Guyana Times - Tuesday, October 14, 2025

GCAA launches historic E-Services Aircraft Landing Permit Portal

aligns with Govt’s digital transformation agenda, says Minister Indar

fined

Inspector, junior ranks no longer at CJIA following bribery claims

US Senators likely misled on tax filings – ExxonMobil Guyana’s Routledge

President of ExxonMobil

Guyana, Alistair Routledge on Monday said three United States (US) Senators were likely misled on its tax filings for its Guyana operations.

Last month, three US Senators had written to Chief Executive Officer (CEO) of ExxonMobil, Darren Woods seeking answers to a series of questions in relation to the company’s tax filings for its Guyana operations. Senators Sheldon Whitehouse, Chris Van Hollen, and Jeff Merkley sent the letter to Woods on September 23, 2025 and are seeking a response no later than October 23, 2025. Under ExxonMobil’s 2016 contract with the Guyana Government, ExxonMobil

Guyana’s income taxes are paid using Guyana’s share of oil profits. The US senators are concerned that ExxonMobil may be using those Government-paid taxes to claim foreign tax

credits on its US tax returns. If so, it would effectively allow ExxonMobil to reduce its US tax liability using taxes it did not actually pay, potentially resulting in an indirect subsidy

from American taxpayers. As such, the US senators have asked ExxonMobil to clarify its tax filings and justify any credits claimed under these circumstances.

It was later revealed that a New York-registered non-governmental organisation (NGO), Oil and Gas Governance Network (OGGN), whose members comprise primarily of Guyanese living at home and abroad, had convinced the US senators to write ExxonMobil on the matter. Asked to comment on these developments during a press conference at the company’s new Ogle, East Coast Demerara (ECD) Headquarters, Routledge said the NGO may have misled the US senators.

“It would appear that OGGN, perhaps, misled the senators somewhat. ExxonMobil Corporation in its ‘23, ‘24 tax filings, there were no Guyanese tax credits that were in-

cluded in either of those filings and you would recall prior to 2023, we were not making profits here in Guyana, so there were no tax credits from that. So up until this point, there have been no Guyana tax credits that have been used by ExxonMobil,” Routledge stated. In fact, Routledge told reporters that ExxonMobil Guyana is still operating in a negative cash flow of around US$6 billion. “We continue to be actually cash flow negative on an accumulative basis… we’re probably still around about US$6 billion on a negative cash flow as we look at the accumulative expenditures and accumulative revenues that we’ve seen from the Stabroek Block,” he noted.

In June 2025, ExxonMobil Guyana’s Vice President (VP) John Colling had revealed that the company recorded GYD$1.255 trillion in profit before tax in 2024. Despite the profits, howev-

er, Colling had emphasised that the company was still in the red. According to the financials shared with the media, ExxonMobil’s total operating expenditures were GYD477.6 billion last year, with total royalty paid, GYD34.1 billion. Depreciation and amortisation were meanwhile the largest single sources of operating expenses, recorded at GYD$301.8 billion last year as against GYD182.4 billion in 2023. The operating expense also includes GYD22.7 billion in exploration costs, a reduction compared to 2023, and GYD61.2 billion in production costs, an increase compared to 2023. Under the terms of the 2016 contract, ExxonMobil is allowed to recover its investment in the Stabroek Block, via cost recovery. Specifically, no more than 75 per cent of revenue from ExxonMobil’s share of oil lifts goes towards cost recovery.

ExxonMobil Guyana President Alistair Routledge

BRIDGE OPENING

The Berbice Bridge will be closed to vehicular traffic on: Tuesday, October 14 –11:00h–12:30h and Wednesday, October 15 – 12:20h–13:50h.

FERRY SCHEDULE

Parika and Supenaam departure times – 05:00h, 10:00h-12:00h, 16:00h, 18:30h daily.

WEATHER TODAY

Sunny conditions are expected during the day, interrupted by thundery showers in the latemorning and early-afternoon hours. Clear skies followed by thundery showers are expected at night. Temperatures are expected to range between 23 degrees Celsius and 33 degrees Celsius.

Winds: East North-Easterly to East South-Easterly between 1.79 metres and 4.02 metres.

High Tide: 10:27h and 22:52h reaching maximum heights of 2.01 metres and 2.08 metres.

Low Tide: 16:16h reaching a minimum height of 1.27 metres.

GCAA launches historic E-Services Aircraft Landing Permit Portal

– aligns with Govt’s digital transformation agenda, says Minister Indar

he Guyana Civil Aviation Authority (GCAA) on Monday officially launched its E-Services Aircraft Landing Permit Portal, marking a historic step in the country’s aviation modernisation journey and positioning Guyana as the first nation in the Caricom region to implement a fully digital system for aircraft landing requests.

The GCAA started in 2003 with handwritten letters moving, to emails in 2007, and now to a fully digital platform in 2025 –reflecting its ability to modernise the regulatory authority. The new E-Services Portal allows global aircraft operators to request, process, and receive landing permits electronically, eliminating the need for hard-copy forms, manual approvals, and physical signatures. The digital shift is expected to enhance efficiency, accuracy and record-keeping while strengthening the GCAA’s responsiveness to the fast-growing aviation traffic associated with Guyana’s booming economy. The landing permit portal is the latest achievement under the GCAA’s Electronic Data Management System (EDMS) project – a multi-phase digital initiative launched in 2024 with strong Government support and technical collaboration from the National Data Management Authority (NDMA).

Phased modules According to the Minister of Public Utilities and Aviation Deodat Indar, the EDMS comprises several modules designed to fully digitise the Authority’s operations. The first phase focused on developing an electronic filing system, converting thousands of paper records dating back to the year 2000 into digital format. “We had to pass, we had to update our aviation, our principal legislation, just to make sure that all of the things that a modern world and a modern aviation sector would have in place. Now, from the media standpoint, some might say this is a simple permitting system. But the simple permitting system took us a very long time to get done. But it is a step in the right direction”. “Once one aspect of the service that interfaces with the aviation world is offered by the Civil Aviation Authority and it works well, it will creep in. The rest of the service will creep in. So, the drones permit and the other permits that you need will happen. This will also have to deal with evacuation, medical evacuation and so on,” Minister Deodat said.

The second phase introduced a Human Resources Management Information System (HRMIS), now 95 percent complete. This module allows internal staff to manage HR functions – including payroll, leave and performance records – entirely online. Pay slips, for instance, will be delivered electronically via email or WhatsApp, replacing printed copies. Further, the third module, nearing completion, focuses on creating an online application system for drone operations – another key advancement in managing the growing number of drone permits issu -

ed annually. The platform will make it easier for drone operators across the country, from Berbice to Linden to Essequibo, to apply and receive approvals securely and efficiently. Meanwhile, the final module, launched this week, is the Aircraft Landing Permit Portal – a digital platform designed to handle over 500 applications annually from both local and international operators. This system, he said, brings Guyana in line with global aviation best practices and strengthens its competitiveness as a regional aviation hub.

Minister of Public Utilities and Aviation, Deodat Indar addressing the gathering at the GCAA’s official launch of its E-Services Aircraft Landing Permit Portal

Editor: Tusika Martin

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Protection & domestic abuse

The persistent scourge of domestic violence in Guyana continues to demand decisive action, compassion, and awareness at every level of society. Despite years of advocacy and reform, too many victims remain trapped in silence either by fear, stigma, or the belief that help is out of reach. The recent reminder by the Guyana Police Force (GPF) that victims no longer need to appear in person at a Police station to make a report represents a major step forward in dismantling the barriers that have long prevented survivors from seeking protection.

Through the Family Violence Act of 2024, Guyana has modernised its legislative framework to strengthen protection and support for victims, while making the justice process more responsive to their needs. The introduction of new reporting mechanisms, such as the domestic violence hotline 914, has expanded access to immediate help. Victims can now initiate a report with a simple phone call, enabling Police to act swiftly to intervene and begin the process of securing a protection order. This innovation recognises a fundamental reality that leaving an abusive environment is emotionally taxing and can also be physically dangerous.

Superintendent Shellon Daniels’ assurance that victims can safely report abuse without visiting a station underscores a shift in law enforcement culture, one that prioritises accessibility, sensitivity, and the principle of protection over procedure. For too long, survivors have had to navigate intimidating environments to lodge complaints, often facing re-traumatisation or indifference. This renewed approach sends a message that the Police are not only enforcers of the law but also protectors of those most vulnerable.

Yet, the system’s effectiveness ultimately depends on public trust and awareness. As Superintendent Daniels noted, many victims remain unaware of their rights or the protections available to them. Fear of retaliation remains one of the most powerful deterrents to reporting. Victims often worry that their abuser will learn of the report before they can secure safety or that their complaint will not be taken seriously. These fears, while understandable, must be countered by visible and consistent enforcement of the law.

The Family Violence Act explicitly empowers Police Officers to apply for protection orders on behalf of victims who consent to such action. This provision is crucial in ensuring that those too traumatised or intimidated to act on their own can still receive the legal safeguards they need. However, legislation alone cannot guarantee safety. It must be supported by rigorous training of officers, adequate resources for victim support units, and ongoing monitoring to ensure compliance and accountability at every stage of the process.

The call by Superintendent Daniels for victims to maintain communication with officers handling their case is also significant. The protection order system can only be effective when both the Police and the victim remain engaged and vigilant. Ensuring that such orders are properly served and lodged at the nearest Police station is not a bureaucratic formality, it is a matter of survival. Each order represents a shield, a legal barrier designed to deter further violence. But without diligent follow-through, that barrier can easily crumble.

Beyond the legal framework, this national conversation must continue to address the broader cultural and social conditions that enable domestic violence to persist. The cycle of abuse thrives in environments where silence is normalised and victims are made to feel complicit in their suffering. Every citizen, neighbour, community leader, and institution has a role to play in breaking that silence. The message must be clear: domestic violence is not a private matter, it is a criminal act and a societal failure.

The Guyana Police Force’s strengthened mechanisms and renewed outreach efforts should, therefore, be matched by expanded public education campaigns, shelter support, and community partnerships. Civil society organisations, religious institutions, and local leaders must join forces with law enforcement to create safe channels for reporting, refuge, and rehabilitation.

Domestic violence remains one of the most pressing human rights issues confronting Guyana today. Each case is a life disrupted and a family scarred. The Family Violence Act of 2024 provides a modern and compassionate framework to confront this reality, but laws can only achieve their purpose when they are embraced by those they seek to protect and enforced by those entrusted to uphold them.

The message from the Guyana Police Force is one that must echo across the nation: help is available, protection is possible, and no one should suffer in silence. The fight against domestic violence is a matter of justice as well as it is a measure of the country’s humanity.

The existence of hunger is a political choice

By Luiz inácio LuLa da SiLva

PreSident of BraziL

Hunger is neither a natural condition of humankind nor an unavoidable tragedy: it is the result of choices made by Governments and economic systems that have chosen to turn a blind eye to inequalities – or even of promoting them.

The same global order that denies 673 million people access to adequate food also enables a privileged group of just 3000 billionaires to hold 14.6 per cent of global Gross Domestic Product (GDP).

In 2024, the wealthiest nations helped drive the largest surge in military spending since the end of the Cold War, reaching US$2.7 trillion that year. Yet they failed to deliver on their own commitment: to invest 0.7 per cent of their GDP in concrete actions to promote development in poorer countries.

Today, we see situations not unlike those that prevailed 80 years ago, when the Food and Agriculture Organisation (FAO) of the United Nations was created. Unlike then, however, we are not only witnessing the tragedies of war and hunger feeding into each other, but also facing the urgent climate crisis. And the international order established to address the challenges of 1945 is no longer sufficient to address today’s problems.

Global governance mechanisms must be reformed. We need to strengthen multilateralism, create investment flows that promote sustain-

able development, and ensure that States have the capacity to implement consistent public policies to fight hunger and poverty.

It is essential to include the poor in public budgets and the wealthy in the tax base. This requires tax justice and taxing the superrich, an issue we managed to include for the first time in the final declaration of the G20 Summit, held in November 2024, under Brazil’s Presidency. A symbolic but historic change.

We advocate for this practice around the world — and we are implementing it in Brazil. Our Parliament is about to approve substantial tax reform: for the first time in the country, there will be a minimum tax on the income of the wealthiest individuals, exempting millions of lower-income earners from paying income tax.

During our G20 Presidency, Brazil also proposed the Global Alliance against Hunger and Poverty. Although recent, the initiative already has 200 members — 103 countries and 97 partner foundations and organisations. This initiative is not just about exchanging experiences, but about mobilising resources and securing commitments.

With this alliance, we want to enable countries to implement public policies that truly reduce inequality and ensure the right to adequate food. Policies that deliver rapid results, as seen in Brazil after we made the fight against hunger a government priority

in 2023.

Official data released just a few days ago show that we have lifted 26.5 million Brazilians out of hunger since the beginning of 2023. In addition, Brazil has been removed, for the second time, from the FAO’s Hunger Map, as laid out in its global report on food insecurity. A map we would not have returned to if the policies launched during my first two terms (2003-10) and President Dilma Rousseff’s (2011-16) had not been abandoned.

Behind these achievements lie a set of coordinated actions on multiple fronts. We have strengthened and expanded our national income transfer programme, which now reaches 20 million households and supports 8.5 million children aged six and below.

We have increased funding for free meals in public schools, benefitting 40 million students. Through public food procurement, we have secured income for small-scale family farmers, while offering free, nutritious meals to those who truly need them. In addition, we have expanded the free supply of cooking gas and electricity to low-income households, freeing up room in family budgets to strengthen food security.

None of these policies, however, is sustainable without an economic environment that drives them. When there are jobs and income, hunger loses its grip. That is why we have adopted an economic policy that prioritises wage increases, leading to the low-

est unemployment rate ever recorded in Brazil. And to the lowest level of per capita household income inequality. Brazil still has a long way to go before achieving full food security for its entire population, but the results confirm that state action can indeed overcome the scourge of hunger. These initiatives, however, depend on concrete shifts in global priorities: investing in development rather than in wars; prioritising the fight against inequality instead of restrictive economic policies that for decades have caused massive concentration of wealth; and facing the challenge of climate change with people at its core. By hosting COP30 in the Amazon next month, Brazil wants to show that the fight against climate change and the fight against hunger must go hand in hand. In Belém, we aim to adopt a Declaration on Hunger, Poverty, and Climate that acknowledges the profoundly unequal impacts of climate change and its role in worsening hunger in certain regions of the world.

I would also take these messages to the World Food Forum and to the meeting of the Council of Champions of the Global Alliance against Hunger and Poverty, events I have the honour of attending today[Monday], the 13th, in Rome, Italy. These are messages that show that change is urgent and possible. For humanity, which created the poison of hunger against itself, is also capable of producing its antidote. (Al Jazeera)

The National Diya was lit Sunday by the Hindu Swayamsevak Sangh (HSS) organisation under the theme “Igniting Guyana’s future with Courage, Compassion and Dharma”

Mohamed and WIN failed supporters after 1st real test

Dear Editor,

The first real political test for Azrudin Mohamed and WIN came with the swearing-in of councillors for the ten Regional Demographic Councils and the elections for Chair and Vice-Chair for the ten geographic regions. By all indications and by any standard, Mohamed and WIN failed miserably. The PPP won elections for chair of eight (8) of the 10 regions – Regions 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 8, and 9. The PPP also won elections for seven of the 10 Vice-Chairs – Regions 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6, and 9. WIN won elections for the Chair and Vice-Chair of Region 7. The election for Chair in Region10 ended in a deadlock between the candidate nominated by the PNC-led APNU and the candidate nominated by WIN.

When there is a deadlock between candidates, the person who ends up as Chair depends on a casting vote by the Minister of Local Government. Unless there is a negotiation between parties to end the

deadlock, Minister Priya Manikchand will now have to cast a vote to determine whether the Regional Chairman will be the PNCled APNU candidate or the WIN candidate. The reality was for WIN to offer APNU the VC position in Region 10. But that would not be enough to win APNU’s support since the PPP’s offer to APNU was the Chair’s position and to take the VC position. Clearly, for WIN, the challenge was to make their offer more attractive than the PPP’s offer, and there were varied ways to do so. WIN showed they lacked the experience to managed this situation. They failed.

As in Regions 4 and 8, none of the political parties had a clear majority of seats to determine the Chair and Vice-Chair for Regions 4, 8, and 10. It means that negotiation between the parties had to take place to determine who would be the Chairs and Vice-Chairs of these Regions. We know that the PNC-led APNU and WIN parties had negotiations. The PNC-led APNU

issued a statement confirming those negotiations took place. WIN has not denied that negotiations took place. The PNC-led APNU stated unequivocally that the negotiations collapsed without any agreements.

In Region 4, therefore, the voting for Chair and Vice-Chair ended up with at least one member from the PNC-led APNU, FGM or WIN voting for the candidate nominated by the PPP. We cannot know which opposition councillor voted for the PPP candidate because it was a secret ballot. From public statements by various councillors, it appears that the person from the opposition that voted for the PPP was an APNU councillor. Since WIN candidates indicated they left their ballots blank, the 17 PPP votes for VC in Region 4 were more than enough to give the PPP the VC position also. Given that there were negotiations that took place between WIN and APNU, in their first big political test, WIN failed. Even though the PPP had

Renewed opportunities a signal of confidence in Guyana’s economy

Dear Editor, I wish to express my optimism and support for the recent announcements made by His Excellency President Irfaan Ali during his visit to Skeldon. The vision outlined for revitalizing the sugar industry while simultaneously opening new opportunities in citrus cultivation and processing is a clear signal of the progress our country is making under the leadership of the President and his Cabinet.

For far too long, many of the lands in and around Skeldon have remained idle, a reminder of the challenges that once plagued our sugar industry. Now, with fresh proposals on the table for the re-establishment of the sugar factory, coupled with the President’s emphasis on proper infrastructure, fair pricing mechanisms and farmer participation, there is renewed hope. This demonstrates not only a government willing to invest in its people, but also one that understands the value of building sustainability into such an important sector.

Equally encouraging is the announcement of a juice processing plant, in partnership with the private sector that could become operational within the year. This is a transformative opportunity not only for farmers who will diversify into citrus production but also

for the many families who stand to benefit from jobs and community upliftment. It is clear that the government’s vision is not limited to one crop or one industry. Instead, it embraces a modern, multi-crop model that includes sugarcane, citrus, coconuts and other high-value crops.

What is most reassuring, however, is that these announcements have inspired confidence among investors, both local and international. Businesses such as Demerara Distillers Limited are signaling readiness to invest and this speaks volumes about the level of trust being placed in Guyana’s leadership. When investors are confident enough to commit capital and resources it reflects their belief in the stability and direction of our economy.

As a citizen, I see this as a pivotal moment for our country. These initiatives represent more than projects on paper they are pathways to jobs, to new industries, to economic resilience, and to national pride. We can all acknowledge that challenges will remain, but what matters most is that the government is charting a course that balances opportunity with responsibility, progress with planning.

It is now up to all of us farmers, entrepreneurs, and citizens to seize these opportunities and play our

part in ensuring success. With visionary leadership and a united people, I am confident that Skeldon and indeed all of Guyana will see a new dawn of prosperity.

Yours faithfully, Steven Ramsammy

by far the largest number of seats in the Region 4 council, WIN had a chance to make a deal with the PNC and FGM to block the PPP. WIN failed.

Given that the PPP controls central government, WIN, APNU and FGM, as responsible opposition parties, had an obligation and an opportunity to ensure that the largest RDC did not end up in the hands of the PPP. This, in particular, was a test for WIN, as the party that would lead the opposition in parliament, to demonstrate it had the ability to rattle the PPP. It failed miserably.

Region 8 elections ended with the PPP candidate for Chair and the APNU candidate for VC elected. Clearly, this meant that the PPP and the PNC-led APNU succeeded in negotiating an outcome. The PPP and WIN were in the exact position in Region 8 and clearly the PPP successfully negotiated with APNU for the Chair while conceding the VC position to APNU. This was a loss for WIN as it allowed the PPP to control another Region that WIN could have denied them.

In Region 10, another important region for any political party that is determined to play an effective role in the next five years, the opportunity to lock out the PPP exists. The fact that the election for Chair ended up in a deadlock between the APNU and WIN candidates when WIN only needs one vote to covet the Chair’s position signals the inability of WIN to effectively negotiate. It appears likely,

therefore, that the PNC-led candidate would end up as Chair of Region 10 with a likely PPP-nominated candidate as the VC. The WIN leadership showed they lack political agility and political pragmatism to effectively represent their supporters.

In their very first test, Mohamed and WIN failed.

Now they are crying, bemoaning the fact that APNU did not support them and crying crocodile tears that the PPP now has prominence in nine of the 10 RDCs, with the possibility of having eight of the 10 Chair and VC positions, with WIN and the PNC-led APNU, each, having one Chair and VC positions.

The failure in their first political test has ramifications for WIN’s role in parliament. Parliament is not merely about debates and “pompositing”. Almost daily and almost in every sitting, there must be negotiation. While WIN definitely will have the leader of the opposition role, the question is whether they can rely on the support of the MPs from APNU and FGM. Can WIN effectively prevent the PPP from getting its way when there is need for a two-thirds majority votes in parliament? For example, there is the need for twothirds majorities during the work of the Appointments Committee. Wherever there is need for more than majority support, can WIN effectively align the opposition votes?

Parliament’s convening will take place in a matter of days – at least, before

November2. The first major votes will be for the speaker and the deputy speaker. The PPP will nominate its candidate for the speaker’s position and will win that vote, with or without any support from the opposition WIN, APNU or FGM MPs. The PPP is likely to not oppose a candidate for the deputy speaker from amongst the opposition MPs. This is where a second test for WIN will emerge. Will they negotiate a consensus opposition candidate or will they allow multiple candidates with WIN, APNU and FGM nominating their own candidates? Will they allow the PPP to pick-and-choose?

WIN’s failure in the RDC elections for Chairs and VCs raises serious doubts whether they would be able to mobilize and align the opposition’s strength in parliament to oppose the PPP. WIN’s leader has reverted to crying and moaning over the results of the elections for Chair and VC in the RDCs. Instead, he needs to recognize that the voters have crafted, intentionally or unintentionally, the reality that mature, practical and pragmatic negotiations must take place. What WIN clearly demonstrated in this first test is that their approach so far lacks practicality, pragmatism and maturity. Crying like a spoilt brat is not the answer. Representing their supporters is their obligation, a responsibility that they have so far spectacularly failed to deliver.

Yours sincerely, Dr Leslie Ramsammy

Page Foundation

All you have to do is flatten red cupcake liners, fold them into quarters and cut out a single petal shape. When fold the liner, you should have a flower with four petals. Layer the petals so that they overlap and secure them with double-sided tape or glue dots. housekeeping.com)

By Edward Thomas

Downhill I came, hungry, and yet not starved; Cold, yet had heat within me that was proof

Against the North wind; tired, yet so that rest

Had seemed the sweetest thing under a roof.

Then at the inn I had food, fire, and rest,

Knowing how hungry, cold, and tired was I.

All of the night was quite barred out except

An owl’s cry, a most melancholy cry

Shaken out long and clear upon the hill, No merry note, nor cause of merriment,

But one telling me plain what I escaped

And others could not, that night, as in I went.

And salted was my food, and my repose, Salted and sobered, too, by the bird’s voice

Speaking for all who lay under the stars, Soldiers and poor, unable to rejoice.

Centre a story on a character who's about to give up, or who realises that success feels unexpectedly empty.

Ranger-3 drilling underway as ExxonMobil prepares for Barreleye-3 spud

US supermajor

ExxonMobil has begun drilling a new appraisal well at the Ranger discovery in the Stabroek Block offshore Guyana, aiming to assess additional volumes in an area known for its high-potential carbonate reservoirs. Simultaneously, the company is preparing to spud another appraisal well at the Barreleye discovery, aiming to further evaluate its commercial potential as part of its broader development strategy in the Stabroek Block. This update was provided on Monday by President of ExxonMobil Guyana Alistair Routledge during a press conference on Monday.

"We've recently completed the Barreleye-2 well which enabled us to go in and we ran a drill stem test…that's given us data that we are now working our way through. We anticipate actually coming back to the Barreleye reservoirs and doing further testsBarreleye 3 - either later this year or going into early next year," Routledge said.

Following the initial Barreleye-1 discovery in 2022, ExxonMobil has conducted further drilling and appraisal activities, including a recent appraisal at Barreleye-2, to evaluate the full resource potential. The Barreleye-1 well had encountered approximately 230 feet (70 metres) of hydrocarbon-bearing sandstone and was drilled in 3,840 feet (1,170 metres) of water. Meanwhile, with regards to the Ranger discovery, Routledge said the Stena Carron drill ship is currently on that reservoir.

"We're drilling the Ranger-3 well and then we're going to run a drill stem test and also stimulate the reservoir to see whether we can economically produce it," he noted.

Reports indicate that the activity began on September 8, and is scheduled to conclude on December 31, 2025. The Ranger discovery was made in 2018; the discovery is unique because it is located in a carbonate reservoir, a different type of rock formation compared to previous sandstone discov-

eries. The Ranger- 1 well was drilled in a new reservoir, encountering approximately 230 feet (70 metres) of high-quality, oil-bearing carbonate reservoir.

900,000 bpd production capacity

The ExxonMobil Guyana President also provided updates on the company's other activities such as the Yellowtail project, which has given Guyana an installed production capacity of 900,000 barrels of oil per day (bpd). Currently, Guyana is producing around 740,000 bpd and is on track to reach full capacity by year-end. "Now what we're focused on is the final preparations in order to be able to increase the production to the full plateau rate...So well on the path towards the 900,000 barrels a day that we anticipated we'd be producing by the end of this year," Routledge noted. On 8 August 2025, ExxonMobil began production at the Yellowtail field, the fourth oil development within Guyana's offshore Stabroek block, utilising the One Guyana Floating

GCAA launches historic...

Digital transformation agenda

The Minister explained that the launch of the E-Services Portal underscores the GCAA’s commitment to efficiency, transparency, and innovation in public service delivery. He emphasised that it also aligns with the Government’s wider digital transformation agenda, aimed at improving citizen and investor access to essential services. “So, it speaks about the general trajectory of where the sector is moving. And the President, as someone said earlier, is leading from the front

when it comes to transforming paper-based tasks, paper-based processes into a more digital framework… So, although we are doing this today at the Civil Aviation Authority, this kind of system you will see rolling out in most areas of Government services. The power company, the utilities company, Ministries, all of them are building it out. Because that is the mandate. The mandate in this sector, apart from modernising it and digitising it, is also making sure that the infrastructure, the hard infrastructure as well as the soft infrastructure, both of

them are modernised,” he added. According to the GCAA, the pioneering initiative represents a significant achievement for the agency and exemplifies the potential of local talent and resources, as it was entirely designed and developed by Guyanese professionals. In the coming months, it added, the GCAA will roll out additional E-services, including and online drone application system and digitisation of other application processes offered by the Authority to further enhance service delivery to aviation stakeholders.

Production, Storage and Offloading (FPSO) vessel. The One Guyana is the largest FPSO on the Stabroek block to date with an initial annual average production of 250,000 bpd and a storage capacity of two million barrels. Oil produced from the FPSO will be marketed as Golden Arrowhead crude.

Uaru and Whiptail

During the press conference, Routledge also provided an update on the fifth and sixth approved projects, Uaru and Whiptail, with Uaru anticipated to start production in 2026, and Whiptail is anticipated for startup in 2027. "Both of those are on or close to their target schedules," he divulged, noting that there are three main elements in these types of projects. "We have to drill the wells, we have to install the subsea infrastructure...and we have to construct the floating production storage offloading facilities. So all three elements of both of those projects are on the target schedule," he added.

Longtail

Routledge further noted that ExxonMobil is looking forward to the progress of Longtail next year. "That project, we're in the environmental permitting process. The environ-

mental impact assessment (EIA) is underway, having earlier this year concluded the consultation, the early consultation process on what should be covered by the EIA. And so as we go into 2026, we will be bringing that study to a conclusion, beginning to share the results in consultation with the communities around the country, and also bringing forward the field development plan to the Government. So, looking forward to 2026 being the year of the Longtail project reviews, and our target is that by the end of 2026, we'll secure all the approvals necessary for the first non-associated gas development in the country," he noted. "And so a lot of gas resource, also though comes with condensate, very, very light oil," he added.

Longtail is ExxonMobil's eight planned development in the Stabroek Block, which has significant natural gas deposits that could be tapped into for major initiatives like fertiliser plants, data centres and the alumina plant that the Guyana Government has touted for Berbice.

Hammerhead

The Guyana Government only recently approved ExxonMobil's seventh development

project offshore Guyana, Hammerhead, which also has large gas deposits. Natural Resources Minister Vickram Bharrat recently disclosed plans to utilise that gas from the Hammerhead Project to power the second phase of the Gas to Energy (GtE) Project at Wales. The Hammerhead development can produce as much as 95 million cubic feet per day of gas, but only about 10 million of these will be needed to fuel the FPSO. According to Bharrat, the remaining gas will be piped onshore for the GtE Project.

At Monday's press conference, Routledge revealed that there will be a public competition to name the FPSO that will operate in this project, which is expected to come online in 2029, and bring the country's total installed capacity to 1.5 million barrels of oil per day. The US$6.8 billion project will be produced through a Very Large Crude Carrier (VLCC) conversion-type FPSO, which will be built by MODEC, a Japanese company. Presently, the FPSOs operating in the Stabroek Block are named ' Liza Destiny ', ' Liza Unity ', ' Prosperity' , and ' One Guyana '. FPSO ' Errea Wittu ', for the Uaru project, and FPSO ' Jaguar ', for the Whiptail project, are under construction.

The Stena Carron drillship

Inspector, junior ranks no longer at CJIA following bribery claims

An Inspector of Police and a junior rank attached to the Guyana Police Force’s (GPF) Narcotics Branch who were in the centre of a bribery investigation at the Cheddi Jagan International Airport (CJIA) have been removed from the location.

The GPF stated that the two ranks were accused of receiving money from an outbound female passenger on September 27, 2025, to allow her to travel with frozen food.

Following the reports, the Office of Professional Responsibility (OPR) investigated the complaint and prepared a file, which was then submitted to the Director of Public Prosecution (DPP) for advice on the way forward as further investigation is underway.

However, both ranks have since been transferred from the CJIA to the Tactical Services Unit (TSU) pending the outcome of the investigations.

GPF transfers 4 amid allegations of inappropriate conduct at Academy

The Guyana Police Force (GPF) on Monday stated that the Office of Professional Responsibility (OPR) is currently investigating allegations of inappropriate conduct by officers at the Force’s Academy, Georgetown campus.

These incidents, the police stated in press statement were recently reported to the Commissioner of Police, Clifton Hicken who directed that an investiga -

tion be conducted immediately. Several Academy staff members and recruits were interviewed and have since provided statements to the OPR investigators.

According to the GPF, the investigation is complete, and the case file will be sent to the Director of Public Prosecution (DPP) for advice. An officer and three sergeants have been transferred from the Academy.

New saviour… …or Pied Piper?

Folks are still flailing around trying to understand – and explain – what happened in the Sept 1 elections… and your Eyewitness expects this to go on for a while. After all, there ain’t a single explanation for any one thing happening, is there?? In this, the “one thing” being the trouncing of the PNC – and your Eyewitness is being kind here!! – by Sanction Man’s WIN party. Just losing would’ve been bad enough – but losing to a fella with very serious US OFAC sanctions for smuggling gold and a Lambo hanging over his head – who then launches a party a mere three months before the elections to clobber the PNC?? Ahhh…the shame…the shame!!

How the heck did Sanction Man – who can barely string together two coherent sentences and hides behind his sisters’ skirts via Facebook posts – get all these people from the traditional PNC to follow him?? Well, being a graduate of British colonial indoctrination, your Eyewitness remembers the story of the Pied Piper of Hamelin. Don’t you, Dear Reader?? It’s about that fella – wearing eyecatching bright, gaudy clothing – who suddenly appears in the latter town that was being plagued by rats!! He tells the good citizens he can get rid of their pestilential plague – for a fee, of course. He duly plays his pipe and leads all the rats out of the town!!

Isn’t this what happened to the good folks in the PNC who were plagued – according to their bright boy WPA ally led by Black Pudding Man – by the PPP, whose plan was to keep them living like rats!! Their leader Norton wasn’t taking on the PPP as he’d promised and they were so fed up that when Sanction Man suddenly showed up with his designer glasses, off-the-rack designer garb and most importantly, doling out oodles of money, they didn’t need no fancy talk. Calling themselves know-nothing “Scrapeheads”, they turned the story on its head and became the rats who followed the Pied Piper!! They even overlooked the irony of a fella who’d corrupted the system by bribing officials – criticising PPP’s corruption!! Pot calling cahari black!!

For good measure, Sanction Man was willing to cuss down the PPP – which sealed the deal when he launched a political party three months before the elections!! Goodbye Norton, hello Sanction Man!! But the rats…er… folks who followed the Pied Piper should remember that he returned to demand payment and when the townsfolks balked, he led away their children – read their future!! And that’s what Sanction Man’s doing right now, innit?

Frittering away any chance of helping Scrapeheads with his unrealistic greedy demands to control everything to destroy the PNC and PPP!!

…in Parliament

It’d be funny if it weren’t so pitiful. Here we have a bunch of geriatric WPA Pied Pipers playing tunes from the seventies to the PNC– landing them on the road to extinction. Seems they forget that as time marches on, the tune that captures the inner Geist of the people also changes. So these out-of-tune, wanna-be Scrapecatchers turned up at various villages in our fair land to lure the residents into following them on some Quixotic – and dangerous – path. Failing to gain traction they were adopted by Norton into the PNC!!

Norton sent their failed “presidential candidate”, Black Pudding Man to Parliament where he’s gonna soon not only be eligible for TWO duty-free cars – but free food during parliamentary sittings!! Your Eyewitness hopes the Speaker ensures Black Pudding is sourced from Buxton and not Lusignan!!

Your Eyewitness has his popcorn ready for the debates between Black Pudding Man and Sanction Man!! He hopes PNC parliamentary leader, Chicken Man, will allow Black Pudding Man to expose his irrelevance!!

…on development

While the new struggle for global hegemony’s playing out between the US and China, after the two wear each other out on the ropes – it’s be a new multipolar world. We’re gonna have more competition vying for our oil fund driven development!!

Guyana to be home of 1st Red Crescent office for Western Hemisphere

Guyana is set to become the home of the first Red Crescent office in the Western Hemisphere, following a groundbreaking medical mission by a visiting team from the Qatar Red Crescent Society (QRCS) that performed more than 50 life-saving surgeries at the Georgetown Public Hospital Corporation (GPHC) over the past week. The announcement was made by President Dr Irfaan Ali on Sunday evening during a dinner hosted in honour of the visiting Qatari Medical Convoy, marking what he described as “the beginning of a long and impactful partnership grounded in service, humanity, and mutual respect.” “Qatar has been leading in many areas of global development, and Qatar has also been leading in all efforts to enhance humanity and build stron-

ger global citizens. This is the beginning of a long relationship between the Red Crescent of Qatar and the Government of Guyana,” President Ali said. “We hope that this partnership will not only benefit Guyana, but also the wider region, as we strengthen our capacity to serve humanity.”

The President emphasised that the establishment of a Red Crescent office in Guyana will enhance disaster preparedness, medical outreach, and humanitarian aid across Latin America and the Caribbean (LAC)— regions highly susceptible to natural disasters. He reaffirmed Guyana’s willingness to provide both administrative and technical support to the initiative.

Healing and hope

The visiting Qatari team, comprising volunteer surgeons and specialists,

worked alongside local doctors in the areas of cardiac surgery, gynaecology, paediatric urology and oncology. Their efforts resulted in more than 50 complex procedures — each one changing a life and strengthening the country’s growing medical capabilities. Minister of Health, Dr Frank Anthony, praised the collaboration and revealed plans for continued medical exchanges and advanced training opportunities for Guyanese doctors in Qatar. “I think we can learn a lot of lessons from you, so we will be leaning on you to see how we can

move our hospital forward in the fastest possible way. Apart from the paediatric surgery that we did, we also did some adult surgery. And the doctor here also did a lot of surgeries in gynaecology… But what is also very important in some of this specialisation – we don't have people with the skill set. So he has spent quite a lot of his time teaching some of our local doctors how to do – and these new techniques that can be used. So for example, one of the surgeries, he told me, you would spend about eight hours and he has been teaching our local doc-

tors these techniques of how to do them and how to make sure that our patients come through these major surgeries in a good way,” he said. The Minister also hinted at more frequent missions — at least twice per year — as part of a structured longterm programme of medical and humanitarian cooperation. “We had, from the discussions we have had with the team, not only are they doing surgeries, but teaching as was said. But what we also want to do in the future is to have collaborations and they have already identified some of our doctors who

would probably be able to go to Qatar and to have observerships and fellowships so that they can enhance their skills and come back to serve the people here. And we are also looking at other types of collaboration where more of these teams would come to Guyana and work with the local doctors. So, I think this partnership is going to grow as the year goes by,” Dr Anthony said. “Our doctors are being trained, new techniques are being shared, and together we are strengthening Guyana’s health system for generations to come.”

ExxonMobil Guyana, GRA still in talks to identify expert – Routledge

ExxonMobil Guyana and the Guyana Revenue Authority (GRA) are still in talks on identifying a sole expert to resolve a dispute over approximately US$214 million in expenses from the 1999-2017 Stabroek Block audit. The "sole expert" is a dispute resolution mechanism outlined in the Production Sharing Agreement, where a mutually agreed-upon expert will be appointed to make a final decision.

President of ExxonMobil Guyana Alistair Routledge on Monday told reporters that the process takes time. “We have been working with the GRA on identifying a sole expert, with whom both parties are comfortable, that is a process that takes a little bit of time, partly because it’s the first time we’ve done this together…it’s not unusual for that to take time, both sides have a view of

who might be a suitable sole expert, we make proposals to one another, we review those and then we have further discussion,” he explained. “I think we are getting close, I’m not aware that we have fully aligned on who will be the sole expert but I’m sure that information would be available in the not-toodistant future,” Routledge added.

Disputed cost oil expenses

British company IHS Markit had audited ExxonMobil and its co-venturers for the period 1999 to 2017, had flagged US$214 million in cost oil expenses as disputable. The 2016 Production Sharing Agreement (PSA) signed by the former A Partnership for National Unity+Alliance For Change (APNU/AFC) Government had provided for a sole expert to be given a chance to resolve the controversy.

This clause was activated after the Guyana Government had signalled its intention to head to arbitration with a view of settling the dispute. Based on the 2016 oil contract, Guyana will have to incur the cost of the oil company’s legal fees should the matter go to arbitration. Earlier this year, Routledge had expressed a preference for the figure to be settled on before it reaches the arbitration stage. The audit of cost oil claims is critical to

ensuring that Guyana does not lose out on millions in oil revenues. During Monday’s press conference, Routledge emphasised that “at the end of the day what we’re all striving to do is to give confidence that what we are spending, are genuine expenses, that they are appropriate and that we are managing the investments in the country in a wise way.”

He further noted that ExxonMobil Guyana is perhaps the most audited or-

ganisation in the country, noting that “we have internal audits, we are audited by our co-venturers who are just as interested as you are that we don’t spend more money than we should do, we have external auditors and then of course, the Government audits us too…we’re very rigorously audited.”

Audits

ExxonMobil has been present in Guyana since 1999, and initiated exploration activities in 2008. According to the provisions of the 2016 PSA, 75 per cent of gross revenue goes to cost oil, while Guyana receives a total of 14.5 per cent from the remaining revenue and royalty, and ExxonMobil earns 10.5 per cent. In order to ensure value for money, the People’s Progressive Party Civic (PPP/C) Government has been auditing ExxonMobil’s cost oil expenses, to ensure

that only valid expenses go into the cost bank. In 2019, British firm, IHS Markit, conducted an audit of ExxonMobil Guyana’s cost oil expenses incurred between 1999 and 2017 from its operations in Guyana, and flagged US$214.4 million as questionable costs. Meanwhile, there are two more oil audits of ExxonMobil’s expenses in Guyana. In the second audit, done by a consortium of local and international firms, VHE Consulting, for the period 2018 to 2020, ExxonMobil has responded to the audit findings. According to Natural Resources Ministry in one of its updates on the matter, VHE is responsible for reviewing this response, as part of its contractual obligations, and that process was ongoing. Moreover, VHE Consulting also won the contract to conduct the third cost oil audit for 2021 to 2023.

President Dr Irfaan Ali at the dinner hosted in honour of the visiting Qatari Medical Convoy on Sunday

Health Minister, Dr Frank Anthony with the Qatar delegation at the launch of the Red Crescent Mission

Housing Ministry working to relocate squatters in Ogle Airport flight path

The Ministry of Housing, through the Central Housing and Planning Authority (CH&PA), is working to remove persons illegally occupying the Cummings Park reserve, which is situated di-

rectly within the flight path at the Eugene F. Correia/ Ogle International Airport.

Minister of Housing, Collin Croal, accompanied by CH&PA’s Director of Community Development, Gladwin Charles, recently conducted a site visit to the location, where he made it unequivocally clear that the

area falls under a strict zero-tolerance squatting zone. The unlawful occupation hinders the safety of aviation operations and also endangers the lives of the illegal occupants.

“This is an area that, under no circumstance, we can have persons squatting or occupying the land. It’s

East Street acid attack

Accused now jointly charged

within the buffer zone for the Ogle authority, and so we have to act immediately,” Minister Croal stated.

In addition to the grave safety risks, the continued squatting impedes the airport’s expansion plan, an integral project for Guyana’s economic growth and modernisation.

The Ministry has been working in close collaboration with the Guyana Civil Aviation Authority (GCAA), the Ogle Airport management and the squatters over the past few years to address this issue through structured and humane relocation efforts.

So far, about 40 individuals who have applied for house lots through CH&PA are in the process of relocating to allocated lots; and the Ministry is working with several others to facilitate their allocation and relocation.

Formal removal notices have been issued, and those who continue to occupy the land illegally or refuse to cooperate will face immediate enforcement actions. Further, no new squatting will be permitted under any circumstance.

The Housing Ministry remains resolute in upholding the rule of law, protecting public safety, and ensuring that land is used in a manner consistent with sustainable development and national progress.

with alleged accomplice

– original charge withdrawn, new charge to proceed

The criminal case involving 32-year-old Keron Daniels, who was accused of orchestrating an acid attack that severely injured two women in Georgetown, took a new turn on Monday when he appeared before Senior Magistrate Fabyo Azore at the Georgetown Magistrates’ Court. Daniels, who was previously charged alone, was on this occasion jointly charged with another accused, Ivor Billingy, in connection with the same incident. The new charge alleges that on September 3, 2025, at East Street, Georgetown, Daniels and Billingy unlawfully and maliciously threw a corrosive substance with the intent to cause grievous bodily harm to 27-yearold Genesis Leitch and 20-year-old Nirmala Subraj. The two women were reportedly attacked as they were walking along the street when a liquid believed to be acid was thrown at them. The attack left Leitch permanently disfigured and partially blind in one eye, while Subraj sustained burns to parts of her body. Following the September attack, Daniels was identified as the alleged mastermind. Police

had claimed that he orchestrated the assault after a personal disagreement involving one of the victims. He was charged later that month and first appeared before Principal Magistrate Faith McGusty. During that initial appearance, the prosecution had stated that CCTV footage captured his vehicle near the scene and that investigators possessed additional evidence linking him to the crime. Despite those assertions, when the case was called, the prosecution failed to present the video footage or supporting materials. Magistrate McGusty subsequently granted Daniels bail in the sum of $500,000, despite objections from the prosecution, which cited the seriousness of the allegations and the extent of the victims’ injuries. Daniels had since been reporting to the police station and attending all scheduled court hearings.

New charge

At his latest appearance before Magistrate Azore, the charge was reread to him, and the prosecution informed the court that a new charge had been instituted to join Daniels and Billingy as co- accused. The earlier individual charge

against Daniels was therefore withdrawn and replaced by the joint charge that now names both men. The prosecutor once again objected to bail, emphasising the gravity of the offence and its impact on the victims, one of whom has lost sight in one eye.

The prosecution also pointed out that the case is being conducted through paper committal, a procedure that allows for a direct trial once the evidentiary statements are compiled, thereby speeding up the process. The court was told that if the defendants are committed and found guilty, they could face up to seven years in prison, given the severe and lasting injuries caused by the corrosive substance.

Bail transferred Daniels was represented by an attorney who argued that his client had already been granted bail for the same offence, had complied with all the conditions imposed by the previous court, and had not interfered with the victims or witnesses. The defence further submitted that the prosecution had not yet produced the CCTV footage or other evidence it claimed to possess, and therefore, there was no justification

for a fresh remand. The attorney also contended that since the earlier charge had been withdrawn and replaced by this joint charge, the existing bail should be transferred rather than forfeited, allowing Daniels to remain at liberty. The lawyer reminded the court that Daniels has appeared at every hearing, has cooperated fully with the police, and has not breached any bail conditions. He also raised concerns about what he described as irregularities in how the prosecution handled the matter, stating that the defence was not informed in advance that another accused person would be charged jointly, nor that the earlier information would be withdrawn. In response, the prosecution explained that there had been administrative delays in consolidating the charges. Prosecutors said that they had intended to withdraw the single charge against Daniels before the new joint charge was filed, but at the time, the relevant case jacket was with Principal Magistrate McGusty. As a result, the process of withdrawal and re-filing occurred later in the day, leading to both charges briefly existing simultaneously. The prosecutor also informed the court

that the second defendant, Billingy, was remanded on an unrelated robbery under arms charge. Although he was granted bail by the High Court for that matter recently, he was not present in court for Monday’s proceedings. The prosecution said that since he has now been jointly charged with Daniels, a summons will be issued for him to appear at the next hearing. They asked the court to give them until October 21st to issue the summons. After hearing both sides,

Magistrate Azore agreed that it would be improper for two separate charges to exist for the same offence. She therefore confirmed that the earlier charge against Daniels is formally withdrawn and that the new joint charge will proceed. The Magistrate also accepted the defence’s submission that Daniels’s existing bail be transferred to the new case, allowing him to remain out of custody. The court then adjourned the matter to October 27, 2025, for continuation.

Keron Daniels

Human Services Ministry launches “Girls to Women Mentorship Network”

To empower young females with guidance and support as they navigate life’s journey, the Ministry of Human Services and Social Security officially launched the “Girls to Women Mentorship Network” on Monday at the Umana Yana in Kingston, Georgetown.

According to the Ministry’s press release, the initiative, led by Minister Dr Vindhya Persaud, was unveiled during its observance of International Day of the Girl Child, hosted by the Childcare and Protection Agency (CPA). Minister Persaud highlighted that the network is designed to connect young girls with experienced women who

can mentor, inspire, and help them unlock their full potential. She emphasised that this platform would create meaningful opportunities for growth and help prepare girls for the transition into womanhood with confidence and purpose. “We must focus on empowering our girls, focus on ensuring that they’re included in every aspect of development, and focus on making sure that they access all the programmes and supporting mechanisms through the Childcare Protection Agency, the Ministry of Human Services and Social Security, and the Government at large,” Minister Persaud stressed.

from exceptional women, to learn about their challenges, their journeys, and their triumphs. “We live in a world where we cannot divorce reality, and that reality is that girls experience many challenges,” she noted. “It is about you telling them what your challenges are…and how they can help you through mentorship to make your way exciting.”

She noted that by engaging with these inspiring role models, young girls can begin to see themselves reflected in their stories, envisioning their own paths to success, and even surpassing the achievements of the trailblazing women who came before them.

“We’re trying, in our

She noted that this programme will be rolled out across the country, where it will see a closer relationship being built between women mentors and young girls.

To start up the initiative, the first group of mentors who were present at the event included Justice Roxane-George- Chancellor

of the Judiciary, President of the Guyana Bar Association- Pauline Chase, President of Georgetown Chamber of Commerce and Industry (GCCI),

Kathy Smith, Woman Superintendent- Nicola Kendall, Environmental Enthusiast- Annette Arjoon and Environmental Economist at the Ministry

of Natural ResourcesPradeepa Bholanath among others. The Minister emphasised the importance of giving young girls the opportunity to hear directly

own way, to play a part in shaping the woman you will become tomorrow, while helping the girl you are today understand that there is support for everything you aspire to do and all that you can be,” Minister Persaud told the girls.

Minister Persaud also spoke of the positive impact girls are currently making in Guyana.

“If you look at education, more girls are finishing high school, there are more girls than men, or girls than boys, finishing the University of Guyana (UG),” she stated.

Those who participated in Monday’s event will have access to all the programmes and support mechanisms through the CPA and the Human Services Ministry’s resources.

During the event, participants took part in brief sessions led by the first group of mentors

Guyana reasserts support

The Ministry of Health has reaffirmed Guyana’s unwavering support for global and national efforts to eradicate polio. Minister of Health, the Honourable Dr Frank Anthony, made the announcement during his address at the annual Rotary Club Polio Walk held in Georgetown on Sunday, part of a worldwide initiative aimed at raising awareness and support for the complete eradication of poliomyelitis (polio).

Speaking to participants, Dr Anthony commended the Rotary Club and its members for their consistent advocacy and dedication to the cause. He highlighted Guyana’s longstanding success in maintaining a polio- free status due to its high immunisation coverage.

“In Guyana, we have maintained close to 100% coverage for the oral polio vaccine. Every child born here receives the vaccine, which has played a vital role in keeping our country polio-free for many years,” the Minister stated.

support for polio-free world

He emphasised that while Guyana and other Caribbean nations have successfully kept polio at bay, continued public awareness, education, and vaccination efforts remain crucial, not only to preserve this status but also to support countries where the disease remains endemic.

World Polio Day, observed annually on October 24, serves as a platform to highlight the importance of vaccination and global solidarity in the fight against polio.

According to the World Health Organization (WHO), poliomyelitis is a highly infectious disease that primarily affects children under five. It spreads mainly through the faecal-oral route and can cause irreversible paralysis in as little as a few hours. In severe cases, paralysis of the respiratory muscles can lead to death.

Dr Anthony extended heartfelt thanks to the Rotary Club and its international partners for their ongoing commitment to public health and urged them to broaden their focus in the coming year.

East Berbice Praant Diwali motorcade brightens Region Six

The Guyana Hindu Dharmic Sabha’s East Berbice Praant Diwali motorcade lit up the Rose Hall Estate Community Centre Ground Sunday evening as countrywide Diwali celebrations begin.

Guyana Lottery Company launches multimilliondollar Lotto Supa 6 Christmas promotion

The Guyana Lottery Company Limited (GLCL) has officially launched its annual Lotto Supa 6 Christmas promotion, offering customers a chance to win over $30 million in cash and prizes this festive season.

The promotion, which was unveiled on Monday, October 13, is being held under the theme “Christmas Would Be Twice as Nice with Lotto Supa 6.” Two lucky winners will drive away with the grand prize of brand-new 2025 MG SUVs, while dozens of others stand to win major cash and other prizes.

According to the company, 152 players will walk away with winnings during the promotion period. Prizes include three $1 million shopping sprees at Courts Guyana, 10 Samsung 55-inch Smart TVs, 10 Samsung Galaxy S25 Ultra smartphones, and 30 cash prizes of $100,000 each.

In addition, players can win instant cash prizes of $10,000 weekly when they purchase a Lotto Supa 6 ticket from any licensed lottery agent nationwide.

The promotion runs from

October 13 to December 13, 2025, and details are available on the Guyana Lottery Company’s Facebook page, as well as through television, radio, newspapers, posters at retail outlets, and the company’s regional stores located on Robb Street, Georgetown, and Strand Street, New Amsterdam.

Speaking at the launch, Kalima Ali, General Manager of the Guyana Lottery Company Limited, said the annual Christmas promotion is part of the company’s commitment to giving back to its customers and spreading holiday cheer.

“We are happy to bring joy to our customers during the Christmas season. This promotion is our way of saying thank you to our loyal players and creating excite-

ment around our games,” Ms. Ali stated. “With this year’s theme, we hope to make Christmas twice as nice for those who win the lotto jackpot or any of our amazing prizes.”

This year also marks the 29th anniversary of the Guyana Lottery Company, and the promotion, Ali noted, reflects the company’s goal of continuing to delight and reward its customers.

The Lotto Supa 6 jackpot, which is drawn twice weekly, currently stands at $4 million, with the next drawing scheduled for Wednesday, October 15, 2025.

For additional information, the company can be contacted via email at kali@ cbnguyana.com or by phone at 592-226-0753-5.

Berbice woman fined $60,000 for wasting court’s time

ABerbice housewife has been fined $60,000 for wasting the courts time.

The fine was imposed on Joanna Ramoutar by Magistrate Michelle Matthias at the Reliance Court.

Back in June of this year, Ramoutar had made a social media post claiming that she had endured six years of abuse at the hands of 25-year-old businessman Karran Sukhan, and was living in fear.

In the post, the mother of three asked for authorities to intervene, alleging that authorities had not been giving her the support she needed.

The abuse was not limited to physical violence, Ramoutar claimed in her social media post, adding that she was subjected to relentless emotional and mental torment and was called by a name which she described as ‘degrading’.

The post was trending on some social media platforms with many users bashing the police for not taking the necessary actions.

The following day police arrested the suspect, Karran Sukhan of Lot 143, Number 2 Village, East Canje, Berbice. He as subsequently charged with assault caus-

CXC promotes responsible and ethical use of AI in education — regional stakeholder engagements held in Guyana as Council pushes digital transformation agenda

The Caribbean Examinations Council (CXC) is ramping up its efforts to promote the responsible and ethical use of Artificial Intelligence (AI) in education across the region,

the integration of AI into assessment systems and the Caribbean Targeted Education Certificate (CTEC) — a modular qualification designed to provide greater access to certification for out-of-school

sessment and product innovation that prepares students with the knowledge and skills needed for higher education and employment.” The AI in Education Assessment stakeholder series, which began in Barbados in mid-September, has since been staged in Jamaica, Trinidad and Tobago, and across the Organisation of Eastern Caribbean States (OECS). The regional tour will conclude with a virtual webinar on October 17. Dr Nicole Manning, CXC’s Director of Operations, who is spearheading the initiative, said the regional response has been overwhelmingly positive. “The turnout and participation have been exceptional,” Dr Manning noted.

“In Guyana, we reached an important understanding

ing actual bodily harm, use of threatening language, and threatening behaviour against his reputed wife, Joanna Ramoutar and remanded.

However, when the case was called a second time, Attorney at Law Charlyn Artiga, successfully mitigated for the accused to be granted pre-trial liberty.

Bail was set at $50,000 for the assault charge and $30,000 for each of the other two charges.

However, in her most recent court appearance, Ramoutar said that she does not want to give evidence in the matter and asked the court to give him a warning.

“If he do anything I will get the police to lock him up,” she told the court.

After verifying that she was not being offered any compensation or threatened to inform the court that she was not going to be giving evidence in the matter, Police Prosecutor Sargent Sherry Williams called on the court to impose a penalty on Ramoutar for wasting the court's time.

Magistrate Matthias imposed a $20,000 fine on each of the three matters for which she refused to give evidence.

as part of a broader strategy to modernise assessment and learning systems.

Last week, from October 8–11, CXC hosted a series of stakeholder engagement sessions in Guyana, meeting with more than 300 educators, students, employers, and other education partners to discuss the Council’s new Standards and Guidelines for the Use of AI in Education Assessment. The sessions are part of a regional campaign to encourage stakeholders to adopt AI responsibly in teaching and learning, said Dr Wayne Wesley, CXC Registrar and Chief Executive Officer (CEO). During his visit, Dr Wesley also paid a courtesy call on the Minister of Education, the Hon. Sonia Parag, and her senior leadership team. Discussions centred on CXC’s ongoing digital transformation initiatives, including

youth, part-time students, and adult learners.

Minister Parag lauded the Council’s innovation and highlighted that the Ministry’s digital school initiative aligns closely with CXC’s vision. “The Ministry’s strategic goal is to enhance the performance of every Guyanese student by using digital tools to create engaging learning environments,” she said.

“CXC’s initiatives, including the CTEC and its focus on AI, are well aligned with our policy objectives.”

Dr Wesley reaffirmed the Council’s commitment to working in step with national education priorities across the Caribbean. “CXC is focused on ensuring our knowledge products align with the educational policy goals of our member states,” he stated. “Foundational to our renewed mission is placing greater emphasis on competency-based as -

with stakeholders: while students will not be permitted to include AI-generated content in their SBA submissions for the May–June 2026 examinations, they will be allowed to use AI tools for ideation and enhancement—provided proper referencing is included.”

CXC’s AI initiative comes ahead of the Council’s upcoming Regional Education Conference, to be held October 28–30 in Jamaica, in collaboration with the country’s Ministry of Education, Youth, Skills and Information. The conference, themed “Navigating the Digital Age: Rethinking Teaching, Learning and Assessment,” will bring together leading Caribbean educators and policymakers to discuss strategies for advancing regional education transformation in an era defined by technology and innovation.

Karran Sukhan

Joanna Ramoutar

Education Minister Sonia Parag and CXC Registrar, Dr Wayne Wesley

Stakeholders at the AI session

COO appointed acting Caribbean Airlines CEO

– as CEO Garvin Medera resigns with immediate effect

The Board of Directors of Caribbean Airlines (CAL) has announced the resignation of Chief Executive Officer (CEO), Garvin Medera, effective immediately. The Board said it extended its gratitude to Medera for his years of dedicated service and leadership, and wished him the very best in his future endeavours.

The airline confirmed that Chief Operating Officer (COO), Nirmala Ramai, has been appointed Acting CEO with immediate effect. According to the Board, Ramai will work closely with the Senior Leadership Team to ensure a smooth transition and to maintain stability across the organ-

CPA celebrates Int'l Day of the Girl

Child

with focus on empowerment, well-being

The Childcare and Protection Agency (CPA) of the Ministry of Human Services and Social Security on Monday joined the global October 11 observance of International Day of the Girl Child, celebrating under the theme “The girl I am, the change I lead.”

The day began with an official opening ceremony at the Umana Yana in Kingston, Georgetown, and continued with a series of empowering panel discussions and fun-filled recreational activities at the Kingston Seawall, all designed to uplift, motivate, and celebrate girls.

Delivering remarks, Minister of Human Services and Social Security, Hon. Dr. Vindhya Persaud, highlighted the importance of creating spaces where girls can grow, connect, and be inspired.

The morning session featured mentorship interactions with several accomplished women from various sectors of society. These

mentors shared personal stories about their journeys, their challenges, sacrifices, and triumphs, while offering guidance and encouragement to the young girls at their tables.

Minister Persaud emphasised that such exchanges help to build trust, understanding, and inspiration between the mentors and the girls.

“This event is about heartfelt moments. It’s about hearing from women who were once girls just like you, their struggles, their sacrifices, and how they made it to where they are today. It’s also about you sharing your own challenges, how you see yourself, and how they can help guide you through mentorship as you navigate this modern, exciting, yet sometimes very challenging world,” the Minister shared.

The celebration continued with a vibrant march to the Kingston Seawall, where the girls stood together in solidarity, echoing a message of unity

and strength that they are stronger together and capable of achieving anything they set their minds to.

The afternoon was filled with lively and uplifting activities, including cultural dances, yoga, sports, traditional games, and more, all aimed at promoting wellness, joy, and togetherness.

Minister Persaud said the event was designed to remind every girl of her value, potential, and power.

“The intention is to help young women understand that within their 24 hours, they can do anything and everything, and, at the end of it all, realise their limitless potential. They can be anything and everything they aspire to be,” she affirmed.

Through this celebration, the Ministry reaffirmed its commitment to supporting and empowering girls across Guyana, ensuring that they continue to grow into confident, capable, and compassionate women who shape the nation’s future.

isation. CAL also assured that it will continue to operate its full schedule without any disruption to customers or partners.

In a statement released on Monday, Medera expressed appreciation to the airline’s staff, partners and customers, commending employees for their commitment and resilience during challenging times. “I want to take this opportunity to thank all the employees of Caribbean Airlines who have done such a fantastic job over the past few years, facing some very difficult challenges and being their best, time and again, for each other and our passengers. Also, thanks to partners for their support and

commitment and customers for their trust and loyalty. I wish everyone well,” Medera said. The Board noted that the leadership transition comes at a critical time for the airline and is part of its ongoing commitment to stability, safety and accountability. It added that the company remains focused on supporting its employees and stakeholders, reviewing operations to increase efficiency and modernisation, and enhancing the overall customer experience. The management team is also expected to continue developing a long-term, financially responsible growth strategy while strengthening governance and safety systems across all departments. The

airline reaffirmed its commitment to developing and promoting talent from within the organisation, before seeking external candidates, as part of its effort to provide employees with clear opportunities for career advancement. CAL emphasised that despite the leadership change, it remains dedicated to serving the region with pride, reliability and an unwavering commitment to safety.

The Board further stated that it remains committed to open and transparent communication with employees, customers and stakeholders throughout the leadership transition and the implementation of its strategic plan.

Allottees of New Mabaruma Housing Scheme to access land by year end

The Government’s aggressive push to expand housing access in hinterland regions continues to advance, with infrastructure works on the new Tract ‘A’ Housing Scheme in Mabaruma, Region One now 45 per cent complete.

Housing Minister Collin Croal stated that the 17-acre development is on schedule to allow allottees to begin accessing their plots by mid-December 2025. he made these remarks during a recent site visit with Regional Chairman, Brentnol Ashley, Vice-Chairman, Paul Pierre and Mayor of Mabaruma, His Worship Trevi Leung.

The Government’s $110 million investment in the scheme covers critical firstphase infrastructure works including land clearing, the construction of access roads, and drainage systems. The project is being executed in two lots, one of which is being managed by a local con-

tractor, creating employment opportunities within the region.

Minister Croal emphasised that the works are essential to prepare the area for construction by the allottees. “Before the year is finished, all the persons who have been allocated here will be able to commence construction for their own new home,” the Minister stated. Allottees in the new housing scheme will also qualify for assistance under the Ministry’s Steel and Cement Housing Subsidy Programme, which provides building materials to support affordable home construction. The establishment of the Tract ‘A’ housing scheme in the Mabaruma sub-district required land acquisition through the Guyana Lands and Surveys Commission (GLSC), a necessary step given the limited availability of state lands within Mabaruma’s central area.

“Getting land within the Mabaruma central area is very difficult because the lands are owned by various persons and mostly private individuals, and so this was a portion we were able to get through the state,” Croal explained. Looking ahead, the Ministry is set to continue its expansion across Region One in the Matarkai sub-district.

“Within another month, we’ll be on an outreach in Port Kaituma to commence the allocation exercise for the development of a new housing scheme there,” he added.

Apart from the establishment of these schemes, Region One also benefits from the Government’s Hinterland Housing Programme, which sees the construction of homes for vulnerable Amerindian families across Guyana’s hinterland regions.

Housing Minister Collin Croal and other officials during the site visit

Caribbean Airlines Chief Executive Officer Garvin Medera

JCF crime-fighting strategy questioned amid rise in fatal Police shootings

Development economist Dr. Chris

Stokes says the Jamaica Constabulary Force (JCF) strategy to kill criminals under questionable circumstances should not be viewed as a strategy to fight crime.

His comment follows an Independent Commission of Investigations (INDECOM) report, tabled in the House of Representatives last Tuesday, which called for law enforcement to take immediate steps to rein in the use of lethal force.

Some 235 people have been killed by the police.

INDECOM said there was no apparent justification for the spike in deadly police shootings.

Dr Stokes says the number of police killings could

set a bad precedent.

"The question is what kind of country are we seeking to established because, as we have seen in the same historical context, somebody now firing back to kill a criminal to make a place safer now realise, oh, I can just fire back and kill somebody and nothing going come out of it, or I don't like this person, or oh my goodness, it's the wrong person but... you're going to have collateral damage. And I think in a civilised country, the questions...asked are questions we should be asking ourselves and that needs to be addressed.

"It cannot be that our strategy as Jamaicans, as the descendants of slaves by the large parts who were wantonly killed, it can-

not be that our solution to crime is to kill the criminal and not count that number, don't count how many you kill, but just count how many are being killed and call that progress. I think that is disingenuous and does not serve the country well," Dr. Stokes argued.

Communication strategist and commentator Damion Mitchell believes the issue of police confrontations with criminals has not been handled professionally or "with due respect for people's intelligence".

He also expressed concern about what he calls the combative approach taken to concerns by civil society groups to the issue of body-worn cameras. (Excerpt from Radio Jamaica Online)

Bahamas dad charged after beating son over bad grade

Afrustrated father is facing criminal charges after disciplining his son over a bad grade.

The 41-year-old father, whose name has been withheld to conceal his son’s identity, pleaded guilty Thursday to a charge of cruelty to children at his arraignment before Magistrate Abigail Farrington.

The charges stem from an October 7 beating before the 10-year-old fourth grader went to a private school in New Providence.

His teacher took him to the guidance counselor after she noticed that he was not standing up properly during the pledge.

He told the teacher that his father had beaten him, and she noticed bruises to

his forearms.

The father told the magistrate that he had been called to the school repeatedly concerning his son’s poor performance.

Farrington has ordered a social inquiry report before she sentences him on December 10.

The father has been released on his own recognizance. (Nassau Guardian)

Venezuela announces closure of embassies in Norway, Australia

Venezuela's government said on Monday it will close its embassies in Norway and Australia and open new ones in Burkina Faso and Zimbabwe as part of a restructuring of its foreign service, after weeks of growing tensions with the US

The closures are part of the "strategic re-assignation of resources," President Nicolas Maduro's government said in a statement, adding that consular services to Venezuelans in Norway and Australia would be provided by diplomatic missions, with details to be shared in coming days.

Norway's foreign ministry said it had received the notice of the embassy closure but no reason for the decision. Norway does not have an embassy in Caracas, and handles local affairs through its embassy in the capital of neighboring Colombia.

The announcement occurred just days after the Nobel Committee in Oslo announced that Venezuelan opposition leader Maria Corina Machado had won the 2025 Nobel Peace Prize for fighting

for democracy in the South American country. Caracas said it was instead setting up new embassies in "two sister nations, strategic allies in the anti-colonial fight and in the resistance against hegemonic pressures."

It added that these new embassies would serve to launch joint projects involving agriculture, energy, education, mining and other com-

Animal abandonment, stray dogs a national health and safety concern, says B’dos animal rights group

ABarbados animal welfare group is calling for urgent action to tackle what it says is the island’s growing dog crisis.

The call from Ocean Acres Animal Sanctuary comes after a recent dog attack in Bayville, St Michael, which left a woman and two children injured.

Founder and Chief Executive Officer Karen Whittaker said it was time for stronger legislation, consistent enforcement, and greater responsibility among

dog owners. “No one should feel unsafe walking in their own neighbourhood. Animal abandonment and stray dogs have become national health and safety concerns. It is time for stronger legislation, better enforcement, and responsible ownership,” Whittaker said.

Stressing that the issue does not lie with the animals, but with neglectful ownership, Whittaker said, “To be clear, there are no bad dogs. These are dogs in the wrong place without adequate care

and supervision.”

She added that shelters are already stretched to capacity, with many owners abandoning large breeds once they become unmanageable.

Ocean Acres maintains that stronger legislation, enforcement, and public education, alongside collaboration between government, veterinarians, and animal welfare groups, are critical to resolving what it describes as a national animal welfare crisis.

(Source: Barbados Today)

Brazil Supreme Court justice keeps Bolsonaro under house arrest

Supreme Court Justice Alexandre de Moraes ruled on Monday to keep former Brazilian President Jair Bolsonaro under house arrest, according to a court document seen by Reuters.

Bolsonaro has been under house arrest since August for failing to comply with restraining orders related to his alleged attempts to persuade U.S. President Donald Trump to interfere in an investigation where he was accused of plotting a coup to remain in power after losing the 2022 election.

The former president was later convicted in a separate case of plotting a coup and sentenced last month to 27 years and three months in prison.

In the weeks following

conviction, his legal team formally requested his release from house ar-

rest, saying he has not been charged in the investigation that led to his detention.

Justice Moraes rejected the defense's arguments, ruling that the house arrest is "necessary and appropriate" as Bolsonaro's continued freedom poses risks demonstrated by his conviction and repeated violations of precautionary measures.

"The guarantee of public order and the need to ensure the full application of criminal law justify the maintenance of house arrest and other precautionary measures," Moraes said.

Bolsonaro's legal defense did not immediately respond to a request for comment.

(Excerpt from Reuters)

Haiti leaders abandon costly effort to replace 1987 Constitution

Haiti’s Presidential Transitional Council (CPT) and government have decided to abandon the plan to replace the 1987 Constitution, dissolving the Steering Committee for the National Conference and Constitutional Referendum during a Council of Ministers meeting.

After millions were spent, numerous meetings held across the country and a draft of a new constitution submitted, Haiti’s CPT abandoned the constitutional reform four months before the end of its mandate

mon interests.

The governments of Zimbabwe and Burkina Faso are more aligned with that of Russia, which has supported Venezuela at the UN and accused the US of acting according to "the cowboy principle of 'shoot first.'"

The Venezuelan embassy in Oslo did not immediately reply to an email request for comment or phone calls.

(Reuters)

The move on Oct. 9 ends more than a year of consultations, public forums and political debates that cost millions of gourdes. It comes just four months before the CPT’s mandate expires on Feb. 7, 2026, and follows growing criticism over the plan’s illegality and illegitimacy, financial waste, corruption, political distractions and the lack of progress on the country’s most urgent priorities — security, humanitarian relief, healthcare and elections.

“It came out of the Council of Ministers: there will be no referendum,” Jacques

Ambroise, spokesperson for the CPT, said on Télé Métropole. “We will organize the elections under the 1987 Constitution, despite all the problems we know it contains.”

The CPT’s reversal follows months of mounting pressure from the United States and international partners to focus on restoring security and organizing elections instead of rewriting the Constitution.

Political analysts say the CPT’s decision underscores growing recognition that the country cannot afford another divisive political experiment while Haitians are demanding basic security and

essential services. When the CPT was created under the April 3 Accord — with support from the Caribbean Community (Caricom), the US and Haitian political actors — it was tasked with restoring security, organizing elections and a referendum, and reviving the economy.

Yet four months before its mandate expires, none of these goals have been achieved.

The economy has entered its sixth consecutive year of recession, and public confidence in the transitional government continues to decline.

(Excerpt from The Haitian Times)

Venezuela's Embassy in Oslo after it was closed without further explanation (The Guardian photo)

Former Brazilian President Jair Bolsonaro

Haiti’s economy has entered its sixth consecutive year of recession

Bolsonaro's

Around the World OIL NEWS

Oil settles higher as US, China try to de-escalate trade tensions

Oil prices rose on Monday after assurances that US President Donald Trump will meet his Chinese counterpart Xi Jinping later in October, easing a flare-up in trade tensions between the world's top two economies that had pushed crude benchmarks to five-month lows on Friday.

Brent crude futures settled 59 cents higher, or 0.9%, at $63.32 a barrel, and US West Texas Intermediate crude futures also closed up 59 cents, or 1%, at $59.49 a barrel.

Both contracts fell around 4% on Friday to settle at their lowest since May, after Trump threatened to cancel the meeting with Xi and to impose steep new tariffs on imports from China.

However, US Treasury Scott Bessent said on Monday that the meeting between the US and Chinese leaders remains on track to be held in South Korea in late October, and noted substantial communications between the two sides over the weekend.

"We have substantially de-escalated," Bessent said in an interview with Fox Business Network.

The selloff in markets now looked to be capped by Washington and Beijing's willingness to negotiate, DBS analyst Suvro Sarkar said, adding the near-term outlook hinged on the eventual outcome of the trade talks.

"Any reduction in international trade can only be bearish for oil," PVM energy analysts said in a note to clients.

On the demand side, China's crude imports in September rose 3.9% from a year earlier to 11.5 million barrels per day, customs data showed.

Meanwhile, the Organization of the Petroleum Exporting Countries kept its relatively high global oil demand growth forecasts unchanged for this year and next.

In a monthly report on Monday, OPEC implied that the oil market will see a much smaller supply deficit in 2026 as the wider OPEC+ group pushes ahead with output increases.

Meanwhile, prospects of peace in the Middle East limited gains in oil prices.

"(Oil) market has been skeptical by voting with price as to any bullish influence on the recent outbreak of violence, it likewise too will wait for proof of a ceasefire that holds for more than just a couple of days," the PVM analysts said. (Excerpt from Reuters)

Madagascar President flees after losing support of key army unit

Madagascar’s president, Andry Rajoelina, is reported to have fled the country on a French military aircraft, hours before he was scheduled to address the people.

French state radio RFI reported on Monday that the president, who also has French citizenship, had been flown out of the capital, Antananarivo, after a deal with President Emmanuel Macron. It added that he may have headed for Dubai.

He had been due to speak to the nation at 7pm (1600 GMT), according to a statement from the presidency on Facebook.

Rajoelina, 51, was first president from 2009 to 2014 before returning to power in 2023.

He was increasingly isolated after losing the support of a key army unit that joined

thousands of youths activists known as “Gen Z Madagascar” to protest against corruption and poverty.

The movement had earlier turned down an invitation to meet him for dialogue and demanded his resignation. (Excerpt from The Guardian)

US issues warning to countries ahead of IMO vote on net-zero shipping framework

The United States (US) has issued a warning to countries, including those in the Caribbean, regarding a vote later this month in support of measures being pushed by the International Maritime Organization (IMO) on whether or not to support a Net-Zero Shipping Framework (NZF) aimed at reducing emissions in the maritime sector.

“The United States will be moving to levy these

remedies against nations that sponsor this Europeanled neocolonial export of global climate regulations.

We will fight hard to protect our economic interests by imposing costs on countries if they support the NZF. Our fellow IMO members should be on notice,” a joint statement issued by the Secretary of State Marco Rubio, Secretary of Energy Chris Wright and Secretary of Transportation Sean P Duffy said.

The measure, which was approved in April 2025, is set for adoption in October 2025, during the Marine Environmental Protection Committee meeting that takes place until October 17.

IMO officials say 108 members are eligible to vote, including 10 from the Caribbean Community (Caricom), and if adopted, it will come into effect in 2028.

But Washington has

Trump declares end of Gaza war as

said that President Donald Trump has made it clear that the United States will not accept any international environmental agreement that unduly or unfairly burdens the United States or harms the interests of the American people.

The NZF seeks to reduce greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions from international shipping to align with the 2050 net-zero target.

(Excerpt from Antigua News Room)

last Israeli hostages swapped for Palestinian detainees

Hamas freed the last living Israeli hostages from Gaza on Monday under a ceasefire deal and Israel sent home busloads of Palestinian detainees, as U.S. President Donald Trump declared the end of the two-year long war that has upended the broader Middle East.

The Israeli military said it had received all 20 hostages confirmed to be alive, after their transfer from Gaza by the Red Cross. The announcement prompted cheering, hugging and weep-

ing among thousands waiting at "Hostage Square" in Tel Aviv.

In Gaza, thousands of relatives, many weeping with joy, gathered at a hospital where buses brought home some of the nearly 2,000 Palestinian prisoners and detainees to be freed by Israel as part of the accord.

"The skies are calm, the guns are silent, the sirens are still and the sun rises on a Holy Land that is finally at peace," Trump told the Knesset, Israel's parliament, saying a "long night-

mare" for both Israelis and Palestinians was over.

At the Egyptian beach resort of Sharm el-Sheikh later on Monday, Trump and President Abdel Fattah al-Sisi hosted more than 20 world leaders for a summit intended to cement the truce.

At the opening of the summit, Trump signed a document with Egypt, Qatar and Turkey's leaders welcoming the agreements on Gaza and pledging to "work collectively to implement and sustain this legacy."

Egypt's presidency said that discussions included the governance, security and reconstruction of Gaza.

"Now the rebuilding begins," Trump said at the summit, delivering an expansive speech where he described in grand terms the Gaza agreement he helped broker, saying it could be "the greatest deal of them all."

Hamas and Israel, both absent from the gathering, are yet to agree on the next steps. (Excerpt from Reuters)

Bus crash in South African mountains kills at least 42

Abus has crashed in a mountainous region in the north of South Africa, killing at least 42 people.

The vehicle veered off a steep mountain road on the N1 highway near the town of Makhado in Limpopo province on Sunday evening, before tumbling down an embankment and landing upside down.

The vehicle was travelling from Gqeberha in South Africa’s Eastern Cape province to Zimbabwe and Malawi.

Emergency crews worked through the night to pull victims from the wreckage and transport survivors to nearby hospitals.

According to public broadcaster SABC, the dead included 18 women, 17 men and seven children.

A 10-month-old baby was among the victims, Violet Mathy, a transport official for the Limpopo province, told Newzroom Afrika.

The road, a major highway connecting South Africa to Zimbabwe, remained closed in both directions on Monday as rescue operations continued.

Authorities are investigating what caused the driver to lose control, with initial assessments pointing to possible fatigue or mechanical failure as potential factors. (Excerpt from Al Jazeera)

The Israeli hostages arrive at Tel HaShomer hospital in Ramat Gan Palestinians released by Israel arrive at Nasser hospital in Khan Younis, Gaza

Andry Rajoelina had been due to address the people on Monday, but French state radio reported he had been evacuated after a deal with Emmanuel Macron

The bus tumbled into a ravine near the town of Makhado in Limpopo province

Think outside the box. Surround yourself with people who challenge you to think and strive to utilize your talents to enrich your life. Be the force that leads to peace of mind and happiness.

You may resist change, but you should rethink your hesitation. Opportunity knocks, and it's up to you to take a chance if it will improve your life. Thought followed by action is the best route forward.

If you crave change, make it happen. Look around, and you'll discover what you need to move ahead. It's a good day to network, socialize and expand your interests and circle of friends.

Use your strengths to convince others to trust and believe in you. Stop hiding out when you should get out and fraternize with people who can help you.

Keep your opinions to yourself. Someone will use your words and vulnerabilities against you. Don't let anger set in when it's better to work toward becoming who you want to be.

Educate yourself. Thoughts followed by actions will encourage growth and sustainability. Walk away from unpredictable situations. Keep life simple and affordable.

Take a chance, put your best foot forward and dazzle whoever you pitch to with your enthusiasm. Paint your vision with color and possibilities, but don't promise the impossible.

Select your words wisely. Anger or a pushy attitude will not yield the results you are seeking. Discipline, networking and showcasing your skills and expertise will pave the way to success.

More money is within reach if you are diligent and embrace what you do best. Love, commitment and awareness are on the rise, helping you exceed your expectations.

Check your information for validity before passing information along. Protect your reputation and focus on what's possible. Avoid taking risks that could lead to illness or injury.

Put everything you encounter in perspective. Take your time and react accordingly. Jumping to conclusions will end up costing you your time, money or reputation.

Get creative; embrace life and use your intelligence to turn your attributes into a lucrative endeavor. It's time to pursue your dream instead of just living in your imagination.

ICC Women's World Cup snatch thriller

against spirited Bangladesh

For the second match running, Nadine de Klerk produced the crucial winning hand – an unbeaten 37 from 29 balls, albeit with several huge slices of late luck – as South Africa outmuscled a spirited Bangladesh to seal a thriller by three wickets and with three balls to spare in Visakhapatnam.

breakthrough innings of her own, looked set to seal a match that she deserved to make her own. Instead, the chance slapped off her palms to the turf, and with eight still needed in the final over, de Klerk capitalised with a four and a decisive six in three balls.

national cricket, yet now she registered back-to-back ducks – and back-to-back caughtand-bowleds – after meeting her first ball with a tentative back-foot push that Nahida grabbed in front of her face.

The final result mirrored their previous win over India on this same ground on Thursday, but the manner in which it was secured was significantly less assured. Against a potent attack led by Nahida Akter and Ritu Moni, Chloe Tryon produced a priceless knock of 62 from 69 balls, with Marizanne Kapp also chipping in with a hard-fought fifty. However, the final difference between the teams came down to Bangladesh's fielding under pressure with a succession of crucial chances going down in the fraught final overs.

The most crucial of those came with just 10 runs needed from eight balls. De Klerk miscued a drive off Rabeya Khan to long-off where Shorna Akter, 18 years old

Bangladesh were crestfallen at the conclusion, and little wonder. After winning the toss in an overcast Visakhapatnam, their captain, Nigar Sultana had chosen to stare their shortcomings in the face by batting first despite a previous tournament highest total of 178, rightly assessing that a score on the board of any description was the best means to give her bowlers "a chance", as she had put it at the toss.

And so it came to pass, though perhaps not in the manner that many would have predicted. South Africa created few out-and-out chances in their bowling display, as each of Bangladesh's top four reached at least 25. Sharmin Akhter anchored the innings with 50 from 77 balls. But for the first 30 overs of the innings, South Africa scarcely needed to make breakthroughs, such was the safety-first attitude of a batting line-up that conceded 126 dot balls, or more than four per over, across that period of the innings. By degrees, however, Bangladesh turned South Africa's lack of penetration to their advantage, and when Nigar holed out to cover to bring Shorna to the crease at 150 for 3 with 9.5 overs of the innings remaining, the stage was set for a transformative onslaught.

Shorna cracked three fours and three sixes, each of them over long-on, in her 34-ball fifty, the fastest by a Bangladeshi in women's OneDay Internationals (ODIs). It was hitting with power and purpose, unrecognisable from the defensive fare that had preceded it. She was joined in her up-tempo approach by Moni, who lashed each of her first three balls for four off a previously parsimonious Kapp, to seal a flying finish with 19 not out from eight balls, as 37 runs came from the final three overs.

A target of 233 was probably 60 runs more than South Africa had been bargaining for after Bangladesh's moribund start, and their anxieties were heightened in the second over of their chase. With five ODI centuries in 2025, Tazmin Brits is arguably the in-form batter in all of 50-over inter-

Brits' latest dismissal was not quite as spectacular as Kranti Gaud's one-hander in last week's India contest, but it needed to be held all the same … as Rabeya went on to demonstrate three overs later. This time, Laura Wolvaardt – on 11 – pushed through the line off the back foot, but Rabeya could not close her hands around on a near-identical chance off her fourth ball.

It looked like being an innings-turning let-off. Anneke Bosch got herself up and running with a brace of bound-

from Rabeya that drifted in and gripped just enough to kiss the outside edge of the off stump, and leave Dercksen utterly bamboozled as she turned to the square leg umpire to determine whether she was out.

Four overs later, Sinalo Jafta also lost the top of her off stump, although there were no such doubts about her dismissal, as Fahima skidded a high-kicking topspinner through her back-foot push, like a latter-day Anil Kumble.

At 78 for 5, South Africa had lost 4 for 20 in 44 balls, and their challenge was in tatters. It could have been even worse when Kapp, on 15, climbed across a short ball from Shorna and under-edged a tough half-chance that the

aries before Wolvaardt punished Rabeya with backto-back fours square of the wicket, and as the pair pushed through to a 55-run stand inside the first 15 overs, the chase seemed to be entirely under control.

Then, however, calamity struck out of the blue. On 30, Wolvaardt nudged the legspinner Fahima Khatun off her pads, but failed to commit fully to a potential second run. Fargana Hoque tracked the ball down at midwicket, and as the batters hesitated mid-pitch, an accurate return to the keeper left South Africa's skipper stranded. Bosch thumped her next ball through the covers to hint that all was still well. But one ball later, she too was gone, caught on the edge of the ring by Sobhana Mostary for 28, as she failed to connect with an ambitious launch through the line.

At 62 for 3, and with two new batters yet to face a ball, a big rebuild was required. Instead, Annerie Dercksen and Kapp managed two scrambled singles in their next 17 balls, before the former was extracted by the ball of the match, and arguably the tournament to date – an inch-perfect legbreak

keeper Nigar could not gather.

Marufa Akter returned to the attack in the 27th over, but her extra pace was much more to South Africa's liking, as Tryon cuffed a brace of cuts through point – the first of them being her side's first boundary for 43 balls. Though Bangladesh quickly reverted to spin, that 12run over had just loosened the shackles a fraction, and Kapp's subsequent sweep for four off Fahima brought up a fifty stand for the sixth wicket from a relatively brisk 62 balls.

Speaking at the toss, Wolvaardt had said she'd be happy to chase given the likelihood that dew would be a factor at the back end of the second innings, and sure enough there was a lengthy break at the final drinks break to run a rope around the outfield. Nevertheless, the spinners held their threatening full lengths, stretching the required rate past 7.5 per over until Kapp seized on a rare full toss from Shorna to club the first six of the innings over long-on and bring up a 67-ball fifty.

She was unable to push on, however. With 71 required from the final 10 overs, Kapp

stepped into a drive off Nahida, and picked out Shorna, who coolly made amends, 10 me tres in from the rope at long-off.

Bangladesh celebrat ed wildly as South Africa's mainstay de parted for 56, but after de Klerk had announced herself with an immac ulate second-ball sweep for four, Tryon set about ripping the contest back towards her team, although not without a big slice of luck. On 40, she found an under-edge off Moni that raced through the keeper's legs for four. Then on 46, she wound into a slog-sweep to deep midwicket, but the substitute Sumaiya Akter ran through the chance without laying a hand on it.

Tryon then cashed in with a huge leg-side six to make it 16 in the over, but once again, Bangladesh found a means to battle back – this time via a sharp shy from Moni at backward point, which caught Tryon inches short to send her on her way for 62 from 69.

With the run rate nudging eight an over, Masabata Klaas brought up the 200 with a streaky single to midoff, which would also have been run-out had Fahima's shy found its target. De

Klerk then walked across her stumps to hoist a priceless boundary through backward square, and when Fahima served up an untimely frontfoot no-ball, she stepped back to lift the resulting free hit over the covers. Even then the anxieties were not done. With 11 still required, de Klerk topedged a full toss into the gap at square leg – and nearly ran herself out in the confusion – but two balls later, she received the decisive letoff. A miscued slap to longoff, where Shorna was waiting to complete the heroics she had begun. The chance went begging, and so too did Bangladesh's hopes. For South Africa, however, their wild campaign marches on, with three wins in a row, and one foot firmly planted in the semi-final standings. (ESPNcricinfo)

South Africa Women (T: 233 runs from 50 ovs)

Laura Wolvaardt (c)

Sharmin Akhter run out (Bosch/†Jafta) 50 Nigar Sultana (c)† c Wolvaardt

b Mlaba 32

Shorna Akter not out 51

Sobhana Mostary run out (Sekhukhune) 9 Rabeya Khan

b de Klerk 0

Ritu Moni not out 19

Extras (lb 4, w 12) 16

Total 50 Ov (RR: 4.64) 232/6

Fall of wickets: 1-53 (Rubya Haider, 16.1 ov), 2-73 (Fargana Hoque, 24.6 ov), 3-150 (Nigar Sultana, 40.1 ov), 4-164 (Sharmin Akhter, 42.3 ov), 5-195 (Sobhana Mostary, 46.4 ov), 6-195 (Rabeya Khan, 46.6 ov) Bowling O-M-R-W

Marizanne Kapp 6-0-27-0 Masabata Klaas 6-0-22-0

Nadine de Klerk 9-0-39-1

Chloe Tryon 10-0-41-1

Tumi Sekhukhune 9-0-57-0

Nonkululeko Mlaba 10-0-42-2

South Africa’s winning moment

Bangladesh fought hard, but came up short

Marizanne Kapp during her innings of 56

Sharmin Akter celebrates her half-century

Haynes, Ramdhani retain senior badminton titles

…Beharry, Godette clinch triple crowns in junior divisions

After four days of thrilling badminton action featuring 80 participants, 222 entries across 22 events, and 188 matches, the Guyana Badminton Association (GBA) successfully concluded its National Senior and Junior Championships on Sunday evening at the Guyana National Gymnasium.

In the Senior Division, defending champions Akili Haynes and Priyanna Ramdhani continued their impressive dominance, retaining their titles as men’s and women’s singles senior

Men’s Singles

champions, respectively.

In the Junior Division, young talents lit up the courts with stellar performances.

Anjaneysa Godette emerged as a triple champion, sweeping titles in both the Under-13 and Under-15 categories. Mishka Beharry mirrored this achievement, capturing three championship titles in the Under-19 division.

Speaking after the tournament, a GBA representative stated, “We are extremely proud of all our athletes for their commitment and sportsmanship

Winners by Division:

1st Place Akili Haynes

2nd Place Tyrese Jeffery

3rd Place Frank Waddel Nkosi Beaton

Women’s Singles

1st Place Priyanna Ramdhani

2nd Place Mishka Beharry

3rd Place Ashley Khalil Leshaunte Berkley

Under-19 Boys’ Singles

1st Place Jonathan Debidin

2nd Place Ruel Rambiriche

3rd Place Yonneil Benjamin Christopher Jordan

Under-19 Boys’ Doubles

1st Place Joanathan Debidin/Ruel Rambiriche

2nd Place Kunal Alert/Darean Thomas

3rd Place Yonneil Benjamin/Christopher Jordan Percival Chester/Ronnit Gulchand

Under-19 Girls’ Singles

1st Place Mishka Beharry

2nd Place Leshaunte Berkley

3rd Place Gabrielle Felix Harshini Muralidharan

Under-19 Girls’ Doubles

1st Place Mishka Beharry/Leshaunte Berkley

2nd Place Gabrielle Felix/Harshini Muralidharan

3rd Place Alleyia Grant/Gabriella Henry Naveah Eastman/Malia Haley

Under-19 Mixed Doubles

1st Place Ruel Rambiriche/Mishka Beharry

2nd Place Joanathan Debidin/Leshaunte Berkley

3rd Place Christopher Jordan/Harshini Muralidharan Darean Thomas/Gabriella Henry

Under-17 Boys’ Singles

1st Place Ruel Rambiriche

2nd Place Hasani Robinson

3rd Place Eon Williams Nathan Morrison

Under-17 Boys’ Doubles

Proceedings in the Essequibo leg of the Republic Bank One Guyana B Division Volleyball Tournament concluded with thrilling matches and outstanding performances from participating male and female teams across the region. The competition, held among several villages, saw Wakapao =’s females and Mainstay’s males emerging victorious in their respective divisions.

The competing teams in the tournament included Kabakaburi Sports Club Seniors, Kabakaburi Secondary (male & female), Wakapao Volleyball Team (male & female), Capoey (male & female) and Mainstay (male).

Female Division results: Wakapao Females v Kabakaburi Females: Wakapao won in straight

throughout the tournament. The level of play and enthusiasm displayed over the past four days show that badminton in Guyana continues to grow from strength to strength.”

The GBA extended sincere thanks to its sponsors – the Ministry of Culture, Youth and Sport (MCYS) and the National Sports Commission (NSC) – for their invaluable support of this major event on the Association’s annual calendar.

Special appreciation was also extended to all participants, including

those who travelled from as far as Berbice; to the parents who provided unwavering support throughout the tournament, and to those who volunteered their time to assist with the smooth running of the event. “Your dedication and enthusiasm greatly contributed to the tournament’s success,” the GBA stated.

The GBA also congratulated all winners and participants, and noted that it looked forward to an even more competitive and exciting championship in the coming year.

1st Place Nathan Henry/Eon Williams

2nd Place Micah Holder/Hasani Robinson

3rd Place Nathan Morrison/Jaquan Nedd

Under-17 Girls’ Singles

1st Place Gabrielle Felix

2nd Place Harshini Muralidharan

3rd Place Alleyia Grant Sakina Klass

Under-17 Girls’ Doubles

1st Place Gabrielle Felix/Harshini Muralidharan

2nd Place Anisha Bacchis/Xaty Bennett

3rd Place Galianna Frank/Sakina Klass

Kristin Xavier/Malia Halley

Under-17 Mixed Doubles

1st Place Ruel Rambiriche/Gabrielle Felix

2nd Place Eon Williams/Alleyia Grant

3rd Place Jaquann Nedd/Malia Halley

Micah Holder/Harshini Muralidharan

Under-15 Boys’ Singles

1st Place Caleb Tan

2nd Place Ethan Bulkan

3rd Place Joel Rambiriche

Egan Bulkan

Under-15 Boys’ Doubles

1st Place Ethan & Egan Bulkan

2nd Place Joel Rambiriche & Caleb Tan

3rd Place Vaibhav Nataranjan & Lucas Leo

Zion Hickerson & Ethan Ramsarran

Under-15 Girls’ Singles

1st Place Anjaneysa Godette

2nd Place Vaishnavi Natarajan

3rd Place Sakina Klass Galianna Frank

Under-15 Girls’ Doubles

1st Place Anjaneysa Godette & Vaishnavi Natarajan

2nd Place Kashish Chainani & Chelsea Harrison

3rd Place Galianna Frank & Sakina Klass

Rafiqah Chichester & Aria Blair

Under-15 Mixed Doubles

1st Place Anjaneysa Godette/Joel Rambiriche

Republic Bank One Guyana

sets (18-25, 13-25).

Capoey Females v Kabakaburi Females: Capoey dominated (25-9, 25-9). Finals: Capoey Females v Wakapao Females — Wakapao claimed the title.

Male Division results: Wakapao Seniors

v Kabakaburi Seniors: Kabakaburi won (25-14, 25-20).

Kabakaburi Secondary v Capoey: Capoey won (25-8, 25-13).

Mainstay v Kabakaburi Secondary: Mainstay won (25-12, 25114).

2nd Place Vaibhav Nataranjan/Vaishnavi Natarajan

3rd Place Ethan & Emma Ramsarran Nitin & Kashish Chainani

Under-13 Boys Singles

1st Place Ethan Bulkan

2nd Place Caleb Tan

3rd Place Joel Rambiriche Zion Hickerson

Under-13 Boys’ Doubles

1st Place Joel Rambiriche/Caleb Tan

2nd Place Ethan Bulkan/Zion Hickerson

3rd Place Vibhav Natarajan & Joshua Tan Liam Brumell & Nathan Mohanlall

Under-13 Girls’ Singles

1st Place Anjaneysa Godette

2nd Place Vaishnavi Natarajan

3rd Place Emma Ramsarran Lucy Leo

Under-13 Girls’ Doubles

1st Place Anjaneysa Godette & Vaishnavi Natarajan

2nd Place Xiamara Benn &Emma Ramsaran

3rd Place Ava Ching-a-Sue & Kathalina Havercome Chelsea Harrison & Lucy Leo

Under-13 Mixed Doubles

1st Place Anjaneysa Godette/Joel Rambiriche

2nd Place Vaibhav Nataranjan/Vaishnavi Natarajan

3rd Place Ethan & Emma Ramsarran Liam Brumell & Skylar Gurcharan

Semi-finals: Mainstay defeated Kabakaburi Seniors (25-12, 25-20).

Wakapao Males defeated Capoey Males (25-20, 25-11).

Finals: Mainstay Males v Wakapao Males

The final was a nail-bit-

ing showdown, with Mainstay edging out Wakapao in three intense sets (25-20, 23-25, 15-8).

The final leg of the Republic Bank One Guyana B Division Volleyball Tournament is scheduled for November 1 to November 2, 2025, when the tournament

will move between venues in Georgetown. On Day 1, the volleyball action will engulf the National Gymnasium on Mandela Avenue, while on Day 2, the Cliff Anderson Sports Hall will be the place to be. The action starts at 09:00h daily.

The national finals will feature top teams from Regions One, Two, Three, Four, Five, Six, Seven, Nine, and 10 competing for championship glory.

According to organisers, this ‘tournament continues to foster unity, sportsmanship, and talent development under the One Guyana initiative, bringing communities together through volleyball. This tournament is being sponsored by the Ministry of Culture, Youth and Sport (MCYS) and Republic Bank Guyana Limited.

A look at Wakapao’s female volleyball team

A look at Mainstay’s male volleyball team

Badminton Men’s senior champion Akili Haynes

Badminton Women’s Senior Champion Priyanna Ramdhani

Synthetic track installation to commence Monday at New Amsterdam

…as Ministers visit several facilities in Berbice

The spanking new Synthetic Track and Field Stadium at New Amsterdam, Guyana’s third such facility, is now in the homestretch, with the final and most important component of the project scheduled to begin shortly.

According to a social media update from the Ministry of Culture, Youth and Sport, the Track and Field facility in Berbice is said to be 85 per cent completed, following a recent inspection.

Culture, Youth and Sport

Minister Charles Ramson Jr, alongside his deputy, Minister within the Ministry Steven Jacobs, over the weekend, conducted a site visit with the representative from

German company Regupol, who is responsible for the installation of the synthetic track at the New Amsterdam Stadium in Region Six (East Berbice-Corentyne).

The duo was accompanied by other sport stakeholders, such as Assistant Director of Sport (ADoS) Melissa DowRichardson, alongside other candidates from the People’s Progressive Party/Civic (PPP/C), who will become Members of Parliament when it convenes – Suresh Singh, James Bond, and Zamal Hussein.

Minister Ramson Jr informed the media that the stadium and the accompanying football facilities were 85 per cent completed, with

installation of the synthetic track commencing next Monday.

Regupol's representative expressed his satisfaction with preparatory works and the weather conditions which clears the path for the installation of the synthetic track

which will take about five to six weeks to complete.

Ramson Jr further divulged that the ongoing projects are at the final stage which will allow for the facility to be ready for use in 2025, as planned, once the weather remains favourable and the

Guyana prevails in Suriname: Persaud’s heroics secure Invitational glory

Guyana’s golfing warriors stood tall on foreign soil this weekend as Avinash Persaud led a triumphant campaign at the DSB Suriname Invitational 2025, capturing the overall title after two gruelling days of competition in Paramaribo. His stellar victory was matched by a superb performance from Patanjilee Persaud, who claimed first place in the B Flight, underscoring Guyana’s dominance across divisions.

Under the blazing tropical sun and on a course that tested every facet of skill and endurance, Persaud delivered a masterful performance, win-

handicap. But I am very happy for the win. Leading up to the Guyana Open, since I’m in good form, it should not be a problem playing that tournament.”

His calm confidence mirrored the determination seen in Team Guyana’s contingent. In the B Flight, Patanjilee Persaud outplayed his opponents with a best Net of 128, after scoring 65 and 63 over the two days and amassing 82 total net points. Chet Bowling followed closely in second with a total net of 133, posting 66 and 67 on Days 1 and 2 for 77 total net points, adding to Guyana’s medal tally.

ning the A Flight with a best Gross of 144, after posting rounds of 78 and 66 on Days 1 and 2 respectively. His efforts earned him a total of 70 Gross points, reaffirming his place among the Caribbean’s elite golfers. His win not only earned him the crown, but also set the tone for the upcoming Guyana Open later this month.

Reflecting on his performance, Persaud shared, “Winning this tournament is a joy to me, because it was a Stableford event, and it’s hard to win off a single-digit

Eureka Giddings turned in a consistent showing, finishing second in the F Flight with a total net of 135, scoring 65 and 70 over the two days and earning 75 total net points. Meanwhile, Shanella London stood out in the women’s category, finishing third in the E Flight with a total net of 151 (net scores of 77 and 74) and 55 total net points. She also captured Best Gross for females with a Gross score of 169 and 43 Gross points, and impressively claimed the Longest Drive titles for both Day 1 and Day

2, a testament to her growing reputation as one of Guyana’s top female golfers.

In the S Flight, Carlos Adams battled his way to

Bacchus, each contributing to Guyana’s impressive presence in Suriname.

The DSB Suriname Invitational once again

third place with a net of 143, after carding 77 and 66 over the two days to finish with 68 total net points.

Even those who did not make the podium proudly represented Guyana, showcasing discipline and heart on the course. The team included Vishal Dhani, Lakeram Ramsundar, Rakesh Harry, Mohanlall Dindanauth, David Harry, Mike Mangal, Parmanand Persaud, Satrohan Tiwari, Orson Ferguson, Brian Hackett, Paton George, Troy Cadogan, Maxim Mangra, and Keshan

proved to be a battleground of precision and perseverance, but the Guyanese golfers rose above the challenge with poise and unity. Their triumph was not just a victory on the greens, it was a statement of national pride and growing regional strength.

As the team return home, all eyes are now on the Guyana Open, where momentum and confidence are on their side. From Suriname’s fairways to the Caribbean stage, Guyana’s golfers have proven they don’t just compete; they conquer.

track is installed.

The weekend’s inspection of the New Amsterdam facility was part of the ministerial duo’s visits to several sport facilities in the Berbice area, namely D’Edward Ground, Palmyra Stadium, the Albion Sports Complex and Bath.

According to a separate social media update, the “engagements focused on site visits, project meetings, discussions with local cricket associations to assess ongoing developments and strengthen the region’s sports infrastructure”.

No 72 Cut and Load crowned

“Price is Right” T20

champions

Number 72 Cut and Load are champions of the Price is Right T20 Second-Division Tournament

In an electrifying final at the Number 69

Vikings Ground on Sunday, the Number 72 Cut and Load team recorded a 12-run victory against the Number 72 All Stars.

Calvem Beresford claimed 4-16 from four overs in his Player-of-theMatch performance in the grand finale of the “Price is Right” Second-Division T20 tournament.

The tournament was hailed as a huge success, and it was one of the most lucrative of its kind in the Ancient County.

The champions walked away with $425,000 and a trophy while the runner-up team received $225,000 and a trophy. Batting first, Number 72 Cut and Load posted 105-6 in their 20 overs. Jamel Assad topscored with 32, batting at number four.

He was supported by skipper Devanand Chatterpaul, who made 29. The Number 72 All Stars were disciplined with the ball, displaying a collective bowling effort. Vikash Singh had 2-14.

The batting of the All Stars did not match their bowling. All Stars lost four

wickets at the halfway stage and were reeling at 47-4.

Kameshwar Chaterpal added some resistance with his 24, while Kemraj Dhup made 19. Gavin Chaterpal made 15, as only three batters reached double figures for the All Stars. Beresford was the chief destroyer with 4-16, a spell that included 12 dot balls.

The Number 72 All Stars did not recover in a failed chase of 106. They ended on 93-8 when the 20 overs expired. The Berbice Cricket Board (BCB) has commended the Upper Corentyne Cricket Association for hosting a successful tournament.

The synthetic track at the New Amsterdam facility will be installed soon

Guyana’s Avinash Persaud was the overall winner of the DSB Suriname Invitational

Guyana’s Eureka Giddings took second place in the F Class while Shanella London finished third in the E Class, winning Best Gross for females and Longest Drive titles on both days

Guyana’s Patanjilee Persaud won the B Class followed by Chet Bowling in second

Ministers Charles Ramson Jr (third left) and Steven Jacobs (left) are engaged by Regupol’s representative (right) in the presence of other stakeholders

TUESDAY, OCTOBER 14, 2025

India 58 runs away from 2-0 sweep of West Indies

India wanted to get out of the joint as soon as possible when they enforced the follow-on less than halfway into the match, but 200 continuous overs of bowling on an unyielding pitch later, India will have to come back on the fifth morning to complete the win. Having been set 121 to win, India only briefly tried to finish the match on the fourth evening, ending on 63 for 1.

Signs that it was going

first innings. Just how desperate India were was evident from how they didn't bowl a single over of Nitish Kumar Reddy, whom they want to put in live situations as evidenced in his promotion to number five when India batted.

West Indies began the day 97 behind with eight wickets in hand. The 49-over-old ball offered India nothing on a lifeless track even though they did stick to the task. Campbell,

Hope

celebrates after scoring a century

to be hard work was apparent when the last two West Indies wickets hung around for 25.2 overs in the first innings, but India disregarded the conditions when asking their bowlers to go back in after having bowled 81.5 overs. India perhaps expected West Indies to roll over, but they dug in: John Campbell brought up his maiden century, Shai Hope scored his first in eight years, and the last wicket added 79 in their second-best partnership of 2025.

That the last wicket didn't give them squeaky bums was down to the second new ball giving them just enough to turn 293 for 4 into 311 for 9. Mohammed Siraj started the West Indies slide with Hope's wicket before Kuldeep Yadav took three in quick time to go with five in the

resuming on 87, went to his hundred with a massive slog-swept six. The sweep shot had been his ally throughout the innings, but when he pulled out the re verse for the first time, he missed it comprehensive ly and was caught in front. This shot was likely a re sult of Ravindra Jadeja's move to round the wick et, which began to threat en both the edges. One ball before he got out, Campbell had got away with an out side edge too thick for the keeper to catch.

Hope and Roston Chase looked comfortable during their 59-run stand, but the second new ball, taken as soon as it became avail able just after lunch, cre ated just about enough for India. Siraj was the one to create the breakthrough, getting Hope played on off a wobble-seam ball. The

wicket took him to the top of the wicket-takers' list in Test cricket in 2025.

Kuldeep, having been targeted for 63 runs in 16 overs with the first ball, decided he needed to get even quicker in the air when Tevin Imlach took him down for a four and a six in his first over with the new ball. The length went slightly shorter, and he managed to draw just enough low bounce and pace from the middle of the pitch to get the wickets of Imlach and Chase, the former lbw and the latter caught at short midwicket.

Khary Pierre, who began the resistance in the first innings, played a loose slog early to be caught at mid-off, and Jasprit Bumrah got rid of Jomel Warrican and Anderson Phillip with the lead still 41. With the ball now soft, the pitch went back to sleep. Justin Greaves did not even feel the need to shield Jayden Seales. The tired limbs and frustrated minds began to show as the middle session was stretched because West Indies had only one wicket standing. The two played out that extra half hour without any incident. For large periods, India's best spin-

tually fell to a confident shot off Bumrah, forced to bowl yet another spell 10 overs into the final session, holing out to deep forward square leg. He had pulled Bumrah for four earlier in the over.

Set 121 to win, with 18 overs and a possible extra half hour left in the day Yashasvi Jaiswal came out trying to finish the match on the fourth evening, but was caught at long-on off Warrican in the sec-

Shai

(right)

India in cruise control as they head into day five

John Campbell celebrates his first Test hundred

Justin Greaves celebrates after scoring a half-century