Kaieteur News

“Icouldimaginehowmychildbawlforshemother andfatherwhentheydoshewahtheydoshe” -saysmotherofdeadAdriannaYounge

“God in heaven knows when they do that post mortem what more me gon hear they do to me child. I got to beg God for faith that day, girl, for my innocent baby...they leaving me without my 11-year-old for the rest of my life That is my first child.” - Amecia Simon

ByDavinaBagot

“Fromthetimethisthing happened I told them I said my 11-year- old will not leave here to go anywhere. I havethreechildrenandIcan tellyouaboutAdrianna.She is my quietest child. My nine-year-old would have to represent her 11-year-old sister All my child does is

complain She can’t representherselfandIcould imagine how my child bawl for she mother and father when they do she wah they do she. I could imagine how mehbabybawlfahwe.”

These were the words of a sobbing mother, Amecia Simon, who discovered the lifeless body of her eldest daughter, Adrianna Younge, inthepooloftheDoubleDay International Hotel and Bar onThursdaymorning.

The child was reported missing the previous day during an outing with her grandmother

The grieving mom, in an interview with this publication, recalled the harrowing details of the day her daughter went missing, even as she swore to spend sleepless nights, seeking

justiceforherdaughter ADRIANNA GOES MISSING

On April 23, Adrianna vanishedfromthehotelafter she was reportedly sent by her grandmother to seek a ‘pool pass’. It was the last time she was seen by her loved ones. After observing that she did not return, her grandmotherraisedanalarm in an effort to find the missing child, but this provedfutile.

The family was reportedly informed that the camerasatthehotelwerenot working.

When Simon arrived at the scene that evening, she spoke with the owner, BhojnauthBhola.

She said, “He was right there when this thing happened. When my child wentmissingandIgotthere, he was right there and when the Police came there after people came out to support me,theydidn’tcomethereto me or none of my family or people that were concerned. They came there to protect thisboyandhisbusiness.”

She said a police officer from the CID (name withheld) informed her that footage shows the child leaving the hotel, but independent checks done by the family showed otherwise.ThePolicewould also later confirm that their statementwasinaccurate.

“The neighbour footage showed over and over, from six something to after nine, thatmychildnevercameout ofthatplaceandhestillcome out and said he got the man name and number and

The dead body of 11-year-old AdriannaYounge was pulled from the pool of the Double Day Int’l Hotel and Bar on Thursday morning

picture,” the child’s mother said.

The officer reportedly told the mother that he was going to review the footage again and then launch a search in La Parfaite Harmonie, West Bank Demerara, to find the individual who allegedly tookthechild.

She said she was told by thesameCIDofficerthatthe cameras at the hotel are not working. This information was reportedly passed on to thepolicebytheownerwho alleged that none of the cameras were operable. “He said now they setting it up,” themothernoted.

In response, she said she begged the Police to shut downthehotelandconducta thorough search of the premises, but this was denied. “He said me, ‘you want me to be left without a job?Ican’tdothatbecauseI donesearch.’”

The woman, however, said she only observed the officer and his boss walking aroundthebuilding.Todate, shesaidshehasnotseenthe officer again since he informedherthathewas

Continuedonpage6

The grieving mother of the dead child, Amecia Simon, joined protestors in front of the Leonora Police Station on Friday, demanding justice for her daughter

Commander sent on administrative leave; three cops under close arrest

…as request for independent pathologist to do PME on Adrianna Younge being reviewed – Pres. Ali tells relatives

Commander of Regional Division #3, Assistant Commissioner of Police Khalid Mandall has been sent on administrative leave to facilitate an investigation into the death of 11-year-old Adrianna Younge at the Double Day International Hotel, Tuschen, East Bank Essequibo.

Younge was found dead on Thursday in a swimming pool at the hotel hours after disappearingfromherfamily withoutatrace.

TheGuyanaPoliceForce (GPF) in a statement

Saturday said that investigators have contacted and questioned the proprietor of Double Day Hotel and bar and all employeeswhowerepresent at the establishment on the day of the incident. A number of police ranks of Region Three were also questioned, said police in a statement.

“In keeping with the Guyana Police Force’s

Standard Operating

Procedure, Assistant

Commissioner Khalid Mandall, Commander of Regional Division #3, has been sent on administrative leave to facilitate the investigation. Additionally, three other ranks are under close arrest, ” Police reported.

It was also noted that, in response to the family’s request for a pathologist of their choice to conduct the PME, the selected expert is expectedtoarriveinGuyana today The examination will b e c a r r i e d o u t i n collaboration with the Guyana Police Force’s assigned pathologist, Dr ShubhakarKarraPaul.

Meanwhile, on Saturday morning, amid national outrageandgrowingcallsfor justice and transparency, PresidentIrfaanAlimetwith grieving relatives of the 11year-old child and assured themthattheirrequestforan independent pathologist to conduct a Post Mortem Examination (PME) on the childisunderactivereview

The development follows the tragic discovery of Younge’s body on Thursday morning in the swimming pool of the Double Day Hotel in

Tuschen, East Bank Essequibo, just hours after she was reported missing on

Wednesday Her death has since sparked national outrage, with growing concerns over potential negligence and misconduct by those entrusted with her safety

Taking that into account, Ali explained, “I have said there is absolutely no issue. Allofuswantthetruth;there is absolutely no issue with the pathologist.Your lawyer sent a letter about an hour ago to Mr McBean (Deputy Commissioner of Police Simon McBean) so the request in that letter is being reviewed now by the competent authorities and they will communicate with thelawyeronthat.”

According to the

President,thecontentsofthe lawyer’s request have been forwarded to the Chief Medical Officer (CMO), Dr Narine Singh, for necessary action. He emphasized that the government has no objection to the family’s request for transparency and fairness, stating, “I’ve asked the Police to make sure everything is videoed, no missteps, everything is videoed, everything is observed as much witness thefamilywantsistherethat is medically permissible, all of that and all their requests in terms of this post mortem tobehonoured.”

President Ali further informed the family that Khalid Mandall, former Commander of Regional Division Three, has been placed on administrative leavetofacilitateathorough investigation. Additionally, thehotel’sownerandseveral staff members remain in policecustody Notably, three ranks are under close arrest for questioning in relation to Younge’sincident.

During the exchange withPresidentAli,Younge’s mother, Amecia Simon, her aunt, Ameka Lewis, and grandmother reiterated their distrust in the police force and the family’s request for an independent pathologist andinvestigation.

Lewis voiced her frustration, stating, “The action, the resources that were used last night to clear that road at Leonora could have been used…to get my niece out of that building alive.”

The family’s grief has turned into determination as they continue to push for an independent investigation Theyhavealreadyidentified a foreign-based pathologist of their choice who is expectedtoarriveinGuyana onSunday

Addressing the family’s righttoprotest,PresidentAli said he had no objection to peaceful demonstrations but urged against road blockages However, his remarks were swiftly challenged by Lewis, who pointed to past instances of his own participation in streetprotests.

Meanwhile, the Ministry of Health’s Chief Medical Officer,Dr.NarineSingh,in a press release, said statements uttered by the family’s attorney, Darren Wade, are inaccurate and misleading.

The CMO highlighted the seriousness of the matter and reaffirmed the government’s commitment to full transparency in the ongoing investigation into thedeathofYounge.

The statement said, “While Guyana possesses local pathology expertise, the appointment of Dr Paul u n d e r s c o r e s t h e administration’s intent to

ensure impartiality and public confidence in the integrity of the investigative process.”

The CMO said that Dr Paul,whoisaninternational forensicpathologist,andwill conductthePME,isahighly experienced forensic pathologist with over 23 years in the field He c

F

ens

c Pathologist at the Forensic Sciences Centre under the Office of the Attorney General in Barbados, a position he has held since 2021.

Dr. Paul holds medical and forensic qualifications including an MBBS, MD, and DNB, and is a Member of the Faculty of Forensic & LegalMedicineoftheRoyal College of Physicians in the UK.Heisregisteredwiththe Barbados Medical Council and is also certified to practiceinGuyana.

Throughout his career, the CMO said that he has handled complex cases

suicides, and drug-related deaths, and has worked across multiple jurisdictions i

Kingdom, where he served from 2009 to 2021 as a Forensic Medical Examiner forvariouspoliceforcesand healthcareinstitutions.

The CMO asserted that Dr Paul also has a strong academic background and p

Guyanese authorities in identifying victims of the 2023 Mahdia Secondary Schooldormitoryfire.

“I am confident that Dr P

’s

independence make him well-suited to provide a thorough, transparent, and accurate assessment in this deeply sensitive case,” the CMOfurtherasserted.

DEAD: AdriannaYounge

Chief Medical Officer, Dr. Narine Singh

Former Commander of Region Three, Khalid Mandlall

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

EDITORIAL

High poverty and low paying jobs

If there is anything that the PPPC Government loves to broadcast,itisjobs. PresidentAligetsexcitedwhenhetalks about jobs created by his government, and so does Vice PresidentJagdeo. Weatthispaperhavehadquestionsabout the true number of new jobs and the kind of jobs that are created by Guyana’s booming business climate. Into this picture, the US Government weighed in about the lack of high paying jobs, and the presence of high poverty in Guyana, and how both contribute to the local illegal drug trade. True to form, the PPPC Government took offense, whichdoesn’thelpthesituation,onlysmoothsitoveralittle, ifatall.

“TheeconomicappealofthedrugtradeinGuyana,with itshighpovertyrateandlowpayingpublicsectorjobs,leads individuals to become involved in illicit activities and hinders efforts to curb trafficking.” We zeroed in on that extractfromthe2025UnitedStatesInternationalNarcotics ControlStrategyReportonGuyana. Highpovertyrateand lowpayingjobs,theUSreportsaidit,notthispaper When the few Guyanese who summon the courage to state that reality, the government and its leaders, Ali and Jagdeo, engage in one of their usual foot stomping tantrums. Guyanesearedenounced,andnowtheGuyanaGovernment candenouncetheUSnarcoticsreport,andseehowfaritgets. Weagreethatmorejobshavebeencreated,buttheyare mainlythekindofjobsthatnormallyfallunderthecategory oflowlevelandlowpaying,andmoreoftenthannotmenial. Itistruethattherearemorejobs,butfewaretheGuyanese whorunforwardtoworkforbetween$3,000to$5,000aday in the public sector What the US reports has substance, because there is the lure of the drug trade, where those involveddon’thavetolaboreighthoursaday,five(orseven) daysaweekforapittance. Asuccessfulengagementinthe drug trade pays multiples of what both low paying public and private sector jobs offer The wage and reward arithmeticareassimpleasthat,andjustasirresistible. The government can protest all that it wants, but that is human calculationandlocalreality

Regarding high poverty, as identified by the US, as fueling involvement in the drug trade, this is a bone in the throatofPPPCGovernmentleaders. Theirpreferenceisto highlightthegrowingevidenceofbuildingsgoingupinthe Guyana skyline, and the surrounding infrastructure works racing ahead at ground level. Amidst signs of increasing prosperity, there’s stark poverty There is no question that prosperity for the connected and fat cats has spiralled, but there’sthatuglyGuyanasecretthatthegovernmentprefers toremainhidden. Itispovertyinanoil-richcountry,andthe alarmingly high rate of it, notwithstanding all the leadership’s boasts, or their ignoring the issue in the hope thatitgoesaway

Itisnotgoingaway,andpoverty-strickenGuyaneseare finding relief by going into the direction of the rich drug trade. Where there is money, men will flock and take a chancewiththeoddsofnotbeingcaught. Accordingtothe USreport,theoddsarelowduetothedepthsofcorruptionin Guyana. It is a pay and play environment that sucks in society’sbottomfeeders,andthepublicsectoragenciesthat have oversight responsibilities for the drug trade Corruptionislikeavirusthatstrikesallwhocomewithinits shadow The US report, which didn’t mince words, also pointed to “nepotism in the public sector and political entities”andhowthathandcuffsdrug-fightingefforts. The Guyana Government just took a hard hit when “political entities”werementionedbytheUSGovernment.

The PPPC Government’s leadership likes to claim how cleanitis,andhowtransparentithasbeen,indefianceofthe record. It now has its job cut out for it, with this latest US ReportonnarcoticsinGuyana.

The corruption footprint is everywhere, and it is a big one. It is too big to hide, and so broad that many in the governmentarebesmirched.

Collapse of Public Trust in the Guyana Police Force - Heads Must Roll!

DEAREDITOR,

The tragic and heart-wrenching death of little Adrianna Younge has exposed, in the most painful and unforgivableway,thecompletecollapse of credibility, competence, and moral responsibilitywithintheGuyanaPolice Force.

The Force LIED to the people of Guyana.

In an official statement, the Police claimedthat,“TheCommandCentrein Region #3 was contacted and viewed footageshowedthatAdriannaentereda red and black Raum motor car bearing registration number PSS 4684, which droveoffinaneasterndirectionheading towardsVreed-en-Hoop.”

Today,weknowthiswasacomplete fabrication.Nosuchfootageexists,and the Force has been unable — or more accurately,unwilling—toproduceit.

While the Police peddled falsehoods, the body of that innocent child remained inside the hotel Citizens, in their outrage and desperation,hadtoforcetheirwayinto uncover the truth. They did the work

that the Police were too negligent, too compromised,ortoocorrupttodo.

This is not a simple “error” or “misjudgment.”

This is a betrayal of public trust at thehighestorder

Insteadofaccountability,whathave weseen?

A shameless, insulting transfer of the Regional Commander, a slap in the face to every grieving Guyanese. No charges No suspensions No independent investigation No resignations.Noapology

The silence of Commissioner Clifton Hicken is deafening. It is cowardly It is complicit. His refusal to speak to the nation during this time of crisis has worsened the collapse of confidenceintheForce.

President Irfaan Ali, in appointing such a clearly unfit Commissioner, has shown reckless disregard for the security and dignity of the Guyanese people. Let it be clear: The Guyana PoliceForce,initscurrentform,cannot betrusted.

Trust must be rebuilt, not with

emptywords,butwithdecisiveaction. I therefore call, without apology or hesitation,for:

1. The immediate resignation or dismissal of Commissioner Clifton Hicken.

2.Thesuspensionandinvestigation of all officers responsible for misleadingthepublic.

3. An independent, international inquiryintotheactionsandinactionsof thePoliceduringthistragedy

4 A complete reform of the leadership structures of the Guyana PoliceForce.

Ifheadsdonotroll,themessagewill be clear In Guyana, incompetence and liesarenotpunished,theyareprotected. AdriannaYoungedeservedbetter

The people of Guyana demand better

Justice must be served, not just for her,butforeveryGuyanesewhoexpects and deserves a Police Force that protects,notdeceives.

GaneshMahipaul,M.P.

GeographicalRepresentative RegionThree(3)

Scrapping NGSA will be a tipping point for education reform in Guyana

DEAREDITOR,

The announcement by Minister of Education Priya Manickchand that the Ministry of Education is actively considering the possibility of scrapping the National Grade Six Assessment (NGSA) is probably the best news comingoutoftheMinistryof Educationinalongtime.

This major education reform initiative will be a game changer – a tipping point – that drives the modernisation and reimagining of education in Guyana, and will have a r

ss CARICOM,placingGuyana inatrailblazerrole.

I have argued that the NGSAisacolonialrelic,the rootofalleducationalevil.It was a pernicious system set up to sort and sift students, allocating the small percentage of the academically gifted to 6 top schools, while others are relegated to schools of poorerquality

The rich folks like this systemasQC,Bishops,etc., give them bragging rights among their friends. Rich folksusuallycareabouttheir own children, not all children.

If there is a system that stratifies people and creates winnersandlosers,that’snot aproblemforthemaslongas they are in the winner category

Theaffluentmightobject to dismantling the NGSA, which was kept on for six decades after Independence. But the time for dismantling theNGSAhascomeasithas no usefulness in a new, modern economy and society The sooner we abandonit,thebetterforus.

The NGSA is what is called high stress, high pressure, “high-stakes” testing In our primary schools, all energies are

focused on preparing for the NGSA in the sixth grade. Teachers “drill and kill,” teachingtothetestandsome say teaching the test. Extra lessonsproliferate,snapping up the free time of our children.

Some say authentic education is lost when the education system is driven byatest–asinglemeasure–that determines a child’s entire future and life chances.

After NGSA, a few rise and the majority falls and fails and many eventually drop out of school, at a time when we need as many skilled, trained workers as possible.

Last week, we saw how students were praying, parents were holding up cheerleading placards, pictures were posted of the breakfast and lunch we feed the students, some companies placed ads in the paperswishingstudentswell – all part of the high-stakes drama!

Why did we allow the NGSA to continue for so longafterIndependenceand decolonisation?Wherewere our brilliant education designers, our education reformers, the children advocates to allow the NGSA malpractice to continue?

The NGSA negates learning styles and multiple intelligences.It’sa“onesize fits all” test A popular cartoon derides single measure standardized testing.

The cartoon says, “For a fairselection,everybodyhas to take the same exam: Please climb that tree,” said the teacher to the bird, monkey, penguin, elephant. Someone said, “Everybody isagenius.Butifyoujudgea fish by its ability to climb a tree,itwillliveitswholelife believingthatitisstupid.”

So, if we get rid of the NGSA, what do we do with the top 6 schools? The students who usually get placed at the top 6 schools are mostly “academically gifted,” or “gifted and talented.” They are the “in spite” of children who will do well regardless of poor teachers or poor schools. Theyareself-driven,capable of accelerated learning and advanced learning They learn at a faster pace, and they can do college work earlier

Wecanconvertthetop6 schools to “special focus” academies and ask only those students who want to get in, to do an optional admissions test to be admitted to those special programs.

For instance, we can create an Academy of Medicine/Health Sciences, Academy of Law, a Stem Academy or School of Science, Math and Engineering,aSchoolofthe Arts, an Oil and Gas

Academy, or “Early College”HighSchools.

All these academies can award both a high school diploma and an Associate degree at graduation. This will require our education designers and experts to create new high school models.

With the ongoing building of new schools and a new push to upgrade all existing high schools, students can automatically attend better quality neighborhoodschools.

So, let’s start the conversations and brainstorming, and get publicinputonhowwemay restructure our education system Thanks to our education minister for openingthedoor!

Sincerely,

Dr.JerryJailall CivilSocietyAdvocate

Urgent Call for Dialogue and Action in Our Nation’s Time of Need

DEAREDITOR,

Guyanafacesastateofemergency

Inthewakeoftherecenttragicandheartwrenching event that has claimed the life of aninnocent11-year-old,AriannaYounge,our nation finds itself engulfed in grief and unrest.Thisgrievouslossisastarkreminder of the challenges we face and the pressing needformeaningfulchange.

Itisacalltoactionthattranscendspolitics anddemandsourleaderscometogetherwith resolveandpurpose.

Iurgeourgovernment,oppositionparties, religious leaders, trade unionists, nongovernment organisations, civil society, and everycitizentosetasidetheirdifferencesand

cometogethertochartaunifiedpathforward for the sake of this beloved country and its citizens.

This is not the time for division but for collaboration, transparency, and decisive action that protect the human rights and dignityofeverycitizen,withoutexception.

We owe it to our children and future generations to create a safer, more just society

Let us honour the memory of the young life lost by turning our collective mourning intoaresolutepursuitofjusticeandnational reform. It is only through sincere dialogue, collaboration and meaningful action that we canhopetohealandbuildabetterfuture.

Sincerely,

SimonaBroomes.

LeaderofALP

RE: Industrializing the Creative Arts is Key to Preserving Our Cultural Heritage

DEAREDITOR,

Al Creighton is right to be concerned The disappearance of Guyana’s folklore and rituals, masquerade, Balgobin tales, and Amerindian myths deserves our immediate attention But while his diagnosis is accurate, I believe his interpretation of the role of modern technology is incomplete. The question we should be asking isn’t whether technology threatens our culture, but how we can wield it to preserve, reimagine, and expand our culturalidentity

Technology, especially visual media, is not the enemy of intangible cultural heritage. It is, in fact, one of the most powerful tools we have to save it Film, animation, and video games

a

replacements, but continuations.

These forms allow us to encode the movements of a masquerade dancer, the cautionary tone of an oldtime tale, and the dreamscapes of Amerindian cosmology in ways that are

both immersive and transmissible.

They are the modern griots, the keepers and spreadersofmemory

In failing to appreciate this, we risk surrendering thesestoriestothosewiththe means to digitize and globalizethembeforewedo.

Inaworldwhereintellectual property is currency, the question of who gets to tell our stories and profit from themisoneofsovereignty If we delay, others will own what we should have claimed, because they’ll have packaged and sold our mythsbetterthanwedid.To industrialize our culture is not to commodify it, but to protect and propagate it through structure, scale, and ownership.

We must therefore stop seeingthecreativeindustries as hobbies or distractions and start seeing them for what they are: core infrastructure for national identity and economic growth.

Building local capacity infilm,animation,andgame development isn’t just an artistic ambition; it is an industrial imperative. These

sectorscancarryourfolklore intothefuturewhilecreating high-value jobs, exportable products,andagenerationof young Guyanese who see their own culture as something worth mastering andmonetizing.

Todothis,weneedmore thanculturallamentation,we need policy, capital, and curriculum The CXC Theatre Arts syllabus, as Creighton rightly notes, is underappreciated But perhaps that’s because we have not yet built the industriesthatgiveitvaluein therealworld.

Let us create those industries. Let us build the studios, fund the ideas, support the youth who are ready to translate oral tradition into digital experience.

Editor,thesurvivalofour intangible cultural heritage doesnotrequireretreatfrom the future It requires mastery of it. Let us move forward not with nostalgia alone, but with vision and investment.

Sincerely,

EmilleGiddings

Georgetown Film Festival

“I could imagine how my child bawl for she mother and father...

Frompage2 leavingtoreviewthefootage of the man who took her daughter

It was not until several hours had elapsed that the hotel was shut down, the woman explained. “A CID come there and shut down that place at 12:00am. Now, you tell me, from since one o’clock close to two, to 11, 12, then they come and shut down that place. At that

moment, they done do what they had to do with me daughter,” the mourning mothersaid.

Simon added, “I beg so like a dog. I said we is villager, give me my daughter.Hedolikeheain’t hearme.Hejustdehopening rooms where you could see, but I believe that place got secret rooms.That place got a ritual room that they go there and do things inside.

But this God here don’t sleep.”

Justice

Meanwhile, the grieving parent said she received a call from the mother of the young man who died at the hotel back in 2012. “The woman said I pray that you get justice for your daughter because I never get justice for my son but this here, I will get justice I ain’t sleeping. I will get justice!

Hehastogotojail!”

T h e f a m i l y i s anticipating the arrival of an independent pathologist to conduct a Post Mortem Examination on the child. The mother said she refuses to accept any report that her daughterdiedofdrowning.

Simon cried, “God in heaven knows when they do that post mortem what more me gon hear they do to me child. I got to beg God for faith that day girl for my innocent baby...they leaving me without my 11-year-old fortherestofmylife.Thatis myfirstchild.”

Little Adrianna just sat the National Grade Six Assessment (NGSA) and was awaiting placement at a newschool.Shewouldhave celebrated her 12th birthday onNovember12.

Her mother, a hardworking employee at a

popular fast-food restaurant said her daughter was very loving and was like a parent toheryoungersiblings.

“Meain’tgotmoney Me ain’t rich. I does work hard. When I leave my children and I go to work, Adrianna does be like a mother to she brother and sister till she father come home to look after them. I does go and stand up on me foot at Popeyes.Iamasupervisor I does work like a staff and a supervisor Even to me boss calledmeyesterdayintears, Mr.Singh,becausethatman knows how I does work and that is what they gon do me child? No, I spending sleeplessnightsforthem.”

Noremorse

The owner of the burnt hotel and staff that were on duty are in custody assisting withtheinvestigation.

“They brought him out, theownerfortheplaceandI told him, I said, I asked you formydaughter Whydidn’t you give me my daughter? Whydidyoudoyouthatand he watched me with no remorse and said he did not doit,butletmetellyou,this God don’t sleep and this won’t go down like the rest wahhedo,”themothercried. She said the man was then escorted back to a cell. In the meantime, the mother is dreading the results to comefromtheautopsytobe doneonMonday

“Right now I trying to keep sane for my two children but me thing very, very, very serious because I got to live without me child fortherestofmelife.”

The child’s mother said shevisitedthePolicestation where she confronted an u n c o m p a s s i o n a t e individual

Jagdeo:U.S. report on money laundering and

corruption, a “cut and paste” from 2019 -sayslocalmediaonlyfocusedonnegatives

Ja

Vice President Bharrat

deo has casually dismissedthefindingsofthe International Narcotics Control Strategy Report (INCSR),whichhighlighted that corruption and money laundering are issues critically affecting Guyana, saying that it is a cut and pastefrom2019.

In spite of the numerous issues highlighted in the report,Jagdeosaidthatifthe report is thoroughly examined it is a positive for Guyana.“Whenyoulearnto read these reports…reports that have a continuous bias, it's systemic and often written by lazy people sometimesbecausetheyjust cutandpaste.”

He argues that the comments on wages and salariesarethesameasafew years ago, and he does not

believe that dealing with drug dealers has anything to dowithwagesandsalaries.

Jagdeo'sreasoningisthat ifthisweretrue,someofthe wealthiest people would be the leanest people in the country “Because they're wealthy, that means they don't need to do illegal things? It's not it's not correlated. Some of [the] wealthypeoplemaybecome wealthy,andtheycontinueto do because of illegal activities, and they continue togrowtheirwealthbecause of illegal activities,” he told reportersathisweeklypress conferenceonThursday The Vice President said that in the United States of America the salaries are substantially higher for immigration and customs officers, but corruption still exists.

Vice President, Bharrat Jagdeo

“So,whatwouldtheysay there, right here, we had a man who was found by the US government, who was wellpaid,hewasworkingin the embassy, who was in a visaracketwiththelocals.”

Jagdeo also pointed out that despite the level of law enforcement there is a substantial number of drugs enteringU.S.borders.

“So, we can say that the biggest failure of law enforcementisintheUnited States, because with the volume of drug that get in theretocreatethis,whatthey Republicans and President Trump has called an epidemic of deaths associated with, with, with drug,illegaldrug,comingin fromfromMexicoandother places,”hesaid.

O

publication reported that highpovertyandlow-paying jobsinthepublicsectorhave led many Guyanese into the narcotics trade, which contributes significantly to i

corruption,theUnitedStates governmenthassaid.

In its 2025 International Narcotics Control Strategy Report (INCSR), the U.S. Department of State noted that in 2024, Guyana seized more than four metric tons (MT) of c

, in cooperation with US law enforcement, at an airstrip n

Venezuela – the largest drug seizureinGuyana'shistory–and interdicted one semisubmersible off Guyana's coast with 2 3 MT of cocaine “Despite growing o

Two United States-based pathologists are scheduled to arrive in Guyana today, following the requestbythefamilyof11-year-old Adrianna Younge to have independent pathologists conduct her autopsy The child's lifeless body was found floating at the Double Day International Hotel's pool at Tuschen, East Bank EssequiboonThursday

Younge's body was discovered about 20 hours after she went missingatthesaidlocationdespite several checks of the pool and surroundingsofthehotel.

The independent pathologists, identified as Dr Gary Collins, Chief Medical Examiner of Delaware, United States of America and Dr Glenn Rudner of Mount Sinai Hospital will be presentduringthechild'sautopsy

Dr Collins was appointed Delaware's Chief Medical Examiner in September 2014 and according to the Delaware Government's website worked extensively in the field of forensic science.

Hehasperformedthousandsof autopsiescertifyingthemannerand cause of death in more than 4,000 cases r Collins also has D experienceinavarietyofforensic, medical, and public health-related cases.

He is a graduate of the UniversityofWestIndies,wherehe completedhispathologyresidency

at the University of South Florida and his forensic pathology residency at the Drexel University College of Medicine. He is also board certified in anatomic and clinical pathology and forensic pathology

Meanwhile, according to MountSinaiHospital,Dr Rudner's specialtyisinAnatomicPathology and Clinical Pathology and he studied at Wayne State University School of Medicine, Duke University Medical Center,Tulane Medical Center, Fellowship, Pathology, Forensic Pathology, Office of Graduate Medical Education and Armed Forces InstituteofPathology

Thecircumstancessurrounding

thechild'sdeatharemysteriousand unclear, prompting her relatives to re

investigationintoherdeathandfor an independent pathologist to p

examination.

The family's attorney, Darren Wade, in a brief interview earlier Saturday, told Kaieteur News that he is unsure whether Dr Collins willperformtheautopsy “ I d o n ' t k n o w t h e methodology…I can't speak on that,”Wadesaid.

LateSaturdaynight,Ministerof Health Dr Frank Anthony confirmed that a third 'highly qualified' pathologist will be in Guyanafortheautopsy “Yes,there

isapathologist…ahighlyqualified pathologist from Mount Sinai, that will be joining the team," he told KaieteurNews.

Thefirstpathologisttoarrivein Guyana is Dr Shubhakar Karra Paul, who operates out of Barbados.

He has been assigned to perform the autopsy, but it is unclear whether he will or one of the other two pathologists will, since the relatives of the child expressedconcerns.

On Saturday morning,

President Irfaan Ali told relatives

that their request for an independentpathologisttoperform theautopsyisbeingreviewed.

Further, Guyana's Chief

The U.S. Department of Sta

government can fight drug traffickingbyenhancinglaw enforcement and customs capability through port security improvements, intelligence operations with regional and international partners, implementing stronger anti-corruption measures,andstrengthening its legislation relating to drug trafficking sentencing, tomakeitlessattractive.

he government's increased efforts, the public sector –including law enforcement and customs officials –remains underpaid. Coupled with a lack of adequate resources and shortcomings in the legal system, this allows traffickers to exploit government systems and move illicit drugs through Guyana,”thereportstated.

Two U.S.-based pathologists to arrive today ahead of Adrianna’s autopsy

MedicalOfficer,Dr.NarineSingh, inapressreleaseonSaturday,said statements uttered by the family's attorney, Darren Wade, are inaccurateandmisleading.

The CMO highlighted the seriousness of the matter and reaffirmed the government's commitmenttofulltransparencyin the ongoing investigation into the deathofYounge.

The statement said, “While Guyana possesses local pathology expertise, the appointment of Dr P a u l u n d e r s c o r e s t h e administration's intent to ensure impartiality and public confidence in the integrity of the investigative process.”

The CMO said that Dr Paul, who is an international forensic pathologist and will conduct the PME, is a highly experienced forensic pathologist with over 23 yearsinthefield.

He currently serves as Consultant Forensic Pathologist at theForensicSciencesCentreunder the Office of theAttorney General inBarbados,apositionhehasheld since2021.

Dr Paul holds medical and forensic qualifications, including an MBBS, MD, and DNB, and is a Member of the Faculty of Forensic & Legal Medicine of the Royal College of Physicians in the UK He is registered with the Barbados Medical Council and is also certifiedtopracticeinGuyana.

Dr Gary Collins, Chief Medical Examiner of Delaware, USA Pathologist, Dr. Shubhakar Karra Paul

Dr. Dr GlennA. Rudner of Mount Sinai Hospital

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, Mr. 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.

Monday–April21,2025

Shortofleaders

Laterthisyear,Guyanese willgotothepollstoelectits leaders. What we want here isaleaderwhorepresentsin the fullness of his or in essence all that is humble, truthful and trustworthy

Then we would be better as individuals,asapeople,asa society

Ifonlywecouldgetnear to one leader of the substances that spoke to credibility, sincerity and honesty,thenwewouldhave a different way of life that flourishes in this country, in all of its teeming urban

locales, and its far rustic villages.

Butwedon't;notoneof them,whichnotasingleone of us would be so reckless and so senseless to step forward and claim that we do.

Tuesday–April22,2025

Protestforinformation

In a country where government boasts of t r a n s p a r e n c y a n d accountability, citizens have been forced to protest outside the gatekeeper's office.

For three weeks now, citizens braved the weather and picketed the Office of

the Commissioner of

, Cha

l

s RamsonSCcallingonhimto fulfillhislegaldutiesorstep down.

Not surprisingly, the government has turned its face from the activity with Vice President Bharrat JagdeosayingthatPresident Irfaan Ali should now, after threeweeks,reviewwhether R a m s o n h a s b e e n performinghisduties.

The fact remains that no oneseemstohavebeenable to acquire any information fromRamson.

Equally alarming is that the Office receives $40M

annually but has not handed over a singleAnnual Report to the NationalAssembly to account for the use of these resources. What more could the President need to act on thiscomplicitindividualand Office being funded by taxpayers???

Wednesday–April23,2025

Becarefulwhoyoutrust Politicians in Guyana were liars, frauds and deceiverslongbeforeoilwas discovered, and now that beautyspringingfrombelow the sea is here, men in the PPP/C Government and the APNU+AFC Opposition

havelosttheirminds. They hide, they lie, they make up stories, and they mockGuyaneseastheykick asidethetrustgiventothem. Then they pour salt in the wounds of despairing citizens with more falsehoods, more trickeries, andmorethieveries.

So, as we go forth this election season, let's be mindful of whom we trust and to whom we give our support,becausesomeofthe biggestbetrayersandbiggest robbersinGuyanaarehigher up.

They are in government offic

headquarters.

Thursday – April 25, 2025

The right time for the Opposition

Will there ever be the 'right time' for the Opposition?

Based on its record, we don'tthinkso. Nowisthetimetogetup andget.

But the Opposition still talkingabouttherighttime.

The oil will come to an end.

It will find the

Opposition still talking aboutrighttime. Godhelpus!

Govt. offers no timeline for completion of 20% relinquishment

…agrees to accept a minimum of 2,534 km² out of the Stabroek Block total 26,709 km²

Days after it was highlighted that the 20%relinquishmentof theStabroekBlockbyExxonMobil Guyana Limited (EMGL) was sevenmonthspastthedeadline,the government issued a statement noting that the requirements are expectedtobecompleted“shortly” withoutofferingaspecifictimeline forcompletion.

Under the terms of the 2016 Production Sharing Agreement (PSA), Exxon is required to return acreage where no commercial discoveries have been made, in production, appraised or areas wherethereispotentialcommercial interest.

Exxon was required to return a portion of the Block to Guyana since October 2023; however, former President David Granger had granted the company an extension in 2020 to conduct furtherexplorationactivities. This extended the deadline to October2024.

Recently, Kaieteur News reported that in January 2025, Minister of Natural Resources Vickram Bharrat said that the process was in its final stages and thatanagreementhadbeenreached in principle between the government and Exxon. It was noted in the article that since then, neither Minister Bharrat nor his ministry has provided any update ontheprogressmadeinrelationto therelinquishment.

In response to the article, the

Ministry of Natural Resources (MNR), in a statement, largely reiterated what was already reported without providing a timeline for completion The ministry reiterated that it is still finalizing the review of the relinquishment.

Kaieteur News reported that MinisterBharrathadexplainedthe technical challenges involved in finalizing the relinquishment process.

The ministry outlined that it is collaborating with the Guyana Geology and Mines Commission (GGMC) to assess discovery areas and finalize the relinquishment. However,itdidnotexplainwhythe process has taken seven months beyondtheOctober2024deadline.

“EMGL has provided an updated discovery area and other

technicalrequirementstotheMNR and GGMC, and this is currently being finalized…The MNR and GGMCcontinuetoworkdiligently in assessing the extent of these discovery areas in order to finalize the relinquishment requirements, and this will be completed shortly, all while following the requirements of the Petroleum Activities Act and the Stabroek Petroleum Agreement,” the ministrysaid.

Importantly, the ministry disclosed that it has agreed with Exxon that a minimum area of 2,534 km² (square kilometer) has

beenagreedtoberelinquished.The Stabroek Block spans approximately 6.6 million acres, about 26,709 km² (square kilometer), making the agreed relinquishmentaminimumof9.5% ofthetotalblockarea.

During a February 2025 press conference, ExxonMobil's President Alistair Routledge attributed the delay of the 20% relinquishment to ongoing administrative formalities and competing priorities for both the company and the Government of Guyana. Routledge had assured that

Exxon had met all requirements and was awaiting final approvals. Hesaid,“Wecompliedwithallthe deadlines,allthesubmissionshave beenmade,wearereallyjustinthe finalisationofpaperwork.”

Despitethedelaytofinalisethe relinquishment, Routledge had underscored that discussions between Exxon and the government have remained constructive.Routledgeadded,“So I'm sure the government will announcewhenallofthathasbeen completed, but all of the work to make the calculation to access the areashasbeendone.”

Stabroek Block

Minister of Natural Resources, Vickram Bharrat

Clerks,Connections,andtheschool-leavingCertificate

There was a time, not so long ago, when passing

your school-leaving examination meant something. Not a whole lot, mindyou.Youdidn’texactly win a Nobel Prize, but there wasafaint,comfortinghope that you might become a clerk Not a brain surgeon, notalawyer—justaclerk.A proud keeper of files and stamppads,aconnoisseurof carbonpaperandpaperclips.

Ofcourse,youstillhadto know somebody Preferably

somebody who knew somebody else Ideally, somebody who was related to the manager or could at least put in a good word for you. Because, dear reader, passing the school-leaving exam was like buying a lottery ticket with no numbers on it. It showed ambition, sure. But unless your uncle played dominoes withtheheadofpersonnelat Bookers, your prospects remainedlodgedsomewhere between “maybe” and “dreamon.”

I n t h o s e d a y s , c o n n e c t i o n s w e r e everything.Ifyouwereborn into the Right Family—you know the type, people who had expensive curtains in their homes and ate biscuits with the cream still i n s i d e y o u w e r e guaranteedafairshotatlife. Even if you couldn’t spell yourownname.

Some of those wellconnectedfellowsdidendup

with “big wuk”—jobs that came with a desk and a secretary who answered the phone by saying “Good Morning, Sir ” But not because they were brilliant, ohno.Someofthemusedto get mercilessly whipped in arithmetic by the bright boys—theoneswhodidtheir homework and the other kid’shomeworkforfun.But life, as we all know, has a twistedsenseofhumour The bright boys stayed poor, and the rich dunces became middlemanagers. Now, the poor fellows, they had ambition. And a school-leaving certificate And dreams. Big dreams. Like “get a job in the civil service” and “own a pair of leather shoes.” But dreams alone won’t buy you a bus ticket, and so they started from scratch. Many of them stayed there. Others made small progress, just enough topayrentandbuysoftdrink onpayday

Naturally, they blamed the system And when I say “system,” I mean the great invisible beast that’s responsible for every minor tragedy in our lives—from missing out on a job to gettingcucumbersinsteadof salad in your lunch. The system became the national scapegoat. You didn’t fail yourexam.No,no.Youwere denied success.You weren’t unemployed. You were a victimofsystemicoversight Then came inflation and nationalisation, two words

Dem Boys Seh...

thatmakeaccountantstwitch and poor people cry The “boss man,” realizing the revolution might not wait politely at the reception desk,beganshippingouthis money And his children. And, if he could, the office furniture He kept the companyopenjustenoughto say he still had “roots,” but his heart and his bank account were in Miami, NewYorkandLondon.

The poor man stayed behind, like a loyal dog tied to a collapsing house. He watchedthecostoflivinggo up,up,up—whilehiswages stayed fixed like a traffic light in a blackout. He told himself it would get better Thatbusinesswouldpickup. That the bossman would remember him at Christmas and hand him a bonus that wasn’t socks But things onlygotworse.

Nowhe’splanningtolive until 90—not because he wantsto,butbecausehe has to.Retirementisajoke—one of those cruel cosmic ones, likemosquitoesandin-laws. Hispension,ifitevercomes, won’tevenbuyhimadecent coffin. He’s not planning a funeral; he’s planning a clearancesale.

Meanwhile,thebossman returned once a year with a suntan and a tin of sardines, whichthepoormanhidfrom hischildrenlikeit’saRolex. Sardines, after all, were luxury at that time Especially the ones in olive oil.

Ah need a push!

Demboyssehitbinrainin’catan’dawg. One big puddle form right in front a local rumshop.Olemandehstanduprightdehby depuddlewidastickan’apieceastringpon deend.Hedehjiggleitupanddownlikehe fishin’indepuddle.

One man pass an’ask he, “Old bai, wha yuhdoin’?”

Deoldmansehplainplain,“Ahfishin’, man.”

Demanwatchhe,shakeheheadan’seh toheself,“Poorolefalladonebrukhehead.”

Soheseh,“Comelehwegoinsidean’get alilshot.”

Dem sit down, knock back a quarter vodka.Demantuntodeoldfellaan’ask,“So howmuchyuhcatchsofar?”

De old man sip he drink slow slow and seh,“Youisnumbereight.”

Butdeworstthingdatcanhappenisfuh yuhcartobreakdownindemiddleo’deroad duringarainstorm.

Dis remind dem boys about the time a man an’he wife bin fast asleep—deep deep likedemgonetoheaven.

All of a sudden, bam bam bam pon de door—3 o’clock in de mawnin’ and rain fallin’likeifdeskybruk.

De man grumble, drag heself outta bed, open de door, and see one drunk man

And as he sat, hour after hour, waiting for the phone to ring or the ceiling fan to stopwobblingominously,he thoughtaboutthatexam.The one he insisted he passed. “They cheat me,” he said. “They robbed me of my future.”

And he believed it Becauseit’slesspainfulthan admittingthetruth:thateven if he had passed, he didn’t stand a chance unless someone’s cousin’s neighbour’s godfather vouchedforhim.

Hisfriendstriedtocheer him up. They said, “Try pork-knocking, man! Easy money!” But he didn’t want

tomineforgold.Hewanteda swivel chair and a desk calendar He wanted an office Instead,hegotajobin the storage bond, moving boxes and misplacing invoices.

Nowhepinshishopeson hischildren.Maybetheywill get that clerk job. Except now it’s not “schoolleaving”—it’s “CSEC” or “CXC” or “GCSE” or some other acronym that sounds like a printer malfunction. Kidsarewriting14subjects, andstillcan’tfindajob.

So, the cycle continues. He watches as the “bright boys” of today get passed over,justlikehedid.Except

now,thesystemhasevolved. It’s no longer content with just robbing you. Now it laughs in your face while doingit.

But he’s grateful

Because despite everything, he still has his two-cent job. Which is approximately whatitpays.

(The views expressed in this article are those of the author and do not necessarily reflect the opinionsofthisnewspaper.)

standin’upinderainlikeamop.Demanseh, “Bossman,gimmeapush.”

De husband seh, “Push? Push who? Buddy, is 3 in de blasted mawnin’. Guh home nah!”And he slam back de door and divebackinhewarmbed.

Dewifeturnandask,“Whodat?”

Heseh,“Justonedrunkmanlookin’fuh push.”

Sheask,“Well,yuhhelphe?”

He seh, “Help? Woman, yuh mad? Is 3aman’rainfallin’likeifdearkcoming!”

She look he straight in he eye an’ seh, “Yuh got short memory, boy Three months back when we bruk down pon de highway, wasn’ttwostrangersstopandhelpwe?Yuh forgetsoquick?Goddoeshelpdrunkpeople tooyuhknow!”

Dem boys seh he shame like dog. He jumpup,pullonhepants,andgobackoutin derainshoutin’,“Ayepartner,yuhstilldeh?”

Voiceanswerback:“Yeahman!”

De husband holler, “Yuh still want a push?”

Dedrunkmanseh,“Yesplease!”

Dehusbandhollerout,“Wellwhereyou deh?”

De drunk man seh, “Over hey pon de swing!”

Talkhalf.Leffhalf!

H@RD TRUTHS

PPP Govt. and corruption – not in Guyana

The reaction from the PPP Government was immediate and sharp. Objection! Objectiontothe 2025 US International Narcotics Control Strategy Report (INCSR) on Guyana. Objection to the INCSRaboutpervasivecorruption. Paralyzing corruption Forget about corruption with national tenders and procurement. The INCSR is about sprawling corruption ensnaring high people and sabotaging this country's effortstostemthenarcoticstraffic, manage the money laundering paradise that Guyana has become. The PPPGovernment is objecting. What else is left for it to do, other thanbrazenlydenytheundeniable?

Only recently, it was the unmistakable figure of Excellency IrfaanAliwhoproclaimedtheUSA a special friend. A true friend doesn't turn a blind eye to what is destroyingagoodfriend. Norwhat isdestroyingthefriendshipalso. It wouldtakeafriendofunbelievable treachery (particularly a special one) to manufacture all that is incorporated into that damning 2025 INCSR on Guyana's efforts, or lack thereof, re narcotics and dark money Though the US itself has a reputation for being destructive when such suits its visions, Guyanese don't need any

USINCSRtoinformthemofwhat they live with, see unfold in spurts andshowersintheirmidst. Wouldthatseizureofoverfour tonsofthehardstuffintheinterior ever had made the news, if left to Guyanese minds and hands alone? Ishouldn'tneedtoanswer Goon, mister; keep on objecting. Lame objections. Hollow objections. Comicalones,too. Corruptionisa cancer and a killer in Guyana, and thePPPCknowsit. Butthereisthe PPPC Government raging against it. The C in PPPC stands for corruption. But the government is furious Furious over what, fabrications and supposed exaggerations? Or furious over being found out and flayed before the world? The Europeans know so, for they are the ones having to dohonestwork,andcatchingthose fat consignments of drugs from Guyanaeverynowandagain. Just think of how many more huge consignments elude official nets. The local ones are part of the problem, the hemorrhage. The foreign ones are forced to toil harder, and with an eye on its supposed national partner If the Guyana Government is angrymore like putting on a good performanceonbeingso-justthink ofhowmuchangriertheYanksare.

ItisAmericanyouthandAmerican systems that pay an ongoing and draining price from the deathdealing products that have Guyana stampedontheirpackages. Ihavea problem with the demand side, but that will always win, and with slapdash and subservient countries likeGuyanabootedaboutatwill.

Thedrugsmightberecreational and whatnot, but the money launderingswarmisanothermatter altogether

I recall from over a quarter century ago, when the Americans started to tighten their efforts against money laundering Considering the money spent, the manpower recruited, and the management systems thrown at anti-money laundering (AML), I saidtomyselfthatthisisasserious as pneumonia. If anything, the scope and intensity of America's AML efforts keep expanding and probing,deepeningandcallingout. Note some former foreign big namesthathavebeentakenaimat, with a common condition: corruption. Money laundering is analmostautomaticaspectoftheir once presidential or ministerial greatness. I have a warning to sharewithmyGuyanesebrothersin the PPPGovernment: friends have their utility But only to a point.

The Americans know who is corrupt here, and the higher they are, the more prominent they are on the white people's radar, and in their thinking. Nothing, nobody, remainshidden.

Another caution may also be helpful The illicit narcotics business is one thing, and though bad enough, don't tamper with the moneynetworksetuplargelybythe Americans, with able assistance from the Europeans. Undermine, and there's usually hell to pay Specialfriendshiporwhatever,the Americans have manifested a certain doggedness when their anxieties are substantial. It is wheretheyarewithGuyana. Look at the fallen angels in the PPP Government's firmament Customs, and that is a whale of an institution. Law enforcement and whatisthat,ifnotonebigbuilding after another with big people and their big ideas on how to make billions. There is road traffic and those other kinds of traffic that the INCSR identified. Try drugs and money laundering, and the corruption traffic that makes both so flourishing. And self-enriching also.

Here is a sidebar that is not a laughing matter In a big meeting herewithseniorofficersofthelaw

andciviliansfromprivatebusiness, there was an unbelievable spectacle. Two of the very senior men were competing openly for command of a certain area Everybody else in that conference room knew that it was for the captaincy of one of the more lucrativedrugspotsinthiscountry Seniors in the open and uncaring; thatshouldconveyhowbadthebad business is here. This can't be a country Guyana is a crime syndicate, and there are the right godfathers presiding over it. My finalhandisreservedforthebaleful stars in the mighty PPP Government. Those who protest the loudest often have the weakest substance, stand on the slipperiest slope. ThePPPmayconsideritself mightyinGuyana,andnotwithout justification. There is a problem, Georgetown. The Americans are mightier

(The views expressed in this article are those of the author and do not necessarily reflect the opinionsofthisnewspaper.)

Citizens roast Pres. Ali

...over ‘insensitive’ Facebook post on West Dem. protest

Guyanese using the various social media platforms united their voices incallingoutPresidentIrfaan Aliformakingan‘insensitive’ statementonFridayregarding protests demanding justice for 11-year-old Adrianna Younge.

Protests erupted on Thursday after Younge was found dead in Double Day International Hotel’s pool at Tuschen, East Bank Essequibo (EBE) after police claimedthatshewasabducted from the hotel in a red and black Toyota Raum Relatives claimed too that they had searched the pool and her body was not there before.

Theyventedtheirangerby storming the hotel and destroying sections before it was set on fire Roads were blocked with burning debris and the hotel owner’s house wasset on fire. PresidentAli metwiththeparentslaterthat night and assured them that an impartial investigation willbedone.

However, protests continued the following day, moving from Tuschen to the

OfficeofthePresidentandin front of the Leonora Police Station- the headquarters of theRegion3policedistrict.

This time, they were not only calling for justice but expressing their outrage at how police handled the matter, especially after the forceadmittedthatitreleased “inaccurate” info about the abduction.

Protesters called for the sacking of the then District Commander, Assistant Commissioner of Police,

KhalidMandallalongwiththe Commissioner of Police, Clifton Hicken while parents andrelativesofthedeadchild

investigation.

It is believed that public pressure led to the Force transferring Mandall out of the district but protesters remainedontheRegionThree roadway until late in the evening

Not satisfied with the

actionstaken,someprotesters gathered at Meten -MeerZorg, West Coast Demerara (WCD) and started blocking the public road with burning debris Sheriff Security Firm anditsowner,AmeirAhmad, were also chased after they claimed that they were only tryingtopassthrough.

Minutes later, President Ali made a statement on his Facebook page which was metwithstrongcriticismfrom hundredsofGuyanese

Continuedonpage48

Screen grabs of Guyanese criticizing President IrfaanAli for what they deem to be his “insensitive” Facebook statement

PresidentAli meeting withYounge’s parents for a second time

Male voices integral to the fight against sexual violence - Blossom Inc Founder

In a country where

sexual violence continues to cast long, painful shadows, one group remains noticeably quiet:men

While women’s groups lead marches, offer shelter, and raise their voices in courtrooms and classrooms, most men in Guyana remain

distant, watching, sympathizing, but rarely speakingorsteppingin.It’sa silence that the Founder of Blossom Inc Ayo Dele Dalgety-Dean, a frontline childadvocacyorganization, knowstoowell.

She told The Waterfalls, “Weseethisgapfirsthand.”

D a l g e t y - D e a n continued, “Our work has revealed both the urgent need for male engagement and the deeply entrenched

societal norms that discourageit.”

As such, this has pushed Blossom Inc. to act. This year, the organization will launch a national Men’s Action Group, aimed at pulling men out of the shadows and into the fight

against gender-based violence.BackedbyCanada LEAF, the initiative will challenge harmful norms, foster healthy masculinity, and empower men to be visible, vocal allies in preventionefforts.

The move comes at a

critical time. Between 2017 and 2024, Blossom Inc recorded a fivefold increase in boys reporting sexual abuse from 13 cases to 60. That number is more than a statistic.It’sawarning. Dalgety-Dean said, “This sharp rise highlights thevulnerabilityofboysand thecriticalneedformenand boys to be part of the

where getting involved is often seen as risky or shameful But that very mindset has a cost. When it comes to sexual violence, this code of silence means thatmanymenlooktheother way,unlessthepaintouches themdirectly

For too many, the issue feels distant Statistically, men are far less likely to

s o m e h o w t h e victims/survivors provoke attacks or that sexual violence is exaggerated by the media, which makes some men less likely to feel theurgencyofaction.

TOXICMASCULINITY

The Blossom Inc Founder further explained that toxic masculinity remains a powerful barrier

“Toooften,menaresocializedtothinkthisissueisnottheirs toaddress.Butthesafety,dignity,andwell-beingofour communitiesdependonallofus.Wearecreatingspacesfor mentoleadwithempathy,strength,andaccountability.”

solution, not just seen as potential perpetrators or bystanders.”

SILENCE

So,whyaren’tmenmore involved? Blossom Inc. has asked this question in communitiesacrossGuyana. Theanswersarecomplexbut familiar In Guyana, the Blossom Inc Founder noted that silence is often taught, not learned. From an early age, many Guyanese grow uphearingafamiliarrefrain: “Mindyourownbusiness.” It’saphrasepasseddown through generations, a survival instinct in a society

experience sexual violence, leading many to view it as distantfromtheirownlives.

But even when men do encounte

stories of survivors, discomfort often sets in. The Blossom Inc. Foundersaid,“Talkingabout sexual violence challenges traditional ide

ating feelingsofdiscomfort,guilt, or defensiveness that cause mostmentowithdraw.”

Then, there’s the persistent minimization of t h e p r o b l e m Misconceptions continue to circulate, that survivors

Norms that equate manhood with dominance, emotional suppression, and aggression make it difficult for men to challenge harmful behaviour,orevenrecognize it. Speaking out can be seen as weakness Men who intervene often face ridicule orarelabeled“soft.”

Compounding this is the n o r m a l i z a t i o n o f harassment. Behaviours like catcalling, crude jokes, and boundary violations are often brushed off as harmless, discouraging men fromsteppinginorspeaking up.

Many men are afraid. Somefearlosingfriendships i f t h e y c h a l l e n g e problematic behaviour within their circles. Others worry about being misunderstood, seen as hypocritical or having ulterior motives, especially if they have their own past missteps.

“Thesefearsarerealand must be addressed sensitively and openly,” BlossomInc.stated.

She noted that positive masculinityiswhererespect, accountability, and empathy are honored, needs to be visibleandcelebrated.

“Menoftenrespondwith fierce advocacy when the pain is personal. When tragedies affect their daughters,sisters,orfriends, the outrage is immediate. That same energy must be channelledintoprevention.”

B l o s s o m ’s I n c upcoming Men’s Action Group is one such space, a platform where men can engage, learn, and lead Because ending sexual violence isn’t a women’s issue. It’s a human one.And it’s time for men across Guyana to rise, speak out, andbepartofthesolution.

As such, Dalgety-Dean believes that men’s involvement must be reframed,notasinterference ina“women’s issue,”butas an act of leadership, empathy, and justice In Guyana,valueslikefairness, family protection, and community responsibility run deep.Tapping into these ideals can drive meaningful maleengagement.

Justin Bieber remembers Grandfather Bruce

Dale in Emotional Tribute: ‘I Will Miss U’

Billboard.com - Justin Bieber is mourning the passing of his maternal grandfather, Bruce Dale. On Saturday (April 26), the 31year-old pop superstar shared a heartfelt tribute on social media honoring Dale, who died on April 24 at Rotary Hospice Stratford Perth, according to an obituary posted by WG Young Funeral Home in Stratford, Ontario. He was 80.

Justin Bieber attends the Arsenal and Manchester United pre-season friendly soccer match at SoFi Stadium on July 27, 2024 in Inglewood, California.

(Photo by Kevork Djansezian/GettyImages)

Justin Bieber Puts Paparazzi on Blast With Video of of Him Being Followed: ‘This Has to Stop…

“Papa,Ialwaystookall ur money lol,” Bieber wrote on Instagram alongside a

throwback photo with his grandfather “I remember u specifically telling me, grammagaveuanallowance of20dollarsfortheWEEK!I would always convince you to spend on snacks at the hockey game on Friday nights.”

The “Sorry” singer also fondlyrecalledthemoments theysharedtogether

“Reluctantly you always gave it to me. Corn nuts, skittles, gum balls, chuck a puck,slushpuppies Shout outtothejrbrefereesBeatty, Fagon, Flanagan lmfao,” he wrote.

Bieber went on to remember Dale’s spirited presence at hockey games, saying, “My grandpa wasn’t shyinlettingthemknowthat theywerebeingpiecesofshts.”

“I can’t wait to see u again soon in heaven,” he continued “Until then I know ur watching down probly still heckling Beatty

or Fagon for missing that crosscheckcallinthecorner therelmfao.”

The “Baby” hitmaker concluded his emotional tribute, writing, “I will miss u.Iwillache.AndI’llsitand let myself remember all of the wonderful times we’ve had.”

Dale, father of Bieber’s mom, Pattie Mallette, was a longtime supporter of his grandson’s career He appeared in Bieber’s 2011 documentary, Never Say Never,andsharedmemories during a 2018 interview at theStratfordPerthMuseum, which featured an exhibit dedicatedtothepopstar.

In addition to Justin, Dale’s obituary also mentionedthesinger’s wife, Hailey,theirsonJackBlues, Dale’sotherchildren,andhis wife,Diane.

Bieber’s paternal grandfather, George Bieber, passed away in 2021, accordingtoTMZ.

Founder of Blossom Inc. Ayo Dele Dalgety-Dean

Justin Bieber

L a s t w e e k , t h e unimaginable happened Eleven-year-old Andrianna Youngewentmissingduring what should have been a joyful family outing. Hours later, after protests, anger, disbelief,andheartbreak,her small body was found floatinginapoolatthesame hotel.

Asthecountryroseupin outrage,andrightlyso,Ikept thinking not only about justice, but about the children. Not only about Andrianna's classmates, but all the children across Guyana who are seeing this unfold; watching, listening, learningandwondering.

In our understandable grief and fury as adults, we often center ourselves. We protest,wedemandanswers, we shout, we mourn loudly And yet, quietly, almost invisibly, the children are absorbingeveryword,every action, and every image. They are forming their own understanding of safety, justice, and belonging in the worldbasedonwhattheysee andhearnow

Some will talk about it. Some will say nothing. But silence does not mean they areunaffected.

Experts have long confirmed that children process trauma differently fromadults.Accordingtothe National Child Traumatic StressNetwork(2018),even children who appear calm can experience disrupted learning, emotional shutdown, and withdrawal after witnessing violence or

Andrianna's death demands that we listen to our children

community tragedy And when their emotions are not acknowledged, the effects can ripple through their academic life, relationships and mental health for years tocome.

Thankfully our nation's children were on Easter holiday last week but in every classroom next week, there will be children who haveheardaboutAndrianna, children who are wondering if the world is a safe place, childrenwhoseattentionhas wandered, whose sleep is disturbed, whose smiles h a v e f a d e d Are we paying attention to them? Arewemakingspace for their grief? Are we listening?

At pathway online academy, where I help support young learners across Guyana, we believe thateducationmustbeabout morethangradesandexams. Children must feel safe and theymustfeelseenandonly then can real learning happen.

This moment demands that every school, every home,andeverycommunity organization put the emotional well-being of our children at the center of the conversation It demands thatwenotbrushasidetheir questions or fears with “you're too young to understand.” They already understand more than we know

As Dr Bruce Perry, a renowned child trauma expert, reminds us: "Children are not resilient

becausetheyaretough.They are resilient when they are supported, nurtured, and heard." (Perry & Szalavitz, 2017).

We owe Andrianna's memory and every young person watching, to create spaces where children can express what they feel Spaces where they can ask questions,expressanger,cry without being shushed, or simply sit in silent sadness withoutbeingrushed.

Some children will need to talk. Some will need to draw Some will need to run andplayandscreamoutside. Some will need quietness and routines. All of them willneedus,theadults,tobe present, patient, and listening.

In the days ahead, as investigations continue, as grief morphs into public demandsforreform,let'snot forgetthesmall,quietvoices that are harder to hear over the shouting. Let us not assume that because they're back in their school uniforms,everythingisfine.

Trauma, left unspoken, does not disappear It settles in.Itaffectsconcentration.It shapes identity It can build wallswheretrustshouldbe.

I do not profess to have all the answers. I am not a psychologist But I am someone who believes deeply that children deserve more than a world where tragedies happen and adults simply move on They deserve the truth They deserve honesty They deservespacestoheal.

If we want a better Guyana, a truly better one, then Andrianna's life must moveusnotonlytodemand justice for her, but also to

protect the hearts and minds ofallofournation'schildren. Wemustdemandjusticeand w e m u s t d e m a n d compassion with how we

careforourchildrenafterthe tragedy

Let'slistentothem.They are speaking, even when theysaynothing.

Women’sWellworkshop

Empowering women across Guyana on mental health and wellbeing

“Istronglybelievethatif we can make a difference in one woman’s life at a time, we will create lasting impact,”ShondellJackson

Women’s wellness is essentially important in today’s society, particularly foryoungandsinglemothers who have experienced trauma, such as the loss of a husbandorpartner,atragedy t h a t i s b e c o m i n g increasingly common in Guyana.

In light of this, women across Guyana were being calledtotakechargeoftheir health and well-being at Women’s Well workshop 2025, a groundbreaking initiative designed to empower and educate women through a holistic approachtoself-care,mental health, and personal development.

The event, held on Saturday at the Guyana Nurses Association, was organized by Battered Women and Challenged Teen (BWCT) Ministries — a nonprofit dedicated to inspiring, empowering women and teens in collaboration with the FIX IT Movement, a nonpartisan Christian group committed to addressing systemic inequality This initiative marked a significant milestone in the advancement of women’s healthadvocacyinGuyana. It is the first large-scale educational initiative of its kind led by BWCT, a charitable organization with nine years of service under itsbelt.

“Guyanaismyhomeand thishadalwaysbeenadream of mine to give back to the women of my country by sharing some of the knowledge I acquired,” said Jackson, the President and Founder of BWCT Ministries, and one of the event’s lead coordinators “Women’s Well 2025 is about prioritizing women’s well-being so they can live morefulfilledlives.”

At its heart, Women’s Well Workshop 2025 is about growth, strength, and

self-empowerment concepts captured in the workshop’s core message of “Blooming Where You’re

Planted.”

The workshop included presentations on critical topics such as stress management, mental health,

Founder

of BWCT Ministries

Shondell

Jackon and Founder of FIX IT Movement

Pastor

Mark McAllister

reproductive health, and the powerofresilience,featured inasessiontitled“Blooming Where You’re Planted ” Anotherspecialtouchadded

to the workshop, women received free massage therapy from a certified therapist,andundergoblood pressure and blood glucose

testing — services aimed at encouraging preventive healthpractices.

Jackson told The Waterfalls that the event theme, “Impacting Women Globally, One Woman at a Time,” was inspired by a quote from Mother Teresa which states, I alone cannot change the world, but I can castastoneacrossthewaters tocreatemanyripples.’

“Istronglybelievethatif we can make a difference in one woman’s life at a time, we will create lasting impact,”sheexplained.

The collaboration betweenBWCTandtheFIX IT Movement came naturally, rooted in a shared m i s s i o n t o u p l i f t communities. “Pastor Mark

McAllister, the founder of FIX IT, has been a friend of mineformanyyears.

“Webothshareapassion for ministering to hurting individuals.Myareaoffocus is on women and teens and hisfocusisallhumanbeings. Together we make a great team,”sheadded.

“Organizing such an ambitiouseventhasn’tcome without its challenges. One m a j o r h u r d l e w a s coordinating between teams in the United States and Guyana. Some of our team membersarebasedoverseas, while others are here in Guyana,”sheshared.

“We overcame this by having bi-weekly Whatsapp meetingstotackleissuesand Continued on page 42

The Women’s Wells workshop team

WEEK-IN-REVIEW

Sunday

Jagdeodownplays cost-of-livingimpact from7thproject …saysExxoncannot commentoneconomic developmentsinGuyana

Vice President Bharrat Jagdeo has downplayed the f i n d i n g s o f a n Environmental Impact

A s s e s s m e n t ( E I A ) conducted by ExxonMobil for its seventh proposed Stabroek Block project, which indicates that the development can result in highercost-of-living.

According to the EIA, conductedbythecompany’s consultant, Environmental Resources Management (ERM), “With rising wages and increased purchasing power (driven not only by the Project but by broader economic growth and development trends), the Projectcouldalsocontribute to increased costs-of-living (IDB2023).”

The study goes on to explain, “This could manifestinseveralways;for example, higher prices for in-demand goods and services, higher costs for housingindesirableareasof Georgetown, and/or higher costs for key goods in the supply chain (affecting both c o n s u m e r s a n d businesses/suppliers).”

In an invited comment, the VP told this newspaper during his weekly press engagement on Thursday

that Exxon could not comment on the economic developmentsinGuyana.

The Chief policymaker for the Petroleum Sector stated, “No Environmental Impact Assessment for an Exxon project can comment on inflation at the national levelbecauseinflationisnot determined by a particular project.”

He went on to explain that inflation is driven by a numberoffactors,including a larger budget deficit. “So, inflation comes about out of several things There are different theories for inflation, it could be cost push inflation or you could have a demand-pull inflation,youcouldhavethe monetary approach to inflation that is when you havetoomuchmoneyinthe system, basically a liberal monetarypolicy,”theformer FinanceMinisterreasoned. Consequently, Jagdeo

told this newspaper, “ExxonMobil can’t do a study and speak about national inflation. I suspect, which Kaieteur News got wrong, they were talking about the next project, the cost may increase – their cost.”

The Vice President maintained that the oil companywasreferringtothe increased cost associated with the Hammerhead project,asthisisnotunusual in the industry for large companiessuchasExxon.

“I saw you elevated it to the cost-of-living in Guyana ratherthantheirpricesgoing up, which they like to increase These companies lovetoincreasecostbecause itcomesoncostoil,”Jagdeo noted.

He believes that the increased cost for the company may be associated withhigherrentalfeesbeing demanded by Guyanese for their homes, as this service can only be provided by citizens, as mandated in the LocalContentAct.

When this newspaper quotedasectionofthestudy to the VP which highlights that the project could cause rising cost-of-living, he maintained that this would belimitedtoExxon.

“For them, Exxon, not for (Guyana), they can’t comment on that How would their project know about this? So, they are talking about their cost

Every project has a cost…and that might be a justification to pay their workers more too, we got to watch that, so we have to look at these issues but I thinky’allhaditwrong.”

ExxonMobil in its EIA

notedthatGuyana’sinflation ratehasrisenabove“historic levels in recent years” as e

subsequently settled below international and regional rates.

Inflation refers to the increase in average price of goodsandservices.

F

dy pointed to the key roles of government in buffering the impacts from inflation It states, “Additionally, the Government of Guyana implemented subsidies and price controls on targeted goods to help mitigate importedinflation.Measures such as cash grants, fuel subsidies,andsupportforthe agricultural sector helped stabilize food and energy prices locally and further i

e consumersfromhighercosts faced globally (Ministry of Finance2023).”

Ghanabansforeigners fromtradinginitsgold markettoboostrevenue

BBC–Ghanahasbanned allforeignersfromtradingin its local gold market as part of efforts to boost national revenue and streamline the country’sminingsector

It follows the enactment of a new law earlier this month that grants exclusive authorityofgoldminingtoa new state body, the Ghana GoldBoard(GoldBod).

“All foreigners are hereby notified to exit the localgoldtradingmarketnot later than 30thApril, 2025,” said GoldBod spokesperson Prince Kwame Minkah in a statement.

Ghana isAfrica’s largest

gold producer and the sixth largest in the world, but it is struggling to address widespread illegal gold mining, locally called “galamsey”.

The mineral-rich West African country has been facingharsheconomictimes withahighcostofliving.Itis the world’s second largest cocoaproducerbutseeslittle oftheprofitsfromchocolate.

Fuelled by rising gold p r i c e s a n d y o u t h unemployment, illegal gold mining has been growing in Ghana, despite military operations to shut down galamsey activities. It was a big campaign issue in the lead-up to last December’s elections.

Chinese nationals have been active in Ghana’s informal mining, and along with Ghanaian nationals, they have been repeatedly accused of ignoring environmentalconcerns.

Under the new law passed by parliament last month and assented to by PresidentJohnMahamaon2 April, GoldBod is the sole buyer, seller and exporter of

all gold produced by the artisanal and small-scale mining(ASM)sector

However, foreigners are allowed to apply to buy or off-take gold directly from the GoldBod but can no longer operate within the localgoldvaluechain.

The licenses of local dealers have also been revoked, but given a grace period to allow a smooth transition before the directive takes effect next month.

During this period, gold transactions would only be carried out in Ghana cedis, the local currency, and priced based on the Bank of Ghanarates.

GoldBod warned that “it shall constitute a punishable offence for a person to purchase or deal in gold in thecountrywithoutalicence issuedbythenewboard.

The government has allocated $279m (£212) to the new body to purchase and export at least three tonnesofgoldperweek.

The move is meant to help boost foreign exchange inflows and stabilise the

local currency, said Finance MinisterCasselAtoForson.

But Kwaku Effah Asuahene, the chairman of the Chamber of Bullion TradersGhana,fearsthatthe governmentmaynotbeable to raise enough revenue to purchaseallthegold.

He told BBC that while they support the initiative, theywouldhavepreferredto be allowed to partner with foreigninvestorstopurchase the gold and export it throughGoldBod.

Although GoldBod has not been created to specifically deal with illegal mining, the new directive could also make it difficult forillegalminerstosellgold inthecountry.

Ghana has been dealing with severe environmental pollution caused by the activities of illegal miners, and over 60% of the country’s water bodies have beenaffected.

The ban is seen as the firstconcretestepbythenew administration of President Mahama to tighten regulationandcontrolofthe goldsectoranddeliveronits anti-galamsey campaign promises.

“It sends a strong message to foreign actors –especially Chinese operatives – who have circumvented local laws for years,”NanaAsanteKrobea, a mining governance consultant, told the AFP newsagency

He said if properly applied, the new law could bolster government revenue and“bringsomeordertothe chaosinthegoldsector”.

Ghana’s gold exports grew by 53.2% to $11.64bn lastyear–nearly$5bnofthat was from legal small-scale miners.

Gold prices shot up to $3,200 per ounce last week

due to trade tensions between the US and China, whichhasforcedinvestorsto seek refuge in the commodity because of uncertainties.

Monday DocumentsforWales Gas-to-Energyproject willbemadepublic whenentireschemeis completed - VP Jagdeo

A m i d c a l l s f o r governmenttoreleaseallthe contractualdocumentsofthe controversial gas-to-energy project for the public to scrutinise,VicePresident, Continued on page 21

Vice President, Bharrat Jagdeo

Many Chinese nationals have been active in Ghana’s informal mining sector (Getty)

Frompage20

Bharrat Jagdeo said this wouldonlybedonewhenthe entireinitiativeiscompleted.

The Wales Gas-toEnergy (GTE) project is Guyana’s largest investment to date Speaking at his weekly press conference held at Freedom House, Jagdeosaid:“Thesamething

about the Heads of Agreement, the Heads of Agreement will all be available once the project is completed ” He added, “Lookatthedistortionevery day that APNU and the

others taking public documents and distorting it, wedon’twanttogetintothat again. That will be done at somepointintime.”

D e s p i t e t h e government’s assurances, transparency around the GTE project remains a

g r o w i n g c o n c e r n .

ExxonMobil Guyana Limited (EMGL), operator of the Stabroek Block, completed the pipeline component of the project as

of December 2024 However, the agreements between the company and the Government of Guyana (GoG) have yet to be disclosedtothepublic. Key documents such as the Gas Sales Agreement and the Heads ofAgreement remain

inaccessible In early December, Prime Minister Brigadier (Ret’d) Mark Phillips, for the third time, promised the National Assemblythattheagreement with EMGL would be laid before parliament. On that occasion, the prime minister apologised for the delay, assuringthatitwouldbelaid assoonaspossible.

However, during the pressconference,VPJagdeo revealed that parliament already has access to some project-related information.

“Parliament will be given a fullpackageandIthinkthey have supplied some to the parliament already, some of theinfo,”henoted.

S i n c e 2 0 2 2 , t h e government has signed a HeadsofAgreementwiththe Stabroek Co-Venturers, outlining the principles and

conditions for the commercial and technical arrangements of the project.

Despitethis,thegovernment hasyettoreleasethefullset ofagreementstothepublic.

The pipeline component oftheproject,constructedby ExxonMobil is estimated to cost about US$1 billion

Although the structure is complete, the contractor has

notrevealedthefinalcostof thatelement.

Despite calls from various sections of society for the agreements between the GoG and the contractor to be made public, the government has not budged inreleasingthedocuments.

PresidentAlishould determinewhether Ramsonshould besackedfornonperformance - Jagdeo

Vice President, Bharrat Jagdeo said President Irfaan Ali should assess whether C o m m i s s i o n e r o f Information, Charles Ramson,SC,shouldbefired for failing to carry out his duties, even as he attempted to question the aim of the organised picketing exercise.

For three consecutive weeks, Guyanese protested Ramson’s office, decrying his non-performance. They c o n t e n d t h a t t h e commissioner, whose office has a $40 million annual budget,hasfailedtoperform his duties prescribed by Guyana’s Access to InformationAct(2011).

“InGuyana,peoplehave a freedom to protest So, whetherIagreewithitornot is not germane here. They have the right to protest Nowtheymayhaveacause, individuals may have a cause, but when I look at some of the people who are protestingthere,it’sthesame group of negative people against the government,” he told Kaieteur News at his press conference, last Thursday

HenotedtheRedThread, as an example, as he explained that the president should determine whether Ramsonshouldbefired.

“IthinktheOfficeofthe President would have to examine this, but knowing that group, that’s the same group that transitioned from

the Gas-to-Energy project that tomorrow will go and protestsomewomen’srights issue,butonlyifitinvolvesa PPP official; would turn a blind eye to all the transgressions happening against women once it doesn’t involve some PPP official, wherever in the country somewhere They are intensely political and I thinktheyjustwanttocreate this air that the government isnotbeingopen.”

Individuals and groups suchasRedThread,Guyana Press Association (GPA), Guyana Trades Union Congress (GTUC), Guyana Human Rights Association (GHRA), the General W o r k e r s U n i o n , Transparency Institute Guyana Inc (TIGI) and several others have been callingforRamsontoresign or for President Ali to terminatehisappointment.

It was President of the General Workers Union, Norris Witter who urged, “I read yesterday that the president received a Global award. I wish to suggest if thatawardmeansanythingto him, he will terminate the services of Mr. Ramson forthwith because Mr Ramson was appointed by him.” To date, Witter noted that Ramson has “failed miserably” to perform his duties, a fact that the headof-state should be aware of by now Citizens on the picket line shared their experiences attempting to access information from the commissioner They cited his failure to publish annual reports in the National Assemblyasrequiredbythe legislation Despite highlighting this over the past month, the government still appears to have doubts surrounding Ramson’s performance.

International Lawyer, Melinda Janki has already noted that there is enough g

disqualifiedfromoffice.

Meanwhile, attorney Christopher Ram who organised the three-week protest, said his eight

commissioner have all failed.

Ram explained that the next step will be to write President Ali, seeking a meeting to discuss their concerns. Beyond that, the lawyerispreparedtotakethe matter to court and inform

internationalcommunity He said those bodies have been misled and lied to by the government about the workings of the Access to InformationAct.

Tuesday

Gov’twillingto explorefeasibilityof sendinggastoT&Tfor processing - VP Jagdeo

ByDavinaBagot

With the licence for the

TrinidadandTobagoDragon Gas deal with Venezuela now revoked by the United States (U.S) government, Guyana is willing to engage its Caribbean sister country on the possibility of processing local resources there.

Chief Policymaker for the petroleum sector, Vice President Bharrat Jagdeo on Th

revelation during his press conference, in response to

newspaper He explained that Guyana is currently considering at least three otheroptionstomonetizeits gasresources,butprocessing inTrinidad could be another alternative which should be explored.

TheVPexplained,“They want to bring the gas on shoreforindustrialisationor to supply Brazil…so that’s one option, bringing the gas on shore generating power, supplying Brazil with electricity, selling power Two, bringing the gas on shore,forindustrial

Continued on page 22

Asection of protestors that gathered outside the Office of Commissioner of Information, Charles Ramson SC

Frompage21 purposes, fertilizer, a petrochemical industry, and thenthethirdoptionisthedo LNG, so not bringing it on shore but having these offshore platforms for

developing LNG and shippingthatdirectlyout.”

He added, “You could addanotheroption,whichis they should study, whether taking it to Trinidad to be processed there makes sense.” TheformerHeadof State was keen to note that the gas development is not being funded by the Government of Guyana (GoG). As such, he said the privateinvestorswouldhave to determine which is most the feasible option “We have, through a public process identified a company to work with Exxon and the government of Guyana to monetize the gas. If they choose to take this gas to Trinidad to be processed,andthatoffersthe greatestreturntotheproject, and thereby the greatest revenuetoGuyana,that’san optiontothem,”henoted.

He added, “Remember, we are not gonna be investing taxpayers’ money intheproject.Wejustwantto getrevenuefromtheproject. They’d have to find private financing to develop this We’renottakingthepeople’s moneyandputtingitinthese projects. We just want them to develop so we can get a revenuestreamtobenefitour peopleso,andofcourse,the allieddevelopment.”

Jagdeo recalled that

Trinidad and Tobago previously engaged Guyana onwhetherthiscountry’sgas couldbeexportedtothetwin island through a pipeline, however, since the Dragon Gas Deal license was revoked by the U.S he said Trinidadhasnotreachedout toGuyanaformally DragonGasdealdead

Earlier this month, the

Trinidad and Tobago Guardian reported that the United States revoked T&T’s Office of Foreign Assets Control (OFAC) licenceswhichfacilitatedthe development of both the Dragon and CocuinaManakingasfields.

The OFAC licence for Cocuina-Manakin was grantedonMay31,2024and was valid until May 31, 2026, while the revised licence for the Dragon gas fieldwasgrantedonOctober 17, 2023, and was set to expireonOctober31,2025.

Prime Minister Stuart

Youngsaidthedecisionwas unsurprising, considering the first Presidential Order from US President Donald Trump dated March 24, which announced tariffs on oil-based products from Venezuela Several orders followed.

With T&T’s heavy reliance on gas for revenue generationandthecountry’s reserves dwindling, Jagdeo said this decision could “spell major problems” for thetwinisland.

However, during the pressconference,VPJagdeo revealed that parliament already has access to some project-related information.

“Parliament will be given a fullpackageandIthinkthey have supplied some to the parliament already, some of theinfo,”henoted.

S i n c e 2 0 2 2 , t h e government has signed a HeadsofAgreementwiththe Stabroek Co-Venturers, outlining the principles and conditions for the commercial and technical arrangements of the project.

Despitethis,thegovernment hasyettoreleasethefullset ofagreementstothepublic. The pipeline component oftheproject,constructedby ExxonMobil is estimated to cost about US$1 billion Although the structure is complete, the contractor has notrevealedthefinalcostof thatelement.

Despite calls from various sections of society for the agreements between the GoG and the contractor to be made public, the government has not budged inreleasingthedocuments.

ExxonhandsMODEC contracttobuild oilshipfor7thproject -tohavecapacityto produce150,000 barrelsofoilperday

Japanese shipbuilder MODEChasannouncedthat it has been awarded a contract by ExxonMobil Guyana Limited to build a Floating Production, Storage, and Offloading (FPSO) vessel for the s e v e n t h p r o j e c t Hammerhead.

In a statement released on Monday, the company said that, “the contract is a Limited Notice to Proceed (LNTP) by ExxonMobil Guyana, pending necessary government and regulatory approval Phase one encompasses Front-End Engineering and Design (FEED) while phase two

covers Engineering, Procurement, Construction, andInstallation(EPCI).”

TheLNTPwillallowthe company to commence activities related to the design of the vessel which willensureanearlypossible projectstart-upin2029,once the government gives the green light The second phase which includes construction and installation isalsosubjecttogovernment approval,aswellasaproject sanction by the operator of the Stabroek Block Exxon anditsco-venturers.

“Simultaneously, the OperationsandMaintenance

Enabling Agreement (OMEA) for MODEC’s Guyana fleet has been established to enable the

operations and maintenance of multiple FPSOs under a long-term contractual arrangement,” the company added.

This vessel will have the capacity to produce 150,000 barrels of oil per day, with the addition of water and associated gas Using a SOFEC Spread Moring System the vessel will be moored at a water depth of 1205 meters approximately Thisisthecompany’ssecond contracttobuildanFPSOfor Exxon’s Guyana operations, asitfollowstheErreaWittu, which is currently being constructed for their Uaru project.

M O D E C G r o u p President and CEO, Mr. Hirohiko Miyata, expressed delight for securing the Hammerhead FPSO project.

“Weareincrediblyhonoured and excited to have been awarded this contract. It is a testament to our team’s dedication, expertise, and commitment to delivering innovative and reliable offshore floating solutions. We look forward to collaborating closely with ExxonMobil Guyana to ensure the successful delivery of this second FPSO, contributing to the advancementoftheoffshore energysectorinGuyana.”

On April 20, Kaieteur News reported that the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) has begun an assessment of ExxonMobil Guyana’s 7th project, Hammerhead.

“Their assessment for Hammerhead,hasstarted,so you have to have an

StabroekBlockisdelayedby sevenmonths.

This information was revealed in Hess’ 2024 Annual Report, released earlier this month “At December 31, 2024, 94% of our net un

Suriname and Guyana, is scheduled to expire during the next three years pending results of exploration activities,”Hessstated.

In Guyana’s prolific StabroekBlock,Hessholdsa 30% s

Guyana Limited (EMGL) whoholda45%interestand CNOOCwitha25%interest. The block, which spans 6.6 millionacres,isestimatedto hold 11.6 billion barrels of oil equivalent, according to in

government.

assessment, and they’re looking at all of these things… the FDP’s, etc…If theassessmentisfavourable, andtheymovetoapprovethe project,youwillhearofthat shortly,butIcanconfirmthat the assessment has started,” Vice President, Bharrat Jagdeostated.

Exxon’s application for t h e H a m m e r h e a d development is pending at the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) That development has an estimatedlifeof30years.

Another foreign company Saipem has also secured a contract for works onthesaidproject.

Saipem signed a LNTP agreementwithExxonMobil Guyana Limited (EMGL) f o r e n g i n e e r i n g , procurement, construction, and installation (EPCI)

works related to the proposed Hammerhead oil field development project, the seventh project in the prolificStabroekBlock.

Wednesday

Hesstoreturn94% netundevelopedacreage inGuyana,Suriname withinnext3years …as20%relinquishment ofStabroekBlocknow 7monthsbehinddeadline

American oil company Hess Corporation has disclosed that 94% of its net undeveloped acreage in Guyana and Suriname is scheduled to expire within the next three years This revelation comes as the relinquishmentof20%ofthe

Notably, the overdue relinquishmentof20%ofthe Stabroek Block remains a stickingpoint.Hessreported that the end of the first renewal period of the exploration licence in October 2024, which requires the relinquishment of 20% of the acreage not held by discoveries, “ is pending approval by the GovernmentofGuyana.”

Under the terms of the 2016 Production Sharing Agreement (PSA), Exxon is required to return acreage where no commercial discoverieshavebeenmade, in production, appraised or areaswherethereispotential commercial interest. Exxon was required to return a portion of the Block to GuyanasinceOctober2023; however, former President David Granger had granted thecompanyanextensionin 2020 to conduct further exploration activities This extended the deadline to October2024.

During a February 2025 p r e s s c o n f e r e n c e , ExxonMobil’s President AlistairRoutledgeattributed the delay of the 20% relinquishment to ongoing administrative formalities and competing priorities for both the company and the GovernmentofGuyana. Routledge had assured that Exxon had met all requirements and was awaiting final approvals. He said, “We complied with all the deadlines, all the submissions have been made, we are really just in the finalisation of paperwork.”

Despitethedelayto Continued on page 35

An illustration of of what the set up would be like. (source MODEC)

From grief to growth... Woman’s Art transformed pain into profitable passion

ByChristalYong

Formany,artservesasawaytoexpress emotions,escapethestrugglesoflife, and heal. For Anushka Kissoon, a local artist, her journey from heartache to artistic success is a testament to the power of passionandperseverance.

In 2023,Anushka Kissoon faced a personal crisis that would change the course of her life, whichturnedintoabusinesscalled A Kissoon’s Work of Art Her beloved dog, Piglet, became criticallyillafteraroutinespayingsurgery Piglet sufferedanallergicreactiontothesutures,which led to a dangerous infection A visit to the vet revealed the gravity of the situation; Piglet had justa20percentchanceofsurvival

“Ineededtostayawake,tonurseherbacktohealth.Ineededa coping mechanism to deal with all the sadness I was feeling,” Kissoon told The Waterfalls As the days passed, her emotional turmoil weighed heavily on her, but amidst the grief, Kissoon rediscovered her love for painting, something she had enjoyed sincechildhood.

It was during this time of uncertainty that she returned to her roots:art.“Ididnotdoitforfinancialreasonsatthatmoment,”she admitted.

Herfirstpiecewasapowerfulacryliconwood,anudepainting symbolisingthefreedomofbeingcomfortableinone’sownskin.

She recounts, “I think that painting, in some way, helped me copewiththefearoflosingPiglet.Itremindedmeofthestrength andresilienceweallcarrywithin.” Continuedonpage32

The local artist, Anushka Kissoon with Piglet

Various art pieces created by Anushka Kissoon

How to Use Lip Liner: A Beginner's Guide

Source:L'Oreal-Ifyou forgo lip liner in favor of applying lipstick directly onto your bare lips, you're doing yourself and your makeuproutineadisservice.

Liplinercandefinetheshape ofyourlipsandalsoactasa base for your lipstick, leading to longer-lasting color and preventing bleeding lipstick, smudging, and feathering. It can also givetheappearanceoffuller

lips.Whetheryou'relooking to contour your pout or simplyprepareitforlipstick application, let this serve as yourguideforhowtouselip linertherightway WhatIsLipLiner?

Lip liner is a lip product that comes in pencil form and usually has a matte finish,thoughyoucanfindit in satin finishes too. Unlike lipstick, lip pencils have a sharp tip that allows you to get a more precise application. This comes in handy when outlining the edgesofyourlips,especially when overlining them, so you can get the contouring justright.Lippencilscanbe used both to define and shape,andalsoasanallover base before adding lipstick. There is no difference betweenalippencilandalip liner What Does Lip Liner Do?

Including a lip liner in your makeup routine can have several benefits.While themainpurposeoflipliner istodefineyourlipshape,it canalsomakelipslookfuller by drawing outside your natural lip lines. It can even extendyourlipstickwearby acting as a base and preventing bleeding and smudgingontoskin.And,in a pinch, a lip pencil can replaceyourlipstickorgloss when you fully fill in your pout. Some people prefer using a lip pencil on its own togetalookthat'slessshiny HowtoApplyLipLiner

1. Determine your lip shape

Once you identify your lip shape, your lip lining skills are going to go up a few notches. If you're not sure what your lip shape is, grab a mirror and look. Do you have a 'defined cupids bow? If so, you'll want to focus on highlighting thatV shape in the middle of your upper lip and keeping your applicationextraprecise. For those with a bottom lip fuller than the top lip, you'll want to be generous when lining your upper lip

and slightly add volume at the corners with your lip liner Ultimately, once you knowtheshapeofyourlips, then you can line them accordingly and your lipstick application is going to look instantaneously better

2.Pickashadeoflipliner

Ideally,youwanttopick a liplinertwo shades darker thanyourlipstick.Thisadds subtle contouring and shading to your lips without taking away from the color ofyourlipstick.

3.Prepyourlips

To get the best results from your liner and lipstick, you'll want to prep your lips well ahead of using any products Exfoliating and moisturizing regularly can ensure a smooth texture that makesiteasyforlipcolorto glide across. We suggest exfoliatingwithalipscruba few times a week to remove any dead skin cells and create a soft base. Another option is to gently scrub the areawithadampwashcloth. (Justbecareful—thisareais delicate!)The next step is to hydrate lips with a moisturizing lip oil or balm.

We recommend hydrating dayandnighttokeeplipsin goodhealthandkeepthemin theirbest shape for addinga liplinerontop.

4.Lineyourlips

Anyone with a defined cupid's bow should start by applyinganXinthecenterof the top lip and dragging the liner outwards, following yournaturalliplineuntilyou reachthecorners.

Those who don't have a definedcupid'sbowcanstart in the corner Simply follow the shape of your natural lip line as you drag the liner across your upper lip. If using a brush is your preferred method, apply the linertoyourlipsandusethe brush to drag it along your naturallipline.

Then, repeat these steps onthebottomlip.Ifyouhave a thin upper or bottom lip, addvolumenearthecorners of your mouth by applying the lip liner slightly outside yournaturallipline. Fillyourlips

Once you've lined the shapeofyourlips,fillinthe empty space with your lip liner and top that off with a lipstickofyourchoice.

Woman's Art transformed pain into...

Frompage27

To her surprise, the painting quickly caught theattentionofabuyer

“Someonereachedouttopurchaseit,and thatmademehappy Iwasn'texpectingit.But inaway,itfeltlikemyart was being recognised for thefirsttime,”shetoldthis publication That unexpected sale marked thebeginningofKissoon's journey into the world of artasabusiness.

Piglet, who survived the ordeal, became not only her muse but the driving force behind her artisticresurgence.“She's, my companion. I sit and paint with her next to me almosteveryday She'smy inspiration,” the artist says Piglet's recovery became symbolic of Kissoon's own growth as an artist. “My skills have definitely improved,” she reflects, while adding,“AsI'vegrownpersonally,mywork hasgrowntoo.”

Today, Kissoon has shifted her focus to painting portraits of beloved pets, especially thosewhohavepassedaway Shefindssolace in capturing the essence of these animals, as sheunderstandsalltoowellthebondbetween petandowner

“I feel more connected to my work because I've been there. I know how deeply losing a pet can affect someone's life. It's a way for me to give back and help people heal,”sheexplains.Kissoon'sarthasnotonly allowed her to connect with others but has also proven to be financiallyrewarding.

“I've been doing better financially now that I've really embraced this path. Art has become my way of connecting with others while providing for myself,” she shares. She's also usedsomeofherearningstofeed stray animals, further extending her commitment to her passion foranimals.

ThoughKisoons'artjourney began as a way to heal from personal pain, it has blossomed into a successful business, with her pet's portraits becoming especially sought after What started as a way to cope with grief has now turned into a profitable and fulfilling career.The artist's story serves as a reminder that art can be a transformative tool for personal growth and that from our darkest moments, something beautiful can emerge. For Kissoon, it was a painting that not only healed her heart but gaveheranewpurpose.

Contactcanbemadetoheron+592-6925213.

Signs of high-functioning anxiety

Source:health.com

High-functioning anxiety is a colloquial term people may use to describe themselves and their emotions. It's not actually a defined or recognized

medical diagnosis Symptoms,suchasattention todetailandhighachieving, are more aligned with subclinical anxiety High-

functioning anxiety typically means you have anxiety symptoms but manage well in day-to-day life.1

Some people with anxiety may feel so overwhelmedthattheyavoid daily activities. Anxiety generally causes high levels ofstressandworry.Youmay develop physical symptoms like a rapid heartbeat, restlessness,andsweating.2

DEFINITION

Anxiety disorders are a very common mental health concern: About 20% of adults have some type of anxiety Some people may have high-functioning

anxiety.3

High-functioning anxiety is not an official medicaldiagnosis.Itusually describes someone who has high levels of stress and worry but functions day-today, which may be more aligned with sub-clinical anxietyAnxiety disorders generally cause feelings of fearordread.Youmayhave physical symptoms like a rapidheartbeat,restlessness, and sweating These symptoms may be so overwhelming in people with generalized anxiety disorder (GAD) that they avoiddailyactivities.2They may go undiagnosed in people with highfunctioning anxiety, who don't typically appear outwardlystressed.

SYMPTOMS

Anxietygenerallycauses symptoms like worrying a lot, racing thoughts, and losing sleep some of the time.Thesesymptomsoften don't get in the way of your daily activities if you have

high-functioninganxiety

You may exhibit traits similar to perfectionism if you have high-functioning anxiety These traits include detail-oriented, highly achieving, motivated and organized

Youhavetomeetcertain criteria to be officially diagnosed with an anxiety disorder This includes feeling anxious and worryingmoredaysthannot for at least six months. You may have restlessness, trouble sleeping, muscle tension, and irritability3 These problems need to cause clinically significant distress or impairment to warrant an anxiety disorder diagnosis.4

CAUSES

There'salackofresearch onhigh-functioninganxiety, so its causes are unknown. Brainbiologyandchemistry, environmental factors, genetics, and stress are thought to cause anxiety GAD typically affects women more often than

men.2

Other risk factors can increase the likelihood of anxiety, such as Certain health conditions, such as arrhythmia (abnormal heart rhythm)orthyroiddisorders, earlychildhoodoradulthood trauma, family history of mental health concerns and personality traits like introversionorshyness

PROSANDCONS

High-functioning anxiety may have advantages.Certainlevelsof stress, for example, can sometimes be motivating. Youmaybeveryproductive and complete tasks in a timely manner. Attention to detail and organization can also be useful skills in the workplaceoratschool.

It's important to keep in mind that high-functioning anxiety also comes with challenges, such as avoidance, high levels of stress or worry and physical symptoms, such as an upset stomach,fatigue,andmuscle tension

TREATMENTS

Treating feelings of anxiety—even if they don't meet the criteria for a disorder can help you thrive Treatments for anxiety include cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT), sometimes in combination withmedication.

Tools to deal with anxiety can include learning how to identify catastrophic thinking for example, reacting to minor mistakes with thoughts such as, "I'm going to get fired!" A therapist can teach you how to replace these negative thoughts with positive ones.6

Youcanalsolearnhowto expose yourself in small ways to face your fears,

recognizing that you can handle more than you think you can. Mindfulness and relaxation techniques can alsobehelpful.

HEALTHCARE PROVIDER

Anxiety symptoms can still take away from your overallqualityoflife,evenif theydon'tinterferewithyour productivity Theearlieryou work on reducing highfunctioning anxiety symptoms, the easier it will betomanagethesefeelings.

Talk with a healthcare providerifyouhaveconstant stress or worry, even if you function well They can recommend treatments if you have physical symptoms, such as a lack of appetiteortroublesleeping.

Lana Del Rey

Sings About Kissing Morgan Wallen in New

Song '57.5' during Stagecoach Debut

Billboard.com -Lana Del Rey is kissing and tellinginhernewsong“57.5.”

Duringherdebutatthe2025StagecoachCountry Music Festival in Indio, Calif., on Friday (April 25), the39-year-oldsingerrevealedinthesong'slyricsthat sheoncelockedlipswithamajorcountrystar “IkissedMorganWallen/Iguesskissingmekind ofwenttohishead,”DelReysang.“Ifyouwant my secret to success/ I suggest ATVing with him when you're west.”

The eyebrow-raisin premiere of “57 5” cam duringthealt-popstar'sseton the Palomino stage at Stagecoach. According to the lyrics, the title nods to thesinger'smonthlySpotify listenership, measured in millions Just before premiering the track, Del Rey told festival-goers that it wouldbe“thelasttimeI'mever goingtosaythisline.”

Itremainsunclearwhether ReyandWallenevershareda when it supposedly occurred. Billboard has reached out to Wallen's representatives for comment.

whomshemarriedinSeptember2024.

Dressed in a white gown and performing in front ofasetdesignedtoresembleapicturesqueruralhome atdusk,DelRey'sStagecoachsetfeaturedaduetwith George Birge on his current hit “Cowboy Songs,” a coverofTammyWynette's“StandbyYourMan,”and a singalong to John Denver's “Take Me Home, CountryRoads.”

Elsewhere in “57.5,” Del Rey crooned about having “a man” who “really loves me,” a sentiment seeminglyreferringtoherhusband,JeremyDufrene,

addition to debuting “57.5,” also performed several new tracks from her forthcoming untry-leaning studio album,whichhasyettobe titledorassignedarelease date The new songs included “Ride, ” “HusbandofMine”and “Henry, Come On ” (Read Billboard's best momentfromdayoneof Stagecoach2025here.)

T h e s i n g e r ' s pcoming album will follow Did You Know That There's aTunnel Under Ocean which peaked at No. 3 on the all-genre Billboard 200 in April 2023.

Todate,DelReyhasearnedtwotop10hitsonthe Billboard Hot 100: 2013's “Summertime Sadness” and her 2022 feature onTaylor Swift's “Snow on the Beach.”

Lois Millicent Lambert at 102

By: Christal Yong

Lois Millicent Lambert

Frompage21 finalise the relinquishment, Routledge had underscored that discussionsbetweenExxonandthe government have remained constructive.Routledgeadded,“So I’m sure the government will announcewhenallofthathasbeen completed, but all of the work to make the calculation to access the areashasbeendone.”

Notably, the last update from the government on the relinquishment is dated January 2025. This came from Minister of Natural Resources, Vickram Bharrat. At that time, he had said that the process was in its final stages and that an agreement had been reached in principle between the government and Exxon MinisterBharrathadalsoexplained thetechnicalchallengesinvolvedin finalising the relinquishment process.However,sincethen,there has been no other update from the minister or his ministry on the progress made, even though it is now seven months behind the deadlinefor20%oftheblocktobe handedbacktothestate.

Highpoverty,low-paying jobsluringGuyanese intodrugtrade - US Govt …says authorities often drop charges, do not conduct serious investigations

High poverty and low-paying jobs in the public sector have led many Guyanese into the narcotics

trade, which contributes significantlytoincreasedcrimeand corruption, the United States governmenthassaid.

In its 2025 International Narcotics Control Strategy Report (INCSR), the US Department of State noted that in 2024, Guyana seized more than four metric tons (MT) of cocaine, in cooperation with US law enforcement, at an airstrip near its border with Venezuela–thelargestdrugseizure

in Guyana’s history – and interdicted one semi-submersible off Guyana’s coast with 2.3 MTof cocaine “Despite growing oil wealth and the government’s increased efforts, the public sector – including law enforcement and customs officials – remains underpaid. Coupled with a lack of adequate resources and shortcomings in the legal system, this allows traffickers to exploit government systems and move illicit drugs through Guyana,” the reportstated.

The US Department of State said that the government can fight drug trafficking by enhancing law enforcement and customs capability through port security improvements, intelligence operations with regional and international partners, implementing stronger anticorruption measures, and strengthening its legislation

relating to drug trafficking sentencing, to make it less attractive.

Thereportnotedthatasamatter of policy, the Government of Guyana does not encourage or facilitate the illicit production or distribution of narcotics, psychotropic drugs, or other controlled substances, or the launderingofproceedsfromillegal drugtransactions.

However, the US said corruption in Guyana poses a significant obstacle to its efforts to combat drug trafficking “Corruption within law enforcement,bribery,andnepotism in the public sector and political entitiesfurthercomplicatethefight against drug trafficking,” the US report stated. The report added: “Authorities often drop charges or neverfilethemanddonotconduct serious investigations; traffickers are able to evade prosecution Additionally, the economic appeal ofthedrugtradeinGuyana,withits high poverty rate and low-paying publicsectorjobs,leadsindividuals to become involved in illicit activitiesandhinderseffortstocurb trafficking In two separate incidentsinJuly,fourGDFofficers were charged with trafficking a totalof213kilogramsofcannabis.

“

Thereportsaidthatmarijuanais themostusedandproduceddrugin Guyana,andthecountryremainsa major transhipment point for cocaine trafficking. In 2024, the United States and Guyana’s Joint Interagency Task Force, including its Defense Force (GDF), collaborated to seize 4.4 MT of cocaine worth approximately $195,000,000 – the country’s largest ever drug seizure – and the interception of a self-propelled semi- submersible (SPSS) approximately 150 miles off the coast of Guyana with 2.3 MT of cocaine. Authorities also found a low-profile vessel (LPV), empty and abandoned, in the waterways near Port Kaituma, near the Venezuelan border.As of October,

no arrests had been made, and the investigationwasongoing.

These two events resulted in a huge increase in cocaine seizures for the period of January through September2024–6,700kilograms (kg) versus 62 kg for the same periodin2023.Marijuanaseizures for2024totalled1.4MT,versus1.1 MT for the same period in 2023. Methamphetamine was a distant thirdforquantityofdrugsseizedin 2024(.06kg).

Duringthebudgetdebatesback in January, Minister of Home AffairsRobesonBennhadtoldthe National Assembly that the drug trafficking situation here is putting tremendous pressure on the securitysector

TheministertoldtheHousethat there has been an increase in transnational crime, but it is not directlyrelatedtoGuyana,instead, it is a result of the drug trade. “We are not the marketplace for the drugs.Wearetransitpoints,andthe fact that the drug trafficking activity and criminality bring tremendouspressuresinrelationto the security sphere We will continue to fight We’re putting moremoneyintothiseffort,andwe are working at continuing to bring down the planes and to make the necessaryseizurestodealwiththis

nefariousbusiness,”MinisterBenn toldtheHouse.

Speaking on narcotic seizures by the Guyana Police Force, in 2024, Benn said there were 1463 seizures, 581 reports, 1379 cases and 77 convictions. Trafficking in Persons (TIP) saw 31 reports and six cases being made “The CustomsAnti-NarcoticsUnitmade thesignificantseizureofover4000 kilogramsofcocaineinourcountry over the years. The Guyana Police Forcealsoseized,afterdiscovering particular types of submersible vessels, three vessels, which were intended for use in drug trafficking…”Bennsaid.

Thursday

TerrorinSoesdyke …man shot and killed wife, her mother and sister …critically injured brother …killer battling for life after drinking poison

A tragic act of domestic violence unfolded on Wednesday night in Waiakabra, along the Soesdyke-Linden Highway, leaving a mother and her two daughters dead and her son criticallyinjured.

The deceased have been identified as 25-year-old Maline LaCruz, her mother Waveney LaCruz, and her sister Sueann LaCruz Maline’s brother, Seon LaCruz, survived the attack but is currently hospitalised in critical condition after sustaining gunshot wounds.

Thesuspectinthetriplemurder is said to be Maline’s husband, Ramzan Ramdial, a goldsmith. He reportedly consumed a poisonous substanceand,uptopresstime,was in a critical condition at the hospital.

KaieteurNewsunderstandsthat heallegedlyopenedfireonthefour victims at their residence before fleeingthescene.

Inaheartbreakingtwist,Maline had publicly spoken out about her abusive relationship just three

months prior. In a Facebook post sharedinJanuary,shewrote,“6yrs 7monthslivingwiththisindividual andthisiswhatlhavetofaceeven tho I ran for my life he keeps comingafterme.Hekeepsabusing me mentally emotionally physically and verbally At this point this is my last option to get help and to get out of this abusive relationshipandtogetmychildren awayfromhim.”

The woman had attached CCTV footage to show the abuse she suffered at the hands of her husband The investigation is ongoing and more details will be providedinasubsequentreport.

Girl,11,abducted atTuschenhotel …police in hot pursuit of suspect in black Raum

An 11-year-old girl was allegedly abducted Wednesday afternoon, during a swimming outing at Double Day Hotel, located at Tuschen, East Bank Essequibo(EBE).

The missing girl has been identifiedasAdriannaYounge.The incident occurred between 13:00hrs and 14:00hrs, while the childwaswithhergrandmotherand otherrelativesduringtheouting.

Inastatement,policesaidranks in Regional Division #3 are investigatingareportofanalleged abductioncommittedonYounge.

Investigators visited the scene atabout15:30hrs.Accordingtothe police, around 13:02hrs, Adrianna went to Double Day Hotel pool to swim with her grandmother, Carol Xavier, who stated that at around 13:10hrs, she gave Adrianna moneytobuyabandtoswiminthe pool. Shortly thereafter, Adrianna entered the pool with her siblings. Sometime after, the grandmother called to get her family out of the pool when it was discovered Adriannawasmissing.

Thefamilylaunchedasearchin the pool and hotel but without success.Thematterwasthen

Continued on page 36

DEAD: Sueann LaCruz

DEAD: Waveney LaCruz

DEAD: Maline LaCruz

Critically injured, Ceon LaCruz

The killer Ramzan Ramdial

Frompage35 reportedatTuschenPoliceStation. Uponarrivalatthescene,thepolice searched further in and around the hotel, including rooms, a store room, the yard, and the roof, but they came up empty-handed Severalcameraswereseenattached tothebuilding.

However, when asked to view them, the manager indicated that theywerenotinworkingorder

The Command Centre in

Regional Division #3 was contacted,andfootageshowedthat Adrianna entered a Red and Black

Raum motor car bearing registration number PSS 4684, which drove off in an easterly direction heading towards Vreeden-hoop.

Informationwasreceivedabout the registered owner, who, when contacted,claimedherentedthecar to one Orlando (no last name provided) since last week. Checks were made for the said Orlando at an address provided by the car owner, but Orlando was not contacted.

Trace of the vehicle from Georgetown Command Centre around 20:58 hrs showed the vehicle is in Onderneeming, West Bank Demerara at ‘White Shop shortcut’. Police are in pursuit as theinvestigationcontinues.

Meanwhile, during an interview with Kaieteur News, Amecia Simon, the mother of the missing child, shared how she learned about her daughter’s disappearance.

Sheexplainedthatshereceived a phone call from the child’s grandmother, who said she was unable to find Younge. According to the grandmother, Younge had beeninthepoolandhadreportedly comeout.

The grandmother then went to get some food, but when she returned to check on Younge, the childwasnowheretobefound.

A search was immediately launched, butYounge could not be located.

Police were then summoned to the scene.The mother stated that policeinformedherthatsurveillance footage showed her daughter being takenawaybysomeoneinavehicle alongthepublicroadinfrontofthe hotel

She said that the police had launched a search to identify the ownerofthevehicle.

Thepolicelaterconfirmedthat they have obtained a photograph and other details of the suspect believed to have taken the child

and assured that they are following every lead to locate the individual

“Rightnowmypressurehigh,I cried so much like I don’t have words to say,” Simon said. Up to late Wednesday night, members of the Guyana Police Force (GPF) were at the hotel conducting their investigation.

Friday

Bodyofgirlmysteriously foundfloating20hours afterpoolwassearched

ByChristalYoung

The body of 11-year-old

Adrianna Younge, who was reported missing on Wednesday during a family outing at the Double Day International Hotel and Bar in Tuschen, East Bank Essequibo (EBE), was discovered floating in the hotel’s swimming pool about 20 hours after she disappeared.

The child’s body was discovered around 10:00hrs on Thursday by family members and enraged protesters, who stormed thehotelpremises.

Upon discovery, her father, Subrian Younge, jumped into the pool to retrieve his child, who was already dead. Younge’s body bore visiblesignsofviolence,including injuries to her hands, knees, and

face;therewasalsowhatappeared to be cotton wool stuffed in her nose,raisingimmediatesuspicions of foul play The discovery was made hours after police released information stating that surveillance footage caught the childleavingthehotelpremisesina motorcar

The aggrieved father told the media he had a gut feeling that his childwasbeingheldinthehotel,so heneverleftthescene. “Thepolice searched the building four to five times I tell the police me daughterstillindeh.Itellyousince Icomehereyesterdaymybellytell me my daughter in there,” the distraught father told reporters. He continued, “My suspicion is what have been happening in this place (Double Day Hotel) for years, the amountofpersonswhodiedinthis placehere andIknowtomeself right the same thing would have happen, they would have wait for wetogoawayandsaytheyfindthe girlbodybutthat’swhyIstickin.”

statement, police stated that surveillance footage showed Younge leaving in a red and black ToyotaRaum,allegedlydrivenbya man named “Orlando” This statement resulted in a manhunt. However, family members and neighboursalsodisputedthepolice statement in relation to the surveillance footage as they claimed that the footage from nearbyhomesprovedthatthechild neverleftthehotel.Asaresult,the familystayedonthehotelpremises, and a large crowd, estimated to be in the hundreds, began to gather outside in protest of the strange circumstances surrounding the girl’sdisappearance.

FIERYPROTEST

KaieteurNewswasonthescene asYounge’s body was pulled from the pool. Protest erupted into violence as the news of the death triggered widespread public outrage. Protesters set fire to the hotel,blockedemergencyservices, and

Citizensprotest

As news of the child’s death spread across social media, hundreds of concerned villagers and citizens converged on the scene Enraged protestors and villagers began destroying the building, throwing bottles and chairs at the glass structure of the high-rise building.They later set it on fire as several police ranks showed up in riot gear, but they stood and watched as the crowd destroyed several vehicles, looted and burned the hotel and nearby buildings.

The angry crowd continued to destroy the building and set fire to several vehicles and other objects, blocking the road with debris Screamsofmurderechoedthrough the crowd as thick, dark smoke engulfed the area Fire service officers and ranks stood by as the crowdlittheplaceonfire.

FAMILYOUTING

Hours before the body was pulledoutofthepool,the11-yearold girl was at the Double Day Hotel pool with her grandmother and other relatives for a family outing.Shewasdiscoveredmissing between 13:00h and 14:00h. Her grandmotherreportedthatthechild was given money to purchase a swimbandtoenterthepool.Ashort while after, the family realised the child was missing and began searchingthepremises,butshewas nowhere to be seen. The worried family then notified the Tuschen PoliceStation,andranksreportedly arrivedat15:30h.

Initial reports from the police were that several searches were made in the rooms, roof, yard, storeroom and the pool of the DoubleDayhotel,butYoungewas not found In a subsequent

misinformation, and mishandling the investigation The hotel was then set ablaze, while tyres and vehicles were also set on fire Severalprotestershurledobjectsat the hotel as it was engulfed in flames, looting the building, carrying off appliances, mattresses andotheritemsfromthepremises.

The girl’s mother, Amecia Simon,stoodamongtheprotesters, expressing her frustration with the waypolicehandledthematter She said, “The CID (Criminal Investigation Department) closed down the building (Hotel) and when we go at the back for search thetwoofthemopeningtheback they(staffofthehotel)needtosay what (they) did to my child, becausemychildis11andshewill not walk out of here with her wet clothes with no foot wear, she will neverdoit.”

Devastated and desperate for answers,themothermadeanurgent pleaforjustice. Inherdistress,the woman recounted her initial interaction with the commander, who had told her to go home and sleep the previous night, implying that everything would be handled. She said angrily, “(The police) tell me go home and sleep last night, I mustgohomeandsleep,Iwanthe tell me who name Orlando I can’ttakeitnomore,Ican’ttakeit nomore,hetellmeImustgohome and sleep, because they (police) tracingthevehicleandthattimeme child never come out from there (the hotel). Hours after the initial the statement was released by the Guyana Police Force, another statementfromthepolicecameout stating that the initial statement containedinaccuracies.

FULLPROBE

Meanwhile, in a statement posted on his Facebook page, PresidentIrfaanAliexpressedhis Continued on page 37

Scene from the protest

SubrianYounge plunges into pool to retrieve lifeless body of his daughter, AdriannaYounge

Frompage36 commitmenttouncoveringthefull truth. He stated, “I have asked the Commissioner of Police to assembleaspecialteamtoleadthe investigation into all the circumstances surrounding 11year-oldAdriannaYounge.”

He emphasised that no resources or efforts would be spared to ensure a thorough investigation, adding, “Whatever specialised resources are required to determine every aspect of the events and circumstances will be provided.”

The President also directed the police to provide a detailed explanation of every action taken sincethecasewasreported,saying, “I have asked that the police explain, in detail, every action takensincethematterwasreported. Liketherestofthecountry,Istand with this family at this time of extremegrief.”

Inthesamevein,VicePresident Bharrat Jagdeo, during his weekly pressconferenceonThursday,also highlighted that the Police Force should release the footage they claimed they reviewed, which showed Younge entering a red vehicle in front of the Double Day Hotel, and the said car leaving. He said, “They (police) said that they haveavideothatshowedthischild entering a vehicle, they give the numberofthevehicleanditscolor, so if you viewed the video footage youmustreleaseittothepeopleof this country, we want to see it, I wouldliketoseeit.”

FamilyofdeadTuschen girldemandsprobeby Int’linvestigators, independentpathologist …wantspolicetodisclose SOPsfollowedafter incidentwasreported

Family members of the nowdead11-year-oldAdriannaYounge aredemandingathoroughprobeby international investigators, followinghermysteriousdeath.

The family has called for an international probe into the circumstances surrounding the deathoflittleAdriannaYoungeand foranindependentpathologisttobe hired. In a public interview, the child’s aunt, Ameka Lewis, said, “We are demanding an internationalautopsyformyniece. We do not know the local pathologist that they have because all of them are affiliated with the PPP.”

Meanwhile, the family’s Attorney, DarrenWade, during the interview argued that the Regional Security System (RSS) is “incompetent” given the recent investigation into the death of the Henry boys. He said, “I noticed some pathologist is coming from Barbados. They consider him an international person (but) we want the FBI. We don’t trust anybody

from the Caribbean Community, anybodythatcomesfromBarbados anywhere; we want international persons. We want the FBI to be involved here, not anybody from theCaribbeanCommunity.”

Mourning family members of the dead girl have called on the Guyana Police Force (GPF) to releasethevideofootagetheyclaim to possess, allegedly showing the childleavingthehotel.Itshouldbe noted that the police subsequently indicated that the statement was inaccurate.

Family members are also calling for the police to publicly disclose the standard operating procedures (SOPs) that were followed after the incident was reported. They have rejected the proposal made by President Irfaan Ali to have the Commissioner of Police assemble a special team to leadtheinvestigationintothedeath ofthe11-year-oldgirl.

Thebodyofthechildwasfound floating in the pool of the Double Day International Hotel and Bar, Tuschen, East Bank Essequibo, on

phonetoescalatethematter,butthe calls went unanswered ” The lawyer acknowledged that given the time the call was made to the Commissioner,itispossiblethathe mayhavebeenresting.

In the meantime, the attorneyat-law said the family has complained of being misled by the GPF after pleading with the ranks forseveralhourstotakeimmediate action to no avail Further, the family has also taken note of the misleading and false statement issued by the Police Force that the child was seen leaving the hotel premisesinacar

Tothisend,Wademadeitclear, “Asaresultoftheirexperience,the family has lost confidence in the Guyana Police Force to conduct a fair and thorough investigation.” Consequently,thefamilyiscalling for the services of international investigators and an independent pathologisttobehiredimmediately to ensure transparency, accountability, and justice in the handlingofthistragicmatter

The lawyer said that the police

Thursday evening Simon said PresidentAli assured relatives that therewillbejusticeforthechild.

She however shared, “To be honest this family (hotel owners) have so much of linkage and whateverthatlikeIain’table.”

Thebodyofthe11-year-oldgirl was pulled from the Double Day International Hotel pool on Thursday morning by her father, Subrian Younge amid heated protest action The child was reported missing around 14:00hrs on Wednesday during an outing with her grandmother Despite repeated appeals for the Police to conduct a thorough search of the premises, family members claim thiswasnotdone.Furthermore,the GPF later admitted to issuing an inaccurate statement which indicated that the child left the Hotel in a red and black Toyota Raum the evening she went missing.

Relatives remained adamant that littleAdrianna had not left the Hotel as surveillance footage reviewed from a neighbour’s

Thursday morning, after she was reported missing around 14:00hrs on Tuesday The lifeless body of Youngewaspulledoutofthewater by her father, Subrian Younge, amidheatedprotestaction.

Attorney-at-law Darren Wade met with family members of the child, including her parents and aunt, Ameka Lewis, on Thursday Inastatement,thelawyerexplained that he was approached by the child’s aunt on Wednesday evening, who requested a legal intervention, following a series of unsuccessful efforts to persuade officers of the GPF to conduct a comprehensive search of the hotel premises.

Wade said, “Despite the urgencyofthesituationinvolvinga missing child, the police initially refused to carry out a sweep of the building and compound. Attempts were made to contact the CommissionerofPoliceviamobile

haveexpressedinterestinspeaking with the child’s father, but he has indicated that this will only be facilitated in the presence of his legalcounsel.

Saturday

‘IhaveNotrustinthePolice Force’ - Mother tells Pres. Ali ‘Autopsypostponed’…as family demands independent pathologist, observers

Amecia Simon, the devastated mother of 11-year-old year Adrianna Younge, has appealed to President Irfaan Ali to assign internationalinvestigatorstoprobe her daughter’sdeath,asthefamily does not trust the Guyana Police Force(GPF).

In an interview with Kaieteur News on Friday morning, the woman shared brief details of her meeting with the Head of State on

has since agreed to allow a pathologist from Barbados to conduct the PME, however, they have requ

untilMonday

“We said we don’t mind this personthattheyarebringingbutwe w a n t t o g e t somebodyaswell.So,wehaveDr Caleb and we are gonna get somebody else because we don’t want nobody to do their own thing and then they will say oh she drown,”themothercried.

Dr Caleb(onlynamegiven)isa local doctor, according to Simon. The family is also seeking the expertise of an overseas medical doctor to observe the PME on Monday So far, the family has not set a date to lay the 11-year-old to rest.

Meanwhile, the family’s Attorney, Darren Wade in a statement on Friday evening reiterated the family’s lack of confidence in the GPF to conduct a

investigation into the matter

demandingthattheGovernmentof Guyana (GoG) invites the Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI) or the Scotland Yard or the Royal Mounted Branch of Canada to investigatethismatter Withregard to the Pathologist from Barbados, Dr ShubhakarKarraPaul,relatives are calling for the GoG to disclose whether he possesses postgraduate training in anatomical pathology

camera only showed the child entering.

Tothisend,thewomansaidthat made it clear that the family does not trust the GPF to probe her d a u g h t e r ’ s death She broke down as she explained,”I told him (President Ali),IsaidtheGuyanaPoliceForce failed us. They helped to kill my child, from the Commander right down. They know what was going onallthetime.”

SheaddedthatAlididnotdeny the family of any if its requests, including for independent investigatorstoprobethematter

Meanwhile, the woman confirmed that a Post Mortem Examination (PME) has not been completed on the child’s body but hasbeenpostponedtoMonday The PME was initially scheduled to be conductedonFriday Simonwhostruggledtoprovide theupdateexplainedthatthefamily

request confirmation as to whether he holds a subspecialty in forensic pathology, and if so, where he received his training in these disciplines,”theLawyeradded. He explained that his office is presently in communication with pathologists based in North America. The Lawyer noted that the group is currently determining whichonewilltraveltoGuyanafor thePMEtobedoneonMonday As such, he appealed, “We are asking thegovernmenttohavethemedical boardreadyandpreparetograntall necessary approvals, after the necessary documentations are presented.”

A

y, Wad

requested that the GPF make contactwiththefamilythroughhis officeasrelativeshavecomplained that they are uncomfortable with the approaches being made by Officers.

Manaccusedofabducting AdriannaYoungelosescontracts …to sue police force

Deon Jeffrey, a 25-year-old contractor of Parfaite Harmony, West Bank Demerara,(WBD), is preparing to take legal action againsttheGuyanaPoliceForce Continued on page 38

The mother and father of the dead 11-year-old girl speaking with PresidentAli on Thursday evening.

Frompage37 (GPF) for defamation, after he was falsely linked to the abduction of 11-year-old AdriannaYounge.

Younge disappeared whileonaswimmingouting with family at the Double D

Essequibo (EBE) on Wednesday

Despite thorough checks inthepoolandthehotelthat day, her body surfaced Thursday morning in the pool.

Jeffery was accused by police of being involved in the abduction of Younge, after a red and black Toyota Raum he was renting, was identifiedasthevehicleused intheincident.

In a statement released on Wednesday night, police claimedsurveillancefootage showedthechildleavingthe Double Day Hotel and entering a Raum bearing registration number PSS 4684, which was seen heading toward Vreed-enHoop.TheCommandCentre in Region Three supported

the claim based on its surveillancefeed.

However, police have sinceadmittedthereportwas i

investigation into how the

n was disseminated.

Speaking with Kaieteur News Friday, Jeffrey related the treatment he received from police when he was apprehended.

According to him, on Wednesday, he was at home ortheentiredayandhadnot traveledtotheWestCoastor evenintotown.Jeffrey,who works in construction, said he had takenthe day off and only left home briefly in the morningtodelivereggsfora friend in the area before returninghome.

He said he remained there for the rest of the day and assured that more than 10 persons can confirm his alibi.

On Thursday morning, Jeffreyrelatedthathegotup around 05:00h, to take his brother and his brother’s partner to Georgetown

However, at about 05:45h while approaching the DemeraraHarbourBridgein heavy traffic, he was unexpectedly stopped by a policecorporal.

Jeffrey recalled that the officer pointed toward his vehicle and began dragging metal barricades in front of it, preventing him from movingfurther

“(He) tell me that how I hit somebody child in Tuschen, then I go, who child I knock down?

BecauseIknowIdidnotgo up in the west coast,”

Jeffreysaid

“So, he say pull in the corner and he was hoggish towardsme,youknowinthe waynothowapoliceshould operate, I go in the corner becauseyouknow,youcan’t drive away from them becauseitspolice.”

A female officer then approached and informed himthattheincidentwasnot a hit-and-run, but rather, an alleged abduction, and that his vehicle was reportedly involved.

J e f f r e y s a i d h e

immediately denied any involvement and explained thathewasnowherenearthe area at the time in question.

Nevertheless, he was escorted to the La Grange Police Station, where he remained detained for the e n t i r e d a y u n t i l approximately 18:10h, without being formally charged or presented with evidence.

He explained, “All they told me when they release me is that some of the information is not accurate andIamfreetogo,that’sall theysaid.”

The contractor lamented that the false report had severely impacted his livelihood and reputation, leading to the loss of contracts and damaging the trusthisclientsandmembers of the community once had inhim.

He explained that on the dayhewasdetained,hewas scheduled to meet with a potential client to begin a f e n c i n g p r o j e c t v a l u e d a t approximately $500,000

However, shortly after his release from police custody, the client messaged him to cancel the contract, stating hedidnotwanttoworkwith someone accused of being involvedincriminalactivity

Jeffrey noted that the client was familiar with the vehicle he had been renting; the same vehicle that police wrongfully claimed was used in the alleged abduction.

Thelossdidn’tendthere.

Another individual from J e f f r e y ’ s community also backed out of planned work, citing similar concerns He said both individuals explicitly toldhimtheydidnotwantto workwithsomeonelabeleda criminal.

AccordingtoJeffrey,the fallout has moved beyond financialloss;ithasseverely tarnished his reputation. He believes the police’s mishandling of the situation has defamed his character, especially in a community w h e r e t r u s t is critical to securing daily constructionjobs.

The experience has left Jeffrey feeling humiliated and frustrated. He said he is deeply disturbed by the accusation, especially given his role as a caretaker to his niecesandnephewswhoare closeinagetothevictim.He considers himself a father figure to them and takes pride in protecting and guidingthem.

He stressed, “I’m almost likeafatherfiguretothem,to know I getting blame for somethinglikethisandIwas nowhere around the area whenithappen.”

Jeffrey has since made it clear that he intends to seek legal redress, citing defamation, loss of income, and damage to his personal andprofessionalreputation.

“As I said persons are withdrawing their contract from me because they still looking at me as a criminal and the owner for the vehicle, he also collect the vehiclefromme,becausehe say that you know,(he does n o t w a n t t o b e involved with a criminal)” Jeffreytoldthispublication.

SouthAmericanTapirs

Source: National Geographic

South American tapir (Tapirus terrestris), the heavyweight champ of South America’s land mammals, has strutted back onto the scene in the Costa Verderegion.

These tapirs look something like pigs with trunks, but they are actually related to horses and rhinoceroses. This eclectic lineage is an ancient one—and so is the tapir itself. Scientists believe that these animals have changed littleovertensofmillionsof years.

Behavior

Tapirs have a short prehensile (gripping) trunk, which is really an extended noseandupperlip.Theyuse this trunk to grab branches and clean them of leaves or to help pluck tasty fruit. Tapirs feed each morning andevening.

During these hours they follow tunnel-like paths, worn through the heavy brush by many a tapir footstep,toreachwaterholes

andlushfeedinggrounds.As they roam and defecate they deposit the seeds they have consumed and promote futureplantgrowth.

LifeintheWater

Though they appear densely built, tapirs are at home in the water and often submerge to cool off. They are excellent swimmers and can even dive to feed on aquatic plants. They also wallow in mud, perhaps to

remove pesky ticks from theirthickhides.

TapirSpecies New World tapirs generally live in the forests and grasslands of Central and South America A notable exception is the mountain (or woolly) tapir, whichliveshighintheAndes Mountains. Woolly tapirs, named for their warm and protective coat, are the smallestofalltapirs.

Theworld’sbiggesttapir is found in the Old

World—SoutheastAsia.The black-and-whiteMalaytapir can grow to 800 pounds. It inhabits the forests and swamps of Malaysia and Sumatra.

All tapir species are atrisk largely due to hunting andhabitatloss.

CommonName:Tapirs

Scientific Name:

Tapiridae

Type:Mammals

Diet:Herbivore

GroupName:Candle

Average Life Span In

TheWild:25to30years

Size: Heightatshoulder: 29to42inches

Weight: 500 to 800

pounds

Sizerelativetoa6-ftman

TheMagicalHomeworkFairy

It was the last day of spring break, and Emily sat on the couchwithabigfrown.

“Ugh,” she groaned, staring at her backpack. “I forgot about my school project!”

She had a whole week to do it but fun trips, playground time, and movie nights had taken over Now the project on “My Favorite Animal” was due tomorrow, andshehadn'tevenstarted.

Daniel, her brother, was outside flying a kite, but Emily couldn't enjoy anything. “I wish someone would just poof and do it for me,”shemumbled.

Suddenly, a tiny sparkle floateddownfromtheceiling andlandedonthetable.

POOF!

Alittlefairywithglittery wings and purple sneakers appeared.

She had a tiny pencil tucked behind her ear and a backpack even smaller than Emily'shand.

“Didsomeonesaypoof?” the fairy asked with a grin. “I'm Tilly, the Homework Fairy!Heretohelp!”

Emily blinked. “Wait… really?”

“Yup! I specialize in fun, flair, and a sprinkle of silliness,”Tilly said proudly. “What'stheproject?”

Emily showed her the instructions: Draw your favourite animal and write threefactsaboutit.

“Easy-peasy lemonsqueezy!” said Tilly She pulled out a sparkly wand andwaveditatthetable.

SPLAT! A giant blob of paint landed on Emily's paper

“Oops,” said Tilly “That wassupposedtobeatiger.”

Emilygiggled.

“Let's try again!” Tilly waved her wand again. This time, a wobbly drawing of a unicorn with fish fins appeared.

“Um… I said tiger, not tig-fish-corn, ” Emily laughed.

Tilly scratched her head.

“Maybe magic isn't the best foraccuracy.Let'strytheoldfashionedway!”

Together, they looked up tigers in a book. Emily started writing facts while Tilly coloured with a crayon threetimeshersize.

An hour later, Emily smiledatherfinishedproject.

“Ididmostofitmyself!”

“And you did it great,” saidTilly,sippingjuicefrom

abottlecap.

“Thanks for making it f u n , ” E m i l y s a i d

“Homeworkisn'tsobad…if youmakeitsillysometimes.”

Tilly winked “Exactly Now I must fly—someone else just said 'poof!' in New Jersey.”

POOF!

Shewasgoneinaglittery swirl, just as Daniel walked in.

“Who were you talking to?”heasked.

“No one,” Emily said with a smile. “Just… getting helpfromamagicalfriend.”

TheEnd!

✨Follow-UpQuestions: What was Emily's schoolprojectabout?

How did the Homework FairytrytohelpEmily?

What did Emily learn aboutdoingherhomework?

April Showers paper plate craft

Materialsneeded:

· Paperplates

· Greencrepepaper

· Glue

· Scissors

· DifferentcoloUredConstructionpaper

· Paint

· Paintbrushes

· BlackPipecleaner

Instructions:

Begin by cutting the paper plate in half. Stick this onto a white page in the top cornerandglueapipecleanerfromthisto make the umbrella handle. Cut a strip of greencrepepaperandgluetothebottomof page to make it look like grass. Cut small flowershapesoutoftheconstructionpaper andglueontopage.

Allowthegluetodrycompletely Addblue painttomakeitlooklikearainysky Allow thepainttodrycompletely

Your April showers paper plate craft is complete!

Dirty Jimmy

byUncleRoy

Jimmywasadirtylittleboy, Whohatedtocleanandbathe; Wheneverhismothercalledhimtotakeabath, Hewouldhideunderthebed.

Healsodidnotbrushhisteeth, Nordidhecombhishair, Hisroomandclotheswerealwaysuntidy, Withhisbookshere,thereandeverywhere.

ThenJimmyfoundtohisdismay, Hewaslosinghisfriendsonebyone; Theycouldnotbeartostandhissmell, Andhewassoonleftallalone.

ItwasthenthatJimmysawhismistake, Anddecidedtochangehisdirtyhabits; Nowyou'dbesurprisedatthewayheshines, Andhisfriendsallclingtohimlikerabbits.

Begin your effort towards developing your Self Esteem with a Sense of Security

Security is a basic need of all human beings, and in fact of all living things. Everyindividualneedstobe confident that the environment in which he livesissafefromdanger,and thatheshouldfeelfreetoact to ensure this. If you look around at the way things work in the broader society, you find that there is a special arm of the government which is responsible for our security as citizens of our country To make sure that they will be able to fulfil this responsibility, this arm, which is chiefly the police force, has to ensure that we are guided by laws. These laws, or rules, have been d e s i g n e d b y o u r representatives for

Develop

everyone's protection, and weallhavetheobligationto follow them so as to make thewholesocietysafeforall citizens. Themorewedoso, we develop the confidence that others will follow suit, and our whole environment will become safe. In the sameway,wefindthatinall other areas of our lives, at home, at school, in workplaces,ontheroad,and

in every occupation, we havetoabidebycertainrules or laws. When we follow the rules, we feel safe When we do not, we know thatwecannotinconscience expect others to do so, and we feel threatened, and lose this sense of security that is so vital to our development. Thissensealsohelpsustobe more respectful of ourselves,andweknowthat when we fulfil our personal responsibilities, then we knowthatotherswillrespect us for it. It helps us to trust those under whose charge we find ourselves, as parents, teachers and others in authority It gives us a

sense of self-worth, as we appreciateourownpotential t o f u l f i l t h e s e responsibilities. This sense of security can be increased in a special way When thosewithinasocietygetthe opportunity to have a say in thewaythelawsareformed, thentheyaremorewillingto followthem. Thisistheway a democratic system works, and is the reason why citizens are asked periodicallytovoteforthose who will represent them in making the laws. If you have to follow the rules at home, and moreover get the chance to help to formulate them, then you will in the samewaybemorewillingto follow them. You will also feelsaferbecauseyouknow the rules and the reasons whytheyaremade.

Please make sure that you continue in this effort towards developing your Self Esteem by following our articles in the following weeks.

CENTER-DOT

by Chris Prashad

OhhowhappycanGuyanabe,

Onepeople,onenation,onedestiny; OhhowhappycanGuyanabe, Ifweliveandworkinunity

It'sanotherIndependenceanniversary Whenpeopleofallshadesjoininfestivity, Solet'sbyourhandsandspiritformaunion, Andmakethisatimeoftruecelebration. Letusallstrivetobuildthiscountry, Buryallhatredandenmity, Self-relianceinallthatweneed, WiththehelpofGodwewillsucceed. Manyarethebattleswehavetowin, Resistlaziness,it'sanaturalsin, Let'scooperateanderadicate Everyevildeedwecontemplate.

UncleRoyisagainappealingtoourreaderstomake a contribution to this column by either giving a feedback on what is published, asking for some help with some personal problem, offering some advice to fellow teenagers, or sharing the news of what is happening in his/her community Please send your contributiontoroypaul2002@yahoo.com

GNBSINFOCUS

ENSUREYOURINDUSTRIALSAFETY

HELMETSADHERETOTHENATIONALSTANDARD

One of the most

Occupational Safety and HealthisPersonalProtective Equipment (PPE) which includes gloves, helmets, safetybootsandotheritems.

Key among the list is safety helmets which protect workers from various head injuries including impacts

from falling objects, electrical hazards, and collisionswithmachineryin high-risk industries like c o n s t r u

n , manufacturing,andmining.

As we continue to observeOccupationalSafety and Health (OSH) Month 2025, the Guyana National Bu

(GNBS) seeks to educate

protective helmets that adhere to the National Standard – GYS 563:2020

IndustrialSafetyHelmets

The document was developed with inputs from the American National

StandardforIndustrialHead Protection (AMSI/ISEA Z89.1) along with the ISO Standard 3873 and the British Standard BS EN 397 focused on Industrial safety helmets.Itspecifiesphysical a

requirements, methods of t

g requirements for industrial safety helmets. Further, op

ional performance requirementsareincludedto apply where specifically claimedbythemanufacturer ofthesafetyhelmets.

Defined as a headgear primarilyintendedtoprotect theupperpartofthewearer’s head,thestandardstatedthat helmets should include at least a shell and a harness. The shell shall have as uniform a strength as possible and shall not be reinforced at any point Additionally, the outer surface shall be smoothly finished while the profile at the front edge shall not

prevent the wearing of spectaclesorgoggles.

Mandatory requirements ofanindustrialsafetyhelmet according to the standard, include shock absorption, resistance to penetration, flame resistance, chin strap anchorages and appropriate l a b e l s . O p t i o n a l requirements with the appropriate test methods provided in the document include electrical properties, the helmet’s ability to withstand very high temperatures, and its ability to withstand molten metal splash.

As the Bureau joins in observingOSHmonth2025, employersandemployeesin theconstruction,miningand other industries are encouraged to ensure their industrial safety helmets adheretotherequirementsof the National Standard. By adhering to established SafetyStandards,businesses can mitigate risks, protect

workers’ well-being, and create safer work environments for all. For more information, the GYS 563 National Standard can be purchased from the GNBS at an affordable cost of$6,100.

This year’s OSH month is being observed under the theme “Revolutionizing Health and Safety: The Role of AI and Digitalization at Work”. As we observe this month of activities, the GNBS urges employers and workers alike to prioritize safety by adhering to established standards and regulations Together, we can build a culture of safety consciousness and protect every worker in Guyana’s workforce.

For more information, contact the GNBS on telephone numbers: 2190064-66 or WhatsApp: 692-4627.Youcanalsovisit the GNBS website: www.gnbsgy.org

Women’sWellworkshop

Frompage19 strategize.” The woman emphasized the importance of addressing stigmatised issues likementalhealth.

“Ever since I was a little girl growing up in Guyana, mental health challenges had alwaysbeenataboo.Wewerenotallowedto talkaboutbeingdepressedorevenvoicethat wewerefeelingstressed.”

“Stress is one of the leading causes of many diseases and illnesses women face worldwide. I think it is very important to equip women with the tools to handle stress effectively, deal with mental health challenges and take care of themselves physically,”Jacksonexplained.

When asked what message she hopes to leavewiththewomenattending,thewellness advocaterespondedpassionately “Ihopemy message will give them hope and the

determination to apply these tools and strategies to live more fulfilled lives,” she said. As such, she shared advice to any woman currently struggling with emotional ormentalwellness.

“You do not have to be ashamed to seek help. It is OK to seek help. It is OK to talk aboutit.Seekexperthelp.Itcanbeapastor,a licensedtherapist,acouncilororanymedical professional that can provide you with a referral.Startsomewhere.Reachoutforhelp beforeitistoolate,”

“IamabornagainChristiananditismy belief that with God all things are possible. For many years I have successfully used prayer as guidance to overcome stress, to deal with issues of depression and to seek wisdomonhowtothriveinenvironmentsthat are challenging,” Jackson said highlighting herfaith-basedapproachtowellness.

Kimbesha Dey-Campbell standing next to her beautifully decorated food truck, proudly representing Guyana

Campbell’s mouthwatering stuffed eggs

IS A GUYANESE CULINARY QUEEN BASED IN ATLANTA, GA Kimbesha Dey Campbell

ByShaniaWilliams

When Kimbesha Dey Campbell

moved from New Amsterdam, Berbice to Atlanta, Georgia in March, 2016 with her husband and children, she carriedherrichculinaryheritageandtalenttoshare withAmericansunfamiliarwithGuyanesecuisine.

Raised in a family that treated cooking as a passion, food played a central role in Dey’s upbringing.“Iwasraisedwithafamilythatknows howto‘throwdown’inthekitchen—fortheloveof it and for the business aspects,” she shared. “My mom’ssideofthefamilywasjustnaturallyblessed withknowinghowtocook.I’veneverseenarecipe bookyet.Butyousee,mydad’ssideofthefamily, thosepeoplehadthebakingonlock.Untilthisday, the pastries were on point every weekend.As for the bread, oh my goodness, it was big and just belly-filling,”shetoldtheWaterfalls.

Campbell’s culinary influences run deep, especiallyfromherlategrandmotherRosieandher great-aunts. “Those women are just talented at everything,”shereflected.

Hertransitionintothefoodindustrybegannot longaftermovingtoAtlanta.Asimplecravingfor Salara,alsoknownasrollieorredcake,hadgiven her the idea for her business. She said when she moved,shecouldn’tfindaplacethatsellssomeof Guyanese favourite delicacies and decided to change that narrative. “I would never forget summer of 2016. I was craving some Salara and

wenttoaCaribbeanstoreandwastoldstraightup theydon’thavethatorhaveanyonewhomakesit. TherewerenoGuyanesepastries,tosaytheleast,” sherecalled.

Thatvoidsparkednotonlyherpassion,butalso amissiontosharetheflavorsofherhomecountry Encouragedbyfriendswholovedhercookingand were willing to pay for it, Dey turned her kitchen creationsintoabrand.“NowIdidlikebeingpaid,” she laughed, “but above all, I loved the compliments.”

By 2020, Kim’s Caribbean Kitchen was officially born, initially offering pastries once a month.“ThenitgrewtobreadandotherGuyanese cuisine,”Campbellsaid.In2023,herdreamrolled on wheels as she launched Kim’s Caribbean KitchenFoodTruck,thefirstGuyanesefoodtruck inAtlanta.

Her business name itself tells a story “Kim’s Caribbean Kitchen came from using part of my name. I also wanted a name that would attract people hence using ‘Caribbean’ and the businessstartedinmykitchen,”shesaid.

However, bringing Guyanese cuisine to the U.S. hasn’t been without its shortfalls. Campbell recalled struggling to create Guyanese cuisines in thestates.Personsunfamiliarwiththefoodwould alwaysaskheraboutthecuisine. “Ohyes,tillthis dayIbehavingtoput‘lowmein(chowmein)’and questionslikewhatitis.‘Bakeandsaltfish’?‘What ispholourie?’Yourgirlbetired,”sheadmittedwith Continued on page 48

Founder of Kim’s Caribbean Kitchen: Kimbesha Dey Campbell

Tytheon Jones’ Journey From Footballer to

to Miss Bartica Regatta

In the glittering world of pageantry, where grace meets grit, 18-year-old Tytheon Jones has emerged as more than just Miss Bartica Regatta 2025, she represents the resilient spirit of a community and the triumph of perseverance againstallodds.

“For me, I found that I really enjoyed modeling from the last pageant I enteredandIdecidedtoenter this one just for the experience,”Jonessharedin aninterview “Iwasmostlya sports person and wanted to gain experience in somethingdifferent.”

This transition from athleticstopageantrywasn’t withoutitschallenges.Jones dominated the competition from the beginning, particularly in the intelligence segment where she scored significantly higher than her competitors, giving her a formidable lead goingintothefinalnight.

The road to the crown wasn’talwayssmooth.Jones admits the criticism she faced almost derailed her journey

“At first, I didn’t take it wellbecauseI’mnotusedto criticism,” she confessed “All the negativity had me feelinglikeIshoulddropout because I felt pageants were about empowering young women,andIwasn’tfeeling empowered.”

What kept her in the competition was the unexpected sisterhood she found among her fellow contestants,whoreachedout andencouragedhertostay

“I just said I wanted to remind every young girl it’s okay to loosen up a little bit and face your fears,” Jones said.Foreachsegmentofthe competition, she went on stage determined “to show people that I have potential and was going to make my mark.”

Perhaps what makes Jones’ victory most compelling is the journey that preceded it. “I felt very proud of myself because I know where I came from, and seeing my mom cry whenIwasannouncedqueen wasveryemotionalforme,” she shared. “Knowing my background, I wasn’t a privileged child and had to workveryhardforwhatI’ve achieved.”

Thiselementofherstory resonatesdeeplyinBartica,a community that values

determination and hard work At just 18, Jones represents not just beauty and grace, but the promise that dedication can open doors regardless of one’s startingpoint.

Jones doesn’t view her crown as merely decorative, but as a tool for creating meaningfulimpact.

“I’m hoping to execute my Heritage and Hope

project and use my voice as an inspiration for young women and men, especially those in sports in Bartica,” sheexplained.

“I know Barticians especially, don’t have exposure to facilities and resources to hone their talents and I hope to use my platform to bring awareness toourtalenthereand

Continuedonpage48

Miss Bartica Regatta 2025 Tytheon Jones during a talent segment

(Photo by M.Blitz)

The crowning moment of Tytheon Jones as Miss Bartica Regatta 2025 (M. Blitz photo)

Anjalita Somwaru

Our breathtaking beautyoftheweekis AnjalitaSomwaru ayoungentrepreneurwhohasa passionfordancingandmodeling. Thisweek’sbeautyisaformerdancer withtheBerbiceDelightgroupanda cheerleaderfortheCPLcricketseries. AnjalitawasalsoafinalistofMissIndia Guyanapageantwhereshewasawarded withMissIndianGuyanaBollywooddiva titlein2023. Herfavouritequoteis “Live as if you were to die tomorrow; learn as if you were to live forever…”

Some of the beautifully made tote bags ‘Bags and Things’have to offer

Choose

‘Bags

ByAllyiahAllicock

“I have a deep passion for creating, whether it is clothesorbagsIlovetodoit. I moved to Georgetown for opportunities and I plan to take advantage of all that comes my way.” Those are the words of a young creative, 26-year-old Melissa Wilson, the proud founderandownerof‘Bags andThings’.

Not familiar with this small business, ‘Bags and Thing’ is a locally handmade and design business where bags are made from scratch and painted on or customized with decorative such as bow, pockets just to nameafew

Originally from the mining town of Linden in Region 10, Wilson in a

recent interview with The Waterfalls related that her businessventurefirststarted in October of 2024. She disclosed that what sparked this business idea was her lovefortotebags.

“IknewthatifIlikethem other persons would like themtoo.Andalso(Istarted) to help support myself financially through school (Burrowes School of Art),” shestated.

Having a deep interest for the arts and crafts industry,Wilsonhadmoved to Georgetown and is

currently pursuing a Bachelor’s of Arts while simultaneously attending theBurrowesSchoolofArts studyingfashiondesigning. Speakingofherbusiness

Young Entrepreneur, Melissa Wilson rocking one of her handmade tote bags.

and Things’ forlocallyhandmadetotes

“I think to boost small businesses locally more training should be done on how to operate a small business. Financial assistance can help to push the businesses further and higher...”

journey thus far, Wilson recalled that along the way she encountered challenges just like any other small businessowners.

“Some challenges I encounter still to this day is thequalityofthepaintthatis accessible for fabric painting. At times, it can cause your work to look untidyorIhadtoknowhow to work with it,” she explained.

Another issue she faced was regarding her location, butthathassincebeenfixed and now she has a pick-up location in central Georgetownwhichmakesit easierforcustomers.

Meanwhile, she expressed that the support towards her business has been good thus far, noting that it is always interesting to see or receive a text stating that the customer is satisfied with the product. This, she noted motivates her to keep doing what she loves.

Relatively new to the business realm, the art enthusiast shared with this magazine that looking

forward to take things further,partofherlong-term goalistoexpandintonotjust tote bags but also create make-up bags, side bags, purses, and professional workbag.

“I also would like my business to get the attention ofcompaniesthatwouldlike plain tote bags to print their company logo onto it, to distribute at conference or expos or things of that nature,”sheaspiretohave.

Already attracting the likes of persons who supports her business, Wilson is of the view that young entrepreneurs in our society helps to helps to push businesses in this societyandbringaboutnew services.

Whether it is through marketing strategies or just getting up and going at it every day, she related that they help society to grow anddevelop.

With more and more small businesses being introduced frequently, she thinks that more can be locallytohelpthemgrow

According to her, “I

think to boost small businesses locally more training should be done on how to operate a small

assistance can help to boost or push the businesses further and higher, and also constantly marketing the businesscanhelp.” Persons desirous of placing an order at ‘Bags and Things’can reach out to the business via Instagram or TikTok @ Bags and Things or on WhatsApp on mobile number (592)6388400.

Opposition MP moves Motion for National Child Emergency Notification System in honour of Adrianna Younge

Opposition Member (MP)ofParliamentJermaine Figueira,onSaturday,called for the establishment of a National Child Emergency NotificationSystem.

Figueira, in a Motion to be presented during Monday's sitting of the National Assembly, aims to improvechildprotectionand public safety in Guyana. Titled 'Motion for the Establishment of a National

C h i l d E m e r g e n c y Notification System', it speakstotheurgentneedfor reforms to safeguard

children in light of increasingcriminalactivity

"The tragic and brutal abductionandmurderof11year-old Adrianna Younge has shaken the collective conscience of the people of Guyana, transcending all ethnic, religious, and social divides," Figueira said in a statement.

"There is a national outcry for urgent reforms to enhancechildprotectionand

strengthen public safety mechanisms,"hesaid.

The proposed system draws inspiration from successful child emergency alert programs in other countries, such as the AMBERAlert in the United States, Canada, and the EuropeanUnion. Thesesystemshavebeen credited with helping to recovermissingchildrenand prevent further harm by rapidly disseminating critical information to the public.

The Opposition MP further said, "The swift dissemination of critical information to the public through mobile devices, media outlets, and public networks has proven to dramatically improve child recovery rates and deter criminal activities against minors; and w

eas Guyana, as the fastest growing economy in the world, must proactively implement security

Dead:AdriannaYounge

measures to protect its most

, especially its children, amid increasing exposure to criminalelements."

Figueira's motion calls for consultations with v

s, includingtheGuyanaPolice Force, telecommunications providers, civil society organizations, and child rights advocates. He urges the government to begin the processimmediately,aiming to design and implement a national child alert system that would operate under

Govt. to rollout $35B in road works across Regions 2, 3, 4, 5 & 6

The Ministry of Public Works intends to spend

a p p r o x i m a t e l y $35,422,000,000 out of its budgetary allocation to rehabilitate and construct publicandmainaccessroads in communities across Regions Two, Three, Four, FiveandSix.

This is according to an invitation for bids which stated that the project has beendividedintotwophases (1A and 1B) and comprises 37lots.

Phase 1A, which caters forroadworksfromlots1to 18, is estimated to cost $12,421,000,000, while Phase1Bcoverslots19to37 and is estimated to cost $23,001,000,000.

Regarding Phase 1A, some of the areas identified for road works are Lima Sands and Mainstay in Region Two; Canal No. 1 in Region Three; Sophia, Avenue of the Republic, leading to new Government ComplexontheEastBankof Demerara,Agriculture Road at Mon Repos, Brickdam, Cane View, and Church StreetinRegionFour Also, De Hoop and Branch Road in Mahaicony in Region Five, and Black Bush Polder and Canjie in RegionSix.

As it relates to the communities for Phase 1B,

the ministry stated that the rehabilitation and constructionofroadswillbe done in areas such as Parika inRegionThree,andatCroal Street, Dennis Street, Lamaha Street, High Street, Beterverwagting (BV), Sophia, Main Street, Enterprise, Nabacalis, Lusignan, South Road, La Bonne Intention, North Road, UG road, Coldigen and Annandale in Region Four.Oftheseprojects,some ofthemajorcontractswould include the rehabilitation, construction and upgrade of 'B' Field access road in Sophiawhichisestimatedto cost $1,442,000,000; the rehabilitation of Agriculture Road from the Railway Embankment to the Guyana Livestock Development Authoritywhichisestimated at $3,020,000,000, and the upgrade of the Croal Street between Vlissengen road and Avenue of the Republic which is pegged at $1,135,000,000.Further, the ministry is seeking contractors to undertake the rehabilitation of BV Access Road from Rupert Craig H i g h w a y f o r $1,900,000,000, the rehabilitation of Dennis Street between the Eastern highway to Red Shop for $2 billion, the upgrade of 'E' Field Sophia between

Dennis Street to Blacka for $1,555,000,000,theupgrade of Main Street for an estimated $2,266,000,000, and the rehabilitation of Enterprise access road for $1,300,000,000. Additionally, works are plannedforNabacalisaccess road which is estimated at $1,500,000,000, the Lusignan access road between East Coast Highway to the Landfill site for $1,200,000,000, South RoadbetweenAvenueofthe Republic and Vlissengen road for $1,389,000,000, LBI Estate Road from the Public Road to the Railway Embankment for an estimated $1,400,000,000, UG road between the Railway Embankment to 'E' Field for $2,058,000,000, andatColdigenAccessroad for $1,792,000,000 In executing its road programme last year, the government, through the ministry,hadspentsome$74 billionontheseprojects,and thisyear,another$52billion is set aside to undertake similar works across the country It should be noted that bids for the projects are expected to open at the National Procurement and Tender Administration Board (NPTAB) office on May15,2025.

protocols to govern the national child alert system," hesaid.

As part of the Motion, Figueira has proposed that thealertsystembenamedthe “Adrianna Alert System” in honor of Adrianna Younge. He emphasized that her tragicdeathshouldserveasa catalyst for meaningful reforms.

He said, "(The)

and regulations. "Within six months, the necessary legislation and regulations will be drafted and tabled to establish the operational framework, r

implementation of the National child alert system would stand as a lasting and meaningful tribute to the memoryofAdriannaYoung, ensuring her life and untimely passing serve as catalysts for lasting national protectionreforms.

Opposition Member of Parliament (MP), Jermaine Figueira

Additionally,theMotion calls for annual reports on the system's performance to be presented to the National Assembly to guarantee transparency,accountability, andongoingimprovements.

Annai gets $236M District Hospital

The level of healthcare services being provided to residentsofAnnaiVillagein Region Nine has now been improved and expanded as thevillage'shealthcentrehas been upgraded to a district hospital.

The$236millionfacility wascommissionedonFriday by Minister of Health Dr FrankAnthony Kaieteur News had reported that in 2023, Minister Anthony, during a vis

government planned to convert the health centres at Sand Creek, Annai and Karasabai villages to ensure residents receive additional health services, including s

by eliminatingtheneedforlong travel to the Lethem Regional Hospital or the Georgetown Public Hospital Cooperation(GPHC).

The Ministry of Health, in a statement, said that the district hospital is now fully equipped and staffed to deliver a comprehensive range of medical services, including outpatient care, inpatient services, accident and emergency treatment, maternal and child health,

non-communicable disease management,laboratoryand diagnostictesting,pharmacy services, general surgery, internalmedicine,pediatrics, obstetrics and gynecology, dental care, and radiology services (X-ray and ultrasound).

Minister Anthony told residents that the upgrade of the facility forms part of the government's commitment to ensuring equitable access to quality healthcare across the nation.“What began as a modest health centre has now evolved into a fullfledged district hospital equippedwithastate-of-theartsurgicaltheatre,enhanced laboratory services, advanced im

technologies, and modern staff accommodations,” he toldthem.

The $236 million investment forms part of a broader $450 million regionalinitiativetoupgrade healthcare infrastructure throughout Region Nine

This includes the provision of four new ambulances and several all-terrain vehicles (ATVs) to boost emergency medical response in remote areas,theministryshared. Speak

additional developments in healthcareacross the region, the minister mentioned the deployment of cutting-edge diagnostic tools, which feature a new digital x-ray systemandamammography unit which was also commissionedattheLethem HospitalonFriday Notably, the health minister said that the region now has an AI-assisted malariadetectiontechnology introduced in collaboration withHarvardUniversity

“These advancements mean residents no longer have to cross borders in search of healthcare,” Dr Anthonysaid.

Whilespeakingaboutthe improved healthcare that will now be provided, the minister also used the opportunity to encourage greater participation in the nationwide Human Papillomavirus (HPV) vaccination campaign, which is now expanded to includewomenuptoage45.

“The initiative is a key part of the government's strategy to reduce cervical cancer, the second leading cause of cancer-related deaths among women in Guyana,”theministrysaid.

The new $236 millionAnnai District Hospital in Region Nine. (Photo courtesy, Ministry of Health)

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Citizens roast Pres. Ali

From page 11 regardlessoftheirpoliticalaffiliation.

Ali stated, “There is no way blocking public roads, burningpublicinfrastructure, and inconveniencing citizens will help little Adrianna’s cause or those interested in the truth. These actionsarenowpoliticallyinstigatedandwillnotbe accepted. They are unlawful andunhelpful,andactionwill be taken”.

Guyanesequicklyreacted in their numbers to his Facebookpost,labellingitinsensitive.

To make matters worse, vansofpoliceofficerscladin riot gear were deployed at protest locations along RegionThreeandinsomecases, they used tear gas.

Videos surfaced of protesters being arrested and dragged into the police vans.

Theactiontakenbypolice led Guyanese to believe that the President threatened the protesters and followed with his “take action” plan.

As a result, Guyanese did not mince their words when reprimandingthePresidentfor his post.

One Facebook user, Lerone Souvenir, shared the President’s post and added

hiscomments.

He wrote, “With all due respect, President Irfaan Ali, that statement is not only dismissive—it’s deeply troubling given the State’sglaring failure in this entire matter”.

“The very fact that it took a protest for a government minister to show up, and for authorities to even pretend to pay attention, speaks volumes” he continued, before adding, “The Guyana Police ForceutterlyfailedAdrianna’s family.Fromdayone,theirfocus wasn’t on supporting the grieving,orpursuingjustice,” he said.

Another Facebook User, Anuradha Itwaru, posted “The people hurting”.

Sheadded,“WhileIdonot condone the looting, to insinuate the reaction of those involved was/is politically motivated is such a stupid move.You’ve only just upset the hive again”

AlexisAgeda said, “With allduerespect,Mr. President, this is not the time and place for empty words. People are heartbroken,peopleareangry and rightfully so.”

AttinaBaskaranwrote,“A cry for help and justice is unlawfulandunhelpful?So,the GuyanaPoliceForceislawful

and helpful? Last I checked, they admit that they lied…”

“Who advised you to put out a statement like this? Fire thatperson,”AdeolaMatthias said.

These are only a few of hundreds.

There were a few “die hard” supporters who agreed with him but they too were roasted like the President.

His party, the People’s ProgressiveParty/Civic,supported his statement by sharing but that only led to more criticism.

Alex Seepersaud commented under the reshare, “Now!!! action supposed to be taken since the first minute…thepoliceforcecorrupttheyjustservingpurpose tobullypeoplewithliltintand people with minor offenses…ydidn’ttheyletthe people search the hotel the first 24hr they only know to takebribeandfulltheirpockets now it’s a next innocent lifebeentaken.”

After a night of roasting, the President visited the parents of the Younge a second time, and protesters got some satisfaction when the police forceannouncedthatMandall was sent on administrative leave as investigation continues.

The Force also revealed that police ranks are also under close arrest in relation to thematter

President Ali tried to explain to relatives that he “has no objections” to the protest activitiesbutonlywantsthem todoitpeacefully According to him, blocking the road for hours is not advised. The deadgirl’saunt,however,challengedthePresidentthatthere arevideosofhimblockingthe roads in the past.

“Mr Ali, there are videos with you protesting. You being a scrape and a thug. Mr Ali, sometimes we got to put our position aside and place weself into people shoes!” she declared.

Meanwhile, he advised them that their request for an independent pathologist to conductapost-mortemexamination on the child is currentlybeingreviewed.

Hesaid,“Ihavesaidthere is absolutely no issue. All of us want the truth; there is absolutely no issue with the pathologist. Your lawyer sent a letter about an hour ago to Mr. McBean so the request in that letter is being reviewednowbythecompetent authoritiesandtheywillcommunicate with the lawyer on that.”

Kimbesha Dey Campbell is a Guyanese culinary...

From page 43 a laugh. “But I want my customers to leave saying, ‘Hey, I tried something new,’ and often times, trying the food opens doors to explaining Guyanese culture.”

Today, Campbell’s businessisstillstanding tall. Her menu is a mixture of traditional Guyanese food and other Caribbean meals. “It’s tailored to what event I’m going to, so I can make money and not waste food,” she explained. Customer favorites include Rasta Pasta with Jerk Chicken, Bake and Saltfish, Bake and Shark, and her much-lovedCabbage.

She said her famous Brown Stew Chicken with RiceandMacaroni,Bakeand Saltfish, and Chow Mein are her favourite dishes to sell.

Overtheyears,Campbell overcame some of her challenges in the food truck busi-

ness and learned to grow as an entrepreneur. “At first, I justwantedmytruckoutthere and wasn’t even breaking even. It really took me my first two years to learn how the food truck business works.”

Despite the learning curve, the response has been overwhelmingly positive. “Chef’skiss!Theyarehappy to know they can come to a Caribbean truck and get mouth-watering flavors. It has opened doors for me to work at major events,” she said.

Herresumeincludeshighprofile gigs like Rick Ross’ pool party, a feature in Fox 5 Atlanta’s Food Truck Fridays,andevenanappearance on Love & Hip Hop Atlanta.

“Twoyearsago,Iwasfeatured as the first Guyanese food truckinAtlanta.Untilthisday people be like, ‘I saw your foodtruckonthenews,’”she

said proudly In2024,sheexpandedher offerings with Kim’s Caribbean Green Seasoning, a homemade blend that captures the rich essence of Guyaneseflavours.“Icallthat my baby,” she smiled. “It remindsmeofhomeandbrings backsomanymemories.Icall it the foundation.” Ingredientslikefinethyme,wiriwiri pepper,onion,garlic,scallion, and ginger, some sourced directly from Guyana, make it unique.The12ozjarsellsfor $10 and ship nationwide via DM or phone orders.

Despite the challenges of introducinganunfamiliarcuisine and choosing the right events, Dey has remained drivenbycustomerfeedback, her own goals, and most of all, passion. “I take customer feedback very important, good or bad. But mostly, it’s the passion I have for creating food with flavor,” she said.

She dreams of expanding Kim’s Caribbean Kitchen withmultiplefoodtrucksand eventually opening a Guyanese restaurant.

A cookbook is also in the works, which she hopes to pass on to her children.

“When they are of age, one ofthem,ifnotboth,willcarry on the business,” she said. Though she enjoys creating a food business, Campbell would sometimes feelhomesickbutwillalways stay connected to her roots and would sometimes visit.

“You know, everything is on social media, thank goodness. And I often talk to my family back home,” said Campbell, who last visited Guyanain2023. Youcancatchherculinary creations and behind-thescenes cooking moments on Instagram and TikTok under @kim_caribbean_kitchen.

Tytheon Jones’ Journey to Miss Bartica...

From page 44 eventuallyopenopportunities for those who need it.”

Her ambitions extend beyondherreignasMissBartica Regatta. Jones plans to pursue a degree in psychology thisSeptemberattheUniversity of Guyana, with the goal of helping the people of BarticaandGuyanabyextension.

AMESSAGE OFRESILIENCE

When asked what message she would like to share with other young people facing challenges, Jones didn’t hesitate:“Donotletcriticism and negative things get to you. I know the mental effect it’s going to have on you. If you’regoingaftersomething, you shouldn’t let anyone discourage you.”

It’s advice she has lived by,particularlyinrecentdays as controversy surrounding

the judging panel has cast unnecessary shadows over her well-deserved victory Despite these challenges, Jones continues to hold her head high, focusing on the positiveimpactshecanmake duringherreign. In a pageant that showcasedremarkabletalent,Jones stood out not just for her exceptionalperformancebutfor embodying the qualities that make a true queen: intelli-

gence, determination, grace under pressure, and a genuine desire to serve her community As Jones prepares to represent Bartica in the comingyear,herstoryremindsus that crowns may sparkle, but it’scharacterthattrulyshines. Forthisyoungqueenwithbig dreams and an even bigger heart, this is just the beginning of a journey that promises to inspire many more along the way

34 killed, dozens under rubble yesterday, as Israel bombs Gaza amid food crisis

The entire Strip, with a population of two million people, may be on the brink of famine as the World Food Programme runs out of supplies.

Aljazeera - At least 13 Palestinianshavebeenkilled since dawn and dozens of others buried under the rubble of a building destroyed in an Israeli air attackonGazaCity

Four victims, at least, were killed in a strike on a home in the city’s Sabra neighbourhood on Saturday, with the residents forced to dig the ground with their bare hands to reach people buriedinthedebris.

Mahmoud Basal, spokesman for Gaza’s civil defence agency, said a lack of rescue equipment has prevented emergency workersfromreachingthose buried underneath the collapsed building bombed byIsraelbeforedawn.

“Ourcrewscannotreach them because of the lack of thenecessarymachinery,”he toldtheAFPnewsagency

Earlier this week, Israeli aircraft destroyed 40 engineering vehicles the civil defence teams were usingtoremoveheavydebris duringrescueoperations. Israeli air raids also hit other parts of the Strip on Saturday, including alMawasiandKhanYounis,as the besieged territory faces

Palestinian medics transport the body of a victim following Israeli attacks on apartments in a residential building in Gaza City. [Omar al-Qattaa/AFP]

impending mass starvation amidanongoinggenocide.

After 18 months of the Israeli military invasion that has killed more than 51,000 Palestinians, the situation in Gaza“isprobablytheworst” it has been, the United Nationswarned.

Israel’s ongoing blockadehasmeantnofood, fuelor medicinehas entered Gaza for two months. For many Palestinians in Gaza, community kitchens were theironlysourceofnutrition afterIsraeliforcesdestroyed almost all food production facilities.

WFPhasappealedtothe international community to put pressure on Israel to lift the blockade, saying more than 116,000 metric tonnes of food assistance – enough to feed one million people for up to four months – are already positioned for delivery “as soon as borders reopen”.

The UN’s World Food Programme (WFP) on Friday said the entire Strip, with a population of two million people, may be on the brink of famine and aid kitchens are “expected to fully run out of food in the comingdays”.

Reporting from Deir elBalah on Saturday, Al Jazeera’sTareqAbuAzzoum said the humanitarian crisis inthebesiegedterritory“has r e a c h e d a v e r y unprecedented breaking point”.

“Civilians are really

struggling to cope with this crisis,”hesaid.

Philippe Lazzarini, head of the UN Palestinian refugee agency UNRWA, said the crisis was “manmade”.

Michael Fakhri, UN rapporteur on the right to food, said Israel is

“executing this starvation campaign with no repercussions”.

The World Health Organization said the situation was no different for medical supplies, with WHO chief Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus pleading on X for the aid blockadetoend

At least 2,062 people have been killed in Gaza since Israel resumed its deadly campaign against Hamas on March 18, and more than 50,000 since October 7, 2023. Hamas’s attack on Israel killed 1,218 people,mostlycivilians.

Rome and the world bid farewell to Pope Francis with massive funeral and humble burial

VATICAN CITY,April 26 (Reuters) - Presidents, royaltyandsimplemourners bade farewell to Pope Francis on Saturday at a solemn funeral ceremony, where a cardinal appealed for the pontiff’s legacy of caring for migrants, the downtrodden and the environmenttobekeptalive.

U.S. President Donald Trump, who had clashed with the pope on those issues, sat with the rows of foreign dignitaries on one side of Francis’coffin in the vastSt.Peter’sSquare.

On the other side sat cardinals who will pick Francis’ successor at a conclave next month, deciding if the new pope shouldcontinuewiththelate pontiff’s push for a more open Church or cede to conservatives who want to return to a more traditional papacy

TheArgentinepope,who reigned for 12 years, died at the age of 88 on Monday aftersufferingastroke.

“Rich in human warmth and deeply sensitive to today’s challenges, Pope Francis truly shared the anxieties, sufferings and hopes of this time,” said Italian Cardinal Giovanni Battista Re, who presided overthefuneralMass.

Inspirituallanguage,the 91-year-oldRegaveasimple message:therewasnogoing back. The first pontiff from Latin America had been “attentive to the signs of the times and what the Holy Spirit was awakening in the Church,”hesaid.

Francisrepeatedlycalled for an end to conflict during his papacy His funeral provided an opportunity for Trump,whoispushingfora dealtoendRussia’swarwith Ukraine, to meet Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskiy inside St. Peter’s Basilica. Applause rang out asFrancis’coffin,inlaidwith a large cross, was brought out of the basilica and into the sun-filled square by 14 white-gloved pallbearers at thestartoftheMass.

The Vatican estimated more than 250,000 people attended the ceremony, crammingthesquareandthe roadsaround.

The crowds clapped loudlyagainattheendofthe service when the ushers picked up the casket and tilted it slightly so more peoplecouldsee.

Aerial views of the Vaticanshowedapatchwork of colours - black from the dark garb of the world’s

leaders, red from the vestments of some 250 cardinals,thepurplewornby someofthe400bishopsand the white worn by 4,000 attendingpriests.

After the funeral, as the great bells of St. Peter’s pealed in mourning, the coffin was placed on an open-topped popemobile and driven through the heart of Rome to St. Mary Major Basilica.

Francis, who shunned much of the pomp and privilege of the papacy, had asked to be buried there rather than in St. Peter’s — thefirsttimeapopehadbeen laid to rest outside the Vatican in more than a century

The burial itself was

conductedinprivate.

The popemobile left the Vatican from the Perugino Gate, a side entrance just yards away from the Santa Marta guesthouse where Francis had chosen to live, instead of the ornate Renaissance apartments in thepapalpalace.

Crowds estimated by police as numbering some 150,000 lined the 5.5-km (3.4-mile) route to St. Mary Major The scene resembled many popemobile rides Francistookinhis47tripsto allcornersoftheworld.

Some in the crowd waved signs and others threw flowers towards the casket.Theyshouted“vivail papa” (long live the pope) and “ciao, Francesco”

(goodbye, Francis) as the procession made its way around Rome’s ancient monuments, including the Colosseum.

TRUMPMEETS ZELENSKIY

The last timeTrump had met Zelenskiy was in the White House in late February,whenhegavehim a public dressing down, but Saturday’s encounter appearedmorecordial.

In one photograph released by Zelenskiy’s office, the two men were sittingclosetogetheronredbacked chairs, leaning towards each other as they talked in the marble-floored church.

A White House official said they had a “very

productive discussion” and Zelenskiy called it a “good meeting”.

Among the other heads of state who attended the funeral were the presidents of Argentina, France, Gabon, Germany, the Philippines and Poland, together with the prime ministers of Britain and New Zealand, and many royals, including the king andqueenofSpain Francis’deathusheredin a meticulously planned period of transition, marked by ancient ritual, pomp and mourning Over the past three days, around 250,000 people filed past his open coffin, laid out before the altar of the cavernous basilica.

Choirsatthefuneralsang Latin hymns and prayers were recited in various languages, including Italian, Spanish, Chinese, Portuguese and Arabic, reflectingtheglobalreachof the 1 4-billion-member RomanCatholicChurch.

Many of the faithful camped out overnight to try tosecurespotsatthefrontof the crowd, while others hurried there in the early morning.

“When I arrived at the square, tears of sadness and also joy came over me. I think I truly realised that PopeFrancishadleftus,and atthesametime,thereisjoy for all he has done for the Church,” said a French pilgrim,AurelieAndre.

FAREWELL,

‘FRANCISCUS’ Francis, the first nonEuropeanpopeforalmost13 centuries, battled to reshape

the Church, siding with the poorandmarginalised,while challenging wealthy nations to help migrants and reverse climatechange.

“Francis left everyone a wonderful testimony of humanity, of a holy life and of universal fatherhood,” saidaformalsummaryofhis papacy,writteninLatin,and placednexttohisbody Traditionalists pushed back at his efforts to make theChurchmoretransparent, while his pleas for an end to conflict, divisions and rampantcapitalismoftenfell ondeafears.

The pope carried his desire for greater simplicity into his funeral, having rewritten the elaborate, book-long funeral rites used previously

Healsooptedtoforegoa papal tradition of three interlockingcasketsmadeof cypress, lead and oak Instead, he was placed in a single, zinc-lined wooden coffin.

His tomb has just “Franciscus”, his name in Latin,inscribedonthetop.A reproduction of the simple, iron-plated cross he used to wear around his neck hangs abovethemarbleslab.

Attention will now switchtowhomightsucceed him.

Thesecretiveconclaveis unlikelytobeginbeforeMay 6, and might not start for several days after that, givingcardinalstimetohold regularmeetingsbeforehand to sum each other up and assess the state of the Church, beset by financial problems and ideological divisions.

People attend the funeral Mass of Pope Francis in St. Peter's Square at the Vatican,April 26, 2025. REUTERS/Remo Casilli

St. Peter's Square,April 26, 2025. REUTERS/Nathan Howard

ArnosValetohostmuch-anticipatedWomen’s...

Frompage55 expressed his excitement.

“Following a successful Vincy Premier League, it’s greattoseethecricketaction continueinSt.Vincent—this time with competitive women’s cricket taking center stage. Playing under thelightsatArnosValeadds a vibrant atmosphere, and it’s shaping up to be an exciting series featuring some of the best female talentintheregion,”Shallow said.

opportunities are important as we continue to build momentum and provide consistent platforms for players to grow and perform,”headded.

Defending champions Jamaica,whodominatedlast year’s tournament with a flawless five-game sweep, enter with fire in their eyes after surrendering their CG United Women’s Super50 crownearlierthisseason.

They will face fierce

Barbados, Guyana, newly c r o w n e d S u p e r 5 0 champions Trinidad and Tobago, the Leeward Islands, and the home team, the Windward Islands, in what promises to be an explosivetournament.

The 2025 T20 Blaze comesatapivotalmomentin women’s cricket. Following the West Indies Women’s white-ball series with Bangladesh in January, an inspiring Super50 tournament in February, and a heartbreaking near-miss at

the ICC Women’s ODI World Cup Qualifiers in Pakistan in April where they fell agonizingly short on net run rate this tournament represents a chanceforredemption.

With high-profile whiteball series away to England and at home against South Africa on the horizon, the T20 Blaze serves as another launching pad in the renewed pursuit of internationalglory.

CWI’s Director of Cricket, Miles Bascombe, highlightedthetournament’s significance.

Sunday April 27, 2025

ARIES(Mar 21–Apr 19)

Your aesthetic sense may increase,Aries, leading to the discovery of an artistic talent you may not have known you had. You could decide to develop this talent, possibly byenrollinginaclass.

TAURUS(Apr 20–May20)

A social event, possibly involving a group you're affiliated with, could put you intouchwithalotoffriendly, intriguing people who share yourinterests,Taurus.

GEMINI(May21–June20)

You could be introduced to a celebrity you admire, probablyawoman,perhapsat alectureorbooksigning.This could make a profound difference in your life, as this personmayinspireyou.

CANCER(June21–July22)

A social event that involves the discussion of intellectual topics could occur today You coulddecidetogowithalove partner You're likely to enjoy thegatheringsomuchthatyou maystaylateintothenight

LEO(July23–Aug.22)

Some intense communication could take place today between you and a love partner, possibly about your futuretogether,Leo.It'slikely to lead to some positive developmentsinyourlife.

VIRGO(Aug.23–Sept.22)

Todayyoumayfeelespecially sensualandpassionate,Virgo. This is the perfect evening to schedule quality time with a current or potential love partner You're probably lookingandfeelingattractive, and this fact isn't likely to be lostonyourfriend.

LIBRA(Sept.23–Oct.22)

Asocialeventorgatheringthat involvesworkcouldputyouin touch with interesting people, includingasexypotentiallove partner! Someone new, could stir your blood like it hasn't beenstirredinalongtime.

SCORPIO(Oct.23–Nov 21)

A new or long-term romantic relationshipcouldbeadvanced tothenextlevelofcommitment The chemistry between you is strong and you're compatible on several levels. Today you will experience passion like neverbefore!

SAGIT(Nov 22–Dec.21)

Today you should feel especially sensual. You will wanttobaskinthepleasureof being in love. A passionate encounter could occur at your home,probablyafterawonderful mealyou'veprepared.

CAPRI(Dec.22–Jan.19)

Awarm,interestingphonecall fromacurrentorpotentiallove partnercouldhaveyoulonging forthisperson'scompany You shouldhavealottosaytoeach otherandsospendalotoftime onthephone.

AQUARIUS(Jan.20–Feb.18)

An unexpected but welcome financialwindfallcouldleadto some long-desired changes in yourlivingsituation,Aquarius. You may decide to move, or youcouldoptforalessdrastic course of action, such as redecoratingorremodeling.

PISCES(Feb.19–Mar.20)

You're looking great today A current or potential love partner who lives nearby is likelytobealltooawareofthis. Your heightened sensuality shouldbeveryapparent!

Cricket set to resume in Berbice this weekend

The Ministry of Culture Youth and Sports and the Guyana Cricket Board (MCYS/GCB) one PATHWAY countrywideunder21interclubcricketcompetitionresumes thisweekendafteralengthydelay Thedelaywascausedby theinclementweather

Both matches were scheduled to be played at the Port Mourant Community Centre Ground beginning from 09.30hrs.

Onematchwasscheduledforyesterday,whiletheother isfixedfortoday,Sunday

YesterdaygamewasscheduledbetweenRHTYSCBand Police.

Today’smatchisexpectedtoseeBlairmontCommunity CentretakingonBushLotUnitedCricketClub.

“The 2025 T20 Blaze Women’s Tournament is another critical platform for developing the exceptional femalecrickettalentwehave across the Caribbean Strategically positioned between our international fixtures against Bangladesh, England,andSouthAfrica,it provides our players with valuable competitive experience in the T20 format,”saidBascombe.

“ B y r u n n i n g concurrently with the Breakout tournament in Trinidad, we’ve created multiple pathways for talent identification, development, and expansion of our player pool, while giving established campaigners the competitive environment needed to refine their skills. St Vincent’s passionate cricket atmosphere makes it the perfect venue for thrilling triple-headers that will help strengthen the foundation of women’s cricket in the West Indies,” henoted.

All matches will be streamedliveontheWindies Cricket YouTube channel, with live scorecards and ball-by-ball commentary a v a i l a b l e o n t h e WindiesCricket.com Match Centre.

Teamsareaskedtotakenotethat-teamsnamedfirstare hostsandmustprovideLunch/drinks,waterandice.

(SamuelWhyte)

West Warriors ready to rumble as NYNCL 30-over tournament bowls off today

Captain of West Coast Warriors, Kevin Christian, a formerGuyanayouthplayer, has expressed confidence of his team doing well at this year’s New York National Cricket League (NYNCL)

30-over round-robin tournamentwhichisslatedto bowlofftoday,Sunday

In 2024, West Coast Warriorsfeaturedinthefinal but this season Christian is very much optimistic they can complete things as the championshipside.

“Headingintothisyear’s tournament, I [am] very confident that we’ll have a great season. The guys are eagerandexcitedtobeback onthefield.It’salongseason ahead, so it’s important that we focus on one game at a time, ” Christian, the versatileall-rounder,related.

Christian found inspiration despite only taking the runners-up prize in the last edition and also said that the goal is to be consistentmoreso.

“Having lost the finals last season, we are very motivated for an improved performance this season; as theleader,mymaingoalisto be more consistent this season, in addition to winning the tournament,” Christianmentioned.

WestCoastWarriorswill open their campaign against Yakasari Cricket Club at Flushing 5 Venue (Near the Globe)inCoronaPark.

Team owner Rajin Rahamanishopingtheteam goesonestepbetterthisyear and win the championship because for the last 2 years they finished as the secondplacedunit.

He wants the team to continue playing the same hard and aggressive style of cricket that took them to thosefinals.

Rahaman added that on thesleeveoftheshirtthereis a picture of Nicholas Lakeram who sadly passed away from Cancer a few yearsagoandtheteam’saim

Toucan Mall/Chance Brothers promoted Linden Golden Mile athletics Road Race on this morning in Amelia’s Ward

ThestageissetasthetownofLindencelebratesits55th anniversaryasatown,forthefirst-everLindenGoldenMile athleticsroadraceforLindenathletes,whichisbeingstaged inAmelia’sWardthismorningstartingat8.00am.

Athletes will compete in the 8-13, 14-16, 17-20 age categories where medals are on offer, while the Senior athletesarecompetingforcashincentives.

TheracewillbeginoutsidetheToucanMallinAmelia’s Ward, proceed along the roundabout, past P/Dey, through MainStreet,ontoLoversLaneandbacktotheToucanMall forthefinish.

This event has been given the green of the Athletics Association of Guyana and the organizers include Coach Johnny Gravesande (602-6506) and Noel ‘Bryner’ Campbell(630-8639).

is continuing to spread and bring awareness of the deadlydisease

He further thanked the sponsor of the team Sanjay Pallets Inc for his continued supportoftheteam.

Meanwhile, the team is comprised of several former

existenceforthesixyears.

LastSundaytheteamhad an outing with a practice game as part of their preparationsfortournament. They suffered a 36-run

losstoKingsmenX1Cricket Club.

KingsmenX1battedfirst and tallied up a competitive 172-7 off the allotted 25overs while West Coast Warriors reached 136-6 whenthe25-oversexpired.

AlousiusFontenellehita

Da Silva, Goolie script 23-run win for home team

Classy knocks from Joshua Da Silva and Jyd Goolie helpedtheTrinidadandTobagoLegionspowertoa23-runwin over the Guyana Rainforest Rangers as action continued last eveningatTarouba.

SkipperDaSilvapilotedhisteamwithabrilliantinnings of68off36balls,smashingsixsixesandthreefours,tohelp theLegionspost173-6in20overs.

ThestylishGooliefrustratedtheGuyanabowlerswithhis 49 off 30 (4x4 3x6) batting down the order with Cephas Cooper(18)thenextbestscorerforTrinidadandTobago.

The Rangers bowling saw seamers Jediah Blades (2-18), Nial Smith (1-31) and Ronaldo Alimohamed (1-21) doing decentworkwithspinnerAshmeadNeddstarringwith(2-25).

Guyana were then kept to 150-9 after 20 overs, despite efforts from skipper Kemol Savory (33), Kevlon Anderson (27),RivaldoClarke(23)andQuentinSampson(19).

TheLegionswereindebtedtothelikesofJoshuaJames(335),JohannLayne(2-25)andMikelGovia(2-17).

GuyanaplayJamaicaonTuesday

Kingsmen X1 as Yougistir Bachan and Rahoman grabbed two wickets apiece, deliveringforWarriors. In Warriors’ innings, Christian and Bachan offered resistance with 29 and28respectively

youth cricketers plying their traderegularlyintheUSA. Warriorshavebeeninthe

West Coast Warriors cricket team in 2024.

Linden Town Week

New York-based

Louis Webster

Guyballers Inc and Retrieve Raiders to stage ‘Night of Honour’

- to celebrate players/administrators next Wednesday at Retrieve Hard Court

I

a

oup comprisingmainlyofformer basketball players and administratorsdecidedtoget together to give back to basketball in Linden after migrating to the United States.

They had begun playing basketball under the influence of the Linden

Amateur Basketball Association (LABA), which impacted their lives and has caused them to remember wheretheycamefrom.

Headed by its president, Louis Webster, and with former standout national power forward Dwayne ‘Brown Sugar’ Roberts as assistant secretary and strong support from another formerplayerinSean‘Black Shero’ C

GuyballersInc,despitesome challenges, have teamed up with the Retrieve Raiders Basketball Club, and the blessings of the Linden

Amateur Basketball Association(LABA),tohelp facilitate reviving the sport in their hometown by r e c o g n i z i n g s o m e outstanding basketball persons.

As such, they felt compelled to first give due respect to former players, officials and referees who made sacrifices over the yearsandarestillaround,by honouringaselectedfewfor starters.

With the town of Linden also celebrating its 55th anniversary, Guyballers Inc felt it appropriate to get this doneatthistimealso.

They have this Night of H

Wednesday at the Retrieve HardCourt,whichwillhave two basketball matches starting with an East versus West school game at 7 00pm, and the other featuring a Guyballers side against a Linden All Star selection which will be

honouring of those who

promotion of the sport over theyears

This inaugural event is free and fans are assured of severalgiveawaysduringthe staging of this night of h

individuals who played a pivotal role in Linden’s basketballdevelopment.

CaribbeanAirlinesCaribbean VillageT10cricketcompetition 2025bowlsofftodayinDemerara

BySamuelWhyte

Berbice has named a strong squad to participate in the second edition of the Caribbean Airlines sponsored Inter County Second Division T10 Cricket competition today

The competition which is known as the CALT10VillageCricketLeaguewillseeall matchesbeingplayedinGeorgetown.

The Berbice squad, which includes a numberofseasonedplayers,somewithInter County experience, will be captained by Philbert Wilburg with Devon Clements the Vice-Captain. The rest of the squad reads Davindra Lalsa, Darmesh Seenarine, Sasenarine Sukhu, Vinod Samaroo, Abdool Subhan, Tameshwar Ramoutar, Omesh Matura, Kevon Jawahir, Devendra Ramotar andAbdurRamsammy

Two U19 players have been named in Darious Joseph and Avishkar Persaud. The manager is Ryan Kissoonlal with Floyd

2025 GCB Men’s Under 19 Inter-county 50-Over tournament…

Low-scoring affair ends in 23-run win thriller for Demerara

Demerara defended a small total in a thriller against Essequibo to win following the opening round of yesterday’s GCB U19 inter-county tournament played at the Imam BacchusSportsClubGround,Essequibo.

National youth spinner Golcharran Chulaisnappedupanimpressive5-18tohelp EssequibopinDemeraraU19foralow96alloutfrom24.3overs.RomeoDeonarain(18), SachinBalgobin(14)andShilohAdams(14) werethepremierescorersforDemerara.

Rajendra Ramballi (2-19) and Bruce Vincent (1-31) starred in additional roles for the Essequibians, who suffered tremendous blowsduringaminimalchase. Only opener In Ronaldo Jeffery (14) and Navindra Sankar () tried to ward off hostile bowlingeffortsfromDemerara.

The duo of fast-bowler Neeran Bani (416) and Jayden Dowlin (3-9) ran roughshod over a hapless Essequibo batting attack, restrictingthemto73alloutin37.1overs.

Benjaminthecoach.

Sevenstandbyshavealsobeennamedin Hemraj Harrilall, Karim Mentore, Delroy Osborne, Naeem Khan, Leon Andrews, BalramSamarooandRishiPersaud.

The winning team will have a chance to travel overseas to compete against other seconddivisionteams.

Demerara are the defending champions. The Demerara team also went on to win a championship which involved some Caribbean teams which was subsequently heldinTrinidad.

Patronswillhaveachancetowinairline ticket and lot of other prizes up for grabs complimentsofthesponsors.

The fixture shows Demerara playing Essequibo followed by the games between BerbiceandEssequibo.Thefinalmatchwill bringtogetherDemeraraandBerbice.

Matches will be played at the Everest Ground. Firstballisexpectedtobebowled at09:00hrs.

Gulcharran Chulai

Neeran Bani

Teams ready to rumble in Deputy Mayor’s Cup

- Eight exciting matches to kickoff the ultimate Inter Ward Football showdown

With just two days to go before the ultimate kickoff, 32 spirited InterWard/Villageteamsare gearing up to launch their campaigns in the premier seven-a-side Knockout FootballTournament.

The Deputy Mayor’s Cupofferscommunityteams the chance to battle for supremacy in a fun, fastpaced tournament, scheduled to run over four nights at the Police Sports Club ground, Eve Leary, fromWednesday,April30to May14.

Crowdfavouriteslikethe indestructible Bent Street, Back Circle, Stabroek Ballers, Gold is Money, ZTekk, Espanyol, and others will be in action this Wednesday and Thursday, promisinganelectricstart.

The 2025 edition is already buzzing with excitement Stabroek Ballers’ stars Sherman Welch and Mark Jahlu have signaled their intent to dominate.Meanwhile,sharp shooters like Randolph Wagner, along with the Pedro brothers (Jamal and Hubert) are eager to lead Gold is Money back to championship glory, beginning with a face-off againstBackCircle‘B.’

For Back Circle, standout players Jermaine Beckles, Stephon McLean, andSimeonMooreareready to kickstart the tournament with an opening win against Albouystown. Bent Street, n o s t r a n g e r s t o championship glory, will relyonAdrianAaron,Daniel Wilson,andBeveneyMarks, astheytakeonKittyStarsin what promises to be another thrillingclash.

Anotherteamtowatchis North Ruimveldt Ballers, boasting an impressive lineup featuring Joshua Brown, Jermaine Padmore, and Jamal Jackman, all aiming to make their sevena-sidedreamareality

Expect four nights of pulsating action as 32 teams

battle for the coveted firstplace trophy and a grand $500,000 cash prize. The rewards don’t end there: second, third, and fourthplace finishers will share a further $1,100,000 in cash andprizes,withsecondplace earning $300,000, third $200,000, and fourth $100,000.

Come be a part of the safe, competitive football action fromApril 30 to May 14 as the Police Sports Club ground comes alive with riveting Inter Ward seven-asideKnockoutexcitement. The tournament is endorsed by Deputy Mayor of Georgetown, Denise Miller, and is proudly

supported by sponsors including Turbo Energy

D r i n k , O n e Communications, Reunion Gold, Star Rental, John Fernandes Ltd., Caribbean

C o n

Pharmaceutical Agency (IPA), Pegasus Hotel, Superbet, NAMILCO, G a f o o r s , M a s s y Distribution, King’s Liquor GuyanaInc.,ChinaTrading, E-Net, Eddie Bobcat, Busta, Sari Products, Sterling Products, BK International, Toolsie Persaud Ltd , C&CL, JCA Trading Inc., Dr Collin Watson, and the Office of the Commissioner ofPolice.

OfficialFixtures:

Wednesday,April30

FestivalCityvsHerstelling 6:00pm NorthRuimveldtvsSophia 6:30pm

Z.TekkFamilyvsLiliendaal 7:00pm

MochavsEspanyol 7:30pm

StabroekBaller‘A’vsCampbellville 8:00pm

GoldisMoneyvsAgricola 8:30pm

BackCircle‘A’vsAlbouystown 9:00pm

BentStreetvsKitty 9:30pm Thursday,May1

TucvillevsUprising 6:00pm

TalibanvsAiryHall 6:30pm

RoadWarriorsvsBelleWestStars 7:00pm

PouderoyenvsStabroekBallers‘B’ 7:30pm

UitvlugtvsBackCircle‘B’ 8:00pm

DenAmstelvsBentStreet‘B’ 8:30pm

TimehriUnitedvsStewartville 9:00pm

TimehriPanthersvsBeavers 9:30pm

Action will continue on May 7 with round-of-16 matches with the culmination billed for May 14. All matcheswillbeplayedatthePoliceground,EveLeary

Veerasammy Permaul & Kevlon Anderson denies ball-tampering charges

- Approaches High Court of Guyana to clear their names

‘The Guyana Cricket Board (GCB) wishestopubliclyexpressitsfullsupportfor players Veerasammy Permaul and Kevlon Anderson, who have approached the High CourtofGuyanainabidtocleartheirnames followingacontroversialincidentduringthe recent Cricket West Indies (CWI) Regional 4-DayTournament fixture between Guyana andTrinidad&TobagoplayedattheQueens Park Oval in Trinidad,’ a release from the GCB stated. ‘The match, which effectively servedasthetournamentfinal,wasofgreat significance, with the championship title at stake. However, events on and off the field havecastacloudoverwhatshouldhavebeen a celebration of West Indies cricket at its highestdomesticlevel.

Both Permaul and Anderson were charged under the CWI Code of Conduct and, based on the documents filed in the High Court, were allegedly pressured into accepting a guilty plea by the Trinidadian Match Referee, Mr Michael Ragoonath. Theywerereportedlygiventwooptions:

1.Pleadguiltyandacceptafine.

2. Insist on a hearing / trial and the Referee will impose a fine of 100% of the matchfeeandaban.

Faced with this representation from the Referee,thetwoplayersformedtheopinion thattheyhadnochoicebuttopleadguiltyto

the charge, despite previously submitting writtendenialtotheReferee,andinthecase ofPermaul,maintaininghisinnocenceatthe hearing. Anderson was not afforded a hearing.

Thislackofdueprocessandtheabsence of a fair and transparent hearing is deeply troubling.

The GCB considers the actions of the matchofficials(whichincludestheon-field umpires) to be unprofessional, unethical, andaseriousbreachofproceduralfairness.

The Guyana Cricket Board is profoundly disappointed by the handling of this matter in Trinidad and expected a much higher standard of governance, particularly in CWI’s premier domestic tournaments,’thereleasepointedout.

It continued, ‘In light of these events, both players have taken the bold and commendable step of seeking justice through the High Court, aiming to restore their reputations and ensure such incidents donotrecur

The GCB stands firmly in support of justice,fairplay,andtherightsofitsplayers, and will continue to advocate for good governance, transparency and accountabilityatalllevelsofthesport.

This application was filed by Attorneyat-lawArudranauthGossai.’

The stage is set, the lights are ready, and history is about to be written. Chase’s Academic Foundation and Dolphin Secondary will headline the ultimate showdowntodayattheMinistryofEducation Complex on Carifesta Avenue in Georgetown.

Aftersixweeksofscintillatingaction,the 11theditionoftheAnnualMilo/MassyU-18 Schools Football Championship will crown its champions this evening. Two of the nation’s finest school teams will go head-tohead in what promises to be an electrifying battleforthecoveted2025title.

Thistournamentcontinuestoplayavital roleinnurturingthegrowthanddevelopment of young football talents in secondary schools.

Beyond today’s final, the top eight finishers have already secured berths in Petra’s upcoming RBL U-18 Football League,scheduledtokickofflaterthisyear,a golden opportunity that could lead to participation in the year-end Goodwill International Series, another exciting spectacleonthelocalfootballcalendar

Meanwhile, emotions ran high after Thursday’s semifinals as both captains; BryanBrowerofDolphinandNeeiazBaksh of Chase engaged in a spirited face-off exercise,settingthetoneforwhatisexpected tobeanepicencounter Thesetwosideshave a history: Chase Academic Foundation defeated Dolphin Secondary in the RBL League final, and Dolphin will be eager to

exactrevengetonight.

However,Chasewillfaceamajorhurdle, theywillbewithouttheirleadinggoalscorer Bryan Wharton, who was controversially red-carded early in the semi-final against Waramuri Secondary, a match they eventuallywon7-6onpenalties.Itnowfalls to the likes of Isaiah Ifill, Mark Glasgow, Darius Chester, and company to step up and deliveranotherchampionship.

On the other hand, Dolphin Secondary willbebankingontheFrank-Davidbrothers, Ezekiel and Collin, along with the dynamic JomalWilliams,whoisstillsearchingforhis breakout performance of the tournament. Together, they’ll be aiming to topple the mightyCAFandclaimtheirsliceofhistory

Thegrandfinalekicksoffat19:00hours, while the third-place playoff between Waramuri Secondary and West Ruimveldt Secondarygetsunderwayat17:00hours.The third-place winner will walk away with $300,000 in cash, earmarked for a school projectoftheirchoice.

The tournament is proudly sponsored by Milo/Massy,withsupportfromMVPSports, FiresideGrill,theMinistryofCulture,Youth and Sports, and the Ministry ofAmerindian Affairs. It is officially sanctioned by the MinistryofEducation.

This year’s championship has been organisedwithabroadermission:toaddress issues of truancy and the fight against illicit druguseamongyoungpeople,usingfootball asapositiveforceforchange.

Denise Miller, Deputy Mayor of Georgetown

ArnosValetohostmuch-anticipatedWomen’sT20Blaze

SportsMax - Cricket West Indies (CWI) has unveiled St.Vincent and the Grenadines as the stage for the eagerly anticipated 2025 T20 Blaze Women’s Regional Cricket Tournament.

TheCaribbean’ssecondwomen’scricket showdownoftheyearwillignitethehistoric Arnos Vale Stadium from May 1-11, featuring the region’s most electrifying female talent in a high-stakes battle for T20 supremacy

Cricket fans will be treated to heartpounding triple-headers daily, with matches starting at 10:00 am, 2:30 pm, and 7:00 pm. The later matches will be played under floodlights,providingaperfectbackdropfor

unforgettable moments in the cricket hotbed ofSt.Vincent. CWI’spresident,Dr KishoreShallow, Continued on page 53

CWI has unveiled St. Vincent and the Grenadines as the stage for the 2025 T20 Blaze Women’s Regional Cricket Tournament.

Captains Bryan Brower (left) and Neeiaz Baksh display 2025 hardware ahead of today’s finale.

Chase’sAcademic Foundation ready to rumble.

Dolphin Secondary still unbeaten heading into today’s final.

Arudrunauth Gossai

Veerasammy Permaul

Kevlon Anderson

Match Referee

Michael Ragoonauth

Joshua Da Silva