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Powerful magnitude NEWS 7.7 earthquake kills at least 47 in Indonesia
Sunday Edition
AIETEUR
August 16, 2026
Online: www.kaieteurnews.com
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Four more oil discoveries in Guyana likely to go “above and beyond what we thought were opportunities” - Exxon CEO PAGE
2
Make MV Barima tenders public – Mahipaul
Linden chef killed in Soesdyke-Linden accident 12
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The mangled car involved in accident Dead: Jamal Albert
Phillipai Secondary to get $37M water well Rapid expansion in Guyana could add 307MW daily by 2030 - GPL …housing to add another 146MW
Disgraceful for VP Jagdeo, Min. Bharrat
to allow citizens to rely on Exxon for updates on recovery of all investments – Ram Vice President, Bharrat Jagdeo
Minister of Natural Resources, Vickram Bharrat
…as Govt. yet to address nation on promised 50% oil profits
Sunday August 16, 2026
Kaieteur News
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Four more oil discoveries in Guyana likely to go “above and beyond what we thought were opportunities” - Exxon CEO With 46 significant oil discoveries already made in the prolific 24,000 square kilometer Stabroek Block, ExxonMobil believes there are four more discoveries likely to be made that can exceed the company's imagination. Shareholders of the company were briefed on the potential discoveries by Chief Executive Officer
(CEO) and Chairman of ExxonMobil, Darren Woods during the second quarter earnings call on July 31, 2026. While responding to a shareholder on the use of Artificial Intelligence (AI) tools and generating prospects with specific regard to exploration in Guyana, Woods explained that a large portion of the
Stabroek Block is in force majeure given the GuyanaVe n e z u e l a b o r d e r controversy that is currently before the International Court of Justice (ICJ). He said, “We'll see what happens there. We feel there's an opportunity then to start shooting seismic and understand what that acreage potentially holds. And we've got more work to do in the
acreage that we've already shot and the work that we've been doing.” A d d i t i o n a l l y, h e reminded that Exxon has put increased effort into AI and training models. To this end, Woods said, “based on what we found already, all the drilling that we've done, the characterisation of that subsurface, and unleashed that in the rest of the block
CEO and Chairman of ExxonMobil, Darren Woods and have four new discovery opportunities above and beyond what we thought were opportunities. So, we're optimistic there.” He noted that there was still a lot more work required
to confirm the discoveries but assured investors, “we're not done yet in Guyana and we see - continue to see a really bright future there.” Woods pointed out that there was still a lot of acreage sitting for the company to take advantage of. As such, he informed investors that the company is continuing to look for opportunities as AI helps to identify areas not previously identified for exploration. “So, I would tell you this thing - the tape hasn't run out on this play yet and we're going to continue to evaluate that and see what we can get from it. But I mean, you can rest assured the organisation is very focused on maximising the value of that acreage for the benefit, obviously, of (Continued on page 3)
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Sunday August 16, 2026
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Disgraceful for VP Jagdeo, Min. Bharrat to allow citizens to rely on Exxon for updates on recovery of all investments - Chris Ram ...as Govt. yet to address nation on promised 50% oil profits
S
ince July 31, 2026 ExxonMobil announced to its shareholders that the company has recovered all of its investments made in Guyana to develop the seven projects approved to date - a significant development in the country's petroleum sector that is yet to be addressed by the Government of Guyana (GoG). Attorney and Chartered Accountant, Christopher Ram in a scathing commentary to this newspaper on the matter blasted the administration for its silence on such a key milestone in the nation's oil story, describing it as an act of disgrace for government to leave citizens reliable on information supplied by a multinational corporation that has proven to be “less than straight and honest” in its dealings locally. Ram has been a vocal advocate against the GoG for its appalling lack of transparency in the management of the oil and gas sector, leading a string of protests last year particularly against the Commissioner of Information, Charles Ramson (SC) whom he accused of guarding key information instead of making same available upon the request of citizens. In an invited comment on the recovery of some US$55B in investment and
“How disgraceful it is that we have no less than a Vice President (Bharrat Jagdeo) and a cabinet minister responsible for the petroleum sector (Vickram Bharrat), and yet we have to rely on Exxon whose accounting has been less than straight and honest to provide us with information on the recovery of all their costs.”- Christopher Ram Attorney and Chartered Accountant, Christopher Ram
Vice President and Chief Policymaker for the oil and gas sector, Bharrat Jagdeo operating expense by ExxonMobil, Ram said Guyana is now positioned to receive 50% of profit oil which is what is available after the deduction of recoverable expenses. The Chartered Accountant was careful to point out, “This statement that Guyana will receive 50% of all oil produced is absolutely and verifiably misleading. It is also not consistent with the provisions of the contract.” Shifting his attention to
Minister of Natural Resources, Vickram Bharrat the fact that the GoG is yet to address the nation on this issue, the lawyer argued, “How disgraceful it is that we have no less than a Vice President (Bharrat Jagdeo) and a cabinet Minister responsible for the petroleum sector (Vickram Bharrat), and yet we have to rely on Exxon whose accounting has been less than straight and honest to provide us with information on the recovery of all their costs.” He added that Guyana
must now wait to see what charges and provisions will now be concocted and invented to ensure the nation does not realise a larger share of profit from the agreement. More than two weeks have now elapsed since the major announcement was made by the Chief Executive Officer (CEO) and Chairman of Exxon, Darren Woods. During the company's second quarter earnings call on July 31, 2026 the CEO described Guyana's progress as a success story that has set
Four more oil discoveries in Guyana... From page 2 ExxonMobil. But more importantly, for Guyana, the government of Guyana, the people of Guyana,” Woods explained. ExxonMobil has made 46 discoveries in the Stabroek Block since its first commercial discovery in May 2015. According to the company's financials, ExxonMobil Guyana Limited (EMGL) has spent about US$2.4B in exploration activities as at the end of 2025. This was more than the royalty Guyana received up to the end of 2025 since it began producing oil in 2019. Notably, oil-producing states around the world, including neighbouring Suriname have blocked oil companies from recovering costs spent to hunt for oil. Guyana on the other hand not only allows Exxon to recover costs for wells
successfully drilled, but even dry holes encountered in the process. The sweetheart deal signed by ExxonMobil in 2016 allows the company to recover costs related to its exploration activities, even if those efforts do not produce oil. This provision, along with several others have been criticised by both local and international experts in the past, who are adamant that all companies take on financial risks as the cost of doing business where they operate.While the company racks up billions in exploration expense, shortening profits that should flow into Guyana's account, the country is kept in the dark regarding the oil giant's annual hunt for oil. The Stabroek oil deal requires the operator to not only submit its yearly exploration plans to the government of Guyana (GoG), but an annual budget to
meet its work programme. This information is concealed by the government while the nation's oil revenue is shortened to meet this expenditure. During its most recent engagement with the media on June 9, 2026, ExxonMobil was asked for an update on its exploration plans for the year but did not provide a comment. The company's Vice President and Business Services Manager, John Colling explained to the media that he was only prepared to address the company's 2025 financial performance. Nevertheless, Kaieteur News has reported that ExxonMobil commenced exploration drilling at four sites in Stabroek for the year. Exxon has submitted plans to the GoG for a massive 35-well campaign that is still pending approval.
a new standard for the industry, exceeding even the company's expectations. Exxon said it expected the cost bank to be cleared in another two years. Woods however said, “Delivering on tight schedules, at industry-leading cost – with strong reliability and optimised production – has resulted in recovering our capital and cost nearly two years earlier than anticipated, increasing NPV, and desaturating the cost bank.” O n A u g u s t 11 , t h e Natural Resources minister told this newspaper that a statement would be issued by the GoG. Up to the time of this report, this commitment was not honoured. Former Finance Minister, Winston Jordan previously told this newspaper that Guyana is now entitled to a larger share of the resources being generated offshore but instead of government providing full disclosure on what the recovery of Exxon's investments means for the
nation, citizens continue to be left in the dark while the opposition appears caught up in other matters. Jordan explained, ““…in accordance with the PSA, profit should now be calculated in the usual manner, that is revenue minus all eligible expenditure, and shared in the same 50:50 split.” He continued, “I've seen calculations where expenditure could go down to about 37% of revenues, which would leave 63% as profit to be shared equally between. That means GoG would be entitled to 31.5%+2% royalty = 33.5%.” He pointed out that this would be more than double the 14.5% Guyana currently receives in profit along with the 2% royalty. M o r e o v e r, h e highlighted that this could result in the Natural Resource Fund (NRF) receiving between US$8-10 billion annually at current oil prices - up from the average US$2.7 billion.
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Kaieteur News Printed and Published by National Media & Publishing Company Ltd. 24 Saffon Street, Charlestown, Georgetown, Guyana. Publisher: DR. GLENN LALL - TEL: 624-6456 Editor-In-Chief: NIGEL WILLIAMS Tel: 225-8465, 225-8491. Fax: 225-8473, 226-8210
Sunday August 16, 2026
Kaieteur M@ilbox Send your letters to Kaieteur News, 24 Saffon Street, Charlestown, Georgetown or email us kaieteurnews@yahoo.com
Profit could be anything. How is Bharrat Jagdeo – the $55 billion capex derived? beyond 50 per cent EDITORIAL
Though a question was necessary, a senior government official confirmed that Guyana has started to collect its 50% split of Profit Oil. From there, it is all Vice President, Bharrat Jagdeo. Guyana’s chief oil and gas policymaker has to serve as the government’s lead messenger. His is the obligation to face the nation. Guyanese want to hear from him. We have our questions. He is the best person to provide the kind of answers needed, plus the details. The change to 50% of profit oil is a development without match in Guyana’s economy. Jagdeo has to make an appearance and share what follows. He was everywhere during the 2020 elections, a force of nature by himself, rallying his troops. He was at the centre and forefront of the battle for power and control of the oil that had just started to flow. Six years later, the oil prize is firmly set in his hands. He must now represent it. He must appear and manifest that he is worthy of the hopes and aspirations that the electorate placed in his party, and in his hands. Guyana cannot afford for this country’s chief oil and gas policymaker to be a no-show at this time. He cannot leave something as big as 50% profit split to juniors. He does not have a history of such delegation, especially when the news is good. There can be no bigger and better news than Guyana has fully repaid ExxonMobil its US$55B investment. And that this country has been collecting its new 50% profit share and it is, indeed, a full and fair 50%. It should be multiples of what Guyana has been collecting for the last six years. Multiples of the profits that this country has been receiving at peak production of approx. 900,000 barrels daily, and the added consideration of oil prices spiraling upwards due to the stalemate in the Middle East. How will the government manage this huge influx of money? Oil prices are volatile. They can fluctuate wildly. Also, Guyana is preparing to increase its daily production by 250,000 barrels. We are less interested in compensating for changes in oil prices, and more about what the government has in mind for prudent management of a depleting asset, and earnings that change overnight. Jagdeo, as the PPPC government’s chief policymaker, has a big say, perhaps the heaviest contribution in the plans on how more oil money will be spent. Would the government’s emphasis be more on so-called “national development priorities”, with more roads, bridges and infrastructure works? Or would there, at last. Be meaningful budget allocations for Guyanese families that struggle to survive in this oil rich nation? We are sure that should vice president heed our call and speak to the nation on this long-awaited earnings spike, he is likely to attract a large audience. Guyanese want to hear what the government plans to prioritise with the new billions at its disposal. The poor of Guyana have been made to wait. They have made the sacrifices. They are due to be in front of the line of government provisions. Chronic, generational poverty is not addressed by an occasional cash grant. There has to be a more in-depth approach if there is to be sustained relief from poverty. There is a fact that we must face, one that cannot be argued against. The fact that there is more money means there will be billions to spend. When the money was less, the PPPC government could not resist the temptation to withdraw more from the Natural Resource Fund. In view of more US millions to withdraw, and more Guyanese billions to spend, corruption levels could break into new territory. Jagdeo also would have to shed his silence and comment on the projects that ExxonMobil have to come onstream, and those that it is lining up. What will be the arrangements for those? Who puts up money, what changes? For all these reasons and more, oil guru Jagdeo must speak clearly and frankly, and now. Citizens need to know where they stand with substantially more millions flowing into Guyana’s coffers. How they will benefit, finally get a chance to experience living in an oil rich country.
DEAR EDITOR, Over the last few days, I have been constantly reading in the Guyana press, “Now that Exxon has recovered its $55 billion investment (same thing called Capex, Capital outlays), when will Guyana start getting its 50% oil profit? (The quick answer is that Guyana has always been getting its 50% profit as defined in the PSA). Well, no doubt about it – there has been a lot of confusion on this 50%profit thing. And, that Exxon Billboard along our roadways declaring “Guyana gets 50% profit” has only helped to fuel this confusion. That billboard should be taken down and replaced with another that says, “Guyana gets only 14.5% of revenues”. Let me illustrate: (a) Suppose CR (Cost Recovery) is 90% of revenues, then Guyana would receive 5% of revenues (or 5 barrels out of every 100 produced) – and that is defined in the PSA as 50% profit; (b) Further, suppose CR is 75% of revenues (which is the actual case), then Guyana would receive 12.5% of
revenues (or 12.5/100 barrels) – and this too is defined as 50% profit in the PSA. So, profit can be anything. There is an old accounting joke where the accountant tells the CEO, “I can make profit be anything. Just tell me what you want it to be”. In my illustration here, 50% profit can be 5/100 barrels or 12.5/100 barrels. So, we Guyanese must ask ourselves, why is our government still using the profit metric? This is very misleading and perpetuates confusion. I was in a meeting a few days ago, and folks were asking what constitutes this $55 billion that reportedly has been fully recovered – Is it actual investment (Capex)? Does it also include operating costs? Minister of Energy, Vickram Bharat should explain these matters to the Guyanese public. I had previously written (see my letter in KN, Nov 20, 2025) about attending a meeting with Exxon’s president (Guyana) Alistair Routledge, here in Queens, New York. Routledge told the Guyanese audience that Exxon had invested $55 billion in Guyana. I
had confronted Routledge on this $55 billion number. I told him: that is a falsehood; that Exxon and partners had only invested $8.1 billion; that is the total sum of money brought into the country. I told him to his face that they were pumping back most of the 75% CR money back into the business – and each time they did, they were recording it as fresh Capex. And, that’s how they derive the $55 billion number. I have previously described Exxon’s practice as an accounting scam. It is really the concept of Retained Earnings turned on its head. Reinvesting revenues/profits to expand a business is the same thing as Retained Earnings. In normal practice, RE (reinvested) is never recorded as fresh capex to be later repaid. Why do I label Exxon’s practice as a scam? Well, Guyana is not a shareholder in the business – and this practice denies Guyana its fair share of revenues. It keeps Guyana’s “take” fixed at 14.5 barrels out of every 100 (same as 14.5%). Re-investing revenues/profits to Continued on page 5
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Kaieteur M@ilbox Kaieteur M@ilbox We must insist on facts Centenary birth anniversary of an illustrious C’bean son, Dr. Fidel Castro Ruz before fury, evidence DEAR EDITOR, This week we joyously celebrate the centenary birth anniversary of an illustrious Caribbean son, Dr. Fidel Castro Ruz, fondly referred to by millions around the globe simply as F i d e l . To r e c o r d t h e exploits, courage and vision of Fidel will consume volumes, however, I will be extremely brief. For now, particularly for our youth in the Caribbean, the Americas, and every corner of the globe, it is pertinent to note that the Cuban revolution began in 1956 and cumulated in January 1959, when supported by courageous men and women they drove the dictator Batista out of Cuba, ending a period of moral turpitude where Cuba
was the play ground of the rich outside of Cuba and within Cuba. Immediately upon assuming leadership of Cuba, Dr. Fidel Castro ensured that all Cubans had access to free education and good health care and more particularly released the potential of Cubans in the field of music and sport. I have elsewhere recorded my personal experience at the 1991 PanAmerican games when, in what we consider the challenge of the fastest men in the world. Fidel arrived at the stadium minutes before the start of 4x100 sprint relay, he saluted the four Cuban athletes, on paper the teams from North America and Jamaica were expected to prevail, however, running
with great gusto the Cuban sprinters won the race, the athlete who anchored this Cuban team, baton in hand, ran straight to Fidel to the applause of the assembled spectators, who recognised it w a s F i d e l C a s t r o ’s inspiration and charismatic leadership that allowed the Cuba athletes to go beyond the predictions. Cuba under Fidel Castro provided over the years, training and other medical facilities to thousands around the globe, Guyana being one of the beneficiaries. I said this letter is brief, but not before I end on a light note, last evening my wife, a C u b a n t r a i n e d Gynaecologist Obstetrician, and I were having some icecream for dessert, it was
delicious, but we could not help observing that Cuban ice-cream remains the very best, and likewise, a small cup of Cuban coffee and cappuccino is unrivalled in taste and aroma. On this day, I extend best wishes to the Cuban people as they celebrate the centenary of the greatest son. May their courage overcome the many obstacles and adversities being placed in their way. I ask the Cuban ambassador, His Excellency Jorge Francisco Soberón Luis to convey, on behalf of my family, circle of friends and on my own behalf best wishes to the leader of the Cuban people, reminding them never to surrender. Yours sincerely, Elder Hamilton Green
Guyana leads the Caribbean with fake Ph.Ds DEAR EDITOR, For the past eighteen (18) months, a research organisation, The Academic Research Foundation, has conducted in-depth research on persons living in the Caribbean who legitimately achieved their Ph.Ds. from r e p u t a b l e universities/colleges and those who illicitly purchased their fake Ph.Ds. from unknown and bogus institutions. Information from the research group reveals that Guyana leads the Caribbean with the most fake Ph.Ds. followed by Trinidad and Tobago. It is estimated that approximately 87 percent of persons with fake Ph.Ds. are from Guyana and 69 percent from Trinidad and Tobago
and from a particular ethnic group and many of them are senior administrators in government and in the private sector. The other 13 percent with fake Ph.Ds. from Guyana and 31 percent from Trinidad are from other ethnic backgrounds. The research found that the vast majority of fake Ph.Ds. originate from numerous countries with India, Pakistan and Russia leading the way and are the main culprits, followed by Yugoslavia, South Africa, Nigeria, Mexico, the United States and England. While the cost for fake Ph.Ds. varies from country to country; however, India has the lowest cost. In India, one can purchase a Bachelor
Profit could be anything... From page 4 expand a business is done for the benefit of shareholders – and Guyana is not a shareholder. Darsh Khusial of the OGGN group has done the Math – and has proven that Guyana is losing over a $100 billion on an 11-billion-barrel reserve because of this accounting scam. Readers can read more on this matter at Oggn.org. Exxon’s defenders have always said the accounting practice of recording re-invested revenues as fresh capex is legal. I have to say: I have read the 114-page oil contract, and this practice is not described anywhere. For this reason, we call for the re-negotiation of the oil contract – even if only to make the contract just a little bit less lopsided. I refer to Albert Baldeo’s letter in Saturday’s KN (Aug 15th) in which he cited a statement of President Trump calling out the oil companies of making too much money [Windfall profits from the Iran war] - without giving back anything to consumers and presumably to oil-host countries. President Ali must recognise this moment as Trump’s invitation to engage Exxon – and press Guyana’s case for renegotiation of an egregiously lopsided contract. Mike Persaud
or a Master of Arts or Science Degree for US$10.000 to US$15.000, and a Ph.D. for between US$20.000 to US$25.000. The research highlighted the fact that the majority of these “so-called” Universities/Colleges do not have permanent addresses and those with addresses are found to be private homes, business places, parks, and hotels, among other locations. It is regrettable and sad that these underground and or “fly-by-night” institutions are involved in cheating and degrading education. And it is very reprehensible and highly unprofessional that accomplished adult individuals, mostly men have opted to pay for a university or college degree instead of studying for it. The survey also proffered that most of those who purchased faked Ph.Ds. are prominent and successful businessmen and women, some are senior bureaucrats, others are private sector officials whose primary objective is to bypass the time and effort of traditional education. Buying a fake degree is
much cheaper than paying the high costs of university tuition. This is being done to satisfy strict job requirements, secure promotions and higher pay grades and to deceive employers who rely on credentials rather than doing due diligence on their employees’ educational backgrounds. Furthermore, they want the title without doing the coursework, studying or taking tests, or being in the classroom. Several Psychologists have asserted that buyers of fake Ph.Ds. want the perceived image and prestige of holding such degree among their peers, family or society. In other words, they wanted to be recognised as qualified and outstanding citizens. In t o d a y ’ s s o c i e t y, t h e widespread buying of university and college degrees reflects a mix of economic pressures, technological advancement, cultural incentives and family demands. It is systemic rather than the result of isolated cases. Sincerely, Dr. Asquith Rose
Corruption benefits the rich and powerful at the expense of the poor. Say NO to it.
before accusation, and truth before theatrics
DEAR EDITOR, GHK Lall’s column of August 12, 2026, concerning the MV Barima is less a serious contribution to the national conversation than a catalogue of assertions and insinuations presented as facts. A daily columnist should be especially careful to distinguish between what is known, what has been said, and what he himself has inferred. He writes that Guyanese were first told that the B a r i m a w a s “unsalvageable.” The obvious question is: who told Guyanese that? Where was this said, and by whom? It was never stated that t h e v e s s e l w a s unsalvageable. What was explained was that raising or floating the vessel would be difficult because of the hazards involved, including poor underwater visibility, tidal conditions and the other technical and environmental challenges confronting any salvage operation. “Difficult” does not mean “impossible.” Yet Mr. Lall converts the former into the latter and then constructs an entire argument on that misrepresentation. He goes on to claim that it was subsequently said that raising the vessel would be
costly.” Again, who said this? Was this an official position? Or is Mr. Lall simply creating another step in a narrative that makes his political argument more dramatic? The irony is that the government has agreed that the vessel should be raised. So, what exactly is Mr. Lall railing against? He demands that the vessel be raised as though the government has refused to do so, when the very action he demands has already been accepted as the course to be pursued. M r. L a l l ’s r h e t o r i c becomes even more troubling when he declares that the Barima tragedy “was a crime” and suggests that it forms part of some broader PPP government “dodge, crime-in-waiting, a skim and a scam,” followed by a “clumsy coverup.” Those are extraordinary allegations. They require extraordinary evidence. There is no need for a demand that the Barima be raised. A decision has been taken to do so. But let us also insist on something from commentators. Let us insist o n f a c t s b e f o r e f u r y, evidence before accusation, and truth before theatrics. Yours faithfully, Roopnauth Hardyal
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Sunday August 16, 2026
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Make MV Barima salvage tenders public Member of Parliament (MP) for A Partnership for National Unity, Ganesh Mahipaul, in a statement on F r i d a y, c a l l e d o n t h e government of Guyana to make public the tenders submitted for the salvaging of the MV Barima. He is appealing to the Ministry of Public Utilities and Aviation, the Maritime Administration Department (MARAD) Guyana, and Minister Deodat Indar "to immediately release to the Guyanese public the names of all companies that submitted tenders/proposals for the floating and salvage of the MV Barima, together with the total bid sum submitted by each bidder." Mahipaul reminded that MARAD, under the Ministry of Public Utilities and Aviation, had issued an invitation to marine salvage contractors for the submission of proposals to recover the vessel. The deadline for submission of documents was August 14, 2026. The MP is demanding that the public be informed of how many companies submitted bids, the names of every bidder, the total amount quoted by each bidder, the technical proposal and methodology being offered
— where disclosure is permissible — the proposed timeline for recovery, and whether the government intends to award the contract on a "no cure, no pay" basis or through a direct financial arrangement. He reminded the public that recovering the vessel is no ordinary commercial exercise, noting that it is central to the investigation into one of the most devastating maritime tragedies in Guyana's
Guyanese public, and Parliament deserve nothing less than full transparency. During a press briefing on Friday, Prime Minister Brigadier (Ret'd) Mark Phillips said, "Today's the day, bids come in. Then, they have to go through the bids. They have to do evaluation and then determine who will get the contract. Then we negotiate the contract." On August 3, Kaieteur News reported that Mahipaul had criticised the
- Mahipaul published by MARAD inviting Expressions of Interest (EOI) from marine salvage contractors, with a submission deadline of Friday, August 14, 2026. "Any reasonable person understands what follows after that deadline: evaluation of submissions, shortlisting, contract awards, mobilisation, and
The sunken MV Barima vessel history. While MARAD itself has stated that salvage proposals must address the p r o t e c t i o n a n d documentation of forensic evidence for use by the Commission of Inquiry, Mahipaul maintains that the families of those who lost their lives, the wider
government's decision to put the MV Barima salvage out to public tender, calling the move a "cruel, insensitive, and entirely unacceptable delay" that risks destroying vital forensic evidence and prolonging the anguish of grieving families. Mahipaul's call to action followed an advertisement
i s s u a n c e o f a commencement order," Mahipaul stated in a press release. "This means actual salvage operations are unlikely to begin until late August or even early September. That timeline is simply unacceptable." Wa r n i n g o f t h e destructive nature of marine
Member of Parliament for the A Partnership for National Unity, Ganesh Mahipaul environments, Mahipaul emphasised that every day the vessel remains submerged threatens the integrity of the ongoing investigation into Guyana's worst maritime disaster, which claimed more than one hundred lives. He noted that saltwater rapidly corrodes mechanical systems, degrades electronic equipment, and alters structural evidence essential for forensic experts, law enforcement, and the Commission of Inquiry. To avoid this, Mahipaul pointed out that Guyana's procurement laws explicitly provide for emergency solesourcing under exceptional public interest conditions. He further highlighted that
the administration has repeatedly used solesourcing and emergency procurement for less critical projects — citing the acquisition of the MV Hercules — yet has hesitated to do so amid a national tragedy. The 87-year-old MV Barima sunk on July 18 roughly 10 nautical miles off the Essequibo coast as the ferry travelled from Georgetown to Port Kaituma in Region One. An estimated 179 people were aboard, far more than the 133 listed on the official manifest. The tragedy claimed 73 lives, with 76 people rescued and approximately 30 still missing.
Rapid expansion in Guyana could add 307MW daily by 2030 - GPL …as housing to add another 146MW The Development and Expansion Programme for Guyana Power and Light (GPL) 2026-2030 has revealed that, at the rate Guyana is expanding, 307 megawatts (MW) could be added to the grid from tracked Major Infrastructure Developments (MIDs), data centres, and the fertiliser plant. The document explains that several large consumers are coming online, including data centres, MIDs such as hotels, airports and hospitals, and a natural gasbased fertiliser plant. The data centres are expected to add 200 MW in total by 2028, while the fertiliser plant is projected to add 10 MW by the same year. "…77 tracked MIDs could add ~90 MW (~623 GWh/yr) by 2030. The new Wales Development Zone, located near the gas facility along the West Bank of Demerara, is expected to
attract energy-intensive industries (e.g., refining, manufacturing, etc), potentially adding hundreds of MW within the next 5years and beyond," it added. The transition from gasoline and diesel engines to electric vehicles (EVs) is expected to add a 7 MW daily load for charging by 2030, as EV adoption accelerates. "While modest relative to other growth components of the demand forecast, EVs represent a new type of load that requires prudent distribution planning and execution (to mitigate potential peak-coincident charging)," the document states.On housing and electrification, the plan notes that the government's housing drive is targeting a minimum of 40,000 new house lots by 2030. With 40,565 new homes expected to be connected to the grid over the next five years, an
estimated 146 MW of residential demand will be added by 2030. GPL's customer base is projected to grow from 252,720 in 2026 to 289,664 by 2030. With the grid interconnection of Linden adding more than 13,165 customers by 2029, the company's overall customer count is set to rise accordingly. This publication reported on August 13 that the Development and Expansion Plan 2026-2030 revealed the smart grid GPL is pursuing will not immediately reduce power losses, contrary to what many may expect. The document explains that the transition to a smart grid represents a qualitative shift in how losses are detected, managed, and interpreted across the electricity system. "Unlike conventional network reinforcements, which primarily influence
losses through physical efficiency gains, smart grid investments alter loss behaviour by increasing s y s t e m o b s e r v a b i l i t y, tightening operational control, and strengthening the linkage between energy flows and commercial outcomes. As such, their impact on losses is neither immediate nor linear, but accumulates as capabilities are deployed, integrated, and operationalized," the plan states.The programme envisages a phased transition involving advanced metering infrastructure (AMI), supervisory control and data acquisition (SCADA) upgrades, distribution management systems, and supporting communications and data platforms. Together, these systems will enable near-real-time visibility of energy flows from the point of generation through to end-use,
replacing reliance on periodic manual readings and aggregate reconciliation with granular, time-stamped data. This shift is expected to fundamentally change the
nature of non-technical losses by reducing informational asymmetries between consumption, billing, and revenue collection.
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Sunday August 16, 2026
BLUNTNESS ON INDECENCIES! In case you haven’t heard, please be informed that as part of our continued effort to channel positive changes in our country, our publisher, Dr. Glenn Lall, has dedicated our Page Seven to be “BLUNT” about on-going indecencies in our land that should matter, not only to us at this publication, but the entire nation. SUNDAY – AUGUST 09, 2026 MV Barima COI must deliver truth not political cover The MV Barima Commission of Inquiry is now before Guyanese. Its
Terms of Reference are public, its commissioners are under scrutiny, and the nation is waiting. But this cannot become another exercise that produces a report, generates headlines, and gathers dust.
Too many lives were lost for that. Families are grieving remain about the failures that preceded the disaster and the decisions made after it. The Commission owes these families its fullest effort, its
independence and, above all, the truth. Politics must not dictate where the inquiry leads. Nor should anyone seek to shield incompetence, negligence or wrongdoing. Every relevant of act must be examined without fear or favour. The report must be timely, comprehensive and transparent. Guyanese deserve to know what happened, who failed, and what must change. The dead cannot speak. The Commission must speak for them. MONDAY – AUGUST 10, 2026 Guyana must know its share of the oil wealth ExxonMobil has finally confirmed what Guyanese have been waiting to hear: the company has recovered its US$55B investment in the Stabroek Block. That should have been a defining moment for the Government of Guyana to speak plainly to the people. Instead, silence.
For years, Guyanese were told about cost recovery, production, and billions in expenditure. Now that the cost bank has reportedly been cleared nearly two years ahead of schedule, the nation deserves more than silence from those entrusted with its oil wealth. The government must tell Guyanese, in clear numbers, what percentage of production and revenue the country is now receiving. It must also disclose what costs remain recoverable and what additional revenue will flow into the Natural Resource Fund. Oil belongs to Guyana. The people should not have to learn the value of their inheritance from ExxonMobil. Transparency is not a favour; it is an obligation. WEDNESDAY – AUGUST 12, 2026 CCJ crisis The Caribbean Court of Justice was supposed to be
the region's last fortress of j u s t i c e . To d a y, l e a k e d allegations threaten to turn that fortress into a house of suspicion. Claims of “panel manipulation” and attempts to influence judicial opinions cannot be brushed aside as the bar council in Guyana put it as internal discussion. This matter strikes at the very foundation of judicial independence. Five of six sitting judges reportedly raised serious concerns about the President of the court. That fact alone demands more than assurances about adherence to judicial principles. T h e C C J m u s t u n d er s tan d th at p u b lic confidence, once shattered, is difficult to rebuild. Every future ruling risks being viewed through the lens of these allegations. There must be an independent, credible investigation. Guyanese and the Caribbean deserve nothing less.
Kaieteur News
Sunday August 16, 2026
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Burnham weaponised ethnic divisions It is deeply misleading to present Forbes Burnham primarily as a tragic nationbuilder whose ambitions were constrained by Guyana’s ethnic divisions. That interpretation reverses the relationship between cause and consequence. G u y a n a ’s e t h n i c divisions were indeed real, deeply rooted and historically produced. But Burnham did not merely inherit them. He also successfully converted those divisions into an instrument of political power. The convenient mythology is that Burnham confronted a divided society a n d s t r u g g l e d , paternalistically but sincerely, to bring it together through the power of the state. The harder historical truth is that Burnham helped to create the political architecture of the very division that supposedly limited him. The 1955 rupture in the PPP did not emerge independently of the ambitions of Burnham and the support of the imperialists. Burnham helped to trigger the split in the nationalist movement. When the struggle for leadership within the original nationalist movement did not produce the outcome he wanted, Burnham established the PNC. But Burnham did not
simply discover an ethnic political constituency waiting for him. He helped to build one. From thence onwards, political competition increasingly became organised along racial lines, with the PNC becoming predominantly identified with Afro-Guyanese political aspirations and the PPP with Indo-Guyanese ones. So, the claim that Burnham was simply a victim of ethnic division is backwards. He was both a product of Guyana’s divided society and an active political entrepreneur of that division. That does not absolve the PPP of its own failures, nor does it erase the colonial manipulation that profoundly aggravated Guyana’s racial tensions. The British suspension of the constitution in 1953, the Cold War and subsequent foreign intervention all played major roles in d i s t o r t i n g G u y a n a ’s democratic development. But that is not an excuse for absolving Burnham of agency. The more disturbing contradiction is that Burnham’s supposed project of national cohesion ultimately depended upon the concentration of power in the very state he controlled. The state was not a neutral instrument through
which all Guyanese could participate equally in nationbuilding. It increasingly became the instrument through which the ruling party entrenched itself. By the 1970s, the distinction between party and state had become dangerously blurred. Elections were increasingly discredited; state institutions were subordinated to the ruling political order; and the 1980 Constitution concentrated enormous authority in the office of executive president. Under Burnham, the PNC asserted power over the civil service, military, judiciary, economic sector and other areas of Guyanese s o c i e t y. T h i s w a s authoritarianism. A government does not create national unity by teaching citizens that the state knows what is best for them. It creates unity by convincing citizens that the state belongs to them. B u r n h a m ’s r e c o r d increasingly demonstrated the opposite. His government nationalised l a rg e s e c t i o n s o f t h e economy and expanded state control over productive activity. Whatever the ideological justification, the economic consequences were devastating. The economy contracted, foreign exchange became scarce, shortages intensified,
Dem Boys Seh...
Guyana invent de drive-through market Dem boys seh Guyana is a country of innovation. We does watch what de rest of de world doing, and then we does improve pon it—or at least find a way to make it more Guyanese. Take fast food. De world got drivethrough restaurants. You drive up, order yuh food, collect it through a window and drive away. No need to park. No need to get out yuh vehicle. Nice, efficient and convenient. But Guyana say, “Hold on. We could do better than that.” So now we got drive-through markets. Yuh does see roadside vendors selling mangoes, plantains, cassava, pepper, tomatoes or whatever else in season. A driver pulls up alongside de stalls, stops dead in de road, winds down de window and starts shopping. No parking required. No walking required. No getting out required. No fetching bags in yuh hands. And certainly, no consideration required for de twenty-five vehicles behind he. Because once de driver stop, traffic stop. De driver might buy two bunches plantain, three mangoes, a pound of cassava and half pound pepper. Then he might remember that he need cucumber. So, everybody behind he got to wait while de roadside supermarket conducts its business.
Dem boys seh this is what makes Guyana special. In other countries, people go to market and park. In Guyana, de market come to de road. But this new innovation got one serious problem: pedestrians. Imagine you stop by a roadside stall to buy something. You standing there minding yuh own business when suddenly one SUV decide to join de shopping expedition. Before you know it, four tyres heading straight for yuh foot. You jump left. De driver turn left. You jump right. De driver turn right. Because apparently de roadside vendor is now a drive-through, and yuh foot is just an obstacle in de customer experience. Dem boys seh this thing need some attention before somebody foot become part of somebody else’s grocery bill. Pedestrians have a right to keep their toes. Guyana done invent drive-through banking, drive-through food, and now drivethrough market. Next thing, dem boys seh, we gon get drive-through government office. You drive up, blow yuh horn, hand in yuh passport through de window—and drive away before anybody ask you to come back tomorrow. Talk half. Leff half.
infrastructure deteriorated and Guyana entered a period of profound economic decline. The historical record notes that the economy, after initially growing following independence, began to contract as nationalisation expanded, while mounting foreign debt eventually coincided with Guyana’s inability to secure further external financing. It is therefore not enough to point to free education, cooperative development or other social programmes and conclude that Burnham was pursuing a benevolent national project. Governments must be judged not only by the intentions they proclaim but by their democratic credentials, the economy they leave behind and the treatment they accord to those who oppose them. The Burnham years were marked by political repression, intimidation and violence against opponents. Opposition meetings and
activists faced state pressure as resistance to the government intensified. The political system itself was progressively closed to genuine competition. Most damningly, the murder of Dr. Walter Rodney cannot be airbrushed out of any serious assessment of Burnham’s legacy. The Commission of Inquiry into Rodney’s death found that Rodney’s killing w a s a s t a t e - o rg a n i s e d assassination carried out with the knowledge of Burnham. B u r n h a m ’s g r e a t historical failure was that he possessed the intellect, charisma and political imagination to pursue a different path. But he did not. Burnham was a consequential and formidable Guyanese political figure. He was also a man of extraordinary ambition who helped fracture a once multiracial nationalist movement, constructed a political machine around that
fracture, concentrated power in the state, presided over a disastrous economic experiment and ruled through increasingly authoritarian methods. To acknowledge that is to refuse the historical dishonesty of turning a deeply consequential political career into a morality tale in which Burnham is principally the victim of circumstances beyond his control. Guyana’s ethnic division constrained Burnham. But Burnham also weaponised that division. That is the uncomfortable part of the history that a serious examination of his legacy cannot afford to varnish. (The views expressed in this article are those of the author and do not necessarily reflect the opinions of this newspaper.)
Sunday August 16, 2026
Kaieteur News
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D TR
HAR
HK
BY G
LALL
H@RD TRUTHS
BY GHK LALL
CCJ – is this where standards are?
I
t pains to listen, read, a b s o r b t h e descendants of slaves and indentured servants make public representation that prioritises chasing after those condemned. Leakers. After all the great sacrifices made by foreparents, in the jaws of fearsome savagery, this is where matters terminate. An emphasis, a priority, on tracking leakers. Notwithstanding all the education, some of substantial quality, this is the s u m o f , s h a l l I s a y, intellectual and ethical curiosity. The heart of issues, its commanding pull, is the first casualty that collapses. The next has to be we ourselves - me and you. Coming out of Trinidad, some serious men and women with hard-earned reputations for illustriousness took the bull by the horns. There's a problem at the CCJ. At the top. In some of the worst ways possible. Coming out of Guyana, the reaction was telling and chilling. Pursue
the leakers. Is this for real? Is somebody serious here? The matter at hand is not of some government ministry with a suspected long programme of corruption and generalised wrongdoing. The concern is that the system of justice at its highest elevation in this region now appears tainted. Smells rancid. Besmirched by its own hand, as alleged. There must be some significance attached to the implications of the allegations made. Not by political opponents in a political campaign. But by respected jurists against a brother. It calls for some guts, some trait in the character, to take such a momentous step. The anxieties were too tormenting-perhaps, to the point of being unbearable for no objection to be tendered, no trail of disagreement to be imprinted. Now the best that can be offered in reaction (in and out of Guyana) is to go after whoever breached walls,
penetrated too far. In the situation, I wonder what is thought of the five CCJ judges who made their positions so clear? Maybe they should have let sleeping dogs lie. From the snippets, however, there was more than a trace of dysfunction at the CCJ. It was being eroded, and eroding, from deep inside. And not at some mundane level. I invite my fellow Guyanese to weigh this question. What if the situation, as identified, is allowed to continue? Could it be said that there are more opportunities for more travesties and miscarriages to be inflicted on the peoples of this region? W i t h o u t t h e specifications of some of the hard disagreements among the judges, what probability for institutional selfimprovement? Or, more ominously, what probability for further degradation, based on the stream of allegations? Frankly, whoever leaked
those emails did the CCJ and this region a huge favour. The CCJ administration (and the political overlords) are a ff o r d e d t h e r o o m t o examine what went on, finalise the steps necessary for a cure. The region is now able to place the CCJ under a microscope and study from its people to its processes to its output. Languishing in ignorance. Believing that a straight deck and a fair deal are at work. Though such may not be the case. An injustice. Then that is a command for exposure and enlightenment. Some developments, some circumstances, are too vital to be left to resolve themselves on their own. A leak serves as a spur to action, a call to correction, however harsh. In the call to go after leakers, I go back to
m y s l a v e reference. When the slave rebels were hunted down, it extended the ignominy of s l a v e r y. When slaves were recruited, or pressed into duty, to track down those fighting for their cause, they (the trackers) were damaging themselves. I think that some damage has been done to Guyanese. I stop there. But if the level of trust, the high degree of confidence, that should repose in the CCJ suffers from the slightest decline, then that has to amount to a big consideration for free and pure functioning of the law and the dispensation of what passes for justice in this region.
If not at the CCJ, then where? If not with those who sit at the CCJ table, then who? Should the CCJ lack the required ethical fibre to perform at the highest, cleanest level, then all is lost. Our ancestors made too many sacrifices in the fields, skimped in the homes, for matters to come to this. (The views expressed in this article are those of the author and do not necessarily reflect the opinions of this newspaper.)
Guyana-China scholarship programme to strengthen human capital and national development DPI - The government is positioning international education and skills development as key drivers of national transformation, with another cohort of Guyanese students set to pursue studies in China under the 2026 Chinese Government Scholarship Programme. Minister of Public Service, Government E f f i c i e n c y a n d Implementation, Zulfikar A l l y, a d d r e s s i n g t h e scholarship recipients, underscored the responsibility that comes with the opportunity. He urged the students to return home with the knowledge and skills needed to contribute to Guyana's continued development. “It is not just about studying. It is about learning different things, learning different cultures, learning ways in which, as a country, we can improve and do better,” Minister Ally urged. The minister highlighted the longstanding bilateral relationship between Guyana and China, noting that cooperation extends beyond education to major infrastructure, financing, technology, healthcare and skills development.
He pointed to the new Demerara River Bridge, regional hospitals and other major projects as examples of China's contribution to Guyana's development. Minister Ally said the scholarship programme forms part of a broader government effort to build a highly educated and skilled population capable of supporting Guyana's rapidly expanding economy. The public service, government efficiency and implementation minister further noted that approximately 170 Guyanese students have studied in China over the past six years, alongside scholarship and training opportunities in countries including India, Chile, Peru and Mexico. Meanwhile, Chinese Ambassador to Guyana, H.E. Yang Yang, said the partnership is becoming increasingly comprehensive, with education and training playing a central role in preparing Guyanese nationals for the country's new development opportunities. “Talent, as a foundation of national strength, is highly important in technology and projects, but it is people who
move the work… people with knowledge, skills and experience to turn opportunities into progress,” the ambassador explained. Ambassador Yang noted that this year's cooperation includes scholarships, professional training in areas such as agriculture, digital governance, and the strengthening of the GuyanaChina Alumni Association. She said these initiatives are creating greater opportunities for knowledge sharing, networking and the development of new partnerships. The students were encouraged to make full use of their time in China by pursuing academic excellence while gaining exposure to its culture, history, technology and international community. The scholarship programme therefore represents more than an investment in individual students. It is an investment in Guyana's human capital, with the potential to strengthen the country's capacity to support economic diversification, technological advancement and sustainable national development.
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Powerful magnitude 7.7 earthquake kills at least 47 in Indonesia
More than 150 houses have been severely damaged, as well as a number of other public facilities (Getty Images) BBC - At least 47 people have been killed after a magnitude 7.7 earthquake struck Indonesia early on S a t u r d a y, t h e n a t i o n ' s disaster mitigation agency has said. The official death toll has been rising as a search and rescue operation gets under way. The National Disaster Management Agency (BNPB) said several people had been injured to varying degrees. Hundreds of buildings in the region have been damaged by the quake and the dozens of aftershocks that followed. The quake struck the island of Flores shortly before 05:00 local time on Saturday (22:00 GMT on Friday). It had a depth of 15km, Indonesia's meteorology and geophysics agency stated. The shallower an earthquake is, the more destructive its effects on the surface tend to be. Aftershocks included a magnitude 6.4 earthquake in North Sumatra, located in western Indonesia, at a depth of 163km, BNPB announced. The US Geological Survey measured it at magnitude 6.9. Video taken at the port in Maumere showed large chunks of concrete breaking off the terminal building onto passengers waiting to board an inter-island ferry. Some were thrown into the sea when the gangway to a ship collapsed. Emanuel Melkiades Laka Lena, governor of East Nusa Tenggara province, told a news conference that they were killed in their sleep by collapsing rubble. People could be seen moving inland after authorities issued a tsunami warning, which was later lifted Arnold Welianto, who lives in Talibura, a village near the coastline in Sikka, East Nusa Tenggara, said he was awoken by the "very strong shaking". "I was startled awake and immediately went to my child's room."He told the BBC that many people had
already fled into the hills. "Some other residents were standing along the roadside because the sea had also receded," he explained. "The water remained low for quite some time, so everyone panicked and ran I went around to the community health centre, and the people there had already been evacuated." A tsunami warning was issued but lifted around three hours after the initial jolt, when no significant sea level rise was detected. A stream of people could be seen moving inland on motorbikes after authorities issued a tsunami warning. BNPB said 2,000 people had evacuated or relocated on their own. More than 150 houses have been severely damaged, as well as a number of other public facilities Manggarai province is among the most affected areas, the disaster agency added.It said 24 fatalities had been recorded there, 17 in East Manggarai province, three in Sikka province, and at least one in each of the Ngada, Ende and West Manggarai provinces. At least two others had been seriously injured and 11 slightly injured. Welianto said many residents of Talibura were choosing to remain outdoors as the aftershocks meant they were afraid to return to their homes. Yulian Juita Ekalia, a university lecturer from Ruteng, a city to the west of the epicentre, said she had dragged her stove outside and was cooking there for fear of further tremors. "I have never felt an earthquake this big," she told news agency AFP. "It felt like we were on a trampoline - it was really scary." The earthquake struck around 600 miles (1,000km) away from Bali It will take time to assess the full extent of the destruction in the region, which is remote and mountainous. Preliminary reports
indicated more than 150 houses had been severely damaged, as well as dozens of educational institutions, and a number of healthcare
People could be seen moving inland after authorities issued a tsunami warning, which was later lifted
facilities, places of worship, offices, and several other public facilities. The BNPB said aid was being sent to the affected
areas. It also advised people to remain calm, and to stay away from coastal areas and structures showing signs of
damage.Indonesia is prone to earthquakes and volcanic activity, lying along the meeting point of three major tectonic plates.
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Sunday MondayAugust May 02,16, 2022 2026
Hopes fade in Colombia Linden chef killed in as more bodies recovered Soesdyke-Linden accident days after powerful quake The mangled car involved in accident
A
Linden chef, Jamal Albert, was killed in an accident on Friday night along the Linden-Soesdyke
Highway. The crash occurred around 20:00hrs on a bridge located before the Guyana Defence Force's (GDF) Base Camp Seweyo. Reports indicate that Albert was driving his car, with a passenger on board, when he slammed into two canters. One canter was reportedly towing the other at the time of the collision. Albert became pinned in the wreckage, and the Guyana Fire Service (GFS)
BOGOTA, Colombia, Aug 15 (Reuters) - Hopes of finding survivors of the earthquake that struck western Colombia five days ago were dwindling on Saturday, as more bodies were pulled from buildings that collapsed due to the 7.4-magnitude quake that left hundreds dead or missing. The earthquake struck just after 7:30 a.m. in San Jose del Palmar, toppling apartment buildings and damaging schools, churches, hospitals and homes from the Pacific port Buenaventura to Colombia's coffee-growing region and major western cities. At least 294 people have died with 320 more missing and nearly 4,000 more injured, Colombia's disaster management unit Dead: Jamal Albert estimated on Saturday. Over two-thirds of the deaths were concentrated in the cities of Cali and Pereira. "We have only one site where there are signs of l ife," Cali fire captain Alberto Hernandez told Reuters. "At the other was called in to cut him free. locations, we are unfortunately in the phase of A l b e r t a n d h i s p a s s e n g e r w e r e recovering bodies." subsequently taken to the Linden Hospital, With over 2 million inhabitants, Cali is where he was pronounced dead. The circumstances surrounding the accident remain unclear at this time, and police are yet to release the findings of their preliminary investigation. Meanwhile, an outpouring of tributes has followed the tragic news, with many expressing shock over Albert's death. He was well known in Linden, where he owned a food business.
Colombia's third-biggest city. Rescue workers continued through the morning to sift through mountains of shattered concrete, bricks and metal to find those who remain unaccounted for, while others were cleaning their neighborhoods armed with brooms and shovels. Hernandez said they would likely finish recovering bodies by Sunday, after which they will begin using heavy equipment to clear the debris. Juana Catano, who coordinates a citizens' action group, told Reuters efforts were now focused on recovery and rebuilding. "We are in a time of overwhelming mourning," she said. HUNDREDS SLEEP OUTDOORS In the city of Pereira, deep in Colombia's coffee-growing region, hundreds of people spent the night on mats or in tents at a makeshift shelter in a park, where coordinators said there was a lack of blankets, tents, hygiene products and food. A report by the disaster management unit (Continued on page 42)
Rescuers work as search and rescue operations are under way at the site of the destroyed Cantabria building, following the earthquake in Cali, Colombia, August 15, 2026. REUTERS/Sergio Acero
Sunday August 16, 2026
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Sunday August 16, 2026
2026 Winning Cohort with National Director Hashim Alli & Vice President Melicia Partab. (Photo by Aerial Photography)
A Night of Crowns, Culture & Celebration:
Miss, Mrs., Teen & Mr. India Guyana 2026 Coronation T
he stage was set, the crowns were ready, and the excitement was palpable as Guyana witnessed the successful conclusion of the Miss, Mrs., Teen & Mr. India Guyana
2026 Grand Coronation — a beautiful evening celebrating culture, confidence, purpose, talent and excellence. The spectacular event, held on Sunday, August 9 at the Ramada Pr
Reanna Roopnauth (right) 2025 Maharani Award Winner presents the 2026 Maharani Award to Sophia Dolphin (centre). (Photo by Aerial Photography)
incess Hotel, brought together glamour, elegance, talent and intelligence as delegates competed for a chance at the crown. It was an unforgettable night that marked the beginning of a new chapter for four remarkable titleholders. Following an exciting journey of preparation, personal growth and competition, the new reigning titleholders were crowned: - Miss India Guyana 2026 – Dharmini Meghoo - Mrs. India Guyana 2026 – Romona Singh - Miss Teen India Guyana 2026 – Janvi Mohanlall - Mr. India Guyana 2026 – Mohamed Ali Khan Each winner now carries not only a prestigious title, but also the responsibility of becoming an ambassador for Guyana, its rich Indo-Guyanese heritage, and the values of leadership, service and empowerment that the organisation represents. CELEBRATING WOMEN OF SUBSTANCE & EXCELLENCE One of the most memorable highlights of the evening was the presentation of the Maharani Award 2026 – Woman of Substance Award to Guyana’s own Sophia Dolphin. The prestigious recognition celebrated her remarkable contribution, strength, character and impact, honouring her as a true woman of substance whose journey continues to inspire others.
Icon of Excellence Award presented to Mrs. Alicia Bess Anderson for her exceptional work in Pageantry. (Photo by Aerial Photography) Another special moment of the evening was the presentation of the Icon of Excellence Award to Mrs. Alicia Bess Anderson, recognising her outstanding contribution, dedication and excellence within the pageantry and personal development space. The awards added a powerful dimension to the evening, reminding everyone that the celebration of a crown extends far beyond beauty — it is about recognising individuals who use their influence, achievements and experiences to inspire and uplift others. A CELEBRATION OF DANCE & CULTURE The evening was further
elevated by an exceptional performance from the Ishara Dance Troupe, led by the talented brotherand-sister duo Kumar and Shivanie Latchman. Their captivating performance brought energy, grace and cultural richness to the stage, leaving the audience thoroughly entertained and adding another unforgettable artistic element to an already spectacular celebration. FROM GUYANA TO THE WORLD With the coronation now complete, the journey for the newly crowned Miss, Mrs. and Teen India Guyana 2026 continues on an international stage. Continued on page 35
Kaieteur News
Sunday August 16, 2026
PAGE 15
Mind Your Business
PART 4 “Everybody Going” — Peer Pressure, Belonging, and the Psychology of the Crowd Why Good People Sometimes Make Bad Decisions Just to Feel Included By Dr. Eon Andre George, PhD, EdD Few arguments have been presented to parents more confidently than this one: “But everybody going!” It might be a party, a lime, a school event, a trip, or simply permission to stay out later. To the parent, the argument sounds ridiculous. Surely the fact that everybody else is doing something cannot possibly make it sensible. To the young person, however, “everybody going” may represent something far more important than the event itself. It can mean: I do not want to be left out. I do not want to be the strange one. I want to belong. And belonging is one of the most powerful forces in human behaviour. We often speak about peer pressure as though it is a teenage weakness that sensible adults eventually outgrow. We do not. Adults simply give it more respectable names. We call it networking, fitting in, keeping up appearances, following trends, supporting the party, protecting the group, or doing what everybody else is doing. The clothes change. The psychology does not. Why Belonging Matters So Much Human beings are social creatures. For most of human history, belonging to a group was not simply pleasant; it increased the chances of survival. Groups provided protection, food, i n f o r m a t i o n , companionship, and identity. Exclusion could be dangerous. Psychologists Roy Baumeister and Mark Leary described this through the Need to Belong Theory, arguing that human beings possess a fundamental motivation to form and maintain meaningful social relationships. Belonging is therefore not merely a teenage desire for popularity. It is a basic psychological need. This explains why exclusion hurts so deeply. A teenager left out of a WhatsApp group, a young adult excluded from a social gathering, or an older person who feels forgotten after retirement may experience v e r y d i ff e r e n t circumstances, yet the underlying emotional wound can be remarkably similar: I
no longer feel that I belong. Once belonging is threatened, behaviour can change dramatically. People may laugh at jokes they do not find funny, agree with opinions they privately reject, spend money they cannot afford, remain silent when something is wrong, or participate in behaviour they would never choose alone. The need to belong can sometimes overpower the need to be right. A Minibus, a Schoolyard, and a Lesson in Conformity Imagine a fourteen-yearold boy entering secondary school. At home he is talkative and affectionate. He enjoys studying and spends evenings talking with his grandmother. At school, h o w e v e r, h e q u i c k l y discovers that being academically serious attracts teasing from a group of boys he wants to impress. “Boy, you is teacher pet?” “You studying again?” Slowly, he changes. He stops answering questions in class even when he knows the answer. His grades begin slipping. He adopts different language around his friends. By the time he gets into the minibus after school, he is performing a version of himself designed specifically for the group. His intelligence did not disappear. His priorities temporarily changed. Belonging became more immediately rewarding than achievement. This is where psychologist Solomon Asch's research on conformity becomes especially useful. In his famous experiments, Asch demonstrated that people sometimes knowingly give an obviously incorrect answer simply because everyone else in the group gives that answer. Think about how profound that is. People can see that the group is wrong and still go along with it. Why? Because standing alone creates psychological discomfort. In everyday life, the answer is rarely about lines on a laboratory card. It may involve alcohol, bullying, dangerous driving, sexual decisions, school behaviour, political opinions, or remaining silent while friends mistreat someone. Sometimes people do not need to be convinced that something is right. They
only need to be convinced that everybody else is doing it. The Group Becomes Part of “Me” Belonging becomes even more powerful when the group stops being something we belong to and becomes part of who we are. Psychologists Henri Tajfel and John Turner explained this through Social Identity Theory. The theory proposes that part of our self-concept comes from the groups with which we i d e n t i f y. We t h i n k o f ourselves not only as individuals but as members of families, schools, religions, ethnic c o m m u n i t i e s , neighborhoods, professions, sports teams, and political groups. Once a group becomes part of identity, criticism of the group can feel like criticism of the individual. This helps explain behaviour far beyond adolescence. A political supporter may defend conduct from their own party that they would condemn immediately if the opposing party did the same thing. A sports supporter can explain away behaviour from a favorite player while attacking the same behaviour from a rival. A family may defend a relative publicly even when everyone privately knows that relative was wrong. The mind begins protecting us against them. That is not necessarily stupidity or hypocrisy. It is a predictable feature of group psychology, although recognising it does n o t e x c u s e t h e consequences. The stronger the identity, the harder objectivity can become. When the Crowd Changes the Decision Consider a young man attending a weekend lime with friends. He drove there intending not to drink because he knows he must drive home. One friend offers him something. He refuses. Another laughs. “Man, one drink can't do you nothing.” Someone else joins in. “You getting soft n o w ? ” S u d d e n l y, t h e decision is no longer simply about alcohol. His identity has entered the room. Is he brave? Is he masculine enough? Does he still belong? He takes the drink. Later, if something goes wrong, people may ask why he made such a foolish
decision. But that question misses part of the psychology. He did not make the decision alone. The group was psychologically present inside the decision. This does not remove his responsibility. It explains why teaching young people simply to “make good choices” is not enough. They also need the confidence and social skills required to make good choices while other people are watching. That is much harder. Social Media Has Put the Crowd in Our Pocket Previous generations could sometimes escape peer pressure by going home. Today's young person often carries the crowd home in a pocket. Likes, views, comments, group chats, viral challenges, influencers, and constantly visible lifestyles have dramatically expanded the social audience. A teenager no longer compares herself only with classmates. She may compare herself with thousands of carefully edited lives before breakfast. The psychological consequences are significant because social media combines two powerful human tendencies: social comparison and the need for belonging. A young person sees friends at an event they were not invited to. I m m e d i a t e l y, t h e m i n d begins interpreting the image. Why wasn't I invited? Are they closer without me? Does anybody actually like me? The photograph lasts seconds. The emotional interpretation may last all night. For adolescents already developing identity and self-esteem, repeated experiences of comparison and exclusion can contribute t o a n x i e t y, i n s e c u r i t y, loneliness, and pressure to perform socially. Adults Follow Crowds Too It is tempting for adults to read this and think only about teenagers. That would be a mistake. Young adults choose careers partly because certain professions carry status. Families stretch finances to stage celebrations partly because “people have to see.” Neighbours purchase things after seeing what others have acquired. Entire communities can repeat information because everybody seems to be saying it. Politics provides perhaps
Dr. Eon Andre George, PhD, EdD one of the clearest examples. People sometimes inherit party loyalties through family and community long before examining policies independently. Eventually the party becomes part of social identity. Political disagreement then feels less like a debate over government and more like an attack on family, history, or belonging. The same psychology that makes a fifteen-year-old afraid to disagree with friends can make a fiftyyear-old uncomfortable questioning the group they have supported for decades. Age changes many things. The need to belong is not one of them. Teaching Children How to Stand Alone The answer to peer pressure is not teaching children that they should not care what anybody thinks. Human beings are built to care. The healthier goal is teaching them that belonging should not require surrendering judgment. Children and adolescents need opportunities to develop identity outside the approval of peers. They need adults who allow respectful disagreement, encourage independent thinking, and occasionally ask, “What do you think?” rather than always telling them what to think. They also need practice saying no without losing dignity, choosing friends based on values rather than
popularity, and understanding that exclusion, although painful, is sometimes the price of protecting themselves. The strongest young person is not the one who never feels pressure. It is the one who feels it, understands it, and can still make a decision. Understanding Behaviour Through Context Behind many behaviours we quickly label foolish, weak, or irresponsible is a powerful human need to belong. The teenager following friends, the young adult trying to keep up appearances, the voter defending a political group, and the senior who feels invisible after losing a familiar social circle may appear to be experiencing completely different situations. Psychologically, however, each is negotiating the relationship between individual identity and group belonging. Groups can give us community, protection, meaning, friendship, and purpose. They can also make us surrender judgment if belonging becomes more important than thinking. Perhaps maturity, then, is not learning to live without groups. It is learning how to belong without disappearing inside them. Belonging gives us identity. Wi s d o m t e a c h e s u s when to stand with the crowd and when to stand alone.
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WEEK-IN-REVIEW SUNDAY Govt. must now say what % oil profits Guyana is receiving as Exxon confirms full investment recovered – Opposition Leader The Government of Guyana (GoG) must inform the nation what percent of oil revenue will now flow into the Natural Resource Fund (NRF) now that ExxonMobil has recovered all of its investments in Guyana. On Friday, Kaieteur News reported that the operator confirmed US$55B in costs have been paid off using Guyana's oil. In keeping with the 2016 Production Sharing Agreement (PSA), Exxon was allowed to take out 75% of oil produced monthly to cover its expenses. The remaining 25% was shared with Guyana as profits. Now that the oil companies have recovered its investments, Guyana is now expected to enjoy 50% of the oil produced in the Stabroek Block, after operational expenses are met. To this end, the Leader of the Opposition, Azruddin Mohamed has called on the government to inform the nation what percent of oil produced will be allocated to Guyana. In an invited comment, he told this newspaper, “ExxonMobil's confirmation that it has recovered its investment in Guyana reinforces what I highlighted weeks ago. I publicly called on the government to come clean about the status of the cost bank and to tell the Guyanese people when these investments would be fully recovered and what this would mean for our share of the country's oil wealth.” Mohamed expressed gross disappointment over the fact that Guyanese learned of the desaturation of the cost bank through a foreign company, instead of its elected leaders. Nevertheless, he stated, “The government must now disclose how much additional revenue Guyana is expected to receive as a result and tell the nation when the accumulated investment was fully recovered.” Mohamed also stressed that there must be a clear indication of what additional costs will still be paid for using Guyana's oil. Moreover, the leader urged the prudent use of the revenue from oil to improve the livelihoods of Guyanese. “ We m u s t g u a r d G u y a n a against the resource curse, where a country becomes richer on paper while its people remain poor and inequality deepens. Oil wealth must translate into better lives…as ExxonMobil recovers its investment and Guyana receives greater revenues, transparency and accountability become even more
Leader of the Opposition Azruddin Mohamed important. The Guyanese people must know how much money is coming in and where it is going,” he insisted. Notably, although ExxonMobil publicly announced the development to its shareholders since 31st July, 2026, the GoG has not offered any explanation to the Guyanese electorate. Questions sent to the Minister of Natural Resources, Vickram Bharrat requesting a cost recovery update since 31st July, 2026 was ignored. Subsequent queries on when the country cleared the cost bank were also unanswered up to press time. Additionally, although he made public appearances last week, Vice President and Chief Policymaker for the oil and gas sector, Bharrat Jagdeo, has not shared an update on the matter. During a party press conference on Friday, the A Partnership for National Unity (APNU) Member of Parliament (MP), Saiku Andrews said that government must not allow ExxonMobil to continue adding expenses by approving more projects that would further delay the country from receiving its rightful 50% profits outlined in the 2016 Petroleum Agreement. Andrews told reporters that the country should be enjoying its full share of profits now that the company has recovered its investments, before his comments were abruptly cut off by what appeared to be a power outage. The MP said, “It is important that the government ensures that they receive from Exxon the 52% because the historical costs has been paid down.” Chief Executive Officer (CEO) and Chairman of Exxon, Darren Wo o d s t o l d t h e c o m p a n y ' s shareholders that Guyana's progress as a success story that has set a new standard for the industry, exceeding even the company's expectations. Exxon said it expected the cost bank to be cleared in another two years. Woods however said, “Delivering on tight schedules, at industry-leading cost
– with strong reliability and optimised production – has resulted in recovering our capital and cost nearly two years earlier than anticipated, increasing NPV, and desaturating the cost bank.” Senior Vice President and Chief Financial Officer of Exxon, Neil Hansen offered clarity, “…as we mentioned, at this point, we've fully recovered the $55B of investment, along with all the operating costs and the way the contractor agreement works is we can recover that investment up to 75%. After that, the remaining production is shared 50/50 between us and the government of Guyana.” Hansen further noted that the company's share of oil from the Stabroek Block will decline as a result of the development. ExxonMobil discovered oil in commercial quantities in Guyana's Stabroek Block in 2015. The company later began producing oil in December 2019. To date, seven oil projects have been approved while only four are currently producing oil. The remaining three are under development with ExxonMobil eyeing two additional developments- its eighth and ninth projects. US. Govt. to acquire bauxite mine in Guyana …says move is to curtail Chinese dominance in country The United States (U.S.) Department of War has struck an US$85.5M equity investment deal to acquire and expand a bauxite mine in Guyana, part of a broader effort by Washington to break China's grip on critical mineral supply chains — a move the
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expanding the First Bauxite (FBX) mine, building new calcination facilities in Guyana, and eventually constructing a brown-fused alumina plant in the United States. U.S. officials described the deal as a direct response to American reliance on Chinese-controlled sources for refractory-grade bauxite, a material used in hightemperature components such as heat shields, turbine engines and missile parts. Once fully operational, the project is expected to meet all U.S. military demand for brown-fused alumina and all domestic demand for refractory bauxite. G e o rg e K . K o l l i t i d e s I I , Director of the Economic Defense Unit, said the Department is no longer waiting for supply chain dependencies to be exploited, framing the investment as a way to convert emerging opportunities into advantages for U.S. forces. “This agreement shows how EDU and the Department can partner with the commercial sector to rapidly turn opportunities into advantages for the warfighter,” Kollitides II. Michael Cadenazzi, Assistant Secretary of War for Industrial Base Policy, added that defense readiness depends on secure, regional access to critical minerals, and said the arrangement is meant to keep Western Hemisphere resources inside supply chains that serve the U.S. and its allies. To ensure the transaction moves swiftly, the U.S. Department of State also stepped in to provide “critical funding to support infrastructure associated with the project, enabling the U.S. government to act quickly and
B e y o n d w e a p o n manufacturing, the high-purity ore is considered a “vital raw material for steel and aluminum production, energy infrastructure, and industrial furnaces, making it a cornerstone of a modern, industrial e c o n o m y ” . To e n s u r e t h e transaction moves swiftly, the U.S. Department of State also stepped in to provide “critical funding to support infrastructure associated with the project, enabling the U.S. government to act quickly and reinforce the long-term viability of the supply chain”. The bauxite deal is the latest step in a wider American push into Guyana's mineral and energy sector. U.S. Under Secretary for Economic Affairs Jacob Helberg met with Guyanese officials, including President Irfaan Ali, in May 2026 as Washington moved to deepen ties with Guyana. At the time, Guyana's Foreign Secretary Robert Persaud told the Associated Press that Guyana wanted to attract U.S. investment but was seeking more value-added processing rather than raw mineral exports. Guyana's bauxite sector already draws interest from other major powers. Chinese-owned BOSAI Minerals holds a substantial existing footprint in the industry. Despite the scale of the deal and its explicit framing as a counter to Chinese influence in the country, the government of Guyana has not issued any public statement or response. This newspaper's attempts to reach Minister of N a t u r a l R e s o u r c e s Vi c k r a m Bharrat for a comment were unsuccessful. MONDAY CCJ under pressure as judges' leaked emails raise questions over independence …Court says claims risk mischaracterization without context
Guyanese government is yet to publicly address.The agreement, announced by the Department's Economic Defense Unit (EDU) alongside the Office of the Assistant Secretary of War for Industrial Base Policy, channels funding through the Industrial Base Analysis and Sustainment (IBAS) program. Combined with US$64.5M in private coinvestment, it forms a US$150M package aimed at acquiring and
reinforce the long-term viability of the supply chain.” Refractory-grade bauxite serves as a vital component in modern defense systems, required to build “high-temperatureresistant materials used to make critical components for our warfighters such as heat shields, thermal barriers, and turbine engines in guided missiles, rockets, military aircraft, and space systems”.
An explosive internal rift at the Caribbean Court of Justice (CCJ) has triggered fresh concerns about the independence and credibility of the region's highest court, following leaked emails in which sitting judges accuse President Justice Winston Anderson of “dictatorial” leadership, panel manipulation and attempts to influence judicial opinions. The revelations have sparked alarm in Guyana, particularly over allegations that the court's internal tensions spilled into the politically sensitive Mohamed v MOHA extradition matter involving Opposition Leader and Member of Parliament Azruddin Mohamed. H o w e v e r, i n a s t a t e m e n t responding to the Trinidad Express t h e C C J h a s r e a ff i r m e d i t s commitment to judicial independence, integrity and public (Continued on page 17)
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From page 16 confidence in the administration of justice, saying the questions and allegations could be misunderstood or mischaracterised without the proper context. In its statement to the Sunday Express on Friday night, the regional tribunal stressed that its judges remain guided by the principles of the United Nations Bangalore Principles of Judicial Conduct and committed to delivering fair, accessible and e ff i c i e n t j u s t i c e a c r o s s t h e Caribbean Community. “The Court is mindful that questions and allegations presented without the benefit of context, background, or an appreciation of the nature of judicial deliberations, collegial discussions, and institutional governance may lend themselves to misunderstanding or mischaracterisation,” the statement read. “For that reason, the Court wishes to reaffirm that the Judges of the Caribbean Court of Justice remain committed to the tenets of judicial conduct enshrined in the United Nations Bangalore Principles of Judicial Conduct—independence, impartiality, integrity, propriety, e q u a l i t y, c o m p e t e n c e , a n d diligence. Maintaining public confidence in the Court is fundamental to upholding the rule of law and preserving trust in the administration of justice. The Caribbean Court of Justice remains committed to providing accessible fair and efficient justice for the people and states of the Caribbean Community.” Guyana Opposition parties have jumped on the issue with fierce condemnation from Opposition MP Sherod Duncan, an official statement from the Office of the Leader of the Opposition, APNU Parliamentary Lead Terrence Campbell, and WPA CoLeader Dr. David Hinds, all warning that such internal dysfunction severely undermines public confidence in the regional apex court's independence and demands urgent clarification regarding its impact on politically sensitive Guyanese matters. The leaked internal correspondence first reported by the Trinidad Express reveals that five of the court's six sitting judges, Justices Chile Eboe-Osuji, Chantal Ononaiwu, Arif Bulkan, Maureen Rajnauth-Lee, and Peter Jamadar, have directly challenged Justice Anderson's administration. In the e-mails, Justice Jamadar described a “toxic” environment, detailing what he characterised as an unprecedented “attempt to influence the opinions of colleagues” during deliberations on the extradition matter involving Opposition Leader Azruddin
M o h a m e d , M . P. E n d o r s i n g Jamadar's warnings of “creeping patterns of anti-democratic approaches,” Justice Eboe-Osuji went further, alleging he had “never seen before the level of dictatorship in the administration of a judiciary” and claiming Justice Anderson pointedly sought to announce a decision in the Mohamed case despite clear opposition from a majority of his colleagues. Reacting to the revelations, APNU MP Sherod Duncan highlighted the far-reaching implications for regional governance, noting that previous assurances regarding the court's insulation from political and institutional bias must now be reexamined. Duncan pointed to earlier concerns, including Justice Anderson's direct engagement with former Opposition Leader Aubrey Norton in late 2025 regarding local judicial appointments, as well as the recent ruling against Azruddin and Nazar Mohamed. Stressing that citizens appearing before the court deserve complete assurance that cases are decided strictly by law without internal or external pressure, Duncan urged the CCJ to issue a transparent statement clarifying whether these administrative and paneling disputes affected the deliberative process or outcomes of cases before the bench. The Office of the Leader of the Opposition described the disclosures as deeply disturbing and called for an independent examination into the allegations. “These concerns do not come from a lone or dissenting voice within the Court,” the statement read. “The people of Guyana and the wider Caribbean are entitled to know precisely what occurred during the deliberations in the Mohamed extradition matter… Judicial independence cannot merely be proclaimed. It must exist in practice, it must be protected internally, and the public must be able to see that it has been protected.”APNU Parliamentary
Lead Terrence Campbell also expressed concerns via a Facebook post, stating, “I am a firm believer in the CCJ. However, I have had cause to worry about the independence of Justice Anderson. This newspaper article now adds to my angst.” Working People's Alliance (WPA) co-leader and APNU MP Dr. David Hinds also remarked that while it remains too early to draw final conclusions, “this does not look good.” A self-described regionalist, Dr. Hinds warned that if validated, the allegations could justify longstanding political skepticism regarding the court's potential to be used as a political tool. Pointing to the CCJ's pivotal role in deciding past Guyanese elections and previous concerns raised by Aubrey Norton over the departure of Guyana's former chancellor, Dr. Hinds questioned whether the alleged politicking was at play in prior major rulings. “Are the current allegations confined to the present leadership or are they broader and deeper?” Hinds asked, noting that the Caribbean public cannot afford to ignore questions of this magnitude. Anderson is no stranger to Guyana as just last year, October, Norton revealed he engaged him
Businessman, Glenn Lall
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regarding the substantive appointment of then-Chancellor of the Judiciary, Yonette Cummings and he voiced disquiet over this development. The CCJ President raising the matter with Norton would be seen as interference in a case which has to be decided by the President and the Opposition Leader. Guyana must now receive its 50% profit in Exxon deal …Lall demands Govt. break silence on company recovering full investment “Rejoice Guyana! Oil money will begin to flow. Poverty and borrowing will become a thing of the past. Exxon has spoken.” This is the charge given by businessman and newspaper Publisher Glenn Lall over the recent announcement by ExxonMobil that the company has recovered its entire US$55B invested in Guyana to date, which will now increase the country's profit share from a measly 12.5% to a staggering 50%. In his latest social media commentary, Lall pointed out that Exxon proudly reported the development to its shareholders while highlighting the country's record breaking performance which allowed the company to recoup US$55B investment, two years ahead of schedule. Moreover, the businessman stated that ExxonMobil clearly outlined that in keeping with the contractual arrangements, more money will flow to Guyana. Consequently, Lall argued, “This is not some little piece of oil news buried in a corner. This development has been reported by news organisations around the world and is being discussed in the boardrooms of major business and financial circles across the globe. In other words, the world is hearing what this development means for Guyana.”Under the PSA, the contractor can use up to 75% of Guyana's oil monthly to recover its
expenses. The remaining 25% is considered “profit oil” and is divided equally between the Government and the consortium, meaning the country receives 12.5% profits. Now that all of the company's investments have been recovered, Guyana should now enjoy 50% profits. Lall said that upon this announcement, it was expected that the leaders of Guyana, especially former President, Bharrat Jagdeo who controls the oil sector would have been the first to offer an explanation to the citizens. “One would expect him to come before the nation with a big smile and say: My fellow citizens, the moment we have been waiting for has finally arrived. More money is coming our way, and the struggles so many of you have been going through can finally begin to ease.” Yo u w o u l d e x p e c t a n announcement. You would expect excitement. You would expect the numbers to be laid before the nation,” the advocate reasoned. The businessman urged that Guyanese must know how much more money is expected to flow into the Natural Resource Fund (NRF), when it will start coming, what it means for the ordinary Guyanese family and perhaps most importantly, when citizens who are the rightful owners of the resources will begin to feel the difference in their pockets. Instead of excitedly sharing the news with its people, Lall argued that for 10 days the government has been silent.“We have to ask why. Why is the oil Companies comfortable telling its shareholders what has happened in Guyana but the Guyanese people are still waiting on their leaders to explain what it means for them,” he questioned. “If more money is now expected to flow to Guyana then this should be one of the biggest announcements coming out of Government. You shouldn't have to drag this information out of anybody,” Lall insisted. The businessman pointed out that despite the wealth Guyana has, the country still has billions of US dollars debt while families struggle to stretch their salaries from one month to the next with young people fleeing the nation in search of a better life. He appealed, “Come on, if your family was drowning in debt and somebody called to tell you that more money was finally coming into the house, would you hide that news from your wife and children? Or would you run through the front door shouting: Thank God, Relief is coming. That is why we cannot understand this silence.” Lall argued that Guyanese must not be forced to speculate over its natural resources as he called on VP (Continued on page 18)
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Towards a better life with your psychologist:
Celebrate Whistleblowers Whistleblowers are often treated as troublemakers because they reveal what institutions would rather k e e p h i d d e n . Ye t i n unhealthy organisations, governments, churches, corporations, schools, hospitals, and professional bodies, the person who exposes wrongdoing may be one of the few people still protecting the ethical integrity of the institution. Childhood experiences influence adulthood profoundly. A child who grew up feeling powerless becomes an adult who desperately needs control. Someone who experienced humiliation become exceptionally sensitive to criticism. A person who learned that vulnerability was dangerous develop an intense need to appear strong. Someone raised in an environment where affection depended upon obedience later expect unquestioning loyalty from employees, followers, colleagues, congregations, or citizens. Most people who experience childhood adversity do not become abusive or unethical adults. Unresolved psychological conflicts sometimes interact dangerously with power, entitlement and weak accountability. A wounded person without power primarily hurts themselves or those immediately around them. A wounded person with enormous institutional power potentially harms thousands. This is why ethical systems cannot depend upon the psychological maturity or goodwill of leaders. They require checks, independent oversight, transparency, accountability—and people willing to speak when those safeguards fail. Powerful Institutions Fear Whistleblowers Unethical systems rarely survive because everybody believes in what they are doing. They survive because enough people remain silent. Employees see misconduct but fear losing their jobs. Professionals observe violations but fear losing promotions. Political officials know something is wrong but fear being removed from the inner circle. Church members witness abuse but fear being labelled rebellious. Civil servants see irregularities
but worry about victimisation. Colleagues remain silent because “everybody knows how things work around here.” Eventually, silence becomes part of the institution's culture. Psychologically, this produces normalisation of deviance: behaviour that once would have shocked people gradually becomes accepted because it happens repeatedly without meaningful consequences. The whistleblower interrupts that process. They say: This is happening. This is wrong. People are being harmed. Someone must be accountable. Whistleblower Breaks a Psychological Contract of Silence Dysfunctional organisations operate remarkably like dysfunctional families. In an unhealthy family there may be an unspoken rule: Whatever happens inside this house stays inside this house. Institutions can develop the same mentality. Protect the organisation. Protect the leader. Protect the party. Protect the church. Protect the profession. Protect the reputation. Who protects the victim? When institutional loyalty becomes more important than truth, loyalty itself becomes corrupted. Look at all those individual and institution that condemn the leaker of the CCJ email. They are massively corrupt. Ethical loyalty does not mean protecting wrongdoing. Sometimes the most loyal person in an organisation is precisely the person willing to expose conduct that is destroying it. Whistleblowers Are Attacked Instead of the Wrongdoing Once wrongdoing is exposed, an institution faces two choices. It can investigate the allegation. Or it can attack the person making it. Dysfunctional organisations frequently choose the second. The whistleblower may suddenly be described as: disloyal, unstable, disgruntled, difficult, politically motivated, attentionseeking, incompetent, bitter, or dishonest. Notice what has happened psychologically. The conversation moves
from: “Is the allegation true?” to: “What is wrong with the whistleblower?” This is a powerful diversion. Whether a whistleblower is likeable, angry, politically sympathetic, emotionally distressed, ambitious or imperfect does not determine whether their evidence is true. The proper ethical question remains: What does the evidence show? Institutional Betrayal Whistleblowing also exposes something deeper: institutional betrayal. People enter organisations believing certain rules exist. Employees expect employment policies to protect them. Citizens expect public institutions to act according to law. Patients trust healthcare systems. Congregants trust religious leadership. Students trust educational institutions. When the institution v i o l a t e s t h o s e expectations—and then p r o t e c t s t h o s e responsible—the psychological damage can exceed the original wrongdoing. People learn: Truth does not matter. Connections matter. Power determines morality. Rules apply differently depending upon who you are. That lesson is devastating to organisational culture and eventually to society itself. Whistleblowing Is Bigger Than Exposing Corruption Whistleblowers protect something societies cannot easily measure: collective moral boundaries. Every healthy society needs boundaries separating acceptable behaviour from unacceptable behaviour. When corruption, abuse, fraud, exploitation, harassment or deception o c c u r s w i t h o u t consequences, those boundaries move. Yesterday's scandal becomes today's practice. Today's practice becomes tomorrow's culture. And eventually a generation grows up believing: “This is simply how the world works.” Whistleblowers challenge that moral deterioration. They remind society that something becoming common does not make it ethical. Power Without Accountability Become Psychologically Dangerous
Power itself is not pathological. Society needs presidents, ministers, judges, executives, pastors, professors, police officers, doctors, psychologists, m a n a g e r s a n d administrators. The danger is power without accountability. The psychologically mature leader can tolerate questions. The insecure leader experience questions as humiliation. The mature leader can admit: “I was wrong.” The narcissistically defended organisation may insist: “We can never be wrong.” Healthy leadership distinguishes disagreement from betrayal. Authoritarian leadership frequently confuses the two. This is precisely why societies should never depend upon leaders being emotionally healthy enough to regulate themselves. Systems must regulate power. Whistleblowers are one part of that regulatory structure. The Psychological Cost of Whistleblowing Society frequently celebrates whistleblowers only after history vindicates them. Living through whistleblowing can be very different. People may lose friendships, careers, income, status, professional networks and social belonging. They may e x p e r i e n c e a n x i e t y, hypervigilance, insomnia, isolation, depression or prolonged stress. T h e g r e a t e s t psychological injury may come from discovering that people who privately admitted the wrongdoing existed suddenly deny everything publicly. The whistleblower then confronts two realities simultaneously: the original wrongdoing and the betrayal of people who knew the truth. For this reason, whistleblowers need more than applause. They need appropriate legal protection, confidential reporting mechanisms, independent investigations, protection from retaliation, access to psychological support and institutions capable of distinguishing legitimate disclosures from malicious or knowingly false accusations. Serious allegations require serious
investigation. Therefore, two p r i n c i p l e s m u s t By Dr. Telford Layne Jr. PsyD, coexist: Protect the MSc. Postgrad, BSc. person who raises a Clinical and Developmental credible concern. And: Protect the Psychologist - Psychoanalyst Unwrapping Gift -Clinic accused person's right to a fair investigation. Justice requires both. The They force institutions to objective of whistling confront what secrecy blowing must remain truth allowed them to avoid. Sometimes one person and accountability, not saying “No—this is wrong” destruction. gives twenty frightened Wounded to Mature people permission to admit Leadership The greatest lesson is that they knew it was wrong that institutions need t o o . T h a t i s w h y psychologically mature whistleblowers matter. They are not inherently leaders. Mature leaders do not need everyone around heroes, and every allegation them to agree with them. must still be tested against They can tolerate criticism evidence. But societies that without retaliation. They can systematically punish people a c k n o w l e d g e m i s t a k e s for revealing credible without experiencing w r o n g d o i n g c r e a t e a c c o u n t a b i l i t y a s something far more a n n i h i l a t i o n . T h e y dangerous than individual understand that authority is corruption. They create stewardship rather than organised silence. And when wounded ownership. They welcome children acquire adult power systems that constrain their p o w e r b e c a u s e t h e y inside systems where u n d e r s t a n d s o m e t h i n g nobody is permitted to challenge them, personal fundamental: dysfunction can become No human being should be trusted with unlimited institutional behaviour. That requires power—not even t h e m s e l v e s . T h a t i s independent institutions, ethical professionals, psychological maturity. A Society Needs People investigative journalism, Who Refuse to Become s t r o n g o v e r s i g h t , d u e Silent There will always be p r o c e s s , t r a n s p a r e n t powerful incentives to g o v e r n a n c e — a n d remain quiet. A salary. A courageous people willing to promotion. Political access. speak when everyone else P r o f e s s i o n a l s t a t u s . has been taught to look away. Whistleblowing is not Religious acceptance. Social about betrayal. At its ethical belonging. Fear. But every major system of wrongdoing best, whistleblowing is the d e p e n d s u p o n o n e refusal to betray truth, psychological condition: justice, human dignity and e n o u g h g o o d p e o p l e the people institutions were deciding that speaking is too created to serve. I am a expensive. Whistleblowers whistleblower. You should disturb that calculation. become one too.
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Haiti – Stop the money flow to Organised Crime By Sir Ronald Sanders Haiti's plight must not be forgotten because it is no longer a regular feature of international headlines. The suffering has not diminished. Between January and early June 2026, at least 2,310 people were killed, 1,106 were injured and 99 were kidnapped, according to the United Nations Office on Drugs and Crime (UNODC). It also reported that 699 women and girls were victims of sexual violence, and that almost 1.47 million people had been displaced within Haiti by May. These figures should disturb the conscience of every nation. They also point to a truth that governments must now confront. Force alone cannot restore order. The gangs' money, weapons and trafficking routes must
be cut off, and those who finance, supply and protect them must be pursued. Armed gangs retain effective control over large parts of Port-au-Prince. They have also pushed into important roads, ports, coastal areas and commercial routes. Their operations extend beyond terrorising communities. They control movement, extort money, seize goods and impose their own authority where the Haitian State is absent or too weak to resist them. In July, UNODC put the matter plainly before the United Nations Security Council. Haiti's crisis, it said, should not be regarded as a security crisis alone. It is also a governance crisis sustained by organised crime.A security crisis might be answered largely by
superior force. A governance crisis driven by organised crime requires much more. It requires action against extortion, kidnapping, arms and narcotics trafficking, money laundering, corruption and the people who provide political protection. It also requires courts, prosecutors, prisons and police institutions capable of enforcing the law. No one should misunderstand this argument. The United Nations-authorised Gang Suppression Force is necessary. The Haitian authorities requested it, and people living under gang rule cannot be left defenceless. Yet, by July, just over 1,000 personnel had been deployed. That is 4,500 fewer than the approved number. The Force requires the personnel, financing,
equipment and logistical support necessary to carry out its mandate. But the Force cannot do everything. It may recover a road, a port or a police station. It cannot, by itself, stop new weapons arriving, identify those laundering the proceeds of crime or prosecute the people who finance and protect the gangs. If those networks remain untouched, gang leaders will be replaced, weapons will be replenished and lost territory will be reclaimed. This was the concern I raised as the Ambassador of Antigua and Barbuda at the OAS General Assembly in Panama in June. We called for coordinated hemispheric action to disrupt drug trafficking, illicit financial flows and the cross-border movement of weapons and criminals. We also urged governments to identify, sanction and prosecute those who finance or materially support the gangs, whether they operate inside Haiti or beyond its borders. UNODC's subsequent assessment reinforced the urgency of that position. Haiti's record of financial enforcement is particularly troubling. UNODC reports that the country's financial intelligence unit received 1,254 suspicious transaction reports between 2019 and 2024. Only 19 were sent to the judicial authorities. None resulted in a conviction. The United Nations sanctions list for Haiti contains only nine individuals and two entities, both of them gangs. Canada, the United States, the United Kingdom and the European Union have sanctioned a wider group of political and economic figures. Even so, the wider networks have not yet been systematically investigated and punished. The OAS General Assembly has called for intelligence-sharing and customs cooperation to stop weapons and money reaching the gangs. It has
also supported SECURE-Haiti and closer coordination with the United Nations and CARICOM. CARICOM continues to support the Gang Suppression Force, provide humanitarian assistance and encourage political dialogue through its Eminent Persons Group. CARICOM IMPACS and the Caribbean Firearms Roadmap have also improved regional cooperation against firearms trafficking. However, these efforts remain divided among security assistance, political dialogue, humanitarian relief and weapons control. There is still no clearly identified body bringing together the financial intelligence officers, customs authorities, coast guards, firearms investigators, anti-narcotics agencies and prosecutors needed to pursue the networks as a whole. What is required now is a practical arrangement joining the Haitian authorities, the OAS, CARICOM and UNODC in a common effort against the transnational organised criminal networks sustaining the gangs. Its work should combine financial intelligence, customs information, firearms tracing, maritime surveillance, anti-narcotics activity and prosecutorial cooperation. It should map financial and commercial links, trace seized weapons and ammunition, scrutinise suspicious cargo and maritime movements, prepare evidence for sanctions, support joint investigations, and pursue the freezing and lawful recovery of criminal assets. Source and transit countries have a particular duty. The weapons and ammunition that sustain Haiti's gangs are overwhelmingly drawn from external supply chains. Haiti cannot police cargo controls at foreign ports, trace money
Sir Ronald Sanders through foreign financial centres or prevent diversion before weapons enter illicit supply chains. Outbound cargo screening, tighter oversight of shippers, systematic weapons tracing and investigation of diverted legal purchases cannot be left to Haiti alone. Sanctions should not end with the men who hold the guns. Where reliable evidence establishes involvement, they should also reach the people who buy the weapons, arrange their shipment, conceal criminal proceeds or use political and commercial influence to protect the gangs. Such action must be lawful and precise. Financial measures should be directed at identified persons, businesses and transactions, with proper safeguards and due process.While external assistance is vital in this process, Haitian institutions must be bolstered. Haiti's specialised judicial units for financial crimes must become fully operational. Investigators, prosecutors, judges, prison authorities and anti-corruption bodies need protection, resources and technical support. Financial intelligence must produce investigations; investigations must produce cases; and convictions should lead to the recovery of criminal assets. The problem is no longer a lack of diagnosis. UNODC has provided it. The OAS and CARICOM have recognised important parts of it. What is still lacking is coordinated execution. Force can create the time and space in which Haiti might recover. But if the people who finance, arm, transport and protect the gangs remain untouched, the Haitian people will be made to endure the same cycle again. The international community must therefore act decisively to disrupt the financial network that illegally sustains the gangs. Stopping the violence requires stopping the money that empowers it. (The writer is Antigua and Barbuda's Ambassador to the US and the OAS. He is also Chancellor of the University of Guyana. The views expressed are his own)
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Advancing Education, Technology & Innovation in Guyana…
Why the Ministry of Education Must Engage Mathematics Specialists Wherever They are Found By Dr. Karen Abrams, MBA, AA Guyana's mathematics challenge is not simply that too many children fail examinations. It is that too many students are taught to experience mathematics as a catalogue of rules, formulas and familiar question types, rather than as a language for reasoning through an unfamiliar problem. They learn the procedures; they practice the past papers; they identify the type of question; and, in the best cases, they execute the expected steps. T h o s e t h i n g s m a t t e r. Memorisation has a place. Fluency matters. Practice
Guyana cannot solve its mathematics problem by treating mathematics as a subject to be passed. It must cultivate mathematics as a way of thinking.
matters. But none of them, by themselves, produces the kind of mathematical thinker Guyana now needs. The Ministry of Education should therefore make a deliberate national policy of engaging mathematics specialists wherever they are found; in the Guyanese diaspora, at universities, in research laboratories, in engineering and data-driven industries, and in programmes that have already shown they can expose students to serious mathematics. These specialists should not
replace classroom teachers. They should strengthen the system by working alongside them: designing rich tasks, coaching teachers, mentoring students, building assessment tools that measure reasoning, and creating opportunities for learners to tackle problems for which there is no memorised recipe. The Blackman-Waddell Summer Math Institute illustrates the type of resource Guyana should be expanding, not treating as an afterthought. A recent
account reported that the new summer programme was formerly operated for a decade under the Queen's College alumni banner before being re-established as an independent institute led by Dr. Terrence Richard Blackman and Dr. Cleveland Waddell, in partnership with STEMGuyana. Its stated content is revealing: advanced problem-solving, proof, geometry, statistics, computational thinking, coding, number theory, cryptography and mathematical modelling. Its students are expected to question assumptions, explain their reasoning, collaborate and persist through unfamiliar problems. In this context, I would be remiss if I did not mention the QC Board's decision to deny the Math Camp use of the Queen's College laboratory just two weeks before its scheduled start, followed by the intervention of a Ministry of Education official that prevented the camp from using alternative taxpayer funded facilities. These decisions demonstrate either a troubling failure to understand, or a complete disregard for, the enormity of the mathematics crisis confronting our nation's children. The Math Institute is not a luxury for a tiny gifted elite. It is a demonstration of a different conception of mathematics. The point is not merely to introduce a new theorem or a harder formula. It is to build the mental habits that allow a student to ask: What information matters? What can I assume? Which representation will help? Is there another route? Does my answer make sense? Those questions are the bridge between doing mathematics in an exercise book and using mathematics in engineering, data analysis, robotics, finance, environmental management or industrial operations. At STEMGuyana, I have seen the gap directly. Some students who have earned an A in CSEC Mathematics still struggle when they must apply concepts, they know
well to make a robot turn accurately, interpret sensor readings, calculate a gear ratio, determine an optimal route, diagnose an error or defend a design choice. This is not evidence that these students lack intelligence or that their examination success is meaningless. It is evidence that procedural mastery and transferable problem-solving are not the same thing. A student can know the formula for speed, distance and time, for example, yet hesitate when a robotics task requires deciding which distance matters, accounting for uncertainty in a sensor reading or revising a plan after the machine behaves unexpectedly. With enough practice, these same students become fluent and, more i m p o r t a n t l y, g l o b a l l y competitive, with the potential to contribute meaningfully to the growth and development of Guyana's industries. This is an important reason why the Team Guyana Robotics programme should be nationally sponsored and supported. Caribbean research makes the point with uncomfortable clarity. In a 2022 study of 31 Jamaican mathematics coaches, UWI r e s e a r c h e r s Av a l l o y McCarthy-Curvin, Lois George and Camella Buddo found that, while the teachers surveyed felt confident, they did not appear to have the knowledge and skills required to teach mathematics effectively through a problem-solving approach. The authors distinguish routine exercises, where students recognise a familiar method, from non-routine problems, where the solver must generate a productive approach using reasoning and critical analysis. That is not a criticism of Guyanese teachers, and the Jamaican study cannot be used as a measurement of Guyana's classrooms. It is, however, a Caribbean warning; a curriculum may say “problem solving,” but problem-solving pedagogy requires specialist
preparation, sustained practice and support. Guyana's assessment results show why that distinction matters. At the CSEC level, the Government reported that the 2025 Mathematics pass rate was 32%, five percentage points above the 2024 rate of 27%, after a Mathematics Intervention Programme that allegedly included pastpaper booklets, calculators, targeted teacher support and Math Monitors. That improvement should be acknowledged. But it also means that, among the reported CSEC candidates, roughly two-thirds did not earn a passing Mathematics grade. A country cannot be satisfied with that outcome at the very moment it says it intends to compete in technology, engineering, energy and advanced services. At the NGSA level, the Ministry's published Grade 6 trend series reported a rise in the mathematics pass rate from about 40% in 2024 to 55% in 2025. Yet the public must be careful about what this figure proves. NGSA reporting uses annually standardised T-scores, while the Ministry defines a pass by a raw-mark threshold. Without publication of the raw-score distributions, technical parameters and a formal process that equates the 2024 and 2025 papers to the same scale, the 15-point headline cannot tell us precisely how much underlying mathematics learning improved. It shows that more children met the reported 50% threshold in 2025; however, it does not establish that the country created 15 percentage points more A- or B-level mathematical thinkers. The geographic pattern is also instructive. The MOE's complete 2025 NGSA report showed the strongest mathematics school performance concentrated in private schools in Regions 3 and 4. That concentration does not prove that children elsewhere lack ability. It points instead to unequal access to the preparation infrastructure like specialist (Continued on page 27)
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Sunday August 16, 2026
LIGHTS, LAUGHS & LATE NIGHTS:
Wildlight Cinema presents a star-studded comedy double feature Georgetown’s favourite drivein experience is back. Wildlight Cinema will host its summer showings on Sunday, August 30, 2026, at the Cliff Anderson Sports Hall tarmac, running from 5:30 pm to 11:00 pm. Movie lovers can look forward to a double feature of family favourite comedies — Rush Hour and White Chicks — all included with a single-entry pass.
“Wildlight Cinema is about more than just movies,” organisers shared. “It’s a chance for families to laugh together, walk-in guests to mingle with the car crowd, and everyone — from toddlers to grandparents — to enjoy a safe, wholesome night out under the stars.” Patrons should enter via Hadfield Street, with the exit routed through Homestretch Avenue.
No Car? No Problem. Walk-in guests are welcome too: - Adults: $1,200 - Children: $500 Early bird pricing — Book before August 19 For those driving in, early bird rates offer great value per vehicle: - Sedan (Corolla, Allion, Premio) — $5,000 (up to 4 people) - SUV (Honda Vezel, BYD
Sealion) — $7,000 (5–6 people) - 4x4/Pickup (Ford Raptor, Hilux) — $15,000 (6–8 people) General Pricing (after August 19) - Sedan — $7,000 - SUV — $10,000 - 4x4/Pickup — $30,000 Physical tickets are available at: 1. HJ’s Box Office — 206 Lance Gibbs Street, Queenstown
2. Mother’s Kitchen — Lot 60 Fifth and Light Streets, Alberttown 3. RD Events and Production — 65 Hadfield Street, Georgetown Persons who are unable to grab their physical tickets can get etickets online via the PotSalt Events app or website, with secure payment through MMG, debit, or credit card: https://potsalt.events/wildlightcinema-august-2026-showings
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LPG REGULATORS: WHY A COMPULSORY STANDARD MATTERS GNBS IN FOCUS
M
ost people probably do not give much thought to the small regulator attached to an LPG cylinder. We turn on the stove, the burner lights, and the regulator disappears into the background of everyday life, but a failure involving this device can have serious safety consequences. That is why the revised GYS 523 – Specification for Low-pressure Regulators for Use with Liquefied Petroleum Gas (LPG) is being made compulsory by the Government of Guyana. This means importers, distributors and other stakeholders must ensure the regulators sold locally meet stringent requirements of the standard. The national standard was successfully revised by a Technical Committee led by the National Standards Body – the Guyana National Bureau of Standards (GNBS) and comprising key stakeholders including the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA), Guyana
Energy Agency (GEA), Guyana Fire Service (GFS), Guyana Revenue Authority (GRA), Massy Gas, GUYGAS Inc. and the Competition and Consumer Affairs Commission (CCAC). Extensive input was also garnered from others in the petroleum industry and the public through a Public Consultation process over a 60-day period before the document was finalised. The standard is intended to establish clear requirements for the safety, construction, performance and durability of lowpressure LPG regulators used in Guyana. This move follows concerns raised by consumers about LPG cylinder explosions and leaks at premises. GYS 523 distinguishes between single-stage and two-stage regulators. In a single-stage regulator, the inlet pressure is reduced to the desired outlet pressure in one stage. In a two-stage regulator, that reduction occurs in two stages within
the same regulator. The document specifies the materials, construction, performance and testing requirements for lowpressure single-stage and two-stage regulators used with LPG mixtures. For the purposes of this standard, it notes that low pressure refers to any pressure below 6.894 kN/m². For comparison, it also highlighted that domestic and commercial appliances normally operate at a gas pressure of 2.942kN/m2. T h e r e v i s e d requirements focus not only on whether a regulator functions, but also on the materials and construction used to make it, and its ability to withstand the conditions associated with LPG use. Among its provisions, the standard requires that all regulator components shall be manufactured from, or treated with, materials that are compatible with LPG and are not adversely affected by the chemical or thermal conditions encountered
Why the Ministry of Education Must Engage... From page 22 teaching, enrichment, peer competition, resources and sustained adult attention, that allows ability to become high-level performance. The Ministry's existing initiatives are a start, not a complete answer. Its stated plan includes more teacher training, literacy and numeracy assessments, expanded Math Monitors, the Guyana Digital School (which is yet to be proven effective) and “Maths Tents” that bring students together for focused instruction. These interventions should be measured for individual impact. But a national strategy that stops at reinforcement, past papers and familiar curriculum weaknesses will reproduce the problem it seeks to solve; students who become better at recognising question types without becoming more confident at framing and solving new ones. Guyana needs a National Mathematics Specialist Partnership. It should bring Blackman, Waddell and other Guyanese specialists into a structured collaboration with classroom teachers, CPCE, the University of Guyana, STEMGuyana, professional associations and industry. The partnership should develop nonroutine problems rooted in Guyanese life; flood forecasting, drainage, transport, energy use, crop yields, budgeting, coding and robotics. It should establish regional mathematics labs and holiday institutes, including in hinterland communities; support teachers with demonstration lessons and lesson-study cycles; and create assessment tasks that reward explanation, modelling, multiple strategies and error analysis, not only final answers. Most importantly, it should identify promising students early without limiting the work to those already labelled “gifted.” Every child does not need to become a
theoretical mathematician. But every child deserves to experience mathematics as more than fear, speed and a page of repeated exercises. Every child should encounter the satisfaction of staying with a difficult problem, testing an idea, failing intelligently, revising and finally seeing a pattern emerge. An oil-producing economy cannot outsource its intellectual future. The International Labour Organisation's Guyana oil-and-gas skills study was commissioned precisely to map occupational profiles, competencies, training options and perceived availability of skills in a rapidly changing sector. Not every job in oil and gas requires advanced mathematics. But the economy that surrounds oil; engineering, data, logistics, environmental monitoring, risk management, finance, automation, cybersecurity and technology entrepreneurship, will reward citizens who can reason quantitatively, model systems and solve problems no past paper has already solved for them. The choice before the Ministry is not between respecting teachers and engaging specialists. It is between leaving exceptional expertise at the margins or mobilising it for the public good. Guyana has mathematicians in its diaspora, in its universities, in its industries and in programmes such as the Blackman-Waddell Institute. The Ministry should find them, invite them in, support their work and require that their expertise reaches teachers and learners far beyond Georgetown. Guyana does not need more students who can only recognise the question. It needs more young people who can define the problem, choose a strategy, test a model, explain a result and build a solution. That is the mathematics muscle an ambitious country must now develop.
during normal use. It further specifies that brass parts shall not be susceptible to season cracking, a form of cracking that can affect brass components under certain conditions. Further, the covers of regulators with a rated capacity of up to 1,000 l/h shall be manufactured from zinc-based alloys by pressure die-casting. GYS 523 does not stop at the physical construction of regulators. It establishes requirements for testing their performance and durability. It specifies the required finishes and materials used in regulator construction, valve pad materials, workmanship, threaded and non-threaded connections, low- and high-temperature
testing, endurance testing, user instructions, maintenance requirements, and tests for the mechanical strength of connections, among others. For the average consumer, the technical language may seem far removed from the kitchen. But these specifications matter precisely because consumers cannot ordinarily determine by looking at a regulator whether the materials, construction or internal components are adequate. As part of the legal requirement towards making this standard compulsory, the Ministry of Tourism, Industry and Commerce is currently inviting interested
persons to submit representations on the proposed compulsory LPG standard to the Executive Director, GNBS, on or before September 30, 2026. Once approved, the GNBS will commence monitoring this product. The regulator may be small; the safety issue is not. Consumers, importers, distributors and other stakeholders are encouraged to familiarise themselves with this National Standard. Copies of the standard are available for inspection at the GNBS Head Office, Tr a c k M B , B l o c k B , National Exhibition Centre, Sophia, Georgetown, and on the GNBS website www.gnbsgy.org.
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From page 18 that the MV28 Barima tragedy exposed this contradiction in the most painful way- a country earning billions of US-dollars from oil yet when confronted with a national tragedy, no emergency preparedness response could be activated, as families still search for their loved ones, while others were denied a proper burial. Mohamed stressed that this is precisely why Guyana must guard against the resource curse. “Oil wealth cannot simply produce impressive economic statistics, bigger government budgets, massive contracts, and greater wealth for the PPP. It must improve the lives of ordinary Guyanese,” he insisted. The WIN leader said this means better wages, roads, healthcare and education, reliable electricity, clean water, affordable housing, properly equipped emergency services and opportunities for young people. Mohamed argued, “The oil is the people's resource, and the government is merely its custodian. We must be able to trace the transformation from oil wealth to household wealth. If billions are entering the country while ordinary people continue struggling to afford basic necessities, then something is fundamentally wrong with the distribution of our national wealth.” He concluded that Guyana's success must not be measured by how rich the country looks on paper but by how well Guyanese are living. As such, he called on VP Jagdeo to address the nation on the country's wealth. In a previous interview with this newspaper, Mohamed said government must inform the nation what percent of oil revenue will now flow into NRF. On Friday, Kaieteur News reported that the operator confirmed US$55B in costs have been paid off using Guyana's oil. In keeping with the 2016 Production Sharing Agreement (PSA), Exxon was allowed to take out 75% of oil produced monthly to cover its expenses. The remaining 25% was shared with Guyana as profits. Now that the oil companies have recovered its investments, Guyana is now expected to enjoy 50% of the oil produced in the Stabroek Block, after operational expenses are met. WEDNESDAY After 10 days of silence, Govt. confirms Guyana receiving 50% profit share -VP Jagdeo, Oil Minister still to face nation After 10 days of silence on the significant announcement by ExxonMobil that the company has recovered its full US$55B investment in Guyana, a government representative on
Sunday August 16, 2026
The sunken MV Barima vessel
Vice President, Bharrat Jagdeo Tuesday confirmed that the country is currently receiving 50% of the profits generated in the Stabroek Block. During the launch of the 2027 Guyana Energy Conference, Head of the Local Content Secretariat, Michael Munroe offered remarks on behalf of Natural Resources Minister, Vickram Bharrat. He was asked by the media to say whether the Government of Guyana (GoG) is honouring the 2016 Petroleum Agreement to ensure the country gets its 50% profit share. To this end, Munroe confirmed that the 50% profit share has already taken effect. He said, “Yes, we have always honoured that commitment, of course if you understand the petroleum agreement there is a cap for cost recovery and subsequently profit oil is 50/50 so that has always been the arrangement and even in light of the payment of the US$55B there is still that honouring of the split of profit oil so yes that's always 50/50.” It is important to note that since the company revealed to its shareholders on July 31, 2026 that its investments have been recovered in Guyana, there has been no official statement from the government on the matter. In fact, the official only provided the comment after being asked a question at the event. On Tuesday, Minister Bharrat told this newspaper that he will
issue a statement on the recovery of costs by the operator but gave no timeline. His commitment comes more than 10 days after the news was shared with shareholders of the American oil giant by Chief Executive Officer (CEO) and Chairman of Exxon, Darren Woods. For his part, president of ExxonMobil Guyana Limited (EMGL), Alistair Routledge provided insight on the use of the US$55 billion in Guyana. He told reporters at the event with Munroe, “It has been used to invest in major developments that have taken place in Stabroek, starting with Liza One and Liza Two, Payara, Yellowtail, Uaru which is about to startup, Whiptail which is on the way. It has been well invested as we have seen for the revenue streams that are flowing now as we've made clear that indeed with the higher oil price that we've seen this year and higher oil production we can be able to accelerate the repayment of those upfront investments that have been made in the Stabroek Block.” The recovery of investments by the Stabroek Block partners means that Guyana is now entitled to a larger share of profits in keeping the PSA. In accordance with the 2016 Production Sharing Agreement (PSA), the contractor is allowed to deduct 75% of the oil produced monthly to recover its investments. The remaining 25% is then split with Guyana as profits, meaning the country collects 12.5% of profits. After Exxon recovers its investment, the country will be entitled to 50% of the oil produced, after the operator takes out operating and other expenses. Some stakeholders have already explained that while this would not mean 50% for Guyana, it would increase the country's current share from 12.5%. In fact, Leader of the Opposition, Azruddin Mohamed estimates that the 'countrys earnings could now triple. The businessman said, “Let me give you an example. Let's say we are producing 920,000 barrels of oil per day; that means in a month we
will be producing 27,600,000 barrels per month. And before, we would receive 12.5% profit oil and 2% in royalties from that amount, giving us 4,002,000 barrels multiplied by the average of 80 USD, that's 320,160,000 USD per month. Now, if we receive three times more, we could receive 12,006,000 barrels. At an average of 80 USD per barrel, that equates to 960,480,000 USD (per month).” Former Finance Minister Winston Jordan also posited that instead of 75% cost, expenditure could fail to about 37%. He said, “I've seen calculations where expenditure could go down to about 37% of revenues, which would leave 63% as profit to be shared equally between. That means GoG would be entitled to 31.5%+2% royalty = 33.5%.” MV Barima tragedy… Internal records expose months of warnings, request for urgent repairs
Leaked internal maintenance logs, official requisitions, and urgent technical reports spanning nearly a year reveal a damning paper trail of mechanical warnings for the MV Barima, contradicting Minister of Public Works Juan Edghill's claims that the vessel was operating “seaworthy” before it capsized on 18th July, 2026, claiming more than 100 lives. The documents received by this publication (Error! Hyperlink reference not valid. and Error! Hyperlink reference not valid.), signed by Captain K. Price, Chief Engineer P. Seepersaud, and endorsed by the Shore Chief Engineer and Marine Superintendent of the Transport and Harbours Department, outline a catastrophic history of unaddressed mechanical failures, structural hazards, and failing safety systems. The revelations stand in contrast to statements made by Minister of Public Works, Bishop Juan Edghill. During a Department of Public Information (DPI) press briefing on 20th July, Minister Edghill dismissed allegations that the vessel was unfit for sea, stating, “There was no report of any kind that suggested the vessel was unseaworthy. It was in line for dry docking in keeping with the schedule.” However, official internal correspondence sent directly to the Chief Mechanical Engineer (CME) and the Marine Office in Kingston tells a drastically different story, proving that crew warnings of (Continued on page 29)
Kaieteur News
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From page 28 systemic vessel failure were repeatedly filed and acknowledged by senior maritime officials. Chronology of documented failures March 2026 13th March (Job No. B4/26): A direct requisition was filed to the C M E f o r o n e 2 - i n c h 11 0 V submerged water pump, a mediumsized welding plant, and a box of No. 10 welding rods for onboard repairs. February 2026 18th February: Chief Engineer P. Seepersaud submitted an order to the Marine Superintendent and Chief Engineer for two pairs of battery lugs to replace damaged units on the Hiab engine. The report was stamped seen by the Shore Chief Engineer on the same day and copied to the CME office for action. January 2026 26th January (Job No. B4/26): An order was made to the CME for a replacement turbocharger for the port main engine, noting that the current unit was throwing oil during operation. A fresh water pump for the Hiab engine was also ordered due to water leaking through the seal. 21st January: Chief Engineer Seepersaud issued an urgent report to the Marine Superintendent requesting the immediate replacement of the main engine daily service fuel lines. The document warned that the lines delivering fuel to the port and starboard main engines were “heavily corroded and can break at any time while the vessel is in operation.” The report was stamped by the Shore Chief Engineer. December 2025 22nd December: Stamped by Captain Price and the Marine Superintendent, a report was sent to the CME citing that the VHF communication system was completely inoperable and needed urgent repair or replacement, alongside a damaged life raft cradle. 4th December: Reports sent to the CME and Marine Superintendent requested the removal, flushing, and reassembly of the #1 and #2 generator radiators. Captain Price also requested four 29-plate batteries to replace degraded units that were failing to hold charge for the port main engine and the vessel's 24-volt system. The request was copied to the CME office. 3rd December (Job No. B4/25): The Shore Chief Engineer signed an urgent order to the CME noting power failure to the GPS navigation unit. Requisitions were also submitted for #1 generator fan and fresh water pump installation, forward hatch suction pipeline repairs, and the immediate installation of brackets, water traps,
and fuel filters. November 2025 30th November: Captain Price submitted a follow-up report to the Marine Superintendent and Shore Chief Engineer stating the #1 generator was completely out of service while its water pump and fan were in the workshop. Simultaneously, a report noted the port main engine heat exchanger was operating at dangerous temperatures between 197°F and
203°F. 30th November (Engine Room Hazards): Further reports filed on this date requested a welder to fix a broken starboard main engine exhaust that was leaking toxic gases directly into the engine room, and urged the installation of an air extractor fan to combat extreme heat in the unventilated machinery space. 17th November: Stamped by Captain Price and the Shore Chief
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Engineer, requisitions were sent to the marine superintendent for repairs to the generator and shore current changeover switch, as well as the removal and servicing of the bow anchor winch electrical motor. October 2025 20th October: An order signed by Van Rossum was submitted to the marine superintendent for two throttle cables for the C18 main engines after both were damaged. The report was stamped by the Shore Chief Engineer and forwarded to the CME on 21st August – September 2025 3rd September (Job No. B4/25): Official reports sent to the CME documented that the compass light was non-functional and the GPS was malfunctioning, corroborating public statements made by Captain Price during his subsequent court appearance where he shouted that the GPS was not working. 31st August: A report to the marine superintendent detailed an August 25 incident where the #1 generator shut down during mooring due to a damaged water pump bearing, broken pump blade, and sheared head studs. The report was marked “seen” by the Shore Chief Engineer on 2nd The documentation validates explosive public statements made by Captain Price following the disaster. Beyond the non-functional navigation systems, the records illustrate an engine room environment operating under severe distress for nearly a year. Crew members were subjected to toxic exhaust fumes leaking into unventilated workspaces, main engines running at dangerous operating temperatures, corroded fuel lines at risk of immediate rupture, and degraded emergency power systems. Despite repeated urgent designations on official work orders, and clear stamps showing the reports were received and forwarded to the Chief Mechanical Engineer's office, Kaieteur News understands that the key repairs remained unresolved leading up to the vessel's final voyage on 18th July. Only a few reports, not listed here, had “Seen on the… 2025 and the job was completed on...” Salvaging of the vessel The 87-year-old vessel capsized on the evening of 18th July off the coast of Essequibo, leaving 73 persons dead, 76 rescued and at least 30 others missing. The MV Barima was on a scheduled voyage from Georgetown to Port Kaituma in Region One when it encountered trouble and sank near the Pomeroon coast. The tragedy triggered intense scrutiny of the country's maritime safety system, including the vessel's maintenance history,
passenger manifest, operational procedures and regulatory oversight. The government has announced a Commission of Inquiry into the disaster, while Captain Kevin Price and two crew members were subsequently charged with murder in connection with the deaths. The government has also moved to salvage the sunken vessel, amid calls from relatives of victims and other stakeholders for the wreck to be recovered and examined. THURSDAY New Australian firm secures 44,000 acres gold land in Reg. 7 …land five times size of Georgetown and six times size of Leguan As more than 10 Canadian firms advance gold projects across mining districts in Guyana, a second Australian company has secured a major foothold in the Oko gold district, where more than ninemillion-ounces of gold have been established. Australian-listed Liberty Metals Ltd has entered into a binding four-year option agreement with a private Guyanese vendor (name not disclosed) to acquire 90% interest in the Oko North and Oko South Gold Projects, a package of 40 granted mediumscale mining permits covering approximately 44,288 acres, or 180 square kilometres, in the Cuyuni Mining District of Region Seven. Liberty's land package is spread across two consolidated blocks located about 60 kilometres apart and sits within the Oko gold district – which the company describes as one of the world's premier emerging gold camps. Notably, the 180-square-kilometre area is roughly five times the size of Georgetown and is approximately six times the size of Leguan. Liberty outlined that its newly acquired gold lands are strategically positioned to the north and south of the Oko deposits and comes shortly after G Mining Ventures (GMIN) completed its approximately US$2.2 billion acquisition of fellow Canadian firm G2 Goldfields, consolidating the Oko West and Oko-Ghanie gold projects into a 7-million gold project. Liberty further disclosed that the Oko North directly abuts ground formerly held by G2 Goldfields and is located near the New Oko discovery, while Oko South is approximately 30 kilometres south of the Oko deposits. It also stated that Oko South ground covers the southern structural continuation of the mineralised trend that hosts the Oko gold system. Liberty said its newly acquired (Continued on page 30)
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From page 29 mining lands remain largely unexplored using modern exploration techniques. The company said there has been limited historical systematic exploration across the permits, although smallscale alluvial gold mining has been conducted by the vendor and local operators. Liberty considers the presence of alluvial gold mining to be an indication of a potentially fertile gold system, but no hard-rock resource or reserve has yet been established on the Oko North and Oko South properties. Moreover, under the agreement with the private Guyanese vendor, Liberty will have four years to exercise its option to acquire the 90% interest. The total consideration is at approximately US$8 million, excluding a separate milestone payment. It was explained that the milestone payment would become payable on completion of a bankable feasibility study for the project. F u r t h e r, u n d e r t h e agreement, the Guyanese vendor will retain the right to conduct surface alluvial mining operations within the project area for six years from the signing of the agreement. Liberty said that those operations must be conducted at the vendor's own risk, cost and regulatory responsibility and are restricted to alluvial surface material. It was also made clear that the vendor will not be permitted to conduct hardrock mining or processing under those retained rights. Further, the operations also cannot interfere with Liberty's exploration activities and must maintain a 50-metre separation from Liberty's drilling operations and areas covered by a resource estimate. 'Rare' opportunity Liberty Metals Director and Non-Executive Chair Nicholas Katris described the acquisition as a districtscale opportunity in what he considers one of the world's most exciting gold camps. “The acquisition of the Oko North and Oko South Projects delivers Liberty a district-scale footprint in what has quickly become one of the most exciting gold camps in the world,” Katris said. He noted that the Oko district has grown from a
Sunday August 16, 2026
discussed economic development, security and counter-narcotics cooperation between Washington and Georgetown. Speaking after his meeting with President Ali, Landau highlighted that Guyana is at a stage of development where infrastructure is needed to support further economic growth. He noted, “I think the two areas that we focused on today with President Ali are the economic area where Guyana is at a stage in development where it needs infrastructure as the foundation for further economic growth.” He also said discussions with President Ali covered projects across the country, including Berbice, Lethem and the Demerara region. Landau underscored that Guyana's energy resources could be leveraged to support development in other sectors. “It has obviously tremendous value resources in terms of energy, which is the foundation of all economic development and we want to partner with Guyana to leverage those resources into a whole variety of economic development in many areas,” Landau said. The U.S. official, who was accompanied by American businesses during his visit, said that areas being considered include ports, greenfield exploration area to a district with more than nine million ounces of gold, a completed feasibility study and a US$2.2 billion consolidation in less than five years. “That is a level of value creation very few districts anywhere have matched,” he said. Katris also pointed to the structure of Guyana's mining tenure system, where permits are granted in relatively small blocks, as a factor that makes the consolidation of 40 permits significant. “What makes this opportunity so rare is the ground itself. Guyanese permits are granted in small blocks held by private citizens, so assembling 40 permits across roughly 180 square kilometres in two consolidated blocks, positioned to the north and south of the Oko deposits, is something that simply cannot be readily replicated,” he said. He noted that Liberty
intends to initially focus on compiling historical data, geological mapping and geochemical work before advancing to drilling. Katris said, “Our approach will be disciplined and methodical. The immediate focus is compiling the historical data, mapping the structural architecture and running our maiden geochemical programmes to generate drill targets.” Notably, Liberty also said that it could terminate the agreement on 30 days' notice if it determines that further payments are no longer economically justified. In such circumstances, the permits would revert to the vendor. U.S. eyes ports, road, housing contracts in Guyana – Deputy Secretary of State The United States (U.S.) Deputy Secretary of State Christopher Landau has
President Irfaan Ali and United States Deputy Secretary of State, Christopher Landau (right)
disclosed that American companies are expected to compete for opportunities in infrastructure, including ports, roads and housing as the country look to deepen its involvement in Guyana's economic development. Landau made the remarks during a visit to Georgetown, where he met with President Irfaan Ali and
roads, commercial development, sporting facilities and housing. “We want to see ports that allow goods to come in, roads that allow those goods to be transported throughout the country and the region. We'd like to see more stores and stadiums and all the things that the people of Guyana want, including
housing,” he said. The Deputy Secretary of State also highlighted Guyana's strategic importance to the U.S. adding, “The United States is here to say we want to be part of the story of Guyana's future development and prosperity.” Landau also underscored that there are many areas the two countries can collaborate to improve the quality of life for Guyanese. He described Guyana as a key strategic partner for the U.S. and said Washington was eager to support the country's development. “We see Guyana as a key strategic partner, and really I am here to signal that the United States is very eager to partner with Guyana and that we have really identified Guyana as one of the major up-and-coming countries of the world at this point in time,” he said. Moreover, he also spoke about the memorandum of understanding the two countries signed on security and counter-narcotics cooperation. He noted that the agreement was aimed at strengthening efforts to combat organised crime and drug trafficking in the region. “Organised crime has been increasing in this area. This is a tricky neighbourhood, and the United States faces the same security threats from these organised criminal groups as does Guyana,” he said. Landau added that Washington wants to ensure that criminal groups and drug smugglers do not establish roots in Guyana. Landau's visit follows the announcement by the U.S. Department of War that it has struck an US$85.5M equity investment deal to acquire and expand a bauxite mine in Guyana, part of a broader effort by Washington to break China's grip on critical mineral supply chains. FRIDAY ExxonMobil produced one billion barrels of oil in less than 7 years – Routledge Guyana has an oil reserve of about 11.6B barrels according to estimates provided by the Government of Guyana (GoG). In just over six years since production activities commenced in December (Continued on page 31)
Kaieteur News
Sunday August 16, 2026
From page 30 2019, ExxonMobil, the operator of the Stabroek Block has already produced a staggering one billion barrels of those resources. This was revealed by President of ExxonMobil Guyana Limited (EMGL), Alistair Routledge during the launch of the 2027 Guyana Energy Conference on Tuesday. During remarks, the principal sponsor of the event shared remarks, guided by the conference's theme 'Beyond frontiers, Guyana's Energy story'. Routledge told the gathering that Guyana has already achieved the unimaginable considering the rapid pace of development and production. “We've achieved beyond the imaginable in Guyana already, the pace of developments since that first miraculous discovery in May 2015, here we are just 11 years after and we are already producing around 900,000 barrels per day,” the Country Manager noted, as he pointed out that the country's daily capacity will increase before the end of the year as the fifth project, Uaru is expected to come online. The Floating Production Storage and Offloading (FPSO) vessel that will produce hydrocarbons, as the project is already on its way to Guyana and will push production past one million barrels per day. To this end, he reported, “Indeed another milestone that we are about to push past depending on how you count the barrels, we may already have surpassed a billion barrels of production in Guyana. The first billion barrels. Quite a feat in such a short space of time and truly pushing beyond frontiers than in any other deep water or even offshore location has never been achieved at this pace with the same safety record and protection of the environment…” The Exxon official highlighted the importance of Guyana's oil that is helping to provide critical resources to the globe as tensions continue in the Middle East. He pointed out that the collaboration with government has been the foundation of these achievements and working with the local private sector as he highlighted the importance of the Guyana Energy Conference in striking those connections. In November 2024, the company produced its first 500 million barrels of oil. At that time, the first three projects were producing around 650,000 bpd. Currently, four projects, Liza O n e a n d Tw o , P a y a r a a n d Yellowtail, are producing oil in the Stabroek Block at an average daily rate of about 870,000 barrels per day (bpd) according to recent statistics published by government. Exxon has received regulatory approval from the GoG for seven projects. The sixth development, Whiptail is anticipated to add 250
kbd by the end of 2027. Additionally, Hammerhead, is expected to come online by 2029, producing 150,000 bpd. The seven projects are likely to take Guyana's production to around 1.5 million barrels per day. In the meantime, ExxonMobil has submitted plans to the GoG to develop two additional projects in the Stabroek Block. In March this year, Routledge said the company was set to submit a Field Development Plan (FDP) for the eighth project, Longtail, to the Ministry of Natural Resources. Exxon is simultaneously building a ninth project which aims to develop the gas resources in the Haimara discovery. Canadian firm announces plan to advance, integrate 3.2M ounce gold project with 4.64M Oko West project Now that G Mining Ventures
support an integrated Mineral Resource Estimate (MRE) and an updated Feasibility Study (FS) for an expanded Oko Gold Project. “Complementary technical programmes, including metallurgical, geotechnical, and other engineering studies, will also commence in the second half of the year to support the integrated project development,” the company disclosed. In its recent update, GMIN underscored that the acquisition further elevates the company's industry-leading near-term growth profile. The acquisition enables planned production at Oko West Gold Project to increase the mine's annual production from 350,000 to reach approximately 500,000 ounces of gold per year over a minimum mine life of 15 years. By itself, the Oko West project is expected to produce about 350,000 ounces of gold annually over a 12.3-year mine life. GMIN's
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construction continues to advance on schedule and on budget, keeping us firmly on the path toward first gold pour in the second half of 2027, and Gurupi's development roadmap continues to take shape. The acquisition of G2 Goldfields Inc. consolidates the Oko district into a globally significant tier-one gold mining complex in a world class geological district.” As it relates the Oko West project which is at a more advanced stage than the Oko-Ghanie project, GMIN said construction remains on schedule, with first gold pour targeted for the second half of 2027 and commercial production expected in early 2028. It also disclosed that more than 2.3 million person-hours have been worked at Oko West with over 1,700 employees and contractors currently on site. Notably, 77% of Oko West workforce is Guyanese nationals. According to GMIN, as of June 30, the overall project progress had
The power plant continues to advance with over 1,350 m3 of concrete poured to date and the structural steel framing for the engine hall complete. Day tank and stack foundations are also complete while cable tray and electrical are currently being installed. Fuel treatment building (right) has completed framing. Corp. (GMIN) has finalised the US$2.2 billion acquisition of fellow Canadian firm G2 Goldfields Inc. (G2's) gold project in Region Seven (CuyuniMazaruni), the company is set to launch an integration programme to advance and integrate G2's OkoGhanie project. The deal allows the companies to consolidate the two adjacent gold properties, G2's Oko-Ghanie project with GMIN's fully permitted and fully financed Oko West project. In its 2026 second quarter results published on Wednesday, GMIN outlined that the completion of the G2 acquisition creates a tierone gold asset with potential to deliver substantially increased average annual gold production over the life of mine (LOM) once the expansion is completed. GMIN noted that the integration programme is aimed at advancing the Oko-Ghanie deposits through infill drilling to
exploration to date has outlined 5.4 million ounces of indicated gold resources and 0.4 million ounces of inferred material. In relation to proven and probable reserves, the Oko West is estimated to hold 4.64 million ounces of gold at an average grade of 1.89 grams of gold per tonne. Meanwhile, according to G2, its Oko-Ghanie gold project average annual output is expected to reach 281,000 ounces annually during the mine's peak years-with a total production of approximately 3.2 million ounces of gold over the life of mine. In relation to the OkoGhanie project, GMIN previously clarified that the project's mineral resource from its perspective does not represent a “current” mineral resource estimate of the OkoGhanie Project. Rather, it was stated that it was provided by GMIN as a “historical estimate.” Louis-Pierre Gignac, President and Chief Executive Officer (CEO) of GMIN commented, “At Oko,
reached 28.0% based on earned value, with construction advancing on schedule across key work areas, including the process plant, power plant, tailings storage facility and site infrastructure. Also, at the end of June some US$423 million had been spent on the project, representing 44% of the approved initial capital budget of approximately US$973 million, with approximately US$550 million remaining to be spent through completion. “Total commitments reached approximately US$628 million, or 65% of the approved budget. 2026 represents the peak construction y e a r, w i t h e x p e c t e d p r o j e c t spending of US$514 to US$568 million, of which US$219 million was spent during the first half of the year,” GMIN said. M o r e o v e r, t h e c o m p a n y disclosed that detailed engineering is approximately 90% complete and is expected to conclude in the third quarter of 2026, while it said
that procurement had reached approximately 99% completion as of the end of June. Kaieteur News reported that GMIN's entry into Guyana was secured in 2024 through a business combination with another Canadian company, Reunion Gold Corp., valued at US$638 million. GMIN's deal with Reunion added the Oko West Gold Project to its portfolio. SATURDAY Wales project to startup by year end but no 50% promised reduction in light bills until plant reaches full capacity – PM The Wales Gas-to-Energy (GTE) contractor, Lindsayca has promised the Government of Guyana (GoG) to deliver a fraction of the 300 megawatts power by the end of 2026, but this will not result in the promised 50% reduction in light bills for customers of the Guyana Power and Light (GPL). This was made clear on Friday by Prime Minister Brigadier (Retired) Mark Phillips during a press conference to provide key update on the country's electricity generation and supply at Colgrain House, Camp Street, Georgetown. During remarks, Minister of Public Utilities and Aviation, Deodat Indar said, “At the end of the year, myself and the Prime Minister have gotten the commitment from Lindsayca, the Gas-to-Energy contractor that we will get one of the turbines that will generate 57MW of power.” Lindsayca was initially expected to deliver the 300-MW power plant as well as the Natural Gas Liquids (NGL) facility since the end of 2024. The two-year delay (Continue on page 34)
Minister Brigadier (Retired) Mark Phillips
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Sunday August 16, 2026
The Sparkling Feather
by a feather.” The woods were bright and green, with ferns brushing against their ankles and the sound of a woodpecker tapping somewhere high above them. Suddenly, Emily stopped. “Wait. Listen.” Jack stood perfectly still. Peep. Then again. Peep-peep. He turned his head. “That sounds tiny.” “A baby bird,” Emily said. The feather glimmered once more and tipped toward the creek. “This way,” Emily said as she hurried ahead. Near a smooth gray rock, hidden among a patch of tall grass, a baby bird hopped around in a worried little circle. It had soft brown feathers and a pale yellow beak. “Peep,” it chirped. Emily crouched beside it. “Oh, no. You're lost.” Jack crouched down too. “Or very confused. I know that look.” Emily glanced up at the trees. Three oak trees, one birch, and a tall pine stood around the creek. “Its nest could be anywhere.” The baby bird gave another nervous peep. “First we keep it safe,” Emily said. “Then we find its home.” Jack picked up a flat stick and placed it across a muddy dip in the ground. “A deluxe bird fence.” The baby bird simply stepped over it. Jack sighed. “My customers are impossible.” Emily smiled and studied the ground. “Look. Tiny tracks.” She followed the tracks with her eyes until she noticed a small feather resting on a low branch. Emily compared it with the clue feather in her hand. “Same shape, but no silver dots.” She stepped back and carefully searched the branches one by one. At last, she spotted a crooked nest tucked between the branches of a birch tree. “Jack. There.” Before he could answer, a larger brown bird flew onto a nearby branch and began chirping in a quick, worried burst. The baby bird below lifted its head and peeped back. “That must be the mother,” Emily whispered.
The nest was too high for them to reach from the ground. Jack walked around the birch tree, looking for a solution. “Maybe there's something we can stand on.” Behind the trunk, partly hidden by brambles, stood an old wooden step stool. Ivy curled around one side, and one of its legs was buried in the dirt. “That was not there by accident,” Emily said. She brushed away the dirt from the side of the stool. Carved into the wood was the same acorn symbol they had seen on the other clues. Jack stared at it. “The original Secret Treehouse Club.” Emily nodded. “They left this.” For a moment, the mystery pulled their attention away from the bird. Then the baby bird peeped again. Emily took a breath. “Bird first. Clue second.” “Right,” Jack said. “Helpful club rules.” Together, they pulled the stool free and carried it over to the birch tree. Emily climbed onto it carefully and looked toward the nest. “Still too high.” Jack searched the ground and found a fallen branch with a fork at one end. “Maybe this can help steady the nest.” Emily tested it carefully. “Yes. Just a little.” Jack gently scooped up the baby bird with both hands. “Tiny passenger coming through.” The bird peeped at his thumbs as he carefully moved toward the tree. Emily held the forked branch beneath the nest to keep it steady. Jack rose onto his toes and gently lifted the baby bird high enough for Emily to guide it back into the nest. For a quiet moment, none of them moved. Then the baby bird gave a happy little wiggle and settled safely into the nest. The mother bird immediately flew down to the rim and began chirping in a busy, grateful way. Jack let out a long breath. “Good. I was starting to feel judged.” Emily gave him a quick smile. “You did great.” When Emily stepped down from the stool, she noticed a narrow strip of blue cloth tied beneath its handle. “Jack. Look.” A tiny wooden tag hung from the cloth. One side had the familiar acorn symbol. On the other side were four carved words: When lost, look for light. Jack read the message twice. “That sounds important.” Emily turned the stool over and discovered a faded pencil drawing of a lantern on the bottom. They looked at each other. “A lantern,” Jack said. “And the feather led us here,” Emily replied. “Not only to a clue, but to a clue hidden inside helping someone.” Jack looked up at the nest. “That feels exactly like the old club.” Emily tucked the wooden tag safely into her pocket and slipped the sparkling feather into her notebook. “Then we're learning how they worked.” They carried the stool back to the treehouse and placed it safely inside. Emily set the blue cloth and wooden tag beside the bell, the map, and the other clues. Jack sat down on the floor. “So now we have a sparkling feather, an old stool, a lantern drawing, and a message.” Emily looked at the wooden tag. “When lost, look for light,” she said softly. She wrote everything carefully in her notebook so they would not forget a single detail. Just then, a gentle breeze slipped through the open window. Ting. The silver bell rang once. Emily and Jack looked up at the same time. Far beyond the trees, deep in the thickest part of Whisper Woods, a tiny warm glow flickered in the distance. Once. Then it disappeared. Jack stood so quickly that he bumped the table. “Tell me you saw that.” Emily nodded. “A lantern.” She closed her notebook with a soft snap. “Tomorrow,” she said, “we follow the light.”
Hanging t f a r C r e m m u S
Materials Wooden craft sticks / popsicle sticks — about 10–14 per piece Small natural pebbles or aquarium stones Seashells in assorted sizes Twine or jute cord for the hanging loop Strong craft glue or hot-glue gun with glue sticks Acrylic paint: White, Light blue, Turquoise, Dark blue, Purple/lavender, Green, Yellow, Orange, Red, Pink and Black. Paintbrushes — small and medium sizes Pencil, Scissors, Sandpaper or a nail file, Ruler Decorative materials Small wooden or clay sea animals Air-dry clay or polymer clay for making animals Small decorative seaweed pieces, Miniature sailboat, Lifebuoy/ring and Starfish decoration, Small artificial pearls or beads Optional: white paint for wave/splash effects; clear acrylic sealer/varnish
create an ocean/beach gradient. For example: Top – white/light blue; Middle – turquoise; Bottom – medium/dark blue. Allow the paint to dry. Add small white brush strokes or dots to create a wave/splash effect. 4. Make the hanging loop: Cut approximately 20–25 cm of twine. Fold it in half to create a loop. Glue both ends to the back of the top section. Reinforce the attachment with another small piece of craft stick or extra glue. Allow it to dry before hanging. 5. Add the pebbles: Apply strong glue along the bottom edge. Place small pebbles closely together. Mix different sizes and colours for a natural beach appearance. Allow the glue to set before adding the shells. 6. Add the seashells: Select several shells Instructions 1. Prepare the popsicle sticks: Count out of different sizes. Arrange them along the approximately 10–14 craft sticks. Lightly bottom. Put larger shells toward the center sand any rough edges or splinters. Arrange and smaller shells around them. Glue them the sticks horizontally to form the firmly into place. Making the Sea Creatures: You can rectangular sign. Vary the lengths slightly if you want the irregular beach-board either buy ready-made miniature decorations or make them yourself using air-dry clay. appearance shown in the picture. Turtle design 2. Glue the sign together: Place the sticks Use: Green clay/wooden turtle, Black side-by-side horizontally. Arrange them from light to dark shades if you want the and white paint for the eyes, Dark green paint ocean-gradient effect. From the back, glue for the shell pattern. Position the turtle in the 2–3 additional craft sticks vertically or upper-middle portion of the sign. Dolphin & Seahorse design horizontally across the boards to hold Use: Blue/grey dolphin, pink or purple everything together. Allow the glue to dry completely. Tip - Leave the bottom portion seahorse, White paint for the dolphin's slightly wider/rougher because this is where underside. Small white dots to represent splashing water. Glue the dolphin near the the pebbles and shells will be attached. 3. Paint the boards: Paint each popsicle top and the seahorse underneath. Whale & Sailboat design stick individually. Use different shades to Use: Blue whale, Small wooden sailboat, Miniature lifebuoy, White paint for water splashes. Place the whale in the center and the boat toward the lower-left area. Good morning, God, and thank you Octopus & Clownfish design For the glory of the sun, Use: Orange octopus, And thank you for the health I have, Orange-and-white clownfish, To get my duties done. Green artificial seaweed, small seashells I shall devote the hours Spiral shell. Arrange the Of this golden day to You, octopus toward the upper-middle section and the fish toward the By honouring Your holy name lower-middle section. In everything I do. 7. Create the ocean-water effect I shall pursue my daily tasks Use several shades of blue Without complaint or fear, and turquoise. Blend or overlap And spend my every effort the colours slightly between the sticks. Add thin white strokes To be friendly and sincere. near the animals. Add small white dots around the dolphin/whale to Once more, good morning, God, resemble water splashes. You can And please depend on me, lightly dry-brush white over the Because I want to honour you darker blue sticks to create a weathered beach look. For all eternity.
Good morning, God
A silver-speckled feather points Emily and Jack toward a new mystery in Whisper Woods. But this clue does not lead to treasure first. Instead, it leads them to someone who needs their help. Emily laid the silver-speckled feather on the treehouse table. Sunlight streamed through the window, catching the tiny silver dots and making them sparkle. “There,” Jack said. “It did it again.” The feather gave a soft gleam, almost like a wink. Emily picked it up carefully. “The old club left the acorn, the map, the bell, and the ribbon clue. This feather has to mean something too.” Jack looked out toward Whisper Woods. “I hope it means snack break.” Emily raised one eyebrow. “Fine,” Jack said. “Mild adventure, then snack break.” A bright strip of sunlight crossed the feather, and its tip seemed to point toward the woods behind the creek. Emily stood up quickly. “It's pointing.” Jack grabbed his backpack. “That is strange enough for me. Let's go.” They climbed down from the treehouse and followed the dirt path past the old stone bridge. Emily carried the feather carefully in her palm. Every few steps, the silver dots glimmered again. “Left at the stump,” Emily said. “Amazing,” Jack replied. “We are being guided
Kaieteur News
Sunday August 16, 2026
Develop practical steps to develop your Sense of Personal Competence These are the stages by which you can develop this important sense of being able to achieve the things which you plan to do so that you can be assured of success:1. FIND OUT THE OPTIONS AND ALTERNATIVES AT YOUR DISPOSAL When someone is faced with a problem to be solved, or a goal to be achieved, the first thing that needs to be done is to identify what are the options or alternatives available to deal with the problem or to achieve the goal. In many cases, a young person would not know what resources that can help in this process are available. When this is so, then one must not be too proud or too reserved to ask someone to assist in this respect. 2. DEVELOP PROBLEMSOLVING AND COPING SKILLS In every instance of someone working towards achieving a goal, problems would arise. These would involve those that have to do with the way the goal has to be reached, as well as those which relate to the abilities of the person who is working towards the goal. Identify the skills you would need in your work, and then submit yourself to the training to gain them and apply them to the problems at hand. Also, you
would need to form positive attitudes while tackling problems, so that you are not easily discouraged when things seem to be going wrong. Many people react to the pressures which they experience while attempting to gain success at any undertaking by taking to drugs, withdrawing or denying, or avoiding the problem by giving up. If at school, they would cut classes or drop out entirely. Others may get disturbed emotionally, or even move to reacting with violence. Here again, a young person should seek the support of competent persons to help to build selfc o n f i d e n c e . When you live with full confidence that you are Encouragement during a living your special purpose in life, you will period of frustration will have more chance of success while keep them focused on working towards your goals. their goals and acting positively towards their achievement.
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Invictus by William Ernest Henley
Out of the night that covers me, Black as the pit from pole to pole, I thank whatever gods may be For my unconquerable soul. In the fell clutch of circumstance I have not winced nor cried aloud. Under the bludgeonings of chance My head is bloody, but unbowed.
3 . E VA L U A T E Y O U R PROGRESS PERIODICALLY Self-evaluation and assessment of your progress is continually necessary to keep you on the right track. When this is done efficiently, then an effort can be made to adjust or correct any deviation from the right direction. 4 . S AT I S FA C T I O N W I L L COME FROM DOING YOUR BEST Many times we will fall short of achieving exactly what we planned to do. This should not discourage us and prevent us from setting other goals to be accomplished. The fact that we have done our best at any undertaking is enough for us to accept the satisfaction which we deserve, and will go a long way towards our achieving success in future endeavours. We hope you work diligently to follow these guides, and so develop your unique purpose of your life.
Beyond this place of wrath and tears Looms but the Horror of the shade, And yet the menace of the years Finds and shall find me unafraid. It matters not how strait the gate, How charged with punishments the scroll, I am the master of my fate, I am the captain of my soul.
Solutions to last week’s
KAKURO
“Kakuro puzzles are like a cross between a crossword and a Sudoku puzzle. Instead of letters, each block contains the digits 1 through 9. The same digit will never repeat within a word. If you add the digits in a word, the sum will be the number shown in the clue. Clues are shown on the left and right sides of “across” words, and on the top and bottom sides of “down” words."
TROIX
Sunday August 16, 2026
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From page 31 has resulted in the country being forced to rent two power ships to supply the nation with electricity to meet its growing power demands. Government promised that the project would bring 50% relief on electric bills for customers but the relief will not come until at least 228MW of power is supplied by the contractor. In response to a question from this newspaper, the prime minister explained, “After the project, we said 50% reduction at the end of the project and the project we're talking about is phase one. Phase one ends when we get 228 MW of power and then you got the 300MW that will come from the steam afterwards. So, when we achieve that, that's phase one.” The two-year delay of the Wales GTE project is expected to cost the country approximately US$884M more than the initial cost of the two gas plants currently under construction. The two plants initially pegged at US$759M is likely to double due to the increasingly high import bill for Heavy Fuel Oil (HFO), rental of powerships and a costly legal dispute. Notwithstanding, the government hopes that the project could start up by the end of the year, but by then, the financial hemorrhage to the country would be severe. The country was initially informed of a 2024 year-end startup for the Wales project- intended to slash electricity tariffs by half and supply stable, cleaner energy. Due to delays in the site preparation phase, government is now anticipating that the project will come online by end of this year- a timeline experts believe is unattainable. In the meantime, Guyana is forced to swallow an increasingly expensive pill: the exorbitant cost of importing HFO to keep the lights on in the country which amount to an eye- watering US$619M for the two-year period. Since January 2025, the Guyana Power and Light (GPL) have relied almost entirely on imported HFO. During the 2026 budget defense by the PPP, it was revealed that GPL's base fuel bill stands at a staggering GY$47 billion per annum—roughly US$18.78 million every month—with 93% of that fuel being HFO. The situation is rapidly w o r s e n i n g . R e c e n t l y, P r i m e Minister Brigadier (Ret'd) Mark Phillips revealed a shocking 74.8% average increase in fuel import costs since the beginning of 2026. But here is what that actually means for the country. During 2025, operating at the baseline of US$18.78 million monthly, the import bill was approximately
US$225.36 million. With the prime minister's acknowledged 74.8% surge, the monthly bill skyrockets to over US$32.83 million. From January to May 2026 alone adds another US$164.15M to the furnace. Should this inflated price for HFO be applied to keep the country powered to the end of this year, it means the fuel import bill for 2026 will be a staggering US$393.96M. Consequently, the two-year delay in startup of the GTE project is costing this country a whopping US$619.32M in fuel imports alone. It should be noted that in addition to the fuel cost for GPL, Guyana was forced to hire two Turkish powerships to supplement the national grid. The rental bill on the country is GY$126M daily, as was previously highlighted by Interim Leader of the Alliance For Change (AFC), David Patterson. In addition to the rental of power, and the heavy import bill for fuel, Guyana was also caught in a legal dispute with the contractor, Lindsayca/ CH4. The GoG recently admitted that it was forced to pay out a US$97M settlement to the consortium. Government also paid close to US$2M for the battery of lawyers that represented Guyana during the dispute process. As such, the extensive delays in project are expected to cost Guyana a massive US$884M more. Blackouts will continue until all power lines, substations fixed – Indar The Guyana Power and Light (GPL) Inc is scrambling to address an “unusual peak” in electricity demand, largely triggered by the el nino period that has resulted in increased power outages across the Demerara-Berbice Interconnected System (DBIS). In some instances, efforts to remedy the situation can take weeks, leaving customers vulnerable to constant blackouts. This warning was signalled by the Minister of Public Utilities and Aviation, Deodat Indar, during a press briefing on Friday with top energy officials including Prime Minister Brigadier (retired) Mark Phillips and Chief Executive Officer (CEO) of GPL, Kesh Nandlall among others. In his opening remarks, Indar explained that there has been a significant increase in the demand for electricity. “As at last night and the night before we saw the grid…recorded a demand of 242.64 megawatts (MW), it's the highest we have had since the grid was formed. Last year we saw a demand peak of 221 MW- so in a single year it rose by 21.6MW.” Based on internal estimates, Indar said the peak is likely to jump to around 266MW between August and October. “These three months
are the hottest months on record and it is driving up the use of energy and the demand on the grid…the increase is due to the weather, the hotness of the temperature, increased housing activities in the country- as you know there is a massive amplified housing drive and there's a lot of customers that are now on the grid…commercial operations as well as industrial customers.” Be that as it may, he assured that the current generation can meet the demand, however, the issue remains aged transmission and distribution networks, including feeders and cables used to send electricity to various areas. According to the minister, “Right now we have a demand of 242.64 and as of this morning we have a reliable generation of 256 MW.” In addition to that, he said several interventions will be made to increase capacity to 280.3 MW. In the meantime, he said the Vreed-en-Hoop power plant in Region Three has 26.1 MW of generation however the demand there has grown to a whopping 41MW. To this end, the minister explained that the power line in the Demerara River has been supplying the shortfall in the Region from Kingston. That line usually transmits 7MW of power but can accommodate up to 15 MW which is insufficient to meet the current demand. To address the shortfall, a second cable will be laid across the river, with work expected to commence in the upcoming week. In Region Four, he explained, “There is a feeder which we call the F2 feeder that moves from Sophia and it goes to Ogle till up to Success…that feeder is designed to carry about 8-9MW of power…the night before we had three to four trips on the feeder. It's not a generation issue. If the feeder is designed to carry 8-9MW and the demand in the area has gone beyond that, the heat in the line cause it to trip.” This, the minister added, causes blackouts within the peak periods, generally around 7-9pm. In Georgetown where a new substation was built in the vicinity of the Eagle Round-about, the facility receives 70MW from the powership which is distributed on the East Bank, Georgetown and even the East Coast of Demerara. Indar said the facility currently requires “work because some of the feeders that are going to Eccles area” tend to trip. This will require at least eight hours to be rectified, an overhaul that is likely to be done on Sunday. Still in Region Four, Indar said the Garden of Eden powerplant takes electricity to Kuru-Kururu, Timehri and villages in-between. The line however has reached its
Minister of Public Utilities and Aviation, Deodat Indar
“thermal limit” meaning that the feeders, designed to take off 89MW are being forced to deliver more electricity which cannot be accommodated. With there being no alternative line to distribute the additional power required for those villages, the Public Utilities Minister assured that a parallel feeder is being constructed but this intervention will take at least three months to be completed. “We have that feeder, it's going to be constructed, it will take about three months so we build it in stages and keep offloading the power in phases so it can reduce the amount of power going that side. Over in Region Five, Indar said the line that takes power to Berbice distributes over 25 MW. Because the line is heavily concentrated with power, he said system trips are likely to occur with the slightest interference by a passing machine without even touching the system. A new line is currently under construction to address the issue. Meanwhile, in Region Six, government noted significant voltage fluctuation in recent days, causing water supply to be affected for days in some instances.
Due to the heavy demand for power in the Region, Indar said two major customers were taken off the grid on Thursday evening temporarily which stabilised the voltage. To address the power demand in the Region, GPL will add two generators that will supply 2.2MW of power. Cabinet decisions At the Cabinet level, government has made a decision to conserve enegy by ensuring internal lights and air conditioners among others are turned off at the end of the work day. A d d i t i o n a l l y, I n d a r s a i d discussions are ongoing with the Ministry of Culture, Youth and Sport to take off the flood lights installed on community grounds during peak hours when there is no event. Moreover, he noted that at least three large customers, with selfgenerating capacity, have been asked to come off the national grid during peak hours to ensure stability in power distribution. Government also appealed to the public to explore ways to conserve electricity, especially during peak hours.
Kaieteur News
Sunday August 16, 2026
PAGE 35
Miss, Mrs., Teen & Mr. India... From page 14 Dharmini Meghoo, Romona Singh and Janvi Mohanlall will proudly prepare to represent Guyana at the Miss, Mrs. & Teen India Worldwide Pageant, taking place in September 2026 in Trinidad and Tobago. As they step onto the international stage, they will carry
with them more than their crowns — they will carry the hopes, pride and support of Guyana, representing the country with grace, confidence and purpose. The 2026 Coronation was more than an evening of crowns and titles. It was a celebration of dreams realised, women and men
empowered, culture embraced, and new journeys beginning. As the lights of the coronation stage fade, a new chapter begins — and Guyana’s newest ambassadors are ready to make their mark. The crowns have been placed. The journey has begun. And the world is waiting.
Founder of Mr. India Guyana - Mr. Hashim Alli with Mr. India Guyana 2024-2025 Christopher Narine (right) and Mr. India Guyana 2026 - Mohamad Ali Khan (centre). (Photo by Aerial Photography) Ishara Dance Troupe. (Photo by Aerial Photography)
Kaieteur News
PAGE 36
Sunday August 16, 2026
$213M Karrau Secondary School
NEARS COMPLETION
The Regional Democratic Council (RDC) of Region Seven has disclosed that final works are underway to have the new $213 million Karrau Secondary School in the Lower Mazaruni fully completed and ready for the new academic year. The RDC recently reported that Regional Executive Officer (REO) Dr. Josh Kanhai, joined by Toshao Shane Cornelius, visited the school and inspected the final works ongoing there, noting that “construction and furnishing [is] now 99.5% complete.” “Discussions also focused on the final preparations to ensure the school is thoroughly cleaned, with all furniture cleaned, arranged, and classrooms fully organised, creating a safe, welcoming,
The brand new Karrau Secondary School in Lower Mazaruni, Region Seven. (Photo credit: Regional Democratic Council of Region 7/ Facebook)
and conducive learning environment for students and teachers ahead of the new academic term,” the
RDC posted on its Facebook page. Kaieteur News reported that the school project was
awarded to Troy Dainty Construction through the National Procurement and Tender Administration
Board (NPTAB), and the school is expected to accommodate some 300 children. Karrau, an Amerindian village with approximately 500 residents, is located in the Lower Mazaruni, some five minutes away from Bartica by boat. The village currently has a primary and nursery school housed in one building, with secondaryaged students having to travel to neighbouring Bartica to attend school. Speaking previously with this publication on the school project, Toshao Cornelius related that Karrau is regarded as one of the fastestgrowing communities, so establishing a secondary school there could have a transformative impact on the community. Expounding further, he said the new school will improve access to education. “Currently, students of Karrau and neighbouring communities travel long distances to reach the nearest secondary school, which is costly, time-consuming, and unsafe. A local secondary school would eliminate these barriers, making education more accessible and ensuring students can attend regularly,” he noted. He stated that the school can enhance academic
performance, noting that with easier access, students would have more time and energy to focus on their studies. A m o n g o t h e r transformative impacts, the Toshao related that the school would reduce dropout rates, provide economic growth and job creation, and improve health and safety among children. Cornelius is of the view that difficulty in accessing secondary education often leads to higher dropout rates in remote communities. By providing a school within the village, students are more likely to continue their education, increasing the likelihood of completing secondary school. “A secondary school in Karrau Village could serve as a cornerstone for the c o m m u n i t y ’s s o c i a l , economic, and cultural development, shaping a brighter future for the young people in and around Karrau,” Toshao Cornelius expressed. When completed, the secondary school will benefit not only Karrau but also Batavia and nearby communities. Karrau Secondary is among four new secondary schools currently being constructed in Region Seven.
Kaieteur News
Sunday August 16, 2026
PAGE 37
Upper Berbice Cooperative commissions new timber processing facility
Members of the UBMCSL, along with the EU Ambassador, His Excellency Luca Pierantoni, officials from the GFC, and WWF, pose for a group photo at the commissioning ceremony of the Sawmill Facility The EU-Funded SFL programme in Guyana marked a major achievement, with the commissioning of a new portable sawmill facility, equipping the 164-member Upper Berbice Multipurpose Cooperative Society Ltd. (UBMCSL) to add value to its timber and strengthen its forest-based enterprise. At the centre of the commissioning ceremony was the handover of an LT70 portable sawmill, valued at approximately G$18 million, along with close to G$4.7 million in joinery equipment, office supplies, personal protective gear, and other timber-processing tools. According to a statement issued on Thursday by the WWF- Guianas, “The investment is paired with training that UBMCSL members have completed since 2024 in reducedimpact logging, forest
decision-making, and administration and recordkeeping, along with support to finalise an operational and business plan to guide the sawmill's day-to-day operations.” The ceremony, held in Kwakwani, brought together community members and leaders, and the partners behind the Sustainable Forest Livelihoods (SFL) programme, including the E U A m b a s s a d o r, H i s Excellency Luca Pierantoni; Edward Goberdhan, Commissioner of the GFC; Anton Thom, Chairman of UBMCSL; Simone Benn, GFC/SFL Project Lead; Aiesha Williams, Conservation Director at WWF-Guianas; and Sara H e n r y, S F L C o u n t r y Programme Coordinator in Guyana. Speaking at the ceremony, Aiesha Williams, Conservation Director at WWF-Guianas, framed the
milestone as a demonstration of partnership in practice. "This facility did not happen because of the efforts of one organisation alone," Williams said. "It happened because communities brought their vision, resources and commitment, the Guyana Forestry Commission (GFC) provided leadership and technical support, the European Union provided financing and commitment, and WWF worked alongside these partners to help turn that vision into reality." The second component of the commissioning ceremony was the handover of the Community Forest Management Plan, covering 18 small concessions spanning roughly 98,070 hectares, marking an important step toward achieving their sustainable forestry livelihood goals. The 2025–2028 plan sets out how UBMCSL will balance
A demonstration of the Woodmizer LT70 sawmill by trained members from Upper Berbice Multipurpose Cooperative Society Ltd, witnessed by the EU Ambassador, His Excellency Luca Pierantoni, officials from the GFC and WWF, at the commissioning ceremony of the Sawmill Facility sustainable forest use, member livelihoods, and biodiversity protection across its concessions. In his remarks at the c e r e m o n y , t h e Commissioner of Forests, Mr Edward Goberdhan,
said: “The establishment of this sawmill and joinery shop provides an opportunity for the UBMCSL to move further along the timber value chain from the harvesting of forest resources to processing,
value addition and the creation of products that can generate greater economic returns for community members. With support from the Ministry of Natural Resources and the Guyana (Continued on page 42)
Lima Regional Hospital now offering dialysis services The Ministry of Health has announced that the $6.6 billion Lima Regional Hospital in Region Two, which was commissioned in August 2025, is now offering dialysis services. In a statement on Saturday, the ministry said that for the first time, patients requiring dialysis treatment can access the service at the hospital. The new service will primarily benefit patients within the Lima Regional Hospital's catchment area and surrounding communities who require ongoing dialysis treatment. The ministry said that following the completion of necessary preparations and the installation of equipment,
the facility has transitioned to active patient care, with the first two patients, Rodwell Stewart and Hillary Allen, successfully receiving dialysis treatment. "The introduction of dialysis services at the hospital forms part of the Ministry of Health's broader strategy to expand access to renal replacement therapy and decentralise specialised healthcare services," the ministry said. Dialysis is a lifesustaining treatment for patients whose kidneys are no longer able to adequately perform their essential functions. Historically, access to dialysis services has been concentrated in fewer
locations across Guyana, requiring some patients to travel significant distances several times per week to receive treatment. According to the ministry, expanding dialysis services to regional hospitals aims to bring treatment closer to patients and their families, reduce the burden associated with travelling for care, and further strengthen Guyana's public healthcare system. Importantly, dialysis services at Lima Regional Hospital are being provided free of cost to eligible patients through the public health system. The Health Ministry further advised that dialysis is (Continued on page 42)
A patient at the Lima Regional Hospital receiving dialysis treatment.
PAGE 38
Sunday August 16, 2026
Spectrum rooftop launches monthly chef takeover series
… offering Guyanese culinary entrepreneurs, a stage without the overhead expense
I
n a bold move set to shake up the local culinary and nightlife scene, Spectrum Entertainment Capital has officially launched its Monthly Chef Takeover Series. The first started on August 13, 2026. Designed as a low-risk, highreward launching pad for Guyanese culinary entrepreneurs, the initiative offers local cooks, pop-up operators, and emerging chefs a premium venue to showcase their talents without the crushing overhead of running a traditional brick-and-mortar restaurant. Spearheaded by event strategist and lead organiser, Ashra Lu Khan, the programme opens the doors of the popular Spectrum rooftop kitchen and venue for exclusive, high-energy dining pop-ups. "We are ready to open our doors
and bring new life to West Bank Demerara," Khan shared during the announcement. "This platform gives local food creators the stage, infrastructure, and audience they need to turn their vision into a sensation without the daunting capital burden of opening a traditional restaurant." For many up-and-coming cooks across Guyana, securing space, staff, and equipment poses the biggest hurdle to scaling a food business. Spectrum's takeover model removes those barriers entirely. Under the innovative financial structure, participating chefs retain 100% of their food sales during their featured takeover night, paying only a minimal flat kitchen fee. In return, Spectrum provides a complete plug-and-play
A view of the Spectrum rooftop, set and ready to host the Monthly Chef Takeover Series. operational package: - Fully Equipped Venue &
Kitchen Space: Immediate access to professional facilities. - Turnkey Support: Dedicated bar staff, ambient sound and lighting setup, and an established nightlife crowd. - Integrated Marketing: Crosspromotional coverage across Spectrum's digital channels to boost ticket sales, brand visibility, and turnout. "Whether a chef specialises in gourmet seafood, authentic barbecue, sushi, or bold fusion cuisine, we are giving them the keys to test menu concepts and scale their audience," Khan noted. Adding to the excitement, Marketing Officer, Rajesh Willie noted that patrons are in for a unique experience with every takeover: "We're excited to bring new culinary talent to the rooftop. Come out and be the first to taste these incredible new dishes."
Strategically located at 14 Coglan Dam, Vreed-en-Hoop — just ten minutes over the Demerara Harbour Bridge — Spectrum is perfectly positioned to draw crowds from both West Demerara and central Georgetown, giving host chefs access to a diverse, highvolume clientele. With dates for the monthly series strictly limited to ensure prime weekend exposure, organisers are urging caterers, street food icons, and creative cooks across Guyana to lock in their slots early. How to Apply Food entrepreneurs and popup creators interested in taking over the rooftop can direct application inquiries and reserve dates via call or WhatsApp at (+592) 629-5526.
Kaieteur News
Sunday August 16, 2026
PAGE 39
Phillipai Secondary School to get $37M water well The Guyana Water Inc. (GWI) has indicated that it will be drilling a potable water well for the brandnew Phillipai Secondary School in Region Seven, at an estimated cost of $37,017,000. This is based on tender minutes published recently by the National P r o c u r e m e n t a n d Te n d e r Administration Board (NPTAB). During the reading of bids for the
water well project, seven contractors submitted applications for the contract, with bids ranging between $32.6 million and $74.1 million. Kaieteur News previously reported that the Phillipai Secondary School is one of several brand-new schools the government, through the Ministry of Education, is building in the
Below are the companies and their bids: Guyana Water Inc. Drilling of Potable Water Well at Phillipai Secondary School. Bidder O.G's General Service Joshi Construction & Supplies
Amount Tendered $35,900,000 $46,060,000
Harry Chowtie Enterprise
$32,670,000
Raising Transportation & Construction
$35,240,000
Kalyani Varudhini Tejosriyah Consultancy V.E Solution
$36,318,000 $74,122,525
Fazam Future Builders
$35,800,000
Engineer’s Estimate
$37,017,000
Ministry of Culture, Youth & Sport Upgrading of Electrical System at Vryman's Erven Training Centre. Bidder
Amount Tendered
Uni-Serve Business Enterprise
$16,866,500
R.P Construction Services
$15,350,700
OV Supplies & Landscaping Services GD's Construction & Supplies
$15,599,500 $19,439,500
High Definition Engineering & General Supplies Inc Engineer’s Estimate
$14,613,000 $14,369,755
Upgrading of Store Complex-Kuru Kuru Training Centre. Bidder
Amount Tendered
Amavani
$14,294,200
Nan Narine Contracting & Supplies
$14,770,500
VMS Business Enterprise
$12,976,000
OR Investment & Supplies
$14,958,500
V's Construction
$8,780,900
Engineer’s Estimate
$8,735,660
Ministry of Human Services and Social Security Supply and delivery of Assistive Aids for 2026. Bidder
Amount Tendered
Nationwide Imports
$7,995,884
Green Plains Enterprise
$14,112,485
S&K Construction, Consultancy Services & General Supplies Inc
$11,969,614
AHCP Contracting Services
$16,147,450
Caribbean Medical Supplies Inc
$9,409,670
National Agricultural Research & Extension Institute Supply of Irrigation Pipes & PV Pump System Components for Kato Agricultural Development Project. Bidder
Amount Tendered
MVR Construction
$13,239,000
Seon Fiedtkou Enterprise
$13,000,000
Steve's Construction Services
$9,802,250
Esbe's Enterprise
$9,546,800
Four Brothers Construction & Hardware Supply
$13,239,600
hinterland. Former Minister of Education, Priya Manickchand turned the sod for the $275.2 million school in September 2024. That contract was awarded to Prored Resources and was scheduled for completion eight months later. Phillipai Secondary School is expected to house 240 students and will feature three key blocks,
including Home Economics and Visual Arts (VA) classrooms designed to provide students with practical and creative learning experiences. The school will also include a well-equipped library offering a vital resource for r e s e a r c h a n d s t u d y, e i g h t classrooms with essential sanitary facilities to ensure a comfortable and hygienic environment for
students, as well as administrative space and a sick bay. As of January this year, the school was still under construction. Minister of Education Sonia Parag, during the 2026 consideration of budget estimates, disclosed that the secondary school was expected to be completed in July. It is unclear whether the school has been completed.
Kaieteur News
PAGE 40
KAMLA HAILS DELCY Trinidad Express PRIME Minister Kamla Persad-Bissessar has congratulated acting Venezuelan President Delcy Rodríguez on the historic signing of licences for the exploration of hydrocarbons in Venezuela’s Loran Phase 2 development and the Plataforma Deltana area. Persad-Bissessar noted that Trinidad and Tobago stands to benefit from Venezuela’s progress with these energy deals. Rodríguez, in a social media post, announced that, after 23 years of inactivity, Ve n e z u e l a i s m o v i n g forward with the development of the giant cross-border Loran gas field, adjacent to Trinidad and Tobago’s Manatee field. Phase 1 was licensed to Shell, while Phase 2 agreements were signed with bp, XRG and UCC Holding. Rodríguez also spoke about partnering with energy companies, including Trinidad and Tobago’s Stateowned National Gas Company (NGC). In a social media post, the Prime Minister shared Rodríguez’s announcement and noted the strengthening of energy cooperation between Trinidad and Tobago and Venezuela, saying progress on the Loran-Manatee gas field signals a major step forward in cross-border energy cooperation and regional development. Persad-Bissessar noted that the two agreements signed in Venezuela could send approximately seven trillion cubic feet of gas from Venezuela to Trinidad and Tobago for processing at the c o u n t r y ’s L N G a n d petrochemical plants. The Ministry of Foreign and Caricom Affairs later issued a news release stating that the historic energy deals will boost T&T’s energy security. The ministry stated that T&T is poised to benefit from major new energy opportunities and strengthened regional energy security following the historic signing of licences for the exploration of hydrocarbons in Venezuela’s Loran Phase 2 development and the Plataforma Deltana area. The release stated that the Prime Minister welcomed the development, which places T&T in a strategic position to monetise potentially more than 12 trillion cubic feet (TCF) of natural gas from several cross-border and regional fields using the
country’s existing energy infrastructure. “The Honourable Prime Minister extends her warmest congratulations to Interim President of the Bolivarian Republic of Venezuela, Her Excellency Delcy Rodríguez, and the people and Government of Venezuela on the historic signing of the licences,” the release stated. The release stated that Persad-Bissessar also congratulated bpTT, which has been granted a joint interest and operatorship of these strategic assets, and welcomed XRG, ADNOC’s international energy investment company, into the region as it seeks to advance its global gas portfolio in the Western Hemisphere. XRG will hold a joint interest in the licence together with UCC Oil and Gas. The Loran field forms part of the Loran-Manatee cross-border gas field, which holds an estimated 10 TCF of natural gas. On the Trinidad and Tobago side, Manatee is being developed by Shell, with first gas expected in the second quarter of 2027. The ministry also noted that NGC recently signed an agreement with bpTT for the joint exploration and development of the Manakin-Cocuina field. The award of the new licences therefore provides another significant opportunity for the Government of T&T to deepen its long-standing and valued relationship with bpTT, the Ministry stated. The ministry said the Government has also been engaged in discussions with XRG with the intention of fostering the company’s entry into Trinidad and Tobago and the wider Latin American region. “The award of these licences places Trinidad and Tobago and NGC in a strategic position with respect to the potential monetisation of hydrocarbons to be explored and developed from these areas,” stated the ministry. It noted that, together with potential volumes from Dragon, Manatee, Loran Phase 1 and ManakinCocuina, there is the potential for more than 12 TCF of natural gas to be monetised through Trinidad and Tobago, making use of the country’s existing energy infrastructure. “Prime Minister PersadBissessar said this represents an unprecedented opportunity for Trinidad and Tobago and Venezuela to
work together with international energy partners to advance the economic interests of both countries and deliver tangible benefits to their people, while providing an attractive environment for international investors,” stated the Ministry. It added that the exploration and development of these
Sunday August 16, 2026
...congratulates Venezuelan leader on signing Loran licences
resources also have the potential to significantly strengthen energy security for Trinidad and Tobago, Venezuela, the Caribbean region and the wider international community. “Trinidad and Tobago is strategically positioned as a natural destination for the monetisation of these resources through its pipeline infrastructure, the
Atlantic LNG facility and an established downstream petrochemical sector,” stated the Ministry. It also signalled that the Government looks forward to working closely with Venezuela, bpTT, XRG, UCC Oil and Gas and other international partners to ensure the timely, efficient and economically beneficial exploration and
development of these resources. The release concluded: “This historic development represents another major step towards securing Trinidad and Tobago’s energy future, revitalising the country’s energy sector and strengthening cooperation with Venezuela for the long-term prosperity of both nations.”
Sunday August 16, 2026
Kaieteur News
PAGE 41
PAGE 42
Sunday August 16, 2026
Kaieteur News
Lima Regional Hospital now offering...
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From page 37 Forestry Commission, the group has invested approximately 20 million GYD in seeing this project to fruition. This is a testament to their dedication to sustainable forest management and economic development. As a partner, the Guyana Forestry Commission will continue to play a critical role in providing technical guidance and supporting development within forest-dependent communities.” The commissioning also points to further support ahead: UBMCSL is expected to receive a log loader worth approximately GYD 19 million through the SFL Grant Investment Mechanism, a competitive grant window open to forest-based communities, CBOs, and entrepreneurs in the timber and nature-based tourism sectors across Regions 2 and 10. Launched in mid-2025, the mechanism drew 50 project
proposals, of which 12 were shortlisted for further development; WWF is now preparing to sign the first of these grant agreements, with UBMCSL positioned as a leading candidate. European Union (EU) Ambassador to Guyana, Luca Pierantoni, underscored the wider significance of the investment. “This milestone is about much more than commissioning a piece of equipment. It is about investing in people, strengthening local enterprises, and demonstrating that sustainable forest management can create lasting economic opportunities while protecting one of Guyana’s greatest natural assets.” He noted that this partnership reflects the shared commitment to ensuring that healthy forests continue to provide opportunities for present and future generations.
The SFL programme, implemented by WWFGuianas in partnership with the GFC since 2024, supports the goals of Guyana’s Low Carbon Development Strategy (LCDS) by strengthening sustainable forest management and adding value to local forest products. Beyond equipment and infrastructure, the programme’s design channels support through national and local institutions — including the GFC and cooperatives like UBMCSL — to sustain benefits for communities well beyond the programme’s lifespan. The event closed with a live demonstration of the portable sawmill in operation. For UBMCSL, the sawmill commissioning represents a step toward the cooperative’s own stated vision: a multipleuse forest that generates value-added products while sharing benefits among its members, their community, and future generations.
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adhere to their scheduled dialysis sessions and follow the clinical team’s guidance regarding medications, diet, fluid intake and other aspects of their treatment. Any concerning symptoms or complications should be promptly reported to the healthcare team,” the ministry stated. Noting that the commencement of dialysis services at the regional hospital represents another important advancement in the delivery of specialised healthcare closer to communities across Guyana, the ministry said it remains committed to expanding dialysis capacity throughout the country and ensuring that patients requiring this essential treatment have access to safe, quality, and accessible care through the public health system.
Upper Berbice Cooperative commissions...
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From page 37 a specialised treatment, and not every patient diagnosed with kidney disease will require it. As such, patients who believe they may need dialysis should first be assessed by a qualified healthcare professional. Following the appropriate clinical assessment, the healthcare team will determine whether dialysis is required and whether the patient is suitable to receive treatment at the facility. Patients requiring dialysis are encouraged to follow the established referral and assessment process within the public health system and to provide all relevant medical and medication information during their assessment. “Patients receiving treatment must also
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From page 12 found that thousands of homes were completely destroyed by Monday’s quake, leaving hundreds sleeping outdoors in shelters and waiting to find out whether damaged apartments are at risk of collapsing. Colombia has recorded 269 aftershocks since the quake, piling on dangers for rescue workers and volunteers still sifting through the unstable rubble. The disaster became the first major challenge for President Abelardo De La Espriella, a political newcomer who took office a week ago and will ‘now oversee relief efforts and reconstruction in the wake of one of Colombia’s worst natural disasters. De La Espriella has faced some criticism over his handling of the initial hours,
particularly for not accepting offers of rescue teams from certain countries. Authorities later received some response teams from Israel and the United States. The deaths of people ‘that had become national symbols further dwindled hopes late into the week. Daniela Largo, 32, died in hospital after surviving 36 hours under the rubble, and 24year-old Juan Felipe Giraldo was found dead after an intense operation at a collapsed hotel. Giraldo, whose father spent days by the collapsed building waiting ‘for news, had been set to get married on Sunday. He leaves behind a 2-year-old son. Thousands of people gathered in the cities of Medellin and Bogota to donate food, clothing and medicine to donation centers for distribution to areas devastated by the quake.
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Sunday August 16, 2026
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2026 CWI Women’s U19 T20 tournament…
Slingerz Racing Stable’s ‘Olympic Bowlers carry Guyana to Nat’l’ set to make Guyana Cup debut 64-run consolation win ...Slingerz Racing targets Guyana Cup title Guyana stormed to a 64run win over Windward Islands yesterday to finish the 5th place playoffs on a high note after suffering a mixed season. Playing their first real game of the season but a bit too late, Guyana made 100-7 off their 20 overs as Jada Fraser and Briana Samaroo hit 23 runs apiece.
Bowling for Windwards only saw two of their operators finding success in the duo of Ammie Antoine (2-13) and Daisy Woods (216). Windwards were then mowed down for 36 runs in 14 overs with none of their players getting into double figures. It was a collective
bowling exhibition by the Guyanese crew led by Sowanna Booker (3-1), Shenesa Thomas (3-9) and Christina Jackson (2-18). Jamaica beat Leeward Islands by 5 wickets in their third place playoff game while Barbados and Trinidad & Tobago were still locked in their finals battle; up to press time.
Sunday August 16, 2026 ARIES (Mar. 21–Apr. 19) You need to get out there and do things—it almost doesn't matter what (though you should keep it legal). Your energy is a little down for now, but it's not good for you to keep it that way.
LIBRA (Sept. 23–Oct. 22) You need to deal with your people today—even though at least a few of them are utterly grumpy! Just smile and stay as positive as you can while you secretly scream and rant at them!
TAURUS (Apr. 20–May 20) You get good news—in the form of a reply, most likely. You should be able to get right to work on this boost, and you may find that you're humming a new tune by the time this evening rolls in.
SCORPIO (Oct. 23–Nov. 21) Control is not a good idea right now. You need to deal with things as they are, not as you wish them to be. Your energy is just right for coping with unfiltered reality, so get out there and shake things up!
GEMINI (May 21–June 20) You need to feel a bit more possessive of something—or someone—you hold dear. It's not that they are at risk of vanishing, just that the world needs you to stake your claim, and soon.
SAGIT (Nov. 22–Dec. 21) Your skeptical nature is making waves today—though they might not all work to your advantage! Try to only ask questions of those who are prepared to answer them and learn from you.
CANCER (June 21–July 22) Your intuitive side is a little hyperactive right now—but that is a good thing! You are sure to discover more than you had ever dreamed possible about friends, family, colleagues, and more.
CAPRI (Dec. 22–Jan. 19) You need to deal with your wild moods today—they could swing from one pole to another with little warning! That could be good news if you start the day feeling grumpy, but it could work either way.
LEO (July 23–Aug. 22) All you want is for your people to get along—and maybe even compromise—but it might feel as if that's an uphill battle. It's one worth fighting, though, so get them all on the same side. VIRGO (Aug. 23–Sept. 22) Yo u n e e d s o m e h e l p today—and it's likely on the way! Your energy is just right for making requests and calling in old favors, so don't leave any stone unturned as you search for the aid you need.
AQUARIUS (Jan. 20–Feb. 18) Your emotional side is interfering with your practical side—and, for now, it needs to take a back seat. Make sure that you tackle all the financial and work-related challenges you face first. PISCES (Feb. 19–Mar. 20) Your feelings are out in the open today—though they shouldn't be causing any embarrassment or other negative issues. In fact, you may find that your love life takes a sharp upturn!
Slingerz Racing Stable is set to add another major attraction to the 18th staging of the Guyana Cup, with its prized Brazilian-bred campaigner Olympic National confirmed to make his Guyana racing debut on August 23 at the Rising Sun Turf Club. The six-year-old stallion, who races under the Slingerz Racing Stable Brazil branch, is one of the stable’s most successful and highly regarded horses and arrives in Guyana boasting an impressive résumé from the competitive racing circuit in Rio de Janeiro. His appearance is expected to add significant quality to a Guyana Cup programme offering 14 races and more than $66 million in cash and prizes, with Slingerz Racing Stable owner Javed Ali making no secret of his excitement about seeing Olympic National compete on local soil. Bred by Haras Regina, Olympic National is a son of Camelot Kitten, out of Olympic Havana, by Dubai Dust. The powerful chestnut has established a reputation in Brazil for his pace, stamina and ability to p r o d u c e d a r i n g performances over longer distances. His credentials were further enhanced last November when he captured the Much Better Classic, a Listed race contested over
1,900 metres on dirt in Rio de Janeiro. The victory came in the second race on the card and underscored his ability to handle demanding distances while competing against high-level opposition. E a r l i e r t h i s y e a r, Olympic National also finished fourth in the Grand Prix City Hall of Rio de Janeiro (G3) at the prestigious Gávea Hippodrome, further demonstrating the level at which he has been competing. Ali believes Olympic National’s arrival represents more than simply another entry for the Guyana Cup, pointing out that it Slingerz Racing Stable’s commitment to help enhance horse racing in Guyana. Adding another layer of significance to the Guyana Cup will be the presence of Olympic Kremlin, who will
make his final competitive appearance before retirement. Slingerz Racing announced last week that Olympic Kremlin, the 2024 Guyana Cup champion, will be retired following the August 23 meeting. For Slingerz Racing, however, sentiment will quickly give way to business when the gates open. The stable surrendered the Guyana Cup crown in 2025 after being unable to defend its title, and Ali said reclaiming the prestigious trophy remains a major objective. With Olympic National bringing proven Brazilian form, Olympic Kremlin making his final appearance and a massive purse at stake, Slingerz Racing Stable will enter the Guyana Cup with a formidable combination of ambition, quality and experience.
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t BCB/Faizal Jafferally Under 12 Tournamen
Superb Khan leads RHT Poonai’s Pharmacy Under 12 team into quarter finals with 3rd consecutive victory Japhet Khan
The winning RHT Poonai’s Pharmacy Under 12 team. A magnificent all round performance from the highly talented Japhet Khan inspired the R o s e H a l l To w n P o o n a i ’s Pharmacy Under 12 team to a third consecutive victory in the Berbice Cricket Board/Faizal Jafferally Under 12 tournament. They defeated Port Mourant by 40 runs to emerge champions of Zone C and earned a place in the quarter finals of the tournament. Playing in blazing sunshine, Rose Hall Town won the toss and
elected to bat first at the Whim Community Centre. They reached a healthy 164 for 3 from their allotted 20 overs with Japhet Khan topscoring with a magnificent 70 not out. Khan struck five delightful fours and cleared the ground twice. He received support from Arden Moore with 30 with two fours while Dancel LaCruz 10 and Taresh Nanie 12 also supported well in the middle order. A. Chandradyal 2 for 17 and L. Charran 2 for 23 (4 overs)
bowled well for the Port Mourant Cricket Club. Needing to score 165 runs from 20 overs to stand a chance of advancing to the quarterfinals, Port Mourant were rocked early when medium pacer Evan Dhanpat bowled H. Mootain 04 and N. Bislall 07 to leave them 15 for 2 in the 3rd over. A. Chandradyal 15, L. Charran 13 and L. Kissoon 20 batted well to rally Port Mourant to 98 for 5 before medium pacer Japhet Khan
took three wickets in an over to sink their chances of overhauling the 165 target. They were eventually dismissed for 124 in the 16th over and were unable to reach the quarterfinals as Rose Hall Town Poonai’s Pharmacy and Albion Community Centre A advanced from Zone C. Japhet Khan completed a good all round performance with 3 for 9 from two overs while off spinner Taresh Nanie took 3 for 12 from 3.1 overs.
Medium pacers Evan Dhanpat 2 for 13 and Lamar LeFleur 2 for 8 supported well. The Faizal Jafferally Under 12 Tournament is one of several junior tournaments to be organised by the Berbice Cricket Board and serves as an nursery for the county under 13 team. The Rose Hall Town Poonai’s Pharmacy Under 11 and Under 13 teams are currently the defending Berbice Champions at the two levels.
More than 10 new horses to feature at Guyana Cup Olympic Kremlin is set for one last final run on August 23 at the Guyana Cup, but more than 10 new horses are set to debut in Guyana on the million dollar day at Rising Sun Turf Club. This was confirmed by veteran trainer/horseman Glen Mohamed on the Beyond the Rail podcast. Six new horses already landed in Guyana, and six more are expected to touch Guyana shores in the coming days. “Dataman will have something to deal with,” the veteran trainer said. Sources have already indicated that Jagdeo Racing Stables, Js Racing Stables, and Jumbo Jet Racing Stables are among the top stables that are eying success with the new horses landed for Guyana Cup. A total of 14 races will be running at this year’s Guyana Cup and more than G$ 66 million in cash and prizes will be paid out. The feature race which will be the Banks Guyana Cup will fetch a purse of G$22 million. General admission tickets are $5000, VVIP experience is $25,000 and Private VIP Decks are $500,000. A brand new four-door SinoTruk pick-up will be up for the taking from the raffle
All the top stables have new additions for the Guyana Cup.
exercise. The raffle ticket locations are located at Jumbo Jet office in Smyth Street, Js Supermarket, Js Outlet, and Poonai’s Pharmacy. The raffle ticket cost only $2000. This Guyana Cup will be one of significant difference with the event being for the entire family. A kid zone will be on place and a host of prizes will be rewarded on the day. The Guyana Cup also has additional
parking, and more screens at the venue to offer a more visible and enjoyable race day. The races will be only a 45-minute away from Georgetown and fans from across the Caribbean are expected to be in attendance to witness the most high-profile racing event in Guyana’s history. The races for Guyana Cup 2026 are: Banks Guyana Cup (One Mile)- Total
purse G$22,500,000 Peter Lewis Guyana Cup Sprint (5 ½ Furlong)- Total purse G$7,500,000 Forrester’s Imported Derby (One Mile)Total purse G$7,500,000 Mohamed’s Excavating Sir Balaji Derby (One Mile)- Total purse G$5,625,000 J’s Imported Juvenile Fillies Sprint (5 ½ Furlong)- Total purse G$3,750,000 BM. Soat Locally Bred Dash (5 ½ Furlong)- Total purse G$2,812,500 P. Jagdeo E-Class (One Mile)- Total purse G$2,812,500 Jagmohan F-Class (One Mile)- Total purse G$1,875,000 ARONCO H-Class (One Mile)- Total purse G$1,875,000 C.I. H3 N.W.3 (One Mile)- Total purse G$1,875,000 Avinash Local Maidens (One Mile)- Total purse G$2,812,500 Big G’s J-Class (One Mile)- Total purse G$1,875,000 Garen Pro K-Class (One Mile)- Total purse G$1,875,000 Sawh L Class Sprint (One Mile)- Total purse G$1,875,000
Sunday August 16, 2026
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Sunday August 16, 2026
Youngsters from across Essequibo will look to impress during their Academy stint.
nament... Essequibo U-13 Inter-Academy Tour
56 young cricketers to benefit as ECB strengthens preparation for GCB Inter-County competition
T
he Essequibo Cricket Board (ECB) officially launched the Essequibo Under-13 Inter-Academy Tournament on Monday, August 10, 2026, at the Joe Jagmohan Ground, Hampton Court, Essequibo. The tournament was launched by ECB President, Mr. Deleep Singh, in the presence of players, coaches and Board members. The competition brings together Under-13 players drawn from cricket academies across Pomeroon, North Essequibo, South Essequibo, Wakenaam, Leguan, East Bank Essequibo and Bartica, providing an important developmental platform for 56 young cricketers. The 35-over competition comprises four teams competing in seven matches, including the final. Matches will be played at the Reliance Community Ground, Affiance No. 1 Ground and Joe Jagmohan Ground. The two leading teams will contest the championship final on Thursday at the Joe Jagmohan Ground, Hampton Court. During his address, President Singh announced that the
ECB President Deleep Singh alongside his coaches and managers speaking with the lads as youth cricket preparations/programs bowl off. tournament will become an annual championship, giving Under-13 players across the county an opportunity to compete for the title each year. He also reiterated that the South Essequibo Academy will be renamed in honour of the late Coach Forbes Daniels, in recognition of his immense contribution to the growth and development of cricket in
Essequibo over several decades. The tournament was established to provide young academy players with meaningful competitive match experience while strengthening their preparation for the upcoming Guyana Cricket Board Under-13 Inter-County Tournament. Throughout the competition, players will have the opportunity to test their abilities against others
within their age group, further develop their technical and tactical skills, build friendships with players from other academies and gain valuable experience in a structured competitive environment. The tournament also places emphasis on the players’ personal growth and development both on and off the field, with guidance being provided by competent and
qualified coaches throughout the competition. The Essequibo Under-13 InterAcademy Tournament is an initiative of the Essequibo Cricket Board (ECB), with assistance from the Guyana Cricket Board (GCB) and additional support and contributions from several individuals committed to the advancement of youth cricket in Essequibo.
The Umami One Million Dollar Challenge Is On at Westside Golf Course The stage is set for one of Guyana’s biggest golf and cash-prize attractions as Umami brings the $1,000,000 One Million Dollar Challenge to Westside Golf Course this Sunday, with the action getting underway from 3:00 PM. Umami, one of Guyana’s leading producers and distributors of locally made seasonings, sauces and food
products, is inviting golfers and members of the public to take their shot at an incredible G$1,000,000 prize in the exciting Hole-inOne and Three-Putt Challenge. The competition is open to everyone, regardless of age or golfing ability, giving experienced golfers, beginners and first-time players an opportunity to participate. In addition to the
headline $1 million prize, additional prizes will also be up for grabs. Participants will have three chances to take on the challenge. Contestants will attempt to complete the designated challenge, with the ultimate prize going to the player who successfully achieves the required feat. The event is expected to attract golfers, families, sports enthusiasts and
spectators for an afternoon of entertainment, competition and the chance to walk away with a lifechanging cash prize. Umami has established itself as a leading Guyanese producer and distributor of quality food products, with a growing portfolio of locally produced seasonings, sauces and other culinary products. The company continues to
promote locally made products while providing consumers with convenient, flavourful options for everyday cooking. Westside Golf Course is Guyana’s only public golf facility, offering an open and welcoming environment where no membership is required to play golf, visit the facility or enjoy the restaurant. Located conveniently at
the Crane Roundabout, just off the Schoonord Highway in Vreed-en-Hoop, Westside Golf Course is easily accessible from both the East and West Bank of Demerara. For a limited time, Westside is also offering complimentary golf equipment and introductory lessons, making it even easier for persons who have never played golf to get involved.
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Sunday August 16, 2026
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Upgrade of knowledge, and passing on of new rules high on the agenda as GBA launches Level One Referee/Judges certification workshop
GBA President, Steve Ninvalle and Olympic/World Boxing referee instructor and evaluator James Beckles engaging workshop participants yesterday during the opening day of the Week-long Boxing Seminar. Several aspiring and established boxing officials are set to strengthen their knowledge of the sport as the Guyana Boxing Association (GBA) launched its 2026 Referee/Judges Level One Certification Workshop yesterday at the National Racquet Centre. The workshop forms part of the GBA’s continued efforts to strengthen its officiating pool and ensure that local referees and judges remain abreast of evolving international standards. The seminar is being spearheaded by worldacclaimed Olympic and World Boxing referee instructor and evaluator James Beckles, who has returned to Guyana to share his expertise with the next generation of officials. Among the participants are seasoned referees and judges, active boxers, as well as members of the disciplinary services, all seeking to deepen their understanding of the rules, regulations and technical requirements governing the sport. The workshop is focused primarily on updating participants on the latest rules, regulations and
statutes while equipping them with the knowledge and judgement required to officiate safely and effectively. With the safety of boxers often resting in the hands of officials inside the ring, the importance of proper training and sound decision-making cannot be overstated. Guyana has established itself as one of the Caribbean’s leading nations in boxing officiating, with the local association regularly conducting training and certification programmes to ensure its officials remain aligned with international standards. Beckles expressed satisfaction with the GBA’s continued investment in officiating development. “It’s wonderful to know that the Guyana Boxing Association has taken it as their prerogative and main objective to ensure that not only do they upgrade their present crop of officials, but also create avenues to develop new batches of referee/judges,” Beckles said. GBA President Steve Ninvalle also urged participants to make full use of the knowledge being
Some new faces among the participants present at the opening day of the GBA Level One Referee/Judges Certification Workshop.
imparted during the workshop, stressing the importance of building a strong pool of officials as Guyana’s boxing programme continues to expand. “We understand that participation and competition are necessary if we are to gauge where our nursery is, and we will continue to do so,” Ninvalle said. He added that the association must continue to strengthen its resources to ensure the safety and development of both athletes and officials remain priorities. “We, at the executive of the Guyana Boxing Association, must make sure now that we have a little-more resources, and that the safety of our athletes and officials remains paramount,” Ninvalle added. The GBA president further noted that as Guyana continues to experience economic growth, the benefits should be reflected across the sporting landscape, including boxing. The certification exercise comes at an important time for local boxing, with Guyana preparing to host the Winfield Braithwaite Caribbean
Linden Summer Super Cup Football…
Group stage ends tonight as Topp XX and Capital FC collide Football fans will converge tonight (Sunday) in a crowd pulling match as the Linden Summer Super Cup Football Championship’s round robin segment comes to an end with a double header at the Bayrock National Stadium. The first game at 7:00pm is between Group C’s Hi Stars and Net Rockers in a game which will wrap up that group, as PDey Stars and Aroiama are already through to the quarterfinals. The toss-up at 9:00pm will feature
group A’s Topp XX and Capital FC to decide the top qualifier. A win by by either side will send both teams through to the next stage. The other Group A team, Coomacka, tarnished their chance of progression with a walkover to Capital FC and a draw against Topp XX that ended nil all. Other teams already through are Group B’s Eagles United and Milerock along with Group D’s Winners Connection and Botafago.
Schoolboys Boxing Championship. The newly trained officials will therefore provide an expanded pool of qualified referee/judges capable of contributing to the smooth and professional
staging of regional competitions. The GBA continues to place emphasis on both athlete development and the upgrading of technical personnel, with workshops
such as the Level One certification programme serving as an important part of its long-term strategy to raise the standard of boxing administration and officiating in Guyana.
Better-Hope in OMSCC Over-40 tournament
Canada-based Guyanese Sunil ‘Skalachie’ Ramkissoon slams explosive 170 not out Canada-based Guyanese versatile allrounder Sunil ‘Skalachie’ Ramkissoon slammed a belligerent, unbeaten 170 spurring Better-Hope to a massive, 141-run win over GT Bannas last Sunday when action continued in the 2026 Ontario Masters Softball Cricket Clubs (OMSCC) Over-40, T20 tournament. Ramkissoon, the right-hander, clobbered 24 effortless sixes during his 68-ball historic knock as Better-Hope piled up a gigantic 2385 at the expiration of the 20-overs at St. Bedes venue in Scarborough. GT Banas, in reply, fell for 97 in the 16th over with Ramkissoon also headlining the dominant bowling performance by nabbing 3-6 from 2.5 overs. Ramkissoon shared a prolific and entertaining, 156-run, 4th-wicket stand with Yohandlall Sukhlall, who made 18. Better-Hope, after winning the toss and elected to bat first, struggled initially to 36-2 before Ramkissoon began his onslaught having also struck three fours batting at number 4. Bob Chung grabbed two wickets for 36 runs from his maximum three overs delivering for GT Banas. When GT Banas batted, Mark John scored a top-score of 24 and 14 from skipper Mark Khan having stifled against their opposing formidable, bowling lineup. Ramkissoon, who Captained BetterHope, was supported by Rakesh Ramoutar with 3-11 (4) and Shameer Lattif (2-13). Notably, this is Ramkissoon’s highest soft-ball score after bypassing his previous career-best of 114. For this year’s season, he ended with the most runs (364) and 12 wickets. Meanwhile, the six-team competition continues on Sunday with its semi-final Showdown. Better-Hope will clash with
Sunil ‘Skalachie’ Ramkissoon
Ramblers while Carr Tec and Canadian Legends do battle. The two eliminating teams are: Bacchus Ruff Ryders and GT Banas. The grand finale is slated for August 23rd.
2026 CWI Women’s U19 T20 tournament…
Bowlers carry Guyana to 64-run consolation win Guyana found their groove a bit too late this season but managed to end on a high note.
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Slingerz Racing Stable’s ‘Olympic National’ set to make Guyana Cup debut
The Umami One Million Dollar Challenge Is On at Westside Golf Course
...Slingerz Racing targets Guyana Cup title
The GGA/Umami One Million dollar challenge will tee off today at the West Side Golf Club. Olympic National will compete in this year’s Guyana Cup. Printed and published by National Media & Publishing Company Ltd., 24 Saffon Street, Charlestown, Georgetown. Tel: 225-8458, 225-8465, 225-8491 or Fax: 225-8473/226-8210.