...Mothersaysbabydiedafterbothkidneys ‘GPHC accused of horror blunder’
‘accidentallyremoved’duringsurgery …hospitalsayscasebeingreviewed
Workers cry out over ‘slave-like’ conditions at Chinese gold mine
…LabourMinistrylaunchesprobe,saysfirsttimeconcernsraised
Despite earning an estimated $70 billion from 136,539 ounces of gold in 2024, workers at the Chinese-owned Zijin Gold
M
ConstructionInc.claimthey are treated like modern-day slaves.
In a statement issued on Tuesday evening following viral videos of workers and company officials fighting, the Ministry of Labour and Manpower Planning has moved swiftly to address growing concerns over the working conditions at the company
The video clips allege issues relating to workers’ healthandsafety,wages,and delayed salary increases Minister of Labour and ManpowerPlanning,Keoma Griffith, confirmed that no formal complaints had been lodgedpriortothereleaseof the videos. “This is the first time these concerns have beenbroughttoourattention
insuchapublicmanner,and we will treat them with the seriousness they deserve,” hesaid.
In response, Minister Griffith has instructed the Ministry’s Occupational Safety and Health (OSH) Department to launch an immediate and thorough investigation into the allegations The ministry
will also consult all relevant stakeholders to verify facts and determine the proper course of action. Regarding wage disputes and benefits, the minister urged both employeesandemployersto comeforwardandengagein a peaceful conciliation process at the ministry, in line with the Labour Act, which is designed to ensure
fairnessandresolutionforall partiesinvolved.
M
reaffirmed the ministry’s commitment to upholding workers’rightsandensuring that workplaces across Guyanaaresafeandhealthy
He stressed that while the
Occupational Safety and HealthAct provide the legal framework for employeremployee relations, the ministry remains focused on strengthening protections and enforcing compliance across all sectors. Kaieteur News understands that the workers are assigned to the undergroundmineatAGM,a company owned by Zijin Mining Group Limited AlthoughtheZijinownsand operates the mine, the disgruntled workers are not employed directly with the Chineseminingcompany Zijin has reportedly subcontractedanotherChinese Continued on page 12
Workers in what appears to be a flooded underground tunnel.
- Janki tells forum environmentalists no longer face ruinous costs for losing cases
Legal battles are expensive—especiallywhen ordinary citizens or small non-profits go up against deep-pocketed corporations armed with teams of highpricedlawyers.
But a recent court decision has flipped the script, removing a major financial risk for those defendingtheeenvironment.
Highlighting the landmark ruling during a powerful appearance on global platform TED, international award-winning Guyanese attorney Melinda Janki told a packed room how the judgment now protects environmental litigantsfrombeingforcedto paytheopposingside’slegal costs if they lose. TED, known for amplifying
transformative ideas, featured Janki’s 10-minute talk which has already rackedupmorethan300,000 views, chronicling her legal battles against oil giant
ExxonMobil Despite operating across the globe with limitless resources, Exxon has repeatedly been challengedinlocalcourtsby Jankiandherteam.
Through her multiple wins, the climate justice litigator also described how one ruling, though it was against her client, still achieved something significant. “TheJudgesdid
not give us the ruling we asked for but we still achieved something really significant In many countries around the world, if you go to Court and you lose, you could end up paying the other side’s costs,”Jankiexplained. She continued, “That could be very expensive. Peoplemightbeafraidtogo tocourt.Wechangedthat. In our case, the Judges said, if you come to court and you are protecting the environment but you lose, you should not have to pay the cost for the other side. That makes it easier for peopletogotocourtnowand fighttheoilindustry.”
The Lawyer pointed out that this decision already binds five countries. To this end, she urged that the decision be used by other countries to persuade judges around the world that citizens should be able to fightfortheplanetandnotbe penalised if they lose in Court. Janki was keen to note, “We will continue to fight We don’t have a choice; the business model for the oil industry depends upon producing greenhouse gas pollution which is a serious danger to life on earth.It’sthemorus,sodon’t be fooled by the big bad imageoftheoilindustry We havetheadvantage.”
The Audit Office has discovered sub-standard w o r k s d u r i n g t h e construction of a parking lot and drains within the Mahaicony Hospital compound,RegionFive.
According to the 2024 Auditor General, a contract was awarded for the construction of a parking lot and drains at Hospital’s compound in the sum of $11.718 million to the 12th lowest of 45 bidders against an engineer’s estimate of $13.923million.
The contracts were awarded under the Regional Democratic Council of Region Five The Report stated that according to the AppropriationAccounts, the fullamountwasexpendedby December31,2024.
The contract was signed and works commenced on October 8, 2024 with a completion date of October 15,2024.
However, auditors noted that the defects liability period could not be determined from the documents presented and examined.
The Auditor General further disclosed that in relationtotheproject,forthe periodendingDecember31, 2024 the Regional Administrationpreparedand certified four payments for workscompleted.
On August 11, 2025, a physical verification was conducted which revealed thatworkswerecompleted.
H o w e v e r , u p o n verification, poor quality concrete works were observed with extensive surface deterioration and aggregatesegregation,while drain covers which were constructedandinstalledhad alreadycollapsedduetopoor weldingofthesupports.
Additionally,theAuditor General stated that “The retention payment was prepared, certified and approved for completed works as per contract scope andwithheldbytheRegional Administration.
This is a breach of Section 43 – Unexpended balance of public moneys of t h e F M A ( F i s c a l M a n a g e m e n t a n d
Accountability) Act 2003
This practice also contravenes Section 56 –Payment for construction c o n t r a c t s , o f t h e ProcurementActof2003.”
Based on the findings from the Audit Office, the Regional Administration indicated that the contractor responsible for the works “cannot be located at this pointintime.”
In its recommendation, the Audit Office mandated the Region to comply with theFMAActof2003.
Secondly, the Regional Administrationwastaskedto ensure all works completed are“carefullyinspected”and that they should not accept “poor quality and substandard works” on their facilities and that all defects should be addressed and rectified before final acceptanceoftheworks.
PrintedandPublishedbyNationalMedia& PublishingCompanyLtd. 24SaffonStreet, Charlestown,Georgetown,Guyana
Publisher:GLENNLALL-Tel:624-6456
Editor-in-Chief:NigelWilliams
Tel:225-8465,225-8491. Fax:225-8473,226-8210
Guyana's roadways have entered one of the most dangerous periods in recent memory What should be arteries of movement and national progress have instead become corridors of chaos, confusion, and tragedy The rapid pace of road construction across the country, while essentialforagrowingeconomyhascreatedadailyreality in which ordinary citizens must navigate narrowed lanes, shifting detours, heavy machinery, and poorly managed worksites.
Theresultispredictable:moreaccidents,moreinjuries, andmorelivesneedlesslylost.InGuyanaeverywhereone turns, there are unfinished bridges, half-carved shoulders, deep trenches, and worksites left open with little to no proper signage or traffic control.At night, many of these sitesbecomeoutrightdeathtraps.Conesaremissing,lights are inadequate, and warnings are either unclear or absent altogether Drivers moving along familiar routes are suddenlyforcedintooncominglanesorthroughtemporary bypasses that are poorly marked. Those responsible for supervising these projects have failed to appreciate that construction zones require discipline, technical management, and constant monitoring, not a scattershot approachthatleavesmotoriststofendforthemselves.
Compoundingthisdangerousenvironmentisthesheer volume of heavy-duty trucks now dominating Guyana's roads.Everyday,fleetsofsandtrucks,stonetrucks,cement trucks, and container-laden trailers barrel through narrow corridors never designed for such weight and traffic. The construction boom has brought investment and economic opportunities, but it has also placed unprecedented strain onthecountry'stransportinfrastructure.
Many of the roads across Guyana were not built to withstand today's level of use, far less to accommodate constant streams of overloaded trucks. Lanes are narrow, shoulders almost non-existent, and with ongoing road upgradeseatingupwhatlittlespaceremains,motoristsare routinely squeezed between speeding trucks on one side andconstructionencumbrancesontheother Thiscreatesa treacherous mix where even experienced drivers find themselvesfightingtostaysafe.
The consequences are right before us. A worrying numberofrecentaccidents-tragicandfatalhaveinvolved heavy-dutytrucks.Thereasonsareobvious.Someofthese vehicles are overloaded far beyond legal limits. Many are driven at speeds wholly incompatible with their size and weight.Othersaredrivenbyveryyoungandinexperienced drivers, some barely out of their teenage years, thrust behindthewheelofmachinescapableofwipingoutentire familiesinamatterofseconds.
This is why the government's recent engagement with truckdrivers,inwhichstrictweightlimitsandspeedlimits were reiterated, is both timely and welcome. A country undergoing explosive infrastructural growth cannot realisticallyremovethesetrucksfromtheroads,butitcan, and must, regulate them with an iron hand. The new emphasisoncomplianceisastepintherightdirection.But words, directives, and guidelines mean very little unless theyarebackedbyunrelentingenforcement.
Guyana has no shortage of rules. What it chronically lacks is the consistent application of them. For years, the publichaswitnessedafamiliarpattern:newregulationsare announced with great fanfare, but after a few weeks the vigilancefades,officersreturnto“businessasusual,”and recklessoperatorsregainfreereinontheroads.Theresultis predictable: more carnage, more public outcry, more morningheadlinesmourninganothersetoflivesgonetoo soon.
We therefore insist that the Guyana Police Force must treat this moment with the seriousness it demands. The country is on the brink of catastrophe if current trends continue. Enforcement must be constant, nationwide, and non-negotiable. Overloaded trucks must be stopped, weighed, and penalized every time. Speeding trucks must
DearEditor, Most Guyanese still equate domestic violence with visible bruises and broken bones. Yet the most pervasive and damaging form of abuse today rarely leaves a mark that shows in photographs Coercive control – the pattern of acts designed to intimidate, isolate, micromanage, and degrade a partner – has become the dominant script inabusiverelationships.Itis exercised in plain sight, yet remains largely invisible to outsiders, including police, child-welfare workers, courts,religiousleaders,and evenextendedfamily Coercive control is not a single incident; it is a deliberate strategy of domination. It takes many forms, often tailored to the v i c t i m ' s s p e c i f i c vulnerabilities:
Ÿ constant surveillance of phone, texts, and location
Ÿ financialsabotageand enforceddependence
Ÿ gaslightingandreality
distortion (“you're crazy,” “no one will believeyou”)
Ÿ threats to harm children, pets, or familymembers
Ÿ threats to deport an immigrant spouse or d e s t r o y h e r immigrationstatus
Ÿ enforced social isola
influences”)
Ÿ sexual coercion disguised as marital duty
Ÿ using children as weapons (false allegations, restricting access,brainwashing)
Ÿ w e a p o n i s i n g institutions (repeated unfounded reports to child protection or police)
Ÿ Because these tactics are rarely illegal in isolation and are frequently framed as “normal” marital or parental behaviour, t h e y b e c o m e embedded in the
relationship's norms Victims themselves oftendonotrecognise the pattern until years in.
Ÿ Thepowerimbalances that make coercive control especially lethalarestark:
Ÿ g e n d e r (predominantly, but not exclusively, male perpetrators against femalevictims)
Ÿ economicdependence religiousorcultural expectationsof obedienceandfamily preservation
Ÿ distrust of police and c h i l d
prosecution and the courts,and
Ÿ immigration status
(
en living and working illegallyinGuyana)
Yet, coercive control remains unnamed and unaddressed in most police occurrence reports, childprotection files, and familylawaffidavits.
Until we train frontline workers to see the pattern, fund specialised riskassessment tools and amend the Family Violence Act to explicitly criminalise coercive control, thousands of women and children in Guyanawillcontinuetolive ininvisibleprisons.
The bruises fade. The controldoesnot.
It is time to make the invisiblevisible.
The consequences for survivors are devastating: chronic anxiety, depression, complex PTSD, learned helplessness, and suicide risk.Forchildrenexposedto coercive control (even without physical violence), the research is unequivocal: developmental trauma, attachment disorders, higher rates of anxiety, depression, and perpetration or victimisation in their own futurerelationships.
Sincerely, RawleA.Small
DearEditor,
I had the honour of attending UG`s 6th 2025 convocation I was most impressedbytheacceptance speech of Ms. Fernandes, who was conferred with the Doctorate of Letters,
Honoris Causa Her acceptance speech, alone, made her worthy of the conferral.Academiaisabout the search for truth, and the humility of knowing that there is always much more
that is unknown, than the known Ms Fernandes embraced those qualities in her acceptance speech, and deservestheaccoladesofher bestowers.
It is rather unfortunate that on this occasion, the platform for the search for truth became a platform for revisionism.Thehundredsin attendance, in person and virtually,andthosewhowill have subsequent access to the recording of that
be pulled over every time. Drivers' underage or unlicensed must be taken off the road every time. No favours, no compromises,no“easeups.”
Thepolicecannotaffordtosimplymakeanexampleof one or two offenders. They must send a message that resonatesacrosseveryconstructionsite,truckingcompany, and sand pit in the country: reckless behaviour on the road willnotbetolerated.
Atthesametime,contractorsmustbeheldaccountable for the condition and safety of their worksites. Signs, barriers, reflectors, flagmen, cones, and adequate lighting are not optional they are indispensable tools for the protection of the public. Poorly managed construction environmentsarenotmereinconveniences;theyarehazards thatdestroylives.Developmentmustnevercomeatthecost ofhumanlives.Theroadsmustnotbeturnedintosacrifice zones in the name of progress. Now is the time for action groundedindiscipline,responsibility,andrespectforhuman life. If the authorities enforce the law with consistency and courage,Guyanacancurbthisrisingwaveofroadtragedies. Iftheyfail,thedeathtollwillcontinuetoclimbandtheblame willbetheirstobear
convocation ceremony were and will be, respectively, regaled by the President of the Co-operative Republic and the President of the Berbice chapter of UG`s alumni,withanaccountofan historic aspect of Guyana`s history that is revisionist. They both hailed, quite e m p h a t i c a l l y, t h e introduction of free tertiary educationasof2025.
Let not the University of Guyana be the platform for revisionism, be it wittingly or unwittingly The University must be the impenetrable citadel, and protector of truth. Our true History must be preserved and propagated The University is one of the institutions that has that responsibility, which it must fulfillatanyand/orallcost.
Regards VincentAlexander for The Burnham Foundation
Irefusetobelievethatthe nation`s President, and the President of the Berbice Chapter of UG`s alumni do not know better. Free education was introduced from the nursery to secondary level, in Guyana, in 1976 under the stewardship of the then President, LFS Burnham, SC,OE.
A haughty spirit goes before a fall!
DearEditor, I believe the words recorded in the book of Proverbschapter16verse18: "Pride goes before destruction, and a haughty spiritbeforeafall."
I have seen the demonstration of pride and arrogance in 'high places', and even though I wish the
individuals well, I am powerless to forestall the domino effect. I can only hope and pray for genuine repentance Constructive criticism benefits all who would humbly receive it. To reject such can only be to one'sdetriment.
Regards ClaudiaHeywood
DearEditor,
Legendary Indian actor
Dharmendra passed away at 89 at his home in Juhu, Mumbai on the morning of November24.Hewasloved by Guyanese who watched Bollywood films He is arguably the most favorite actor of Indo Guyanese and theIndiandiaspora.Thereis hardly an Indian Guyanese
who does not know Dharmendra and his wife Hema. Growingupfromthe 1960s, Indians watched Dharnendrafilms. Hismore than six-decades acting career made him one of the filmi industry and Bollywood's most respected stars
Dharmendra was born in andgrewupgrewupinprePartition Punjab, the 1947 Partition of British India separated him from friends and family members. He moved to Bombay which later becomes Mumbai, the original Maratha name that waschangedbythecolonial ruler
Dharmendrawasmarried twice.Heisperhapstheonly Indian Hindu to have two wives.Heissurvivedbyfirst wife, Prakash Kaur, second wife Hema Malini, sons Sunny Deol, Bobby Deol, andtwodaughtersfromfirst marriage as well as daughters Esha Deol, and AhanaDeolfromHema.His two sons are well known actors as are his two daughters from Hema Tributesarepouringinfrom across India, including PM Modi and President Murmu and from fans around the diaspora including Guyanese.
The iconic actor was lovingly called the 'He-Man ofIndiancinema'.Hepassed away at the age of 89 two weeksshyof90.Thenewsof deathhasleftfansacrossthe country and the diaspora heartbroken. He was one arguablythemostlovedand respectedstarsinIndianfilm history with countless hit films. Guyanese flocked to his films.As a report stated, “Peopleadmiredhimnotjust for his powerful roles and actionscenesbutalsoforhis charm, warmth, and downto-earth personality” He was truly an amazing, charismatic actor His passing marks the end of an erainBollywood.
Theveteranactor'sfamily didnotmakehisdeathpublic astheydidnotwanttocreate traffic jams and hoopla and security issues Millions would have flocked to his
home and the crematorium.
He died at home An ambulance arrived at his home amidst speculation that he was not well. Many thought he would be transported to the hospital. An ambulance transported his body to the crematorium for a simple cremation rite notfarfromhishomewithin a few hours of his death. He desiredaquietfuneral.
Guyanese I engaged said they are heartbroken on hearingofhisdeath.Hewas a very handsome star in his early career before age caughtup;Guyanesedressed like him, combed their hair like his. Many watched his films repeatedly He is in their hearts. They expressed condolences. They cannot forgethisfilmswhichwerea staple to Indians in Guyana and around the world. His legacy will continue to inspiregenerationsofartists and audiences. They thank him for a lifetime of films thatentertainedthem.
Guyanese and other
Indians from the diaspora grew up on a staple of Dharmendra films from 1960s(blackandwhite)thru the 1970s (colored) and thereafter Hislastfilmisdue to be released in two weeks forhis90thbirthdayplaying the role of a grandfather for one of superhero Amitabh
Bachchan grandsons
Advertisements for the film wentoutbeforehisdeathon Monday
Hema's marriage to Dharmendra emerged out of a real-life love story that developed from acting and that“remainsoneofthemost
n a l relationships in the film industry's history”. She was the leading actress in the 1970s when they acted Thereinseveralfilmsbefore and after they got married, and she was also one of the best classical dancers in India. She still remains a leading dancer at 77 years old. She performed live in
Guyanese Dharmendra's twodaughtersalsoappeared onstagewithHema.
IhappenedtobeinJuhu, M u m b a i w h e n Dharmendra's death became public. Juhu is the locale where iconic Bollywood stars own massive bungalows Dharmendra lives a few houses from Amitabhandfromaseparate house where Hema lives. The couple don't share the same home Dharmendra liveswithPrakash.
Around noon, as I went outforastrollfrommyhotel, traffic was normal, moving apace. Less than an hour later, traffic came to an unexplained snarl only to findoutthattheiconicactor passed on. The family kept hisdeathasecretandprivate affair, only informing selective persons from the acting fraternity They were told to show up at the crematoriumtopaytheirlast respects. The public only
found out of his death when the body was already at the crematorium for last rites TV stations started broadcasting live that continuedlateintothenight.
TV trucks crowded the home.Histwosonsfromhis first wife did the last rite honors as is the norm in Hindufuneralsfortheeldest son to perform the rituals jointed by other family members.
Dharmendra starred in overthreehundredfilms.He also appeared in countless TV shows including India's
idol,apopularhitinGuyana. He was one of the most favorite actors not only in India but in Guyana, Trinidad, Suriname and the diasporaaswell. When a Bollywood artist or star dies, it is normal for thebodytobeatthehomefor people to pay respects and thentakenatopabeautifully flower decorated truck to a crematorium or cemetery The journey usually takes several hours as tens of thousands would line the streetsforaglimpseofthe
(Continuedonpage6)
DearEditor,
As a citizen who cares deeply about the stability of our democracy and the dignity of our parliamentary traditions, I feel compelled toexpressmyconcernabout the troubling and unprecedented situation unfolding in our country Guyana has always prided
itself on being a nation where, regardless of our political differences, the processes that guide our democracy remain sacred. Today, however, that trust is beingtested.
Toappreciatethepresent moment,itisusefultoreflect on where we have come from In 2011, our
Parliament welcomed two opposition parties, APNU and the AFC. Though they differedinsizeandmandate, the system ope
smoothly APNUsecured26 seats, the AFC won 7, and i
y, w
h
t confusion or hesitation, the Leader of the Opposition was chosen from the party
that held the majority of opposition seats. It was a simple, transparent, and respectful acknowledgment ofthepeople'swill.
Now, in 2025, the situation is even clearer Three opposition parties sit in Parliament, yet one party WIN, holds a decisive lead with 16 seats, compared to
The recent letter in the press written by Mr Panday datedNovember25th,2025, c o n c e r n i n g t h e mismanagement and the apparent pilferage of taxpayer funds at GuySuCo is unsettling and raises tremendousconcern.
It paints a picture of a government involved in continually spending large sums of money without receiving the services and productspurchased.
APNU's 12 and the FGM's single seat By every measure of fairness and democratic tradition, the party with the strongest support among opposition voters should once again produce the Leader of the Opposition.
And yet, weeks after the opening of the 13th Parliament, we remain withoutone.
silence The first sitting came and went without the election being placed on the Order Paper No meeting of non-government MPs has been convened to fulfill a constitutional duty that should be routine Meanwhile, thousands of Guyanese who voted for the opposition are left without their rightful representative voice.
The implications are substantial and brings into question the honesty, integrity and intentions of the Ministry of Agriculture, current and past CEO's of GuySuCo, the Board of GuySuCo, and most importantlytheOfficeofthe President under the stewardship of both Bharrat JagdeoandIrfaanAli.
Ifwhathasbeenstatedin
TheAuditorGeneral,the GuyanaPoliceForceandthe new Anti-Corruption Unit must investigate this very seriousmatter
theletterisfoundtobetrue, charges of fraud and embezzlement should be brought against those involved.
It is extremely concerning that our hardworking sugar workers and the people of Guyana have been given so many promises of an improved sugarindustrythatmaynow turnouttobejustacoverfor the theft of funds from the treasury with no real interest in improving the lives of the workers
involved and the affected communities.
TheletterwrittenbyMr Panday must be taken very seriously by the authorities.
The Guyanese people deserve a quick, thorough, and transparent fiscal investigation into this very seriousmatter
WetheGuyanesepeople deserveanswers!Corruption in government needs to soughtoutandprosecutedto thefullestextentofthelaw
Withutmostconcern, Mr.JamilChanglee
What has changed? Not the Constitution, which still calls for the Leader of the Opposition to be elected by non-government members. Not the principle that the largest opposition party carriesthebroadestmandate from the electorate. What has changed is the willingness of our parliamentary system to act withclarityandurgency
Instead of following precedent, we now see d e l a y s , s h i f t i n g explanations,andprocedural
This is not a matter of politics, it is a matter of respect: respect for the people, respect for the Constitution,andrespectfor the institution of Parliament itself. Whenthoseelectedto serveushesitatetocarryout their obligations, the entire n a t i o n f e e l s t h e consequences. A Parliament without a Leader of the Opposition is unbalanced. It cannot fully scrutinise governmentactions,norcan itofferthestructured (Continuedonpage9)
Frompage5 casket or body The journey is also broadcast live. This writer was in Juhu when Sridevi,theQueenofIndian cinema,passedawayseveral years ago and was taken to the crematorium atop a truck Traffic was at a standstill taking hours for fewkilometersjourney
In Dharmendra's case, the public was not informed ofhisdeathandonlyknewof his passing when word got around that leading actors were heading to the crematorium. Several top starsattendedthefuneral.
Even the crematorium was kept a secret from the publicandthepress.
The public was denied access;onlyfamilymembers and actors were allowed inside the gate of the crematorium to pay last respects.
As it was broadcast on mass media, thousands quickly showed up at the crematoriumandathishome in Juhu, an exclusive high price neighborhood with classic hotels and private residencies. Guyanese tours usually put up in hotel in Juhuandvisitedtheexterior ofhomesoficonicstars.
Dharmendrawasbornin the Punjab His father wanted him to be a teacher Buthedefiedthemandwent into acting. Later in life, he actedinafilm,theDon,asa
teacher to appease his parentsthathewasateacher He dominated Bollywood for over two decades long before Amitabh Bachchan andJeetendrabecameiconic stars. He appeared in films with both actors as well as other leading actors and actresses He appeared opposite every leading lady, including Hema, Rekha, Raakhe, Sridevi, Shabana Ami, Mumtaz, etc. in the film industry and every top singer in the film industry sangforhiminhisfilms.He hardly missed film fare awards, the equivalent of American Oscars, and won many Herecentlywasgiven the Lifetime Achievement awardinIndiancinema.
Few acted in more films thanhim.Hewasaversatile actor — adventure, drama, love story, comedy, and more.Dharmendraservedas an elected member of parliament for BJPone term fromhishomebirthplacein Punjab before retiring to be replaced by his son Sunny whoservedtwotermsbefore stepping down. Hema is in her third term as BJP MP fromMathura,birthplaceof Lord Krishna. Hema served as a nominated MP from 2003-12.
Thepopularactorwillbe missed.
Yourssincerely, VishnuBisram
A Partnership for
National Unity (APNU) is sounding the alarm over w h a t i t c a l l s t h e government's reckless and unlawful rollout of the new Digital ID system, warning that thousands of Guyanese are already being registered without the legal protections Parliamentintended.
In a statement issued by A P N U M e m b e r o f Parliament, Sherod Duncan on Monday, the Opposition said it is “deeply concerned”
by Prime Minister Mark Phillips' admission reported by Demerara Waves that the administration has already begun issuing Digital ID cards even though two crucial pieces of legislation remain inactive: the Digital Identity Card Act, and the DataProtectionAct.
Duncan said while A P N U s u p p o r t s modernisation and digital t
o responsible government shouldcollectbiometricdata
without the legal safeguards meant to prevent abuse. “A major red flag Guyanese cannot afford to ignore.”
According to Duncan, the governmen
w gathering and storing s
c information from public servants “without the full force of the law, without oversight, and without the f
P
intended.”
Duncan said this issue does not stand alone. “In
recent weeks, APNU has already raised alarms about the Government's misuse of citizen data, its refusal to operationalise the Data Protection Act, its mishandling of electionrelated communications in Parliamentary Questions already tabled on the integrity of the Digital Identity ecosystem. Today's development expands and intensifies those concerns.”
The APNU MP said, senior m e m b e r s o f t h e Government, including the Vice President, have publicly announced that the Digital ID will soon be mandatory for accessing government services, securing employment, opening and maintaining bank accounts, remitting money, and potentially for migrant registration and regularisation Public servants form the first wave. The rest of the population will follow, under a regime that still lacks any active
statutoryprotections.
“These developments raise unavoidable questions: Whyistherollouthappening before the laws take effect? Why build the system now, but activate the protections later? Guyana is witnessing the rapid assembly of what experts describe as a “single spine of traceable identity,” linkingemploymentrecords, banking information, cashgrant delivery, healthcare data, migration status, telecommunications metadata, and even inputs from the expanding national camera network This
infrastructure is being built
architecture required to safeguard rights, prevent
accountability,” the APNU MPsaid.
campaigns, required bank accounts for cash-grant programmes, creating
surveillance, and refused to operationalise the Data Protection Act. Worse still, this is the same Government that spent G$2 billion on the 2022 Population and Housing Census and has
He added that this concern becomes even more serious when placed in the wider context. “The same administration rushing ahead with this biometric ecosystem has previously misused citizens' personal d
(Continued on page 21)
The Guyana Geology and Mines Commission (GGMC) has reiterated its commitment to enforcing mining regulations across the country, following directivesfromPresidentIrfaanAli.
The Commission emphasises that all mining operations must comply with established legislation, particularly in areas concerning gold accounting, environmental stewardship, and the employment of undocumented persons. According to a statement issued by the Department of Public Information (DPI) GGMC
Commissioner Newell Dennison noted that the mining laws and associated regulations apply uniformly across Guyana, including Amerindian Titled Lands, where communities may pursue mining as an economicactivity
The GGMC, he said is committed to extend to those communities and villages including Amerindian Titled Lands upon which mining is being conducted, the necessary guidance towards the application for and issuance of the prescribed documentation, which permits legitimate mining operations with legally registered equipment and the use of the proper recording
accountabilityforgoldproducedandsold.
“All gold recovered from mining activities must be sold to legitimate purchasers such as the Guyana Gold Board, Licenced Gold Dealers and Licenced Traders Any gold sold otherwise, constitutes an illegal act for which such gold can be detained, charges made and assets seized ” Commissioner Dennison emphasised.
GGMC Commissioner, Newell Dennison
He warned that any gold sold outside these channels constitutes an illegal act, subject to seizure, charges, and penalties. The GGMC has expressed concern over persistently low gold declarations despite favuorable market prices and intensified mining activities across the country. Poor environmental practices continue to be reported, despite ongoing efforts by the Commission to educate, guide, and enforce compliancewithinthesector.
Dennison said in alignment with the President's directives, the GGMC will intensify collaboration with other state agencies to address unlawful mining practices.CommissionerDennisoncalledon all operators to act responsibly and comply with the law, underscoring that failure to do so will result in full legal action. “The GGMC calls upon all throughout the mining sector to be responsible operators or be subject to the full effect of the law,” he concluded.
The We Invest in Nationhood (WIN) party has every reason to be pleased byitsperformanceinthelast general and regional elections In the postIndependence history of Caribbeanpolitics,fewfirsttime political parties have ever done as well in its very firstoutingasWINhasdone.
Securing sixteen parliamentaryseatsondebut is nothing short of remarkable. It signals that a sizeable segment of the electorate is hungry for a break from the country's traditional and polarized political choices It also suggests that WIN, unlike previous third forces, has managed to harness a moment of national restlessness,projectingitself into the imagination of the underclasses.
But WIN must resist the temptation to get swellheaded. Sixteen seats may look impressive on paper, but numbers inside a legislature do not automatically translate into political influence WIN should neither delude itself aboutitspositionnorassume that its parliamentary presence will significantly alter the political equations intheNationalAssembly
Thehardtruthisthat,in our political culture, formal power inside the Assembly is a case of who has the majority calling the shots, evenitisaone-seatmajority that counts for absolute
d
W
parliamentary system A third party, even with a strong debut, does not changethatovernight.
WIN'srealstrengthdoes not lie within the four walls of the NationalAssembly It lies outside—squarely in its capacity to mobilize public sentiment The current pussyfooting and hesitation over convening the meeting to elect a Leader of the Opposition is a clear reminder that constitutional entitlements do not enforce themselves.
Threatening court action will not resolve the matter The Courts will not direct the National Assembly It will not encroach on the sovereignty of the National Assembly The National Assembly dictates its own rules and no court can instruct it unless its actions areinviolationofthelawsof GuyanaortheConstitution. Nor will appealing to abstract principles of parliamentary democracy suddenly jolt the political establishment into respecting procedural norms. What will make the difference what has always made the difference in Guyana is sustained, peaceful, voluntary mass mobilization.
If WIN wishes to influence outcomes, it must understand the power of the street.Notthepowerofoneday token picketing by a handful of supporters. Not
orchestrated gatherings reliant on hired attendees. WIN's real test, indeed, the measure of whether it can transform its electoral momentum into genuine politicalauthoritywillbeits abilitytobringthousandsof peaceful demonstrators into the streets Voluntarily Consistently And purposefully
The demand for the summoning of the meeting to elect a Leader of the Opposition cannot be left to legalargumentsorindignant speeches.Itmustevolveinto a national call one that resonates with ordinary citizens who see the refusal to convene the meeting as a direct affront to the people.
WIN must therefore cultivate an organized, disciplined, and motivated base capable of sustained peaceful civic action Withoutthat,its16seatsrisk becoming,atbest,symbolic; atworst,irrelevant.
If WIN places too much faith in parliamentary politics, it will quickly discover the limits of its influence.TheAssembly,for allitsformalauthority,isnot where political tides shift in Guyana.Changehasalways come from outside—from public pressure, from collective outrage, from the refusal of citizens to accept constitutional evasions WIN'sleadershipmustcome to terms with this enduring reality. Parliamentary speeches will not force action. Press releases will
Dem boys seh is one of de great mysteries of Georgetown—right up deh with how Stabroek Market clock still tellingtimefrom1973andhowsomeroads does bruk up soon after dem build. But de biggestriddleofallisthis:Whyweneeda CityCouncilwhenitcan'teventekcareof itsownhouse,literally?
CityHall,degrandoldwoodenladyof Georgetown, was lef' suh neglected dat termites start applying fuh property rights. Rain was walking through de roof widout evenwipingitfoot.
De place was so run-down dem boys swear if you sneeze too hard, it woulda collapselike apackofcards. Andwhohad to rescue it? Government—dropping near $800M. If you cyan maintain yuh own home, how you gon maintain a whole capitalcity?
Thenlookstory:LaRepentirCemetery, whichCityHallsupposedtomaintainsince people paying fuh graves and upkeep. But is government had to pump in $350M to cleanit—fordethirdtime!
When cemetery need cleaning three times by government, something dead wrong—besidesdeobvious.Demboysseh
notgenerateurgency Onlya massmovementwill. This does not mean that WIN should dismiss its parliamentaryrole.Rather,it must understand that the Assembly is merely one arenaamongmany—andnot even the most decisive one. Its MPs should use their seats to articulate grievances,drawattentionto constitutional lapses, and keep issues alive in the public consciousness. But these efforts must be twinned with strategic mobilization.Thepartymust organize at the community level, build alliances with civic groups, and cultivate legitimacy among the underclasses who feel
CityHallmustbelievecemeteryisaforest reserveorwildlifesanctuary
And don't start pon Stabroek Market. City Hall running it, but government helpingfootingdebillfuhrepairstodepart wahdidfalldownnotsolongago.Amarket thatsupposedtobeasourceofrevenuedoes end up a source of headache—mostly fuh taxpayers. Roads? Avenues? Canals? Gutters? City Hall supposed to mind dem. But government does jump in quicker than a minibus conductor flashing “last seat.”At this point, dem boys feel if a city dog get lost,CityHallgoncallgovernmentfuhhelp findit.
So dem boys asking: Why we need a City Council? Just fuh hold meetings and blame de public fuh not paying rates? If governmentgottoclean,fix,repair,restore, repaint, and re-bless everything, then City Halliswhat?Asightseeingspot?
Dem boys seh maybe we should preserve it like a museum: “Here lies City Council—an institution dat used to run Georgetown…untilGeorgetownhadtorun it.” Talkhalf.Leffhalf.
Frompage6 representation that citizens deserve.
Guyana is better than this We have weathered political storms before. We have found unity where it seemedimpossible. Andwehavealwaysheld onto the belief that our democratic processes, though imperfect — must neverbecompromised.
Thechoice,ultimately,is WINs to make. But who makes that decision? The partyoroneman?
(The views expressed in this article are those of the author and do not necessarily reflect the opinionsofthisnewspaper.)
excludedfromtheprevailing politicalorder WIN's triumph in the election was only a beginningnotaculmination. It was a message from the underclasses to those in power and it for WIN to understand that message What the party does with that platform will determine whether its surprising debut becomes a fleeting moment orthestartofarealchange. IfWINunderstandsthis, if it avoids the intoxication of its early success and invests instead in disciplined, peaceful, largescale civic activism it may yet broaden democratic space in Guyana. But if it overestimates the power of itsparliamentarypresence,it risks becoming just another footnote in the long list of third-party experiments that began with promise but endedindisappointment.
Therefore, I respectfully cal
parliamentary authorities to act without further delay Thepeoplehavespoken The mandate is clear And the Constitution provides the path forward. Our country cannot afford prolonged uncertainty, nor can we allow hesitation to shape our democratic future.
Let us return to the principles that once guided us with dignity and fairness. The Leader of the Opposition must be elected andswornin,notforthesake of any one party, but for the sakeofGuyana.
Sincerely,
Guyanese are watching another key element of the PPP Govt's push for complete control in this country In this democracy of sorts, the government's actions indicate a habit is forming, one that reveals the sinister underside of what is t h e w o r s t f o r m o f government, except for all otherswhichhavebeentried. In recent times, when a judicialdecision is rendered, and the PPP leadership disagrees, their rage erupts publicly, and hatchets are raised against those judges w h o d a r e t o a c t independently, make calls as they see them, as fit the
circumstances. Sounds like John Hess's type of democracy
That is, where ruling politicians are so sure of themselves, believe they are in such command, that they issue guarantees of judicial outcomes. Alarming, to put matters mildly If he were a man of different essences, my first stop would have been at the doorstep of Guyana's Attorney General, Anil Nandlall, SC. Since he isn't,hereIam.
When judicial decisions are favourable to the PPP Govt's visions, and its interests, that gang of outstanding Guyanese are happier than an alligator with a sheep safely housed between its jaws. There is the opposite reaction, however, when anticipated judicial rulings do not go the way of the PPP, and shatter on the rocks. For sure, reactions against judicial holdings found wanting did happen before, but those reactions, including from past PPP Govts, were more tempered, were more glazed with political leadership civility, even in the face of hard, cold disappointments.
Leaders took those unexpected and undesired decisionslikemen.
On the chin, and without blinking. They may have foamed at the mouth inside Freedom House and other halfway houses. But the kind of snarling, hissing, spittingreactionsnowpublic are virtually a new development in Guyana's democratictheater,andnone more than from the political executive wing The concern is that in the political executive wing of
G u y a n a ' s democratic theater, the lead actors are not acting at all. They are as real as a stroke, and with strokes of their own to deliver Damn that decision
Down with that judge
There was a case involving Exxon, highlighting protection for Guyana
Within minutes of that decision, there was a former president of Guyana, the foremost PPP leader, taking to the podium to denounce the decision in terms and attitudesthatreekedofanger and the intemperate. It is accepted that there may be objections to decisions handed down from the bench. Buttherearewaysto do so, with the dignity and majesty of the judiciary respected, kept intact. Why slash the judiciary's face?
As said earlier, if AG Nandlall was made of different stuff, he would be the citizen leading the way with his own powerful stance, and not a nonentity, such as me. As Guyanese have come to learn to their regret, what beats in the breast of their heroes is not the heart of a lion, but a hollow brick that crumbles underthesoftpowerofastiff breath. I must check to ascertain the remote judicial outpost to which Justice Sandil Kissoon has been banished.
Now, it is damn the decision of Justice Gino Persaud in the matter of taxes on a Lamborghini that wastheappleoftheeyewith more than one Mohamed. So much so that that immaculate incarnation of Italian inventiveness was
wrapped in tax proof armor by the few who can come up with such a grand design, then give it a test drive, and pull it off. For clarity, they are not GRA Customs Officers, not GRA chiefs. When there is something as big as a Lamborghini, one has to think high for the tax stunts that were set in motion. After all, the tax on aLamborghiniisnotVATon alightbulb,ordutyonaliter of Grey Goose. Justice Persaud is now made into Facebook mincemeat, thanks to a kick in his judicial derriere from the political throne. Such is the s t a t e o f j u d i c i a l independence on this side of the hemisphere. This is the democracy and judiciary in which John Hess was so confident Justice Gino Persaud had better develop a liking for the air in Berbice, for that is where the PPP Govt dispatches those who incuritswrath.
This kind of mangling of thejudiciaryispublic. Away from public view, the PPP Govt spends much time and energyonjudgeshopping,so as to secure (guarantee) desired judicial decisions. Currently, it is PPP Govt judgeshopping;lateritcould be PPP jury shopping and tampering. Such are the fast-growing vines of PPP leadership ambitions for totalcontrolofGuyana.
(The views expressed in this article are those of the a u t h o r a n d d o n o t necessarily reflect the opinions of this newspaper.)
Letter Kenny to get $979M pump station
The community of Letter Kenny in Corentyne, Berbice, Region Six will soon benefitfroma$979,965,367pumpstation.
The Ministry of Agriculture has asked contractors have been asked to submit bids for the project which are scheduled to be opened on December 19, 2025 at the National Procurement and Tender AdministrationBoard(NPTAB)office.
Pump stations play a crucial role in communities by providing residents and farmers with effective drainage systems, especiallyduringheavyrainyperiods.
It was reported that areas like Letter Kenny and Whim are prone to flooding. Minister of Agriculture, Zulfikar Mustapha during one of his outreaches in Region Six
last year informed residents that the region will see three 'Hope-like canals' being constructed. One will be built between the Number 51-52 villages, one in the Bengal Village,andtheotherbetweentheWhimand Letter Kenny areas. These canals are to be equippedwithpumpstations.
During the presentation of this year's budget, it was revealed that in 2024, works progressed on eight additional pump stations. In 2024, the government expended $44.3 billion, and in 2025, $73.2 billion has been allocated to complete pump stations and advance other critical drainage and irrigation canals and structures including areassuchasAdamsCreek,Canefield,Good HopeandMabaruma.
M o r e t h a n 2 0 5
international buying companies from the United States, Europe, Asia, and Latin America have already registered for CAF's Latin America and Caribbean Business Matchmaking Forum: Connection to the Global Market, which will take place on January 29 and 30, 2026, at the Panama Convention Centre, Panama City
Exporters from across the Caribbean are encouraged to participate, with the call
remaining open until December22,2025,CAFsaid inapressrelease.
T h i s h i g h - l e v e l commercial gathering is part of CAF's flagship annual event, the International Economic Forum – Latin America and the Caribbean 2026, which will bring together more than 2,500 business leaders, investors, government authorities, innovators,globalexpertsand international development agencies to analyse the region's economic outlook and strategic opportunities and help strengthen its position on the global geopoliticalmap.
The confirmed buyers
come from Germany, Argentina, Bolivia, Brazil, Canada, Chile, Colombia, Costa Rica, Ecuador, El Salvador, Spain, the United
States, Guatemala, Honduras, Italy, Jamaica, Mexico, Panama, Paraguay, Peru, and the Dominican Republic
They are actively seeking suppliers across a wide range ofsectors,includingagrifood, textiles and apparel, chemicals, manufacturing, cosmetics, software and technology, and construction materials.
CAF expects the forum willhostmorethan4,000oneon-one meetings between buyers and 300 exporters from Latin America and the Caribbean. Each participating entrepreneur will receive between 16 and 28 prescheduled meetings, condensing what would usually require several weeks of travel and individual prospectingintojustadayand a half. This makes the Forum an especially valuable opportunity for Caribbean businesses seeking to scale exports, access new markets, ordiversifytradingpartners.
“ T h i s B u s i n e s s Roundtable is a concrete opportunity for entrepreneurs from Latin America and the Caribbean,” said Sergio DíazGranados, Executive PresidentofCAF “Inaddition to participating in the plenary sessions of the International Economic Forum on the challenges and opportunities of the region, companies will (Continued on 12)
A 36-year-old man was chopped to death on Monday during a dispute with a relative at Supply, Mahaica, EastCoastDemerara.
The dead man has been identified as Ray Sheoraj, called “Redman,” of Supply, Mahaica The incident occurredaround23:00hrs.
According to a police report issued on Tuesday, Sheoraj was at home in the c o m p a n y o f s e v e r a l individualswhenanargument erupted between him and a malerelativewhoalsoresides attheaddress.
During the altercation, the 62-year-old suspect allegedly chopped Sheoraj on his left leg with a sharp object. The suspect fled the scene shortly afterward.
“Sheoraj attempted to secure the wound but he later collapsed in the upper flat of thehome,”policesaid
He was subsequently taken to the Enmore Regional Hospital, where he was pronounced dead on arrival.
Police said a cutlass and a chopper, both suspected to have been used in the attack, were recovered at the scene and have been secured as evidence.
A 29-year-old housewife of Supply, Mahaica, also sustained injuries and is currently receiving medical treatment. Meanwhile, other relatives present at the time, a 45-year-old resident of Belmont, Mahaica, and a 38year-old of Supply, Mahaica, have been detained and remaininpolicecustody
The body has been taken to the Memorial Gardens Funeral Home, where a postmortem examination is expectedtobeconducted.
ongoing.
From page 2
company called Gold Mountain Ya MeiConstructiontoexecuteworks. However, according to its Facebook page, the company specializes in construction. But workers have disclosed that they arenotinvolvedinconstructionbut instead they work as miners carrying out mining activities which include blasting with dynamites and the extraction of ore in the underground mine. They detailed that the working conditions, accommodation and foodareatrocious.
contaminated food being served by thecompany
“Employees have found dust, fly eggs, and worms in meals provided. This is a serious health andsanitationconcernanditshows lack of proper food handling and hygiene standards,” the petition said.
The workers demanded that it becorrectedandaninvestigationbe launched.
Michael said too that workers are being forced to eat their lunch underground where they work and
employees say their health, safety, and overall wellbeing are routinely compromised. According to the party, workers report inadequate safety measures, with personal protective equipment (PPE) often old or unavailable for local staff, while Chinese workers receive proper gear The party said that equipment and vehicles, including loaders and lifting machinery, are poorly maintained, with some machinery lacking functional brakes.
Additionally, WIN says meals
His bereaved family stated to Mr Azruddin Mohamed that the night before the tragic accident, he called his family stating Truck#1 had brake problems and the management was aware of these issues. They further report that his body was callously dumped in a pickupandtakentoahealthfacility because there was no ambulance at the multibillion-dollar work site.
The family has given permission for the story and images to be sharedpublicly,”WINsaid.WINis calling for answers and an
$639 GYD per hour after probation, for 12-hour shifts in unsafe underground tunnels. When he spoke out, he was fired immediately.”
According to the ALP, Valladares said that among other things, workers carry out their duties in extreme dust, smoke and toxic fumes, are forced to inhale cigarette smoke inside sealed vehicles, are told, “If you don’t want the smoke, come out and walk”, wait hours after shifts, soaked and exhausted and have
A section of the petition the disgruntled workers submitted to their Chinese employers
As a result, the frustrated workers petitioned their Chinese bosses outlining their frustrations and making requests. Over 93 employees signed the petition which was given to the company’s managementonFriday
Adisgruntled worker identified as only as Michael told Kaieteur News that the petition was given “to management and management neverattendedtous.”
The workers gave the company a 48-hour ultimatum or they would down tools. After receiving no response,theworkersdownedtools
f o r c i n g t h e c o m p a n y ’s managementtoconveneameeting.
However, the management refused to meet the workers’ demands which also included an increase in their overtime allowance.
In the petition, the workers askedforanincreasefrom$3500to $7000butthiswasrejected.
“They say the AGM company do not pay so much and they (the sub-contracted company) cannot pay their workers (them) so much, they are working with AGM Standard,” Michael said while adding, “Mind You, AGM do not dealwithundergroundmining.”
“Every time we ask them about an increase, they are always saying AGM workers working for XYZ. So, we have to work for XYZ,” Michaelexplained.
Meanwhile, the petition which was shared with Kaieteur News included among other things,
not in an assigned eating room away from the mines. A move he regardsasunsafeandunhealthy
Further, the workers detailed thattheyarenotpaidontimenoting that regularly they have to wait prolonged periods to receive their pay This they said is unfair, noting that they too have family responsibilities.
The workers also complained about the unsanitary conditions which they are forced to sleep in and the poor quality of the drinking watertheyarebeingprovided.
The lack of protective gear and masksfortheundergroundworkers is another matter raised by the workers.
Michael explained that after dynamite blasting, the dust that emanates affects the workers since they do not wear masks. Requests for masks are always denied with management saying, ‘They don’t need it because the dynamite they useisthesafekind.”
N o t w i t h s t a n d i n g t h e complaints, the Chinese employers refused to make any changesparticularly to the insanitary conditions or negotiate for better wagesandsalaries.
Meanwhile, in a series of press releases and videos, the We Invest in Nationhood (WIN) party has documented some of the alleged atrocitiesatthecompanyurgingthe government to take immediate action.
The party said that the company’s underground mining operationsarehighlyprofitable,yet
for local employees are transported in unhygienic conditions, exposed to dust and contaminants, sometimes spoiled and containing worms with no temperature control or designated dining facilities. In contrast, WIN said Chinese staff have access to air-conditioned diningrooms.
In the area of salary and other benefits, WIN says wage disparities and delayed payments further aggravate the workforce.
The party noted that underground personnel, working more than 1,500 feet below ground, earn roughly $500 per hour during probation, with minimal increases after six months, despite hazardous conditions.
Workers say requests for fair compensation are denied, and complaints are met with threats of termination and replacement by foreign staff, WIN reported. The company’s practices, the party said violate labour rights, safety standards, and fair treatment principles, leaving local workers vulnerableandunheard.
No regard for life
Stressing that the company has a history of treating Guyanese poorly,WINreferenceda2023case where it said a Guyanese was treated as second-class citizen in hisowncountry
“A husband, father lost his life in 2023 at foreign-owned gold mining operation, Aurora Gold minesafterhewasforcedtodrivea truck that had known mechanical faults.
immediate, transparent report from the Ministry of Labour on these recurring issues with foreign Chinesecompanies.“NoGuyanese worker should die under questionable circumstances while their families are left without information or justice,” the party said.
“Reference is made to our story posted yesterday about the largest gold mining company in Guyana, Chinese-owned, Zijin Gold MountainYaMeiConstructionInc. What you see below is a local worker, who has contracted a lung infection as a result of working underground and being exposed to dust for extended periods, venting his frustration to the company’s management team, which has refused to provide him with proper personalprotectiveequipmentsuch as masks, filters, gloves etc. The worker upon requesting PPE, was cursed at by the Chinese,” WIN said.
Similarly, The Assembly for Liberty and Prosperity (ALP) headed by former woman miner, Simona Broomes in a statement said, “Guyana cannot boast of being the “fastest-growing economy in the world” while some of our workers face conditions that mirror labour trafficking, and are paid wages as though we were still athird-worldcountry.”
The statement said that at the Zijin Mining Aurora Goldfield Operation, “worker Mr Kester Valladares reports being paid $550 GYD per hour on probation and
developedlunginfections.
He alleged that no official from the Ministry of Labour visited the worksiteinoverayear
“Most affected are young men fromRegions6and10—exploited whilethenation’swealthisshipped out.
The contrast is staggering: Guyana declared 208,757 ounces of gold in the first half of 2025 (Source: Guyana Times, Nov 5 2025) and in 2024 declared 434,497 ounces, earning nearly US $989.9 million (Source: Guyana Times). Yet the workers extracting that wealth earn less than $700 GYDperhour
Thisisnotinvestment. This is exploitation. This is an unsafe work environment,” ALP said.
The ALP in its statement demanded “a full, public investigation into wages, PPE, safety, health risks, food, housing, insurance, medical care, and pay discrimination between Chinese andGuyaneseworkers.”
Thepartyhasalsoaskedforfull compensation forValladares where allwages,leave,benefitsowed,and pay up to the date of his dismissal begiventohim.
“PermanentmonitoringofZijin U n d e r g r o u n d t h r o u g h unannounced inspections and strict OSHenforcement,”ALPsaidwhile noting that “Guyana cannot claim prosperity while treating workers as expendable. Our rights are not optional — and theALPwill not be silent.”
Minister of Natural
Resources, Vickram Bharrat, says the Government of Guyana is in discussions with Ratio Guyana Limited (RGL), operator of the Kaieteur Block, regarding the way forward. A few months ago, Ratio notified the government of the portion of the 3.3-million-acre block it is prepared to relinquish while continuing its search for a new partner ahead of the November 2025 drilling deadline. Minister Bharrat stressed that the matter remains under discussion and that “no decision has been made asyet.”
According to an unofficial English translation of its announcement, the company said a request was submitted to the Ministry of Natural Resources for an extension of the exploration period. Before this, former operator ExxonMobil Guyana Limited (EMGL) had sought an
extensioncitingtheCoronavirus pandemic. After Exxon and its partner Hess withdrew, Ratio applied for another extension on similargrounds.
Notably,todatenoportionof the 3.3 million-acre block has been relinquished. Under the Kaieteur Petroleum Agreement, when applying to enter the second extension period, RGL
and Cataleya Energy Limited (CEL) were required to commit to drilling a well before relinquishing 20 percent of the block, or, if preferred, the entire contractedarea.
Ratio had clarified that the deadlinefortheblockpartnersto notify the state whether they intendtoconductfurtherdrilling or abandon the block is November 2025, not February 2026 as previously suggested by theoilcompany
Ratiofurtherdisclosedthatit is seeking to bring in another partner or several, with the intention of one becoming operator and leading future drilling.Thecompanysaidithad contacted numerous energy companies since Exxon's exit, and while several expressed initial interest and reviewed data, all ultimately declined because of geological risks and challengesrelatedtoachievinga (Continued on page 21)
Senior Minister in the Office of the President with Responsibility for Finance, Dr AshniSingh,onbehalfof President Irfaan Ali, welcomed the fifth United Kingdom (UK) Trade delegation to Guyana, along with newly appointed UK MP and Trade Envoy to the Commonwealth Caribbean, Paulette Hamilton, at a ceremony held at the MarriottHotel.
organised by the British
C
collaboration with the
Georgetown Chamber of Commerce and Industry (GCCI), comprises British
investment opportunities
education, shipping, and logistics.
The Parliamentarianis in Guyana for the first time, the Ministry of Finance said in a pressrelease.Thedelegation includes a number of British companies interested in
opportunities and fostering businesspartnershipslocally and are drawn from several
Senior Minister in the Office of the President with Responsibility for Finance, Dr. Ashni Singh and other officials at the event
Finance Minister, Dr. Ashni Singh shares a light moment with newly appointed UK MP and Trade Envoy to the Commonwealth Caribbean, The Honourable Paulette Hamilton, at a ceremony held at the Marriott Hotel.
construction, education, shippingandlogistics.
Delivering the keynote a
, D
n g h highlighted the impressive success of UK trade missions, noting that 40 percent of companies attending past missions have closed deals or entered partnerships in Guyana. He praised the role of British High Commissioner Jane Miller for promoting
S
Guyana globally Dr Singh emphasised that Guyana's economic story is not built on oil alone, despite producing 900,000 barrels
diversified economy,”
longstanding non-oil sectors such as bauxite, manganese, and other minerals as crucial pillarsforfuturegrowth. He assured the UK delegation of Guyana's commitment to sustainable (Continued on page 21)
ByShaniaWilliams
A young Mahaica, East Coast Demerara mother is demanding justice after the tragicdeathofher17-montholdson,allegingthatdoctors at the Georgetown Public
Hospital Corporation
(GPHC) wrongfully removedbothofhiskidneys during a surgery that was supposed to remove only one Eighteen-year-old Shennia Allen, of Belmont Mahaica, is devastated and furious, accusing the
h o s p i t a l o f g r o s s malpractice, negligence and misdiagnosis that she believes directly led to the death of her baby boy, Deandre Prashad, on September22,2025.
According to Allen, Deandre was admitted to GPHC in July for issues
linked to a malfunctioning left kidney Doctors advised that the left kidney was s w
recommended surgery to remove it so it would not damage the right one. Allen consented. What she says happenedinsteadhaslefther
family shattered. “They told me my son had two good kidneys then suddenly, none ” Allen says that throughout her pregnancy shewasmonitoredatGPHC, and doctors initially flagged a kidney abnormality But after birth, a CT scan confirmed that her son had twofunctioningkidneys.
She claims that throughout his stay, no proper measures were taken t o s a v e h i s l i f e
Overwhelmed with grief, frustration, and anger,Allen told this publication that despite repeatedly raising her concerns with hospital staff, she remain
he hospital’s slow response She and her family now refuse to remain silent and a r e d e m a n d i n g accountability
Speaking with Kaieteur News on Monday, Allen recounted the events that preceded her son’s death.
She explained that throughout her pregnancy she was a patient at GPHC, andduringonecheck-upshe was told her baby had an issue with his left kidney After delivery, however, a doctor confirmed through a CT scan that the child had twofunctioningkidneys. AllengavebirthonApril 21, 2024, but noticed that three days had passed without her new born passing urine Doctors expressed concern and admitted the baby to the nursery “Adoctorcameand explained that he had to admitted to the nursery because he wasn’t passing urineandtheyhadtoinserta tubetopassouttheurineand we were discharged. But fromthatdaywekeepgoing back for check-ups, but he
started to discharge urine on hisown,”shesaid.
Duringcontinuedcheckups at the Paediatric Ward, one of the baby’s urine tests revealed an infection. This led doctors to conduct a CT scan. “They told me that he had posterior urethral valve anddoctorsaidthathehadto go to do a next CT scan to determine the cause,” she explained According to Allen, a CT scan done in Junerevealedthatthechild’s left kidney was swollen and not functioning at all Doctors recommended surgery to remove that kidneysoitwouldnotaffect the right one. The mother agreed, and her son was admitted on July 20. The surgery was performed on July21.
Allen described the wait for her son as agonising, from 09:00 hrs to 16:00 hrs, with limited updates from staff. She recalled only one interaction where a nurse came out from the surgical theatretospeakwithher.“A doctor came out to me and said that everything was going good with him so far and came out to ask me for permission to put in a medication to prevent De Andre from being uneasy and avoid pain and I said to go ahead.” She said she received no further updates and became uneasy when others who arrived around the same time were discharged long before her Around 16:00hrs an attendant eventually checked and discovered the babyhadbeenoutofsurgery, but Allen had not been informed.“Ikeepaskingthe
doctors if my son came out andtheysaidno,”shesaid. When she finally saw him, her son’s stomach looked abnormal. “It looked like his stomach was empty asifhewasbreathinginand holdinghisbreath,”shesaid. She also noticed that he was not passing urine into the attached bag and was rarely monitored by nurses “Doctor came to check De Andre and he asked me if anyoneemptiedhisurinebag so I said no that’s what he camedownwithalittleurine in the bag, not much,” she recounted The doctor changed the tube repeatedly but still no urine appeared. “She changed it and come back later in the night and saw there’s no urine in the bag, and she started to wonder why is this happening… then she said thatshe’lltakeouttheentire tubeandchangeitandseeif urine will come, over the night,”Allenexplained.
The next morning, nothinghadchanged.Atthat point,theyoungmotherstill believed her son’s hospital stay would be brief. She expressed her frustration, saying, “I had high hopes of just getting him in and out.” As the situation worsened, doctors decided to conduct another CT scan to determine what was causing the complications. Allen’s mother accompanied her, offering support and guidance throughout the process. After the scan was completed around midday, Allen’smotherreturnedwith devastating news Allen recalled,“Iwasoutside
Continued on page 22
Scattered documents in the office.
Po
Guyana(PFG)has reported that its Georgetown office at 56B
Place secured by MMC Security was vandalised
Guyana’s Permanent Representative to the United Nations (UN), Ambassador Carolyn Rodrigues-Birkett, has renewed the Caribbean Community (CARICOM’s) call forurgentreformoftheUNSecurityCouncil, warning that the veto remains a central obstacletoeffectiveglobalaction.
Delivering a recent address on behalf of the 14 CARICOM member states at the general assembly’s 44th plenary meeting on equitable representation, Ambassador Rodrigues-Birkett reminded member states oftheircommitmentinthepactforthefuture to “reform the UN Security Council, recognising the urgent need to make it more representative, inclusive, transparent, efficient, effective, democratic and accountable.”
She said the pledge reflects a longstanding aspiration held by many memberstatesthathavepushedforreformon the basis that the council’s current structure does not reflect the growth of the UN’s membership,nordoesitadequatelyserveits mandate to maintain peace and security, 80 years into the establishment of the organisation.
“CARICOM therefore urges all member statestofullyrecommittothegoalofurgent reformandtotaketangiblestepstosecuring it,”theambassadorstated.Sheaddedthatthe reformisachievableifmemberstatescommit tomakeithappen.“Weonlyneedtoengagein goodfaithtomakeithappen,”sheadded.
Whilenotingthatcurrentthreatstoglobal peace fall squarely within the council’s mandate, she stressed that geopolitical tensions within the body often stymie action sometimes at the peril of lives and livelihoods.
“The United Nations could have a much more effective role in many of the conflicts that we are currently witnessing, should the securitycouncilbelesspronetogeo-political maneuverings. On this note, CARICOM continuestolamentthecontinuinguseofthe veto which represents one of the biggest impedimentstocouncilactionmanytimesin situations where such action is desperately
Guyana’s Permanent Representative to the United Nations, Ambassador Carolyn Rodrigues-Birkett
needed,”sheadded.
The veto, held exclusively by the United States,China,France,RussiaandtheUnited Kingdom,allowsanyoneofthemtoblocka resolution regardless of broad international support.
Ambassador Rodrigues-Birkett said the GeneralAssembly must keep examining the vetowiththeaimofreducing,“theproclivity for it to be used solely in pursuit of political interests, even when engendering grave consequences.” She added that it is in that context that CARICOM remains supportive ofthevetoinitiativeasanecessaryfirststep towardaccountabilityinitsuse.
“Weurgecontinuedeffortsofthisnature with the goal of aligning action by the security council with the will of the general assembly This is necessary to counter narratives about the ineffectiveness of the United Nations as a whole in response to conflictsituations,”shenoted.
Further, the ambassador also cautioned that meaningful reform will remain elusive unless the process itself is improved. While acknowledging incremental progress in the Intergovernmental Negotiations (IGN), she said better working methods are critical to addressing underrepresentation on the council.
“Delays in this regard translate into delaysinremedyingtheunderrepresentation of regions such asAfrica and LatinAmerica and the Caribbean. These delays also hinder theaspirationsofgroupssuchasSmallIsland Developing States for guaranteed representation on the security council,” she said.
sometime b
n Thursday,November20,and Tuesday, November 25, 2025.
T h e o ff i c e w a s unoccupied during this period as staff attended meetings convened by Dr IvorEnglishonbehalfofthe Ministry of Natural Resources.“Uponreopening on November 25, staff discoveredabrokenwindow latch and evidence of deliberate interference: items were scattered across the desk of the PFG Coordinator, personal items including feminine hygiene products and a cream were smeared across
documents and folders, and numerous drawers and folders had been rifled through,” the organisation saidinapressrelease.
Notably,accordingtothe PFG,high-valueelectronics, including the office cordless p h o n e , i n t e r n e t modem/router, and PFG mobile phone, were left untouched, suggesting the act was targeted rather than opportunistic theft “This incident comes against the backdrop of PFG’s recent public exchanges with the Government of Guyana regarding the Guyana Extractive Industries Transparency Initiative
(GYEITI) While no conclusionsarebeingdrawn atthistime,thetimingofthe intrusion is concerning. A formal report has been filed with the Alberttown Police Outpost – Criminal Investigation Division (CID), and PFG condemns this act of vandalism as a troublingattempttointerfere with or intimidate its personnelandoperations.” Policy Forum Guyana saiditremainssteadfastinits c o m m i t m e n t t o transparency,accountability, and serving the public interest.Furtherupdateswill be provided as more informationemerges. The broken window latch
The Ministry of Natural Resources(MNR)onTuesday announced the rollout of a new structured timeline for reviewing and approving applications for local content certification.
Commencing January 2026, the ministry explained that sole proprietorships and landlords will have new applications processed within five working days, with renewals completed within threeworkingdays.
The new regulations will also allow new 100 per cent Guyanese-owned companies and business partnerships to enjoy a 15-day processing time for applications while renewals will be completedin10workingdays.
Additionally,allothercompanieswillsee new applications processed within 21 working days, while renewals will be completedwithin15workingdays.
MNRsaidthenewtimelinesareintended to bring greater clarity, predictability, and efficiency to the process, ensuring that businesses and companies understand the expected approval periods following the submissionofallrequireddocuments.
The local content secretariat pointed out that the timelines will only begin once all required documents have been received, ensuring that processing periods are consistent, transparent, and aligned with the government’s commitment to a more responsive public service Further, an updated list of required documents will be posted on the petroleum govgy website, clearly indicating the documents which will berequiredunderthisnewframework.
The ministry urged stakeholders across Guyana’s petroleum industry and its wider supplychaintodownloadandutilisethelocal content app, launched in February of this year It said the platform brings suppliers
closer to contractors and subcontractors by streamlining access to procurement needs and strengthening local participation in the sector
Meanwhile,theministryaddedthatitwill belaunchingaportalinJanuary2026where applications can be submitted online to optimiseefficienciesintheprocess.Thelocal content act was passed in the national assemblyinDecember,2021.Itisintendedto regulate the way companies operate in Guyana’soilandgassector;employpersons, buy services and the way that they procure goods.
The first schedule of the act sets out 40
participationviathesupplyofgoodsandthe provision of services which include: food
accommodation, insurance, accounting and legalservices.
According to the act, Guyanese must provide90percentofofficespacerental;90 percentofaccommodationservices(rentalof houses and apartments;25 per cent pipe welding onshore; 75 per cent non-hazardous wastemanagement;90percentjanitorialand laundryservices;90percentcatering;75per cent food supply; 100 per cent immigration services and 100 per cent local insurance servicestonameafew
Anautopsyconductedonthebodyof16year-old Jodea Seline on Monday revealed thatshesufferedmultipleskullfractures.
TheCentralCorentyneSecondarySchool student died Friday evening following a motorvehicleaccident,ontheNo.63Public Road,Corentyne,Berbice.
Accordingtopolice,theexaminationwas performed by government pathologist, Dr. Vivekanand Bridgemohan at Bailey’s Funeral Home, No. 4 Village, West Coast Berbice in the presence of police and family members.
Dr Bridgemohangavethecauseofdeath as multiple skull fractures due to a motor vehicleaccident.Thebodywassubsequently handedovertorelativesforburial.
Seline was in a minibus filled with schoolchildren who attended the regional inter-secondaryschools’athleticcompetition werebadlyinjuredwhenthevehicletoppled.
The teen from Limlair Village, Corentyne, succumbed to her injuries at the Number 75 Hospital. Her little sister was reportedly in the minibus at the time of the accident.
Several other passengers have been hospitalised.Reportsarethatthedriverofthe mini-busisinacriticalstateatthehospital.
OnSaturday,JeromeBernard,ateacherof theCentralCorentyneSecondarySchoolalso
succumbedtohisinjuries.
Bernardwasoneofthreepersonslistedas critical at the Number 75 Hospital. It is unclearwhetherBernardwasthedriverofthe minibus.
PoliceinastatementSaturdaysaidthatin additiontothe31-year-olddriver,a13-yearoldfemaleofBrightonVillageanda16-yearold female of Cromarty Village are listed as critical. The trio was transferred to the Georgetown Public Hospital Corporation (GPHC)fortreatment.
Chief of Defence Staff, Brigadier Omar Khan and BranchHeadsoftheGuyana Defence Force on Monday welcomed Commander of the Colombian Navy Admiral Juan Ricardo Rozo for a courtesy call at the Executive Room, Base
CampAyanganna.
The visiting delegation also included President of COTECMAR,ViceAdmiral Luis Fernando Márquez Velosa, Captain Nicolas Mila, Commander Sonia Marcela Suzunaga Suarez andLieutenantMarthaLucia Rojas Hurtado. During the engagement, discussions centered on improving bilateral relations between Guyana and Colombia, with a focus on exploring future
cooperation GDF said in a pressrelease.
In observance of
International Day for the Elimination of Violence Against Women, the United Nations Women has called for global action to make technology a force for equality not harm This forms part of the UN's 16 Days of Activism against Gender-Based Violence campaign.
In a statement, the body outlinedthatdigitalviolence is intensifying, yet nearly half of the world's women
and girls lack legal protectionfromdigitalabuse
“The digital world promised connection and empowerment – but for millionsofwomenandgirls, it has become a world of abuse. Digital violence is spreading at alarming speed fueled by artificial intelligence, anonymity, and theabsenceofeffectivelaws and accountability It now spans every corner of the Internet – from online h a r a s s m e n t a n d cyberstalking to doxing, non-consensual image
sharing, deepfakes, and d i s i n f o r m a t i o n –weaponized to silence, shame, and intimidate women and girls,” UN Womenstated.
According to World Bank data, fewer than 40 per cent of countries have laws protecting women from cyber harassment or cyber
stalking. This leaves 44 per cent of the world's women and girls – 1.8 billion –without access to legal protection. Further,itwasstatedthat women in leadership, business, and politics face deepfakes, coordinated harassment, and gendered (Continued on page 21)
From page 14 economic development and environmental stewardship, notingthecountry'sstatusas a net carbon sink. UK Trade Envoy Paulette Hamilton echoed the optimism, highlighting Guyana's rapid growth: 43.8 percent GDP growth in 2024 with projections of 10.6 percent in 2025, and continued double-digitgrowthoverthe next three years. She praised Guyana's potential as a multi-sectorinvestmenthub, beyond its vast oil reserves. The forum underscored the strong partnership between Guyana and the UK, with both sides expressing commitment to expanding trade, fostering investment, and supporting economic diversification
Also delivering remarks at the forum, UK Trade E n v o y t o t h e Commonwealth Caribbean, Ms.Hamiltonsaidthatwhen she first took on her role and was learning more about the Caribbean and individual markings of opportunities in the region, a standout factor was the growth and the future growth potential of Guyana.
“Thisistrulyanexciting time for Guyana and its people.
I don't have to tell you the figures. 43.8 percent GDP growth in 2024 with
projections of 10.6 percent in 2025-, and double-digit growth for the next three yearsisastoundingtosaythe least. What has been most impressive about it, is despite 40 oil discoveries in eleven billion barrels of recoverable oil resources, the story of Guyana was not built on oil alone,” she added.
Alluding to this second anniversary of the removal of visa restrictions for Guyanese visiting the UK as well as the second anniversary for direct flights from Guyana to London by British Airways, Alain
A r c h i b a l d , C h a r g e D'Affaires at the British High Commission who spoke on behalf of High Commissioner Jane Miller, said that all this has created an explosion in terms of British-Guyana trade relations, adding that it has boosted Guyana/Britain Trade relationship with business services at the end of last year totalling 1.6 billion pounds, an increase of nearly twenty percent on 2023's.
Meanwhile, Chris Bennet, Managing Director at the Caribbean Council said the council has been working with Guyana for years and recalled that duringfirstoilin2020,when the first UK Trade
delegation arrived, it was quick to see that the country was one that was rolling up its sleeves wanting to get thingsdone.
“It is one thing to have the revenues and the opportunities in oil, but it is quite something else to actually make something happen with it and I think thatwecanallseethatthatis whatishappening.
Things are getting done and it is a testament both to the private sector and to the government that they are working closely together they have vision, they have leadership and they are really delivering to the people of Guyana,” he added, pointing to all the things done in the last years asbeingimpressive.
D ' J a m i l a Wa r dRegional Director for Commonwealth Caribbean, Department for Business and Trade, Anand HarilallDirectorandSecretaryatthe British Chamber of Commerce Guyana and Kristia Ramlagan-Prescott, Secretary and Councillor at the GCCI also spoke at the event.
TheUKtradedelegation will be in Guyana between the period November 2528,2025 and will participate in a number of engagements with government and the privatesector
By Shermon Hawker Lands across Region
Six (East Berbice-Corentyne), which altogether span thousands of acres will soon be regularised by the government, allowing for legal ownership and the accompanying benefits of services for citizens there.
President Irfaan Ali, as partofgovernment'sdriveto make more land available signaled to citizens of the region that a massive new 24,000 acres of land will be s t a n d a r d i s e d
The decision was made publicafterthepresidentand his cabinet made an official two-day public outreach to RegionSixlastweek,during which he reported that matters pertaining to land ownership through the Guyana Lands and Surveys
Commission (GLSC) generated much interest Foremost among the issues highlighted by citizens were h o u s i n g a n d l a n d
At his most recent press conference, which was held in Berbice, President Ali revealed that there are 289 applications in the system at the GLSC. Of that total, 89 sit at the head office, and the remaining 200 are logged at New Amsterdam, Skeldon and Black Bush Polder awaiting further documents.
"While that number seems small, the request per application in terms of the total acreage of land that is applied for, is far beyond the supply available," the president explained, sheddinglightontheevident demand-supply mismatch of land available through the a g e n c y
For the GLSC in Region Six, the acreage for particular areas outlined by the president are: 1000 surveyed acres at Maratraite (Mara) on the East Bank of Berbice. There are 5,000 acres at Mara which the presidentindicatedwillneed at least four miles of road extensions to allow access.
Further, some 3,000 acres of land are available aback Manaribisi, while there are 15,000 acres along Corentyne river between the El Dorado and Orealla b o u n d a r i e s
"The new acreage that we are pursuing totals 24,000 acres," he calculated.
Also available in the region are 20,000 acres that will be allocated for cattle pastures. This amount will be surveyed into 100-acre plots, the president outlined.
A d v a n c i n g t h e regularisation drive, the president highlighted
President Ali addressing residents during his recent two-day trip to Region Six
targeted areas along the Corentyne Coast, those being Liverpool with 52 plots already regularised, Manchester Second Depth with59plotscompleted,and at No.50 Village, Leeds, at which “the work there (is) completedandisnowbefore t h e l a n d c o u r t ”
President Al
k a methodical approach to the matter of land issues in the region, beginning by addressing the agency.
"Whatarethestepswe're going to take to further expedite our work to regularise old areas, and to have the ownership of land by title or deed completed?
Thefirstisthatwerecognise the burdensome load that is before the Guyana Lands and Surveys Commission."
To aid in this process, government has decided to broaden the agency's capacity with a special project team that will be handed the sole mandate of addressing the outstanding applications for Region Six.
The president also announced that 70 families of No. 46 occupying lands for generations dating back to over 100 years will receive titles for those lands before June, 2026 He assuredthat25ofthosetitles will be ready by the end of J a n u a r y , 2 0 2 6
The state, he noted, had purchased the land from private persons and distributed to those who have been in occupation and therefore,theoccupantsnow have official titles This gives credence to the government aligning itself with the interest of the people, he posited. "It is important that the
state has borne and will continue to bear all of the costs related to these transactions. The legal fees, the surveying fees, the filing fees and acquisition fees. And I think this is not only commendable, but this must be the first country in which the state is acting in this manner in the interest of our p e o p l e "
M e a n w h i l e , h e h i g h l i g h t e d , a s a n encumbrance to land acquisition in the region, the fact that there are many cooperative societies strewn acrosstheregiondrawnfrom various sectors, but which are now nonfunctional Already, steps are being taken to acquire these lands for the residence to secure. The process is not without hurdles, the president a c k n o w l e d g e d "They own or have in their possession hundreds of acres of lands that persons have been occupying without leases. We have to take steps now to best these leases in the occupants' n a m e s
But that comes not without challenge.... almost on a weekly basis, there is a legal file, there are controversies, there are c h a l l e n g e s t o l a n d o w n e r s h i p "
Despite this, it was also announced by President Ali thataspecialteamwillbeset up to conduct occupational survey with the inclusion of communities, "granting leases from the master lease to bring the leases in line w i t h l a w f u l l a n d o c c u p a t i o n "
There will also be a cabinet sub-committee appointed to focus specifically on other land interests across the region.
A 55-year-old minibus driver who had been wanted for causing death by dangerous driving was arrested on Monday, about a monthaftertheincident.
The suspect, Ganesh Racktoo, of Lot 365 Enmore, East Coast Demerara, was taken into custody for allegedly striking 43-year-old Charran Suresh of Newtown, Enmore,onOctober25,2025, alongEnmoreStationRoad.
According to police reports, Suresh was standing on the eastern side of the EnmoreAccessRoadwhenhe wasallegedlyhitbyaminibus headingnorth.
“Following the collision, the driver failed to stop and leftthescene,”policesaid.
From page 13 commercial discovery Ratio warned thatifnopartnerisfoundwhocanserve as an operator and conduct drilling in the block, and if no further extension is grantedforthedecisiondeadline,itwill find it difficult to make a decision to proceedandcommittodrilling. The company said, “It should be clarified that if no suitable partner is foundwithintherelevantdeadlines,the partnership will be forced to consider how to proceed under the law, including the possibility of returning theblockorpartsofittothestate.”
The agreement for the Kaieteur Block was signed in 2017, under the condition that the oil companies were onlyallowedtoconductoilexploration in40percentoftheblock,tosteerclear ofaggressivetacticsfromVenezuela.
A 3D seismic survey acquired for the southern portion of the block covered 5,750km2 and provided the foundation for a significant prospect inventoryontheblock.
which was drilled in August 2020, encountered 16 metres of net oil pay, a discovery of approximately 65 million barrelsofoilintheprospectarea,based on independent estimates by Netherland, Sewell & Associates Inc. (NSAI).
Notably, a single prospect has been drilled to date, which resulted in a subcommercial oil discovery The ExxonMobil-operated Tanager-1 well,
However, this discovery was considered to be non-commercial as a standalone development. In spite of a number of postponements, ExxonMobil had decided not to exerciseitsoptiontodrillasecondwell on the block and subsequently pulled outfromtheKaieteurBlock.
From page 8 refused to release the findings to Parliament or to the nation A government that withholds national data while demanding more intimate personal data from its citizens cannot be trusted with the consolidated power thissystemcreates.”
guardrails,APNUbelievesthatthePPP is effectively constructing a digitally centralised, politically vulnerable identity backbone, one that could be manipulated to influence electoral rolls, voter-verification regimes, and theallocationofpublicresources.”
Suresh was found unconscious and was transported by Emergency Medical Technicians to the Enmore Regional Hospital. He was later transferred to the Georgetown Public Hospital Corporation, where he was admittedfortreatment.Suresh eventually succumbed to his injuries.
From page 19
disinformation designed to drive them to deplatform or leavepubliclifealtogether
Notably, it was also highlighted that across the world, one in four women journalists report online threats of physical violence, includingdeaththreats.
“What begins online doesn't stay online. Digital abuse spills into real life, spreading fear, silencing voices, and in the worst cases leading to physical violence and femicide,” said UN Women Executive Director Sima Bahous. “Laws must evolve with technology to ensure that justice protects women both online and o ff l i n e We a k l e g a l protections leave millions of women and girls vulnerable, while perpetrators act with i m p u n i t y T h i s i s unacceptable.Through our 16 Days of Activism campaign, UN Women calls for a world where technology serves equality,notharm.”
Moreover, UN Women cited that reporting of online abuse and violence remains low, justice systems are illequipped, and tech platforms facelittleaccountability
It also stated that the rise of AI-generated abuse has deepened impunity across borders and platforms. “But there are signs of progress. Laws are beginning to evolve
to meet the challenges of technological change…as of 2025, 117 countries reported efforts addressing digital violence, but efforts remain fragmentedforatransnational challenge,”itwasnoted.
UNWomeniscallingfor:
· Global cooperation to ensure digital platforms and AItoolsmeetsafetyandethics standards.
· Support for survivors of digital violence by funding women's rights organizations.
· Holding perpetrators accountable through better lawsandenforcement.
· Tech companies to step up by hiring more women to create safer online spaces, removing harmful content quickly, and responding to reportsofabuse.
I n v e s t m e n t s i n preventionandculturechange through digital literacy and online safety training for women and girls, and programmes that challenge toxiconlinecultures.
According to Duncan, there is a glaringcontradiction,notingthatwhile the government is racing to impose biometrics on the daily lives of ordinary citizens, it rejects improved biometric safeguards at GECOM, the one place where enhanced verification would actually strengthen the integrity of our elections. “This inconsistency should concern every citizen who values secure, credible, verifiable elections. It must also be noted that once fully assembled, the Digital ID database will eventually intersect with electoral processes, either directly throughvoter-verificationmechanisms or indirectly through cross-matched demographic,residency,andmigration data. Without the Data Protection Act in force, without independent oversight, and without full legislative
Duncan asserted that without appropriate safeguards, this could be interpretedasthePPPpushingaheadto quietly establish a corruptible digital database capable of shaping electoral dynamicsbehindthescenes.Hesaidin this environment, where the Digital ID framework remains unprotected by law,theDataProtectionActisinactive, the Census results are concealed, and the executive branch is rapidly consolidating biometric, financial, and migratory data, Guyana must proceed withextremecaution.
Parliamentaryquestions He said to protect citizens, APNU will be filing urgent Parliamentary Questions and Motions requiring the Government to explain the legal authority under which the Digital ID rollout is occurring; to operationalise the Digital Identity Card Act and the
Data Protection Act before further expansion; to table the US$34 million Veridos contract and a full audit of its deliverables;andtoclarifyhowDigital ID data will interact with employment systems, banking systems, migration databases, and the expanding national surveillance network. APNU will also press GECOM to explain why improved biometric safeguards for voting are being rejected at the very moment the Government is embracing nationalbiometrics.
Duncan said Guyanese want modern services, but not a system that allows any government to track, profile, or pressure citizens without lawful restraint. “ADigital ID can be a toolforprogress.Butwithoutthelawin effect, it becomes a tool of control. APNU will continue bringing these matterstoParliament.Wewillcontinue raisingthealarm.Andwewillcontinue demanding the legal firewalls, data protections, institutional safeguards, and democratic accountability that everymodernsocietyrequires.Guyana deserves a digital future, not a digital cage,”thestatementconcluded.
Caribbean exporters urged to join CAF’s major...
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By July 22, the child’s condition worsened. “Deandre was breathing in a different way. My aunts were calling for the doctors twice and they were taking their time to come and the doctor came and asked to move him to the paediatric critical care unit,” she said. Doctors later told the family that during surgery they discovered the two kidneys were conjoined, something they claimed the earlier CT scan had not shown. “They said that the CT scan They did before showed that he had two kidney but when they went into him it was something different,” she alleged. However, Allen disputes this. “When he went to do that scan, I was there with him in the room, they strapped him down and hewasscanned.WhentheCT was done, I was looking on that computer I know what I sawIknowIsawtwokidneys separated,” she said. She questioned why doctors removed the conjoined kidneyswithoutinformingher during the operation. “I was telling them if they are doing a surgery on a child at that age and something goes wrong it is their responsibility to step out to tell the parent or guardian for them to make the decision. A doctor stepped out but didn’t tell me anything about the conjoined kidneys,” she stated. Feeling helpless, she recalled, “At that moment I didn’t know what to do, I was trembling, I was crying.”
Doctorsinformedthefamily that dialysis was the only option, and Prashad began treatment on July 23, 2025. The months that followed wereexcruciatingforAllenand therestofthefamily.Shetold this publication that her baby
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was constantly in pain, vomiting, and being pricked with needles. She recalled moments when his tubes leaked and his condition worsened. “Some occasions he would vomitandhewouldlookvery sickly,” she said.
Later inAugust, the family requested a meeting with the doctors. According to Allentheyweretoldthechild needed a special form of dialysis, but the necessary toolswereoverseas,anddoctors also suggested seeking a donor abroad. The family askedwhetherarelativecould donate, but doctors said it was impossible.Weeks later, when the child’s leg began turning blue due to poor circulation, doctors informed Allen that Prashad should be prepared for surgery on August 18 to insert a tube into his neck.
Butonthemorningofthe scheduled procedure, just hours before it was to take place, doctors told her they couldnotproceedbecauseall the necessary tools had not yet arrived in Guyana. Allen said, “The 17th they told me to fast baby for surgery but in the morning, doctor said that they are unable to do the surgery now
Why would you set him todosurgeryifallthematerials are not in the country?”
Subsequently, doctors began testing relatives as possible donors. Allen said she was told none were suitable. She questioned mixed messages from the hospital. “After they said they found a hospital in NewYork, they werealsolookingforadonor, now they wanted to test us, after they test us and told us thatwerenotamatchandour kidneysaretoobig,”shesaid.
Throughout August and into September, the baby’s condition continued to deteriorate.Allensaid,“Everyday they taking blood from
Deandre and I don’t know why.”
According to Allen, they were even told that the hospital had identified a facility inNewYorkwillingtoaccept her son. “They asked for his passportandtheytookacopy and handed it back to us but nothing else was said on the matter,”sherecalled
After feeling that no progress was being made in her son’s care, Allen and her motherwenttospeakwiththe ChiefExecutiveOfficer(CEO) of the hospital. Instead, they met with the acting CEO, to whom Allen outlined all her concerns regarding the treatment her child had received.
The official assured the family that the matter would be investigated. However, she hasn’t heard back from the hospital.
Sadly, on September 21, around 16:30 hrs, Allen receivedacallfromhermother that the child had suffered a seizure and was unlikely to survive the night. She rushed to the hospital. Doctors performedaCTscanforhishead. “He went to do scan for his head;howeverthedoctorsaid the results for the head, they said that they didn’t see no bleeding,” she said.
Later the next day, Allen receivedanothercallfromher mother, who told her that a doctorhadsaidhersonmight not survive the night. Allen rushed back to the hospital. When she arrived, she saw that her son was unresponsive. “He had cotton over his eyes, tape around his mouth, and his tongue wasn’t moving,theonlythingthatmoved was his chest,” she recounted.
At 21:25 hrs, doctors informed the family that 17month-old Deandre Prashad had passed away. “I want to fight for my son, I want justiceformyson,someonemust be held accountable for his
death.Therewasatimewhen doctorsevensaidthatmyson had one kidney all along. They didn’t inform me about that during the surgery,” the grievingmothersaid.
Family members allege that proper protocols were not followed, such as conductingkidneyfunctiontests beforesurgeryandproviding continuous updates to the family They told this publication they intend to pursue legal action against the hospital. “I don’t want money from anybody, all I want is justice for my little baby, I want justice for my innocent angel… he didn’t do anything to anyone… I want someone to be held accountable and I wish to know the truth about what happened to my son during surgery,” the grieving mother said.
Thefamilyhasrequested all medical documents, including test results and CT scans.
Following the death, the family posted a public letter addressed to GPHC, stating in part: “Our hearts are shattered, our world has gone silent… His death was not an inevitability,butthecrueland tragic consequence of your inexcusable negligence… Youknewhewasdying…His sufferingwasinvain,andhis death will forever be on your hands.”
On September 23, 2025, GPHC issued a statement offering condolences and acknowledging public concerns. The hospital wrote, “The case in question is currently under comprehensive review to determine whether the outcomes were preventable, and to implement measures aimed at reducing or preventing the recurrence of similar complications.” On Monday,GPHCCEORobbie Rambarran confirmed to this publication that the case remainsunderreview
Th e G u y a n a
RevenueAuthority (GRA) will soon have a new tax office constructed at Timehri, East Bank Demerara. The project
s est
ma
d to cost approximately$231million. It was disclosed that 16 contractors applied for the contract when bids were openedonTuesday
Below are the companies and their bids:
Guyana RevenueAuthority
Construction of Tax Office, Timehri East Bank Demerara Region Four
Bidder AmountTendered
$181,561,490
$183,061,490
$268,204,915
$231,600,765
Ministry of Health
Supply and Delivery of Equipment for the Electronic Health Record (EHR) System at the Ministry of Health.
Bidder Amount Tendered
PBS Technologies
Rsconex Investment and Management
Digital Technology Group of Companies Inc.
DynamIQ Inc
MAEC Enterprise
Guyana EnergyAgency
US$ 403,892
US$ 936,208
$101,728,506
US$ 213,200.50
$101,243,200
Electrification of One (1) Isolated Remote Village in the Hinterland Through Solar Photovoltaic Energy
Bidder
Monarch Investments
Amount Tendered
$299,150,000
Trama TecnoAmbiental S L TTA (Kenya) and Standby Power Engineering Company
Solar Watt Systems Inc (Barbados)
Green Energy Electrical Services
2020 FMCG Inc
$184,807,849 75
$165,133,801 34
$69,299,350
$58,529,108
Ministry of Culture, Youth and Sports Procurement and Installation of Security Camera Systems.
Bidder
4DTrading
EaglesHeightTechnologies
AmountTendered
Lot1$6,800,000
Lot2$7,400,000
Lot3$560,000
Lot4$8,300,000
Lot1$6,600,000
Lot2$7,120,000
Lot3$5,150,000
Lot4$8,100,000
(AL-JAZEERA) In the occupied West Bank, much like in the Gaza Strip, Israeli policy is forcing thousands of Palestinians from their homes, in stark defiance of international law
A report published last week by Human Rights Watch (HRW) highlighted the expulsion of 32,000 Palestinians from their homes in just three refugee camps this year HRW said that the Israeli operation in the Jenin, Nur Shams, and Tulkarem refugee camps, which began in January, led
to the biggest mass displacementofPalestinians intheWestBanksince1967.
The displacements come as Israeli violence spirals in the West Bank, where more than 1,000 Palestinians have been killed by Israelis since October 7, 2023, and the start of Israel's genocidal war on Gaza, and Israelis living in illegal settlements launch increasingly violent attacksonPalestinians.
InAreaC,thepartofthe occupied West Bank
without even symbolic Palestinian administrative control, the United Nations reported ea
er in November that more than 1,000 Palestinians were displaced when Israel demolished their homes, with a further 500 people made homeless in occupied EastJerusalem.Israelciteda lack of permits for the demolitions, but building permitsarenotoriouslyhard to obtain for Palestinians in thoseareas.
Israel has so far faced few consequences for its actionsintheoccupiedWest Bank, even as reports from human rights organisations call for senior Israeli military and political officials to be investigated for the actions of Israeli forces in the West Bank refugee camps, and the ongoing displacement of civilians.
“We are witnessing the total abandonment of Palestinian lives Israel has already shown it is capable of far greater violence, as we are seeing in the Gaza Strip,” Israeli human rights
group B'Tselem's executive directorYuli Novak said on Friday “Thesituationinthe West Bank is deteriorating by the day and will only worsen, because there is no
mechanismto restrain Israel orstopitsongoingpolicyof ethnic cleansing The international community must put an end to Israel's impunity and hold those
responsible for crimes against the Palestinian peopletoaccount.”
What are Israel's aims for the occupied West Bank?
According to many senior Israeli government figures, the aim is to annex theWestBank
In October, Israel's parliament granted preliminary approval for a
bill that would extend Israeli sovereignty over the occupied West Bank, an action widely regarded as a flagrant breach of internationallaw.
Israel's hardline finance minister, Bezalel Smotrich
who lives in an illegal settlement – has been clear inhisintentionstowardsthe occupiedWestBank
Speakingatameetingof
hisReligiousZionismparty last year, Smotrich told colleagues that he was “establish[ing] facts on the ground in order to make Judea and Samaria [the West Bank] an integral part ofthestateofIsrael”
“We will establish sovereignty first on the ground, and then, through legislation I intend to legal
e the young
outposts],” the Israeli newspaperHaaretzreported Smotrich saying, “My life's mission is to thwart the
of a Palestinianstate.”
More than 700,000 Israelis live in illegal settlements on Palestinian land in the occupied West BankandEastJerusalem In August, Smotrich announced the creation of a new “E1″ settlement involving the creation of 3,000 homes separating occupied East Jerusalem from the West Bank as part of a project the finance minister said would “bury the idea of a Palestinian state”
( A L - J A Z E E R A )
Twenty-four girls who were abductedfromagovernment boarding school in northwestern Nigeria last weekhavebeenreleased,the presidencyannounced.
Nigerian President Bola
Tinubu on Tuesday welcomed the girls' release andcalledonsecurityforces to intensify efforts to free othersstillheldcaptive.
“Iamrelievedthatallthe 24girlshavebeenaccounted for Now we must put, as a matter of urgency, more boots on the ground in the vulnerable areas to avert further incidents of kidnapping.Mygovernment will offer all the assistance needed to achieve this,” Tinubusaid.
The girls were seized on November 17 when armed men stormed their school in Kebbi State shortly after a military detachment left the premises.
Mass kidnappings for
Nigeria, where armed gangs target schools and rural c
overwhelminglocalsecurity forces.Inaseparateincident on Tuesday, gunmen seized 10womenandchildrenfrom avillageinNigeria'swestern KwaraState.
S t a t e p o l i c e commissioner Ojo Adekimi saidtheattackers,agroupof “herders” , had “shot sporadically”duringtheraid on Monday night on the village of Isapa, which neighbours another village where 35 people were kidnapped just a week before.
'Need my child back' In the largest mass abductioninrecentmemory, attackers raided a Catholic school on Friday in northcentral Niger State and abducted more than 300
A view of metal beds in a hostel room after gunmen attacked a government girls' boarding school in Nigeria's Kebbi State on November 17 [File: Independent Television/Handout via Reuters]
students and staff Fifty students escaped over the weekend.
Parents of children kidnapped said they were desperatefortheirrelease.
“My son is a small boy Hedoesn'tevenknowhowto talk,” Michael Ibrahim told the AFP news agency His son,whoisfour,suffersfrom asthma,hesaid.
sickened his wife that she hadtobetakentohospital.
“We don't know the condition in which the boy is,”saidIbrahim,addingthat the abduction had so
Some of the children abducted are nursery-school age.
“I need my child back. I need my child back. If I had the power to bring my child back,Iwoulddoit,”another father, Sunday Isaiku, told AFP
Four days after the St Mary's children were taken, no group has claimed the abduction or contacted the schooldemandingransom.
Guyana's oil economy is exploding, yet the very agency tasked with protecting the nation's revenue sits dangerously understaffed.
Two years after warning of a looming manpower crisis, the GRA's Petroleum Revenue Department remains hobbled, operating at nearly half its needed strength. This is not a minor administrative inconvenience; it is a national emergency. While ExxonMobil pushes multibillion-dollar expenses across the table, Guyana's tax watchdog struggles to field the expertise required to verify, audit, and challenge those claims.
A country cannot hope to manage its biggest industry with an agency running on fumes. The skilled labour the GRA needs will not come cheap, and government must confront that reality. Refusing to pay competitive, even revolutionary, compensation now will cost Guyana far more in unchallenged cost-recovery claims and lost revenue later.
The Commissioner-General cannot fight a multinational machine with a half-staffed unit and hope to win. If Guyana is serious about securing what is rightfully owed, then fixing the PRD's chronic human-resource crisis must become an urgent, unapologetic priority. The cost of inaction is simply too high.
(Reuters) - Ukrainian wrestlerAonishikisaidsake never tasted so good as the 21-year-old savoured his Emperor's Cup triumph at the Kyushu Grand Sumo Tournament in Fukuoka on Sunday that put him on the brink of promotion to the sport'ssecond-highestrank. Aonishiki, whose real
n a m e i s D a n y l o Yavhusishyn, became the first wrestler from Ukraine to win an elite-level tournament in the ancient Japanese sport with his win over Mongolian yokozuna Hoshoryu.
Aonishiki is the second Ukraine-born professional sumo wrestler after Serhii
Sokolovskyi,whocompetes asShishi.
Afterwinningthetitlein only his 14th tournament, Aonishiki is set to rise from sekiwaketoozeki,thoughhe toldreportersonMondayhe was not thinking about promotionjustyet.
"The championship is startingtosinkin,butI'mnot
thinking anything at all aboutozeki,"saidAonishiki, who also took part in the sumotraditionofholdingup a sea bream for good luck afterhisvictory "I couldn't get to sleep straight away after getting back. I was spacing out around 5 a.m. Everything (duringthecelebration)was a first for me, like holding a sea bream, and I really enjoyedit."
ARIES(Mar.21–Apr.19)
In a philosophical or political conversation,youdon'thesitate to offer your thoughts Your examplesmaybeextreme,but yourprinciplesaresound
TAURUS(Apr.20–May20)
Youshouldbeinagoodmood, although you might have a hard time fully expressing yourself.Perhapsyoufeellike there is someone keeping an eyeonyoureverymove.
GEMINI(May21–June20)
You may get the feeling that despite all the hard work you've accomplished, something is still missing, Gemini. There's still a long road ahead, regardless of the goalsyou'veattainedsofar.
CANCER(June21–July22)
Freedom may be a theme for youtoday You'rebeginningto question what it is you're tryingtofreeyourselffrom.A person? Job? Commitment? These may be the very things youstarttosearchforassoon asyou'refreeofthem.
LEO(July23–Aug.22)
You'retheliquidthattakesthe shape of its container, Leo. Even though this may seem like the most nonconfrontational way to do things, you may find that it's actually a cause of great frustrationforyouandothers
VIRGO(Aug.23–Sept.22)
Youmayfeellikeapuppythat has been let outside for the first time, Virgo. The air is warm and you're full of energy You're ready to run over the fields and hills Unfortunately,you'retiedtoa stake and you can't move beyondaten-footradius.
LIBRA(Sept.23–Oct.22)
Youmayfeelastrangetension. Itseemsthatnothingyousayor do is quite right, Libra. As much as you may try to do the correct thing, you can't make thingsclickthewayyou'dlike.
SCORPIO (Oct. 23–Nov 21)
It may be hard for you to maintain your self-discipline. Your childlike nature wants to go out and play Emotionally, you're anxious to let loose and followyourplayful,instinctual nature.
SAGITTARIUS(Nov22–Dec21)
Ifyou'reunclearaboutthetopic of discussion, say so Asking questionsisanimportantpartof learning You shouldn't be afraid to ask. Communication maytakeonaserioustone,and intellectual discussions are likelytogetheated.
CAPRICORN(Dec22–Jan19)
Youmaybeshywhenitcomes to expressing your emotions today,Capricorn.Thiscouldbe a rare thing for you. Other people may wonder if somethingiswrong.
AQUARIUS(Jan.20–Feb.18)
Youmaynotknowwhichway to turn,Aquarius. You may be emotionally weighed down by sentimental feelings and memories that bind you to the past You may also feel restrictedbyauthorityfigures.
PISCES(Feb.19–Mar.20)
Your mind may be going in manydifferentdirections,with fantastic ideas about how things should be done, Pisces.
T h e d i f f i c u l t y i s communicatingtheseideasina way that makes sense. Others mayseeyouasathreattotheir authority
21-year-old Ukrainian sumo wrestler sekiwake Aonishiki, his real name Danylo Yavhusishyn, receives the Prime Minister's Cup from Takahiro Inoue, an advisor to Prime Minister Sanae Takaichi. (Kyodo/via REUTERS)
Born in Vinnytsia, Ukraine,hetookupsumoat theageofsevenandbecame national champion by 17, Kyodo reported. Following Russia'sinvasionin2022he fled with his parents to Germanybeforeheadingfor Japan, where he arrived in April2022.
Aonishiki's parents remain in Germany, and he said he telephoned them afterthewin.
"I said, 'It's all thanks to you.'Mymotherwascrying. I heard my father was too, buthedidn'tshowthattome.
I've also been contacted by m y f r i e n d s a n d acquaintances in Ukraine," hesaid.
One of the best things
tournament was that he was
stablemaster,Aonishikisaid,
thoroughlyenjoyedtheposttournamentcelebrations. "I'veneverhadsakethat tastedsogood,"hesaid.
TheGuyanaHarpy Eagles had yet another weatherplagued ending to a match thisseasonwhenyesterday's proposedencounterwiththe Leeward Island Hurricanes ended in a No Result at the Queen'sParkOval.
At this rate, it is likely thattheHarpyEaglesareout of the finals picture as rain
ravagedthemajorityoftheir outingsthisseason.
Hurricanes also look to be out of the tournament, given their last place spot, furtheraddingtoyesterday's woes.
TheHarpyEagleswillbe tasked with praying for any passage of play come Thursdaywhentheyplaythe Barbados Pride at the Sir
Frank Worrell Memorial Groundinadaygame.
One huge blow is the freakish shoulder injury to opener Raymond Perez, which occurred on Sunday whilefielding.
The Harpy Eagles have tweaked their XI following the injury to one of their leading scorers this season, slotting in young prospect
Shamar Apple up the order asareplacement.
Veteran left-arm spinner and solid lower-order batsman, Anthony Adams also got the nod but unfortunately was unable to get any time in due to the gamebeingcalledoff.
With the next match beingmostlyapride-on-theline encounter for Guyana,
whose final chances seem a longshot, it is likely that the sameXIcouldbefieldedfor thebattleversusthePride.
HostnationTrinidadand TobagoRedForcewerealso forced to abandon their matchagainsttheWindward Volcanoes yesterday; while badweatheralsodelayedthe Day/N
between the Pride and the Jamaica Scorpions. (Clifton Ross)
and
MUMBAI, (Reuters) - Arch-rivals India and Pakistan will clash in a
d Twenty20 World Cup match in Colombo on F
International Cricket Council (ICC) said as it announced the draw on Tuesday
venues -- five in India and three in Sri Lanka -between February 7 and March 8, the ICC said in a statement.
The Reuters Daily B
provides all the news you need to start your day Signuphere.
Pakistan will play all their games in Sri Lanka because of their soured political relations with India.
The March 8 final is scheduledforthewestern I
Ahmedabad but would be moved to Colombo if Pakistanreachit.
A military conflict between the nuclear-
armedneighboursinMay overshado
ed the subsequent Asia Cup in which India refused to accept the winners' trophy fromAsianCricketCouncil chiefMohsinNaqviwhois Pakistan'sinteriorminister
The teams in the tournament have been divided into five groups of four with the top two advancing to the Super Eightphase.Thetopfourin that will qualify for the semi-finals.
Defending champions India will begin their G
MumbaionFebruary7. S
a
d Australia are in Group B, which also includes Ireland, Zimbabwe and Oman
England and West In
ce winners, will face firsttimers Italy and Asian sides Bangladesh and NepalinGroupC. New Zealand, South Africa, Afghanistan, Canada and United Arab Emirates make up Group D
By Samuel Whyte
The final of the Berbice River
C r i c k e t
Association T20 four-team
cricket competition climaxed on Sunday with a nail biting final between Wiruni Conquerors and Sandhill/ Friendship Cavaliers.
The game, which was played at the Sand Hills Ground, lived up to all expectations. Organised by theBRCAwithsupportfrom The Berbice Cricket Board (BCB), the encounter was witnessed by a delegation fromtheBCBthatmadethe tripuptheriver
Wiruni batted first and made 148 for 6 in their 20 overs with Sheldon Bovell 54 and Melroy De Silva 47 being outstanding with the bat. BowlingforSandHills thereweretwowicketseach for Michael Caple and WakarMacKenzie.
Intheirturnatthecrease, Sand Hills give it their best shot with Michael Caple 54 andConroySingh19leading the fight but eventually fell shortreached141for8in20 tolosebysevenruns.
Bowling for WiruniNelon Thomas snapped up threewickets,whileSheldon Bovell and Sylvester
grabbedtwoeach. Sheldon Bovell for his outstanding all-round performance was adjudged themanofthematch.
Earlier in the third-place playoff, Kimbia defeated FortNassauby47runs.
Kimbia took first strike and reached 108 for 9 in the reduced quota of 12 overs.
Raif Flemming 35 and Keron Kertzious also with 35 along with Jonny Leacock14ledtheirscoring.
BowlingforFortNassau - Rolon Lindie snared three wickets, while Gregory Crandongrabbedtwo.
In reply, Fort Nassau were held to 61 for 6 in 12overs with Fitzroy Grimmond 12, Eon Taylor and Phillip Grimmond 11 each.
Bowling for KimbiaMartin Agard led the way with 3 for 3, while Keron Kertziousreturnedtopickup two.
MelroyDeSilvareceived arewardforscoringthemost runsinthecompetition.
At the presentation ceremony the teams were addressbybothPresidentof the BCB, Dr Cecil Beharry and President of the BRCA Jason DenHarte. The both congratulated the winner and wished the other team wellinfutureencounters.
They promised more competitions and other engagementsinthefuture.
Man-of-the-match Sheldon Bovell.
Most runs in competition, Melroy DeSilva, collects his award.
By Samuel Whyte
It was runs galore in a record-breakingperformanceas TucberParkwentonarunsfeast to hammer East Bank Blazers byamassive382runs.
The Blazers were blown cold as the Rampant Tucber ParkBranriotoverthehapless lads from the East Bank of Berbice
Batting first in the game playedattheSistersGroundand reduced to 35 overs a side.The Tucber Park batsmen led by swashbuckling centuries from Malcolm Mickle and Tomani Caesar blazed away to a daunting462-4injust31overs.
Itwascarnagefromthestart as the batsmen went on the rampage as no bowler was spared the assault Tomani Caesar led the charge with a brutal186of92deliverieswith astunning14foursand16hefty
sixes.
Kwesi Mickle was as devastating as his superb 142 came off 55 deliveries with an astonishing 13 fours and 12 sixes.Theirswashbuckling279 runs third wicket partnership came off a mere 18.4 overs. Takingthescorefrom154for2 in the 14.3 overs to 433-3 in 33.1. AntonioDrepaulscoreda quick 62, while Kevin Kisten made19.Extrascontributed33.
The Tucber Park 462-4 came at a rapid 13.2 runs per over. Inall,duringtheinnings, 37 sixes and 24 fours were struck.
Bowling for East Bank Blazers, Simon Gaffur and Odwin Cort took 2 wickets apiece.
East Bank Blazers in the turn at the crease were bundled out for 80 in 15.3 overs with Simion Gaffur 22. Bowling for Tucber Park, left arm spinner
Gilbert Griffith spun out four batsmen, while Gavin Kisten pickeduptwoandtherewasone each for Micha Amsterdam, former West Indies female player Tremaine Smartt and Ray
In another game Skeldon Estate Community Centre (Back Centre) made light work of Crabwood Creek Gladiators beatingthemby8wickets.
The CWC Gladiators won thetossandbattedfirstandwere bowledoutfor132in32overs. Bowling for Skeldon CDC: Adil Ali snared four wickets, while Kevin Grannum picked upthree. In reply Skeldon CDC hit off the required runs in 22.4 oversforthelossof2wickets.
Quincy Burnett led the way with an unbeaten 42, while President of the UCCA Junior Blair scored 37, with Jeremy Moore36notout.
The Berbice
Cricket Board (BCB) would be holding its Bi-annual General Meeting (AGM) and general elections on Sunday the 14th of December 2025 at the Rose Hall Community Centre (RHCDC), Rose Hall, East Canje,Berbice.
TheAGMisscheduledto startat10:30hrs.
Among topics on the agenda are - minutes of the last meeting, corrections, adoptionandmattersarising outofsame.
The president, secretary and treasurer reports, correspondence and any otherbusinesswillbelooked at.
The meeting will then
closetofacilitatetheholding of the election of office bearers.
Theelectionswouldthen be conducted by the cricket ombudsman.
Positions up for grabs are - President, three vice p
y, treasurer,assistantsecretary andassistanttreasurer
c
A total of 14 cricket
b associationsareexpectedto participate The last time two sub associations were debarred from participating due to their sub associations notbeinginorder
The sub association and clubs e
d to participateare-theBerbice River Cricket Association, West Berbice Cricket
Association; The clubs are Albion Community Centre, Rose Hall Town Youth and Sports Club, Blairmont Community Centre, Port Mourant Cricket Club, Kildonan Cricket Club, W
, Chesney Cricket Club, Young Warriors Cricket Club,RoseHallCommunity Centre, Tucber Park Cricket Club, Guymine Cricket Club,MtSinaiCricketClub, Police Sports Club and Fort CanjeMentalHospital.
The last election of office bearers was held in 2023. Incumbent president DrCecilBeharryalongwith his executives would be seekingreelection.
Guyana's veteran stalwart Robin
Low delivered one of the standout performances of the latest round at the 2025 Caribbean Area Squash Association (CASA) Senior Championships, securing a crucial 3–1 victory over the Dominican Republic's IrvingVargasintheMen'sVeterandivision.
Low, drawing on his trademark experience and composure, outplayed Vargas to keep Guyana's veteran campaign onsteadyfooting.
However, fellow Guyanese veteran Regan Pollard endured a tougher outing, falling3–0toGonzaloTapizinaresultthat stunnedthehomesupporters.
In Men's Individual action, Barbadian Khamal Cumberbatch overpowered Guyana's Daniel Ince, sealing a commanding 3–0 (11–2, 11–7, 11–4) win. Ince,whoshowedflashesofresistanceinthe secondgame,willnowshifthisfocustothe playoff for third place against Taylor Carrick.
Guyana found solace in the form of rising star Nicholas Verwey, who produced one of the day's most composed performances with a clinical 3–0 win over Bermuda's D'vario Thompson, taking the match 11–4, 11–6, 12–10. Verwey later faced a setback, bowing out 3–0 to Daniel
Henderson.
Thepreviousdaybroughtheartbreakfor the home crowd as Guyana's push for another women's final appearance came to an abrupt end. Both Mary Fung-A-Fat and Ashley Khalil were knocked out in their respective semifinals, halting the country's longstanding streak of finalists in the division.
Fung-A-Fat, aiming to return to the championship match, was defeated 3–0 by Barbados' Megan Best, who delivered a polished and controlled performance with scores of 11–3, 11–8, 11–4. Despite a spirited second-game push, Fung-A-Fat couldnotunsettlethein-formBest.
Khalil,meanwhile,fellinstraightgames to Margot Prow, who dominated proceedings11–7,11–4,11–0toadvanceto thefinal.
Theresultsmarkthefirsttimeinseveral years that Guyana will miss out on a women's finalist at the CASA Championships. However, Fung-A-Fat returnedtothecourtyesterdayinpursuitofa bronzemedalintheWomen'sdivision,while Ince contests the Men's Individual thirdplaceplayoff.
Full details of yesterday's evening matches will be featured in a subsequent editionofthisnewspaper
Th e G u y a n a
( G H B ) , i n
p a r t n e r s h i p w i t h
longstanding title sponsor, Diamond Mineral Water, officially launched the
20th edition of the Diamond Mineral Water Indoor Hockey Festival, scheduled for November 27–30 at the Cliff Anderson Sports Hall (CASH).
The announcement
reaffirmed Demerara
Distillers Limited's unwavering commitment
to hosting Guyana's premier indoor hockey tournament, with ANSA McAL and Trophy Stall joining the roster of corporate partners for 2025
This year's event marks two decades since the f e s t i v a l w a s conceptualized by veteran sports executive and broadcaster Joseph 'Reds' Pereira, who envisioned a club-centered regional tournament that would invite participation from the Caribbean and the diaspora,ratherthanrelying solelyonnationalteams.
What began in 2004 has evolved into the longestrunning indoor hockey competition in Guyana, attracting teams from Trinidad and Tobago, Canada, NorthAmerica and severalothernations.
The 2025 Festival will feature categories such as; Men's Open, Women's Open,VeteransOver-40and Veterans Over-50 The expandedveterans'structure comes in anticipation of the 2026 Indoor Hockey World Cup in Nottingham, UK, whereGuyanahopestofield multiple age-group teams, including a women's veterans'squad
This year's prize fund stands at USD $10,000, underscoring the Festival's continued prominence and competitiveappeal.
Despite some expected absences, including the Canadian men and leading Trinidadian clubs, GHB Vice President Fiedtkou expressedoptimism.
“We were looking f o r w a r d t o s o l i d international participation,
but unfortunately the Canadian men and some of Trinidad's top teams could not join us this year
However, we are happy to welcome back the Trinidad and Tobago Police men and women in the Open divisions,aswellastheTTO Masters in the Over-50 category”
Brand Executive Raveena Mangal spoke on behalf of Diamond Mineral Water: “Diamond Mineral Waterisproudtoplayarole intheadvancementofsports nationwide, and we remain committed to promoting sport as a healthy, positive form of entertainment for ourcommunities.”
She added that the longstanding partnership with the GHB has been especially impactful, offeringathletesmeaningful opportunities to compete andgrow
GHB VP Fiedtkou extended heartfelt thanks to allstakeholders,saying,“On behalf of the Guyana Hockey Board and the organizing committee, I extend my gratitude to all our sponsors, participants, and supporters Your contributions make this tournament possible and help us build a stronger hockeycommunity
A big thank you to the MinistryofCulture,Youth& Sport for making the Cliff Anderson Sports Hall available.”
S h e e x p r e s s e d confidence that the teams will deliver a memorable editionofthecompetition.
As Diamond Mineral Water continues its tradition of hydrating athletes nationwide, its renewed sponsorship
underscores a shared commitmenttoexcellencein
sport. The festival promises four days of high-energy m a t c h e s , q u a l i t y sportsmanship, and the continued strengthening of Guyana's indoor hockey legacy
The Festival's success continues tobeanchoredby robust corporate support including the Demerara DistillersLimited(Diamond Mineral Water) – Gold Sponsor, ANSA McAL, sponsoring Veterans' divisions through its Tropical Rhythm brand and theTrophyStall,whowillbe joining for the first time,
providing an array of trophies and medals essentialtothetournament's awards.
The 20th Diamond
Mineral Water Indoor HockeyFestivalisofficially launched, and the action returnstomorrowthroughto Sunday(November30).
St a t i s t i c i a n C h a r w a y n e
Wa l k e r h a s
informed that Former Guyana footballer of the year, 1966, Ovid Henry, passed away two weeks ago in the United States of America, his adopted home. Walker informed that Ovid Henry played for Sandbach Parker and Malteenoes Football Clubs back in the day
He made his senior international debut in 1962 againstBarbadosattheGCC B o u r d a H i s n e x t international assignment was in 1963 to Barbados with the Maurice Moore led BritishGuianateam.
After the Barbados tour he played an integral part when British Guiana engaged the touring NegnegroteamfromBrazil.
The next year, 1964, Henryfoundthegoingrough againsttheSedleyJosephled touring Trinidad team that defeatedBritishGuiana4-nil in a five-match series at the GCCBourda.
The following year, 1965, Henry was British Guianamostvaluableplayer when the George Father Niles led British Guiana touredSouthTrinidad.
Healsowasinstrumental when British Guiana defeated
g Barbados team two-nil in a five-match series at GCC
Bourda.
In February of 1965 he featured in two friendly internationals against Trinidadthatendedinoneall draws.
His final tour with the national team in 1966 to Barbados ended in controversy because several players and Coach Joesph Reds Perreira were banned by the then British Guiana football Association for indiscipline behavior on tour
Henry's international campaign continued the following year 1967 when the George Father Niles led British Guiana three-match series against Suriname at theGCCBourda.
Ovid Henry's last outing
in national colours ended in ignominious defeat against thetouringEnglishamateurs at GCC Bourda. Guyana lostbothmatches8nil. His International tours were - 1963 to Barbados, 1965 Trinidad, 1966 Barbados, Suriname 1971 andFrenchGuiana1972. His brother, Clement Henry, also represented Guyana and the Caribbean team against Hull City in 1973, he also was Roraima FootballClubCaptain. Charwayne Walker also noted that, Ovid Henry was recalledtothenationalteam in 1973 for the Caricom series against Jamaica, SurinameandBarbadoswith all matches played in Guyana.
The Pure Diamond
Inc and P&P
I n s u r a n c e
Brokers Inter secondary schools Tapeball cricket league competition, which was played on Saturday last on the Durban Park tarmac resulted in Covent Garden secondary school winning the competition They defeated School of the Nationsinthefinal.
CGSS batted first and scored64runsfor2wickets, intheirovers.UneshKalpoo top scored with 43 runs not out,whileKaidenSmithtook 2for29.WhenSchoolofThe Nations batted, they scored 63 runs for 5 wickets Michael Singh was awarded theMVPforthecompetition.
The on Sunday was the Hand in Hand knockout competition for the said schoolboys,thistimeonthe National Culture Centre
tarmac BV secondary school boys defeat the boys formDiamondSecondary BV batted first and scored 72 for 6 wickets, Captain Bhishram Udan top scored with 43, whileAaron Persaud took 3 for 34 runs.
When Diamond Sec batted, they only scored 69 for 4 in
Emmanuel top scored with 3 8 , w h
n Roopnarine took 2 for 34 runs.
CD's Variety Shop in Norton Street, donated the winning team medals. Other contributions came from PKF Barcellos, Marine & Co. and A. Ally and Sons. Special thanks to all the playersthatparticipated.
Thefinalcompetitionfor 2025wouldbehostedbythe Tapeball Cricket Academy and at stakes would be the TrophyStallcup.
Covent Garden Secondary school winning captain for the super league played on Saturday collects the trophy
Mary Fung-a-Fat in full flow during a previous matchup of her 2025 CASA Senior Championship campaign.
