APNU, AFC secure place in front Umana Yana ahead of Nomination Day
Taxidriver remandedfor killingmechanic duringroadrage
-Blanhum Alcohol consumption among causes for crime in Guyana
Israel kills 78 Palestinians in Gaza as Trump, Netanyahu meet again …saysfinalautopsyreportwithfamily’slawyer
Crime Chief, Wendell Blanhum said the final autopsy report for Adriana Youngehasbeenhandedover toherfamily’slawyer,Dexter Todd
Duringhisappearanceon aGuyanaPoliceForceonline
p o d c a s t , d u b b e d “Safeguarding Our Nation”, Blanhumsaid,“Ialsowishto addressanissuethatisinthe public domain,” before adding,“OnMondaythe16th of June 2025, the Guyana Police Force, contrary to Standard Operation Procedures (SOPs) and in the interest of full transparency, shared with the family attorney of AdrianaYoungeherautopsy report.”
The Police Force had earlier refused to provide the familywiththereport,stating that they needed to go to court
Blanhum alleged, however, that while the GPF wentagainstitsSOPstohand over the report, the family’s lawyer still continued to tell membersofthemediathathe didnotreceivethereport
“It was later brought to ourattentionthattheattorney told members of the media thattheGuyanaPoliceForce is still withholding the postmortem report This statement is inaccurate,” the Crime Chief told the intervieweronthepodcast.
Tobackuphisclaims,two photos were shared on the podcast
Oneofthemwasofalogbook of the lawyer signing for a report on June 16, and the other, a screenshot of a June 24 Kaieteur News article with the headline, “Familytolegallychallenge GPF’s refusal to release Adrian Younge’s autopsy report”
According to the article, the family’s lawyer, Dexter Todd, made the statement during an interview with the media following Younge’s FuneralonSunday,June22
In late May, Todd had formally written to GPF requesting both the final autopsyreportandthereport compiled by Leonard McCoshen, a retired officer
of the Royal Canadian Mounted Police (RCMP), who was engaged in the investigation However, police responded that they wouldnotcooperatewithout acourtorder In a letter dated June 11, 2 0 2 5 , s i g n e d b y Commissioner of Police Clifton Hicken and seen by this publication, it stated that GPFdoesnotreleaseautopsy reports or other documents that form part of active criminalinvestigations.
The Commissioner said, “Reference your letter dated June 02, 2025 on the above subject, please be advised that it is not the procedure and or practice of the Guyana Police Force to disclose copies of postmortem reports or any other reports that form part a criminal investigation, save and except, in court at the appropriate time. As such, regrettably, the Guyana Police Force cannot accommodate your request atthistime.”
AtthefuneralonJune22, Todd denounced the Police
Force’s position as unlawful, arguing that there is no legal basis to deny the family accesstoinformation
He said, “I am not aware of any procedure by the Guyana Police Force, there isnostandingorder,thereis nolaw,thereisnoregulation recognised by the law to allow the police to do that. So, what the Commissioner of Police is referring to, if that is a policy, that policy has to be backed up by law anditisnotbackedupbylaw
andwewillchallengethat.”
The media even asked when the legal challenge would begin and he responded, “We are in the processofchallengingit We had to allow this day (Adriana’s funeral) to happen, to come to an end beforewemovetothesecond stage.”
Request for Adriana Younge’sfinalautopsyreport and Dr McCoshen’s report came amid questions posed byDr CarolTerry,aforensic
pathologist based in the United States, who performed the second autopsyonAdriana’sbodyin Atlanta, Georgia.According to Dr Todd, the pathologist cannot proceed with her reportunlessshereceivesthe requested details from the police.
Adriana Younge’s body wasdiscoveredonApril24in the swimming pool of the Double Day International Hotel just20hoursaftershe wasreportedmissingduringa
family trip to Tuschen, East BankEssequibo
A p o s t - m o r t e m examination (PME) was conducted on April 28 by a three-member international pathology team: Dr Shubhakar Karra Paul from Barbados, Dr Gary Collins, Chief Medical Examiner of Delaware (USA), and Dr Glenn Rudner of Mount Sinai Hospital. The team concluded that the child’s cause of death was drowning.
PrintedandPublishedbyNationalMedia& PublishingCompanyLtd. 24SaffonStreet, Charlestown,Georgetown,Guyana.
Publisher:GLENNLALL-Tel:624-6456
Editor-in-Chief:NigelWilliams
Tel: 225-8465, 225-8491. Fax: 225-8473, 226-8210
TouseVicePresidentJagdeo'sownwordswhen backedintoacornerwithquestionshewantsto duck,thathasbeensaidamilliontimesbefore. In the context of theWales Gas-to-Energy (GTE) project, moredetailedstudiesareneeded,andthathasbeensaidso manytimes,ithastobeamillion. Thelatestcallingforthat istheAFC'schairman,DavidPatterson,andhisparty'slead on oil and gas matters. We endorse the call for more detailedstudies,whichoriginatedwiththispaper,andwhat we have been taking the lead in putting before Guyana's chiefpolicymaker,Jagdeo.
The time for completion and putting the project in operation keeps moving, as though it is some game being playedonafield.WhenJagdeoisinvolvedinsomethingas bigastheWalesGTE,thengamesarewhatGuyanesehave hadtolivewith. Itismorethanatime-consuminggame, for it is also an expensive one. The project started out at approximately US$900M, then kept ballooning and ballooning until it settled at US$2B. As expected, that turnedouttobeforatimeonly Pattersonisnowpointingto thenewnumberquietlyassociatedwiththeproject,which isaboutUS$2.4B.Thetimeforthedeliveryofthismuchanticipatedprojectkeepsextending,andalsodoesthecost ofit. IfthatremindsreadersofpastJagdeoprojects,itis.
He is well aware that Guyanese, living in a state of constantblackoutsforlongperiods,andofteninaseriesof themwithinthespanofaday,hangontohiseverywordthat reliefisontheway
It would be good if that were so, but where is it, and whenwillthatreliefcometolife,onthetermsthatJagdeo has insisted would be prominent features of it? He has continuedtopromisea50%cutinelectricity,eventhough thecostoftheprojecthasgoneupby170%,andtheendis still not in sight. Time is money, delays cost money, and somebody is going to be saddled with paying back that money that's due. One thing is for sure, he is going to ensurethatheisasfarfromthataspossible,whenthattime comesaround.
Thecostgoeseverupwards,theamountofelectricityto besuppliedhasstayedconstant,butGuyana'schiefoiland gasmanisstillsellinghalf-priceelectricity Therewereno expertstudiessharedwithGuyaneseonwhatisbehindthe foundationsofhispromises. Despiteaninsistentclamour from the media and engaged members of civil society, all that Guyanese have received is what Jagdeo has shared withthem,nexttonothing. Now,therearerenewedcalls from the political opposition for more detailed studies, whichheismostlikelygoingtodismissoutofhand,based onhispriorrepresentations.
He used to dance around with responses that led nowhere. Then,hebecameclevererthanusual,bysending the media on wild goose chases. From Prime Minister Mark Phillips to Minister of Governance Gail Teixeira to Minister of Natural Resources Vickram Bharrat, who all turnedouttobedeadendsandblankwalls. Torepeatwhat we have said many times before, if the US$2.4B Wales GTEissogood,restsonsuchsolidgrounds,thenitcanonly begoodforJagdeotorollthatout. Instead,hehasslipped questions,andthencameupwithwhatburiedhimseveral feetdeeper
Thelastwasthatheisnotgoingtosayanythingabout theprojectuntilafteritiscompleted.
Is that the action of a leader with better in mind for Guyanese? Or is it the haunted reaction of a man with something to hide, one forced to take evasive steps? Whateverstudieshehas,theywillmakeGuyana'soilman lookgood,ortheywillexposehimforsellingGuyanesea piginabag,attwicetheprice. ThefailureofJagdeoeither to present the studies he has or to commission more detailedonesreflectshisfear Heistrapped,becauseboth could show this Wales GTE realistically and confirm his statusasapretender
DearEditor, We, as Guyanese must always remember the past despite the fact that those in thePNCandtheAFCwould likeustoconvenientlyforget it; especially disastrous events which transpired from1964to1992,and2015 to 2020 and as well as what happened when the PPP/C became a minority government from 2011 to 2015 In actuality, the performance of the APNU/AFC should be judged from 2011 to 2020, since they were together in their quest to wrest power All Guyanese are cognizant of how the PNC destroyed their lives for the 28 years from 1964 to 1992 and this hardlyneedsrepeating.That was the dark days when buying food was a criminal act. In this letter, I will deal mostly with what transpired from 2011 to 2015. In the 2011 General and Regional Elections, the People's Progressive Party/Civic was victoriousandwon32outof the 65 seats. However, the APNU and the AFC, contesting on separate lists, secured 33 seats, giving themanabsolutemajorityin parliament and this was the recipe for disaster Together they unleashed their sinister plan and destabilise the socio-economic progress of the country, wreaking chaos and havoc as the PPP/C Government came face to face with the venom of R a m j a t t a n a n d Nagamoottoo.Thelatterwas the 'scissors man' and he
appeared more as the happy andsadisticexecutionerwith his hands on the guillotine ready to destroy an entire country They shredded the budget year after year stymying the socioeconomic progress of this country During the period 2011 to 2015 they cut the budget by over $90 billion, thwarting the progressive trajectory of this nation Some of these debilitating cuts affected the electricity sector (Amaila Project), the specialty hospital, the CJIA Modernisation project, ICT development, NCN and GINA, the Ethnic Relations Commission,GuySuCo,etc. Every sector in some way w a s a f f e c t e d b y Nagamootoo's malicious 'scissors'.
TheAPNU andAFC did notcoalescebeforethe2011 elections but did so in parliament from then onwardsto2015.Thispaved the way for the No Confidence Motion submittedbyNagamootooin August 2014, but he was denied the self-gratification of seeing the fruition of this move since the then president, Mr Donald Ramotar prorogued parliament and made the final dissolution six months later
But the lies, deceit and false promises took its toll and the more gullible Guyanese were fooled in giving the APNU/AFC Coalitionaone-seatmajority which actually resulted in a returnofthedarkdaysofthe PNC.
The infamous duo was more focused on their personalambitionandgreed for money and power The APNU was willing to sit backandallowtheAFCtobe in the forefront of the attack which they gleefully carried out.Acryingshameforthese menwhoarewithouthonour, who were viciously beaten, subjected to degrading and inhumane treatment and unjustifiably jailed by the samePNCyettheyclungon fordearlife.Itwasclearthat theAFCwasnotinterestedin compromises. They wanted to remove the PPP from government to satiate their lust for power and were willing to destroy this country in the process. Are we now seeing the same scenariobeingreplayed,this time by the WIN political party? It is difficult not to conclude that the founder of this party and some of his members are not being motivated by the quest for vengeanceliketheduofrom theAFC.Thisisabadomen forthecountryanditspeople should the configuration of the next parliament allows this. Our people need to make an objective judgment call after deliberate consideration. It is always prudent to remember that a birdinhandisalwaysworth twointhebushes.
Today,itispoeticjustice that the AFC has been unceremoniously kicked out of the Coalition after it has relegated itself to the toothless and subservient poodleofthePNC.Ithadlost sight of all its founding
principleswhichhadexisted onpaperonlyandforalong time its members have been exitingwithgreathaste.Itis doubtfulthattheAFCwhich had once won five seats in 2006andsevenseatsin2011 couldevenbringhomethree seats in 2025. Guyanese are wary of newcomers who havenoproventrackrecord, nopersuasivemanifestoand are surrounded by a gang of misfits, opportunists and rejects If wishes were horses, then beggars might ride. If anyone feels that a country is run by doling out almsandnotbysmartsocial and economic policies that promote sustainable and inclusive growth by addressing inequalities, fostering innovation, and building resilient communities then that is a sad miscalculation. They involvearangeofstrategies, including social protection, targeted investments, and policies that encourage both economic development and socialwell-being.IsWINor any other political party capable of this, except the PPP/C?
In conclusion, it is highly probable that the PPP/Cwillonceagainrepeat itsperformanceatthepollin 2006whenitwon36seatsor even surpass this since the One Guyana initiative is bearing great dividends and moreandmoreGuyaneseare convinced that it is the only multi-racial party which can deliveronitspromisestothe people.
Yourssincerely, HaseefYusuf
DearEditor,
The People's National Congress, now parading under the lone banner of APNU, has returned with a dangerous sense of entitlementasifGuyanaowes themanotherchanceafterthe chaos they unleashed between 2015 and 2020 Theirrecentcampaignlaunch was not a bold new declaration. It was a reissue of the same failed promises, the same hollow speeches, thesameemptyrhetoricthat led Guyana into stagnation and despair just a few years ago Under their rule, Guyana's economy was sabotaged. They inherited over $13 billion in gold reserves. By the time they were voted out, it had been squanderedtolessthan$200
million. They sold our gold at the low market price, a move so reckless it would embarrass even a novice economist. Major investors likeRUSALfledundertheir watch No major new industries were built. No m o d e r n i s a t i o n o f agriculture No energy expansion No digital revolution What they delivered instead were mass layoffsinsugarandforestry, dried-up small business support, and a tax regime that sucked the life out of workingpeople. And when faced with theirownfiscaldisaster,they didnottrimwaste Theytaxed school uniforms They taxed health benefits They taxed the poor to pay for their incompetence
The APNU met over US $780 million in foreign reserves and left only $200 millionbehind
And then came the momentthatrevealedthesoul of APNU A sitting minister declared that only PNC people must get jobs under her ministry Not Guyanese Not qualified citizens Just party loyalists That is the philosophyofthePNCwhich embracespartyparamountcy
It explained the firings, thediscrimination,theghost contracts, and the paralysed public sector The oil deal APNUsignedwasoneofthe most lopsided in the world.
Atthedawnofourpetroleum age, when the rest of the worldwassecuringroyalties and national wealth, APNU rushed to the table and
folded, handing over our resources for crumbs. They crippledtheveryfuturethey nowpretendtodefend. What the APNU offers todayisnotasecondchance. It is a second disaster Without the AFC, without ideas, and without credibility,theyarereturning as a fractured relic of an alreadyfailedexperiment. Nopartythatbroughtthe economy to its knees, demoralised the public service, drove out investors, and institutionalised discrimination has the right toaskthisnationforanother opportunity Guyana cannot survive another APNU government. Notnow Notever Regards, ErinNorthe
DearEditor,
Mr ChristopherRamhas comeoutwithhighpraisefor Aubrey Norton, David Hinds, and Azruddin Mohamed (July 8, 2025). One would think that Ram, being an accountant and lawyer,wouldbemoregiven to evidence. Instead, we are treated to statements that amount to a eulogy for Norton, puffery for Hinds, andflatteryforAzruddin.
Ram thinks the APNU underNortonis“resurgent”. But nothing could be more distantfromthetruth.Along line of comrades not only openly criticised Norton for backwards leadership, but bolted from the PNCR. Mr Ram should be reminded that Jermaine Figueira abandoned the PNCR and Norton for four reasons, namely,“erosionoftheideal of national unity”, “decline
of internal ethics and honour”, “absence of visionary leadership”, and “failure to uphold national duty” This is what the record on APNU's presidential candidate Nortonshows.
The ill-begotten adoration of Hinds is shocking given Ram's own criticism of the $100,000 cash grant distributed to the Guyanese people by the PPP/C administration. Ram
thinks that this is inflationary Yet,the'genius' David Hinds wants to give out ten times that. Here is a quick question for Chris Ram If one hundred thousand is inflationary, what,sir,wouldbetheeffect ontheeconomyoftentimes that amount? One must also bear in mind the words of Jermaine Figueria who categoricallycondemnedthe
PNCR's “alignment with elements espousing divisive ethno-politicalrhetoric.”
Ram also needs to be reminded that it was David Hinds who aggressively advocated throwing out the results of the 2020 elections once the recount confirmed that the APNU-AFC was defeated.
Then,inanextraordinary display of historical brinksmanship, Chris Ram likensAzruddin Mohamed's current display to that most gallant son of the soil – Dr Walter Rodney Azruddin's sanction by the United States' Office of Foreign AssetsControliscompletely ignored.Rodneywasknown forhisoppositiontothePNC dictatorship; Azruddin is known for his electoral tourism.
Sincerely,
Dr.RandyPersaud
DearEditor,
In recent days,
CARICOM heads of government convened in Jamaica to enhance economic cooperation, unity, sustainability, and security across the region. Ahead of this pivotal meeting,PresidentIrfaanAli emphasised the need for focused discussions on regional collaboration to address pressing challenges. He underscored critical issues such as food security, sustainable development, and the socio-economic obstacles confronting memberstates.
Over the past five years, Guyana has emerged as a significant leader within CARICOM, driven not only by its abundant natural resources, notably its oil reserves estimated at 11 billion barrels, but also by President Ali's proactive leadership in vital areas impacting the Caribbean, particularlyconcerningfood security. The region's heavy reliance on food imports, averaging approximately $4 billionannually,hasexposed it to supply chain
vulnerabilities Such dependence renders the Caribbean susceptible to global market fluctuations, with food prices potentially soaringby20percentdueto disruptions or economic crises.
Positioned as a country capable of significantly contributing to the region's food supply, Guyana benefitsfromapproximately 80percentofitsagricultural landremaininguncultivated, indicating enormous potentialforfoodproduction growth President Ali's administration is committed to ramping up agricultural exportsinthecomingyears, a move aimed at bolstering regionalfoodsecurity
The importance of this CARICOM meeting cannot be overstated Through initiatives like the CARICOM Single Market and Economy (CSME), regional trade is promoted, allowingGuyanatoenhance itsexportcapabilitiesandtap intolargermarkets.Notably, as of 2023, intra-regional trade within CARICOM accountedforroughly15per cent of total trade among member states, highlighting substantial opportunities for economiccollaboration.
PresidentAlistressesthe necessity of a strong CARICOM, which is vital for Guyana to advance its interestsonbothregional (Continueonpage6)
DearEditor,
Therehasbeenamassive influx of vehicles causing a pedestrian nightmare; particularly inAnna Regina. Thisareaisthehubformost activitieswhethereconomic, social or otherwise and it becomes unbelievably chaotic on Fridays when most of the vehicles converge,includinghirecars wheretheparkispositioned.
C V Nunes Primary School is also within the vicinity of the congestion and many children traverse the area and are being
assisted to cross on many occasions.
It would be appropriate, therefore, to build a pedestrian crossover to improve traffic flow, enhance safety and efficiency including support for traffic ranks who are sometimes overwhelmed by theabuseandrecklessnessof somedrivers.
This situation will not improve; instead with the widening of the public road andthealarmingmisconduct that is being perpetuated by either ego, status or
gamesmanship is becoming frustrating for pedestrians, including pensioners and differently-abledpersons.
The completion and activation of the stadium in Anna Regina will only lead toafurthertrafficcrisisifnot a calamity for both the authoritiesandroadusers.
Placing an overpass within the vicinity of the highbridgeorinfrontofthe Anna Regina Town Council's compound instead willpositivelyimpacttheuse oftheroad.Yoursfaithfully,
ElroyStephney
DearEditor,
I am writing with a heavy heart after the tragic accident that claimed the life of Leon Sikandar on UG Road Leon's death occurred when a speeding car crossed over the median and collided head-on with him, a horrific event that could have just as easily involvedanyofus.
What makes this even
DearEditor,
It is ironic, nay an embarrassment, that a Jamaican, sworn in as the fourth president of the CCJ, and who took the oath of office in Jamaica, of which that country, a signatory to the Treaty of Chaguramas, has not made the court its
more heartbreaking is that Leon was an innocent victim, with no fault of his ownintheaccident
It's a stark reminder of how vulnerable we all are
y measuresarenotinplace
I urge the authorities to take immediate action and install a metal barrier or an
appellatejurisdiction.
A stirring plea from the son of the soil president for his country to fulfil its judicialsovereigntywasmet with a lukewarm response, with no clear indication that the country will move with alacrityinthisregard.
Similar calls for other
between the two lanes of trafficontheroadways.
A simple, yet critical, measure like this could prevent more needless loss of life and offer peace of mind to countless families whotravelthisroaddaily It's time to prioritise safety and ensure that this doesn'thappenagain.
A concerned citizen andgrievedfriend
CARICOM-avoiding nations, including another state which houses the court and also a signatory to the Treaty, to join the CCJ were made by another attending h
CARICOM h
governmentmeeting. ShamshunMohamed
Investigations into the death ofAdriana
Yo
Double Day International Hotel in April remain
Wendell Blanhum said on Tuesday
Asked to comment on Adriana Younge's case during an online podcast, “Safeguarding our Nation”, Blanhum said, “As a father, I also felt the heartbreak of this case ” “It was a tragic loss that shook the entire nation and we have learnt from it,” he stated, before addingthatthecaseremains active “Detectives were advised to continue further investigation and upon
completion, a case file will beforwardedtotheDirector of Public Prosecution for her legal opinion,” he said According to Blanhum, t
circumstances in the case that have been hijacked by people“withsinistermotives andlawlessbehaviour.”
He also said that former Region Three Commander, KhalidMandall,whowasin charge of the district at the time of Younge's death, remains on administrative leave along with several of hisranksandacivilian Adriana's body was discoveredonApril24inthe swimming pool of the Double Day International
Still on leave over ongoing probe into Adriana Younge's death, Khalid Mandall
Hotel—just 20 hours after she was reported missing during a family trip at Tuschen, East Bank Essequibo.
Initial reports by police were that she was abducted but when she floated in the pool, the public lost trust in the Force's handling of the investigation.
Fieryandviolentprotests erupted, including the destructionofthehotelanda housebelongingtooneofthe hotel'sowners.
On April 27, it was reported that Mandall was sent on administrative leave and three cops were under closearrest.
ThePoliceForce,onApril 25, had also admitted to releasing false information to the public in the Adriana Younge's probe and promised a c o m p r e h e n s i v e investigation
On May 2, it was reported that two cops were fired over Adriana Younge's death.
Theywereidentifiedasa constableandacorporal.Ina statement, the Force disclosedthatacorporaland a constable were relieved of theirdutiesduetoneglect. However, the names of therankswerenotdisclosed.
The Force had also blamed a civilian employee for the false information releasedinthecase.
It was reported that the civilianwasemployedatthe Force'scommandcentreand was the one who fed information to police ranks that there was footage of AdrianaYounge'sabduction.
Frompage5 and international fronts concerning issues such as climatechange,security,and economic policy The work undertaken by President Ali and his government in CARICOMiscommendable and serves not only the interests of Guyanese citizens but also contributes positively to the broader Caribbean community and theglobalstage.
Sincerely, Dr. Tilokie Arnold Depoo Economist
TheGovernmentof Guyana hosted the One Guyana Worship Experience concert on Monday evening, where thousands gathered at the NationalStadiumtoseelocal and international artistes perform.
The event saw live p e r f o r m e r s , f r o m
Chandler Moore and Todd
Dulaney, along with
Guyana's very own Samuel Medas, Timothy, Faith Corricaandmore.However, many members of the audience who were expecting to see Saiku Andrews were disappointed since he was removed from theshow
Prime Minister Mark Phillips attended the concert and was acting in the
capacity of the president since President Ali was in Montego Bay, Jamaica representing the country at the 49th CARICOM Heads of Government meeting Accompanying the prime minister were Minister of Public Works Bishop Juan Edghill, Minister Kwame McCoy, and Minister of Tourism Oneidge Walrond amongothers.
Crime Chief, Wendell Blanhum, said the excessive consumption of alcohol is among the major causes of criminal activities in Guyana.
Blanhumwasatthetimeaddressingcrime trends and their causes during a Guyana Police Force (GPF) podcast called “SafeguardingOurNation”.
Other occurrences include disorderly murders, property-related offences, drug trafficking particularly at border locations, domesticviolenceandcybercrime.
Thecrimechiefsaidthatmostoftheseacts are committed by a small minority of Guyana's population. While he did not share detailsonthatminority,hepointedout,“That iswhymostofourattentionisfocusedonkey offendersandhotspots.”
Blanhum acknowledged that Guyanese still feel unsafe although statistics show that crimehasplummeted.
“In reality even one violent crime is one too many” the crime chief said, adding, “We are working and we will not stop working untileveryGuyanesefeelsafe.”
He, however, listed three reasons why he believes that the decline in crime statistics is beingovershadowed.
“Every crime, no matter how rare, has a real victim and those stories spread fast than statisticsinasmallsocietylikeGuyana…'
Anotherreason,accordingtoBlanhum,is
Crime Chief, Wendell Blahnum
high-profileincidents.
“…For example, a shooting or a robbery stay in people's mind and fuel fear It overshadowstheprogresswehavemade,"the crimechiefargued.
Blanhum said, “We as police must do more in showing the public what has been occurringbehindthescenes."
“…. For example, increase in visibility, community awareness and engagements and public awareness programmes aimed at urgingpersonstodesistfromspreadingfalse or mis-information and to confirm with reliablepolicesources,”Blanhumexplained.
He called on the public to work together with the Force to fight crime. Blahnum also outlined the force's crime-fighting strategy which includes the three Cs.They are: crime prevention, community presence and collaboration.
The Colgate toothpaste and SIM card (PC: GPS Facebook Page)
A29-year-old woman from Albouystown, Georgetown was arrested on Monday for attemptingtosmugglesevenSIMcardstoher imprisonedfriendattheCampStreetjail.
TheaccusedisShevaughnSamuelsofLot 11HoggStreet,Albouystown,Georgetown.
Itwasreportedthattheincidentoccurred around 09:15h during a routinesearch of the items Samuels had taken for her friend, Ray Smith.
The Guyana Prison Service (GPS), in a Facebook post on Tuesday, said, “Officers discovered the SIM cards concealed inside a tubeofColgatetoothpaste;amethodintended to avoid detection during standard security checks. Following the discovery, the woman washandedovertothepoliceandisexpected tofacecourtproceedingsshortly.”
DirectorofPrisons,NicklonElliot,issued asternremindertociviliansaboutthesevere risks associated with contraband smuggling within prison facilities, noting that such activities not only endanger the safety of inmatesandofficersbutalsocompromisethe
Accused: Shevaghn Samuels (PC: GPS Facebook Page)
integrityoftheprisonsystem. He added that the consequences of smuggling contraband into correctional institutions are serious and can lead to significantlegalrepercussions.
History, which forgets morethanitremembers,may overlook that in the longdrawn impasse of Guyana's 2020 elections, President David Granger stood before tworoads,andchosetheone less disastrous for the country For that alone, he deserves more than the vitriolofhindsight.
In the present election season, thick with bile and the drumbeat of power, it is easy now, and fashionable even among the supporters of the PNCR to portray Granger as weak. Yet such judgmentsaremadewithout recalling just how close Guyana stood to the abyss and the debt that is owed to the former President for not takingusovertheprecipice.
David Granger had two options. The first path was theroadofdefiance.Granger couldhavecalledthebluffof the US, Canada and the EU. Sanctions, after all, are the paper swords of modern diplomacy—wielded often, fearedless.Arecentanalysis from Chatham House, no cheerleader for autocracy, shows that the efficacy of sanctions in reversing political outcomes or restoringdemocracyismore illusion than record. They hobble economies, yes, but rarely steer political repentance.
David Granger could have chosen to ignore the muttering of diplomats and the threats of visa bans. He could have embraced the script already written by some of his comrades in the APNU+AFC those architects seeking a judicial coup, those whose
imaginations had long since a b a n d o n e d constitutionalism for control. It would not have taken much for there to be a little taste of Belarus in the tropics GECOM was strained and the opposition fatigued.
ButDavidGrangerchose another way He clung to a constitutionalorthodoxythat was out of fashion even within his own circle. He maintained, from the beginning, that GECOM remained the sole constitutional authority empowered to declare the winner And he stuck with that position, even as weeks turnedtomonths.
Yes, five months is a lifetime in politics His refusaltobringthematterto a close sooner may be cause for criticism. But in those five months, Granger also played a long, disciplined hand. He allowed the courts to function He allowed CARICOM, the OAS, and even the now-maligned observers to speak and record He allowed time—however slowly—to strip bare the motives of those within his camp who sawpowernotasacovenant with the people but as a private property to be defendedatanycost.
And when the final declarationcame,hestepped aside.
The knives came swiftly and from within Like Desmond Hoyte before him in 1992, and again in 1997, Granger committed the cardinal sin of postcolonial politics: he put country before cabal. He denied the
fantasy of the eternally ruling party He said, in essence, that power unmooredfromlegitimacyis a form of theft, not governance For this, he became the target of a politicalmutiny
The PNCR did not forgive him. They pushed him out. They maligned his name, privately at first and then later publicly, as they stilldotoday.Theyevenhad the temerity to question his loyalty.
Today, they are reaping the rewards of their actions. Today,theywalkaroundthe rubble of a party more fracturedthanatanypointin itshistory Thesamefactions that urged Granger to defy the constitution now grumbleabouttheweakness of the party But it was not Granger who weakened the PNCR. It was their own disdain for order, their own contemptforlawfulloss.
H i s t o r y i s n o t sentimental.Ithaslittletime forcautionorcare.Itprefers the noise of revolution, the charisma of brutes, the clarity of betrayal. Granger gave it none of that. He preferred the deliberation of courts to the battle cries of mobs.And so, he will likely be remembered as an afterthought. But for one moment, perhaps the most periloussincetherestoration of democracy in Guyana, he heldtheline.
We often speak of legacies in grand terms: of roadsbuilt,ofhotelsopened or of bridges constructed. But sometimes a legacy is a thing undone—a coup not taken, a country not broken,
Is de weed wukkin or de wukman?
Dem boys seh de government ain't ready tolegaliseganjayet.Nah,notinGuyana.But dem mek one small step — yuh can now get ketchwithalikklebitandavoiddemandatory jail time at de discretion of de court.Asmall victoryforallwholiketo“reasonwidweed”.
But while we deh pon dat slow road to decriminalisation,wegotanewphenomenon spreading faster than dengue in de rainy season: construction sites turn into cloud factories.Youpassaworksitenowadays,and yuh don't smell cement and sweat — yuh smellhighgradeandlowproductivity
One man tell me he pass a set of masons the other day, and by the time de first block waslaid,twomandonegonefora“medicinal break”. Not water Not juice. Straight to de corner behind de zinc fence to reenergize de soul.Demboyssehisnolongerajobsite—is achillzonewidtools.
And it getting serious. You can't even arguewiddem.Ifyouaskwhydewallleaning
like Tower of Pisa, dem gon tell you is “vibes”. If the concrete nah set good, is because de mixman get “spiritually distracted”.
So de big question now is: who really building de house? Is it de workers, or de weed? Because from de look of things, de weed seem to be doing most of de heavy lifting.Itmotivatedebody,relaxdemind,and confusedeblueprint—allinonespliff.
Dem boys seh if this continue, soon NIS gonhavetoconsidermarijuanaasatoolofde trade. “Did you use Personal Protective Equipment?” “Yes.” “Did you use weed?” “Doubleyes.”
So while we still debating de laws, de workers done legalise it fuh demself. Every breakisablaze,everycornergotacloud,and everyprojectgotadeadlinethathightoo. Smoke break or work break? In Guyana, demnowsoundinglikedesameting. Talkhalf.Leffhalf
a democracy not disgraced. Forallhisfailings,andthere were many, David Granger walkedaway Inatimewhen so many others would have grasped for permanence, he surrenderedtothewillofthe p
late—byGECOM. That may not earn him a monument. But it should at least spare him our disrespect (The views expressed in this article are those of the author and do not necessarily reflect the opinionsofthisnewspaper.)
The more the
p r e s i d e n t defends,themore he offends. The more his paidpeoplerush todenythe farces of the president, the more they decimate
t h e m s e l v e s B y tablespoons, then torrents.
And when Guyana's president and his army of lackeys represent what savages Guyanese are, the moretheysoilthemselves. I present what the world sees, but shrinks from saying. A president in tatters. The presidency of Guyana
reducedtotragedy Continental Strategy LLC. Theydidanawesome job with strategy relative to therepulsive,depraved. The president says that the Guyana Government doesn't know it, therefore, can't own it. Continental
Strategy is being paid US$60,000 monthly for six months, by the PPP Government, to do nothing. I should be considered for such an engagement. I would kick it; and only my upbringing wouldn't allow me to do the same to the people bringing such a Trojan Horse as a gift. Just ask Mohamed the Younger Other than the blessed one from Mecca, he may (may) betheonlyoneofthatname in Guyana that has something going for him in the sanitation department. Thereislow,thenthereisthe PPP Thepresidentisofthe PPP,sofigureitout.
A president who mutilates himself almost every time he opens his mouth, does one of his dancing bear gyrations. I'll take my chances with Bhai Bharrat. It'sanindicationof how obscene Guyana's presidency has become, the ongoing revelations of a presidentincrisis.
Luxuryvehiclecumtax scandal From opulent chariotusage(actual)totext messages (alleged), the president's presence, his name, his prints, and his shadowhavebeentrappedin onewayoranother Notone ofthemmakeshimlookwise orinspiresGuyanesetotrust. His mere proximity to such matters degrades the presidency, dumps the president where not even a shaky,shabbycitizenshould be. Apresidentinpieces.
Access to information The law is being ignored, trampled upon, mocked w h i m s i c a l l y a n d capriciously Guyana's presidentdonnedhisSunday best, stepped out with the
best that his cunning, crumpled script-writers can fabricate: “politically motivated”.
When a national leader sees the world through the narrow prism of PPP versus PNC,thenhisworldisasea of rubbish and gibberish. Daily I get confirmation of thatoldtruism:whatfloatsto the surface, and lingers offensivelyandaromatically there. Why have a law that facilitates access to information, once the supplicants have adhered to the proper format and order, then besmirch it? Then smirk publicly about it? It couldbethefirstinstanceof a bill assented to by one Dr Bharrat Jagdeo, and now law,hasneitherstandingnor force. Apresidentbeholding himself as a legend in his own mind, when reality points to a leader who rents himself into pieces. He shatters what is left of his credibility,andforthosestill seeking transparency, he is themostglaringexample. A president in tatters, as clawed and savaged by his own hand. The presidency laidtowaste.
Public works contract delivery failures The president summoned a farce and delivered a circus Deliver by December 31, or else. Was that fore-day meeting about works that were past due, or another kind of past due matter? That is the question that shouldberolledaboutinthe heads of those not too thick in that area. Considering how Guyana has become, actuallyfunctions,underthe PPP Government, there is thehighprobabilitythatitis the latter What Guyanese
have been treated to is a masquerade disguised as a tirade, with infrastructure works stuck in the middle. They are still stuck there, while the circuses and ringmasterskeepongoingat full throttle. It is part of the sickness that is unique to Guyanesethatsomanyofthe men in whom they have placed their confidence in, the unfortunate result is that they have turned out to be just that kind of men. The Guyanese people need their president to rise above the fray, and examine what they are forced to comfort themselves with, be pleased about. A president holding himself out as the rose of Cairo, when he is a 'pimpla' splinterintheirear,theireye, and embedded in other sensitive areas of their anatomy Maybe even the tormented souls of this country'sdifferentpeoples. Conclusion The president may deceive himself that the louder his volume,andthemorehostile his reactions, the more overpoweringheis. Itishis choiceonhowmuchpsychic value he gets when he goes ondeceivinghimselfinsuch a manner To jar him to his senses, I convey how others are seeing, but fear telling him. He is a president torn and tattered Guyana's presidency reduced to a breathingtragedy (The views expressed in this article are those of the author and do not necessarily reflect the opinionsofthisnewspaper.)
Suriname’s state energy company, Staatsolie, has announced that American international oil and gas company, Hess (Suriname II)ExplorationLimited,will exit Suriname’s offshore Block59.
Staatsolie said that Hess will relinquish Block 59, returning it to Staatsolie, becoming part of the open acreage. “Hess fulfilled its minimum work obligations andhasdecidednottomove forward to the next phase of the exploration period, which concludes on 8 July 2025, ” the company explainedinastatement.
In July 2024, Hess’ partners, ExxonMobil Exploration and Production Suriname B.V and Statoil Suriname B59 B.V (from 2018EquinorSurinameB59
B V ), withdrew and transferred their respective participation stakes to Hess, which then became the sole partyinBlock59.
The Production Sharing Contract(PSC)forBlock59 was signed in July 2017
between Staatsolie, ExxonMobil, Statoil (Equinor),andHess.
According to Staatsolie, Block 59 was located in the
far northwest region offshore Suriname and coveredabout11,480square kilometresinwaterdepthsof 2,700 to 3,500 metres Significant volumes are required for potential economically viable oilfield developmentinthisblock.
After 6,000 km of 2D seismic data and 9,000 km2 of 3D seismic data were collected in the block, the two previously existing partners considered the risk too high for drilling an exploration well. In the past year, despite efforts, Hess didnotfindanynewpartners to continue exploration of Block59.
Staatsolie said the area formerly designated as
Staatsolie’s strategy to have as much of the offshore acreage under contract with international parties Currently, production sharingcontractsareinplace with a number of international oil and gas companies for the various b l o c k s , c o v e r i
approximately fifty percent ofSuriname’soffshore.
Notably, a PSC gives a foreignoilandgascompany exploration, development and production rights and allows parties to attract partnersorwithdraw Thisis common in the oil and gas industry Thecostsandrisks intheexplorationperiodare fullybornebythepartner(s). Companiesdecidetopartner in or leave an area based on their global portfolio and riskassessments.
TheSuddiePublicHospitalhasconducted460surgeriesbetween January and June this year, the Regional Health Services of Region TwoannouncedonTuesday.
InastatementonitsFacebookpage,theRegionalHealthServices said,“Surgeryplaysavitalroleinhospitalsbyprovidingdiagnostic, therapeutic and reconstructive procedures for various conditions. It involvesmanualandinstrumentaltechniquestoaddresspathological conditions,alterbodilyfunctionsandimproveorrestoreappearance.”
It noted that hospitals rely on surgical services to manage a wide range of medical needs, from emergency trauma care to elective procedureslikejointreplacements.
The health department stated that 204 cases were OBGYN procedures, 155 were general surgeries, 101 cases were orthopaedic proceduresand42werepediatriccases.
“Despiteourchallengeofhavingonlyonemainoperatingtheatre, our team remains adamant about providing surgical care for our population. Most of these patients are enrolled into our 3 speciality clinics and when optimised, they are scheduled for surgery Emergencysurgeriesarefacilitated24/7,”thestatementsaid.
Meanwhile, it was reported by the Department of Public InformationinDecember2024thattheSuddieHospitalhadconducted some644surgeriesin2024,anincreasefromthepreviousyear
“Duringthecourseof2024,thetotalnumberofsurgeriesdonethus faris644ofwhich48werepaediatriccases,thisisvastimprovement when compared to 2023. During that year, only 502 surgeries were done,”OmkarPersaud,amemberofthehospital’sboardofdirectors wasquotedinthearticle.
American oil giant, ExxonMobil Corporation, has clinched the top spot as the upstream industry’s most-admired explorer, particularly based on its decade-long exploration and development success in Guyana’s StabroekBlock.
This was disclosed by Wood Mackenzie, one of the leading firmsoncomprehensivepetroleum data, in a release dated June 12, 2025.
Announcing the results of Wood Mackenzie’s annual exploration survey for 2025, A n d r e w L a t h a m s a i d , “ExxonMobil’s win as the mostadmired explorer for 2025 is welldeserved.”
Theawardsceremonywasheld alongside Wood Mackenzie’s explorationsummitinBordeauxto recogniseindustryleadersbasedon peeradmiration.
Exxon copped the mostadmired explorer award. It was highlighted that the American oil major found over 8 billion barrels of new field resources on a net equity basis since 2015, which is morethananyothercompanyover thedecade.
ExxonMobil is the parent company of ExxonMobil Guyana Limited (EMGL), the operator of the Stabroek Block which holds a
spans 6 6 million acres Oil production in Guyana’s Stabroek Block began in December 2019. Since then, production has grown to 650,000 barrels per day (bpd) from three sanctioned projects; Liza Phase 1, Liza Phase 2, and Payara. This output is set to increasewiththeimminentstart-up of Yellowtail, the fourth development,laterthisyear
45 percent interest, while Hess Guyana holds 30 percent interest and CNOOC Petroleum Guyana Limitedwith25percentinterest.
Latham stated that based on Exxon’s decade-long exploration
ExxonMobil has created almost US$30billioninvalue.
Further, he noted, “The companyhassetanewbenchmark inopeningupadeep-waterfrontier at pace. Congratulations to John Ardill and the entire exploration team.”
The Stabroek Block, located about 120 miles offshore Guyana,
Exxon already has two other sanctioned projects under its belt, the Uaru and Whiptail The companyhasalreadysubmittedthe EnvironmentalImpactAssessment (EIA) for its seventh project, Hammerhead, with production targetedfor2029.Thecompanyhas also filed an application for an eighth development named Longtail.
Moreover,itwasexplainedthat byprovidinginsightsintotheworld of exploration, Wood Mackenzie’s annualexplorationsurveytakesthe pulse of the industry to help shed light on the key challenges and opportunities in the exploration sector This cornerstone industry survey addresses critical questions about the nature of exploration, untapped potential, noteworthy drilling activities, and the commercial attractiveness of wildcatwells.
“Global exploration drilling
continues to target advantaged resources to help meet demand for cheaper and cleaner oil and gas supply,”saidLatham. He added, “Drilling around existinginfrastructurehasaroleto play but these prospects are not sufficient. The most successful explorers must embrace greater risks to open up new plays and basins that promise greater resources.”
Moreover,Lathamsaid,“Asthe sector evolves to become more resilient and sustainable, these
Guyana’s Stabroek Block
continue to discover advantaged resources. These discoveries can displace less sustainable and more costly oil and gas supply, accelerating the journey to energy transition.”
The 2025 Exploration Survey underscores the industry’s commitment to sustainable exploration practices, highlighting the crucial interplay between exploration data, industry trends, and value creation in the evolving energylandscape.
ThoughNominationDay for the 2025 General and Regional Elections is set for July 14, A Partnership for National Unity (APNU) and the Alliance for Change (AFC) have already secured their spots in front of the Umana Yana, located in Kingston,Georgetown.
N
Commission(GECOM)will host Nomination Day, during which all political partieswishingtocontestthe September 1 elections are required to submit their respective lists of candidates.
APNUwasthefirsttoset up camp. When Kaieteur News visited the Umana Yana on Tuesday night,
colleagues,wasseenplaying agameofdominoes.
Mahipaul, who has been named APNU’s vice presidential candidate, told KaieteurNewsthattheparty decided to begin camping out early because it is “ready”.
“Weareheretoshowour
strength that we are ready Wehavealreadyselectedall our candidates for the regional list, the geographic list and the national top-up list,andallourlist,theyhave th
ying signatures and because we areready,wearewastingno time,”Mahipaulsaid.
Underscoringtheparty’s readiness, he added that if
GECOM were to bring Nomination Day forward, APNU would still be prepared. He explained that due to a lack of washroom facilities, groups will rotate theirpresenceatthesiteuntil Monday Joining APNU on Tuesday evening was the AFC. Nigel Hughes, AFC’s Leader, in a Facebook live
video said, “…the Alliance for Change at 6 o’clock this evening established its presence, it is the second politicalpartytoestablishits presence here outside of the UmanaYana…” He noted that AFC members will be at the site every day until Nomination Day, when they will submit theirlistofcandidates.
Thirty-year-old taxi driver, Keon Belgrave, was remandedonTuesdayforthe alleged murder of 26-yearold Jamal Greene, a mechanicofD'UrbanStreet, Lodge.
Belgrave appeared at the Georgetown Magistrates' Court before Acting Chief Magistrate Faith McGusty whoreadthecharge.
He was not required to plead to the indubitable chargewhichallegedthaton July 4, 2025 at Robb and Albert Street, Georgetown, hemurderedGreene.
B e l g r a v e w a s represented by attorney Dawn Cush.The matter was adjournedtoJuly30,2025.
Greenediedasaresultof a stabbing incident which occurredataround13:30hon July 4 Belgrave was reportedly driving his car south along Albert Street while Greene was riding
behindhim.
“It is alleged that the victimrodeupalongsidethe suspect and told him (Belgrave) that he should have hit him with his car,” policestated.
Greene then rode up a short distance and stopped his motorcycle Belgrave drove to the area where Greene stopped and exited hiscar
An eyewitness who was atastorelocatedatthecorner of Robb and Albert Streets told police that he saw Greene hit Belgrave with a pieceofirontohisback.
Belgravethenenteredhis car and returned armed with a knife. He approached the victim and a scuffle ensued during which he stabbed the victim three times to the back, causing the victim to falltotheground. The deadly scuffle was caught on camera A
Accused: Keon Belgrave at the Georgetown Magistrates' Court on Tuesday
cellphone-recorded video showed Greene attacking an armed Belgrave during the scuffle.
HOUSTON, July 7 (Reuters) - Exxon Mobil (XOM.N), signaled on Monday that loweroilandgaspricescouldcutitssecondquarter earnings by about US$1.5 billion fromthepreviousquarter'slevel.
The earnings snapshot from the largest U.S. oil producer is closely watched for cluesonhowthebroaderoilsectorwillfare when companies begin releasing quarterly resultsinafewweeks.
BenchmarkBrentcrudepricesaveraged US$66.71perbarrelduringtheApriltoJune quarter, an 11% decline from the previous quarter, as more crude supply from the
OPEC+ group of producers weighed on prices. U.S. natural gas prices declined 9% fromthefirstquarter
Exxonsaidintheregulatoryfilingthatit will release the final quarterly results on Aug.1.
Wall Street expects Exxon to report adjusted earnings of US$1.53 per share for the second quarter, according to estimates compiledbyLSEG.
ThecompanyhadpostedUS$6.8billion inupstreamearningsforthefirstquarter Its total profit in that quarter was US$7.71 billion.
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Withinthenextsixweeks, the Caribbean Community (CARICOM)willprioritiseefforts towards addressing regional security, trade and climate change.
This is according to Dr AndrewHolness,PrimeMinisterofJamaicaandthenewly appointed Chair of CARICOM.
Addressing the media at the closing of the 49th regularmeetingoftheCARICOM ConferenceofHeadsofGovernment,inMontegoBay,Dr. Holness said, “Over the past two days, we discussed severalmattersofregionalpriorityandreaffirmedourcommitment to delivering tangible results for the people of the community,” as he outlined the resolutions made by CARICOMleadersduringthe conference.
According to the Jamaican leader, the external trade negotiations committee continues to monitor development in the trade space while the region seeks to develop a collective, strategic response to the issue.
“We also seek to develop deepening endeavours on bilateral trade with several of CARICOM’s nontraditional and traditional partners.”
Additionally, Holness reaffirmedCARICOM’scommitment to regional security
“AsecureCARICOMisa viable one. As such, security remains high on the agenda for the duration of my tenure as chairmanship and beyond…As a result, we adapted the Montego Bay declaration on transnational organised crime, underscoring our united stance against crimeandcriminalactivity.”
He also announced that the CARICOM leaders have approvedregionalclimatepriorities and revised the framework for building climate resilienceby2030.
Meanwhile,regardingthe CARICOMSingleMarketand Economy (CSME), Holness said that member states have agreed to do everything in theirpowertospeedupimplementation.
“We agreed that the pace and scope of implementation were just too slow, and we agreed that we will do everything in our power to speed upimplementation,”Holness said.
In this regard, Holness
Dr. Andrew Holness, Prime Minister of Jamaica
saidfourCARICOMmember stateswillimplementfullfree movement of nationals by October 1, 2025, marking a majorstepforwardinregional integrationunderCSME.
Holness said the four nations reiterated their willingness to implement full free movementundertheprotocol on enhanced cooperation, whichallCARICOMmembers signed. They are Barbados, Belize, St. Vincent and the Grenadines,andDominica.
Fullfreemovementwithin
CARICOMallowsforthefree movement of skilled nationals, services, capital, and the right to establish businesses or offer services in other participatingmemberstateswithout restrictions. The free movement of skilled nationalsmeansthatqualifiedworkers can seek employment in other member states without needingworkpermits.
Holness said Jamaica remains committed to the goal and is working to overcome its own internal constraints.
“Iwanttomakeclearthat Jamaicaremainscommittedto implementingfullfreemovement in accordance with the treaty amendments, and we are also examining ways to speedupourownimplementation,” he stated.
Explaining Jamaica’s slower progress, he noted: “Duetoourlegislativeframework and other considerations, we have had to move with greater consideration. However, it is our intention to speed up the implementationoffullfreemovement.”
The prime minister also announced that CARICOM leaders agreed to expand the list of approved skilled categories under the CSME regime.
“Aviationpersonnelhave been added to the list, and it is worth noting that Jamaica contributed three new occupations: photogrammetry, fieldmaintenancepersonnel, andaircraftmaintenancepersonnel,” he said.
The Ministry of Agriculture, through the National Drainage and Irrigation Authority(NDIA),willbespending approximately $519,601,688 for the construction of a sluice/ pump stationcombinationstructure at No. 45/46 Village, Corentyne,RegionSix.
This is according to an invitation for bids issued by the ministry, which stated that bids for the project will open on July 22, 2025 at the National Procurement and TenderAdministrationBoard office.
Also in the same village,
the ministry will be spending an estimated $130 million on the construction of a drainage channel.
Kaieteur News understands that these structures playacrucialroleincommunitiessincetheyprovideresidents and farmers with an effective drainage system, especially during heavy rainy periods.
It was reported that the ministry is constructing several pump stations in a number of coastal regions.
In August 2024, it was reportedthata$446.8million pump station was commis-
sioned at Adventure Village, Corentyne, while another is being built at Chesney During the presentation of this year’s budget, it was revealed that in 2024, works progressed on eight additional pump stations.
In 2024, the government expended$44.3billion,andin 2025,$73.2billionhasbeen allocated to complete pump stations and advanceothercriticaldrainageandirrigationcanals and structures including areas such as Adams Creek, Canefield, Good Hope and Mabaruma.
& Healthy environment. Call: 698-6496/707-0225.
(Jamaica Gleaner)
PrimeMinisterDrAndrew H o
n e s s s a y s t h e worsening security and humanitarian crisis in Haiti mustnolongerbetreatedasa national issue, but as an u r g e n t r e g i o n a l priority with economic consequences for the entire Caribbean.
Speaking at a high-level CARICOM–CARICOM P r i v a t e S
Organ
on (CPSO) engagement on Tuesday at Sandals Montego Bay in St James, held on the sidelines of the 49th Meeting of the Conference of Heads of Government, Holness stressedthatasecureHaitiis essential to a secure Caribbean.
“This is not only a national emergency It is a regionalpriority
The success of our region is tied to the security and stability of all our member states,” Holness said, adding that the prolonged collapse of governance in Haiti presents a dangerous precedent.
Prime Minister Dr Andrew Holness addressing the audience at the Caribbean Private Sector Organisation and Private Sector Organisation of Jamaica Business Breakfast Forum at Sandals Montego Bay in St James on Tuesday, July 8.
“Thesituationthatgangs have taken over a state is notagoodexampleforthis region, and the longer it stays in that state, the longeritwillbeathreatfor allstatesinthisregion.”
His comments come as Haiti continues to grapple with the devastating consequences of political instability, gang violence, and the absence of a functioninggovernment.
In March, then Haitian Prime Minister Ariel Henry announced his intention to step down following an emergency meeting of Caribbean leaders in Jamaica a move that followed months ofpressurefromCARICOM and the international
communitytofindasolution totheleadershipvacuum.
Holness, now chair of CARICOM, signalled Jamaica'sintentiontobuild on the efforts of former chair, Prime Minister Mia Mottley of Barbados, who helpedbrokerthattransition agreement.
“I'm going to dedicate great effort, as did Prime MinisterMottley,toensure thatthesituationinHaitiis againbroughttotheforeof global attention,” Holness said
“I believe that we can
haveapositiveimpact ”
He called for greater coordination and urgency in supporting Haiti's path to stability, noting that regional security extends beyond crime and borders touching sectors like telecommunications, banking, shipping, and judicialsystems.
However, Holness also framed Haiti as a potential economic partner, calling for the private sector to view the nation not just through the lens of crisis, butofuntappedpotential.
“Haiti is a tremendous opportunity waiting to be discovered
It is an incredible market, people with incredible talent and resources,”hesaid
“If we could assist our brothersandsistersinHaiti to settle the issues and strengthen the state, the region as a whole would benefiteconomically”
CARICOM has been under increasing pressure toplayamoredirectrolein Haiti'srecovery
Earlierthisyear,thebloc committed to working alongside Kenya and other partners to support a UNbacked Multinational Security Support mission torestoreorder
(Caribbean News Network) CARICOM leaders metonthemorningofJuly7to strategizearegionalresponseto the US 'America First' trade policy, which imposes a 10 percent baseline tariff on Caribbean imports into the UnitedStates InApril,theUS announced a 10 percent tariff for most Caribbean countries Guyana,however,facesa38% tariff PresidentDonaldTrump later announced a 90-day pauseonitsimplementation.
The meeting of the C A R I C O M P r i m e Ministerial Sub-Committee on External Trade
Negotiation, chaired by JamaicanPrimeMinisterand newly appointed CARICOM Chair Andrew Holness, was held at the Jewel Grande in RoseHall,St James Holness described the policy as a “critical juncture” in CARICOM's trade and economic relationship with the US, stressing the need foraunitedregionalstance With the 90-day pause on the tariff's implementation set to expire on July 9, Holness said CARICOM leaders are focused on mitigating any fallout for regional exports to the U.S., the bloc's largest tradingpartner.Healsonoted that outgoing CARICOM Chair, Prime Minister Mia Mottley of Barbados, had written to the U S
administration requesting a reconsiderationofthemeasure.
The Office of the United States Trade Representative (USTR), in response, had indicateditsreadinesstoengage theregiontoaddressitsconcerns, henoted “However,atpresent, the USTR is prioritizing negotiationswithcertaintrading partnersduringthe90-daypause on the imposition of the 10 percent tariff,” Dr Holness pointed out “In the meantime, weneedtobecomeincreasingly vigilanttoseektocoordinateas muchaspossibleattheregional levelandwithkeydevelopment partners in order to minimize risks,” he contended. Prime Minister Holness said that CARICOM finds itself operatinginaglobaltrading environment characterized by unilateralism, increasing tensions, rising trade policy and uncertainties with potentially severe effects on globaleconomicstability As such, the region needs to be strategic in building resilience toprepareforanyeventualities, he said, emphasizing the need for greater regional coordinationandengagement
The 26th meeting of the CARICOMPrimeMinisterial Sub-Committee on External Trade Negotiations was held as part of the 49th Regular MeetingoftheConferenceof Heads of Government of CARICOM
TheMinistryofHealthisseekingcontractorstoconstruct and rehabilitate accommodation facilities for medical professionalsinRegionsOne,Two,Four,FiveandSix.
At the opening of tenders, it was disclosed that the ministryintendstobuilddormitoriesatSuddie,RegionTwo and New Amsterdam, Region Six. With no engineer's estimate listed by the National Procurement and Tender Administration Board (NPTAB) office, it was revealed that bidders bid between $365 million and $711 million for the projects.
Additionally, the ministry also tendered for the construction and furnishing of duplex quarters at Baramita, RegionOne.Ninecontractorsappliedforthejob.
The Baramita health centre was upgraded to a Cottage Hospitalwheremoreservicesarebeingofferedtoresidentsin thecommunity
Bids were also opened for the rehabilitation of accommodation at Fort Wellington, Region Five, and to rehabilitate the accommodation facility at Diamond, East BankDemerara.
Intheidentifiedcommunities,theMinistryofHealthhas eitherconstructednewhospitalsorisintheprocessofdoing so,aswellashealthcentresandnursingschools. For example, at Suddie, the ministry is building an $881 million nursing school to provide training for persons interested in joining the profession. Similarly, a nursing school is being built in New Amsterdam while a US$161 million state-of-the-art hospital is also being constructed there. The ministry received a $143 billion budgetary allocationthisyear
MinistryofHealth
ConstructionofdormitoryatSuddie,RegionTwo.
Bidder Amount Tendered
STP Investments Inc
A Ali Construction
Westbrook Caribbean Inc
Singh and Son Construction
Blue Print Builders Inc
Urban Edge Builders Inc
$565,209,205
$365,131,250
$616,780,474
$557,379,586
$469,358,971
$459,326,971
Sheriff Construction Inc. $480,370,670
Constructionandfurnishingofduplex quartersatBaramita,RegionOne.
(AL-JAZEERA)Atleast 78 Palestinians have been killed since the morning –including in missile attacks on war-displaced people sheltering in tents – as Israel's relentless strikes
throughout the Strip continue.
At least 54 Palestinians have been killed in Israeli attackssincedawninvarious parts of the Gaza Strip, accordingtomedicalsources speakingtoAlJazeera.
The delegations from HamasandIsraelareinDoha for the indirect talks mediatedbyQatar,MajedalAnsari, spokesman for Qatar's Foreign Ministry, says.
Senior Hamas official Abdul-Karim Hanini says Israel has killed six freed Palestinian prisoners in an attack on Gaza, calling it
evidence of Israel's continued“policyofrevenge and systematic killing againstthosewhoresisted”.
The Israeli army's A r a b i c - l a n g u a g e spokesperson, Avichay Adraee, has issued the latest forced evacuation order for
Trump last met Netanyahu at the White House in April [File: Kevin Mohatt/Reuters]
civilians living in nine areas in Khan Younis, southern Gaza.
The Israeli army confirms its forces were behind yesterday's attack in southern Lebanon's Deir Kifa town that it said killed Hezbollah commander Ali Abdal-HassanHaidar
One more Hezbollah fighter was killed soon afterinthecountry'sBeitLif area, it added, without elaborating on the name of the victim.The Palestinian Education Ministry saysat
least 18,243 students and staff members, including teachers, have been killed and31,643woundedinGaza andtheoccupiedWestBank since Israel began its war in October2023.
US president Donald Trump said he will meet again with Netanyahu this evening to push for a Gaza deal, a day after the two leaders had dinner at the White House.“He's coming over later We're going to betalkingabout,Iwouldsay, almost exclusively Gaza
We'vegottogetthatsolved,” Trumptoldreporters.
“It's a tragedy, and he wants to getitsolved,andI want to get it solved, and I think the other side wants to.”
Trump's special envoy
said he's hopeful for a deal betweenIsraelandHamas
“We are hopeful that by end of this week we will have an agreement that will bring us into a 60-day ceasefire,” Witkoff said “Ten live hostages will be released.Ninedeceasedwill bereleased.”
Netanyahu is in Washington until Thursday on his third visit to the US capital since Trump returned to power in January
US President
Donald Trump has said the Gaza ceasefire talks are "going along very well", despite no breakthrough in the latest round of indirect negotiations between Israel andHamasinQatar
Discussions are set to resumeonTuesday,thougha Palestinian source familiar with the talks told the BBC they have not made any headway
Trumpspoketoreporters as he hosted Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu in Washington DC on Monday evening. Afterwards, a senior Israeli political official said the talksinDohawerestillsome way off from what Israel wantedtoachieve.
Trump has recently stepped-up pressure on Israel and Hamas to agree a deal, saying he believed it wouldbedonethisweek.
As they met for dinner, Trump and Netanyahu were asked about Israeli and US proposals suggested earlier this year to permanently relocate Palestinians from Gaza.
Trump said he had cooperation for this from countries neighbouring Israel,whileNetanyahusaid hewasworkingwiththeUS onfindingcountriesthatwill "give Palestinians a better future".
"If people want to stay, theycanstay,butiftheywant toleave,theyshouldbeable toleave,"Netanyahusaid The proposals to force Palestinians out of Gaza has been met by condemnation from the UN, Arab leaders, human rights organisations, andWesterngovernments.
Arab countries, led by Egypt, have suggested an alternative plan involving massive reconstruction in GazawhilePalestiniansstay
there in temporary housing units.
The UN has warned that the deportation or forcible transfer of an occupied
population is strictly
international law and "tantamount to ethnic cleansing".
Netanyahualsoappeared to again rule out any
statehood, saying that Israel will "always" keep security controlovertheGazaStrip.
"Now, people will say: 'It's not a complete state, it's not a state.' We don't care," hesaid.
The concept of an independent Palestinian state alongside Israel is supported by the vast majority of the international community, and about three quarters of UN member statesofficiallyrecognisethe StateofPalestine.
Meanwhile, Israel's defenceministertoldIsraeli mediathathehadinstructed the military to prepare a plan to move all 2 million Palestinians in Gaza into a camp in the south after screening them to ensure they were not Hamas operatives.
The plan has been described by one Israeli human rights lawyer as an "operational plan for a
crimeagainsthumanity"
Trump has previously said he would be "very firm"withNetanyahuabout endingthewar
ButaPalestinianofficial familiar with the ceasefire talks told the BBC on Tuesday that the three r
tween Hamas and Israel since Sunday have yielded no progress.
"
s haven't made any headway, not even an inch," the officialsaid
"The Israeli delegation simply came to listen and has no real mandate to negotiate "
The official expressed astonishment at recent media reports claiming significantprogress,calling them "delusional" and "misleading"
SportsMax - Anicet
showcased why many scouts see him as the top prospect heading into next year's NBAdraft by leading the USA U-19 team to victory at the FUBAUnder-
19 Basketball World Cup in Lausanne,Switzerland.
Dybantsa, who is of Jamaican and Congolese descent, scored 11 points and grabbed six rebounds as the young Americans hammered Germany 109-76
inthefinalonSunday.
Brigham Young University commitwasnamedMVPof
finishing with averages of 14.3 points, 4.1 rebounds and 2.3 assists throughout
thetournament.
His 42 made free throws in seven games was also the most at the World Cup.
The highly tou
freshman recently visited thelandofwoodandwater
On May 9, Dybantsa visited Dupont Primary and Whitfield Primary alongsidehisparents,Anicet “Ace” Dybantsa Sr and ChelseaDybantsa.
They distributed gear to the schools' basketball programmes and engaged with students, media, and staff.
Oneofthemostpowerful moments came when AJ and his father lifted young students so they could dunk forthefirsttime.
That evening, during a mixer hosted by the JABA at the AC Hotel in Kingston, Dybantsa spoke emotionally about what Jamaica means to him and the importance of giving back.
A day later, he visited Jamaica College to support the Under-17 National Team training session,wherehemadegear presentations to male and female representatives, including players from St CatherineHighSchool.
Fromthere,hetouredthe legendary Tuff Gong Studios before wrapping up the day at the Trench Town Community Court, further linking sport, music, and Jamaicanheritage.
While this visit was focused on inspiration and donations, AJ made it clearheplanstodomore.
Frompage23 life.”
The event also received support from several other sponsors, including Mix and Mingle Berbice, KM Technology, WM Services, KBS Electrical, Suraj Sports Bar,SunilandSonPoolBar, Jason Pool Bar, Butcher's Chill Spot, D&LSports Bar, Embassy American Style Sports Bar, and Geo Enviro SupportServices.
As the curtains close on this year's tournament, the excitement and high-level play of the El Dorado Rum National 8-Ball Team Championship will long be remembered.
Anicet “AJ” Dybantsa Jr named MVP as the USA defeated Germany 109-76 to win FIBA U-19 World Cup.
SportsMax - Fiftiesfrom captain Joshua Dorne, ZacharyCarterandXaundre Baptiste propelled the BarbadosUnder-19stotheir second win in as many games to begin the defense of their West Indies Rising Stars Men's Under-19 ChampionshipinSt.Kitts.
The young Bajans secured a dominant 144-run win over the Trinidad & Tobago Under-19s on Sunday at the Conaree SportsClub.
Barbados posted an imposing 295-8 from their 50 overs after winning the tossandbattingfirst.
Dorne, who represented WestIndiesUnder-19satthe last year's ICC Under-19 World Cup, led the scoring witha100-ball79including
four fours batting at number three.
He was well supported by opener Zachary Carter whomade78offjust62balls including five fours and six
sixes while Xaundre
Baptiste, batting at number eight, made 57 off 54 balls includingsixfours.
Leg-spinner Aneal
Rooplal led the bowling effort for the young
Trinidadians with 3-56 from his10overswhilepacerand captain Abdul-Raheem
Toppintook2-68fromhis10 overs.
Trinidad & Tobago, in reply,managedjust151in34 overs, mainly due to pacer
R'Jai Gittens' second fourwicket haul of the tournament.
Gittens picked up 4-63
fromhis10overs,withthree of those wickets coming in the first powerplay of 10 overs.
Left-arm pacers Jakeem Pollard and Zachary Carter were also excellent in support, picking up 2-13 off five overs and 2-17 off six overs,respectively
Fareez Ali led the way with the bat for Trinidad & Tobago with 30 while Cristian Rampersaud made 27.
Other results from Round Two were as follows:
Windward Islands
Under-19s 196 all out in 44 overs (Kirt Murray 52, Earsinho Fontaine 26, Theo Edward 25, Roshawn McKenzie 2-13, Tamarie Redwood 2-33, Demarco
Scott 2-34) defeated Jamaica Under-19s 192 all out in 49 overs (David Dewar 72, Darvin Forde 226, Kirsten Murray 2-31, Edmund Morancie 2-34) by four runs at Elquemedo WillettPark
Leeward Islands Under19s 145-7 in 40.3 overs (Matthew Miller 52*, Rahul Basu 3-24, RitvikAppidi 224, Rayaan Taj 2-37) defeated USA Under-19s 2 141 all out in 31.1 overs (Ansh Bhoje 28, Matthew Miller 4-23, Isra-el Morton 3-34) by three wickets at St. Mary'sPark
USA Under-19s 1 151-3 in 32.5 overs (Saharsh Shwethan 42*, Utkarsh Srivastava 41, Adnit Jhamb 26) defeated Guyana Under19s 150alloutin44.2overs
Captain Joshua Dorne led the scoring for Barbados with 79.
Frompage20
College maintain perfect records.ChaseandSt.John's look especially threatening with high goal differences, positioning them as title contenders.
A s t h e P e t r a Organisation narrows the fieldtothefinaleightinboth divisions today, anticipation ishigh.
The Round-of-16 stage of the tournament kicks off with the Girls' action. The opening clash sees Abram Zuil Secondary take on St.
Joseph High at 12:30 p.m., marking the first of eight matchupsinthisphase.Next up, Good Hope Secondary will challenge the unbeaten Bartica Secondary in match #80,whileMarianAcademy aimstoextendtheirwinning streak when they face West Demerara Secondary New Central High will go up againstBushLotSecondary, and Vryman Erven SecondarywillbattleVreeden-Hoop Secondary for a covetedquarterfinalspot. Later in the day,
Westminster Secondary squares off with East Ruimveldt Secondary in match#88.ChaseAcademic Foundation will look to secure their quarterfinal berth against Annandale Secondary, and in the final clash of the day, Waramuri Secondary takes on Dolphin Secondary in a showdown for the last spot in the next round. Meanwhile, another set of eight Round-of-16 clashes will unfold today in the Boys' division, beginning with Charity
Secondaryfacingoffagainst BygevalSecondary
Also on the schedule, Three Mile Secondary takes on New Amsterdam Secondary, while West Demerara Secondary goes head-to-head with East Ruimveldt Secondary Cotton Field Secondary will meet Dolphin Secondary, andSt.John'sCollegebattles Belladrum Secondary for a spotinthenextround.
The experienced West Ruimveldt side will look to securespot#6astheytakeon
Annandale Secondary
DefendingchampionsChase Academic Foundation must overcome Charlestown Secondary to keep their title hopesalive,whileSt.Joseph Highwillclashwithastrong WaramuriSecondaryteamin thefinalmatchoftheround, withthelastquarterfinalspot ontheline.
Nowinitssixthyear,the Petra Organisation's U14 Football Championship continuestogrowinstature.
Thetournamentissponsored byExxonMobilwithsupport
from SkyTec, MVP Sports, Stena Drilling, I-Cee Soft Drink, and Demerara Mutual. It is also endorsed bytheMinistryofEducation and the Ministry of Culture, YouthandSport. Teamsprogressingtothe quarterfinals will be outfitted in ExxonMobilbrandeduniforms. The stage is set, the teamsareready,andfanscan expect a thrilling knockout round as the journey to crown this year's champions continues.
With the preliminaries now concluded, the school's most anticipated Under-14 football tournament, the ExxonMobil Schools Boys' and Girls' Football Championship enters its Round-of-16 phase today at the Ministry of Education ground, marking the start of the ultimate knockout stage inthe2025edition.
Overthreeaction-packed rounds, fans witnessed thrilling performances and attacking football. Ten hattricks,36braces,andseveral goal hauls highlighted the
attacking flair on display, m
tournament one of the most excitingyet.
In the Girls' Division, Waramuri's Zabita Harris and Marian Academy's Haley Haberkorn lead the Golden Boot race with five goals each. In the Boys' Division, Robinho Abrams and Daren Thomas top the charts with six and five goals,respectively Waramuri Secondary, C
M
Academy, and Bartica
Secondary remain unbeaten in the Girls' Division Waramuri leads the goal difference tally with +21, followed by Bartica (+18) and Marian (+16), showcasingtheirdominance sofar
In the Boys' Division, a
y competitive field has seen Waramuri Secondary, West
Foundation, Cotton Field Secondary, Three Mile Secondary,andSt.John's (Continueonpage21)
Waramuri Secondary enters round-of-16 phase undefeated, thanks to standout performances from Zabita Harris across the three previous rounds.
Inaugural champions
Eccles All-Stars, Diamond Gunners, andTheGuardhavebooked their respective spots in the semi-finals for the East Bank/ West Demerara zone in the Kares One Guyana T10TapeballBlast.
Improved conditions on Monday after the two scheduled days were wiped outbytheinclementweather saw an action-packed Monday at Laluni, Police Sports Club, and MetenMeer-ZorgGround.
T h e r e m a i n i n g quarterfinal, semi-finals, and final are tentatively scheduled for Sunday, July 13, from 09:30h at the MalteenoesSportsClub.
In the quarter-final, Young Steppaz will face Trendsetters.
The winner will face Eccles in the semi-final, while Diamond Gunners will face The Guard in the othersemi-final.
OnMondayatPolice,the Guard faced a serious threat from CJIA Warriors in the quarter-final, but belligerent battingledbyKevonBoddie sawthempowerovertheline by five wickets as they chased156in9.1overs.
Boodie hammered 65 (1x4s;9x6s) from 21 balls and a timely knock of 34* (4x6s), 17 from Richie Looknauth saw The Guard win in thrilling fashion as
Ganesh Puran scored the first hundred in the 2025 edition of the tournament.
CJIAleaked32inextras.
Nolan Hodge 61 (2x4s; 7x6s) gave the early fireworks for CJIAWarriors as they posted 155-3 from theirallottedtenovers.
At Laluni, Diamond Gunners bowled out the hosts for 72 in their quarter-final and then chased it with ease, reaching 73-1 in 4.3 overs, led by Andrew Lim, who madeasquash-buckling54* (2x4s;7x6s) from 14 balls.
Dorain Grenion (3-8), Marlon Boele (2-8), and DamionSardinha(2-16)did the damage with the ball for Diamond.
For Eccles, they sent a stern warning as they chased 105 without loss in 6 4 overs, led by Quazim Yusuf's70*(11x6s)from21 ballsandJonteThomas's35*
(5x6s) from 19 balls against Young Guns, who earlier defeatedStriplingWarriors.
The final match at MMZ recorded the highest score in the tournament's history: Ganesh Puran's 116*from35balls.
Puranstruck16sixesand one four as Young Steppaz piled on 166-2 to beat Hyde Park by 30 runs. Full scores from all matches: https://flsport.gy/live-score/ F o l l o w i n g t h e completion of this zone, attention will turn to the Georgetown/East Coast ZoneandEssequibozoneon July 19 and 20, and July 26 and27,respectively
The national finals are slatedforSunday,August3. Admission is free to all venues.
The Kares One Guyana T10 Tapeball Blast has garneredsupportfromKares Engineering Inc., the Office ofthePresident,theMinistry
Butcher Big Boyz cart off with 700k and first place trophy as El Dorado Rum
The atmosphere was electric at Butcher's Chill Spot and Bar over the weekend as the El Dorado RumNational8-BallTeam's Championship concluded in thrillingfashion.Inafiercely contested final, Butcher Big Boyz held their nerve to defeat the formidable Suicide Squad, claiming the coveted championship trophyandcashprize.
The grand finale was a memorable showcase of talentandpassion,drawinga crowd of enthusiastic pool lovers who witnessed a string of high-calibre matchups that underscored both the skill of the competitors and the camaraderie that defines the cuesportscommunity
In the title clash, both f
determination. However, it was the Butcher Big Boyz who ultimately prevailed, their expert teamwork and tactical gameplay proving t
opponents The victory solidified their standing as one of the premier 8-ball teamsinthecountry
The semi-finals also delivered intense action, with Team Predators and Chief Pool Club battling hard to secure third place. Both teams showcased impressive resilience and finesse, earning admiration and respect from fans and fellowcompetitorsalike. During the presentation ceremony, El Dorado Brand Executive Raveena Mangal
wonderful to see the
communityspiritthroughout the tournament—values that El Dorado is proud to support Thank you to everyone who came out, participated, and joined us forthepromotions.”
Sheadded,“Onbehalfof the Cue Sports Association, we extend our heartfelt gratitude to all our sponsors whose generous investment made this event possible. Their unwavering support forthesportweallcherishis invaluable.
A special thank you to our title sponsor, El Dorado Rum, for their continued commitment to promoting cue sports and helping bring thisthrillingcompetitionto (Continueonpage19)
ofCulture,YouthandSport, KFC Guyana, Star Rentals, Banks DIH, ENet, Guyana Lottery Company, Regal Stationery and Computer
Centre, Impressio
s, Avinash Contracting and Scrap Metal, Shawn's Mini Mart, Giftland Group of Companies, Kris Jagdeo Construction Company, Montra Restaurant and Lounge, Windsor Estates, The New Doctor's Clinic, GuyOil, ANSA McAL, SuperBet Guyana, Digital Technology, Camille's A c a d e m y , N a v i n Construction, Demerara Mutual Life Insurance, Continental Transportation, and Environmental and TechnicalSolutions.
-AssixthAnnualExxonMobilBoys'andGirls'U14FootballChampionshipcontinues
Butcher
