Kaieteur News

Israel kills 10 Palestinians in Gaza as ceasefire talks begin in Egypt seeking forfeiture of assets duo faces lengthy prison term if convicted ‘We

U.S. indicts Mohameds in massive gold fraud

Leader of the We Invest in Nationhood party (WIN) Azruddin Mohamed and his

father, Nazar “Shell”

Mohamed, have been indicted in a U S federal courtinMiami,Floridaon11 charges of wire and mail fraud, conspiracy to commit money laundering and the i m p o r t a t i o n o f a Lamborghini luxury car- all stemming from accusations

of massive tax fraud committedagainstGuyana.

Theindictment,unsealed on October 2, 2025, accuses

t h e M o h a m e d s o f orchestrating an elaborate fraudandmoney-laundering scheme involving gold exports, customs fraud, bribery, and the evasion of millions in taxes and royaltiesowedtoGuyana.

The case, captioned United States of America v NazarMohamed&Azruddin Mohamed,isfiledintheU.S. District Court for the

…seeking forfeiture of assets …duo faces lengthy prison term if convicted

Southern District of Florida under case number 25-CR20441(WILLIAMS/LETT).

Amongthestatutescitedare: conspiracy to commit mail and wire fraud (18 U.S.C. § 1349),wirefraud(18U.S.C. § 1343), mail fraud (18 U.S.C. § 1341), conspiracy tocommitmoneylaundering (18 U.S.C. § 1956(h)), and relatedforfeiturestatutes(18 U.S.C.§§981,982). At the heart of the US Government’s case lie several core allegations, among them gold export fraudandcustomssealreuse.

The indictment seen by this newspaper charges that Mohamed’s Enterprise, the Guyana-based gold

wholesaling and export company controlled 90% by Nazarand10%byAzruddin, isallegedtohavesoldgoldto buyers in Miami and Dubai, wh

Guyana’s revenue and regulatory system The indictment claims that the defendants would reuse official Guyana Revenue

Authority (GRA) and Guyana Gold Board (GGB) customs seals and export declarations, originally applied legally on one shipment on subsequent shipments for which they had not paid taxes or royalties. This, prosecutors say, created the false impression that proper

Cabinet approves new regulations to address heavy trucks on roadways - Min. Edghill

Minister of Public Works, Juan Edghill on Monday announced that Cabinethasgiventheapprovalfornew regulations to be implemented to address the issue of overloaded trucks ontheroadwaysandbridges.

The minister made the disclosure during a press briefing which he along with members of the Guyana Police Forceaddressedthetrafficmanagement of the new Bharrat Jagdeo Demerara RiverBridgeandconnectorroads.

During the engagement, he informed the media that, “The regulations have been approved at Cabinet,andI’minthecourseofputting it into order… 15 tonnes per axle, and that is the weight we are allowing on bridgesandroadsacrossthecountry.”

Minister of Public Works, Juan Edghill

This publication understands that specifically to the old Harbour Bridge, truckswereonlyallowedupto18tonnes.

In addition, Edghill mentioned that they are going to be putting down the weigh and motion scales and they are procuring 1000 truckclampsthatwillbegiventotheGuyana Police Force. “When you’re caught with overweight, it’s not just a ticket, we’re clampingyou,andyou’regoingtostaythere until you discharge away, because if we allow you to continue to go overweight, you’remakingthedamagesasyougoalong. The ticket can’t pay for that. So wherever you’recaughtwhenyou’reoverweight,you park there, we clamp you, and you get anothertruck,”heexplained.

“WehavereceivedCabinetapprovalfor newregulations,whichI’mtoputinplaceas

paymentshadbeenmade. Additionally, the duo is also accused of bribing state officials to facilitate their alleged corrupt acts The indictmentsetsforththatthe Mohameds paid bribes to Guyanese government officials, including customs agents to allow the acceptance of duplicate paperwork and reused seals. Throughthismechanism,the scheme allegedly enabled the evasion of duties and royalties that should have gonetoGuyana’scoffers.

appear that Mohamed’s Enterprisehadpaidtaxesand royalties when it had not actuallypaidthem.

According to the court documents, the manner and means by which the defendants and their coconspirators sought to accomplish the purpose of the conspiracy included, among other things, the following: NAZAR

The court documents said too that the Mohameds caused Company 2 to ship empty wooden boxes with intact GRA and GGB seals fromgoldbuyersinDubaito Miami. Azruddin Mohamed the court pointed out caused Company3inMiamitoship those empty boxes with intact GRA and GGB seals from Miami to Mohamed’s EnterpriseofficeinGuyana.

aMinisterresponsiblefortransportation,”he added Reported by the Department of Public Information, Minister Edghill at a stakeholders’consultation back in May had noted that truckers are often among the people who complain when infrastructure fails, despite being among the main contributorstotheproblem. He also mentioned that the growing damagefromoverloadedtruckshasbecome unsustainable, prompting concern at the highest levels On the issue of trucks, ministersaidonMondaythatitisanoffence tobetraversingwithoutcoveringthebackof thetrucks.Henotedthathegroundedatruck recently which was dropping sand on the East Coast of Demerara roadway. The minister said the dropping of slush poses a dangertoroadusersandheurgestruckdriver and operators to be considerate and cover theirtrucks.

According to the court papers from 2017 through June 11, 2024, the indictment alleges the defendantscausedexportsof at least 10,000 kilograms of gold to pass through Miami without payment of the proper dues to Guyana, amounting to a loss of approximately US$50 million to the Guyanese government.The indictment further charges the Mohameds with conspiring to transport, transmit, and transfer funds derived from their criminal scheme, i n c l u d i n g t h r o u g h international wire transfers, withtheintenttopromotethe underlying illegal activity The scheme is said to have used U S and foreign financial institutions to moveillicitproceeds.

According to the court papers, the purpose of the conspiracy was for the defendants to unlawfully enrich themselves and defraud the government of Guyana in connection with taxes and royalties owed on thesaleandexportofgoldby fraudulentlyreusingGuyana customs declarations and sealsongoldshipmentssent through Miami to make it

M O H A M E D a n d AZRUDDIN MOHAMED entered into agreements on behalf of Mohamed’s Enterprise to sell thousands ofkilogramsofgoldperyear from Guyana to buyers in MiamiandDubai.Thecourt documents did not identify by name the companies, but noted that the pair coordinated with Company

1 , v i a e l e c t r o n i c communications between Guyana and Miami, to transport gold sold by Mohamed ‘ s Enterprise from Guyana to Miami and Dubai (through Miami). In connection with those

shipments, NAZAR

M O H A M E D a n d AZRUDDIN MOHAMED

caused payments to Company 1 from bank accounts in Guyana to the SouthernDistrictofFlorida.

Additionally, the

documents said the Mohameds set up a system

whereby Mohamed’s Enterprise would pay taxes and royalties in Guyana on one shipment of gold and receivetheappropriateGRA and GGB seals, but then reuse the same customs declarations and GRA and GGBsealsonthesubsequent shipmentsothatMohamed’s Enterprisecouldavoidtaxes and royalties on the second shipment.

The duo is accused of then reusing empty boxes with intact GRA and GGB sealsforshipmentsofgoldto make it appear that Mohamed’s Enterprise had paid Guyana taxes and royalties on shipments of gold when, in truth and in fact, Mohamed’s Enterprise had not paid them on those shipmentsofgold. Luxuryvehicle undervaluationscheme In a separate count, Azruddin Mohamed, the presumptivenomineeforthe constitutional post of leader of the opposition here is charged with submitting fraudulent documents to the Guyana Revenue Authority regarding a Lamborghini Aventador SV shipped from Miami to Guyana The indictment claims he falsifiedinvoicestoshowthe vehicle’s value as around US$75,300, when its true cost was approximately US$680,000, thereby evading over US$1 million in taxes. The WIN leader is currently before a Guyana courtonthismatter Hewas first arraigned in May 2025 and placed on $500,000 bail after pleading not guilty to the charges before MagistrateMcGusty Forfeitureofassets Meanwhile,theU.S.

Continued on page 8

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Editor-in-Chief:NigelWilliams

Tel: 225-8465, 225-8491. Fax: 225-8473, 226-8210

EDITORIAL

The Cubana Air Disaster

Yesterday, as has been the case over the years, Guyana once again paused to pay homage to the eleven young Guyanese who perished in the Cubana Air Disaster of October 6, 1976, one of the darkest days in our nation's history

EducationMinisterSoniaParag,joinedbygovernment officials and relatives of the deceased, laid wreaths at the monument within the University of Guyana compound, a site that stands as a solemn reminder of lives cut short and dreams destroyed. Forty-nine years ago, eleven of our compatriots:brightyoungmenandwomen,manyonCuban government scholarships were among seventy-three souls who died when Cuban Airline Flight CU455 exploded in mid-air off the coast of Barbados. The DC-8 aircraft had departed Guyana for Trinidad and Barbados before continuing to Havana. Minutes after take-off from the Seawell International Airport (now Grantley Adams), two bombsrippedthroughtheplane'sfuselage.

CaptainWilfredoPérez,fightingtosavehispassengers, radioedthecontroltowerandattemptedtoreturn.Butbefore hecould,asecondexplosionsenttheaircraftplunginginto thesea.Hislastactofheroismwastosteertheplaneaway fromthecrowdedbeach,sparinghundredsmorelives.The victimsincluded57Cubans,fiveKoreans,and11Guyanese — six of whom were students bound for Cuba to study medicineandengineering.Thelosswasdevastating.Streets inGeorgetownfilledwithgriefasthenewsspread.Families wept openly. Then-President Forbes Burnham, his voice heavywithsorrow,calledonthenationtoprayandtonever forget.

Itwas,withoutquestion,thefirstactofterrorismonan aircraft in the Caribbean, a crime that shattered families, violated nations, and exposed the cruelty of political extremism In time, investigations confirmed what PresidentsBurnhamandFidelCastrohadsuspected:thatthe bombing was the work of CIA-linked anti-Castro exiles working in concert with elements of theVenezuelan secret police. In 2005, the CIA itself admitted it had advance knowledge of plans to target a Cuban aircraft, but never warned Havana. The Cubana bombing was, therefore, not merelyanassaultonCubaorGuyana,butadirectattackon theinnocentanunforgivableactofterrorismthatstainedthe conscienceofthehemisphere.

In 1976, terrorism was a shocking, isolated horror Today,nearlyhalfacenturylater,weliveinaworldwhere violence, extremism, and conflict have multiplied beyond imagination. From wars raging across Europe and the Middle East, to political assassinations, cyber-attacks, and thesilentterroroforganisedcrimeandhatemovementsthe worldhasbecomeevenmorefragileanddivided.

TheCubanaAirDisasterwasmeanttosendamessageof fear But nearly five decades later, it must send us another message— one of resolve. So as we remember: Margaret Bradshaw, Sabrina Harrypaul, Seshnarine Kumar, Ann Nelson, Eric Norton, Raymond Persaud, Gordon Sobha, Rawle Thomas, Rita Thomas, Violet Thomas, and JacquelineWilliamswemustgobeyondremembrance.We mustact.EveryGuyanese,inhonouringthefallen,mustalso renew their personal pledge to make this world safer, to speak out against hate, to reject extremism in every form, andtodefendpeace,tolerance,andtruthwherevertheyare threatened.Terrorism,corruption,andinjusticethrivewhen goodpeoplestaysilent.

We cannot stop every act of violence across the globe, butwecanshapethecharacterofourownnationonebuilton compassion, vigilance and unity Let the Cubana tragedy foreverremindusofwhathappenswhenideologyeclipses humanity Let it strengthen our national and moral will to ensure that such barbarity never happens again, not in the Caribbean,notanywhere.

Dr. Ramcharan Justifies Genocide

DearEditor,

The article by Dr Bertrand Ramcharan in the October 1st, 2025, issue of the Stabroek News is an extremely dangerous piece. It has given justification to thegenocidethatispresently being conducted against the Palestinianpopulationbythe Israelioccupiers.

That article exposed Dr Ramcharan ideologically as a Zionist-Christian against the Palestinian people. Dr. Ramcharan is an educated manwhoreachedverysenior positions at the United Nations.Yet he writes about thingsthataretotallyuntrue. The very first paragraph is a totaldistortionofhistory He wrote, “For two thousand plus years Jews, expelled from their ancestral land, Israel... In the meantime, Palestinians made lives on lands where Jews had previously lived.”This is an absolutefallacy

There has never been a country called Israel in the historyoftheworld.

In the early part of the lastcenturywhentheUnited Kingdom was looking for a place for Jews because they wereseentobeunwantedin

their continent of the birth, Europe, they considered Uganda, British Guiana and Palestine. They eventually settled to establish Israel in Palestine.

H o w e v e r , D r Ramcharan,whomustknow this, chose to repeat that fiction to justify Israel's murder of innocent babies, children, women and indeed the whole population of Palestinians.

Dr.Ramcharanthenwent ontoglorifythecrimesofthe Israeli, Apartheid, Fascist regime in many parts of the world. Most, if not all, were contrarytointernationallaw

He must know that almostallthetimeIsraelwas theaggressor Itisnowclear that they were very influential in getting the US to destroy Iraq on the grounds that Iraq had “weapons of mass destruction.”

At that time Dr Ramcharan was part of the UNsystemtherefore,hehad tobeawareofMr HansBlix, then the head of an inspection team who proved how wrong and unjustified thatwas.Morethanamillion peopleweremurderedbythe

US forces acting as proxies ofIsrael.

He lauded the works of one Cohen a former head of Israel Intelligence arm, Mossad, and quoted him as saying that he wants peace.

Clearly that is more nonsense.

It is the Mossad that keeps killing all the persons who have been working for peace. In recent times Israel assassinated Iranians, Palestiniansandothersinthe Middle East who were workingforpeace.

The US and Israel murdered Qassem Soleiman on January 3, 2020 in Iraq while on a peace mission. Israel assassinated Ismail Haniyeh,theheadofHamas negotiation team in Tehran on 31st July 2024 while he was attending the inauguration of the new Iranian President They bombed and killed Hassan Nasrallah, the head of HezbollahofLebanonwhile he was at a meeting to discusspeaceproposalswith his colleagues on 27th September2024.

More recently they attempted the murder of Hamas negotiating team in

Qatar while they were discussion Peace proposals giventothembytheUS.

This is the regime that Dr Ramcharan seemingly admiressomuch.

Clearly Israel has no interest in peace. They want all of Palestine out of their territory and they are ready to kill the whole population intheGazaandWestBankto achievethoseends.

They have also made it clear that they want more, including a large part of Lebanon, parts of Syria, EgyptandJordan. It is unfortunate that Bertrand Ramcharran, a Guyanese, whose country principal leader Cheddi J a g a n w a s a n uncompromising fighter against colonialism and national oppression and was internationally acclaimed as one of the leading anticolonial, anti-imperialist fighter, should find himself admiring and promoting an apartheid fascist regime. To do so he had to dabble in historical untruth and distortion.

Regards DonaldRamotar FormerPresident

If we are to embark on constitutional reform, it must begin with deep, broad constitutional literacy, not politically expedient rhetoric

DearEditor, IfGuyanaistogenuinely reform its Constitution, we must first confront a hard truth:wecannotchangewhat wedonotunderstand.

Weshouldbegratefulfor the candid admission of retired Justice Carl Singh that membe

Constitutional Reform Commission(CRC)“ are not

provisions.” His statement, as reported by Stabroek News (Sept 29, 2025), is deeply troubling and ought tostirnationalconcern,forit exposes a dangerous gap at the heart of democratic reform.

Justice Singh stated plainly:“Andforthatreason, we took a decision that we must for the benefit of all — those who know and those who don't know — educate ou

Constitution. And the simple reasoning behind that is, how are you going to reform something that you don't know very well?” This is a point that should give every

Guyanesepause.

For decades, calls to amendtheConstitutionhave been heard, but too often those calls have come from quarters that display little genuine knowledge of the document they propose to alter This reality not only undermines trust but also threatenstheveryruleoflaw weclaimtouphold.

Addingtothisconcernis the fact that there remains outstanding work from the 1999 CRC that was agreed u p o n b u t n e v e r implemented. Yet, there is little apparent interest in finding out what these unfinishedtasksareandwhy they remain incomplete This silence raises troubling questionsaboutthesincerity

and direction of the

constitutional reform process.

If we are to embark on constitutionalreform,itmust begin with deep, broad constitutional literacy, not politically expedient rhetoric. The Constitution is notmerelyapoliticaltool;it is the bedrock of our democracy Totamperwithit

withoutfullunderstandingis toputtherightsofcitizens— and particularly of workers —atgraverisk.

As a trade unionist, I stress that constitutional reform is not an ordinary exercise. It has real and lasting consequences for workers, public servants, and ordinary citizens. The

Constitution is the framework that protects our rights, secures labour protections, and enshrines fairnessingovernance.

Reform without knowledgeisreformwithout commonsenseandintegrity. It signals there is no valid reason for reform and is an unnecessary interference in the Constitution. Guyanese should be very concerned aboutthis.Itisakintoachild dismantlingatoyfornogood reason. I repeat what I said before: the members of the CRCshouldallresign.

Forthelabourmovement and trade unions, this is a defining moment. We must stand resolute in insisting that any proposed constitutional change be preceded by comprehensive

public education and consultation. Workers must know their rights under the Constitution before those rights can be altered.This is notmerelyaproceduralissue it is a matter of democratic integrity and socialjustice.

J u s t i c e S i n g h ' s admissionreinforcesalongstandingtruth:constitutional education must begin in schools, from nursery to university. Citizens must be equipped with the knowledge to understand, defend,and,whennecessary, reformtheirConstitutionina considered and informed way This is not just about legal expertise; it is about empoweringanation.

Finally, let me be clear: constitutional reform must be grounded in the rule of law and respect for democratic principles, not political expediency As trade unionists, we stand for fairness, transparency, and the rights of workers and citizens alike. This requires thatreformisnotrushed,not manipulated,andcertainly (Continuedonpage5)

Aligning Guyana's Human Capital Development with Its Infrastructure Growth

DearEditor, Guyana's economic developmentisadvancingat breakneckspeed,markedby impressive strides in infrastructure such as roads, bridges,airports,hotels,and transportcorridors. These investments are significantly enhancing connectivity, facilitating trade, and fostering regional integration.

Initiatives like the

Corridors Project aim to improve climate resilience

and unlock g

owth opportunities in agriculture, tourism,andindustry

T h e p h y s i c a l transformation of the nation is unmis

d promises lasting economic benefits However, this “bricksandmortar”progress starkly contrasts with the challenges facing our socioeconomicandhumancapital

improvementsinourHuman

currently around 0.776 and categorised as high human development, critical gaps remain.

The labour force size and skill levels have not kept pace with rapid

causing labour shortages that hinder sustainable growth Poverty,inequality, and gaps in education and healthcare infrastructure persist, limiting the lived b

Guyanese

The pros of our infrastructure boom are clear: Enhanced economic diversification and competitiveness

Improved transportation reducing costs and expanding markets Job creation directly and indirectly through better

If we are to embark on

Frompage4 not conducted in ignorance. Guyana's Constitution is the cornerstone of our d e m o c r a c y a n d a fundamental pillar for good governance. If we cannot respectitbyunderstandingit fully — and addressing the unfinished work from the 1999 CRC — we have no righttochangeit.

Now is the moment for trade unions, civil society, and every concerned Guyanese to unite in

connectivityYet,theconsof lagging human capital development are equally pressing:

Labour shortages risk s

projects An education system not fully aligned with new industry needs

Healthcarecapacitystrains that impact workforce health and productivity To ensure that our human development index moves apace with infrastructure, coordinated programs and p o l i c i e s m u s t b e prioritised Key measures include:

1 Finalising and i m p l e m e n t i n g t h e comprehensive human capital strategy focused on addressinglabourshortages, skills gaps, and diaspora engagement.

2 Strengthening educationandvocational (Continuedonpage17)

constitutional...

demandingnotonlygenuine constitutional reform but also accountability for the unfinishedworkofthe1999 Constitution Reform exercise. We cannot stand idle w

p

t

c

expediency trumps democraticduty,norcanwe allow ignorance and misguided experimentation to dictate the future of our nation. Let us insist on full t r a n s p a r e n c y , comprehensive public education, and a clear

roadmap for addressing the outstanding constitutional reforms that remain neglected. The future of our democracy—andtherights of workers and citizens — dependonit.Ifwefailtoact now, we risk leaving generations to come with a constitution that has been a l t e r e d w i t h o u t understanding, without justice, and without true consent.

Sincerely

LincolnLewis

The EBD road to CJIA is a road to perdition

DearEditor,

Thisisnotaletter—itisa screammuffledbysixhours of traffic, swallowed by potholes,anddrownedinthe indifference of those elected to serve the Guyanese people.

My Friday, October 3, 2025, journey to the airport wasnotacommute—itwasa grinding punishment. A 2 hourroundtripthattripledto six-hours that felt like a slow-motion hostage situation, orchestrated by a government that has turned negligenceintopolicy

Theroadtotheairportis not only an assault to our sensibilitiesbutalsoaninsult to the world's “fastest growing economy” , resembling a battlefield more than a national artery, potholes yawning like open graves, ready to swallow tires, axles, and any hope of timely arrival at our destination, in this instance t h e C h e d d i J a g a n InternationalAirport.

Eachbumpwasaslapin the face, each swerve a desperate prayer The surface is so cratered, it

could pass as a metaphor of our government of the daybroken, uneven, and dangerous.

And then there's the suffocating traffic, an endlessfuneralprocessionof frustration Buses, emboldened by the absence of enforcement, drive like banditsonthewrongsideof the road, cutting lines with thearroganceofkings.They block oncoming traffic, turning the highway into a parking lot of rage. Their selfishness is not just inconvenient,it'slethal.And the silence from traffic authorities?Deafening.

For those heading to the airport, time becomes a roulette wheel Will you make it?Will you miss your flight?Willyoubeforcedto paypenaltiesorrebook?The anxiety is unbearable, like being trapped in a burning buildingwithnoexitinsight. And yet, the government continues to treat this chaos asbackgroundnoise.

But the real tragedy lies up the highway For residents facing medical emergencies, the journey to

Diamond Hospital is a gamble with death. If they driveslowly,theyriskdying en route. If they drive fast, they risk dying in a crash. Either way, the road is a death sentence. And what has the government done? P r o m i s e d Propositioned.Postponed. We are tired of ribboncutting ceremonies and photo ops. We need roads that don't kill us. We need traffic systems that protect us. We need leadership that shows up, not just during elections, but every single day This is not just about infrastructure It's about dignity It's about survival. It's about the right to move through our country without fear, without delay, without being treated like collateral damage in a system that has lostitssoul.

Fix the roads. Enforce thelaws.Respectthepeople. Because if you cannot guarantee safe passage to an airport or a hospital, then what exactly are you governing?

Sincerely, NandranieSingh

Diversification, agro-processing and marketing: the solution to problems in the rice industry

DearEditor,

The perennial problems in the rice industry, and agriculture in general, does notseemtohaveasolutionin sight.

Inbygonedayssugarwas King Sugar and enriched numerous absentee planters, who lived in Europe and never saw their plantations.

Cheaplabour,intheformof slavery followed by indentureship which were labour-intensive, made that possible. Then alternative sweeteners,suchasbeetand maple sugar, syrups, honey andothernaturalsweeteners reducedthedemandforcane sugarwhichledtotheendof exploitation of our forefathers.Sincethen,steps should have been taken to diversify the industry, preempting a dependency syndrome and waste of taxpayers'monies.

Today the rice industry has evolved into being capital/machinery intensive.

No more are the ubiquitous, poor, barefooted farmers trudgingwiththeircutlasses, hoes and packed lunches toiling for entire days in the hot son to eke out a living. We now have combine harvesters, tractors/trailers andotherequipmentsuchas motor -blowers everywhere. Rice is not planted by hand anymore and gangs of

labourers are paid to broadcast paddy and fertilisers. Some rice fields owners do not visit their fields and absentee owners, many living abroad collect their share of the sales. This isthemainreasonswhyrice farmers are opposed to diversification which would entail their presence and attention to their crops /animals.

Juxtapose this with the glut in the world market for rice. Rice is cultivated in everycontinentonearthand probably consumed less due tohealthylifestyles.Itisnot thestapledietofmanyandas supply exceeds demand prices will remain low The solutionistodiversify:raise more cattle, sheep, goats, poultry; venture into aquaculture with fish and shrimpfarmingetc;cultivate different crops such as soybeans, moringa, citrus and others for domestic use and export This will hopefully lower the price in our local markets Government, through the Ministry of Agriculture, should facilitate this move with subsidies and supplies for startup. If not, as rice price remain low, the industry will become a liability and, like the sugar industry, depend heavily on bailouts.

Editor, to add value to our primary products there must be training/investment in afro-processing Rice cereal factory alone is not sufficient. Products should be dried, preserved, converted to secondary products, packaged/canned and well presented. Belize, whichisone-tenththesizeof Guyana, has huge orange, grapefruit and hot pepper plantations Concentrates fromthecitrusarebottled,as well as pepper sauce, and found on the shelves of supermarkets in north America, the Caribbean and other parts of the world. They also cultivate rice and sugar cane commercially w i t h o u t t h e w o e s experienced here. Likewise, products from Jamaica, Trinidad and Tobago and othersmallcountriesaresold in Guyana and worldwide. Where are the reciprocal benefits after many fairs, exhibitionsandexpositions?

Editor, we cannot perennially lament on low rice price, make the same mistakes repeatedly and delusionallyexpectmiracles to happen. The solution in the agriculture sector is diversification, agroprocessingandmarketing Yourstruly, KaranChand,JP/COA Region2Resident.

Workers Deserve More!

DearEditor, Iwouldliketocommend Mr Lorenzo Joseph and his colleagues for their courageous and steadfast efforts in spearheading the recent conciliation talks on behalf of the more than 600 workers at Bosai Minerals Guyana. Their committed stance yielded a negotiated wageincreaseforboth2025 and2026.

While being modest about his pivotal role in the negotiations, according to Mr Joseph, “this achievement embodied the collective will of approximately 99% of the workforce, to raise their collective voice, where it washeard”.

At the conciliation talks held last Monday, local representatives faced off against Bosai Minerals, the region's largest private sector employer, a government that has too often fallen short in protectingworker'sinterests, and a union that has shown limited advocacy at a senior levelonthismatter

Thus, workers felt that t h e y w e r e a t a disadvantage, and it was under those conditions that Mr Joseph, his colleagues, along with the workers took a stand A moment that called for more than a show of solidarity but involved support throughout these strike and conciliation efforts.Mr.Josephin“The Times ofLinden”explained how challenging this environment was as talks broke down several times before arriving at an outcome.

These repeated strike actions by worker which include those of 2008, 2014, and 2019 point to a systemic struggle of workers' demands for better wages, salaries and other benefits in line with current living standards The workers struggle for better employment conditions raises concerns for the respect of labour laws, and that unions and policy makers must ensure companies comply with them.

It is also important to emphasise that Bosai's economic ability to pay its workers is beyond doubt T h e c o m p a n y h a s significantly expanded its o p e r a t i o n s , w i t h projections to produce over 4 million tonnes of bauxite in 2025, a historic

high for the industry This growthisbackedbyheavy investment, including the commissioning of new rotary kilns and the acquisition of Panama class vessels to boost shipping capacity In 2023, Bosai launched a US$120 million kiln and MAZ project, expanding production ThesefactsprovethatBosai is not a company struggling for survival, but one enjoying steady growth and profitability

Even as Bosai expands, workers in Linden continue to struggle against rising foodandlivingcosts.Where everydaystaplescontinueto erode the real value of workers' wages as inflation has already diminished the impact of the 7-7.5% which was bargained for by NAACIE last Monday (September 27, 2025) Productivity is also rising with new kilns enhancing operational efficiency yet compensation lags far behindtheircontribution.

Whenmeasuredagainst the broader natural resources sector, Bosai's wages remain below the mark

Th o u g h s l o w l y, companies within gold and oil sector have started to implement pay scales and benefits more closely aligned to global prices, profitability, and cost of livingrealities.

Bosai, by contrast is benefiting from record production while offering its workers the smallest possible increases This imbalance is unjustifiable given the company's scale, profitability,andrelianceon the very workforce that makesitssuccesspossible.

This outcome at Bosai isonlyafirststep Boththe c o m p a n

governm

nt must go further to ensure wages are aligned with the cost of living and the profitability of the sector Given the mining industry's central roleintheeconomy,workers deserve meaningful increases; ideally above 8.9% and moving closer to 12%, anything less has already shown that it can undermine both morale and productivity

The workers by their large turnout, according to Mr Joseph was calling on Bosai, the Government of GuyanaandtheirUnion,to “createalevelplayingfield

and prioritise their interests ” Noting that,

“without them, the work cannotbedone.”

A concern also raised byotherworkersacrossthe natural resources sector He also stated that “profit targets will not be met, and national growth will be at a decline ” This call captures the reality, that respect for labour must be placed at a position of precedence given that it is thefoundationofajustand prosperouseconomy

TheBosaidisputeisnot an isolated case It reflects a wider demand for fair labour practices across Guyana, especially in the extractive industries In a rapidly changing labour landscape shaped by several factors which includes, the aftermath of the COVID-19 pandemic, rise of AI, oil and gas and the evolving expectations around work to which c o m p a n i e s a n d governments must adapt, workersarecallingnotjust for fair compensation, but for recognition of their role inbuildingnationalwealth.

Unions today must return to bargaining beyondwagesandsalaries, and demand other benefits s u c h a s h o u s i n g development (Tucvlle Georgetown, Wisroc Linden, Kwakwani Upper Berbice) and “employer based” housing schemes as was achieved in the 1970's by the TUC These collective actions have n e v e r b e e n a b o u t disruptionforitsownsake, but about forcing fairness andrespectforlabourlaws Workers in realising the reluctance of their unionto aggressively pursue better wages and benefits on their behalf, must demand more be done or seek better representation.

The Bosai strike demonstrated that workers are still willing to raise their collective voice to ensure that salaries are in line with rising cost of living, respect for labour laws and toensurethatthey received right, proper and strong representation from theirunion.

It is by placing the interestsofthepeoplefirst, that our support must ensure that policies are in place to prioritise the working man and woman as the foundation of nation building

Sincerely SharmaSolomon MayorofLinden

U.S. indicts Mohameds in massive gold fraud...

From page 3

Government in the court papers indicted that it will be seeking forfeiture of property traceable to the proceeds of the scheme, including a seized shipment containing approximately US$5 3millioningoldbars

intercepted at Miami International Airport on June 11, 2024. This matter was never reported locally

and it came after the Mohameds were sanctioned

by the United States Treasury Department’s Office of Foreign Assets Control (OFAC) and their businesses barred from doing business with the GuyanaGovernment Should the Mohameds be convicted under these charges, the penalties may include substantial fines, asset forfeiture,andlengthyprison termsunderU.S.law

The Demerarawaves reported that the pair could faceamaximumof20years on each count, maximum supervised release of three years, a maximum fine of US$250,000 or twice the grosspecuniarygainorloss On the charges of wire fraud, he could also be sentenced to 20 years

i m p r i s o n m e n t a n d maximum supervised release of three years and a fineofUS$250,000ortwice the gross pecuniary gain or loss. The Grand Jury is also seeking a maximum of 20 years imprisonment, three yearssupervisedreleaseanda fine of US$500,000 or the

value of the property involved in the transaction

for conspiracy to commit moneylaundering New Opposition Leader

The timing and gravity ofthisindictmentcomeata time when Azruddin Mohamed is about to step into the constitutional office ofLeaderoftheOpposition. His four-month-old WIN party captured 16 seats in thenewNationalAssembly, surpassing the old PNCRled APNU grouping to become the primary oppositionbloc.

His rise caught many by surprise, with political watchers still figuring out whatcausedtheseismicshift in the electorate. Mohamed has already expressed readiness to take on his role as Opposition Leader pledging to channel his salary into community causes and to hold the government strictly accountable.

His party has named its 16 candidates to take up their positions as Members of Parliament in the 65-seat legislature here. Observers say that this grand jury indictment could scare or embolden supporters of the WINparty

OnFacebookyesterday political opponents have wasted no time in raising the alarm Some warn that allowing an indicted individual to assume such a powerful office may erode public trust in Parliament, b u t s u p p o r t e r s o f Mohamed, for their part, have argued that he is the target of political persecution and that he

remains innocent until provenguilty

Writing in a column in another section of the media, Kaieteur News columnist, GHK Lall said: “A man out of nowhere electrified swaths of the Guyanese electorate, even with sanctions hanging around his neck, and matters have come to this. Indictment via a U.S. grand jury

Myfirstquestionoutof a few today, is what does this do to the will of the Guyanese people, and their power to choose their own champions? Hasthewillof Guyanese been subverted, reducedtozilch?”

Lall further said: “I get belatedunderstandingasto why the parliamentary clock is currently being rundown to the last day

C o u l d i t b e t h a t developments from U S federal jurisprudence were awaited? What now, a request for extradition?

Meanwhile, Guyana’s parliament is enjoying a sabbatical, with taints staininglongbeforeitsdoors are reopened ” Lall said whatever Azruddin Mohamed was and is, however he would have turned out to be in parliament, he may not be allowedtoputfootinthere “I note that while several of Mohamed enterprises are specifically named in the grandjuryindictment,theWe Invest in Nationhood (WIN) party is not among them. If theheadofWINisremoved, where does that leave the

remaining body in parliament, and to what effect, since the people didn’t vote for them? How could that prompt his supporters to react? The seismic change in the political landscape could be the first victim. Neutered beforeitgotgoing,andwith implications for a return to the old rancid racial and political divisions,” Lall commented.

US sanctions

In mid-2024, OFAC imposed sanctions on both Azruddin and his father and then PPP executive member and Permanent Secretary, Mae Thomas citing allegations of tax evasion, corruption, and gold export schemes that deprived Guyana of substantialrevenues

According to the OFAC, the Mohamed’s allegedly evaded tax on goldexportsanddefrauded the Guyanese government of tax revenues by under declaring their gold exports to Guyanese authorities “Between 2 0 1 9 a n d 2 0 2 3 , Mohamed’s Enterprise omitted more than 10 thousandkilogramsofgold from import and export declarations and avoided paying more than US$50 million in duty taxes to the Government of Guyana,” theUSTreasuryalleged It further alleged that: “Mohamed’s Enterprise has bribed customs officials to falsify import and export documents, as well as to facilitate illicit

goldshipments

Mohamed’s Enterprise had paid bribes to Guyanese government officials to ensure the undisrupted flow of inbound and outbound personnel that move currency and other items on behalf of Azruddin and Mohamed’s Enterprise,” OFACalleged

O FA C h a d a l s o implicated Thomas in the Mohamed’swebofalleged corruption Inexchangefor cash payments and highvalue gifts, it was stated that Thomas misused her position, while as PS for the Ministry of Home Affairs to influence the award of official contract bids and the approval processes for weapons’ permits and passports on behalf of Mohamed’s Enterprise While the department only named and sanctioned Thomas, it was stated that other government officials are complicit for accepting bribes and giving the Mohamed’s favourable treatment.“Inreturn,corrupt officials receive cash and gifts for incidents that are overlooked.

A d d i t i o n a l l y , Mohamed’s Enterprise has paid bribes to corrupt Guyanese government officials to facilitate the award of government contracts,” the OFAC alleged.

Jurisdiction and extradition

Meanwhile, Guyanese have already started to ask

question as to whether the U S w i l l s e e k t h e extradition of the Mohameds Guyana does have an extradition treaty with the United States and in recent times officials from that country have come her

tain

n

o extradition Back in July this year Attorney General and Minister of Legal Affairs, Mohabir Anil Nandlall met with Sandy Rao, Senior Inspector, United States Department of Justice, United States Marshals Service, and Timothy Semons, Regional SecurityOfficer,Embassyof the United States of America.

The US Marshal Service is the lead Federal Law Enforcement Agency and Subject Matter Expert infugitivesandextradition matters in the United StatesofAmerica

AreleasefromtheAG’s Chambers had said that Rao expressed gratitude to theGovernmentofGuyana for enacting crucia

amendments to the Fugitive Offenders Act These amendments will mutually enhance both countries’ ability to expedite extradition cases between the two countries, many of which are pending, the release said Both sides had pledged to continue to work together in enhancing every aspect of mutual assistance and co-operation in criminal matters between the two countries.

Jagdeos relationship with contradiction is a work of art

There are few spectacles more wondrous than Bharrat Jagdeo explaining numbers Watching him analyse elections is like watching a magician pull a rabbit out of a hat, only to later insist that the hat produced the rabbit on its own.

Its fascinating, bewildering, and leaves you wondering whether logic tookavacationtoSuriname. At his latest press

conference, the Vice President declared that the Peoples Progressive Party/Civic (PPP/C) had triumphed by a landslide in the 2025 elections. We can hardly argue with that. But therealquestioniswhy Jagdeo had commenced the presser by asserting that the elections campaign was over.But.henoted,manyin the media were waging a campaign against the PPPC. He insisted that “we” meaning the PPPCwere not goingtopayanyattentionto them. But then he went and didtheexactopposite. Like a man insisting hes not angry while punching a wall, he launched into a tirade against the media, particularly Stabroek News, which he accused of vile editorialising.

treatsaxylophone.Hehitall the wrong keys but was impressedbythenoise.So,it should surprise no one that hisinterpretationofelectoral math has now entered the samesurrealdimension.

According to the Vice Presidents calculations, the PPP/C 46,000 secured more votes than the combined opposition.

In particular, he highlighted an editorial of the Stabroek News which was titled “Elections 9,161” and proceeded to dissect somenumbers. Now, to be fair, Jagdeo and numbers have always had a complicated relationship During his presidency, he treated the economy the way a toddler

That sounds impressive until you remember that in politics, as in dieting, numbers can be deceiving. The PPP/C didnt balloon in popularity; it merely expanded into the empty spaceleftbytheoppositions disappearingvoters.

Lets put it another way Imagine running a race against someone who decides halfway through to stop for a snow cone. Yes, youfinishedahead.Butwas

19-year-old miner jailed for 3 years for breaking and entering

A19-year-old goldminerfrom Bartica, was arrested on Friday and chargedonMondaywiththe offences of breaking and entering,simplelarcenyand break and enter to commit a felony

According to police, Aaron Wilson appeared at the Bartica Magistrates’ Court before His Worship

TeriqMohammed,wherethe chargeswerereadtohim.He pleaded guilty to all of the charges and was sentenced to one year on each of the three charges, to be served concurrently,”policesaid. The offenses were committed on Roy

Defreitas, Vashisht Ramillian, and St. John the Baptist Primary School in Bartica.

Charged Aaron Wilson

DEM BOYS SEH

Everybodysuddenlygetinfirm

Guyaneseisrealcreativepeople. Give dem a system and dem gonfindashortcut.

Thesedays,youcan’ttrustwhoyousee inawheelchairattheairport.Someofdem walkingbetterthanUsainBoltbutsoonas demtaxipullup,awheelchairwaitinglike chauffeur Dem sit down nice and proper, looking like dem just come out of surgery, andtheairlinestaffpushingdemthroughall thelineslikeroyalty

Dem boys seh is a new kind of “fast track” service — no need fuh VIPlounge, no need fuh pay extra. Just ask fuh wheelchair when you buy you ticket and you set. Straight through security, no long line.Straighttoimmigration,noquestions. Straight to boarding, before the pilot even wakeup.

One lady tell dem boys she try it once. She say she couldn’t believe how easy it was. From check-in to plane, everything smoothlikebabyskin.ShelandinGuyana, same thing — priority service, bags ready,

it because you sprinted or because your opponent developed a sudden craving forsyrupandice?

The truthpesky as it always isshows that the PPP/C improved its tally by 9,161 votes compared to 2020 The combined opposition, on the other hand, managed to shed an impressive 35,000. Jagdeos euphoriaislikeinheritingan empty house and bragging that you “won” the neighbourhood.

And lets not ignore Region 4 which is the political battleground where ballots go to test ones blood pressure. This time around, 21,000 fewer people voted therethanin2020.

T h e c o m b i n e d oppositionsvotecountinthe region dropped by 28,000. Meanwhile, the PPP/C eked out a modest improvement, goingfrom80,920to87,536 votes.Ifthatsatidalwaveof support, then a puddle must betheAtlanticOcean.

But Jagdeos genius doesntstopthere.Hepointed proudly to the partys “percentage gains” in North and South Georgetown, traditional opposition strongholds.

This is where the magic trick gets good. The PPP/C, he argued, made impressive inroads into these areas. What he failed to mention wasthattheonlyreasontheir percentages rose was because so many opposition votersstayedhome,perhaps watching cricket, perhaps

avoiding the line of duty at theballotbox.

Its the kind of statistical alchemy that could make evenEinsteinweep.Imagine declaring that youre now twiceaspopularbecausethe other guys supporters all went fishing Its like braggingthatyouvebecome the best restaurant in town aftereveryotherchefclosed shopandmigrated.

And yet, Jagdeos confidence is unshakable. Hispressconferencestyleis something between a university lecture and a stand-up act performed in front of a very nervous audience He oscillates between outrage and selfcongratulation like a man playing both good cop and badcoptohimself.

Jagdeos relationship with contradiction is a work of art. If irony had a face, it would wear a red tie and be holding a bar chart upside down.

And yet, there is a strange beauty in his logic. To Jagdeo, the absence of opposition voters is not apathy or disillusionment. It isasilentendorsementofthe PPP/C.

By this reasoning, if voter turnout drops to zero next election, the PPP/C could claim a 100% victory. Democracy would be declared triumphant, even if no one showed up to participate.

Still, lets give credit whereitsdue.Securing55%

of the vote is not

insignificant. Its just that, like most of Jagdeos economic miracles, its built on sand When the oppositionsbasestayshome and your own turnout dips only slightly less, the result saysmoreaboutfatiguethan enthusiasm. Its less a wave of support and more a collective shrug of the electorate.

ButdonttellJagdeothat. Hes a man who can turn defeat into defiance and arithmetic into art. In his world, fewer people voting for you means growing popularity,andfewerpeople voting at all means youve unifiedthenation.

So,whenhenextappears beforethepresswithanother round of his miracle mathematics, let us not mock.Letusmarvel.Forina region where politics often defieslogic,Jagdeohasdone the impossible: hes made mathematicsphilosophical.

And if you ever find yourself confused by his numbers,justrememberthis is the same man who once made a national economy lookprosperousbylowering expectations. Compared to that, turning an oppositions no-show into a historic victoryischildsplay

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

breeze through immigration. She seh she gon always use wheelchair now, “just to avoiddestress.”

But God don’t sleep. When she reach outside, she pickup late. Two hours she sit down in the wheelchair watching everybody else drive off. By the time she getpickup,shelegsnumbfuhreal.

Demboyssehnextthingyougonhearis peoplerentingwheelchairjustfuhskipthe airport line. Some gon even practice looking weak so it look convincing. But careful! The day you really need it, wheelchair service gon be full up with all dem “healthy” people pretending fuh be sick.

Guyanese don’t like wait. Dem like shortcutmorethandemlikepepperpot.But one day, when the whole plane full of wheelchairpassengers,whogonpushwho?

Dem boys seh Guyana turning into the onlyplacewhereeverybodyfit,butnobody couldwalk. Talkhalf.Leffhalf

H@RD TRUTHS

AFC stirring to life

Outofthebitter,choking ashesofignominiousretreat and defeat, theAlliance For Change (AFC) is showing some signs of life. Its Interim Leader, Mr David Patterson is. I wave a hand of encouragement in his direction and his group From the dark, gritty alleywaysoflife,itisoftena positive for a man to lose everything, thought of as nothing, given up as on the wayoutofthisworld,rather than someone with a foot planted in it. In the Old TestamentBible,therewasa man named Job. Many in theAFC should know of his ordeals,collapses.

They would have one themselves an injustice, if they paid scant attention to hisrebounds. Jobcameback higher than he was before. There should be a lesson, somemorselofinspirationin this the AFC's longest, darkest,loneliesthour

Though difficult from some to swallow, it is my duty to lend a hand to fallen brothers, be they of PPP, PNC, AFC, WIN, or FGM stock. Itisalsoself-serving for unprincipled Guyanese, of which they are a great many,nottounderstandthat it is not in me to give false cheer, to share what some desire to hear Whatever it is, that is what will be read here, heard elsewhere Thus, I say to the AFC's

David Patterson, there is recognition of someone-a leader, a man-who is gathering himself by the shoe laces to rise out of the holeintowhichtheAFC,asa political party, walked right into,thencurledintoaballto conceal its frailty and tears.

To his credit, Mr Patterson, now a seatless, constituentless,andhomelessMP,isnot taking defeat sitting down. He and his group have been knocked down, but they are not down for the count. I like that kind of resilience, that never-say-die spirit. I recallDr CheddiJagan,who somehow found it within himself to keep going, to go onbelieving.

Fulldisclosure:whenthe hangdogPattersonofthelost and dispirited AFC band stood up defiantly, and said thattheAFCwillbestronger and better in the future, I shrugged, mentally slapped himdown. Gotellthattothe Marines, brother Easy to say To do so (be better, stronger) is that heavy slog thatcallsforproofdelivered everystepoftheway Show me! Show some muscle. Show some attitude. Show that courageous flair of which warriors are made. Theterritorytobeconquered and lays ahead in the daunting stretch of five demanding years calls for some juice. Do the interim leader and his band of

decimated,strickenwarriors have what it takes, what the environmentrequires? That sparklingpersuasivepower? That power of flickering, then surging, credibility, now at its lowest tide?

David Patterson surprised and, it must be said, pleasantlyso.

In no particular order, I selectsomeofthetargetshe choseandletloosewithone cannonball after another. Oilauditsareafarce. Those are nice, fat, sitting ducks. What audit truths did Guyana get out of those? What value did Guyanese get for all those U.S. dollars paid? What did Guyana recover after so many speeches, and so many years? In this country, I believe that auditors have been given dark shades, and walking sticks, and with those fateful marching orders:knowwheretowalk, know where not to walk, where not to look. Above all,walkinthecorner,which is leaded with meaning for Guyanese.

Next, Mr Patterson came down hard on the Exxon-Guyana 50:50 profit sharingscheme. Itisoneof those cosmic mysteries that tamperswithaccountingand arithmetic logic so cleverly, that Exxon's half and Guyana's half don't equal one Or, even more insultingly, where Guyana's

profithalfisnotinthesame dollar category as the half that Exxon receives Illusion is a charitable descriptionforthathalf-andhalf profit-sharing contraption. Some senior Guyanese may fool themselves that Guyana is collecting what resembles half,butwhatisanimpostor.

Last, the AFC Interim Chair said what GECOM's peoplemaynotwanttohear. GECOM has outlived its

usefulness Personally speaking, GECOM as it stands should already have been taken to some quiet corner and put out of its misery Shake it up, turn it upsidedown,insideout,then get rid of the whole kit and kaboodle. Start over Mr PattersonandIareonethere. Less politicians, more real people. Twoproblemsarise: where to find the latter?

Further, I think I lost Mr. Patt

neighbourlyfeelingshemay h a v e h a r b o u r e d Nevertheless, he is rising, whichIlaud. Hemustcarry theAFC on his back. Keep upthefire,firingaway The AFC is fighting for its life. David Patterson infuses some oxygen. (The views expressed in this article are those of the author and do not necessarily reflect the opinionsofthisnewspaper.)

Minister Edghill urges responsible behaviour to avoid congestion at New Bridge

Minister of Public Works, Juan Edghill on Monday made a call to drivers approaching the new Bharrat Jagdeo (BJ) Demerara River Bridge, to exercise the five Cs – care, caution, consideration, commonsenseandcourtesy, to ensure the proper use of the roundabout and avoid trafficcongestion.

The minister's appeal came hours after a traffic builduponMondaymorning on the western end (Region Three)ofthenewbridge.

Addressing the issue during a press briefing, the minister was joined by members of the Guyana Police Force (GPF) to discuss the traffic management relating to the newbridge.

“I think this morning (Monday), we had a little panic issue,” he said, noting thattheissuewasrectified.

“The first thing that I would want to say to everybody, the bridge will not be closed for two lanes traffic, like what used to happenattheoldbridge.The bridge will see a continual flowoftrafficuninterrupted. Therewillbenostoppageof traffic in the morning or in the afternoon We have moved from a two-lane bridge to a four-lane bridge. We used to close off the bridge for double traffic to clear the volume and the congestion in the mornings andtheafternoons.Thereare no priority lanes, and the bridge will not be closed for onesidetoparkandtheother sidetogo,”heexplained.

The minister noted that the days for stoppages are over

On Sunday, President IrfaanAli commissioned the new US$262 million fourlaneDemeraraRiverBridge, which now replaces the old serving two-lane Harbour Bridge.

When using and approaching the new bridge, the minister said persons need to practice the five Cs and everybody will get wheretheyaregoing.

He said persons need to exercise patience, caution,

consideration and responsible behaviour when usingallroundabouts.

“So, everybody just needs to follow the roundabout. Do your thing, get into your two lanes, get on the bridge, discharge and use the roundabout in a safe way,”hepleaded.

According to the minister, the approach road to bridge from the Region Three end is still under construction and will be completedwithintwoweeks' time.

“The approach road to the old Demerara River

Bridge and northern

carriageway will be improved to connect to the newbridge.Asaresult,over the next several days, the Chinese contractor will be working day and night to completethatlane,”hesaid.

“So, I want to put everybody'sfearstorest.The culture of getting to the Harbor Bridge before the double lane traffic start, whereyouhadtospeeddown the East Bank highway, it's over Theculturethatwehad for the people of the West Side coming to Georgetown forworkorforbusiness.You have to get there before the

double lane starts at six o'clock,it'sover Justusethe road in keeping with the rules,thespeedlimitsandthe roundabouts,”hestated.

Herelatedthattheremay be some amount of slow movement, including peak hours on the roundabouts, but everybody will keep moving.

Minister Edghill pointed out also that the police will not be blocking traffic anymore at the roundabouts, “but if you misuse the roundabout, the police will be here to prosecute and to ensure that we have responsibleusage.”

Speakingalsowastraffic c h i e f , S e n i o r Superintendent, Mahendra Singh who further informed the media that traffic ranks would be positioned to deal directly with offence commission, that persons followthelawandensurethe right usage of the roundabout.

“Drivers are expected to understand that there is an international standardised signage that is on the roadway that has since yield not to come to a complete stop, but that your recognised speed must be brokentoanacceptablelevel that would allow for continuous movement from either direction into the roundabout,”thetrafficchief mentioned.

He also stated that the motorist population is to understand that “For every action of yours that is not contextualise to be lawful andthepointswillbeproven, you can and will be charged or ticketed and be placed beforethecourtoflaw.”

…Oil Minister hesitant to disclose initial disputed sum flagged GRAstillfinalising3rdExxonaudit

The Guyana Revenue Authority(GRA)islockedin discussionwithExxonMobil GuyanaLimited(EMGL)on thefindingsofthethirdaudit conducted by VHE Consulting.

Theauditorsweretasked with reviewing some US$19 6B in expenses incurred by the operator of the Stabroek block, during theperiod2021to2023.

Inaninvitedcommenton Monday, Natural Resources Minister, Vickram Bharrat told this publication that the taxagencyisstillconducting its review with Exxon, as provided under the terms of the 2016 Petroleum Agreement(PA).

To this end, he was hesitanttodisclosetheinitial disputed sum flagged by the auditors. Bharrat explained, “The auditors would flag a figure and then it goes back to the company and the company might be able to produceevidenceorreceipts for everything so it keeps adjusting all the time so it’s nouseIgiveyouafigureand then it might raise questions allaround.”

The minister urged that the GRA be granted a few more days to complete the process with the oil company “Remember they would give the company time to provide evidence of spending and so,” he said while assuring that the third audit report will be made public on the website upon completion of the ongoing exchanges between Exxon andtheGRA.

InMaythisyear,Bharrat said government would revealthedisputedsumafter the GRA completed its review of the report. His commentscameontheheels of an announcement that Ramdihal & Haynes Inc; Eclisar Financial; and Vitality Accounting & Consultancy Inc (VHE Consulting) completed the reportandhandedoversame tothetaxagency

reviewing some US$7.2B in costs this time and found US$65 1M incorrectly charged. Additionally, the third audit for the years 2021-2023, of a whopping US$19.6B was completed since May this year but the disputedcostsflaggedbythe localauditteamhasnotbeen revealed.

With government’s failure to recover the sums flagged to date by the auditors and reveal key information on the third

The third audit, which commenced in November 2024, was initially expected to be completed by March, butanextensionwasgranted tothetimelinebytheGoG.It is important to note that the audit in question is the largest in the country’s history, yet auditors were granted a mere five months toconductthereview

It should be noted that auditsarecriticaltoensuring that the country is not cheatedbytheoilcompanies through the procurement of goods and services from the company’s contractors. This process is particularly important since the oil contract with ExxonMobil and its partners provides for the operator to deduct 75% of the monthly revenues generated to clear its expenses The remaining 25% is then shared with Guyana as profits The reports provide a summary of key findings and recommendations by the auditteam.

Just last week Chairman of the Alliance For Change (AFC), David Patterson raisedconcernregardingthe audit process which he deemed a “farce”. In an interview with Kaieteur News, the former Minister highlighted that three audits havebeencompletedtodate but government is no closer to recovering any of the money blatantly misused by Exxon during the respective periods.

The first audit of Exxon covered the period 19992017.Duringthistimeframe, Exxon said it incurred US$1.6B in expenses, but the British auditors found US$214M of those costs were wrongfully included. Governmenthassaiditisnot budging on the figure and willfightExxontoreturnthe sum.

Meanwhile, the second audit covered the period 2018-2020 A Guyanese audit team were tasked with

audit, Patterson said the entireprocessisafarce.

He said, “Well, I think that is a farce. You know, I mean,Ithinkitisabsolutely farcical,because,Imeanthe first audit was completed. That’s under dispute. They said they were going to arbitration. We have heard nothing. The second audit was supposed to be completed. We questioned thevalidityofthataudit,how sound it was, but it’s been completed That’s under

challenge. The third audit was supposed to be completed, that still hasn’t beenmadepublic” Patterson continued, “So it really and truly, it’s laughable to think we’re into almost our tenth year since oil discovery and sixyearsofoilproductionand we can’t simply get one audit, correct? One audit publiclydoneandsealed.”

Further, as government remains tightlipped on the audit findings of the largest review completed to date of

thecompany,theformerMP expressed concern He noted, “This is the same governmentthatreducedthe amount from US$214M to US$3M, so they have no interest really in trying to upsetExxon.Ithinktheyare more pro-operators than the operators themselves ” Accordingtohim,Guyanese should be worried that the government is acting in the shadows when dealing with t h e m u l t i n a t i o n a l corporation.

‘We

will challenge the charges’ - Mohameds

Leader of the We Invest in Nationhood (WIN) Azruddin Mohamed has vowed to fight on despite the latest setback with the United States government unsealing a 11-count indictment against him and his father for tax evasion here. And he assured that the charges against him by the United States will be challenged. Mohamedsaidheisassemblinga batteryoflawyersfromGuyana, Trinidad and Tobago and the United Kingdom to fight his battle.

The indictment, unsealed on October 2, 2025, accuses the Mohameds of orchestrating an elaborate fraud and moneylaundering scheme involving gold exports,customsfraud,bribery,and theevasionofmillionsintaxesand royaltiesowedtoGuyana.

The case, captioned United States of America v. Nazar Mohamed & Azruddin Mohamed, isfiledintheU.S.DistrictCourtfor the Southern District of Florida under case number 25-CR-20441 (WILLIAMS/LETT). Among the statutes cited are: conspiracy to commit mail and wire fraud (18 U.S.C. § 1349), wire fraud (18 U.S.C. § 1343), mail fraud (18 U.S.C. § 1341), conspiracy to commit money laundering (18 U.S.C. § 1956(h)), and related forfeiture statutes (18 U.S.C. §§ 981,982).

At the heart of the US Government’scaselieseveralcore allegations, among them gold export fraud and customs seal reuse. The indictment seen by this new

...blame Govt.‘for all of this’

Mohamed’s Enterprise, the Guyana-based gold wholesaling and export company controlled 90% by Nazar and 10% by Azruddin, is alleged to have sold goldtobuyersinMiamiandDubai, while circumventing Guyana’s revenueandregulatorysystem.The indictment claims that the defendants would reuse official GuyanaRevenueAuthority(GRA) and Guyana Gold Board (GGB) customs seals and export declarations, originally applied legally on one shipment on subsequent shipments for which theyhadnotpaidtaxesorroyalties. This, prosecutors say, created the false impression that proper paymentshadbeenmade.

Additionally, the duo is also accusedofbribingstateofficialsto facilitatetheir alleged corrupt acts. The indictment sets forth that the MohamedspaidbribestoGuyanese government officials, including customs agents to allow the acceptance of duplicate paperwork and reused seals. Through this mechanism, the scheme allegedly enabled the evasion of duties and royalties that should have gone to Guyana’s coffers Political observers say if Azruddin Mohamed takes up the mantle of LeaderoftheOpposition,hewould be walking a razor’s edge: balancing political ambition with his legal troubles and courtroom defenses. “In the coming weeks, Guyaneseeyeswillbefixedonhow his legal team responds, how the

U.S.caseunfoldsandcruciallyhow Guyana’s constitutional institutionsreact,”oncommentator toldKaieteurNews.

In a brief interview with Kaieteur News on Monday AzruddinMohamedassuredthathe will be taking up his role as leader oftheOppositionwhenParliament is convened. “I will be moving ahead as opposition leader and my party will represent the people of this country In the first place becauseofthepolitics,Iaminthis unfortunate situation. My father is the owner of Mohamed’s Enterprise not me I wasn’t supposed to be sanctioned in first place,”theyoungerMohamedsaid. He said the PPP/C Government’s paid lobbyist out of Washington is working overtime to stop his movement. “But I will fight on, I will not let my people down,” Mohamedsaid.

Asked how are MPs taking this new development and whether he feels this could hurt his support on the ground, Mohamed responded: “My MPs aresupportingmefully,theyknow that the PPPis behind this because thePPPseeWINasathreatandwe are gaining even more support because everyone is seeing how relentlessisthePPP.”

Feartactic

Inasubsequentpressstatement, Mohamed acknowledged that whiletherearelegalconstraintson how much he can share at this juncture,“Iampermittedtosaythis

A Scotiabank official interacting with students of the programme

cotiabank Guyana has

h STEMGuyana by introducing financial literacy workshops to students enrolled in the charity’s LearningPodsProgramme.

Parliament and swear in the duly electedopposition?”

Leader of WIN, Businessman, Azruddin Mohamed

muchintheinterim;theleadership of the PPP has been advancing a sustained narrative against the Mohameds aimed at discrediting us.Makenomistake;thisisnotjust a personal attack; this is political; this is a fear tactic. The PPP has seen what is possible after a mere threemonthsofcampaigning;they knowwhatisatstake,andtheyare reactingaccordingly.”

Headded:“Myemergenceinto Parliament after campaigning for only three months sends a clear message of how quickly our movement has changed the political landscape in Guyana. It wasdeclaredthatWINhas16seats, though that allocation does not reflect our numbers on the ground. We are grateful because this result is a remarkable achievement on entry. The PPP knows what is at stake in 2030, and they want no challengersinParliament.ThePPP holdsamajority;whythenarethey stalling to convene the 13th

Mohamed said the PPP/C administration misused public funds- some US$300,000 USD to hire a U.S. lobby firm whose sole purposeistosmearandmarginalise political opponents; “in this instance, their sole purpose is to target the Mohameds and, in their attacks,paintafalsenarrativeabout us. Now you know the purpose of the nearly 63 million GYD wasted on a lobby firm – political persecution and that money could have been used to uplift the people,”theWINleadersaid.

He said fearing the momentum seenatthelastelectionandthecry oftheGuyanesepeopleforchange, “they(PPP/C)aredoingeverything possible to stop me. The constant attacks, whether directly or indirectly, are to weaken me, with hopesthatiftheyhithardenough,I will cower and retreat. Truth be told, if I rid myself of my political ambitions,theseattackswillcease, butI,AzruddinMohamed,leaderof We Invest in Nationhood and Leader of the Opposition (Elect), reaffirm my commitment to you, the Guyanese people. I will continue to stand up and fight, no matterthecost.

Pleaseknowthatfortheloveof country and on the principle of serviceoverself,Istandresolute.I will not be silenced. When the wicked came to eat up my flesh, they stumbled and fell. Though theyencampagainstme,Ishallnot fear To my supporters, thank you for standing with me,” the statementconcluded.

Scotiabank,STEMGuyanaempowerstudentswithfinancial literacyskillsthroughLearning PodsProgramme

Shellon Garner, Manager of Finance at Scotiabank and lead facilitatoroftheworkshops,shared the following after an in-person workshop at the Albouystown Learning Pod

Over the past two weeks, the Bank hosted both in-person and virtual sessions designed to give younglearnersasolidfoundationin financial basics, including budgeting,saving,andinvesting.In a press release the bank said launched during the COVID-19 p

Learning Pods Programme was created to combat learning loss amongschool-agedchildren. It presently provides afterschool enrichment in Science, Mathematics,English,Technology, Robotics, and Coding for primary and secondary students across the country

Through Scotiabank’s partnership,117studentsfromfive

ana’s

Learning Pods - Parika, Albouystown,Angoy, St. Ignatius, and Tabating are now also gaining criticalfinancialanddigitalliteracy skills.

“The workshop focusedonpracticalfinancialskills and the participants responded with enthusiasm and curiosity Many left the session with greater confidence in managing their financesandastrongdetermination to apply what they learned to improve their future and communities.”

Karen Abrams, Executive

Director of STEMGuyana, added: “”ScotiabankGuyana’spartnership with STEMGuyana is expanding what’s possible for our Learning Pod students In Albouystown, learners receive two days of academic support and one day of technology education each week, and the recent financial literacy workshop added practical lessons in saving, budgeting, and smart decision-making These experienceshelpouryoungpeople becomeconfident,responsible,and future-ready.”

Nafeeza Gaffoor, Country

Manager of Scotiabank Guyana, emphasised the importance of this initiative: “At Scotiabank, we believe financial literacy is the foundation of empowerment. By equipping young people with the tools to budget, save, and make wise financial decisions, we’re helping to unlock their potential and strengthen communities for generations to come This partnership with STEMGuyana ensures our students are not only academically prepared, but also resilient and financially confident tofacethefuture.”

‘Loosewheels,lostlife’

- husband blames truck owner’s neglect for wife’s death

Leroy Punch, the husband of 65-year-old DonnaPunch,whotragically lost her life in a freak vehicular mishap, is holding the owner and driver responsible for the tragedy which has left the community in shock and grief.

The woman, Lot 40 Section A, Alness Village, Corentyne Berbice, was killed on Sunday, when the rearwheelofapassinglorry flew off and smacked her while on her way to church with her husband. The now dead woman was arranging transportationforherselfand husband when the incident occurred. As a car was pulling over to collect them, the husband recalled that he heard a truck approaching, but entered the car nonetheless.

“Suddenly, for some reason I just glimpsed back to the direction of the lorry, and is a big tire coming straighttomeandmywife.I barelytakeevasiveactionoff of instinct,” Punch told KaieteurNews.

The next image he saw after was that of his wife tumblinginthedirectionofa nearby drain. He said based ontheimpactoftheblowand her position when she stopped, he was certain she wasdead.

“WhenIrundowninthe

corner,sinceIholdmywife, I know she died…herwhole head was sheer blood,” he detailed.

ShewastakentothePort MourantHospitalwhereshe was pronounced dead on arrival. Punch disclosed that the driver fled the scene withoutassisting.

“Whenyouknowyouhit somebody, you’re supposed to at least come to render assistance, ” Punch lamented.

The owner’s family, however,didreachouttothe bereaved family, he confirmed.

Nevertheless, the grieving 64-year-old husband vented to this publication that it was the negligence of both the vehicle operator and owner of the lorry that caused the demise of his wife of nearly 40years.

A former truck driver himself,Punchstatedthatfor such types of vehicles, frequent inspections should be conducted before they begin their daily course on theroadways.

“These people are very careless.You can’t get these bigvehiclesandain’tservice them….and you’re going to pick up a truck and start driving without even

checking your lug nut? That is the first thing you’re supposed to do because that isdeath.”

Punch, who is also a pastor, previously worked for many years as a heavyduty vehicle operator He toldthisnewspaperthatheis very much familiar with the weightofthetrucktires,and could understand precisely why the impact caused the deathofhispartner

“When you come in the morning to pick up your truck to drive, your service man gets into the truck, checkthewheel,comeback, turn on the truck, check the gauges and thing kinda things, and you (also) gon’ second check. But a man who will jump on a truck withoutcheckinghiswheels is a total failure,” the extruckerreasoned.

This negligence on the part of the owner and the driver, he said, cost him his wife, a pensioner, whom he described as serviceoriented to her church, and whose upstanding character the entire community could vouchfor

The couple resided at Alness and had three childrentogether

Meanwhile, police in a release Monday said

investigationisongoinginto the fatal incident which occurred on Sunday, on the Alnesspublicroadinvolving motor lorry #GAJ 4955, driven by Divindranauth Seeram, a 35-year-old resident of Corentyne, and pedestrianDonnaPunch.

The statement said two pedestrians came out of a streetonthenorthernsideof Alnesspublicroad,andwere standing on the side of the road According to information gathered, the lorry was proceeding west alongthesoutherndrivelane when both of its right-side rear wheels became dislodged and collided with Donna Punch who was standing on the northern corneroftheroad.

As a result of the collision, the pedestrian fell ontothegrassparapet,where she received injuries to her head and body She was pickedup in an unconscious condition by public-spirited citizensandtakentothePort Mourant Public Hospital, where she was pronounced dead on arrival. Her body is at Ramoo’s Funeral Home, awaiting a post-mortem examination.

The lorry driver is in police custody, assisting withtheinvestigation.

Finance minister urges modernisation, improved service delivery at NIS

As the National Insurance Scheme (NIS) marked its 56th anniversary on Monday, Senior Minister intheOfficeofthePresident with Responsibility for Finance, Dr Ashni Singh, has urged the staff members to modernise the operations of the institution and enhance service delivery

through the use of technology to reduce delays andinconveniencetoclients.

A d d r e s s i n g t h e anniversaryceremonyatthe Arthur Chung Conference

C e n t r e , D r S i n g h emphasised that the NIS plays a crucial role as the country's main provider of post-retirement pensions and social security benefits, including med

provisions He, however, noted that the institution mustdomoretoimproveits efficiency and the quality of servicesofferedtocitizens.

“Thisisaveryimportant institution,” the minister stated “We need more efficiency and citizenfriendly services, improved servicequality PresidentAli has emphasised that every available opportunity, it m u s t a l m o s t b e , simultaneously be a modern Guyana in terms of the quality of service that is providedtocitizens,andthe qualityofcitizeninteraction withserviceproviders.So,I wanttoasktheboardandthe managementandthestaffto thinkveryseriously,because I intend to have this

conversationwithyouabout how service quality can be improved in a visible, tangible way that citizens can feel that we are being served better by this new NIS.”

DrSinghencouragedthe NIS to introduce concrete initiatives that eliminate long-standing frustrations faced by contributors and pensioners Citing examples,herecalledthatin the past, pensioners were required to join long lines monthly to collect their pension. “We now have the technology to deposit pensions directly into bank accounts,” he said, noting that of the 59,856 active pensioners,20,586currently (Continuedonpage16)

PAHO engages COA members and health authorities to promote health cooperation across the Americas

Pan American Health Organisation (PAHO) Director Dr Jarbas Barbosa met last week Wednesday October 1 with members of theCounciloftheAmericas' HealthcareSeriesleadership group and with health authorities from Argentina, Brazil, the Dominican Republic, Guyana, and Panama to advocate for stronger cooperation in health financing and security According to a press release, during a highlevel dinner at COA's Washington office on the margins of the 62nd PAHO Directing Council, Dr Barbosa said that Latin America has a unique opportunity to place health at the heart of the regional agendaaheadofDecember's Summit of the Americas in theDominicanRepublic.

“Bringing together public health officials and private-sector leaders exemplifies the kind of

partnership we need to address the complex challengesattheintersection ofhealthandtheeconomyin our region,” said Dr Barbosa “We need sustained financing, innovation, and cross-sector partnerships to reach the most vulnerable and sustain progress.”

During the meeting, Council of the Americas members expressed their interest in working with PAHO to strengthen health policiesandcontributetothe development of strategies that result in better health outcomes across the region. They also viewed this engagement as an opportunity to offer their support and expertise in advancing shared health goalsacrossthehemisphere.

Dr Barbosa outlined a range of priorities for advancing health across the Americas, with a particular focus on tackling

noncommunicable diseases (NCDs).Heemphasisedthat addressing conditions such as diabetes, cardiovascular disease, and cancer is not only a health imperative but also an economic one, as NCDsstrainhealthsystems, reduce labor force participation, and limit productivity

He also underscored the importance of regional cooperation and economic growth, noting that when governmentsandtheprivate sector align with PAHO's technical expertise, the r e s u l t s c a n b e transformative fostering

security, and driving longtermprosperity.Participants agreed that health and the

partnerships across sectors essential to building a healthier, more resilient region.

Chino wanted

for murder

A30yearoldman

identified as Nevin Eversely alsocalled'Chino'iswanted bytheGuyanaPoliceForce (GPF)formurder

NIS staffs at its 56th anniversary

Miner gets three months' sentence for causing grievous bodily harm

A miner who police has identified as 39-year-old Darius Mason, was sentencedtothreemonthsin prisonforinflictinggrievous bodilyharm.

Accordingtoastatement fromthepolice,Masonwho hails from the “Wax Creek, Upper Mazaruni River, was arrested on October 2 and charged on Monday,

October 6, for inflicting “grievous bodily harm” on JuniorMatthews. HeappearedonMonday via Zoom at the Kamarang Magistrate's Court before His Worship Magistrate TeriqMohammed,wherethe chargewasreadtohim.

Mason pleaded guilty before the sentence was handeddowntohim.

murder accused Nevin Eversely also called 'Chino’

WANTED VACANCY

Sales Rep needed, ages 1830 years. Knowledge of vehicle model will be an asset. Contact: 619-1237.

Job openings: Truck drivers, AC Technician, Excavator and Skid Steer Operator. To apply send applications via Whatsapp: 6891111 / 608-2114.

Drivers to drive Canter & Porters to work in Warehouses. Experience will be an asset. Call : 673-7373.

One male Gardener to work at New Haven, Belair. 7am4pm Mon-Fri & Sat if required $6600 per day. Call: 611-7839.

Supervisor for supermarket and Accounts clerk for Charity, Excavator Operators for Pomeroon. Contact: 688-0417/ 654-7162/ 6875814/ 223-5273.

Security, Male sales clerk, Cashier for Charity. Cook to work T A & S Fastfood in Charity. Contact: 6880417/ 654-7162/ 687-5814/ 223-5273.

Wanted one sales person, age 20-30 years. Call: 6807402.

Wanted one Maid. Call: 680-1282.

Girl to work in Printery/ office age 20-25 years old, Campbellville, Georgetown. Tele: 621-5140.

Puri/ Roti Maker & Porters needed at Rabbies Snackette 266 Thomas & New Market St. Call: 648-8279 / 231-6591.

Handyboys & Ark Welders. Living accommodation and meals provided. Call: 6275043 / 639-1315.

SERVICES

VISA Application for USA, Canada, UK, ETA, ETC. Naturalisation guidance + application filling & Building Plans. Tel: 626-7040.

We offer mobile windshield replacements & repairs by certified Technicians for all Make & Model Vehicles. Call Andio: 658-6368.

Vacancy for Hotel & Restaurant Manager and Accountant. Apply in person Lot 29 Sussex Street, Georgetown. Tele: 757-8231.

Experienced farmer/ Worker (Hauruni), Handyman for Peters Hall & Domestic Worker. Tele: 226-9492.

Receiptionist, Office assistant & Accounts clerk needed, Attractive Salary. Call: 617-5700 9am-4pm Monday- Friday

Domestic worker for the interior. Call: 700-1196.

Receptionist and Administrative assistant. Email- CV To Sheneezanazim.sabmining@ gmail.com / Call : 608-2444 / 632-1293.

1-Driver. Contact : 622-3940

One clerk for TSI Eccles office English 1, Maths 2 call 615-9132 or email application to techserigy@yahoo.com

Driver must be able to assist in workshop at Eccles, age 2350, Car/ Van licence Call 6159132.

Maid for East Bank area call 615-9132.

One (1) female cleaner for Eccles office call 645-8443

Vacancy exists for a Canter Driver to procure and deliver materials to construction sites around Georgetown. Call: 225-5818 / 656-0603 (Whatsapp)

Exist for one Cook & General Domestic, aged 40 years or older, Located East Bank. Call : 619-9317

One working female to share an apartment. Call : 738-0764.

FOR SALE

295/ 75R22.5 $40K EACH. FOR MORE INFORMATION CALL/WHATSAPP: +592688-3201.

1-256 KVA Caterpillar Generator. Contact: 622-3940

Plants for sale Dragon fruit, Sago Palm & Alo Vera. Call Tony: 664-1856.

VEHICLES FOR SALE

1 Honda CRV, includes TV, music system, alarm, reverse camera, spoiler, low mileage PTT Series (first owner). Call: 649-0956.

Mercedes Benz, E220 Diesel 2009 Manual Transmission, six forward gears. Call : 6211634 / 637-9541.

FOR RENT

Top flat to rent, only for business, 29 Creen & Durban Street,Newburg. Contact: 604-9875.

Upper flat 3 bedroom for rent, Located Herstelling New Scheme East Bank Demerara. Contact: 265-3095 / 696-1994.

Finance minister urges modernisation...

From page 15 receive payments through the banking system. He urged the NIS to actively promote this option so that more pensioners can benefit from convenient, direct payments.

The minister also highlighted the introduction of WhatsApp services, which allow clients to submit certificates and conduct other transactions virtually. He noted the establishment of an NIS call center in New Amsterdam, staffed by about 20 employees, that handles phone and WhatsApp queries.

However, Dr Singh cautioned that such services must function effectively.

“I don't want to put it to the test and dial the WhatsApp number and discover that it is ringing out because we can tell citizens that we're offering a WhatsApp line, and then when you dial the WhatsApp line, it goes unanswered.

So, we need to make sure I'm appealing to you again but if we say that we are providing a WhatsApp service, we must actually be providing a WhatsApp service.

We mustn't be publishing some numbers. And when people dial these numbers, they can't get through, because then they complain, and then they are right to complain,” he stressed.

Dr Singh called for the expansion of digital solutions, including online access to contribution statements, and reaffirmed the government's zero-tolerance stance on poor customer service.

“You are expected to provide good quality service to citizens. If you feel that you are not in a position to do so for whatever reason, please make way for others who are more willing and able to do so,” he said firmly.

Meanwhile, NIS General Manager, Ramesh Persaud, echoed the minister's call for technological advancement and faster service delivery. He emphasised that the organisation must evolve with global digital trends.

“Now we exist in an environment that almost all of you in this room are capable of going online to inquire of various types of information that you require.

Now, as an organisation,

we need to reach to that state whereby we are contributing to the movement of the ecosystem, rather than the ecosystem alone, shifting us out there.

Now customer satisfaction from our beneficiary, we need to move to a future state whereby all of our transactions can be done online, whereby we can serve the public by self-service online. we want to be in a position whereby we to some extent, catch up to what the technology in the world is taking us, and also to leave that realm. We exist not to serve our friends, not to serve you know, certain members of society only.

We exist to serve every member of society,” Persaud stated. He noted that the New Amsterdam Call Center currently handles over 20 simultaneous calls, improving public interaction through both phone and WhatsApp channels.

He added that the NIS has also implemented a second work shift, operating until 23:00hrs, dedicated to processing claims and reducing backlogs.

NIS records 75,000 increase

in active contributors

The National Insurance Scheme (NIS) has recorded an increase of more than 75,000 active contributors overthepastfiveyears.

This announcement was made by Senior Minister in the Office of the President with Responsibility for Finance, Dr Ashni Singh, during the Scheme's 56th anniversarycelebrations.He notedthattheNIShasshown s t e a d y g r o w t h i n contributors,bothemployed and self-employed, mirroring the country's economicdevelopment.

“Forthegreaterpart,this growth reflects the enabling dynamics in the Guyanese economy, and you can see this reflected in the numbers,” Dr Singh stated. He revealed that from August 2020 to August 2025, the number of active contributors rose by 75,000, which indicates that nearly 70,000 more persons are employed now compared to 2020.

“What this number reflects is consistency with that which has been determined by other administrative data that we havethatmorenearly70,000 persons are working today, more than we're working in Augustof2020.

Reflecting the growth and expansion in our economy, the expansion in private investment, they create the opening of new

ompanies and new

businesses and new enterprises, and the creation

of more jobs,” the minister explained.

Providing a breakdown, Dr Singh said that when PresidentIrfaanAliassumed office in 2020, there were 184,928 active employed contributors to NIS. By August 2025, that number climbed to 253,489, representing an increase of 68,561 contributors, nearly 35 per cent growth over the five-yearperiod.

Similarly, the number of self-employed contributors more than doubled In August 2020, there were 6,210 active self-employed contributors, and by August 2025, that number rose to 13,288,markinganincrease ofover113percent.

Dr Singh noted that this growthcomesasnosurprise given Guyana's rapid economicexpansion.

“This is consistent with more persons engaging in self-employed activities, which we know statistically and anecdotally, we know that from observing what is happeninginoursocietyand intheeconomy,andsowhat we see reflected in the scheme is exactly what we would expect to see given the rapid expansion and growth that we're seeing in the economy,” he said, adding that the government expectscontinuedeconomic growth and further expansionoftheNIS.

Meanwhile, NIS general manager Ramesh Persaud r e p o r t e d n o t a b l e im

Senior Minister in the Office of the President with Responsibility for Finance, Dr. Ashni Singh

processing of claims. “We have seen a significant reduction in outstanding claims.Fivetosixyearsago, the average number of pending claims was around 15,000 permonth;now, that number has dropped to under2,000claimsspending permonth,”Persaudstated.

He added that the NIS has increased its processing capacity from about 5,000 claims per month to over 20,000, ensuring that nearly 65,000 beneficiaries receive payments for pensions or claims.

“Yes, there are many pending matters that are burdensome, and I think the governmentdidanexcellent job in inducing funding to facilitate closure of many mattersthatwouldneedtobe theone-offcashgrant.AndI thinkthathastakenonalife of its own, and people are happy about bringing closures to those matters,” Persaudsaid.

Venezuelan found dead in Cuyuni Backdam

A Venezuelan national was found dead at Quart Stone Backdam, Cuyuni River, on Monday, police haveconfirmed.

DetailsfromtheGuyana Police Force disclosed that Calvin Johnson, a 50-yearsecurity guard attached to a Russian company in the Cuyuni Backdam, reported the death to the Bartica PoliceStation.Accordingto the police, Johnson told

Barticaboatoperator'smurder… Wantedmanwas previouslychargedforrobbingschoolgirl,10

Aleeba London, the 26-year-old suspect wanted for the murder of Bartica boat operator Ryan Fredericks,40,isnostranger topolice.

In 2024, police issued a wanted bulletin for him and anotherman,DellonGeorge, for a series of robberies committed on Chinese owned businesses along the East Bank Demerara (EBD) corridor

There are no reports on whether he was ever nabbed and placed before the court, or if he was cleared of the allegations leveled against him. However, he is widely known for being the main suspect in a violent robbery committedagainsta10-yearoldschoolgirlinJune,2020. AmuchyoungerLondonhad appeared at the Diamond Magistrate's Court before Magistrate Rondel Weaver toanswertocharge.

He had pleaded notguilty and was remanded to prison.Therewerenofurther reports on whether he was

everconvictedofthecrime.

He was accused of punching a 10-year-old school girl in the stomach and robbing her of her cellphoneandcash.

Fast forward to 2025 he is now being accused of murder Police suspect that he might be involved in the killing of Bartica boat operator,RyanFrederickson August28,atanEBDhotel.

Police has since charged a 29-year-old housewife, Kassandra Waldron, for murder She was remanded to prison Police had capturedLondontoo. He was scheduled to appear in court on the same daywithWaldrontofacethe murder charge, but slipped out of the court lock-ups after a police sergeant left it unattended to fill-in for a colleague who was running late London is now a fugitiveandthesergeantand the colleague are now under investigation by the police f o r c e ' s O ff i c e o f Professional Responsibility (OPR).

Two charged for driving under the influence

Two men were on Monday charged at the Bartica Magistrate's Court before M a g i s t r a t e Te r i q Mohammed for driving undertheinfluence.

According to two separatestatementsfromthe police the men were identified as 28-year-old Nasio Forde of Friendship, EastBankDemeraraand33year-old Lorenzo Singh, fromBartica.

Police said that Forde, “was charged for driving a motor vehicle whilst his breath alcohol level exceeded the prescribed limit. He pleaded guilty and was fined $250,000 or three months'imprisonment.”

Hewasalsochargedwith breaching the condition of prescribedfitness,forwhich hewasfined$10,000.Singh,

was charged with driving a motor vehicle whilst his b

evel exceeded the prescribed limit, contrary to the Motor Vehicle and Road Traffic Act, Amended Act which wasreadtohim.

“He pleaded guilty and was fined $400,000 or three months' imprisonment. He was also charged with Breach of Insurance,

contrary to Section 3(1) of the MotorVehicle Insurance Third Party Risk Act, Chapter 51:03, and fined $25,000. Singh was slapped with two additionalcharges: ObscuredIDMarkonMotor Vehicle for which he was fined $130,000, and UnlicensedDriverforwhich he was fined $40,000,” policesaid. In total, he was fined $595,000.

ranks that a female known only as Uma informed him that a male Venezuelan national was lying dead on theroadway Uma told Johnson that she was told that the man was beaten by other Venezuelannationals.

“Upon receiving the information,Johnsonsaidhe proceeded to the scene where he observed the man lying motionless, covered

with a multi-coloured hammock, with his face

showing He took photographsofthesceneand later returned to his camp, fromwherehecontactedthe Bartica Police Station and made a report,” police detailedintheirreport.

The GPF said detectives from the Bartica Police Station are enroute to Quart StoneBackdam,tocarryout theirinvestigation.

Aligning Guyana's Human Capital...

Frompage5 training to align curricula with emerging economic sectors and technology needs.

3 Expanding healthcare training and infrastructure to support a healthier and m o r e p r o d u c t i v e workforce

4 Enhancing social protection measures to

inequality effects on development outcomes

5 Building robust data systems to monitor human resource gaps and match workforce skills with investment projects efficiently

Guyana'sfuturedepends not only on physical infrastructure but equally

on building a resilient, skilled, and healthy population Strategic alignment of human capital development with our impressive infrastructural growth will enable inclusive, sustainable prosperityforallGuyanese

Sincerely Regards HemduttKumar

IndirectnegotiationsbetweenIsraelandHamasoverTrump’s20-pointplanbeginin Sharmel-Sheikh,butthelackofdetailsmeansplentyofpotentialobstaclesremain.

Israel kills 10 Palestinians in Gaza as ceasefire talks begin in Egypt

(AL-JAZEERA) -

NegotiatorsfromHamasand Israel have begun indirect talks in Egypt on US President Donald Trump’s proposal to end the war on Gaza.

Al-Qahera News, which is linked to Egyptian state

intelligence, said on Mondaythedelegationsthat gathered in the Red Sea resort of Sharm el-Sheikh “are discussing preparing ground conditions for the release of detainees and prisoners”, in line with the USplan.

“Egyptian and Qatari mediators are working with both sides to establish a mechanism” for the exchange,itadded.

The talks, which come on the eve of the second anniversary of the Hamas attacks on Israel that led to the war, have raised hopes thatthedevastatingconflict, which has killed tens of thousands in Gaza, could soon end. But at the same time, there are plenty of potentialobstaclestosealing

adeal.

And despite the talks, Israel has continued to kill Palestinians in Gaza – with 10 reported killed on Monday, including three who were seeking humanitarian aid, according toAlJazeerasources.

That brings the total number of Palestinians killedsinceOctober4,when T r u m p m a d e h i s announcement that Israel should stop bombing Gaza, to104.

Trump has insisted that bothsidesareonboardwith hispeaceframeworkandhas calledforthenegotiationsto “move fast” in reaching an agreement.

Despite the failure of several initiatives to try to end the conflict, including two brief ceasefires that c o l l a p s e d , t h e bombardment of Gaza, which has now killed at least 67,160 people, wounded 169,679, and pushed the enclave’s two million people towards starvation, Trump said “the

first phase should be completedthisweek”.

In a post on his social media platform Truth Social, Trump said there had been “very positive discussions with Hamas” and other governments over the weekend “to releasetheHostages,endthe War in Gaza but, more importantly, finally have long sought peace in the MiddleEast”.

“These talks have been very successful, and proceeding rapidly,” he said “I am asking everyone to move fast time is of the essence, or massive bloodshed will follow.”

On Monday, he told reporters in the Oval Office that Hamas was agreeing to “very important”issues

S p o k e s w o m a n Karoline Leavitt said that the administration was working hard to advance the plan as quickly as possible, with technical discussionsunderway.

Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu also a p p e a r e d t o b u o y expectations when he said the release of the 48 Israeli captivesheldbyHamas–20 of whom are believed to be alive – could be announced thisweek.

Under the plan, Hamas wouldreleasethecaptivesin exchange for the release of Palestinianprisonersheldin Israelijails.

Hamashasalsoagreedto giveuppowerinGaza,while Israel has agreed to withdrawitsforcesfromthe enclave.

However, numerous issues remain under the proposal, which lacks details.Thereisnotimescale givenforthedisarmamentof Hamas, while a vague

r e f e r e n c e t o t h e

establishment of a Palestinian state has put many on both sides of the dealonedge.

NourOdeh,reportingfor Al Jazeera from the Jordanian capital, Amman, said that, for all Trump’s comments talking up the prospects of the plan, significant obstacles remained.

“Therearealotofdetails thatcouldpotentiallyderail” thenegotiations,shesaid.

Potential sticking points include Israel’s insistence that it wants all captives released at the same time within72hours.

It also wants to retain freedom to pursue Hamas, despite the withdrawal agreement, and insists that its withdrawal lines and timelines have already been set.

“All of these things need to undergo delicate talks,”shesaid

Perhaps reflecting such doubts, Israeli media

outlets reported on

M o n d a y t h a t t h e negotiation process would now begin with Hamas representatives speaking to mediators, with Israeli and

US representatives not participating until Wednesday

The Israelis are led by top negotiator Ron Dermer, while Khalil alHayyah, who survived an Israeli assassination attempt in Qatar last month, leads the Hamas delegation.

Al-Hayya held a meeting with Egyptian intelligenceofficialsahead of the talks, an Egyptian security source told news agencyAFP Trump, whose envoy Steve Witkoff and son-inlaw Jared Kushner are expected in Egypt, has demanded that Israel stop bombing Gaza so that the talkscanplayout,butstrikes have continued across the territory

Israeli government spokesperson Shosh Bedrosiantoldreporterson Sunday that the military would continue to act for “defensive purposes” and thattherewasnoceasefirein place.

Speaking on ABC’s This Week, US Secretary of State Marco Rubio described two phases that would occur once Hamas a c c e p t e d Tr u m p ’s framework

First, the Israeli captives would be released by Hamas, and then Israel would pull back in Gaza to the“yellowline”,whereits military was positioned in August.

Rubio said Hamas should release captives as soon as they were ready, a n d t h a t I s r a e l ’s bombardment needed to end so they could be released

BLUNT BLUNT

The Jagdeo bridge

President Irfaan Ali's decision to name the new Demerara River Bridge after Vice President Bharrat Jagdeo has stirred strong emotions across Guyana.

Supporters call it a fitting tribute to a man who, as president, envisioned and championed national infrastructure development. Critics, however, see it as a blatant act of political hero worship, another example of the ruling party rewarding its own while the people's voices go unheard.

The Demerara River Bridge is no ordinary project. It is a symbol of progress, linking east to west, uniting communities, and driving commerce. Its name should, therefore, reflect national unity, not partisan politics.

Public infrastructure belongs to the people, not to any political dynasty. History will judge leaders not by the number of structures that bear their names, but by the lives they uplift and the integrity they uphold.

At a time when Guyana stands on the threshold of unprecedented wealth, humility and inclusion must define our politics. If this bridge is truly to represent a new era, then let it carry the weight of the nation's hope, not the shadow of political ego.

GDF, Police in battle for GFF Elite League...

Frompage20 beenlethalinattack,scoring 110 goals, even surpassing SlingerzFC’stally,buttheir defensive frailties, 15 goals conceded, have proven costlyincrucialmatches.

T h e L a w m e n , meanwhile, have been methodical and efficient under pressure With 11 wins, four draws, and just one defeat which came against Slingerz FC, from their 16 games, Police FC boastthesecond-bestrecord intheleague.

Theirabilitytogrindout results has kept them in contention, and their upcomingclashagainstDen

Amstel could decide whether they leapfrog GDF beforethefinalwhistleofthe season.

Both clubs will need to bring their A-game in the coming weeks, not just for points,butforpride.

ForGDF,asecond-place finish would reaffirm their stature as one of Guyana’s football powerhouses, even as they surrender their Elite

League title to Slingerz FC this year, after edging them lastseason.

ForPolice,itwouldbea statement of resurgence, proof that they can once again challenge for silverware, especially after finishing third last season behindwinnersGDFFCand second-placeSlingerzFC.

Behind the top three, Western Tigers FC have settled in fourth place with 34pointsfrom18matches.

Despite flashes of brilliance, inconsistency

prevented them from mounting a serious title challenge.Their10winsand four draws show promise, but they’ll need more stabilitynextseasontoclose thegaponthefront-runners.

Further down the table, Monedderlust FC round off their campaign in fifth with 24pointsfrom18matches,a respectable showing for a side that mixed flashes of attacking flair with occasionaldefensivelapses.

However, Santos FC, currently sixth on 23 points with one game in hand, could still overtake them if they win their upcoming fixture against a struggling Fruta Conquerors FC on October18.

RelegationDrama

Tuesday October 07, 2025

ARIES(Mar.21–Apr.19)

Difficult predicaments could arise today if you try to exert your will over others without having the most honorable intentions, Aries. It could be that you're using someone else's fear of you to control himorher

TAURUS(Apr.20–May20)

The fire within you is raging today,Taurus,andyoushould becarefulhowyouwieldthis power Be proud and triumphant. Walk with your shouldersbackandheadhigh. Freedomisimportant.

GEMINI(May21–June20)

There may be a great deal of fuss over something that seems quite insignificant to you, Gemini. Try to see the beauty and importance of everythingaroundyou.

CANCER(June21–July22)

Thingsarecomingtoacritical point for you today, Cancer, and you may find that other people openly object to your actions. It's OK to be a bit selfish if the situation is appropriate.

LEO(July23–Aug.22)

Feelfreetospeakmoreloudly today, Leo. You'll find that things fall into place more easily if you speak your thoughts outwardly and directly in the presence of others. Bring your internal powerunderyourcontrol.

VIRGO(Aug.23–Sept.22)

Youshouldbaskinaglorious splendortoday,Virgo.There's a great deal of power at your disposal.You'll find your ego ishealthy,charged,andready forthebattlefield.

LIBRA(Sept.23–Oct.22)

Add more sunshine to your day, Libra. It may be time to stir up your inner passion and let it speak with greater confidencethanyouhavebeen lately Make sure you heal yourself by letting the people aroundyouhearyourtruth.

SCORPIO(Oct.23–Nov 21)

You'llfindthatyoursparkcan easily turn potential energy into kinetic energy, Scorpio. Don'tunderestimatethepower of your words. Realize the profound impact they have on othersandtakeresponsibility

SAGIT(Nov 22–Dec.21)

Don't dwell on your fluctuating moods today, Sagittarius. Look at the larger trends and how positive elements are coming together inyourfavor

CAPRI(Dec.22–Jan.19)

Thisisyourdaytoshineinall your glory, Capricorn. There's noneedtoholdanythingback. You'll find that you have a great deal of love to share. Your heart is likely to go to extremes today in order to proveitslove.

AQUARIUS (Jan. 20–Feb. 18)Trynottolosesightofyour own projects or desires, Aquarius. There's a great deal of power and manipulative energy in the air today that could throw you off course if youaren'tcareful.

PISCES(Feb.19–Mar.20)

Recharge today by getting outside and stretching your arms to the sky, Pisces. Be proud and courageous. You have the power to turn an unhealthy situation into a positiveone,

Mainstay Goldstar’s c a m p a i g n w i l l b e remembered for the wrong reasons, serving as a cautionary tale for future newcomers.

Above them, Fruta Conquerors FC, once giants of the local scene, find themselves in unfamiliar territory

With 12 points from 17 games, they sit ninth and face a promotion-relegation playoff to retain their Elite Leaguestatus.

Failure to survive could

see them drop back into the Georgetown Football A

competitions,representinga massivefallfromgracefora clubwithsuchastoriedpast. As the curtain nears its close, the title may be settled, but the drama is far from over Between the Lawmen and the Soldiers, thenexttworoundspromise a fierce battle, one that will determine who finishes second best in a season dominated by Slingerz FC’s unstoppablemarchtoglory.

At the other end of the table,MainstayGoldstarFC endured a nightmare debut season Eighteen games, zerowins,zerodraws,and-3 points after penalties, coupledwithashocking205 goals conceded, confirm theirrelegation.

GDF, Police in battle for GFF Elite League second place …Fruta Conquerors fighting to avoid relegation

BYRAWLETONEY

Vergenoegen’s pride, SlingerzFootballClub,have mathematically secured the Guyana Football Federation (GFF)EliteLeaguetitlewith twogamestospare,capping off a blistering campaign defined by consistency, discipline, and attacking brilliance.

The Jamaal Shabazzcoached side has been untouchable all season, amassing 46 points from 16 matches with a near-perfect record of 15 wins and one draw

Their dominance has been nothing short of remarkable; 102 goals scored, just four conceded, and an astronomical +98 goal difference that underlines their superiority

ineverydepartment.

H a v i n g a l r e a d y reclaimed the crown they first lifted in the inaugural edition of the Elite League, Slingerz FC is now chasing anunbeatenseason.

Their final two fixtures, however, come with added intrigue, as they face the GuyanaPoliceForceFCand the Guyana Defence Force FC (GDF), the two sides locked in a heated battle for secondplace.

THE BATTLE FOR SECONDPLACE

With the title race already decided, all eyes now turn to the fight for the runners-upspot,whereGDF and Police FC are separated byjustasinglepoint.

For the Police Force, their two remaining games

will see them playing SlingerzFConOctober19at theNationalTrackandField Centre on the West Side, followed by Den Amstel on October 25 at the National TrainingCentre,Providence.

TheArmy’sfinalgameof the season, on October 25, comes against Slingerz FC, alsoattheNationalTraining Centre.

Both teams, this season, displayed moments of brilliance,butconsistencyin the closing rounds will determine who finishes as thebestoftherest.

GDF currently occupy second place with 38 points from 17 matches, edging ahead of Police FC, who sit on 37 points with a game in hand.TheSoldiershave

(Continuedonpage23)

Deo claims victory at Trophy Stall Golf Tournament

The Lusignan Golf Club came alive on Sunday, October 5, 2025 as golfers took to the course for the highly anticipated Trophy Stall Golf Tournament. The eventonceagainshowcased skill, sportsmanship, and strong camaraderie among theclub’smembers.

Emerging as the overall winner was Dr Joaan Deo, whodeliveredanimpressive performance with a gross score of 82 and a net of 68, edgingoutthesecondplaced winnerbycountbackwith39 gross on the back nine.This win marks a remarkable achievement for Dr Deo, who expressed both joy and gratitude following her victory

“It feels really good to win this tournament, especially being my first tournament for 2025 and also four months post partum,”saidDr.Deo.“The competition was much neededinpreparationforthe Guyana Open in November, andbeingthewinneramong themenmakesitevenmore special.”

In a close second was Fazil Haniff, who matched Deo’s net 68 with a gross of

89andhandicapof21,while

Anand Persaud and Parmanand Persaud tied for thirdandfourthrespectively with net scores of 71. Troy Cadoganroundedoffthetop fivewithagrossof97, handicap of 24, and net of73.

Additional prizes were awarded to standout performers: % Longest Drive: Troy Cadogan % NearesttothePin(NTP):Ian Gouveia % Most Net Pars: Parmanand Persaud (11) % BestGross:AvinashPersaud (76) The Lusignan Golf Club extended heartfelt appreciation to Mr Ramesh Sunich and Trophy Stall for their continued partnership and generous support of the clubanditsevents.

TrophyStallremainsone of LGC’s longest-standing sponsors, consistently contributing to the development of golf in Guyana.

With the Suriname Invitational on the horizon onOctober11-12,2025,this tournament served as the perfect warm-up for local players seeking to fine-tune their game and test their competitiveedge.

GNICSportsgroundreopenswithexciting KissoonT-10CricketTournament

The GNIC Sports Ground roared to life this past Sunday as 8 Tapeball cricketteamsfromacrossthe country broke the seal at the newly renovated facility, withafewexcitingmatches.

Thegrandreopeningwas punctuated by sixes, fours and nonstop excitement for more than 100 fans and playerswhowereallamazed by the transformation achievedfollowingamere3 weeks.

Players and umpires praised the newly installed cricket pitch and beautifully

manicured outfield, confirming that the GNIC Sports Ground has regained its reputation as one of the premier venues for community sport and

GNIC unveiled its newly landscaped outfield and pitch, with some T10 cricket action this past Saturday

recreation. GNIC’s General Manager of Operations, Mr Jagdesh Ramjag, expressed pride in the successful

reopening, stating: “This bringsbackmemoriesofthe GNIC Sports Club in its heyday We intend to maintain and improve the l

e and conditionoftheground.Our management team extends sincere gratitude to Mr Hussain and his team from

Nexgen Global, ER Small Engines,andPhillipsHeavy Equipment, who worked tirelessly into the night over the past few weeks to make thispossible.”

According to Mr Ramkissoon, GNIC’s Special Projects Manager, “Many successful cricketers have played at the GNIC Ground, including the late Clyde Butts and even Minister Steven Jacobs. It is amatterofprideforGNICto ensure that we provide a

before and after aerial

facility where a new generation of cricketers can access a first-class ground. With the assistance of Mr Hussain, we intend to maintainthesestandardsand provide guests and players withanunsurpassedlevelof service”,heended.

Thereopeningeventalso receivedstrongsupportfrom corporatesponsorsincluding Fruta, Oasis Water, Busta, and Sunshine Snacks, who helped make the day a resoundingsuccess

Classic Ball Blasters dominate the court to claim Georgetown Volleyball crown

- As DVA concludes Georgetown Leg of the Republic Bank National B-Division Volleyball Championship

T h e N a t i o n a l

Gymnasiumcamealivefrom October4-5astheDemerara Volleyball Association, in partnership with Republic Bank Limited, served up a thrilling two-day spike-fest in the National B-Division Volleyball Preliminary Competition.Whenthefinal whistle echoed across the hardwood,itwasnoneother than Classic Ball Blasters (CBB) Volleyball Club who soared above the rest, sweeping both male and female divisions and stamping their ticket to represent Georgetown (Demerara) at the upcoming NationalChampionships.

The Georgetown leg broughttogethersomeofthe capital’s fiercest volleyball clubs, including CASTROL Volleyball Club, Guyana Defence Force Volleyball Club(GDFVC),SaintsVC, andVanguardVC,butitwas The CB Blasters who

brought the heat, delivering bigblocks,high-flyingkills, and

chemistry throughout the competition.

In the women’s faceoff, CBB went up against Saints VC,andtheBlasterswasted n

ng dominance. With crisp sets and sharp cross-court hits, they secured the first two sets25-16and25-23,before

Saints pushed back in the thirdwithaspirited13-25set win But the Blasters regrouped, dug deep, and turned defense into offense, closing the match 25-18 in the fourth to claim the top spotintheGeorgetownleg.

On the men’s side, the Blasters blazed a perfect path to the final, with commanding wins over Saints (3-0) and GDF (28-

26, 25-20, 25-22) before surviving a five-set thriller againstVanguardVC.

That semifinal clash had fans on the edge of their seats. The scoreline swung likeapendulum,CBBtaking Set 1 (25-20), Vanguard bouncing back in Set 2 (1925),thenedgingaheadinSet 3 (23-25). But the Blasters didn’t flinch. They rallied back in the fourth (25-20)

andthentorchedthefifthset 15-10, showcasing their championship mettle and set

ng up a highly anticipated final against CastrolVC.

I n t h e m e n ’ s championship showdown, ClassicBallBlastersbrought the hammer, dispatching Castrol VC in straight sets: 25-15, 25-19, 25-16. Their offence flowed like a well-

perfectly timed quick sets, precision serving, and highlight-reel spikes that ignited the gym Their synergy on the court proved

transitioned effortlessly from defense to attack, controlling the tempo from starttofinish.

With both Classic Ball Blasters’ squads crowned Region 4 champs, they will now go on to represent Georgetown at the National Championships later this year Their clean sweep is a testament to the power of preparation, discipline, and teamwork, echoing the broadergoalsoftheGuyana Volleyball Federation to rejuvenate the sport across thenation.

The tournament is sponsoredbyRepublicBank Limited and sanctioned by Guyana Volleyball Federation.

Deo claims victory at Trophy at Stall Golf Tournament