstrate feasibility within the region, Walton-Desir pointed to the recent maritime Commission of Inquiry in Saint Lucia regarding the fatal Anse Cochon collision, which made its proceedings
Amanza Walton, MP
T
he Cheddi Jagan International Airport (CJIA) is investigating concerns raised by relatives of a deceased man who claimed that his remains were left in the sun on the airport's tarmac for approximately four hours. The deceased, identified as Omadatt Lall, arrived in Guyana on Caribbean Airlines flight BW527 at around 10:50 a.m. last Wednesday, according to his relatives. They claimed that his remains were left exposed to the sun while a hearse from a funeral parlour waited to collect the body. The relatives said the prolonged delay had left them concerned that the remains had already begun
accessible online. She suggested that the Commission could implement standard safeguards, such as a short broadcast delay or temporary suspension of transmission for sensitive testimony, rather than enforcing an outright prohibition on broadcasting. “The families of the MV Barima have already paid a price no family should ever pay," Walton-Desir wrote. "They should not be made to pay again simply to hear the truth." The Commission of Inquiry, convened to investigate the fatal maritime disaster, is currently conducting its sessions at Liliendaal, East Coast Demerara. The panel has not yet issued an official response to the letter.
Sunday October 18, 2026
g tin ... s ere tures t n I ea Cr
T
he Amazon Pink River Dolphin (Inia Geoffrensis) is one of the most distinctive mammals of South America. Found across six countries in the Amazon and Orinoco basins, the species has been studied for over two decades by researchers at the Mamirauá Reserve in Brazil, who individually identified more than 650 animals over a 25-year period. Its biology is remarkable: an unfused neck that turns 180 degrees, a diet covering more than 53 fish species, a long curved beak with molar-like teeth, and a body that shifts from grey at birth to bright pink in adulthood. The species has been classified as endangered on the IUCN Red List since 2018, with populations declining roughly 50% over 75 years. PlanetaEXO, an ecotourism platform specializing in Amazon Rainforest tours in Brazil, put together a list of 10 fascinating facts about the Amazon Pink River Dolphin. The Amazon Pink Dolphin inhabits the rivers of six South American countries: Bolivia, Brazil, Colombia, Ecuador, Peru, a n d Ve n e z u e l a — a freshwater range covering approximately 7 million km², according to the Animal Diversity Web (University of Michigan). The species lives in the Orinoco and Amazon River basins, including major tributaries like the Solimões, Negro, Madeira, Tocantins, Araguaia, and Putumayo. The species is also entirely freshwater, as they never enter salt water and are found thousands of kilometers from the sea. But where do pink river dolphins live? They occupy main river channels in the dry season and move into the flooded forest (várzea) during the wet season, when water levels rise up to 10–12 meters and submerge vast areas of the rainforest. Amazon waters are murky year-round, so the dolphin relies on biosonar rather than vision, emitting a high frequency that clicks through an organ on its forehead called the melon, which acts as an acoustic lens to focus sound. According to One Earth, the species can produce 30 to 80 clicks per second when locating prey, and the echoes return through the dolphin’s
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AMAZING FACTS ABOUT THE
The Amazon River Pink Dolphin is one of the most distinctive mammals of South America.
A pink river dolphin swimming just beneath the dark surface of an Amazon River, its body glowing reddish through the water.
lower jawbone to the inner ear. A 2017 study published in Science Direct found that echolocation click parameters (peak frequency, bandwidth, and inter-click interval) differ significantly across dolphin populations in the Orinoco, Madeira, Xingu, and Araguaia basins, suggesting different evolutionary lineages. River dolphins use shorter-range, loweramplitude clicks than their marine cousins, an adaptation to shallow waters with high acoustic clutter from submerged vegetation. Amazon pink river dolphin males can reach 2.55 meters in length and 207 kg (averaging 2.32 m and 154 kg), while females are smaller, up to 2.18 m and 154 kg. This makes the boto the largest of all river dolphins worldwide, beating the Ganges, Indus, Yangtze, and La Plata species. It is also one of the most sexually dimorphic cetaceans, with males being 16% longer and 55% heavier than females. Interestingly, it is also one of the rare river dolphin species where males are larger than females—in other species, females are usually the bigger sex. Researchers Martin and da Silva, in their 2006 study published in Marine Mammal Science, linked this dimorphism to malemale competition and territorial fighting. Why are Amazon River Dolphins pink? It’s a combination of several factors. They are actually born grey and gradually turn pink as their skin becomes thinner and translucent, allowing the blood capillaries near the surface to show through. The colour is also linked to thermoregulation, scarring from social fights, water chemistry (especially iron content), and water temperature. Adult males tend to be significantly pinker than females as a result of aggressive male-tomale combat, which causes
scarring that, add to the pink hue over time.
Like a human face flushing red, their skin can
also temporarily turn bright pink when the animal is excited, exerting itself, or in social interaction. Some
adults are nearly white, others almost entirely pink, and no two individuals look the same.
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Kaieteur News
Sunday October 18, 2026
Syesha Fraser With a passion for pageantry that began at a tender age, Guyanese beauty queen, Syesha Fraser continues to embrace opportunities to grow, express herself, and showcase her talents. This belle is the proud titleholder of Miss Guyana Teen with Purpose 2026 and will represent Guyana in December at the Haynes Smith Miss Caribbean Talented Teen pageant in St. Kitts. Beyond pageantry, she enjoys dancing, sewing, and designing, which allows her to explore her creativity and individuality. Syesha's favourite quote is from Mahatma Gandhi, which says, “Live as if you were to die tomorrow. Learn as if you were to live forever.”
Kaieteur News
Sunday October 18, 2026
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The Caribbean “Too Rich for Help”: When Will the Fiction End? By Sir Ronald Sanders On 14 October, IMF Managing Director Kristalina Georgieva warned that higher borrowing costs, falling development assistance and other economic pressures threaten to widen the distance between advanced and developing economies. She appealed for additional resources for the Fund’s Poverty Reduction and G r o w t h Tr u s t a n d i t s Catastrophe Containment and Relief Trust, which assist low-income and particularly vulnerable countries. That appeal deserves support. The poorest countries should not be abandoned. But the discussion must also include countries whose vulnerability is obscured by their designation as middleincome or even high-income economies. Several Caribbean states fall into these categories. Their income classifications say something about their economies, but far less about their capacity to withstand a major disaster or a prolonged collapse in earnings. This is hardly a new argument. As far back as October 2009, I wrote about Caribbean leaders who attended the IMF and World Bank meetings in Turkey seeking relief and restructuring for the debt of vulnerable, middle-income countries. The late David Thompson, then Barbados Prime Minister, explained that restricted access to World Bank funding had pushed countries towards private borrowing at higher interest rates and with shorter repayment periods. Seventeen years later, the region is still having to make the case that the terms on which countries borrow can determine whether they develop or spend years struggling to meet payments. There has been progress, and it should be acknowledged. T h e Wo r l d B a n k ’s International Development Association makes provision for some small economies above its normal income t h r e s h o l d . T h e I M F ’s Resilience and Sustainability Trust also provides longerterm financing for eligible vulnerable middle-income countries and small developing states. These arrangements are important departures from a system
that relied too heavily on income alone. However, eligibility for a particular facility does not settle the larger question of whether a country can obtain sufficient financing, on suitable terms, when it needs it. Nor does a new loan remove the burden of existing debt. For Caribbean people, that burden has practical consequences. Money committed to debt payments cannot also purchase medical equipment, improve schools or repair water systems. When governments have little room to spend, necessary work is postponed. Roads deteriorate, public services struggle and opportunities for young people diminish. The consequences extend beyond government budgets. Businesses depend on reliable electricity, functioning ports, good roads and workers with the skills their enterprises require. A government unable to finance these services will find it harder to support the economic activity from which future revenue must come. Debt can therefore weaken the very capacity needed to repay it. None of this excuses careless borrowing, wasteful expenditure or poor administration. Caribbean governments owe their people transparent accounts, sound procurement, competent debt management and investments that can w i t h s t a n d s c r u t i n y. Borrowing for projects with doubtful benefits places an unfair obligation on future taxpayers. The region’s case is stronger when governments demonstrate that they are managing public money responsibly. But even the bestmanaged small state cannot prevent a hurricane, control international oil prices or stop a recession in the countries from which its visitors arrive. Nor can it spread those risks across the range of industries and markets available to a much larger economy. Consider a country whose hotels, roads, electricity network and homes suffer extensive damage in a single storm. Its government faces urgent expenditure just as tax receipts decline. It must restore essential services and help people recover their livelihoods while continuing to meet obligations incurred before the disaster. An income figure
calculated before the storm offers little guidance on what that government can now afford. There is also a distinction between borrowing to create new productive assets and borrowing to replace what has been destroyed. Replacing a bridge may restore an essential connection, but it does not necessarily create the additional income needed to service another loan. Repeated reconstruction can leave a country owing more simply to recover the standard of living it previously enjoyed. International financing arrangements must take account of this reality. The United Nations General Assembly adopted the Multidimensional Vulnerability Index (MVI) in August 2024. Antigua and Barbuda’s Prime Minister, Gaston Browne, co-chaired the UN High-Level Panel that developed it, alongside Norway’s former Prime Minister, Erna Solberg. The index provides a fuller assessment of countries’ vulnerability to external shocks and their structural capacity to withstand them. That work should inform actual financing decisions, including access, interest rates and repayment periods. Recognition of vulnerability is of limited use if it leaves the terms of borrowing untouched. There should also be wider provision for suspending debt payments after major disasters, allowing governments to direct scarce resources towards immediate recovery. Such arrangements should be agreed before emergencies occur, when there is time to settle the terms properly. Where repeated disasters have contributed substantially to unsustainable debt, creditors should be prepared to examine restructuring and relief. Grants and deeply concessional finance should carry a greater share of the cost of adaptation and disaster recovery. Caribbean governments and regional institutions have already done substantial work to advance this case. Barbados’ Bridgetown Initiative, the MVI, and the Caribbean Development Bank’s collaboration with other development banks on debt and resilience financing demonstrate serious regional effort. These initiatives require
decisions by international governments and institutions with the power to change financing rules and provide resources. Caribbean countries can develop proposals, supply evidence and negotiate persistently. They cannot, by themselves, secure changes that depend on the agreement of major shareholders and creditors. The forthcoming Commonwealth Heads of Government Meeting in
Antigua and Barbuda offers an opportunity to press influential governments for specific commitments to advance these proposals within in ter n atio n al f in an cial institutions. The people of small Caribbean island-states need financing arrangements that give them a reasonable chance to build, recover and advance. An income classification should help explain a country’s circumstances. It
Sir Ronald Sanders should never become an excuse for ignoring them. (The writer is Antigua and Barbuda Ambassador to the US and the OAS and Chair of the Inter-American Council for Integral Development. The views expressed are his own)
Sunday October 18, 2026
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WEEK-IN-REVIEW SUNDAY Close to US$1B flowed into oil account in September G u y a n a ’s N a t u r a l Resource Fund (NRF) or its oil account in September received close to one billion US-dollars, resembling earnings from the previous month. According to the receipt published by the Bank of Guyana (BoG), the country received a whopping US$768 million last month in profit oil. The document does not specify how many barrels were produced and sold during the month. It however details a withdrawal from the account by the GoG amounting to US$200M or GYD$41.7B in September. C o n s e q u e n t l y, t h e closing balance at the end of S e p t e m b e r w a s approximately US$5.5B. R e a d m o r e : https://kaieteurnewsonline.c om/2026/10/11/close-tous1b-flowed-into-oilaccount-in-september/ ‘Seeram in Camp St. jail’ – Prison authorities confirm
Daniel Seeram Following days of public scrutiny and silence from State officials, the Guyana Prison Service last night confirmed that National Border Patrol Director, Daniel Seeram was transferred to the Camp Street penitentiary Friday night. Seeram’s lawyer, Nigel Hughes also confirmed that the former Region Four Chairman is in jail. Speaking with Kaieteur News, Hughes addressed the controversy surrounding the execution of the judicial remand order, confirming that Seeram is serving his pre-sentencing detention within a prison facility in accordance with the rulings of both the Magistrate’s Court and the High Court.
The confirmation follows a week of speculation ignited when public commentators, media reports, and opposition figures highlighted delays and official silence s u r r o u n d i n g S e e r a m ’s transfer from police detention into the correctional system. Seeram was convicted by Magistrate Abigail Gibbs at the Sparendaam Magistrate’s Court for assault causing actual bodily harm. R e a d m o r e : https://kaieteurnewsonline.c om/2026/10/11/seeram-incamp-st-jail-prisonauthorities-confirm/ MONDAY After US$2.4B in gold asset deals, G3 Goldfields eyes more Guyana claims …sold Aurora Gold Mine in 2020, Oko project in 2026 The management team involved in the discoveries of two major Guyana gold assets that were later sold at a combined US$2.4 billion is currently negotiating for additional mining claims in Guyana. G3 Goldfields Inc., was formed as a spin-out of G2 Goldfields Inc.’s remaining properties after its acquisition by fellow Canadian firm G Mining Ventures Corp. (GMIN) in July. With over 30 years of incountry experience, G3’s team is responsible for the discovery of over 11 million ounces of gold to date, which includes the Aurora Gold Mine that was acquired by AGM Inc. a subsidiary of
Sunday October 18, 2026
Zijin Mining Group Co. Ltd., a Chinese state-owned mining giant in August 2020 and the Oko-Ghanie project that was acquired by GMIN this year. R e a d m o r e : https://kaieteurnewsonline.c om/2026/10/12/after-us24b-in-gold-asset-deals-g3goldfields-eyes-moreguyana-claims/
Chart showing the oil exported during the first six months of 2026 versus Guyana’s earnings.
Karimbaksh challenges compulsory preretirement leave, threatens legal action
Fazil Karimbaksh Deputy Commissioner of Police and head of the Special Organised Crime Unit (SOCU), Fazil Karimbaksh, has formally contested directives from Police Commissioner Dr. Clifton Hicken compelling him to proceed on preretirement leave. Through his attorney, Rizwaun Mohamed, Karimbaksh has rejected the legal foundation of the move, warning that immediate legal proceedings will be launched if the directive is enforced without lawful authority. The dispute stems from a
letter issued by Commissioner Hicken on October 7, 2026 (reference A/OPF/760), which stated that Karimbaksh is eligible for 174 days of annualised vacation leave prior to his retirement in April 2027 and that the leave “should commence on 2026-11-08”. R e a d m o r e : https://kaieteurnewsonline.c om/2026/10/12/karimbaksh -challenges-compulsorypre-retirement-leavethreatens-legal-action/ TUESDAY US$15B in oil exported in first six months; Guyana received only US$1.9B A staggering US$15B in oil was exported from Guyana during the first months of 2026, 40% more when compared with the same period last year. The Bank of Guyana half year report for 2026 states, “Crude oil export earnings amounted to US$15,053.7 million, US$6,787.6 million higher than the same period one year ago.”
The team’s past gold assets discoveries in Guyana that were later sold for a total US$2.4 billion.
Central Bank pointed out that the increase earnings were as a result of more oil leaving the country and higher prices during the period. Kaieteur News understands that 162.4 million barrels of oil were exported during the first six m o n t h s o f t h e y e a r, compared with 116.1 million barrels one year ago – a 40% increase. Meanwhile, BoG reported, “The average export price received for crude oil also increased by 30.1 per cent or US$21.45 to US$92.68 per barrel from US$71.23 per barrel one year ago.” But while a massive US$15 billion in oil left the country in six months, Guyana only received US$1.9 billion of the earnings from the sector. R e a d m o r e : https://kaieteurnewsonline.c om/2026/10/13/us15b-inoil-exported-in-first-sixmonths-guyana-receivedonly-us1-9b/
afternoon. The deceased have been i d e n t i f i e d a s To i s h a Andrews, who resided at Block 22 Squatting Area, and Anthony Kellon Malachi Cato, a 10-day worker of Phase Three, Murphy Street, Amelia’s Ward, Linden. R e a d m o r e : https://kaieteurnewsonline.c om/2026/10/13/linden-manshoots-teen-girlfriend-deadthen-kills-himself/
Linden man shoots teen girlfriend dead, then kills himself
WEDNESDAY Govt. briefs U.S. Justice Dept. on Mohamed shooting incident …raises witness safety concerns The Government of Guyana has raised concerns about possible threats to witnesses in the ongoing extradition proceedings involving Opposition Leader Azruddin Mohamed, following a late-night incident Monday outside the Kitty home of a senior police officer testifying in the case. In a statement issued on Tuesday, the Government said Mohamed and two other men were allegedly filming the residence of Senior Superintendent of Police
Dead: Anthony Kellon Cato
Dead: Toisha Andrews
A 17-year-old student of t h e L i n d e n Te c h n i c a l Institute and her 21-year-old boyfriend were found dead following a suspected murder-suicide at Block 22 Squatting Area, Wismar, Linden, on Monday
Prem Narine around midnight when gunshots were fired from a vehicle in which they were travelling. The Government said Mohamed had admitted that the trio were “filming” Continued on page 23
Kaieteur News
Sunday October 18, 2026
From page 22 Narine’s home on Barr Street, Kitty, while travelling in a dark-coloured, heavilytinted car. R e a d m o r e : https://kaieteurnewsonline.c om/2026/10/14/govt-briefsu-s-justice-dept-onmohamed-shootingincident/ U.S. wants tax incentives for American firms as Exxon enjoys tax-free deal …Ambassador says U.S. companies face an “onerous and unpredictable tax regime”
THURSDAY BK seeking to hire experts to help with MV Barima salvage …still finalising plans for operation – sources A week after it was awarded a GYD $1.034 billion contract to raise the wreck of the MV Barima, BK International Inc is finalising plans to execute the project. Kaieteur News was told that the company is seeking to hire experts to help salvage the wreckage. The National Procurement and Tender Administration
During a luncheon hosted by the Guyana Manufacturing Services Association (GMSA) on Tuesday at the Marriott Hotel, Kingston, Georgetown, the US Ambassador to Guyana, Nicole Theriot told business executives, “Other US agencies also bring tools to the table. US Export Import B a n k ’s $ 5 2 7 m i l l i o n financing for the Gas-toEnergy project is supporting US equipment and engineering while expanding Guyana’s power capacity and they have
From left: GMSA President, Rafeek Khan, Minister of Tourism, Industry and Commerce, Susan Rodrigues and U.S. Ambassador to Guyana, Nicole Theriot
United States (US) Ambassador to Guyana, Nicole Theriot has called for more tax incentives and other support mechanisms to benefit American firms. The diplomat during a business luncheon on Tuesday, hosted by the Guyana Manufacturing Services and Association (GMSA), recognised efforts by the Government of Guyana (GoG) to implement tax incentives for local businesses. She however pointed out that this was one of the hurdles faced by American companies that are eager to invest in the country. During a panel discussion alongside M i n i s t e r o f To u r i s m , Industry and Commerce, Susan Rodrigues, she said, “At the US Embassy, we are inundated, when I say it, I mean it, inundated with calls from US companies who are eager to enter the Guyanese market.” R e a d m o r e : https://kaieteurnewsonline.c om/2026/10/14/u-s-wantstax-incentives-foramerican-firms-as-exxonenjoys-tax-free-deal/
Board (NPTAB) awarded the contract to the construction company last Wednesday. The selection had raised sharp questions about the technical capability of BK International, a company that previously had to rely on State-funded intervention to clear its own sunken barge from the Demerara River bed. R e a d m o r e : https://kaieteurnewsonline.c om/2026/10/15/bk-seekingto-hire-experts-to-helpwith-mv-barima-salvage/ U.S. confident Guyana will stick with American firms despite GTE delays …ambassador blames swampy Wales site for twoyear setback …says Lindsayca working around the clock to meet December deadline The United States (US) is confident that the Government of Guyana (GoG) will not be deterred from hiring American firms for future major projects despite the massive delays encountered at the Wales Gas-to-Energy (GTE) project being constructed by Lindsayca.
promised me that we will have first power in December.” R e a d m o r e : https://kaieteurnewsonline.c om/2026/10/15/u-sconfident-guyana-willstick-with-american-firmsdespite-gte-delays/ FRIDAY Guyana bids final farewell to Robert Corbin Scores of citizens converged at the grounds of Congress Place, Sophia
Georgetown as early as 8:00 am on Thursday to pay their final respects to former Leader of the Opposition, the late Robert Corbin, CCH. Corbin, an attorney who served as deputy prime minister and also leader of the PNCR passed away on Sunday October 4, 2026 after a period of illness. He was cremated on Thursday afternoon at Kaashi Dhaam, Ruimzeight West Coast Demerara after a funeral procession which started at Congress Place, moved to the lawns of Parliament Building and then to the St. Andrew’s Kirk Presbyterian Church, Brickdam and Avenue of the Republic, Georgetown. The funeral ceremony held at St. Andrew’s Kirk Church attracted party supporters, members of government, diplomats, members of the legal profession and other dignitaries who joined his close family members and loved ones in offering glowing tributes to the late politician. R e a d m o r e : https://kaieteurnewsonline.c om/2026/10/16/guyanabids-final-farewell-torobert-corbin/ Man wanted by INTERPOL nabbed in Lusignan French Guianese national 29-year-old Dane Langhorne, was arrested on Sunday, 11th October, 2026, about 07:45hrs at Lusignan Ta r m a c , E a s t C o a s t Demerara, during a police operation. An arrest warrant was issued through INTERPOL for Dane Langhorne who was residing at Ann’s Grove, East Coast Demerara.
Mohamed and employees after being released from lockups
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Dane Langhorne
Dead, Alicia Faye
Langhorne has been on the run in Guyana since October 2024. Langhorne was sentenced to 30 years imprisonment by the Cayenne Assize Court in French Guiana on 5th June, 2026, after being tried in absentia for the 2021 murder of Alicia Faye. R e a d m o r e : https://kaieteurnewsonline.c om/2026/10/16/manwanted-by-interpol-nabbedin-lusignan/
lend a dime to anyone until those have been done and satisfied.” R e a d m o r e : https://kaieteurnewsonline.c om/2026/10/17/feasibilityeia-studies-must-be-donefor-all-project-funded-byus-exim-bank-ambassador/
SATURDAY Feasibility, EIA studies must be done for all project funded by US EXIM Bank – Ambassador
Mohamed, staff granted $750,000 bail each for firearm, obstruction charges Opposition Leader Azruddin Mohamed and two other defendants have been granted bail totalling $750,000 each after pleading not guilty to joint charges of unlawful possession of a firearm and ammunition and obstruction of justice.
US Ambassador to Guyana, Nicole Theriot
The United States Export Import (US EXIM) Bank does not lend a dime to fund any projects unless a feasibility study and Environmental Impact Assessment (EIA) is conducted. This is according to the US Ambassador to Guyana, Nicole Theriot. During an interview with Kaieteur News on Tuesday on the sidelines of an event, the diplomat explained the requirements that must be met. She said, “So yes, EXIM abides by (Organisation for Economic Co-operation and Development) OECD rules. So, OECD is an international body and EXIM abides by those rules and that OECD requires all of those studies to be done and they do not
Mohamed, Mario Mohamed and Eugene Thorne appeared before Magistrate Faith McGusty at the Georgetown Magistrates’ Court, where bail was set at $250,000 per charge for each defendant. The charges stem from an incident on the night of 12th October into the early hours of 13th October, 2026, in Kitty, Georgetown, involving alleged gunfire near the home of Prem Narine, head of the Special Branch intelligence unit and a witness in ongoing extradition proceedings involving Mohamed. R e a d m o r e : https://kaieteurnewsonline.c om/2026/10/17/mohamedstaff-granted-750000-baileach-for-firearmobstruction-charges/
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Sunday October 18, 2026
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Sunday October 18, 2026
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Towards a better life with your psychologist...
ADHD and Guyanese Children:
Recognising Ability, Supporting Learning A child may understand complex ideas, hold deep p h i l o s o p h i c a l conversations, and think critically, yet struggle to finish an exercise, stay seated, or remember instructions. Read Part 1 of last week and all preceding parts for a comprehensive, clinical understanding of A t t e n t i o n Deficit/Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD) in children, women and perimenopause, men and relationships, professionals, and entrepreneurs. It is an umbrella term describing any individual whose brain develops, learns, or processes information differently from the standard or “neurotypical” baseline. It was coined by sociologist Judy Singer and includes conditions like autism, dyslexia, and dyspraxia. In Guyanese homes and classrooms, teachers remark on report cards, for example, that a named child “has the potential but is distractible, talks too much or makes careless mistakes,” “too troublesome,” or “always dreaming”. These remarks should prompt curiosity about a child’s needs. Based on provisional research results, which I am now widening, the Guyanese school-age population is between 1520% neurodivergent, of a total of 57-67,000 school children aged 5 to 18. 1314% have ADHD. That’s about 5 children in a class of 25-30 who are neurodivergent, or 3 in the same class have ADHD. Around 51 - 48% of the top 1% at NGSA and CSEC, respectively, are neurodivergent. In addition, with reference to neurodivergence, ADHD means Autism, Specific Learning Disabilities (Dyslexia, Dyscalculia and Dysgraphia). DIFFERENCE IN LEARNING AND BEHAVIOURAL A s c l i n i c a l psychologists, we refer to neurodivergent children as gifted children. Those still failing to evolve will say they are special needs c h i l d r e n ; h o w discriminatory. A gifted child, especially boys with p r e d o m i n a n t l y hyperactive–impulsive
ADHD, may grasp a mathematical or scientific concept quickly but interrupt explanations, leave his seat, answer before questions finish, or struggle to wait his turn during group activities. His understanding exceeds his ability to inhibit an immediate response. As a result, classroom participation and friendships may suffer despite exceptional reasoning skills. A gifted child, especially girls with predominantly inattentive ADHD, may contribute sophisticated ideas in conversation yet overlook instructions, lose exercise books, leave assignments unfinished, or struggle to organise written answers. Quiet behaviour may mask or conceal substantial difficulty with ADHD. Adults may interpret inconsistent performance as insufficient effort. Either presentation occurs in either sex. Boys can be quietly inattentive; girls can be visibly hyperactive. In Guyana and other countries, ADHD is under-recognised in girls and women. Hyperactivity and impulsiveness in boys are quite visible, but inattentiveness goes under the radar. For a Guyanese child preparing for the National Grade Six Assessment and the Caribbean Secondary Education Certificate, an important question is whether written performance accurately reflects understanding. Teachers should examine reasoning, work completion, organisation, and emotional strain separately instead of treating marks as a complete picture. UNDERSTANDING GIFTEDNESS IN A CHILD WITH ADHD Giftedness and ADHD are distinct characteristics that can coexist—often described as twiceexceptionality. Intellectually gifted children with ADHD have shown that strong reasoning c o e x i s t e d w i t h comparatively weaker working memory and processing speed. This illustrates how a child can have advanced ability and meaningful learning difficulties at the same time. Teachers will tell you this ADHD child is the
smartest in the class. Their conversation is profound. They aren’t your normal neurotypicals. ADHD children operate under these four characteristics: novelty, adventure, curiosity and complexity. If a task lacks any of those, their interest and involvement diminish. We get the best of an ADHD child when the task has all four characteristics. A d d i t i o n a l l y, t h e s e children often have exceptional emotional intelligence, empathy, and spatial thinking. They also excel in storytelling, mathematics, music, drawing, practical construction, scientific curiosity, creativity, rich imagination, problemsolving skills, critical thinking, independent thinking, adventure, physical energy, and deep engagement in favourite activities, along with profound knowledge of special interests, resilience, adaptability, and leadership. At home and school, parents and teachers should explore each child’s strengths and provide opportunities to develop them. TEACHING INATTENTIVE AND HYPERACTIVE–IMPUL SIVE PRESENTATIONS For inattentive difficulties, gain the child’s attention before speaking. Give brief instructions, pair spoken directions with a written or pictorial checklist, and ask the child to explain the first step. Divide longer assignments into manageable sections. Reduce unnecessary distractions and check progress discreetly. Subjects that an ADHD child has no interest in are likely to suffer compared to subjects that engage their five senses and curiosity. F o r hyperactive–impulsive difficulties, build planned movement into lessons, give transition warnings, and teach an explicit routine for waiting and responding. Structured classroom responsibilities can provide purposeful movement. Adapt these approaches to the individual; no seating arrangement or movement aid benefits every child. For both presentations, teach organisation directly and promptly reinforce
specific behaviours: “You checked the instructions before starting.” Evidence supports using behavioural classroom management and organisational training. A brief daily home–school report can track one or two achievable goals. CLASSROOM AND PARENTING DOS AND DON’TS · Te a c h e r s — d o : establish predictable routines, correct privately, offer appropriate ways to demonstrate understanding, and review whether support improves participation and learning. Don’t: label children lazy, publicly shame them, interpret every movement as defiance, or remove learning opportunities as punishment. This environment destroys a child self-esteem and pushes them to be oppositional defiant. · Parents—do: use clear expectations, practice routines together, praise
specific progress, and seek training in behavioural parenting By Dr. Telford Layne Jr. PsyD, strategies. This MSc. Postgrad, BSc. training is an Clinical and Developmental evidence-based Psychologist - Psychoanalyst intervention, Unwrapping Gift -Clinic especially for younger children. setting. I also assess family Don’t rely on shouting, threats, or repeated h i s t o r y , p r e g n a n c y criticism to teach skills the experiences, and the child’s child hasn’t mastered. home environment. Then I ADHD children do not know conduct my own assessment h o w t o m e a s u r e to make a clinical diagnosis according to international consequences. I n a d d i t i o n , t h e i r standards. Once a diagnosis is emotional immaturity can make them see this m a d e , I d e v e l o p a behaviour as rejection or a personalised treatment plan challenge to your parenting t h a t c o n s i d e r s d i e t , approach or use of authority. classroom management, ADHD children, especially treatment, seating, lifestyle those with the hyperactive- management, and parenting impulsive type, cannot approach. S o r r y, I d o n o t measure consequences. As a clinician, I am recommend nor advocate assessing a child for ADHD medication for ADHD unless and other neurodivergent all professional avenues conditions. This process have failed to help the child includes assessing the child manage their lifestyle. with the teacher in the school Supplements works just fine.
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Sunday October 18, 2026
Advancing Education, Technology & Innovation in Guyana…
By Dr. Karen Abrams, MBA, AA Somewhere in Guyana today, a child is sitting in a classroom struggling to understand a mathematics problem. Perhaps that child has already been labelled slow, weak, or incapable. Perhaps the teacher has moved on to another topic while the child is still trying to understand the previous lesson. Perhaps the parents have become frustrated, believing their child simply isn’t trying hard enough. But what if that child is a future engineer, scientist, doctor, entrepreneur, or inventor? What if the problem is not a lack of intelligence, but a lack of the right academic support? I have spent years working with children through STEMGuyana, and one lesson has become increasingly clear to me: we must stop confusing a child’s present academic performance with their potential. A child who struggles with mathematics today is not necessarily incapable of becoming an e n g i n e e r t o m o r r o w. However, without i n t e r v e n t i o n , encouragement, and consistent academic support,
The child who is struggling today may be the engineer, Guyana needs tomorrow
that possibility may never be realised. The good news is that parents and communities can do something about it, starting now. We do not have to wait for another government programme, a new school building, or a major education reform initiative to begin helping the children who are struggling today. Research consistently demonstrates the benefits of structured, individualised academic support. The Education Endowment Foundation, which reviews educational research internationally, reports that one-to-one tutoring produces an average of approximately five additional months of academic progress. Short, regular sessions can be particularly effective. Imagine what could happen if every struggling Guyanese child had one adult willing to sit beside them for three or four hours each week. That adult does not necessarily need to be a trained teacher. It could be a parent, grandparent, older sibling, university student, church volunteer, or responsible community member. The
important things are c o n s i s t e n c y, p a t i e n c e , encouragement, and access to appropriate learning materials. To o o f t e n , w e t e l l children to study harder without identifying what they need to study. A child struggling with Grade Six mathematics may have never mastered fractions in Grade Four or multiplication in Grade Three. Asking that child to work harder on Grade Six problems without addressing those gaps is unlikely to produce lasting improvement. We must stop treating academic weakness as a character flaw and begin treating it as a problem that can be diagnosed and addressed. Start with a c o m p r e h e n s i v e Mathematics and English assessment to identify the topics your child understands and those requiring additional instruction. If the results reveal significant gaps, assess earlier grade-level skills as well. Pathway Online Academy offers assessments designed to identify specific learning weaknesses and provide parents with immediate
information about areas requiring attention. Once we understand where the problems are, we can develop a targeted learning plan rather than continuing to frustrate children with material they are not yet prepared to master. Arrange for an adult to sit with your child for at three days each week, even for one hour per session. The adult’s responsibility is to ensure that the child participates, remains focused, completes the assigned work, and receives encouragement. At Pathway Online Academy, we have developed an approach that requires children to participate actively in learning. Students complete interactive lessons, take notes that are automatically evaluated, practise reading with feedback on their reading performance, and complete quizzes to check understanding. Parents can access dashboards, detailed progress reports, and end-ofcourse assessments. These features are designed to help children develop productive learning habits while giving parents greater visibility into their academic progress. Enroll your child in a free or affordable after-school programme, STEM club, reading group, or other structured activity where they can develop friendships, communicate, collaborate, solve problems, and learn something new. Children need opportunities to experience success beyond examinations, particularly when their classroom experiences have left them feeling inadequate. A child who struggles academically may discover confidence through robotics, coding, music, sports, or another creative activity. That confidence can encourage greater effort in other areas of life. We must also recognise that children learn from the environments in which they spend their time. Positive peer relationships, encouraging adults, and opportunities to contribute to a group can help children develop discipline, responsibility, and a sense of belonging.
Encourage your child to participate in athletics or other physical activities. If organised programmes are unavailable or unaffordable, take your child walking in the park at least once each week. Use that time to talk about school, friendships, fears, ambitions, and challenges. Ask questions and listen carefully to the answers. Research has identified positive associations between physical activity and academic performance, although the relationship is complex. Equally important, children benefit from opportunities to be active and maintain supportive relationships with caring adults. Ensure that your child attends school regularly and investigate repeated complaints of bullying, teacher absenteeism, or other problems that interfere with learning. Report concerns through the appropriate school channels and follow up until they are addressed. But we must also explain to children why education matters. Too often, adults simply demand that children attend school, complete assignments, and achieve good grades without helping them understand the purpose of those expectations. Children need to appreciate how education expands their choices, strengthens their independence, and prepares them to participate in G u y a n a ’s c h a n g i n g economy. If a child who previously scored 30 percent improves to 45 percent, celebrate that progress while continuing to work toward mastery. If a struggling reader completes a paragraph independently, acknowledge the achievement. If a child who feared mathematics finally understands fractions, make certain that child knows the accomplishment matters. The goal is to build confidence through genuine improvement, not empty praise. Children who experience repeated academic failure can begin to believe that effort is pointless, especially when
adults constantly compare them with higherperforming classmates or siblings. We must help them understand that learning is a process, that improvement requires practice, and that making mistakes is part of developing competence. A child who believes improvement is possible is more likely to continue trying when the work becomes difficult. Guyana is investing billions in infrastructure, e n e r g y, a n d n a t i o n a l d e v e l o p m e n t . Ye t o u r greatest long-term investment must be in the intellectual development of our children. We cannot afford to discard potential simply because a child is struggling at age eight, ten, or twelve. Every child who leaves school without adequate literacy, numeracy, and problem-solving skills represents a loss of human potential, and that loss affects not only the individual and family but the entire nation. As our economy expands and increasingly sophisticated industries develop, we will need Guyanese workers, technicians, scientists, engineers, entrepreneurs, and leaders who possess the skills to participate meaningfully in national development. Somewhere in Guyana, the engineer who may one day design our bridges, the scientist who may solve our agricultural challenges, or the entrepreneur who may create hundreds of jobs is struggling with a lesson today. That child may not be at the top of the class, may not receive an award at graduation, and may not yet believe that a successful future is possible. But with the right support, encouragement, and opportunities, that child’s story can change. We have a responsibility to make certain that potential is never abandoned simply because it has not yet been realised. That child deserves another chance, and another if necessary. Guyana’s future may very well depend on it.
Sunday Monday October May18, 02,2026 2022
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Bruised But Not Broken - A powerful story of story of survival, faith, and finding the courage to begin again
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reading, relaxing at home, and taking walks to clear my mind and restore my inner balance. Gospel and soul music hold a special place in my heart. They bring me comfort, encourage my spirit, and help keep me grounded in my faith,” she said. Jordan believes above all in God and trusts that He has a purpose for her life. “My faith gives me strength during difficult moments and reminds me that setbacks do not mark the end of my story. Instead, they can become opportunities to learn, grow, and rise with renewed strength and determination.” “As I continue becoming the woman I believe I am meant to be, I take pride in how far I have come and remain hopeful about how far I can go. My journey may not be perfect, but it is uniquely mine. Every experience has contributed to my growth, and every new chapter offers another opportunity to become stronger, wiser, and more purposeful,” she said. As she moves forward with faith in God, confidence, courage in her heart, Jordan is determined to fulfill the purpose in her life. “My story is still being written, and I look forward to what the future holds,” she said. Released on October 11, 2026-Bruised But Not Broken is available now on five platforms including Amazon, Barnes & Noble, Kobo, Apple Books and Everand.
Natalia Ann Jordan is the author of the memoir-- Bruised But Not Broken
ruised But Not Broken-- is the title of new memoir released by New York-based Guyanese, Natalia Ann Jordan. The book captures Jordan's powerful story of survival, faith, and finding the courage to begin again. The 31-year-old mom of two shares an honest account of her journey from a childhood marked by fear and abuse, and how she moved through difficult relationships, heartbreak, and the struggle to reclaim her independence. With faith at the centre of her story, Jordan reflects on healing, forgiveness, boundaries, motherhood, education, and rediscovering her worth. She told this publication that she believes that every chapter of life serves a purpose. “Rather than allowing my experiences to limit me, I choose to embrace them as opportunities for growth, wisdom, and transformation. My past does not define me; instead, it has contributed to the woman I am becoming. With faith and courage, I continue to learn from my journey and move forward with intention,” Jordan said. The first-time author reflected that her journey is a reminder that the past does not have to define the future. Jordan asserted, “And that even when life leaves you bruised, you can still rise, rebuild, and create a life filled with purpose, peace, and possibility.” Along the way, she discovers that surviving painful circumstances is only the beginning of learning to live again. Now, Jordan is a confident, resilient, and determined woman committed to personal growth and staying true to myself. She asserted, “Every challenge, I have faced has helped shape my character, strengthen my sense of self-worth, and teach me the importance of perseverance. Education is an important part of this next chapter of my life. Having completed my high school diploma, I am proud to have reached this milestone and look forward to building upon this achievement as I pursue my future goals and work toward creating a brighter future for myself.” Alongside her educational aspirations, the young author has a passion for the beauty industry, where she continues to develop my skills and grow professionally. “Outside of work and education, I find peace in music,
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selected for top fashion/ entrepreneur award by New York–based networking organisation N E W Y O R K , N Y, U N I T E D STATES -- For three decades, Caribbean fashion designer Sonia Noel has used fashion not only to create clothing, but also to build confidence, open doors and transform lives. That journey has now earned the Guyanese designer, entrepreneur and empowerment leader global recognition from the International Association of Top Professionals (IAOTP) -- New York–based networking organisation. Noel, founder of Guyana Fashion Week and the Women in Business Expo, is also a John Maxwell trained coach, international speaker and Amazon bestselling author of 11 books. Her work reaches far beyond the runway and reflects her belief that she is not only designing clothes. She is designing lives. She was selected as Global Fashion Leader and Entrepreneur of the Year for 2026 in recognition of her outstanding leadership, dedication and commitment to the fashion industry and the communities she serves. IAOTP is a leading global professional organisation known for its prestigious annual awards gala and exclusive selection process. Each year, IAOTP honors a select group of accomplished and influential professionals for their professional excellence, academic accomplishments, leadership, longevity, meaningful affiliations and community impact. Recipients are invited to attend IAOTP's annual awards gala, which celebrates distinguished professionals from around the world. More information about the gala is available at www.iaotp.com/award-gala. Born in Guyana and proudly rooted in
the Caribbean, Noel has built a global career that brings together fashion, entrepreneurship, mentorship, philanthropy and personal empowerment. She is the founder of Guyana Fashion Week, the Women in Business Expo, the Sonia Noel Foundation and several other cultural and entrepreneurial platforms that have advanced confidence, creativity, enterprise and purpose across Guyana, the Caribbean and beyond. Noel also founded the Women's Association for Sustainable Development to help develop strong, confident, intelligent and empowered women who are committed to building a progressive society. As a John Maxwell trained coach, international speaker and Amazon bestselling author of 11 books, Noel believes that true transformation begins within. Through her designs, books, programmes and humanitarian initiatives, she encourages people to recognise their value, embrace their purpose and create meaningful lives. This philosophy is reflected in Confidence Becomes You, her signature empowerment programme, and Beyond the Runway, her newspaper column and media platform. Through these initiatives, she explores the deeper human stories behind fashion and success while inspiring people to strengthen their confidence and pursue their fullest potential. Her work has taken Caribbean fashion across the world. Noel was the first Caribbean designer invited to speak at Brown University and on Capitol Hill in Washington, D.C., during Caribbean Heritage Month. At the invitation of the (Continued on page 38 )
The International Association of Top Professionals (IAOTP) will honour Dr. Sonia Noel at their Annual Awards Gala in NYC at the Plaza Hotel
Sonia Noel
Sunday October 18, 2026
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Sunday October 18, 2026
Kaieteur News Giselle McRae journey to the Bar, perseverance in the face of financial hurdles
A dream born in a library…
Giselle McRae journey to the Bar, perseverance in the face of financial hurdles “When one door closes, another opens” might be the phrase to sum up 23-year-old Giselle McRae's journey to becoming a lawyer which culminated with her Bar Admission on Tuesday at the High Court. McRae was admitted to the Guyana Bar before Justice Sherdel Isaacs-Marcus with A t t o r n e y - a t - L a w, S a n j e e v Datadin presenting her petition. In an emotional speech, McRae reflected on her journey to becoming a lawyer which began as a dream birthed in the Guyana National Library. She said that she grew in a single parent home and her mother had to work tirelessly, even on Saturdays to make ends meet. “Because she often had to work on Saturdays and had no one to leave me with, she would drop me off at the National Library before heading to work,” McRae recalled. The young attorney-at-law described the library as her second home while adding that her time there sparked an interest for law. “Beyond books, I developed an interest in current affairs and spent hours exploring newspaper archives, trying to understand the events shaping our country and the lives of its people” she said. According to McRae, the newspaper archives led her to discover her interest in people and fairness. “I wanted to understand why things happened the way they did, how decisions affected people's lives, and what could be done when people were treated unfairly,” McRae said. She continued, “My mother eventually suggested that law might be a good path for me, and
Justice Sherdel Isaacs-Marcus accepted McRae's petition on Tuesday
that suggestion stayed with me. What began as an interest gradually became a dream.” However, realising that dream came with huge financial hurdles, for McRae the cost of pursuing a legal education was daunting. “…There were moments when the financial reality of my circumstances threatened to overshadow the dream I had carried for so long,” an emotional McRae reflected while adding, “Yet, I am grateful that I have a mother who never encouraged me to dream small.” Reassured by her mother who played key role not only as the sole breadwinner of their family but in shaping the resilient woman she has become; McRae faced the challenges with confidence and positivity. In 2024, she graduated from
the University of Guyana with a Bachelor of Laws degree with Distinction. She looked forward to securing a place at the Hugh Wooding Law School but was not selected despite her academic achievement. McRae was offered a place Eugene Dupuch Law School in The Bahamas but at the time could not afford the fees. In attempt to fulfill her dream, she applied for a student loan but was faced with yet another setback when it was not approved. Nevertheless, McRae said she proceeded with faith and as the “saying goes”, “when one door closed another one is opened”. “Then, on the very day we discovered that my loan to attend law school in The Bahamas had not been approved, a place
became available at Hugh Wooding Law School,” recounted the young attorney-at-law. McRae said she cannot recount that moment without acknowledging the hand of God in her journey. The lawyer quoted Proverbs 16:9, “In their hearts humans plan their course, but the Lord establishes their steps.” Before adding, “Looking back, I can see that even the moments I considered setbacks were part of a journey that was still unfolding”. McRae also took some time to acknowledge a few individuals who supported her during the incredible journey. “I am deeply grateful to Ms. Oneka Caulder, Yashmini Singh, and Naresh Poonai, whose support made a lasting difference during this period.”
According to McRae, “Their kindness and encouragement reminded her that while faith gives us the strength to keep moving, God often answers our prayers through the people He places in our lives.” As her journey continues in the legal profession, McRae said, “As I enter this profession, I do so understanding that the law will not always demand what is convenient.” “There will be moments when integrity is tested, when speaking up is uncomfortable, and when doing what is right may come at a personal cost,” she added while assuring “In those moments, I hope to remember that the privilege of practising law is inseparable from the responsibility to practise it honourably.”
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Sunday October 18, 2026
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GNBS supporting quality & growth in Guyana’s agro-processing sector Guyana’s agroprocessing sector continues to play an important role in agricultural diversification, entrepreneurship and food security. From pepper sauces, jams and fruit juices to packaged spices, cassava, and other locally manufactured products, this sector offers numerous opportunities for small and medium-sized enterprises to expand their operations and access new markets. Notwithstanding, producing quality agro-processed products requires adherence to established standards that promote product safety, consistency and consumer confidence. The Guyana National Bureau of Standards (GNBS), through its mandate to develop, adopt and promote standards, supports agro-processors desirous of improving their product quality and business
competitiveness. The Bureau has standards relevant to several agro-processed products, including jams and jellies, coconut oil, cassava bread, fruit and vegetable juices, spices and sauces. These standards provide guidance on the quality of raw materials, processing, packaging, labelling and other requirements that help manufacturers maintain consistency and meet consumer expectations. Food safety is particularly important in agro-processing, as improper handling, contamination and unsuitable storage conditions can compromise products. Several available national standards cover crucial aspects of food safety, including GCP 21 – Code of Practice for Fresh Fruits and Vegetables, GCP 25 – Code of Practice for Packaging and Transport of Tropical Fresh
Fruits and Vegetables, and GYS 494 – Specification for Fruit and Vegetable Juices and Drinks and Fruit Nectars. Additionally, GNBS can provide food safety training courses to agro-processors, farmers and other stakeholders to guide the production of wholesome food. These courses include Good Manufacturing Practices and food safety management systems such as Hazard Analysis and Critical Control Point (HACCP). These courses will help businesses identify and control potential food safety hazards, maintain hygienic production environments and improve their overall operations. Meanwhile, proper packaging and labelling are equally important for agroprocessed products. Businesses can take advantage of the national standard GYS 9-2:2017 –
Labelling of Goods - Part 2: Specific requirements for prepackaged goods available at the GNBS. It specifies requirements for the information to be included on labels of pre-packaged goods for sale, the method of display of such information, and where necessary, the wording and units of measurement to be used. Accurate labelling helps consumers make informed purchasing decisions while improving product presentation, marketability and use. Beyond product standards, the GNBS supports local manufacturers by certifying their products. The Made in Guyana Certification Mark
Programme, which recognises qualified local manufacturers, has provided tremendous opportunities for MSMEs, including several agro-processors. Apart from certification, the Bureau works with businesses t h r o u g h i t s Te c h n i c a l Assistance programme to improve and document their processes to achieve quality. By improving product consistency, safety and packaging with standards, agro-processors can strengthen their competitiveness and position their businesses better to meet the requirements of existing and potential customers. Conformance with standards
and compliance with the requirements of local and overseas markets can strengthen business competitiveness. GNBS encourages agroprocessors to embrace its services and available standards to increase their readiness to capitalize on opportunities within Guyana’s growing agriculture, manufacturing and tourism sectors. For further information on agro-processing and o t h e r s t a n d a rd s a n d services, contact GNBS on 219-0064-66, WhatsApp 692-4627, visit GNBS Website:www.gnbsgy.com or the Standards Portal: gnbsguy.com.
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Sean ‘Diddy’ Combs transferred to new prison after reports of luxury lifestyle behind bars Dancehall Mag—-American rapper and music producer Sean “Diddy” Combs has been transferred from a federal prison in New Jersey to a low-security facility in Pennsylvania following reports that he maintained a privileged lifestyle behind bars and was injured in a fight. A person familiar with the matter told the Associated Press (AP) that the U.S. Federal Bureau of Prisons (BOP) was in the process of moving the 56-year-old music mogul from FCI Fort Dix to FCI A l l e n w o o d L o w, a f e d e r a l correctional institution south of Williamsport, Pennsylvania.
The source spoke on condition of anonymity because they were not authorized to discuss the transfer publicly. Reports reveal alleged privileges behind bars The transfer follows a September report by NBC News alleging that Combs continued to enjoy some of the privileges associated with his former millionaire lifestyle while serving his sentence at Fort Dix. According to the report, Combs allegedly arranged for expensive alcoholic beverages to be smuggled into the prison and had other inmates prepare his meals, clean his
living space and make his bed. He was also reportedly receiving massages and using a contraband cellphone to access social media, including viewing photographs of one of his former girlfriends. Separate reports indicated that Combs had been injured in a fight at t h e f a c i l i t y, a l t h o u g h t h e information provided did not establish whether the alleged privileges or the incident directly prompted his transfer. Combs serving prison sentence following 2025 conviction Combs was found guilty on July 2, 2025, of prostitution-related
offenses involving the transportation of women across state lines for sexual activity. He was subsequently sentenced to four years and two months in federal prison. The high-profile trial brought forward testimony about alleged violence and sexual encounters that Combs referred to as “freak-offs,” drawing widespread attention to the criminal proceedings against one of t h e m u s i c i n d u s t r y ’s m o s t influential figures. The move to FCI Allenwood Low places Combs in another lowsecurity federal facility as he continues serving his sentence.
Sean ‘Diddy’ Combs
Kaieteur News
Sunday October 18, 2026
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Drake passes 17 Billion Spotify streams in 2026 and breaks a Billboard Record Dancehall Mag—-A Drake album sitting at No. 116 on the Billboard 200 just jumped all the way to No. 2. That leap belongs to HABIBTI, pulled back into the spotlight by the October release of HABIBTI (FOMO), a four track deluxe edition. The chart surge lands alongside an even bigger number. According to Hip Hop All Day, Drake has now earned more than 17 billion Spotify streams in 2026 across all credits. The account posted on October 15 that he is on pace for the biggest hip hop streaming year of all time. The Source reports that the figure makes him only the second artist in any genre to hit that mark this year. Among rappers, he holds a commanding lead. The HABIBTI comeback also rewrote a piece of chart history. The album reached No. 1 on Billboard’s Top R&B/Hip Hop Albums chart, giving Drake his 18th career leader there and breaking a tie with Future and The Temptations.
That means the Motown group behind “My Girl” now trails a Toronto rapper on that all time list. Drake sits there alone. Back home, HABIBTI also claimed the top spot on the Billboard Canadian Albums chart. That pushes his record on that chart to 17 No. 1 projects. Part of the story is pure volume. In May, Drake released three separate albums at once, with ICEMAN reaching No. 1 on the Billboard 200, MAID OF HONOUR peaking at No. 3, and HABIBTI rounding out the set before its deluxe revival. That came after his joint album with PARTYNEXTDOOR, released in February 2025, also topped the Billboard 200. Few artists at his career stage are dropping music at this pace. The other half of the story has nothing to do with new releases. Older projects like Take Care, Views, Scorpion and Certified Lover Boy remain fixtures in streaming rotation, and that steady
consumption keeps a catalog stretching back to 2011 earning every single day. The Source opened its report with a bar from “Janice STFU”: “Buried Alive, someone come dig me up.” The outlet’s point was simple: by the numbers, the 6 God is nowhere near buried. Not everyone sees the stats as the final word, though. His public feud with Kendrick Lamar still shapes how people talk about his legacy, with fans arguing over lyrical ability, cultural impact and commercial longevity. Streams settle one of those arguments far more easily than the other two. Supporters point to the billions, while critics keep returning to the battle and what it did to his standing. Nearly two decades into his mainstream run, Drake is still reaching listeners across generations. With more than two months left in 2026 and the HABIBTI deluxe still moving, the question is how far past 17 billion this year ends up.
Rapper: Drake
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Sunday October 18, 2026
Kaieteur News
Sunday Thursday October November 18, 2026 24, 2022
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ASK-THE-CONSUL INSTALLMENT 26-10
A quick guide for U.S. Citizens living in Guyana In this month’s Ask-the-Consul, we’re talking about life as a U.S. citizen in Guyana. Maybe you moved here for a job in the energy sector, retired to be near family, or followed your heart to Georgetown. Whatever brought you here, we want your time in Guyana to be safe and productive. Here are the questions we hear most often. Q: I just moved to Guyana. What should I do first? A: Enroll in the Smart Traveler Enrollment Program (STEP) at step.state.gov. It’s free and takes about five minutes. Once you enroll, we can send you security alerts, weather warnings, and important updates. In an emergency, we can also find you more easily. If you change your phone number, email, or address, update your profile so our messages reach you. Q: My passport expires in a few months. Can I renew it in Guyana? A: Certainly! It’s easy to renew your passport here in Guyana. You can find current procedures, forms, and fees on our website at https://gy.usembassy.gov/passports/ . Don’t wait until it expires. Check the expiration date and renew it well in advance. Pro tip: Keep a photocopy or secure digital scan of your passport’s photo page and your Guyanese entry stamp or residence permit. If your passport is lost or stolen, that copy will make replacing it much faster. Q: We just welcomed a baby in Georgetown. Is our child a U.S. citizen? A: Congratulations on your new baby! Your child may have acquired
U.S. citizenship at birth, depending on your circumstances. To document that citizenship, apply for a Consular Report of Birth Abroad (CRBA). You can apply for your child’s first U.S. passport at the same appointment. Apply soon after the birth. The longer you wait, the harder it will be to gather the evidence we need, such as proof of the U.S. citizen parent’s physical presence in the United States. Q: What can the Embassy do for me as a U.S. citizen? A: We can help with a lot! The Consular Section can: · Issue and replace passports, including emergency passports · Document children born abroad (CRBAs) · Provide notarial services for documents you need to use in the United States · Visit U.S. citizens who are arrested, check on their welfare, and provide a list of local attorneys · Help families when a U.S. citizen dies in Guyana · Contact your family or friends during an emergency, with your permission · Help victims of crime connect with local resources · Share information on federal benefits, voting, and taxes Q: And what can’t the Embassy do? A: Most people don’t realize it, but we cannot: · Get you out of jail or override Guyanese law · Act as your lawyer or give legal advice · Pay your hotel, medical, or
legal bills · Intervene in private disputes, such as business, property, or landlord issues · Sponsor you for Guyanese residency or work permits When you live in Guyana, Guyanese law applies to you, whether you have a U.S. passport or not. Q: Can I vote from Guyana? A:Yes, you can. Visit the Federal Voting Assistance Program at fvap.gov to register and request your absentee ballot. Submit a new Federal Post Card Application (FPCA) every year and whenever you move. Your vote counts whether you cast it in New York or in Guyana. Q: I receive Social Security. Will I still get my benefits in Guyana? A:In most cases, yes. Direct deposit into a U.S. account or an eligible local account keeps things simple. The U.S. Embassy in Argentina handles Social Security benefits for beneficiaries living in Guyana. Please see https://ar.usembassy.gov/socialsecurity-2/ for more information. Q: I’m thinking about investing in Guyana. Can the Embassy help? A: Yes, but this is not a Consular function. Our Economic and Commercial Sections work to help U.S. businesses succeed in Guyana. You can learn more about commercial activities and investment prospects in G u y a n a a t https://gy.usembassy.gov/business/. Q: Do I still have to file U.S. taxes if I live in Guyana? A: Yes, U.S. citizens must file
U.S. tax returns no matter where they live. You may also have to report foreign bank accounts (FBAR) if your balances exceed certain thresholds. Visit irs.gov and search “U.S. citizens abroad,” or talk with a tax professional who knows expatriate tax rules. Q: I heard about the CLV program. How can I volunteer? A: We’d love your help! Citizen Liaison Volunteers (CLVs) are U.S. citizens who help the Embassy stay in touch with U.S. citizens in their area. They pass along security alerts, tell us about local conditions during emergencies, and help us check on fellow citizens when their families can’t reach them. You don’t need any special skills. We just need people who know their community and want to help. We especially need volunteers in areas like Lethem, Mahdia, Mabaruma, Essequibo, Berbice, and Linden, where travel and communication can be more complicated. To sign up, please email us at: ACSGeorge@state.gov. In your email, please USE THIS SUBJECT LINE: E99 – CLV INTEREST. Q: How can I contact the Embassy during an emergency? A: We are available by phone 24/7 for life-or-death emergencies involving U.S. citizens in Guyana. If you need emergency assistance, please call: During Business Hours:225-4900 Ext:4222 After Business Hours:225-4126 Email:ACSGeorge@state.gov Please note that these numbers
are not for visa inquiries. For information on visas, please see https://gy.usembassy.gov/visas/. For non-emergency services, kindly schedule at appointment o n l i n e : https://gy.usembassy.gov/services/. Stay safe, stay informed, and enjoy everything Guyana has to offer. We’re here for you! *** “Ask the Consul” is a monthly column from the U.S. Embassy answering questions about U.S. immigration law and other Consular topics. Detailed information about visas can be viewed at h t t p s : / / g y. u s e m b a s s y. g o v / , https://ais.usvisa-info.com/,and https://travel.state.gov/. Information about American Citizen Services can b e f o u n d a t https://gy.usembassy.gov/services/. A p p l i c a n t s a re s t ro n g l y encouraged to prepare their own documents and avoid third-party advice. Consular processes change frequently, and non-U.S. government advisors often provide inadequate or inaccurate information. Please contact our Visa Information Service Center using the contact information at https://ais.usvisa-info.com/engy/niv/information/contact_us if you have general visa questions.
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Sunday October 18, 2026
THE HAUNTED LIBRARY
On Halloween night, the old town library had light behind its windows even though the CLOSED sign hung on the door. Emily, Danny, and Max stopped on the pavement. Their trick-or-treat bags rustled in the wind. From inside came a roar, a trumpet blast, and someone shouting, “That is not how my story ends!” The door opened by itself. M r s . Wi l l o w, t h e librarian, stood in the entrance with silver hair escaping from its bun. “Good,” she said. “Readers. Come quickly.” Inside, the library was crowded with people who did not belong there. A knight sat at a c o m p u t e r. A d r a g o n warmed its paws over the returns slot. Three pirates argued with the photocopier. “Every Halloween, the characters may leave their books until midnight,” Mrs. Willow explained. “Usually they drink cocoa and complain about their illustrations.” Tonight, a tiny figure called the Trickster had escaped from a book with no title. He had stolen the final page from three other stories. Without their endings, the knight could not find his castle, the pirates could not find their ship, and the dragon had no idea whether it was supposed to guard treasure or bake pies.“I
prefer pies,” said the dragon, “but I would like confirmation.” Mrs. Willow gave Max a glowing bookmark. It leaned toward fresh ink spots crossing the carpet. What could be inside? A hidden duckling is waiting The trail ended at the gardening shelf, where a green book stood open. A paper vine burst from its pages and curled around the bookcase.
The Trickster swung from the vine, three folded pages tucked into his coat. “You'll have to read faster!” he cried, and jumped into a book about thunderstorms. The green vine snapped back into its page. The bookmark spun toward Weather. When the children opened the thunderstorm book, a cloud filled the aisle. Rain pattered onto the c a r p e t . T h e Tr i c k s t e r ' s footprints appeared beneath it—small black commas
Dirty Jimmy by Uncle Roy Jimmy was a dirty little boy, Who hated to clean and bathe; Whenever his mother called him to take a bath, He would hide under the bed. He also did not brush his teeth, Nor did he comb his hair, His room and clothes were always untidy, With his books here, there and everywhere. Then Jimmy found to his dismay, He was losing his friends one by one; They could not bear to stand his smell, And he was soon left all alone. It was then that Jimmy saw his mistake, And decided to change his dirty habits; Now you'd be surprised at the way he shines, And his friends all cling to him like rabbits.
running toward Fairy Tales. Emily followed the prints. Danny carried an umbrella from Lost Property. Max held the bookmark ahead of him like a compass. At Fairy Tales, they found six books open and six painted doors floating above the floor. Behind one waited a ballroom. Behind another, a wolf snored in a bonnet. The Trickster's laugh came from all of them. “He can jump between stories,” Danny said. “We'll never catch him by following.” Max looked at the untitled book on Mrs. Willow's desk. Its pages were blank except for one sentence: T H E T R I C K S T E R WA N T E D A N ENDING OF HIS OWN. Emily understood. They placed the blank book on the floor and turned to its final page. Danny wrote one line in pencil: AT L A S T, T H E TRICKSTER FOUND THE DOOR HOME. A seventh painted door appeared above the book. The Trickster poked his head from the ballroom door. He saw the new one and hurried closer. “Is that mine?” “It can be,” Emily said, “after you return the endings that belong to everyone else.”The Trickster frowned, checked the clock, and handed over the three folded pages. Mrs. Willow returned each page to its book. The knight's castle appeared beyond the reading table. A paper ship sailed from the pirates' atlas. The dragon read its last paragraph and hurried toward the kitchen. “Pies!” it called happily. The Trickster stepped through his painted door. Before it closed, he looked back. “My book could use a middle.” “Come back next Halloween,” said Max. At midnight, the characters climbed into their pages. The clouds vanished. The paper vines curled away. Mrs. Willow locked the untitled book in the lowest display case, with a pencil beside it. The next morning, Max returned to check. The book now had a title: THE TRICKSTER'S DOOR. Underneath, in very small writing, someone had added: MIDDLE STILL NEEDED.
Frankenstein Mason Jar Craft Supplies: • Smooth sided Mason jar (or upcycled glass jar) • Green paper shred • Black card stock • Scissors • School glue • White card stock • Wine cork • Black acrylic paint • Paint brush • E6000 glue (wear mask while using) How To Make a Frankenstein Mason Jar Craft:
1. If using an upcycled jar, wash it, remove the label, and clean off any sticky residue. Skip this step for a new mason jar. 2. Fill the jar with green paper shred (use one or two shades) and secure the lid. 3. Cut a 1-inch strip of
black cardstock. Cut triangles along the bottom two-thirds to create Frankenstein's bangs. Glue them to the lid, leaving space at the top so the hair sticks up
slightly. Use tape if needed. 4. Cut the facial features from black and white cardstock. Make a unibrow, white half-circle eyes with black
pupils, a thin mouth with two teeth, a small rectangular nose, and strips to create stitches. Assemble the pieces and glue the face onto the jar. Let dry. 5. Cut a wine cork in half and paint both pieces black.
Once dry, use E6000 glue to attach them to the sides of the jar as Frankenstein's bolts. Let dry completely.
Kaieteur News
Sunday October 18, 2026
TEEN TIME Take the next step in developing your Sense of Identity In the last issue we asserted that, to start developing this important sense of identity, a knowledge of self is important. The other important step in this effort is working towards building a conscious value system. Values are the qualities that we have made a positive attempt to choose and maintain as those that will control our lives. They are what we believe in, the things that we stand for and against, the things that give meaning and direction to our lives. A value system is based on:(a) knowing the difference between right and wrong, good and bad, honesty and dishonesty, (b) choosing to do always that which you believe to be right, good and honest, and (c) showing respect for other people's right to forming and expressing their own opinion, to enjoying their own personal property, to their privacy, to living their lives as they feel is right, and to peaceful coexistence with others. As a young person, at the brink of the period when what you do will affect your entire future, you have to decide in good time the values which will direct how you will conduct yourself, and deal with the persons and things around, so that you are prepared
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Preserve your
Identify by Bruce Kilmer The world would like to change you; There are pressures all around, You must decide just who you are, Then firmly hold your ground. You know what you are good at, And you know where your talents lie; But if you are ruled by others, Your uniqueness will pass you by. Remember: there is much to learn, But all new things aren't good; Wisdom lies in what you have learned, And what you have withstood.
You have an image of yourself, an ideal sense of You, And to this vision you must always struggle to be true; So be yourself and don't allow the world to take control; Preserving your identity is life's most precious goal.
mentally, psychologically, spiritually and even physically, to withstand the pressures that you will meet that will be acting against your own ambitions, in your achieving the things you want to do, and the way you want to be. Without this direction in your life at the outset of your gaining some s o r t o f independence from
your parents and the other guides in your life, you will find yourself as in a boat without a rudder to guide it, and you will find yourself drifting through life subject to all the dangers which the world will undoubtedly thrust in your way. In next week's article, we will be suggesting the values which will help you to achieve the qualities which you will need to develop your unique qualities.
The effort you make to develop your special qualities will make you realise your uniqueness among your fellow human beings.
STAR BATTLE
Level: Diabolical Each puzzle is divided into 10 different regions. Each region, row and column contains exactly two stars. Stars may not be adjacent to each other (not even diagonally)
Solutions to last week’s
LEAVES HARVEST PUMPKIN ACORN SCARECROW APPLE CIDER BONFIRE FLANNEL
TRAIN TRACKS
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Kaieteur News
Sunday October 18, 2026
Sonia Noel selected for top fashion/entrepreneur award... From page 28 Government of India, she exhibited at a prominent trade fair in Madhya Pradesh. She also led the first Caribbean delegation of designers to the international fashion fair in Ningbo, China, and represented the Caribbean at the Caribbean Export Showcase in London during the 2012 Olympic Games. Her designs have appeared on runways throughout the Caribbean, Africa, Europe, Asia and the Americas. They have also been featured on major red carpets, including the Grammy Awards and Emmy Awards. Yet the heart of Noel’s story lies not only in how far her designs have traveled, but also in how deeply her work has touched the lives of others. Through the Sonia Noel Foundation, she leads philanthropic initiatives that provide support, dignity and opportunities to vulnerable individuals and underserved communities. These include the Breadbasket Initiative, which provides food, assistance and empowerment to people experiencing difficult circumstances. For Noel, fashion has always been more than what a person wears. It is a powerful
vehicle for dignity, confidence, economic empowerment and positive social change. Whether she is mentoring an emerging designer, creating opportunities for women in business, supporting a family or encouraging someone to believe in their potential, her work remains rooted in love and service. Her areas of expertise include fashion, event planning, leadership, entrepreneurship, strategic planning, public relations, marketing strategy, business development and public speaking. In recognition of her service and contributions to humanity, Noel received an honorary doctorate from Global Oved Dei Seminary and University. Throughout her distinguished career, she has received numerous awards and international recognitions for her accomplishments in fashion, business, empowerment and philanthropy. In 2026, she will also be considered for IAOTP’s Empowered Woman Award and a feature in TIP, Top Industry Professionals Magazine. Noel will be honoured for her selection at IAOTP’s annual awards gala at the iconic Plaza Hotel in New York City in December
2026. Stephanie Cirami, President of IAOTP, stated: “Choosing Sonia Noel for this honour was an easy decision for our panel to make. She is inspirational, influential, and a true visionary and thought leader. We cannot wait to meet her and celebrate her accomplishments at this year’s gala.” Noel attributes her success to persistence, purpose and the mentors who have supported and guided her throughout her journey. When she is not working, she enjoys spending time with her family. Looking ahead, she remains committed to expanding her global platform, growing her business and creating more opportunities for women, designers, entrepreneurs and underserved communities. From Guyana to the global stage, Sonia Noel’s journey demonstrates what is possible when creativity is guided by purpose and success is used in service to others. Sonia Noel is based in Georgetown, Guyana. The International Association of Top Professionals is an international boutique networking organisation that handpicks distinguished professionals from different industries. Selected professionals are given opportunities to collaborate, exchange ideas, serve as keynote speakers and influence others within their respective fields. IAOTP is not an organisation that anyone
can simply join. Professionals must be invited by the President or nominated by a distinguished honorary member, followed by an interview and selection process. IAOTP has recognised thousands of prestigious professionals around the world, helping them receive the recognition and credibility they deserve while strengthening their professional brands. The organisation prides itself on creating a distinctive networking platform that connects accomplished professionals from around the world.
Sunday October 18, 2026
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‘Too Quiet for Law’ – Tyria Crum-Ewing overcomes doubts to become attorney ...credits faith, perseverance, kindness of strangers for helping her complete studies
Attorney, Tyria Crum-Ewing
Y
oung attorney, Tyria Crum-Ewing the support she received helped her meet needs who was recently admitted to she could not have managed on her own. “What I could not provide for myself, God practice law in Guyana, has shared that faith, perseverance and determination provided through everyone who opened their helped her overcame doubts about her abilities heart and home to me,” she reflected. Looking back on the experience, Crumand financial challenges to fulfill her dream of Ewing said the obstacles she encountered becoming a lawyer. Her petition was presented by Attorneys-at- taught her to trust beyond what she could see, Law Kara Duff-Yehudah and Patrice Henry while the assistance she received reminded her that she was not alone in pursuing her dream. before Justice Joy Persaud- Singh. For her, completing her legal studies Crum-Ewing said she was often told that she was too quiet to pursue a career in law, remarks represents far more than an academic that caused her to question whether she was achievement. It is a reflection of the prayers she believes capable of succeeding in the profession. However, she said her journey taught her were answered, the opportunities that came that the opinions of others should not her way and the strength she found during determine a person's potential or limit what moments of uncertainty. The young attorney said her experience also they can achieve. Her path to becoming an attorney began challenged the assumption that being quiet when she applied to the University of Guyana equates to being incapable. “Being quiet did not mean I was incapable. (UG), where she listed law as her secondchoice programme, with another programme The doubts of others did not define my potential, and my circumstances did not as her first preference. In her prayers, she asked God to grant her determine my destiny,” she stated. Crum-Ewing is encouraging others who admission to the law programme if that was have been made to feel inadequate, where He wanted her to be. She subsequently received an offer for her inexperienced or incapable of pursuing their first-choice programme, along with a ambitions not to allow the opinions of others scholarship, and was preparing to accept it. or difficult circumstances to dictate their But on the very day she was about to sign the future. She urged them to remain prayerful, trust in scholarship contract, she received an offer to their abilities and continue taking steps enter the law programme. Crum-Ewing recalled that the development towards their goals, even when the way reminded her of the prayer she had made, forward is uncertain. She cited Philippians 4:13 — “I can do all prompting her to pursue the legal career she things through Christ who strengthens me” — had long envisioned. “And just like that, God redirected my as a central lesson from her experience, explaining that the biblical passage had steps,” she said. She completed three years of legal studies at become more than a verse she knew; it was a UG, but another significant hurdle awaited truth she had learnt to live. “This is my testimony. Not that the road was her: financing her attendance at the Eugene easy, but that God was faithful. Not that I never Dupuch Law School in The Bahamas. The cost of tuition, coupled with living doubted, but that He sustained me through expenses, made the prospect of continuing her every doubt,” she said. Crum-Ewing's journey from a student who studies appear almost impossible. Once again, she turned to prayer, and she questioned whether she was suited for law to a said help came through people she had never newly admitted attorney stands as a personal account of overcoming self-doubt, navigating previously known. According to Crum-Ewing, strangers financial challenges and receiving support opened their homes to her and became like from people who helped make her ambition parents, providing accommodation, food and possible. “I stand today not because I never doubted transportation to and from law school. She described their kindness as a tangible myself, but because God remained faithful demonstration of God's provision, noting that even when my confidence wavered,” she said.
Kaieteur News
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Sunday October 18, 2026
Proud product of New Amsterdam,
Carlvin Burnett
honoured with billboard for national contributions By Shermon Hawker He is a Guyanese singer, songwriter, composer, multiple title winner, but perhaps his most paraded title is being a New Amsterdam, Berbician first and foremost. And that's where it all began for Carlvin Burnett. A voice worth studying There are many singers, some on genuine merit, others only by title. Whether a fan or not, however, Burnett's competence as a vocalist is as factual as water is wet. Having emerged from a background of vocal heavyweights, his mother Collette Burnett guided his first steps as a young and eager singer in church. Burnett retains natural, multidimensional vocals. He wields a muscular chest register that mows down challenging notes with considerable ease, comparable to elite U.S R&B singer Tank, and segues with a falsetto as silky as Justin Timberlake; this is more often a display of consummate skill than a safety option for which falsetto is resorted to among many
vocalists. Ever so often, whether by rehearsal or in the moment, Burnett showcases rhythmic grace and versatility in both his compositions and performances. A crisp, charged up tone for Soca effortlessly transitions to that gritty, aggressive texture so characteristic of Dancehall, but he also fits his cadence ideally in the groove pockets of a Reggae track, and can masterfully dial it down to the requisite energy for an R&B rendering. In short, Burnett can commandeer any stage. It is this gift, backed by a scholastic reading-the-room performer's savviness and immaculate delivery, that actually keeps his fridge stocked, his gas tank brimming, and his bank account lively. C is for competitive, consistent champion It was 2009, at the Guyana Telephone and Telegraph Company (GTT) Jingle and Song Competition, and with the passing of the legendary Michael Jackson still raw in the chests of many fans, Burnett pulled off
the iconic 'moonwalk' while performing 'Something of value', triggering a resounding uproar that reverberated in the walls of the National Cultural Centre. From then, he never looked back, and endearingly, Guyanese never looked away. Seasons later, the boy from New Amsterdam now performs before powerful and honourable figures, and is a wellestablished name within the Guyanese music industry. CPL Monarch (2022), Soca Monarch (2024), Dancehall Monarch (2025), Road March Champion (2026). All of those were clinched upon his maiden attempts, even as he now lusts over the Calypso and Chutney titles to add to his belt. "What I want to do is to be the only person to hold all of the monarchs on (Continued on page 46 )
Andre Sargeant 'Selector Andre', Carlvin Burnett, Chenille Bowen, and Joel 'Joey2Kool' Browne at Burnett's billboard unveiling in New Amsterdam.
Guyana's Carlvin Burnett sharing the stage with Trinidadian Soca legend Machel Montano
The Berbician is enthused about putting New Amsterdam, Berbice on the map.
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Sunday October 18, 2026
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U.S. reportedly pushing Govt. to pay GTE contractor US$102M more - sources T
he US Embassy in Georgetown is reportedly pressing the Guyana Government to pay USbased contractor Lindsayca an additional US$102 million to complete the delayed Gas-toEnergy (GTE) project at Wales, even as the country continues to incur substantial costs renting power ships to meet its electricity needs, sources have told Kaieteur News. Sources close to the negotiations said the Embassy is backing Lindsayca's demand for additional funding to complete the Natural Gas Liquids (NGL) facility and 300-megawatt (MW) power plant, which were initially scheduled for completion by the end of 2024. The reported push for more money comes amid mounting concerns over the project's delays, cost overruns and the financial burden being borne by taxpayers President Irfaan Ali in September confirmed that the company was seeking additional resources but no discussions were ongoing at the time. But while the contractor claims to be cashstrapped, the Senior Vice President of Lindsayca, Nelson Drake earlier this month appeared as a Platinum S p o n s o r a t t h e Ve n e z u e l a International Oil and Gas Summit (VIOGS) in Caracas. Despite acknowledging the importance of Venezuela to the company in a LinkedIn post, the VP of Lindsayca reportedly met with President Ali upon his return from Caracas. Kaieteur News was told by sources that the discussions with the Head of State focused on the demand for a multi-million-dollar payout for ongoing cost overruns on the gas project. According to information received by this newspaper, the chief policymaker for the oil and gas sector, VP Bharrat Jagdeo who recently lamented the massive delays currently costing the nation heavily refused to entertain Drake's request for a meeting. As such, the executive turned to negotiate directly with President Ali. While Lindsayca makes its move to secure more money from the oil-rich nation, the US Embassy is reportedly backing its claims sources said. Sources told this newspaper that President Ali and VP Jagdeo should explain why Guyana has not been able to attract top-tier, globally recognised US or international companies for the Wales Development. Guyana has evolved into the most exciting energy destination, producing more than 900,000 barrels of oil per day. The Gas-toEnergy project, initially pegged at US$759 million but steadily ballooning out of control, is the
President Irfaan Ali (third from right), Prime Minister Mark Phillips and Foreign Affairs Minister, Hugh Todd with US Ambassador to Guyana, Nicole Theriot and other US officials
s
ingle largest infrastructure venture in the nation's history. Instead of attracting industry giants with proven track records of executing complex integrated gas pipelines, power plants, and NGL facilities on time and within budget, Guyana has been saddled with a contractor bogged down in endless disputes and legal settlements. “If Ambassador Nicole Theriot and the US commerce team genuinely want to support Guyana's energy security and sovereign development, they should be facilitating the entry of highly competent, well-capitalised American firms to bid transparently,” a source close to government urged. In a recent interview with Kaieteur News, Ambassador Theriot explained the delays at Wales. She said, “Obviously there are delays in this project but it's such an incredibly important project for the United States as well as Guyana.” Theriot further pointed out that
the company has commenced round the clock construction activities and is progressing as quickly as “humanly possible.” Lindsayca has employed 1400 workers according to her. To this end she expressed full confidence that the company will meet its year-end deadline. She explained, “The simple fact is the delay was caused by the land. The area that was given to them to build the power plant was marsh. It was a swamp and so it took 18
months to remediate that soil. Can you imagine building an electrical power plant on unstable soil? That's the craziest thing ever and so because this is a US company and it does things correctly the first time, they said, okay, we're going to remediate this soil, and it took 18 months and over $100 million to do that.” In August, government said the contractor committed to deliver 57megawatts of power instead of 300m e g a w a t t s b y D e c e m b e r. Lindsayca was initially expected to
deliver the power plant as well as the Natural Gas Liquids (NGL) facility since the end of 2024. The two-year delay has resulted in the country being forced to rent two power ships to supply the nation with electricity to meet its growing power demands. In November 2024 it was announced that the US Export Import (EXIM) Bank approved government's application for a loan to support the project. An agreement with the institution for US$527M was signed the
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Sunday October 18, 2026
Young entrepreneur aims to raise the standard for real estate in Guyana A
t the helm of Guyana's first ISO certified real estate and property management company is an ambitious 26-year-old entrepreneur, who aims to raise the bar for real estate operators countrywide. Amrita Sookram, the proprietor of Steadfast Group Inc., told Kaieteur News that although working in real estate had not been her dream initially, she has since found her calling within the sector. She now hopes that her work can challenge other operators to take their business to the next level. As a realtor licensed to operate in New York, Sookram understands the value operating with transparency, integrity and upholding international real estate standards. The businesswoman and resident of Cummings Lodge, East Coast Demerara told this publication that her path into the sector is quite unorthodox. Launching her business in 2020, Sookram was faced with the brunt of the COVID-19 pandemic. She initially lost everything and was forced to start over but the process didn't faze her.
The Steadfast Group Inc. during a trip to Leguan, Essequibo Islands She returned to the drawing board. Since then, Steadfast Group Inc. has undergone several
Ms. Sookram and members of her Steadfast Group Inc. team
achievements such as becoming ISO 9001 certified in 2023 and later gaining a National Quality
Award from the Guyana National Bureau of Standards(GNB S)., along with other awards. Amrita Sookram, proprietor The young of Steadfast Group Inc. realtor told this newspaper that her She said, “I already had some passion now is to develop the real knowledge of the concepts due to estate sector with high standards; my experience working in the a desire that stems from lack of existing enforcement for the field with my company and I really wanted to get my studies out existing ones. the way so I could focus on the She reflected when she first business.” started her career, she quickly While she noted that Steadfast learnt of the needs for proper Group Inc. is seeking to provide operating standards. “I was introduced to real estate optimal service within Guyana's by a woman and I found it booming and lucrative housing sector, there is a lot left to be interesting. So I did my research, found desired. “For instance, we have some there was no real standard or regulations that were introduced regulations in Guyana. sometime after the association for Everybody was basically operating with their own rules… I real estate operators launched in studied and developed myself 2023 but it is not being enforced. because I want to operate with a So there are a lot of unethical standard. So now, I'm on a mission practices happening within to raise the standard in the Guyana.” Beyond her personal industry and set Steadfast apart challenges as a young woman every other entity involved in real operating a company in the estate,” Sookram explained. industry, Sookram said the She said that it is very important for her to operate with feedback from client and potential client can make the business seem ethics and to keep the standards. very daunting. She recalled “When I first “There is a lot of negative started my family gave some money to open the business in stories out there, where real estate properties or January 2020, then COVID hit in agents overprice try to deceive a client and it turns March and I lost everything. I was people off, that when they see us, paying for an office space in the city but could not get any they view us with the same lens of business done due to the lock distrust and it is unfair because as a company, I always try to operate down.” w ith the guidelines and After the country reopened, regulations in keeping with our Sookram she moved to new certification. We want location to restart her business. Guyanese and those accessing out “I found an affordable space service to have the best and I can in Kitty. I hired two employees and we started from there. My only hope to inspire others in the first business was to rent 10 to 15 sector to offer their best,” apartments in one building, Sookram added. The young realtor emphasized someone believed in me and that even though this is the reality, gave me a break. It's been six years and she is grateful for the growth of business keeps coming because her establishment and the we pride ourselves on operating contributions that made by those with integrity and transparency; in her inner circle. “I am deeply appreciative of something I find lacking in this the work of my General Manager, industry,” Sookram asserted. Sookram who later migrated Louis Watson, my Human to the US continued to study in Resource Manager, Guytry Harnarain. Special thanks to the the field. In 2025, She studied for her team members who have been real estate license and was able to working tirelessly with me to raise obtain her license for the New t h e b a r - s t e a d f a s t g r o u p York licensing board in just two Incorporated Integrity Driven Real Estate,” she added. months.
Sunday October 18, 2026
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$20M signing bonus enters oil account from American firm for oil exploration The Natural Resource Fund (NRF) has received a GYD$20M signing bonus for 3D seismic surveys being executed by CGG Services SAS. This information was published in the third quarter NRF receipts published in the Official Gazette. According to the document, the payment was recorded on August 18, 2026 amounting to US$99,985 or GY$20,846,873. CGG Services Inc. has commenced Geotechnical Surveying and Seismic surveying operations within Block S4 of Guyana's Exclusive Economic Zone to determine the potential of oil resources within that area. Minister of Natural Resources, Vickram Bharrat in an invited comment on Saturday told this newspaper that a signing bonus is not ordinarily paid for seismic activities but was agreed to by the company due to government's push in that regard. “That is due to us pushing the company to pay a signing bonus. This is not a normal practice for seismic companies and agreements so it's a win for Guyana,” the minister explained. Seismic surveys are routinely used in offshore and gas exploration activities worldwide to detect and define geological structures under the seabed. According to the Environmental Permit granted to the company by the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA), CGG will be required to submit a report to government on the survey three months after completing the process. Section 10.19 of the Permit states: “The Permit Holder shall submit an Operational Summary of the Seismic Survey within three (3) months after completion of the survey. The use of maps, figures and tables should be included where applicable. The Operational Summary should include a copy of the report prepared by the Marine Mammal Observers and Passive Acoustic Monitoring Observers.” An operational summary for a seismic survey provides a detailed account of the entire lifecycle of the data collection process in the field. The document is the official record of the type of equipment used, how it was deployed and what
challenges the crew encountered. A key feature of the summary is data quality and preliminary processing where evaluation of the signal-to-noise ratio and data quality in the field is explained. According to the threeyear permit obtained by CGG, the 3-D seismic survey will be conducted in shallow water between Lots 2-4, offshore Guyana. An application for the initial oil exploration works was made b y C G G , a n a ff i l i a t e company of the Viridien group. Viridien is a global advanced technology, digital and Earth data company that provides a comprehensive range of data, products, services and solutions for complex digital, energy transition, natural resource, environmental and infrastructure challenges. In addition to proprietary offshore projects for clients such as Exxon, which discovered the successful Liza field from CGG data, CGG acquired the only two offshore multi-client projects available for licensing in Guyana (Stabroek Phase 1 & 2). Regionally, CGG recently completed a multi-client project in Suriname in 2023. Covering 1,800 sq km, Phase IV completed the programmed 14,500 sq km survey of newly acquired 3D data in deep and shallow water in the GuyanaSuriname basin. The survey process According to the Project Summary, a research vessel with a towed streamer will be used for the seismic acquisition. Towed streamer 3D seismic acquisition allows for the efficient and comprehensive mapping of offshore geological formations, providing valuable insights for oil and gas exploration and production activities. “This is a common method used to gather detailed subsurface geological information in offshore exploration for oil and gas. CGG currently plans to use the BGP Prospector for this project.” The company noted that the vessel is fully furnished with state-of-the-art equipment for seismic 3D surveys. Kaieteur News understands that the activities will be conducted in a total of eight phases beginning with setup and deployment, data acquisition and closing with data
Map showing the shallow water areas earmarked for 3D seismic activities.
p r o c e s s i n g a n d interpretation. Marine seismic data acquisition is based on the
principle of 'seismic reflection'. The method involves releasing pulses of acoustic energy (i.e. sound
waves) at regular intervals along designated transect lines. In general, the energy penetrates subsurface
formations and is reflected back to the surface where it can be detected by acoustic receivers, or hydrophones, encased in a long cable (i.e. streamer), which is towed behind the seismic vessel. Each time a seismic pulse meets a change in rock properties; part of the pulse is reflected back to the surface and received by the hydrophones. Consequently, by measuring precisely the difference in arrival time of reflected seismic energy, distinct subsurface rock layers can be identified, and subsequently mapped. This map helps geoscientists understand the geology and structure of natural resources. It plays an integral role in decision making when exploring for and developing oil and gas reserves in ocean waters.
Guyana's goods trade projected to grow 15% in 2026 – ECLAC ...higher hydrocarbon and commodity prices expected to improve country's terms of trade Guyana's goods trade is projected to grow by 15% in value this year, while higher hydrocarbon and commodity prices are expected to deliver one of the largest improvements in the country's terms of trade across Latin America and the Caribbean, according to a new report by the Economic Commission for Latin America and the Caribbean (ECLAC). The findings are contained in ECLAC's International Trade Outlook for Latin America and the Caribbean 2026, which examines changes in global trade and the opportunities available to countries seeking to diversify their economies through higher-value exports and modern services. The report was released on Thursday last week. In its projections for 2026, ECLAC placed Guyana among the countries expected to record increases in the value of their goods trade. However, the country's projected 15% growth is below the regional average of 20%.The report's chart measures changes in the value of goods trade and should not be interpreted as a forecast of Guyana's real economic growth or oil production. ECLAC also identified G uyana among the economies expected to benefit most from improvements in their terms of trade, alongside Peru, Venezuela, Bolivia, Jamaica and Trinidad and Tobago. The expected improvement is being driven mainly by higher hydrocarbon and commodity prices, which can strengthen the purchasing power of
export earnings relative to the cost of imports. The report's findings come as Guyana continues to expand its role as a major oil producer and as international demand for energy and other strategic natural resources reshapes global trade. However, ECLAC's analysis points to a broader challenge facing resource-rich economies: how to convert favourable export conditions into more diversified production, higher-value economic activity and sustainable employment. Commodity exports not enough ECLAC cautioned that the challenge for Latin America and the Caribbean is not simply to increase commodity exports, but to use the region's natural resources to promote activities with greater value added, innovation and technological development. It said the reorganisation of global value chains could create opportunities for increased trade and investment, technology transfer and stronger productive linkages. For Guyana, this presents a policy question about how the benefits associated with its expanding resource sector can support the development of other productive industries. The report argues that countries should align trade, industrial, technological and investment policies to build more diversified and sustainable economies capable of generating quality employment and long-term growth. ECLAC also highlighted modern services as an increasingly important source of export earnings and productivity growth.
These include information technology, professional and financial services, research and development, and other knowledge-intensive activities that can be delivered across borders. Such services can also strengthen traditional industries by providing engineering, software, logistics, design and data-management capabilities that improve productivity and competitiveness. The report noted that modern services exports from Latin America and the Caribbean have expanded significantly over the past two decades. Despite that growth, the region accounts for only 2% of global modern services exports. ECLAC recommended three complementary pillars for developing the sector: promoting exports, attracting foreign direct investment and building the human talent required to compete internationally. It stressed that investment incentives alone are insufficient to attract modern services businesses, which also depend on skilled workers, reliable connectivity, regulatory stability and strong institutions. The development of digital skills, vocational training and professional qualifications is therefore central to the expansion of these industries. ECLAC further warned that higher-productivity services often require highly skilled workers and may generate limited employment opportunities for lesseducated sections of the population if governments fail to broaden access to training and spread productivity gains throughout the economy.
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Sunday October 18, 2026
Another $24.8M contract awarded for Cliff Anderson Sports Hall roof T h e N a t i o n a l Procurement and Tender Administration Board (NPTAB) recently published on its website that a $24,860,000 contract has been awarded to rehabilitate the roof of the Cliff Anderson Sports Hall, located along Homestretch Avenue. According to NPTAB, the contract was awarded to J&A Lumberyard & Contracting Services, which was among 29 contractors that initially bid for the project. The contract was awarded on September 2, 2026, and the works are being executed through the Ministry of Culture, Youth and Sport. The contract is the latest in a series of works at the s p o r t s f a c i l i t y, w h e r e rehabilitation and modernisation began in late 2022. This is the second time the ministry has tendered for roof rehabilitation since the modernisation project began. Approximately $9.4 million was previously spent on roof rehabilitation, with Rishma and Sisters Enterprise awarded that contract. As previously reported, in January 2025, Minister of Culture, Youth and Sport Charles Ramson said at a press briefing that the government had invested approximately $321 million in various works at the building. In November 2022, the ministry awarded a $97 million contract to ECS Construction & General Supplies for the first phase of the project. That phase
involved redesigning the front section of the building, which was to be reconstructed. The following month, N P TA B a w a r d e d E C S Construction & General Supplies an $89,840,020 contract to install the facility's heating, ventilation and air-conditioning ( H VA C ) s y s t e m s . A n additional contract worth $31,409,000 was awarded to A. Ogransein & Sons for electrical installation. Subsequently, NPTAB awarded S&K Construction Consultancy Service & General Supply a $60,324,675 contract to complete the northern face of the building. At the January 2025 press briefing, Ramson also disclosed that approximately $7.6 million was spent on plumbing works carried out by KNV Designs Construction. Another $4 million was spent to replace an area of rotten boards in a concrete structure. He said Rishma and Sisters Enterprise carried out
roof rehabilitation works for $9.4 million. Rehabilitation of the side walls was undertaken by R. Persid Construction for $7.9 million, while ceiling works cost $12 million. R e g a r d i n g t h e a i rconditioning installation, which was initially awarded to ECS Construction & General Supplies for approximately $89 million,
Ramson explained that the ministry terminated the contract in 2023 after the contractor completed about $65 million worth of work. “We had to terminate that project in 2023. They completed about $65 million worth of works, but we terminated the project because they were delaying, it was poor performance so it delayed. It is not that they
weren't doing quality work, it is that they were taking too long,” the minister said. He explained that the ministry subsequently tendered for and awarded a $37 million contract to complete the airconditioning installation. At the time, Ramson said the outstanding works included the parking lot and the installation of bucket
seats. Meanwhile, in 2025, the ministry tendered for the construction of a section of fencing, an access bridge and upgrades to the lighting on the court at the facility. M o r e r e c e n t l y, t h e ministry announced the installation of bucket seats, noting that the sports hall can now accommodate more than 2,000 spectators.
Article 7, Part II: When the Strategy Changes Midstream... From page 11 programme obligations can survive the project that originally helped justify them. TGU's 720 MW combined-cycle plant began construction in 2009. Its 30-year Power Purchase Agreement originally allocated 240 MW to Alutrint and 480 MW to T&TEC, with the buyers jointly and severally responsible. After Alutrint was cancelled, the full output was contracted to T&TEC. The plant subsequently became an important part of Trinidad and Tobago's electricity system and today provides roughly half of national electrical energy. The lesson is not that cancelling Alutrint was necessarily right or wrong. It is that when one component of an integrated development strategy disappears, the infrastructure, contracts and financial obligations connected to it do not necessarily disappear as well. They migrate, must be repurposed, renegotiated or absorbed elsewhere. That is why Part I described contracts as maps of risk. Continuity does not mean rigidity Governments must retain the right to reconsider inherited projects. Democratic change would mean little if every major policy decision became irreversible simply because a previous administration had begun implementing it. But there is a difference between reviewing a transaction and repeatedly redefining the national destination. Trinidad and Tobago's ManakinCocuina cross-border gas field provides a useful counterpoint. The unitisation agreement with Venezuela
was executed in 2015. More than a decade later, in August 2026, NGC acquired a 20% participating interest in the Trinidad-side Manakin acreage, aligning it with its existing 20% interest in Cocuina. The project and the transactions surrounding it have crossed political administrations, while the commercial arrangements themselves remain legitimate subjects for scrutiny. That distinction matters. Strategic continuity does not require transactional continuity. Governments can retain a long-term national objective while changing the route, renegotiating terms, replacing counterparties or abandoning individual transactions that no longer withstand scrutiny.Equally, strategy should be capable of changing when the underlying evidence changes. Guyana's evolving gas picture illustrates that point particularly well. The objective should not be to freeze today's LNG, pipeline or industrial plans in place. Nor should every new reservoir estimate or political administration trigger wholesale redesign. The task is to preserve a coherent national purpose while continuously testing the assumptions beneath it. Managed change is part of good governance Guyana may now have an unusually valuable opportunity. If the reported reinjection requirement materially alters gas availability, and if appraisal of the new discovery enlarges the portfolio, Government can reassess its LNG ambitions before every downstream commitment becomes difficult to
reverse. That is preferable to discovering the mismatch after the LNG plant is built, the pipeline sized, gas-sales agreements signed and lenders expecting repayment. Programme management therefore has another role beyond keeping projects on schedule. It should help Government understand the consequences of changing the programme itself: which commitments have already hardened, which remain flexible, where costs migrate, what can be repurposed, and which decisions should wait for better information. The resource owner's challenge is not to avoid change. It is to make change deliberate, informed and early enough to preserve value. For Guyana, the emerging lesson is increasingly clear. Gas strategy cannot be separated from reservoir stewardship. Reservoir stewardship cannot be separated from oil recovery. Neither can be separated from pipelines, electricity, LNG, industrial development, contracts or fiscal value. Someone must see those decisions as one portfolio. That is upstream resource orchestration. And the governance principle that follows is equally important: Strategic continuity, transactional discipline and managed change. The destination should endure where the national interest still supports it. The transactions used to get there should remain open to scrutiny. And when the evidence changes, Government should be able to change course before yesterday's assumptions become tomorrow's liabilities.
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Mother, teen daughter shot, IMF: T&T expected to burnt in home invasion grow 0.2% in 2026 The International Monetary Fund (IMF) yesterday reflected a World Bank report last week that the T&T economy declined by minus 0.5 per cent last year and is projected to experience real growth of 0.2 per cent this year. The IMF also projects that the domestic economy would grow by 2.2 per cent in 2027 and by 3.1 per cent in 2028. The report by the IMF came in its Western Hemisphere Regional Economic Outlook, which was published yesterday, as the so-called lender of last resort closed off its Autumn 2026 meeting in Thailand. In its latest Article IV Consultation report with the T&T authorities, which was published in June this year, the IMF estimated that the T&T economy had grown by 0.8 per cent in 2025, is projected to grow by 0.8 per cent in 2026 and by 3.0 per cent in 2027. Dead are Rosanna Ramlal, 47 and Alina Ramlal, 17 According to the IMF, the Caribbean nonThe assailants then turned on him, tourism dependent countries will register (TRINIDAD EXPRESS) Four masked gunmen shot and killed a mother and her 17- demanding money and beating him before growth of 8.2 per cent in 2025, increasing to year-old daughter before dousing their shooting both women. 11 per cent this year before declining to 9.6 The son said the gunmen took a bottle of and 8.2 in the years 2027 and 2028. bodies with methylated spirits and setting them on fire during a home invasion in methylated spirits from inside the house, Malick, Barataria, on Friday afternoon, poured the liquid over the two women and set them on fire before escaping through an according to a police report. The woman’s 20-year-old son was also open back door. Police and fire officers responded to beaten during the attack and sustained minor injuries to his face, hands and upper body. reports of a house fire. Firefighters Dead are Rosanna Ramlal, 47, a doubles extinguished the blaze, which was contained vendor, and her daughter, Alina Ramlal, 17, a in a bedroom on the southern side of the student. Their burnt remains were found on a house, and discovered the burnt remains of bed in a bedroom at their home along 7th the two women on the bed. Crime scene investigators processed the scene and Avenue, Malick. Police said the incident occurred around recovered three spent 9mm rounds. The surviving son was swabbed for 2.40 p.m. when the son was playing video games in the living room. He was alerted by gunshot residue and had his clothing a noise coming from a bedroom occupied by retrieved as part of the investigation. He was subsequently taken to hospital. his mother and sister. When he went to investigate, he Officers of the Region One Homicide allegedly encountered four masked men Bureau of Investigations are investigating dressed in dark-coloured clothing assaulting the killings and the assault on the surviving son. his mother and demanding money.
Prominent Guatemalan anticorruption lawyer killed in shooting Oct 17 (Reuters) Guatemalan lawyer Juan Francisco Solorzano Foppa, known for his high-profile fight against in the Central American country, died after being shot on Saturday by two men while visiting a sports center in Guatemala City, a crime condemned by President Bernardo Arevalo. Solorzano Foppa was a 43-year-old former prosecutor and anticorruption lawyer who denounced wrongdoing by some of Guatemala’s most powerful politicians, business leaders and companies, and in 2023 briefly joined the defense team of a prominent journalist. Shortly after the attack, Guatemalan police reported that they had detained two men and seized a carbine-style firearm and a motorcycle. According to the police, the arrests and seizure of the weapon were in connection with the case.
“I strongly condemn the cowardly murder of former prosecutor Juan Francisco Solorzano Foppa. Both the direct perpetrators and those who ordered the crime must face the full weight of the law,” Arevalo said on his official X account. He added that he had instructed his government to coordinate with the relevant authorities to solve the crime. “Those who believe that terror can intimidate the people of Guatemala and the government I lead are mistaken. In of Foppa, in honor of our homeland, in honor of justice.” The lawyer was known for his anti-corruption work as head of the Criminal Investigations Directorate within the Public Prosecutor’s Office, and later as head of Guatemala’s tax authority, the SAT, from 2016 to 2018, when he helped prosecute dozens of powerful Guatemalan
business figures and recover unpaid taxes. In 2025, Solorzano Foppa alleged a connection between the Barrio 18 gang and the National Unity of Hope party, as well as links between criminal gangs and the judicial system. In 2023, he briefly joined the defense team of Guatemalan journalist Jose Ruben Zamora, who has become an international symbol of resistance to the criminalization of journalism and the erosion of judicial independence in Central America. Solorzano Foppa had to leave the Zamora case after being accused by the Public Prosecutor ’s Office of obstructing the proceedings and destroying or concealing information, a charge he denied but ultimately accepted as part of a plea agreement, saying he did not believe he would receive a fair trial.
last year, declining to 1.4 per cent this year, before increasing to 2.3 per cent next year and dropping slightly to two per cent in 2028. Barbados’ economic growth of 2.7 per cent last year will decline to 1.8 per cent this year, before recovering to 2.2 and 2.1 per cent over the following two years. In the case of Antigua and Barbuda, the island recorded economic growth of three per cent last year, declining to 2.4 per cent this year and increasing to 2.5 per cent for the next two years. Last year, Grenada recorded growth of 4.8 per cent, but the IMF is projecting that for this year it will record 3.9 per cent, before declining to three per cent and 2.9 per cent over the 2027-28 years. Jamaica is not expected to record any economic growth this year, a slight decline on the 0.1 per cent registered in 2025 and Kingston is projected to have economic growth of 2.4 and 1.8 per cent over the 2027 and 2028 period. The Bahamas’ economic growth last year had been set at 3.8 per cent, but will decline to 2.5 per cent this year, and further decline to 1.9 and 1.8 per cent, respectively, for the years 2027
The report titled “Turning Tailwinds into Lasting Gains”, by the International Monetary Fund (IMF) for its October 2026 Regional Economic Outlook publication. Guyana leads the growth with projections put at 22.3 per cent this year, having registered growth of 19.3 per cent last year. The IMF is projecting that Guyana’s growth over the years 2027 and 2028 will be 16.8 and 9.2 per cent, respectively. Suriname will maintain the same four per cent growth in 2026 as it had registered the previous year, increasing to 4.1 per cent next year and further increasing to 28.2 per cent in 2028. Haiti is the only Caribbean Community (Caricom) country where economic growth for the next two years will be negative. The IMF said Haiti registered minus 2.7 per cent economic growth in 2025, minus 1.7 per cent this year and minus 0.5 per cent next year. But the French-speaking Caricom country is expected to register positive growth of 0.7 per cent in 2028. According to the IMF, real GDP growth for the Caribbean is estimated at 6.1 per cent in 2025, climbing to eight per cent in 2026, declining slightly to 7.4 and 7.2 per cent, respectively, for the years 2027 and 2028. According to the IMF, the Caribbean tourismdependent countries will register economic growth of two per cent
and 2028. The IMF said Latin America and the Caribbean (LAC) has attracted substantial foreign direct investment (FDI) but it remains less integrated into international trade than many peer emerging market (EM) regions. It said that the stock of inward FDI in the region was valued at about three trillion US dollars trillion in 2024, equivalent to 44 per cent of the gross domestic product (GDP) in the LAC, compared with 25 per cent in Asian EMs and 21 per cent in European EMs. (CMC)
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Sunday October 18, 2026
Kaieteur News
Proud product of New Amsterdam, Carlvin Burnett... From page 40 the first try. I have four so far, two to go.” He also confidently backed himself and team as he has eyes fixed on winning the International Soca Monarch, aiming to become the first
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Guyanese to participate. With an insatiable hunger, Burnett seeks to push beyond geographic bounds by fostering collaborations and networking, and one day hopes to secure a Grammy Award. For him, his many achievements glazed over with the most savoury sauces are not as flavourful to his soul as the positive impact his music creates. “After we did the song ‘Guide my way’, I remember someone coming up to me and saying ‘I really was thinking (confidential detail), but this was the song that got me through that’. Then we released ‘Hear my cry’, and tons of people started messaging, saying things like ‘this song help me through this’, et cetera. People are still writing letters and mails, and when they share these experiences that they went through, those are the most humbling moments for me. Those are the biggest takeaways for me. While the accolades and titles and trophies are nice, for me, the best moment are the ones where you see the fans having a good time, or you realised that you have touched somebody with your lyrics or your melody or your voice,” Burnett told Kaieteur News. He has also weaved a collection of some of the finest patriotic pieces of the last decade, which have become tailored into the concept of national events year-round. One might fancy he has done it all, but according to the singer, this is but the prelude. THE SURFACEREADERS To Burnett, there have been many who formed perspectives and nurtured same without a principled and authentic grasp of an actual story/ circumstance. “People look at you and they see what you’re doing and they think that because of what you do, you’re not a Christian
anymore. I am an Adventist. Born that way, will die that way. Firm believer in Christ. We grew up with certain teachings. The teachings, beliefs, traditions and all of these things that were handed to me, those are things that I just can’t step away from. Regardless of where I go or how big I become, they always keep me flat-footed, so I know not to let anything fly to my head, because we know of stories from the Bible where men decided that they’re going up, and they’re doing this and that, and God humbled them,” he reasoned. Burnett’s journey to the zenith saw him slashing through tunnels clogged with disappointments that massively drained the reservoirs of his motivation. Resigned to his bed and staring blankly at the ceiling was not limited to a few nights only, for the letdowns and frustrations came in droves. In due time, the second place winner of the Jingle Competition proved more consistent than any other participant, and rapidly rose to great heights here. His talent did not escape the observation of industry veterans and icons. Burnett has either shared stages, or struck up friendships, or exchanged conversations with the likes of Romain Virgo, Beres Hammond, Machel Montano, Ravi B, Duane Stephenson, and Alkaline, to mention just a few. “Machel Montano came to Guyana, and he was asking as he got into Guyana, ‘who is an artiste that y’all think I should really call on stage? Who is like the leading artiste in Guyana?’ He said - and this is in his word - from the airport, the only name he kept hearing over and over was Carlvin Burnett. And then he went to an event the night with the President (Dr. Irfaan Ali), and he was asking the President who is Carlvin Burnett.” President Ali, he recalled, invited him to an impromptu
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From page 6 Jair Bolsonaro promoted mining in indigenous lands in the Amazon and forest clearances soared at the same time as resources to protect the forest were cut. During Bolsonaro’s presidency from 2019 to 2022, the Amazon lost nearly 60% more in forest lands compared to the previous four years, news agency AFP reported, citing official data. Lula reversed his policies and oversaw deforestation rates drop to a six-year low during his first year in office. Lula tightened up environmental monitoring and penalties for illegal logging. “Our goal is to achieve zero illegal deforestation by 2030,” he said in a post on X on Friday. Tropical rainforests like the Amazon are home to millions of species. In a healthy state, they absorb vast quantities of planet-warming carbon dioxide, helping to keep the Earth cool. But they have come under increasing pressure from decades of deliberate land clearance for agriculture and logging, as well as climate change, which scientists warn can create conditions for wildfires. Brazil’s Environment Minister Joao Paulo Capobianco described the decline in Amazon deforestation as “absolutely stratospheric”. It was an “historic achievement” for Brazil, said Marcio Astrini, executive secretary at climate advocacy group Observatorio do Clima. It showed that “with political will, it is possible to curb deforestation and greenhouse gas emissions”, Astrini said.
meeting with himself and the Trinidadian Soca legend, who was impressed with Burnett’s music and laid a foundation for Montano-Burnett collaborations, after which Montano invited him onstage to perform as part of his set that very night at the Providence National Stadium. As if a call-on from Machel Montano was not enough, Jamaican Dancehall icon Vybz Kartel at a major event in Guyana also brought Burnett on alongside him, in another notable highlight. Unsurprisingly, the Guyanese star vocalist has lofty aspirations for encounters with two of the world’s biggest stars, Americans Usher and Chris Brown, with whom he would want to collaborate. HISTORY BOOKS WELCOMEA DESERVINGENTRY The artiste has ever remained fiercely loyal to his hometown, New Amsterdam, even while he resides in Georgetown. And in a display that assured him his love was not one-sided, New Amsterdam cuddled him. After all, his authoritative hijack of the Jingle Competition afforded New Amsterdam, Berbice a VIP lounge in the national conversation of pure, diamondin-the-rough talent. On October 3, 2026, Burnett was the featured guest of a significant ceremony in which a billboard was erected in his honour. Positioned prestigiously at the renowned Esplanade Park in New Amsterdam, the billboard captures the essence of a New Amsterdamer’s success fashioned through unrelenting
persistence. “It’s always a humbling feeling to be honoured in general. And to be honoured by your hometown is much more heartwarming, because very often we hear the statement or phrase, ‘you could never be king in your own country’, but the people in New Amsterdam, the town council, the mayor of New Amsterdam decided to break the chain and make sure that one of their own is celebrated in a major way. For me it’s humbling, rewarding in a way, and I’m just overjoyed that I can be somebody that is moving the music forward, somebody from New Amsterdam, from Stanleytown that is doing all of these things.” For him, it would be mission accomplished when persons take note of his name and work in a worldwide context and Berbicians can be proud. “As Guyanese, we have a tendency of making other people’s thing big, and we have our own right here. What we need to do is continue to push, and if we push our artistes forward like Berbice has done and will continue to do, then the rest of the world is going to be ours.” NO MAN IS AN ISLAND As great a tree as he has become, and as abundant as his fruits have been, Burnett humbly acknowledges his roots, support network, and those foundation elements keeping him firm in a rather volatile soil. Family was given emphatic salute for supporting him and keeping him within the parameters of dignity, principles and his moral upbringings.
Of his squad, he affirmed, “I have an excellent team around me that believes in what I do, and we have one common goal, and the goal is to make it, because if I make it, then everybody makes it. We don’t move one without the other. We move all the time as a unit.” Manager and producer Joel Browne has been cited as a critical influence and stabilizer on his path. Chenille Bowen, overseeing road management, ensures perfect alignment with his local and overseas engagements to ease his worrying. Andre Sargeant, his onstage backbone, keeps the artiste’s music well-arranged, and through an impeccable chemistry, knows precisely what he needs. Prior to his solo career, he sharpened his skills while enlisted in the one of Guyana’s most prominent music bands - the Heatwave Band. ASEATATTHE TABLE Staring at the ceiling came full-circle. Only this time he is now mostly stupefied that a little boy from Stanleytown in New Amsterdam is now on a first-name basis with the President, and being entrusted with catering to the entertainment needs of visiting heads of state, members of the English Royal Family, ambassadors and celebrities, as well as being a perennial, go-to headliner for major national events. Added to that is the literal closer-to-home meaningful homage paid to him by his hometown, an undertaking piloted by Mayor of New Amsterdam, Wainwright McIntosh.
PAHO Director calls for country ownership and regional solidarity in reshaping global health architecture Berlin, 15 October 2026 (PAHO) – Pan American Health Organization (PAHO) Director and WHO Regional Director for the Americas Dr. Jarbas Barbosa called for countries and regional institutions to have a stronger role in shaping ongoing reforms of the global health system during the World Health Summit 2026 in Berlin this week, arguing that clearer responsibilities across national, regional and global levels can reduce duplication and help limited health resources deliver greater impact. His call comes as WHO Member States and global health partners are examining how health cooperation is governed, financed and delivered amid tighter financial conditions and concerns over fragmentation and duplication. The reform process is considering how responsibilities, coordination and financing should be aligned across country, regional and global levels, with final recommendations expected to be considered by the World Health Assembly in 2027. Drawing on the experience of the Americas, Dr. Barbosa highlighted how regional cooperation can bridge global health commitments and action within countries. During the Summit’s main-stage discussion on Governing Global Health
Architecture in a Multipolar World, Dr. Barbosa highlighted more than 120 years of cooperation among countries of the Americas through PAHO. Regional approaches ranging from pooled procurement to primary health care, disease elimination, and health innovation and production, he said, illustrate how countries can work collectively on challenges where regional action brings added value. He underscored that an effective global health architecture must recognize the distinct and complementary roles of each level: countries leading their own health priorities; regional institutions adapting global guidance and standards to regional realities and translating global commitments into concrete action at the country level; and global institutions setting norms, standards and providing technical guidance. For the Americas, financing is also central to the debate. Dr. Barbosa noted that most countries in the Region are middle-income and rely primarily on domestic resources to finance their health systems. Better alignment of domestic financing, development resources and international cooperation, he said, can help countries advance their own priorities and achieve greater impact.
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Tunisians stage biggest protest in years against President Saied TUNIS, Oct 17 (Reuters) Thousands of Tunisians joined the largest protest against President Kais Saied in years in the capital on Saturday, accusing him of undermining democracy and mishandling the economy in a growing challenge to his . The demonstration, led by the major UGTT labour union and civil society groups, comes as Tunisia grapples with an economic crisis, worsening public services, recurring water and power cuts, and shortages of medicines and essential goods. Saied seized broad powers in 2021 and 2022, dissolving parliament, dismissing dozens of judges and ruling by decree, moves that opponents described as a coup. Rights groups say he has intensified a crackdown on civil society, journalists and opposition figures. Saied rejects those allegations, saying he is not a dictator, and has accused his opponents of engineering economic crises to fuel social unrest. In a rare show of unity, opposition parties from across the political spectrum joined lawyers, doctors, journalists, unemployed people and civil society groups in marching along Habib Bourguiba
Avenue, a focal point of the 2011 protests that helped trigger the Arab Spring uprisings. The protest poses a significant challenge to Saied after years of divisions weakened the opposition’s ability to mobilise large crowds. “Silence will no longer be acceptable ... the state cannot build by concentrating all powers in the hand of one person”, Slah Eddine Salmi, head of the UGTT, told the rally. Hundreds of police were deployed across the capital. Protesters chanted: “No fear, power belongs to the people!” and “The prisons are full, people are hungry!” They also revived the iconic slogan of the 2011 uprising, which in Tunisia was notably peaceful: “The people want the fall of the regime!” They called for the release of Saied’s critics and demanded an end to what they described as attacks on trade union rights. Some carried banners expressing frustration over unemployment and pollution. “Enough is enough! The country is collapsing. We suffer from power and water cuts, and one crisis after another,” said Yassine
Tens of thousands march in Lisbon over housing and living costs LISBON, Oct 17 (Reuters) Tens of thousands of people marched through central Lisbon on Saturday to protest against soaring living costs and a deepening housing in Portugal, increasing pressure on the centreright government. Portugal’s biggest union, CGTP, which called the rally, said “many tens of thousands” packed one of the capital’s main avenues. Police gave no crowd estimate. Protesters say low wages are failing to keep pace with housing costs and the rising cost of living, leaving many people struggling to make ends meet in the European Union and NATO member state. The demonstration followed days of growing unrest, including a tent camp set up by housing activists in the northern city of Porto that police cleared in a predawn operation on Monday. It coincides with protests in France against rising costs and declining public services, and smaller protests in Belgium. There are also mass protests in Albania, where protesters are demanding the prime minister’s resignation. Portugal’s inflation hit 3.6% in September, driven by rising food and fuel prices, the latter up 15% y e a r- o n - y e a r f o l l o w i n g a n increase in tensions in the Middle East. House prices have more than doubled since 2017, while rents for
new leases have nearly doubled, fuelling one of Europe’s housing affordability crises. The squeeze is most acute in major cities. PROTESTERS’ CONCERNS Carolina Cruz, 26, a PhD student and biology researcher earning about €1,300 ($1,460) a month on a scholarship, faces losing her home as her rental contract nears expiry. She and her partner pay €716 monthly for an apartment in the Lisbon area, but renewal could push the rent above €1,200 far beyond their means. “I’m the first person in my family to enter a doctoral programme, and even with all the studying I’ve done, I still can’t make it... Right now, housing in Lisbon is the problem,” Cruz said. Pedro Penilo, 62, a teacher, said Portugal’s leaders were “out of touch with reality.” “Life is incredibly expensive… it’s going up brutally. I need to see how my mortgage is going to turn out in the coming months, when it’s adjusted. I’m very worried,” he said. Parliamentary Affairs Minister Carlos Abreu Amorim said on Friday the “government will not yield to shouts from the street” and that concrete measures to address the concerns were already being rolled out. ($1 = 0.8898 euros)
Demonstrators take part in a protest led by the Tunisian General Labour Union (UGTT), demanding the restoration of democracy and denouncing mounting restrictions on freedoms, intensifying pressure on President Kais Saied amid a deepening economic and political crisis, in Tunis, Tunisia, October 17, 2026. Gharseli, a protester from Sfax, about 250 km (155 miles) south of
Tunis. “I came from Sfax to stand up for my freedom and I’m not
about to give up, even if I become the last voice in the country.”
A demonstrator throws a chair at police during a students’ protest in Brussels, Belgium, October 17, 2026.
Protesters clash with police in Brussels BRUSSELS, Oct 17 (Reuters) - Several hundred mostly young people protested in Brussels on Saturday, with rioters clashing with police in unrest partly inspired demonstrations in neighbouring France. Belgian student groups have said they are protesting against rising education costs and reforms they fear will
make higher education less accessible. Demonstrators gathered in central Brussels, many wearing masks and chanting antifascist slogans. Police used tear gas and water cannon, while some protesters o v e r t u r n e d a c a r, according to a Reuters witness. Belgian Interior
Minister Bernard Quintin said in a post on X that “what is unfolding in Brussels is no longer mere protest” and “all necessary means will used to restore order in the face of the rioters”. A protest also took place in the eastern city of Liège, where students earlier this month demonstrated over the French-language
education system, citing rising education costs and difficulties accessing study materials. The unrest in France began last month as protests over education funding and school conditions before broadening into a wider movement centred on i n e q u a l i t y, p u b l i c spending and living standards.
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Sunday October 18, 2026
Mass protests in France spiral into worst riots in years PARIS, Oct 17 (Reuters) Rioting erupted in cities across France on Saturday as demonstrations against rising living costs and declining public services spiralled out of control in some of the worst violence the country has witnessed for decades. While hundreds of thousands protested peacefully in street marches in scores of cities, violent fringe groups targeted public buildings, looted luxury boutiques and supermarkets and attacked police vehicles and officers. In Limoges, the hall was set ablaze; in Marseille, black-clad protesters broke into city hall and defaced the building with anarchic graffiti, and in Lyon, protesters torched the city’s tourist office. French Prime Minister Sebastien Lecornu said the government would not be “intimidated” by violence, and blamed the unrest on the “ultra-left” and criminals just months before a presidential election next year. “To those who clearly want to use this violence as a ‘warm-up’ before the presidential election, I say clearly: We will not let ourselves be intimidated. No one will impose their political agenda through violence,” he wrote in a post on X. Some 1,200 people had been arrested as part of the protests, Lecornu added while visiting the sites in the evening. Around 550,000 people had participated in the demonstrations across the country, Interior Minister Laurent Nunez said. The CGT union told Reuters it estimated protesters at 800,000 people. President Emmanuel Macron vowed to prosecute and punish people who had carried out the attacks. “We will all stand united against the sowers of chaos, who only seek to undermine our institutions and prevent those who peacefully express their demands from doing so,” he wrote in a post on X. Belgium, Portugal and Italy also faced smaller-scale protests on Saturday as living costs rise in Europe, while protesters in Albania
French riot police walk past burning objects in a street amid clashes with protesters in Paris as part of nationwide protests against the cost of living and rising fuel prices called by the “Yellow Vests” movement, joined by French high school and university students, teachers and parents demanding better school conditions and government action, as well as labour unions, workers, farmers and retirees. again rallied against perceived government corruption, a lack of jobs and poor education standards. Protesters said most people had marched peacefully, and put much of the violence down to troublemakers who had set out to cause damage and clash with the police. Many held signs bearing slogans against the police, the president and the wealthy. “We are fighting because the cost of living is too harsh, because the price of fuel is too high, because high school pupils are being violently attacked and hurt all over the country just for trying to protest and ask for more teachers and decent learning conditions,” said Lola, a 19year-old protester in Paris. TEAR GAS, FIRE AND LOOTING Most protests kicked off around midday, with some beginning before the official start of the
demonstrations. In some parts of Paris, police fired tear gas rounds as they retreated in the face of mostly young protesters, many of whom were dressed in black and wore hoodies, masks and goggles to protect against tear gas. Rioters tried to break into the Galeries Lafayette department store, smashed up banks, ransacked a Lacoste store as well as other boutiques and looted an SFR mobile phone shop. Protesters had been setting objects ablaze all day, including numerous cars. In protests partly inspired by those in France, several hundred mostly young people protested in Brussels, and some clashed with police. Belgian student groups have said they are against rising education costs and reforms they fear will make higher education less accessible. In Albania, police fired what
appeared to be rubber bullets at protesters during a fifth day of mass student demonstrations calling for Prime Minister Edi Rama to step down. In Portugal, tens of thousands took to the streets of Lisbon following days of unrest to protest against housing and other living costs. Housing prices in Portugal have doubled since 2017, fuelling one of the worst affordability crises in Europe. In Italy, a march against high costs of living in Milan degenerated into disorder, with police clearing the central cathedral square with tear gas. Police in Bologna used water cannons to try to disperse crowds and made seven arrests after another protest turned violent, the ANSA news agency reported. FRENCH POLICE RESPONSE UNDER SCRUTINY The protests in France began
last month at high schools in Paris’ working-class northern suburbs, where anger over teacher shortages and ‘shabby facilities evolved into a broader movement focused on inequality, public spending and living standards. In Paris on Saturday, protesters in high-visibility vests blocked streets, recalling the Yellow Vest movement that marked Macron’s previous term in office. Saturday’s protests eclipsed the size of the crowds at the peak of the Yellow Vest movement, though they were far lower than the levels seen at the protests in 2023 against Macron’s pension overhaul. Macron is entering the final stretch of his presidency, facing a fragmented political landscape and growing pressure over the economy. France’s efforts to reduce public debt have not reassured investors, pushing government borrowing costs to their highest levels in over two decades. Police tactics have drawn criticism following injuries among demonstrators, including a teenager who lost a hand after picking up a stun grenade. The police watchdog is investigating at least two dozen allegations of police violence. Lecornu said more than 150 police officers had been injured in Saturday’s protests, but did not say whether any protesters had been hurt. Nunez confirmed reports that one person had his hand torn off in clashes with police on Saturday. French media reported he tried to pick up a stun grenade. The UNSA police union posted a video on X showing crowds attacking police vans with clubs and bricks in multiple locations. The union warned the government police forces were at breaking point. “Today again, in every corner of France, our colleagues are being used as punching bags. Pelted with stones, injured, trapped in real ambushes,” the union said. “Let everyone take responsibility: this cannot go on indefinitely. The rope is stretched to its maximum.”
No Kings rallies in US urge midterm voters ...thousands gathered at events throughout the country to cast ballots early on Saturday, building on two years of No Kings marches. (AFP) Rallies organised by the No Kings network opposed to United States President Donald Trump were held Saturday in cities and communities across the US, with an aim of getting people out to vote early in the midterm elections. No Kings has more than 3,000 events planned across the US. The planned events, this time dubbed “No Kings: Vote Early”, were billed as nonpartisan, though they sought to build on nearly two years’ worth of No Kings marches and demonstrations
by people upset with Trump’s presidency. “It’s a day of nonpartisan voter participation: we are bringing our community together to make a plan to vote early and ensuring every eligible voter understands their options for how to vote and has the opportunity to make their voice heard,” organisers said in a statement. By advocating for voting early, the “No Kings” organisers hope to cut off the potential for any malfeasance once election day rolls around.
A band entertained what appeared to be a few hundred people in caps and coats at the Lincoln Memorial in Washington, DC. Despite the chilly weather, many in the crowd danced to the tunes. “VOTE EARLY” and “HANDS OFF MY VOTE!” were among the many signs held aloft. At an Atlanta rally, City Councilman Michael Julian Bond told the crowd to urge others to vote ahead of the November 3 general election. “The Constitution
gives you one power, right? That is the power to vote. Are you gonna use that power?” he said. “ Yo u d o n ’ t s e e Superman giving up his power,” Bond continued. “You don’t see Black Panther giving up his power. You don’t see Wonder Woman giving up her magic lasso. So why would you give up your right, your power, your obligation to vote? Be a superhero, use your power. Go to the polls and vote.” Trump has long been suspicious of mail
voting and has claimed without evidence that voting fraud cost him the 2020 presidential election. His administration sued California election officials Thursday, asking a judge to bar the state from counting mail-in ballots for the midterm elections from people whom the federal government has identified as “likely” noncitizens until their immigration status can be confirmed. On Friday, the Department of Justice warned that local officials
who process and tabulate ballots submitted by suspected noncitizen voters are putting themselves at risk of criminal investigation and potential prosecution. Earlier that day, Democratic Senators Alex Padilla of California, Sheldon Whitehouse of Rhode Island and Dick Durbin of Illinois wrote to Attorney General Todd Blanche, demanding that the Justice Department commit to not seizing ballots or other election materials before the midterm elections are certified.
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‘69 rescued, 71 bodies recovered’ ...Coast Guard commander details chaos and communication blackout during MV Barima search operations
A
dead Starlink battery plunged Coast Guard rescuers into a communications blackout as they battled pitch-black conditions and rough seas during the desperate search for survivors of the MV Barima sinking off the Essequibo Coast, the
communication,” Ramsarup told the commission. “ U n f o r t u n a t e l y, t h a t communication was interrupted shortly after due to some technical issues with the Wi-Fi on the vessel. That is because the Starlink battery had died.” With no backup communications system
Midshipman Rahul Ramsarup, officer commanding the GDF Coast Guard floating base in the Pomeroon, testifying before the Commission of Inquiry.
presidential Commission of Inquiry (CoI) heard on Friday. Midshipman Rahul Ramsarup, officer commanding the Guyana Defence Force (GDF) Coast Guard floating base in the Pomeroon, testified about the logistical challenges and dangerous conditions that confronted rescuers during the overnight operation. A c c o r d i n g t o Ramsarup's witness statement and oral testimony, admitted into evidence as exhibits RR1, RR2 and RR3, the floating base received a WhatsApp message from Lieutenant Rolwyn Haywood at 10:59 p.m. on July 18, 2026. Maritime distress coordinates followed at 11:07 p.m., identifying the suspected sinking area off the Essequibo Coast near Anna Regina. Ramsarup briefed Petty Officer Smith and a crew, who deployed aboard a Metalshark vessel powered by twin 250-horsepower Mercury engines to search the waters. However, the mission was soon hampered by a communications failure. “Myself and the DSM PO Smith would have m a i n t a i n e d
aboard the patrol craft, Ramsarup said the floating base lost contact with Smith's team for the remainder of the night. He explained that a daytime patrol between the Pomeroon base and Anna Regina takes approximately two hours, but the journey can stretch to four hours at night because of limited visibility. “It was one of the darkest nights I've ever witnessed in my four months of experience at the floating base,” Ramsarup testified, adding that waves were cresting higher than the vessel's bridge. The commission heard that at approximately 7:30 a.m. on July 19, a Maritime Administration Department (MARAD) pilot vessel arrived at the Pomeroon floating base carrying 50 survivors, including MV Barima captain Kevin Price, and one recovered body. Smith's search team returned to the base shortly afterward. The survivors were subsequently transferred using a smaller Coast Guard craft, the RC16, and civilian vessels. They were escorted to Charity, where they were handed over to medical personnel and police officers.
Official search-andrescue ledgers entered into evidence showed that coordinated operations involving the Pomeroon floating base, other Coast Guard vessels and local mariners accounted for 69
survivors rescued between July 19 and July 22. The total comprised the initial 50 survivors brought in by the MARAD pilot vessel, seven delivered by a second pilot vessel, 11 rescued by a local fishing
vessel and brought ashore at Hampton Court, and one crew member rescued directly by a Coast Guard vessel. The latter remained aboard to assist with the continuing search efforts. During the same four-day
operational period, Coast Guard units and assisting vessels recovered 71 bodies. The recovery logs recorded 33 bodies retrieved across July 18 and 19, another 24 on July 20, 13 on July 21 and one final body on July 22.
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Mumbai Indians and head coach Jayawardene part ways (Cricinfo) - Mumbai Indians and their IPL head coach Mahela Jayawardene have parted ways ahead of the 2027 auction. Jayawardene was the MI head coach for the last two seasons, in his second stint with the franchise in that position. He had previously served in that role from 2017 to 2022. “Mumbai Indians has been a very special part of my journey for over a decade now,” Jayawardene said in an MI statement. “The players, coaching team, the incredible support of the #OneFamily and above all the fans have made this an experience I will always treasure. Together, we have shared some u n f o rg e t t a b l e m o m e n t s , o v e r c o m e challenges and built something we can all be proud of. I want to sincerely thank Mrs. Nita Ambani and AkashAmbani for their
unwavering trust, support and friendship over the years. I leave with immense pride in what we have achieved together and will always carry a special place in my heart for MI. I wish the team every success in the years ahead.” Cricinfo has learned that the question of a possible change in coaching staff came up during the 2026 season review in August, when both the player leadership group and the franchise agreed they needed to look for a change. It is understood Jayawardene, too, agreed with the viewpoint of bringing in younger coaches to bring in fresh perspectives. The new coach will have the choice of taking a call on the rest of the existing MI coaching staff which includes Kieron Pollard
Sunday October 18, 2026 ARIES (Mar. 21–Apr. 19) You should find that people are easier to get along with today, thanks to some great energy that brings you closer together socially. It's a good time to build bridges and to check in with distant allies.
LIBRA (Sept. 23–Oct. 22) You need to use that powerful intuition of yours to get clues about that new colleague or neighbor—what's really going on with them? It shouldn't be too hard for you to pick up on the truth.
TAURUS (Apr. 20–May 20) People are just testing you today, so don't take things too seriously. That doesn't mean it's going to be fun, as the constant teasing and limit-pushing can get to be somewhat wearying, but it can't last.
SCORPIO (Oct. 23–Nov. 21) Listen up when people try to tell you about their hot ideas. You may need to deal with someone who seems kind of crazy, but is actually onto something really hot. Give them your full attention!
GEMINI (May 21–June 20) Your new ideas are making life much more interesting today, so keep talking and make sure that your people fully understand what you're trying to get across. You may start to see things really differently.
SAGIT (Nov. 22–Dec. 21) Your mind is sharp today, and you should be able to figure out even the weirdest ideas today. Apply yourself to the hard stuff, as you never know when your mental energy is going to wane.
CANCER (June 21–July 22) You can't help but make your feelings known today, but it's lonely—everyone else seems bottled up! That could mean that you need to find some time alone, but at least one person needs an open display of emotion.
CAPRI (Dec. 22–Jan. 19) You've got financial issues on your mind today, which may be pretty weighty but are still sure to be resolved — eventually. As long as you're facing them honestly, you are sure to do fine.
LEO (July 23–Aug. 22) Try to take care of things in a new way today—the same old tricks just aren't working now! The good news is that you're sure to learn more about yourself and your people by the end of the day.
AQUARIUS (Jan. 20–Feb. 18) You are the best person for the job—whatever it may be. This could have to do with your career, but it's just as likely to apply to your social life or even your love life. Don't hide your light away!
VIRGO (Aug. 23–Sept. 22) You should find that you're a little out of sorts early on as your schedule starts to shift and erode from underneath you. See if you can get your people to fill you in ahead of time.
PISCES (Feb. 19–Mar. 20) You're thinking quite a bit about your future and how things are going, so see if you can get yourself into a quiet corner where you can ponder what comes next. Things are looking up!
(assistant coach) and Paras Mhambrey (bowling coach). Jayawardene’ departure leaves MI’s team management in a tricky position, with captain Hardik Pandya also under the spotlight after their second-from-bottom finish in IPL 2026. Not long after MI finished with just four wins from 14 games, rumours of a Hardik trade began circulating in reports and social media. Hardik’s individual performance also didn’t inspire much confidence: he took just four wickets in 10 games and scored 206 runs from 10 innings, striking at 138.25 with a high score of 40. Jayawardene took over as the MI head coach before IPL 2025, replacing Mark Boucher. Before that, Jayawardene had served as their global head of performance from 2022 to 2024. In that position, Jayawardene had also overseen MI’s three other franchises - MI Emirates in the ILT20, MI New York in MLC and MI Cape Town in SA20. In his first stint as head coach, Jayawardene won three IPL titles. The second one was less
successful, with MI finishing fourth on the league table in 2025 before losing in Qualifier 2, and ninth in 2026. “Mahela has made a significant contribution to Mumbai Indians over the years,” MI owner Nita Ambani said, “His calm leadership, integrity and deep love for the game have meant so much to us. On behalf of the entire MI family, I want to thank Mahela for his immense contribution and unwavering commitment over the years. We will always cherish the journey we have shared and the memories we have created together. Mahela will always be a part of our #OneFamily, and we wish him every happiness and success in the journey ahead.” MI now need to look for a head coach with under a month left for the IPL retention deadline - November 15. The IPL auction is expected to take place around a month later in Goa. MI last won the IPL in 2020 when they became the first team to successfully defend their title. Both trophy wins came under Jayawardene.
Chase’s eye three-peat as... From page 57 that delivered a remarkable double last season, while the other seven schools will be determined to disrupt their dominance and seize the opportunity for international exposure. The league’s format leaves little room for complacency. Each school will face every other competing team in a round-robin format, with no knockout stage, meaning consistency and points accumulation will ultimately determine the champions. The opening round promises an exciting start, with Chase’s Academic Foundation beginning their title defence against Annandale Secondary in the first match at 11:00am. Three Mile Secondary will then face New Amsterdam Secondary, before St Joseph High take on
UPG October Fest Secondary... From page 54 With so many schools competing, the tournament will provide a platform for young cricketers to demonstrate their skills while representing their respective institutions. Beyond the bragging rights, there is also a worthwhile incentive for the teams, with trophies, medals and other prizes up for grabs. Adding further motivation is a cash prize of US$300, which will be a major target for the competing schools. The action bowls off at 9:00 am, with the 33-school field ready to turn the October Fest into a celebration of secondaryschool tapeball cricket.
Charlestown Secondary in the third encounter. Last year’s runners-up, West Ruimveldt Secondary, w i l l c l o s e t h e d a y ’s proceedings against Santa Rosa Secondary, completing a full slate of opening-round fixtures. With three valuable points available to every team, the opening day presents an immediate opportunity to establish momentum in a
competition where every result could prove decisive in the race for the championship and the remaining international qualification spot. As the country’s top schoolboy football prospects converge at the Ministry of Education ground, the stage is set for another season of spirited rivalry, emerging talent and high-stakes competition.
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Sunday October 18, 2026
Strong start for Guyana at DSB Suriname Invitational 2026 …Persaud, George, Deo, Bacchus, Wilkie lead the way on Day One Team Guyana, representing the Lusignan Golf Club (LGC), made an encouraging start to the DSB Suriname Invitational 2026, delivering several impressive performances across the various divisions on Day One at the Surinaamsche Golf Club in Paramaribo. Leading the charge were Patanjilee Persaud, Avinash Persaud, Paton George, Joaan Deo, Princessa Wilkie, Kishan Bacchus, who all secured prominent positions on the leaderboard as the Guyanese contingent looks to build momentum heading into the second day of competition. In the premier Flight A, Patanjilee Persaud secured second place, keeping himself firmly in contention for a top finish. Lakeraj Chandra currently sits in third place, while Patrick Prashad and Avinash Persaud occupy fourth and fifth position respectively. Rakesh Harry sits seventh as the competition intensifies. Flight B saw Paton George take the lead with a strong opening performance. Chet Bowling and Brian Hackett currently sit in fourth and fifth place, while Rohan Albert holds sixth position, placing several Guyanese golfers within reach of the leading contenders. In the ladies’ divisions, Joaan Deo leads the Championship Flight, while Princessa Wilkie occupies second place in the F Flight, giving Guyana a strong presence among the female competitors.
The senior division also produced an encouraging start, with Kishan Bacchus sitting in first place, Carlos Adams in third and Maurice Deo holding sixth position as they seek to improve their standings in the remaining round. Other members of the Guyanese contingent, including Mike Mangal, Feroze Barkat, Mohanlall Dinanauth, Roy Dhori, Vishal Dhanai, Troy Cadogan, Maxim Mangra, Orson Ferguson, Marlon George and Lakeram Ramsundar, also remain in the hunt, with Day Two providing another opportunity to climb the leaderboard. The opening round tested the golfers’ precision, course management and consistency, with the Surinaamsche Golf Club layout demanding strategic decision-making throughout the competition. Nevertheless, the LGC representatives demonstrated composure and determination, reflecting the experience and competitive spirit within the team. With another day of action ahead, Team Guyana will be aiming to consolidate its leading positions, challenge for divisional honours and deliver further strong performances at one of the region’s notable golfing events. The Guyanese contingent now turns its attention to Day Two, determined to maintain its momentum and finish the DSB Suriname Invitational 2026 on a high.
GFF announces U-15 Squad for... From page 53 identification process, providing a valuable platform for our technical team to assess young players, identify emerging talent and select those with the potential to represent Guyana at the international level. The selection of this squad reflects the importance of creating structured opportunities for our young footballers to be seen, assessed and developed. At the GFF, we are determined to invest more time, resources and expertise in youth football because we recognise that the future of our national teams depends on the quality of the development pathways we establish today. Our participation in the inaugural FIFA U-15 World Cup & Festival is another step in that commitment, giving these young players the opportunity to experience international competition, learn from different footballing environments and gain valuable exposure to the demands of the professional game. We will continue to strengthen this pathway so that more of Guyana’s young talents can progress and fulfil their potential.” The inaugural FIFA U-15 World Cup
& Festival is designed to expand access to international football, particularly for member associations for whom qualification for traditional FIFA competitions presents significant challenges. By bringing young players from across the global football community together, the initiative aims to provide meaningful competitive opportunities, encourage international exchange, and allow participating nations to benchmark their development against teams from different footballing environments. For Guyana, participation represents an important opportunity for the young squad to test itself on the international stage, gain exposure to different playing styles, and build experience that can support their continued development within the national football programme. As the team prepares for its departure, the GFF extends its best wishes to the players and technical staff, encouraging them to represent Guyana with pride, discipline, and determination while embracing the opportunity to learn, compete, and grow through this historic FIFA event. (GFF Release)
From top to bottom: Patanjilee Persaud, Paton George, Joaan Deo, Kishan Bacchus and Princessa Wilkie on Day 1 of the DSB Suriname Invitational 2026
Marcus Brain Bisram T20 Cricket Competition…
Interesting matchups on today as fourth round commences The Marcus Bisram (MBBF) Foundation T20 Cricket competition continues today in the Upper Corentyne and Black Bush Areas with the fourth round matches. The competition is sponsored by overseas based Guyanese Entrepreneur and Philanthropist Marcus Brian Bisram, through his MBBF Foundation. It is being sponsored to the tune of USD$50,000. Some 22 teams are participating in the competition with 10 matches scheduled for today. The matches will see No 69 Red Rose take on Crabwood Creek All Family at the No Red Rose Ground. Skeldon Back Centre Titans will be battling with Yakusari Caribs at Black Bush Polder. No 72 All Stars came up against No 72 Cut and Load at the No 72 All Stars Ground. No 73 Young Warriors take on No 69 Vikings at the No 73 Young Warriors ground. Yakusari Horizon comes up against No 70 Spartans at the No 70 Spartans ground. Skeldon Jaguars will battle with CWC Bomb Squad at the CWC Bomb Squad Ground. The game between CWC Sports Club and Line Path Raptors will be played at the CWC Sports Club Venue.
The No 71 Sports Club Ground will see a battle between No 69 Fighting Marines and No 71 Sports Club. Grill Masters Avengers and No 72 Hong Kong collide at No 72 Cut and Load Ground. Molsen Creek Wolf Warriors and No 68 Turn Team will square off at the No 68 School ground. The teams have been divided into four zones or groups. Each team will play the other teams in its respective group once, after which the top two teams from each group will advance to the quarterfinals. The four quarter-final winners will progress to the semi-finals, with the victorious teams contesting the grand final on a date and at a venue to be announced. The winner will receive more than $1 million in cash, trophies and other incentives, while the runners-up will collect $500,000. The third and fourth-place finishers, along with outstanding individual performers, will all receive significant cash prizes and other rewards. The sponsor will additionally cover several tournament-related expenses, including the provision of cricket balls. Live streaming of the competition will be handled by Pixel Perfect Productions Group. (Samuel Whyte)
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Sunday October 18, 2026
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GFF announces U-15 Squad for inaugural FIFA U-15 World Cup & Festival in Azerbaijan The Guyana Football Federation (GFF) U15 Boys’ National Team is preparing to depart Guyana for Baku, Azerbaijan, where the squad will represent the nation at the inaugural FIFA U-15 World Cup & Festival, joining more than 3,000 players, coaches, and officials from around the world for this landmark international football event. The tournament, scheduled to take place at the Hovsan Competition Complex in Baku, will feature an innovative 8-aside format, with matches consisting of two 20-minute halves. Guyana will contest five qualification-stage matches from October 24–26, facing teams from the Islamic Republic of Iran, Mauritius, Bosnia and Herzegovina, Brunei Darussalam, and
Vietnam. The Golden Jaguars’ U15 squad will open their campaign against the Islamic Republic of Iran on October 24 at 11:30 a.m., before facing Mauritius on October 25 at 10:15 a.m. Later that day, Guyana will take on Bosnia and Herzegovina at 5:00 p.m. The team will conclude the qualification stage with two matches on October 26, against Brunei Darussalam at 9:00 a.m. and Vietnam at 3:45 p.m. Guyana’s 14-man squad will be guided by Head Coach Trevon Lythcott, Assistant Coach Jamal Pedro, and Goalkeeper Coach Delon Young. The team comprises a blend of local and international-based talent, reflecting the GFF’s commitment to providing young footballers with opportunities to develop
Guyana will contest five qualification-stage matches from October 24–26.
their skills and gain valuable international experience. The squad includes captain and defender Nyron Barrow of Western Tigers
2026 IMC Over-40’s Cricket World Cup…
West Indies suffer tough opening loss thanks to Paulsen 5-fer, Broad fifty
FC, alongside fellow defenders Tyler Abrams of Den Amstel FC, Joel Griffith of Vurlon Mills Football Academy, and Lawrence Wong of Vurlon Mills Football Academy. The midfield contingent features Mark Stewart of South Side High School International, Kijani Drakes of Met Oval Academy International, Mateo Morel of Florida Kraze Krush FC,
Jashan Haynes of Vurlon Mills Football Academy, and Malachi Muhammad of Den Amstel FC. Leading the attacking options are Joel Stephen of Buxton Stars FC, Jaden Christian of Fruta Conquerors FC, and Callum La-Rose of North Toronto FC. The two goalkeepers selected are Christiano Solomon of Paradise Invaders FC and Royston
Winter of Gladiators FC. GFF President Wayne Forde highlighted the U-15 Yo u t h E n s e m b l e Championship’s role in identifying and developing young talent for future n a t i o n a l t e a m representation. “The GFF U-15 Youth Ensemble Championship has played an important role in strengthening our talent Continued on page 52
Director of Sport congratulates Tishawn Easton on South American U23 Silver Medal
Man-of-the-match, Australia Captain, Steve Paulsen, starred with 5 wickets and was among the run-getters for his team The Windies old school squad suffered a tough defeat during their opening game versus Australia, sliding to an 88-run defeat following a brilliant all-round showing by the visitors, as part of yesterday’s opening round of matches hosted across Guyana. Playing at Providence, Australia made a solid first innings 266-5 of their 45 allotted overs, after a brilliant batting exhibition by the visitors who got something from their entire top order. Openers Ryan Broad (58) and Glen Batticciotto (48) added 94 for the first wicket before skipper Steve Paulsen (45) and Greg Hunt (48) kept the runs flowing. The Aussies also got some useful runs from lower-order batters Steven Spoljaric (26*) and Richie Wyld (21*). The Windies frontline spin Imran Khan (2-36) and Devendra Bishoo (1-37) alongside part-timer Narsingh Deonarine (1-28). The Caribbean side then folded for 178-10 in the 42nd over despite some fighting efforts from skipper Denesh Ramdin (31),
Sewnarine Chattergoon (30) and all-rounder Antonnel Atwell (28). Aussie skipper Paulsen wrapped up a fantastic game with 5-41, sealing the game with the final wicket while Mark Clearly grabbed a pair of scalps to come in as the next best bowler. Meanwhile, South Africa snuck to a 2 wicket win over the Canadians at Bourda Ground while England beat USA by 134 runs over at Lusignan with Pakistan sealing an easy 9 wicket victory over Rest of the Caribbean (ROTC) during their low-scoring encounter at the Entire Ground. Today’s round will see more intense clashes with Australia tackling Namibia at Eve Leary Ground, alongside Canada and Colombia at Enmore Ground. Wales and the South Africans will battle at Lusignan Ground, New Zealand versus England at Bourda with the highly anticipated bout between Pakistan and India at Providence, sealing off the next round of games; which are all set to bowl off from 9:30h. (Clifton Ross)
Director of Sport Steve Ninvalle has congratulated Guyanese sprinter Tishawn Easton on winning the silver medal in the men’s 400 metres at the South American U23 Games in Santa Fe, Argentina. Easton secured second place in the event with a time of 46.75 seconds on Friday, earning Guyana’s first medal at the regional competition. , on behalf of the National Sports Commission (NSC) and, by extension, the Ministry of Culture, Youth and Sport, expressed pride in Easton’s performance and commended him for representing Guyana with distinction on the regional stage. “We are extremely proud of Tishawn and his achievement at the South American U23 Games. Winning a silver medal at this level is a significant accomplishment and reflects his talent, dedication and commitment to the sport. His performance is a source of encouragement for Guyanese athletics and demonstrates the potential of our young athletes to compete successfully against the best in the region,” Ninvalle stated. The Director of Sport added that the NSC and the Ministry remain committed to supporting the development of Guyana’s athletes and creating opportunities for them to excel at regional and international competitions. “We look forward to seeing Tishawn continue to develop and achieve even greater success in athletics. This medal is an
Tishawn Easton (Getty Images)
important milestone in his career, and we are hopeful that he will continue to build on this achievement while inspiring other young Guyanese athletes to pursue excellence,” Ninvalle added. Meanwhile, Guyana’s other athletes also delivered competitive performances at the Games. Rodel Greene narrowly missed out on a medal in the men’s triple jump, finishing fourth with a best leap of 15.45 metres following a tiebreak for third place. Marcus Roberts placed seventh in the men’s 100 metres, while Jeremiah George finished eighth.
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Kaieteur News
Sunday October 18, 2026
Ishan Kishan, Naman Dhir impress Everest beat East Coast but rain forces series to end 2-2 Masters in Neville Sarjoo Memorial O50 T20 tourney
Shamar Springer celebrates after dismissing Sanju Samson (BCCI) (Cricinfo) - West Indies’ remarkable limited-overs tour of India ended in a damp squib as persistent rain in Bengaluru denied the teams a decider in the five-match T20I series. It was still a significant result, ending India’s winning streak at home at 12 series and four years. Even in the ODIs, West Indies chased down 350 in the only match they got to bat second even though they lost 2-1. The excellent drainage facilities at M Chinnaswamy Stadium allowed for the match to start practically as soon as it stopped raining as a nine-over contest. West Indies won the toss, put India in, but only 7.4 overs of cricket was possible. Blinders from Ishan Kishan and Naman Dhir led India to 118 for 5 in that brief period of play. Kishan hit two sixes in his 10-ball 30,
and Dhir sent the ball into the crowd three times in his unbeaten 24 off six. Surprisingly West Indies didn’t bowl Roston Chase, the leading wicket-taker in the series. Shamar Springer was the pick of the bowlers with figures of 1.4-0-17-2. Had the rain relented and allowed for a five-over chase, West Indies’ target would have been 84. More importantly it would have allowed for Bhuvneshwar Kumar to bowl for the first time in international cricket since 2022. He might even have been allowed two overs as one bowler is allowed to bowl two overs if a T20 innings is reduced to five overs. It was not to be. However, Bhuvneshwar was also on the flight, scheduled next morning, to New Zealand where India play the first of five T20Is on Thursday.
Host Everest Masters pulled off a comfortable, 34run win over East Coast Masters to start off their campaign in the inaugural Neville Sarjoo memorial Over-50 T20 tournament on a positive note last Sunday. Everest Captain Rajesh Singh won the toss and opted to bat first. A decision they justified after racking up a respectable 180-5 from the allotted 20-overs while East Coast Masters, in reply, reached 146-7 when the 20overs ran out. Shazam Ramjohn led the way for Everest with an impressive half-century (53) while opener Felix Walker contributed a useful 48 and a handy 27 from Rohan Sarjoo. When East Coast Masters batted, Nandraj Jailall scored a fighting 40 and Lloyd Rooplall 31. Ramjohn returned with the ball to claim 2-21 (2) while Singh took two wickets but he conceded 26 runs across his four overs. Chatterpaul Singh (unrelated) also grabbed 229 (4).
Nat’l Draughts C/ship on today at Transport The annual National Draughts Championship kicks off on Sunday, October 18. at the Transport Sports Club, Thomas Lands. Securing sponsorship delayed an earlier start in the month but Rubis Bel Air has been one of the Companies that has always stood up to support the annual Championship, as they have done once again. Some of the country’s most informed players will get on the boards where mind versus mind is expected to steal the day. Region 5 player, Omotosho Yearwood, is one of the top players to be wary of. Yewarwood’s approach seems fearless among the Novices. Omotosho has been practicing with the top players over the past months and has learnt more on the board. Aubrey Rowe, Esan Anderson and Anthony Douglas can have a commanding as well but a stern challenge is anticipated from Dr. Ivor English. English has shown great improvement in recent times. The games will be contested on the 8x8 boards. Registration commences at 10:00am and game time is 10:30am. Fees remain at $1,000 per player. Players are asked to be on time to allow an early finish. Snacks will be provided. Trophies and other prizes are at stake.
Rajesh Singh, left, collects his trophy from Zaheer Mohamed Ramjohn was chosen as the best-batter while Rajesh Singh the best-bowler. Both collected a trophy each for their effort. And across in Essequibo at Joe Jagmohan Hampton Court ground, International Imports and Supplies got the better of D.Lall and Sons Legends, winning by five runs. International Imports and Supplies took first strike and posted 116-5 from their reduced quota of 15 overs. A. Khalil scored 35 and
M. Benneth 22. Anthony Persaud took two wickets. D . Lall and Sons responded with 111-4 in 15 overs. Anthony Persaud made 43 and Eric Gomes 21. According to Rohan Sarjoo, the son of the late Neville Sarjoo, the competition will be played annually for at least the next five years. Neville was a longserving executive of the Guyana Cricket Board before his demise in 1999.
UPG October Fest Secondary School’s Tapeball C/ship bowls off today
Draughts Association President, Jairam (right), received the sponsorship cheque from a Rubis Bel Air representative.
The stage is set for an exciting day of schoolboy cricket as 33 secondary schools prepare to battle for supremacy when the Uprising Promotions Group hosts its annual October Fest Secondary Schools’ Eight-a-Side Tapeball Cricket Competition today at the National Park tarmac. With established participants returning and a few newcomers joining the fold, this year’s competition promises an engaging showcase of youthful talent, school pride and spirited rivalry, with the first ball scheduled to be bowled at 9:00 am. The tournament has attracted a wide cross-section of secondary schools, all eager to make their mark in the fastpaced tapeball format, where quick scoring, sharp fielding and tactical awareness can prove decisive. Among the schools vying for the coveted title are Annandale Secondary, Academy of Academic Excellence, The Bishop’s High, Beterverwagting Secondary, Brickdam Secondary, New Central High, Charlestown Secondary, Christ Church Secondary, Cummings Lodge Secondary, Covent Garden Secondary, East Ruimveldt Secondary, Golden Grove Secondary, L Adventure Secondary, Leonora Secondary, Mahaicony Secondary, Diamond Secondary and North Georgetown Secondary. The extensive lineup also includes St. Joseph High, Tutorial High, Patentia Secondary, President’s College, Queen’s College, Richard Ishmael Secondary, Tucville Secondary, St. Roses High, St. John’s College, South Ruimveldt Secondary, St. Stanislaus College, New Campbellville Secondary, West Demerara Secondary, Vergenoegen Secondary, Zeeburg Secondary and Jos-Ele Secondary. Continued on page 51
Kaieteur News
Sunday October 18, 2026
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1000cc Superbike Stars geared for November 1 Finale The battle for the 1000cc Open class crown is coming down to the wire on November 1 at the South Dakota Circuit. Three unique riders are set to compete, each with his own story, racing style, and challenges to overcome. Kevin Persaud (#93) leads with a perfect 50 points after winning both rounds, giving him a 10-point advantage. Even though one mistake could cost him the championship, Persaud is not holding back. He is riding a BMW superbike that is only a month old, the first of its kind to race at South Dakota. Persaud says the powerful bike wears out tires quickly, but the short race distance shouldn’t slow him down. He already feels at home on the bike and is waiting for new parts to improve its handling before race weekend. Persaud looks forward to racing wheel-to-wheel with his close friend and training partner Alain Hopkinson, who joined him for races in Panama earlier this year. Still, Persaud’s main goal is to lower his lap times to 1:15.0 and compete with the fastest international riders. Alain Hopkinson (#335) is second with 40 points, having
Adrian Mohar
Alain Hopkinson finished just behind Persaud in both earlier rounds. He comes into the finale still recovering from a hard crash at the Gooseneck corner
during practice, which left him with injuries to his back, left wrist, and ankle. Although not fully fit,
Hopkinson is determined to make an impact. Moving up from the 600cc class to a Yamaha R1 has been tough, and since the bike is
new to him, his team had to set it up from scratch. Hopkinson’s plan is simple: get a strong start, take the lead into Turn 1, and try to stay ahead of Persaud for the first three laps. With over twenty superbikes heading into the first turn, Hopkinson is ready to fight for his position and hold his line, even if things get close. Sitting in third place with 32 points is Adrian Mohar (#991), who earned two strong podium finishes against tough odds. Mohar achieved Adrian Mohar (#991) is third with 32 points, earning two strong podiums despite tough odds. He finished third both times on a completely stock street bike, keeping the factory lights, standard bodywork, and tall gearing. Making things even harder, Mohar raced just two weeks after a street accident that left him with painful bruises on his back and knees. With no suspension tuning and only one set of tires for the whole weekend, he had to ride carefully to protect his bike. Mohar is known for chasing as well as leading, and he plans to keep steady pressure on the front runners. If Persaud and Hopkinson get caught up battling each other, Mohar is ready to take his chance.
Errol Tenpow remembered as ‘a gentleman and true legend of motorsport’ Errol Tenpow, the backbone of the legendary Tenpow racing family, passed away late last week in Canada. On Friday evening, the Guyana Motor Racing and Sports Club (GMR&SC) held a memorial to honor the local motorsport hero, one of the only Guyanese to have picked up a win at Daytona. Several of the sports stalwarts, along with club executives and race officials, as well as family paid tribute t o h i m a t t h e c l u b ’s Thomaslands and Albert Street Office. Entering the 1981 Daytona 200 series aboard his Yamaha, Errol was one of the pioneers who opened the doors for Guyanese to race abroad. To date, he is the only man in club history to have won at the historic Daytona motorcycle circuit, according to his brother Brian, who was among those offering tributes. Remembering his brother, Brian gave insight to the kind of person Errol was. “Whenever I did something wrong and Dad came after me with his belt, Errol would scoop me up and run around the yard with Dad chasing us. Sometimes, instead of me getting the beating, Errol would end up taking it for me! Looking
back now, those memories make me smile. That was Errol. He would protect his little brother, even when it meant getting himself into trouble.” Everything I do today in
“I was a fan of the Tenpow brothers at the time when I first found out about them; Errol and Elton Tenpow. They had a shop in Waterloo Street, on the eastern side of the road. And at that time I was
but he passed a few years ago but Errol was always a very friendly and approachable individual. I’ve known him in total for about 60 something years. And I had only pleasant
Errol Tenpow was one of the pioneers who opened the doors for Guyanese to race abroad
motorsport carries a piece of what Errol and Elson taught me. When I work on a car, tune an engine, develop a suspension setup, or help a driver improve, I carry forward lessons that began in that little yard on Bonasika Street,” He continued, urging the club to honor the great motorsport legend. Former president Stanley Ming remembered Errol as a gentleman of the sport even before his time.
attending Queens College. I used to go there in the afternoon after school, just to stand up outside and look at them working on their motorbikes. Those were the first two people that I discovered in motor racing. He added, “It was my ambition to race against the Tenpow brothers when I started to race in the early 70s. I remember that very vividly. Elton was not a very talkative guy,
memories about him. He was always a gentleman. He was a superb representative of motorcycle and motorsport in the end.” Another former GMR&SC President, Vishok Persaud, remembered Errol as a giant of the sport, saying, “During my tenure as President of the GMR&SC, Errol was a steadfast supporter—a steady, dependable and consistent
presence whose commitment to the sport never wavered. Among my last interactions with him was watching him bring my 1989 Lotus Esprit, with its carburetted, turbocharged 2.2-litre fourcylinder engine, back to life—a lasting personal reminder of his remarkable skill and dedication.” “His legacy lives on in the drivers he mentored, the machines he prepared and the victories he helped achieve. He will be remembered with respect and affection as a motorsport legend, not only in Guyana but across the region.” Current GMR&SC President Mohamed Shairaz Roshandin also remembered Tenpow, saying, “When I started racing, Errol helped me tremendously. He was there for me; he helped me with my engine; he taught me a lot about cars; he taught me how to drive the car. He actually used to go up to the racetrack with me and show me the corners and how to drive. He was very instrumental in making me the driver I am today. (0:25) After the races, every event, he would wait patiently and his wife used to tell me, Errol would wait patiently for me to call him and tell him what my results were and give him a rundown of the race day and what happened with me.”
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Sunday October 18, 2026
Sinclair’s Central Retainer Contract reinstated by GCB - GCB President commits to supporting Rehabilitation and Reintegration
Kevin Sinclair celebrates after dismissing Jamie Smith of England at Trent Bridge on July 21, 2024 in Nottingham, England. (Getty Images) The Guyana Cricket Board (GCB) has announced the reinstatement of national cricketer Kevin Sinclair’s Central Retainer Contract, providing the talented all-rounder with another opportunity to rebuild his career following a period of disciplinary challenges. Sinclair was previously removed from the Guyana Harpy Eagles squad and subsequently had his Central Retainer Contract terminated by the GCB as a consequence of serious disciplinary breaches. H o w e v e r, r e c o g n i s i n g b o t h h i s exceptional cricketing ability and the importance of rehabilitation, the GCB, through the direct intervention of its President, Mr. Bissoondyal Singh, initiated a structured process aimed at addressing the underlying concerns and facilitating Sinclair’s professional reintegration.
In May 2026, President Singh engaged the services of psychologist Dr. Wil Campbell to provide professional guidance, assessment and intervention as part of the Board’s commitment to a more progressive and holistic approach to player management and development. Dr Campbell subsequently conducted several professional sessions with Sinclair, which formed the foundation for a broader reintegration process involving key stakeholders within Guyana’s cricketing structure. As part of this structured reintegration p r o c e s s , D r. C a m p b e l l c o n d u c t e d consultations with the entire Guyana Harpy Eagles management team, including team captain Tevin Imlach. Further engagements were held with GCB Cricket Operations Manager, Mr. Anthony D’Andrade, along with the entire GCB Technical Team and
Staff. Separate consultations were also convened with the GCB Selection Panel, headed by former West Indies batting great Ramnaresh Sarwan. These engagements formed an integral part of the comprehensive reintegration process, ensuring that all relevant stakeholders were involved in fostering an environment of accountability, discipline, mutual respect and professional support, while preparing Sinclair for his return to competitive cricket. Following extensive discussions with Dr. Campbell, Sinclair and the relevant stakeholders, President Singh expressed his conviction that the young cricketer deserves another opportunity to demonstrate his commitment to the game and rebuild his professional career. “Kevin Sinclair is an exceptionally talented young cricketer who has already demonstrated his ability to compete at the highest level. While discipline and accountability must never be compromised, I firmly believe that young people who encounter difficulties must also be given an opportunity to learn, mature and redeem themselves,” President Singh stated. “Our responsibility as administrators extends beyond identifying and developing cricketing talent. We must also be prepared to provide guidance, mentorship and professional support when our players face challenges. Kevin has been given another opportunity, and I intend to work closely with him to ensure that he makes the best possible use of it.” President Singh further expressed confidence in Sinclair’s cricketing future. “I have tremendous faith in Kevin’s natural talent, ability and skills. With the right
attitude, discipline, dedication and continued professional guidance, I believe he possesses everything necessary to once again establish himself among the leading cricketers in world cricket. The opportunity is now before him, and it is his responsibility to embrace it.” The GCB President also placed on record his appreciation for the significant role played by Chairman of Selectors Ramnaresh Sarwan, whose involvement, advice and support were instrumental in facilitating the reinstatement of Sinclair’s contract. “I wish to particularly acknowledge Mr. Ramnaresh Sarwan for the important role he played throughout this process. His experience, understanding of the demands of international cricket and willingness to contribute positively were invaluable in helping us arrive at this decision,” Singh added. Sinclair, for his part, expressed his sincere gratitude to the Guyana Cricket Board, particularly President Bissoondyal Singh, for affording him a second opportunity to rebuild his cricketing career. He acknowledged the support and professional guidance extended to him throughout the reintegration process and expressed his appreciation to all those who contributed towards his return. Sinclair also reaffirmed his commitment to embracing this opportunity with renewed discipline, dedication and professionalism, while working towards regaining the confidence of the Board, his teammates and the wider cricketing community. The GCB also expressed its appreciation to Dr. Wil Campbell, the Guyana Harpy Eagles management team, Cricket Operations Manager Anthony D’Andrade, the GCB Technical Team and Staff, and all those who participated constructively in the reintegration process.
Region 5 action bowls off in One Guyana Inter Region Softball Cup The much-anticipated Guyana’s biggest open softball cricket tournament, the “One Guyana Inter Region Ten10 Softball Cricket Cup”, gets underway in Region 5 on Sunday 18th October. The first match of the 3rd edition of the 2026 tournament gets underway from 9 am at the Bath Settlement Community Centre Ground in West Berbice and will see the region’s top softball players in action. Teams will battle to become the region’s champions and advance to represent the region in the national playoffs, set for November 14th and 15th in Region 3. The tournament is open to male and female teams and will be played with round-arm bowling and all extras in place except leg byes, and LBW won’t be in play. According to the organisers, everything is in place for a smooth start, and spectators can expect softball cricket at its best, with some of the region’s best softball
players in action. According to RS Sports, due to the Hindu fast, there won’t be any alcoholic beverage bar allowed. In the regional playoffs, the winner of the male category will walk away with $100,000 and a trophy, while the runner-up, MVP, Player of the Final, Best Bowler in an innings, and Highest Score in an innings will walk away with trophies. In the female category, the winner will walk away with $50,000 and a trophy, while the runner-up, MVP, Player of the Final, Best Bowler in an innings, and Highest Score in an innings will walk away with trophies. The games will be played at 10 overs per innings, and a bowler can only bowl two overs maximum. The organisers said each region will have different closing dates for registration, and Teams can get registered by sending their information via WhatsApp on 7257829. The entrance fee per team is $20,000.
The tournament is being powered by Peter Lewis Associated Construction Services, Lindsayca Guyana, Ivor Allen A l k i ’s I n v e s t m e n t s , 6 S Construction, GMINING, Bashier and Sons Construction Inc., Courts, Guyoil, Mohamed’s Excavation Construction Inc., Tourism Guyana, Nels Security, T&R Construction Services, Cell Phone Shack, Z’S Business Enterprise, Ministry of Agriculture, Hoosein’s Security Service Inc., DBL Group, A’S Concrete Business, S. Jagmohan Construction and Trophy Stall. With millions of dollars in prizes, regional pride at stake, new opportunities for players, and a strong focus on unity, the stage is set for another major chapter in Guyana’s grassroots softball cricket. “This is more than just a Tournament. It is A Celebration of Talent. It is A Celebration of Togetherness. A Celebration of Sports & It is A Celebration of One Guyana.”
Represent of RS Sports Ms. Assriya Seetaram receiving sponsorship from Mr. Mahendra Seenarine CEO of A’S Concrete Business of West Berbice.
Kaieteur News
Sunday October 18, 2026
PAGE 57
Matthias hits hat-trick to send Waramuri into Pee Wee final …GIA CONQUER SANTA ROSA
Georgetown International Academy and Waramuri to play for the 2026 Pee Wee title
Waramuri trio Lemar Matthias, Riyad Peters and Aaden Williams fire to send their side into the 2026 Pee Wee Final
Georgetown International Academy goal scorers in the 3-0 semifinal clash with Potaro Primary Georgetown International Academy (GIA) ‘A’ and Waramuri Primary booked their places in the final of the 13th Annual Courts Pee Wee Under-11 Football Tournament after overcoming their respective opponents in an absorbing
quarterfinal and semifinal double-header at the Ministry of Education ground on Saturday. Santa Rosa Primary and Waramuri Primary emerged from the quarterfinals as the first two teams to advance, with the
former eliminating Marian Academy and the latter sending defending champions Leonora Primary crashing out of the competition. GIA ‘A’ and Tucville Primary completed the semifinal line-up with victories over Potaro Primary and West Ruimveldt Primary, respectively, setting the stage for an exciting battle among the final four schools. Waramuri delivered one of the standout performances of the quarterfinal round, shutting out Leonora 3-0 to end the defending champions’ title defence and strengthen their own pursuit of the championship. The semifinal stage produced another gripping contest as Santa Rosa and GIA ‘A’ battled to a 1-1 stalemate in regulation time. With neither side able to find a winner during open play, the encounter was decided by a penalty shootout, where GIA ‘A’ held their nerve to secure a 4-1 victory and advance to the final. Waramuri, meanwhile, continued their impressive campaign with a commanding 5-1 victory over Tucville Primary to secure the other place in the championship match. Lemar Matthias proved the driving force behind Waramuri’s triumph, delivering a clinical hat-trick to headline the scoring. Riyad Peters and Aaden Williams also found the back of the net with individual strikes to complete the five-goal effort and send the Region One side into the final. Despite their semifinal setbacks, Santa Rosa and Tucville will have another
Chase’s eye three-peat as Republic Bank U18 Football League kicks off Eight of Guyana’s leading secondary schools will take to the pitch today when the Petra Organisation’s seventh annual Republic Bank Limited (RBL) Under-18 Football League kicks off at the Ministry of Education ground, with defending champions Chase’s Academic Foundation setting their sights on another successful campaign. The opening ceremony, featuring the customary march past, is scheduled for 10:00am, before the action gets underway at 11:00am, with all eight schools eager to make an early statement in the prestigious round-robin competition. Now in its seventh year, the league continues to provide a competitive platform for secondary school footballers to showcase their talent, develop their game
and compete for the ultimate prize: a place on the regional stage. This year’s campaign, however, comes with an added twist. Chase’s Academic Foundation, fresh from capturing both the RBL Under-18 League title and the KFC International Series last year, have already secured automatic qualification for the yearend international competition. That leaves one remaining spot for another school to join them in representing Guyana. With a potential third consecutive league title in their sights, Chase’s Academic Foundation enter the competition carrying the expectations that come with being defending champions. Their challenge will be to maintain the consistency and quality Continued on page 51
Republic Bank Secondary Schools Football League returns to the Ministry of Education ground today
opportunity to finish the tournament on a high when they contest the third-place playoff. Earlier, the placement matches provided opportunities for several schools to register victories, also securing positions outside the title race continued. St John the Baptist Primary defeated Redeemer Primary 3-1, while St Pius Primary edged St Gabriel’s Primary 2-1. GIA ‘B’ secured a narrow 1-0 victory over St Theresa Primary before Plaisance Primary handed them a 3-0 defeat in a subsequent placement encounter. Marian Academy bounced back from their quarterfinal elimination with a 1-0 win over Potaro Primary, while St Theresa Primary also recorded a 2-0 victory over Pakuri Primary. With the finalists now confirmed, attention turns to the tournament’s grand finale this weekend, when GIA ‘A’ and Waramuri Primary meet to determine the 2026 champions. Both teams will be aiming to cap their respective campaigns with the coveted title, while Santa Rosa and Tucville prepare to battle for third place. The 13th Annual Courts Pee Wee Under11 Football Tournament is sponsored by Courts Optical, with support from the Ministry of Culture, Youth and Sport, MVP Sports, Demerara Mutual Life Insurance, Sky Tec Enterprise and Sterling Products Limited (Igloo).
Ishan Kishan, Naman 1000cc Dhir impress but rain forces series to end 2-2 Superbike
Stars geared for Nov. 1 Finale
Kevin Persaud Shreyas Iyer and Shai Hope pose with the trophy after the shared series (AFP/Getty Images)
Director of Sport congratulates Tishawn Easton on South American U23 Silver Medal s t r Spo
Sinclair’s Central Retainer Contract reinstated by GCB The GCB and Kevin Sinclair have put issues behind them with the ex-WI/Guyana Harpy Eagles all-rounder signing his new Central Retainer Contract yesterday.
- GCB President commits to supporting Rehabilitation and Reintegration
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