Company report:
$260B in taxes for
Two cops arrested for at Enmore
killing of man
-crucialautopsy setfortoday
-newsurveyreveals
Seven Guyanese deported from US
…arrivedonspecialcharteredflight
Major disruptions in HIV services in Caribbean as Trump spending cuts bite - alwaysinsistedon consensuscandidate
prisoners will
GECOM yet to decide if be allowed to vote Exxon
…stilltoselect
returningofficers
As Guyanese prepare to head to the polls on September 1, businessman and advocate for a better oil deal, Glenn Lall, is again calling for a referendum on the current oil contract
signed between the Government of Guyana and USoilmajor,ExxonMobil.
Lallsaidspecifically,the referendum must allow citizens to vote on the demand for a 25% royalty instead of the current 2%, whichthepreviouscoalition government had negotiated with ExxonMobil back in 2016.
There have been widespreadcallsforchanges tothecontract,andlastyear, some citizens had called for
themattertobeputtoavote, but this was resisted by the government. A referendum is a general vote by the electorate on a single political question that has been referred to them for a directdecision.
Vice President Bharrat Jagdeo had said then that while there might well be issues regarding bringing ExxonMobil to the table even with a successful referendum,hewouldprefer to deal with the matter after the general and regional elections.
He had said then, too, that the Guyana Elections Commission (GECOM) should focus on preparing for the 2025 general
elections, and that any discussionsonareferendum could be postponed until aftertheelections.
“Wehavetimeenoughto deal with that after the elections. But right now, GECOM must focus on one question, which is holding elections within the constitutionally prescribed timeframe,”Jagdeohadsaid.
The Vice President had highlighted that Exxon has madeitspositionclearthatit will not be up for a renegotiation of the oil deal. That deal waives all taxes andcatersforittobepaidby the government out of its share.Guyanareceivesa2% royalty;itallowsExxonand itsco-venturerstorecoverup to 75% of production costs beforetheremaining25%is shared between Guyana and theStabroekBlockpartners. After accounting for the 2% royalty, cost recovery, andprofitsharing,Guyana’s total take from the oil produced is 14.5% of the totalvalueoftheoil.Jagdeo added that any Guyanese, including himself, would wantmoreoutofthedeal.
“Would I like to have 75% instead of 52% in the future when all the costs are takenintoconsideration?We would love that. But the government of 2016 signed an agreement that says the onlywayyoucouldhavethis amicably solved is with the agreement of the two parties,”hesaid.
However, Lall, who was at the forefront of that call then, has brought the matter back into the spotlight, saying Guyanese have had enough of the promises by the political leaders Speaking during one of his social commentaries, Lall said the time for silence is over
“The days of begging these three political parties for dignity, decency, and honesty have long gone...Today,Iamcallingon every single Guyanese to demand that this Exxon oil contract be placed on the ballot paper come September1.”
“Let your vote… let my vote… let every Guyanese vote for what we want from this wealth God has blessed
us with. Let us choose,” he said.Thebusinessmanasked whether Guyanese want to continue to survive “on this miserable, shameful 2% royalty — the crumbs that thePPP,PNC,andAFCsold usforordowedemandafair share—aminimumof25% royalty — so that all of us, o
generations to come can eat properly, live with dignity, andwalkwithpride?”
Noting that the choice is simple, Lall said a 25% royalty will bring real salaries that reflect an oilproducingnation.
“25%willensurequality education with qualified teachers. 25% can provide free modernised healthcare thatwillserveallourpeople. 25% will pave our roads, provide clean water, and
create real jobs. 25% will pull Guyana out of darkness and into the light of prosperity,”thebusinessman said.
He charged that if citizens sit down and accept the current 2%, then they mustbepreparedtolivewith “that same old salary, cash grants, and vouchers. And stop complaining — while billions of your wealth is being shipped out every singleday.”
He said the oil resources were meant to be Guyana’s, this oil was meant to be a blessing, but because of the “greedy, selfish, and heartless politicians, it has becomeacurse.Acursethat hasmanyofourbrothersand sisters building cardboard shacks for shelter, while foreigners build castles overseas...”
The Civil Defence Commission (CDC) has successfully concluded comprehensive emergency relief operation across Regions Three, Four, andFivefollowingaseverewindstorm thatimpactedmultiplecommunitieson Monday,June2.
InapressreleasetheDepartmentof Public Information (DPI) said the CDC had mobilised response teams immediately after the storm to conduct damage assessments and coordinate recovery efforts with regional authorities,NeighbourhoodDemocratic Councils (NDCs), and local partners The affected communities included
Kaneville, Uitvlugt, Belle West (Canal No 2), Farm Mahaicony, Hope, Melanie,CaneGrove,BareRootareas
CDC field officers collaborated with local officials to evaluate the extensivedamage,whichencompassed residential homes, public buildings, andessentialcommunityfacilities.The rapid deployment of personnel and resources enabled a targeted response designedtoprovideimmediatesupport to affected families and facilitate communityrecovery
Duringthereliefoperation,theCDC distributed critical emergency supplies including temporary roofing materials,
protective tarps, construction materials, andsanitationproductstoassistfamilies insecuringtheirhomesandmaintaining livingconditions
Lieutenant Colonel Mark Thomas, Deputy Director General of the CDC, reflected on the operation’s success: “Ourprioritywastoprovideimmediate assistance to families impacted by the windstorm Our response teams conducted thorough field assessments, engaged directly with affected residents, and ensured the timely distributionofessentialsuppliestohelp thesecommunitiesbegintheirrecovery process.”
ExxonMobil Guyana Limited(EMGL)didnotpay over $260 billion (US$1.2 billion) in corporate income taxestotheGuyanaRevenue Authority (GRA) for 2024. Instead, in keeping with the provisions of the 2016
Production Sharing Agreement (PSA) signed with the Government of Guyana (GoG), the state paidthisamountonExxon’s behalf from its share of oil revenues from the Stabroek Block.
ExxonMobil is the operator of the Stabroek Block with a 45 per cent interest, while Hess Guyana Exploration Ltd. holds 30 per cent and CNOOC Petroleum Guyana Limited holds25percent.
According to Exxon’s 2024 annual report, “Revenue includes noncustomer revenue of
G$260,155,788,763 (2023 –G$138,182,695,517) related to Article 15 4 of the PetroleumAgreement.Refer to Note 7.” The report goes on to state, “Income Tax Expense is recognised in respect of taxable profit calculatedonthebasisofthe income tax laws of Guyana that have been enacted as of the date of these financial statements.”
For 2024, EMGL recorded an operating profit before taxation of $1.255 trillion (US$6 billion). The company reported a tax expense of $260 billion (US$1.2 billion), and a total comprehensive income of $995 1 billion (US$4 7 billion).
According to the PSA, the Stabroek Block partners areallowedtorecover75per cent of the oil produced to recover their investment costs, the remaining 25 per cent is considered profit, which is split between Guyana and the Stabroek Block consortium, giving each12.5percent.However, the consortium pays a 2 per centroyaltyfromitsshareto Guyana. From its 14.5 per centGuyanathenhastopay taxesfortheoilcompanies.
Article 15.4 of the PetroleumAgreement states thatthesumequivalenttothe taxesowedbythecompany, will be paid by the minister responsibleforpetroleumto the Commissioner General oftheGRA.
The contract also allows fortheissuingofareceiptto ExxonMobil, indicating that it has met the local tax
Guyana Ltd. (EMGL) President, Alistair Routledge
requirements to avoid the burden of double taxation.
Article 15.5 of the contract states, “Within one hundred and eighty (180) days following the end of each year of assessment, the minister shall furnish to contractor proper tax certificates in contractor’s n a m e f r o m t h e Commissioner General, Guyana Revenue Authority evidencing the payment of the contractor’s income tax under the Income Tax Act and corporation tax under the Corporation Tax Act. Such certificates shall state the amount of tax paid individually on behalf of contractor or parties comprisingthecontractorand other particulars customary forsuchcertificates”
This publication had reported that EMGLdid not havetopayover$197billion intaxestotheGRAfor2023 and 2022, as a result of the clause of the 2016 PSA.
According to Exxon’s Annual Report, in 2023, the government paid $138.182 billion in taxes on its behalf to GRA This figure represents a significant increase compared to the $59.381 billion government had to pay for Exxon in 2022. Exxonhadexplained in its report that while it is subject to Guyana’s income
The Guyana Elections Commission (GECOM) is still to determine whether or not incarcerated individuals shouldbeallowedtovote.
G o v e r n m e n t commissioner, Sase Gunraj told Kaieteur News Tuesday that while the commission recognises there is no legislativeprovisiontoallow such, the chairman has undertaken to raise the issue with Attorney General and Minister of Legal Affairs Mohabir Anil Nandlall SC, who is currently functioning asGECOM’slegaladvisor
The suggestion for prisonerstoparticipateinthe elections was made by opposition commissioner, Vincent Alexnader last Thursday Alexander had recalled that the chair had expressed legal concerns regarding contact with incarceratedindividuals.
appoint returning officers (ROs) and supernumerary returning officers (SROs) ahead of the general and regional elections scheduled forSeptember1.
These appointments were discussed during a meeting held at GECOM’s headquarters in Kingston, GeorgetownonTuesday
Gunraj said the discussions also covered logisticsfortheplacementof theofficers.
Public Relations Officer, YolandaWardconfirmedthat the public will be informed once the appointments are finalised “When the commission makes these appointments, it will be formally communicated,” Wardstated
The National Assembly recently passed the
RepresentationofthePeople (Amendment) (ROPA) Bill
to the legal supplement published on May 16, Section2(1)wasamendedto redefine the term “supernumerary returning officer” as “a deputy supernumerary returning officer”.Section33C(1)was revised by replacing the word “shall” with “may”, introducing discretion regarding the revision of the official list of electors and the roll for non-resident electors under certain circumstances.
Further, a proposal by opposition-nominated commissioners to highlight the names of electors on the voterslistwasrejectedbythe commission, Gunraj reported.
tax laws, the taxes assessed on the company’s operation are paid by the government, rather than the company itself.
At a press conference earlier this year, EMGL PresidentAlistair Routledge said it would be incorrect to say the company was not paying taxes to the government of Guyana. He pointed out, “As far as paying taxes though in the country,Idowanttobeclear that while we don’t specifically pay corporate incometax,wedopayother taxes,likewithholdingtaxes and royalties…we actually paid $49.5B in taxes as ExxonMobil Guyana to the GRAin2023.”
The 2016 PSA was signed under the former APNU+AFC government, and the current Irfaan Ali administration has stated that the agreement will remain in place, citing the sanctity of contract, despite widespreadcriticismthatthe deal is overly favorable to the oil companies. This tax arrangement continues to draw local and international scrutiny,withcriticsarguing that it deprives Guyana of direct revenue and gives Exxon and its partners a “tax-free ride” on their petroleum operations in the country
“The chairman sought to suggestthatthereissomelaw that forbids the public or anyone from speaking with prisoners, and therefore, we don’t have the facilitation to allow them to vote,” Alexander explained. “We argue that there is no need to speakwithprisoners,thatthe listoftheincarceratedcanbe compiled, the same way in which the list of disciplined servicesiscompiled,andthey can vote on that day without ustouchingtheprisoners”
Meanwhile, Gunraj said GECOMisalsopreparingto
2025, which makes provision for deputy supernumerary returning officers to be appointed in electoral sub-districts in Regions3,4,and6. Thebill amends Sections 2(1) and 3 3 C ( 1 ) o f t h e RepresentationofthePeople Act(ROPA)andtheNational Registration Act. According
Additionally, GECOM has agreed to revise nomination day forms. The new version will require nominators to declare that they knowingly signed the documents.
With less than three monthsremainingbeforethe elections, GECOM has confirmed it is on track with preparations. Ward stated, “The commission is operatinginaccordancewith its approved elections work plan.”
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Publisher:GLENNLALL-Tel:624-6456
Editor-in-Chief:NigelWilliams
Tel: 225-8465, 225-8491. Fax: 225-8473, 226-8210
Last week, we reported a new policy by the Guyana Police Force to use taser guns on citizens who violently resist or refuse to cooperate with traffic officers.This new actionbytheForcehasbecomenecessaryduetosomeranks coming under attack by citizens while performing their duties.
In a statement, the Guyana Police Force said there has been an increase in violent assaults against traffic officers across the country The statement noted that “traffic ranks arebeingfacedwithsignificantchallengesinenforcingthe laws of Guyana, especially since a significant number of citizensarebentonbreakingthelawsbycommittingtraffic breaches and not cooperating with the policemen when caught.”
These confrontations, the statement added, are becoming increasingly common among motorists, who attack traffic ranks who are unarmed. Traffic Chief, MahendraSingh,wasquotedinthestatementassaying:“I want to re-emphasise that this type of behaviour by our citizenswillnotbecondonedbytheGuyanaPoliceForce, more so the department. Anyone found committing any trafficoffenceinthiscountryand,whenchallengedbyour traffic officers, resorts to violently resisting and assaulting themwillbemetwiththefullforceofthelaw.”
The assault on police ranks is part of the road rage we witnessdaily Wehaveseeninthepastroadragespiralling into violent action over a parking space. Many have been shot,somestabbed,duringthedailyhustleandbustleonour streets. Citizens turning their frustrations on our lawmen shouldbecondemnedbyall,butitwasallbutinevitablein the increasingly impassable roadways, owing to the countless, disorganised road construction sites. At almost everycornerofourroadway,thegovernmentisundertaking majorroadworks,withlittleornoregardforcitizens'need tocommuteunimpededtogoabouttheirdailylives.
A safe spot on the road while on the move, and an available place to park, have both become a prized occurrenceindailylife.Wehavemorevehiclescominginto Guyana,anditisnotatrickle.Thedutyleviedonvehicles below 1500cc has been reduced, which serves as an incentive for prospective buyers, perhaps the encouragementforavehicleownertoaddtohisorherfleet. Therearemoreimportersandmechanismsfordirectonline buying from overseas, as far away as Japan, so the sedans andSUVskeeprollingoffthewharves.
More vehicles mean more stress on roads tortured by long lines, honking horns, impatient tailgaters, speeding andencroachingdriversbentonedgingahead,evenifthat results in cutting off another driver In the sum of these circumstancesonlocalroads,thisiscustom-madeforfitsof rage, expressions of aggression and hostility, and the presence of palpable menace. Courtesy and care went out thewindowagesago,withconfrontationandclashingbeing thenorm,moreorless. Trafficrankscannotbeeverywhere, and they are usually not around in times of tension and escalation,butwhentheydoappear,sometimestheyaddto thestressandfrustrationofcitizens. Roadrage,albeitata low level, has been a simmering condition on Guyana's roadsinthecityandcountry.Georgetownanditsoutskirts aretheworstbyfarbecausethereisnowheretogo. Thefact that everybody is in a hurry only serves to compound an alreadybadsituation.
TheGovernmenthasmadeinfrastructurealynchpinof itsprogrammes,withroadsfeaturingprominently Thishas its benefits, and they are not tiny More roads introduce moretrouble,intheformofmoreunder-the-radarroadrage, becausemostdriversarejostlingtogetahead. Moreroads andmoremodernonesmeanmorerecklessnessandrelated dangers,withaneyeonthegrowingarmiesofnew,young drivers. Ittakesyearsofhardexperience,sometimesbitter ones, to slow down the racing of the blood, the high adrenaline rushes. In all this, there is one constant. It is aboutangerthatspillsoverinfullpublicview,andwithouta careaboutwhoislookingon,wherematterscouldend. We
DearEditor,
Theoppositionmembers of the Guyana Elections Commission (GECOM) continue to slow the rate of implementation of GECOM's adopted work plan for the holding of elections.
They cloak their actions as a fight for free and fair elections while they pretend to be bereft of any shame or remorse for their support of the transgressions that occurred following the 2020 elections.
Moreover, apart from throwing spanners in GECOM's operations, the obstructionists would introduce issues that have either no relevance to GECOM'sworkplanorhave an uncanny resemblance to devices used in the past to securevotes.
O p p o s i t i o n
commissioners consistently oppose GECOM seeking interpretations of the RepresentationofthePeople A c t ( R O P A ) o r Constitutional provisions from the Chambers of the Attorney General. They do so on the ground that the c o m m i s s i o n i s a n independent body and should not seek legal interpretations from a r e p r e s e n t a t i v e o f government When asked f r o m w h o m s u c h interpretations should be sought, the stock answer is that the commission should dosoitself.
This behaviour becomes even more hardwired, if not small-minded, when interpretations of either ROPAortheConstitutionare offeredbytheAG'schamber but are rejected either as irrelevant or useless to the
workofthecommission.Mr Alexander and company seektoadvancetheircaseon the ground that GECOM is undernoobligationtoaccept interpretations of the Constitution from the AG's chamber,andworseyet,they advance the ludicrous argument that the Attorney General should not be considered the 'final arbiter' on matters of law before the commission.
T h e o p p o s i t i o n commissioners' delaying tactics are further compounded by their failure to attend statutory meetings ofthecommission,resulting first,inthelackofaquorum, and secondly, in the postponement of decisions on critical issues that would serve to move the process towards the September 1, 2025timeline.
Though it is not
permittedbylaw,Opposition Commissioners have demanded that polling agentsbeallowedtovoteby proxy on the ground that it favours disadvantaged polling agents, allowing them to vote at any other pollingstationotherthanthe onewheretheyareregistered and listed to vote. The law allows political parties to identify a substitute polling agent to relieve another shouldthenecessityarise. Should the commission accede to this unreasonable demand, it could, in effect, result in the widespread use andpossibleabuseofproxies across the estimated 2,897 polling stations to be established across the 10 regions and 24 registration areas/sub-districts for the September 1 elections Assumingtenpolitical (Continueonpage6)
DearEditor,
Overthepastfewyears,a handful of PNC & AFC critics, along with some “independents”, have been ceaselessly attacking the government Often with wild, unsubstantiated accusations and wishing for thegovernmenttofall.
One of the favourite
charges is that the government discriminates against Afro-Guyanese
Despite the several challenges to provide evidence, they fail to produce any However, they continue to repeat the false
charges.
Another group keeps telling us that things are so bad that people are starving. Reading those articles, a person unfamiliar with Guyana's situation may believethatallGuyaneseare hungry, ill-housed and illclothed. The reality is much different.Therehasnotbeen another five-year period compared to this one where somuchworkhasbeendone. Indeed, the country appears to be a huge construction site. We are now putting in the infrastructure to launch our economy to greater
allhaveheardthehorrorstoriesandmayhaveactuallyseen some of them ourselves, where rage reigns supreme, whatevertheconsequences.
The environment is peppered with aggressive citizens, driversandnondrivers,withpedestriansblamingdriversand viceversa. Minibusoperatorsandprivatetaxisattracttheir share of condemnation for impatience, haste, and angry exchangesintheboilingstewthatisGuyana'sroads.Then, there is the issue of parking, which can deteriorate into an election-style tone and temperatures for a coveted spot. Parkingisagrowingsourceoffury,withdriverscarvingout spacesforthemselveswhereverthereisanopening,evenifit meansblockingaprivatebridgeoraresidentialgate.Those blocked in and held hostage are forced to wait on the offender,whomoreoftenthannotresortstoangry,abusive, and vulgar language when confronted. When there is no regard for law and order, then this is the raging disorderlinessthatspiralsdangerously
It is our view that tow trucks and heavy fines can be a deterrentforparkingviolators. Roadrageperpetratorsmust be treated harshly with hefty monetary penalties, possibly jailtime,ifonlytoteachalesson,keepthemincheck. The rageandmadnessonourroadscanbesaidtobeofepidemic proportions.
Lettherebeastartto,atleast,dealingseverelywiththose whose anger gets the better of them to the detriment of others.
heights.Thesewereallbadly needed and essential to our progress. Unemployment is down to its lowest in living memory Just ask anyone whohassomeworktodo,for example, building a small house or a bridge, and the first thing you will hear is that “I can't get people to work.”
The government has made tremendous strides in providing education, health, housing, and water facilities tothemasses.Theelectricity situation has improved by leaps and bounds. Yes, we still get a few blackouts, but not because of a lack of generation, but because of the company planting new polesorduetosomeaccident oranotherwhichdislodgesa poleorso.
Our agriculture sector (except sugar) has been growingrapidly.
Afewdaysago,weheard that we are the only country intheworldthatcanprovide and is providing all the food that we need. Compliments to our hard-working farmers – I salute our agricultural workers on this great achievement.
That is just one of the indicators which shows how farwehavecome.Theyoung people of today would be surprised to learn that from the mid-1970s until the beginning of the 1990s, Guyanese had to stand in long lines for several hours
to get very basic food items. Guyanese travelling home from Caribbean countries and North America were often laughed at because of what they were buying to bring home. These included such things as bread, sardines,cornbeef,potatoes, onions,toiletpaper,etc.
Those who complain todayaboutforeigncurrency have forgotten that in that sameperiod,whentravelling abroad, a Guyanese could only take fifteen US dollars (US$15) with her or him. Moreover,togetthatonehad tospendadayormorelining upattheBankofGuyana.
T h e a n t i - P P P propagandist seems to have forgotten that our education systemwassodestroyedthat wehadthelowestpassratein the Caribbean. The UniversityofGuyana,atone stage during the 1980s, had to close its doors because of the conditions of the toilets oncampus.
They have conveniently forgotten that the health situation had deteriorated to suchanextentthatratswere interfering with patients at our Public Hospitals. It was reported in the press in the early 1990s that a rat had eaten a child's hand at our mainhospital.
Those who complain about our economy should recall that when the PPP/C assumed office in 1992, the GDPpercapitawasjust (Continueonpage6)
DearEditor,
Last week, I was requestedtogiveanopinion on a coalition proposal between Mr Azruddin Mohammed and a group of politicalpartiesandactivists, andwhileIwasunwillingto do so, I made the following
o b s e r v a t i o n ' M r Mohammed has recently admitted that he sought the president's help in underminingtheauthorityof the GRA [Guyana Revenue Authority], and now he wants us to give him the president's job!' What this event suggested and what motivated this essay is the almost total absence of political morality in contemporaryGuyana. Manisaconscioussocial andpoliticalbeing,andfrom time immemorial, there has been concern about how society is administered, more specifically about the relationship between the political and moral realms. Politicalethicsencompasses the principles, values, and standardsthatdictatewhatis right and wrong in political action.
Sincethe4thcenturyBC, inhis'Politics',Aristotletold us that politics is the master science on which all branches of human activity depend, and thus the proper aim of politics is the developmentofmoralvirtue. 'Politics takes the greatest care in making the citizens be of a certain sort, namely good and capable of noble actions.' According to him, the statesman is a craftsman or scientist who designs a legal system that enshrines universal principles, and the politician's task is to maintain and reform the system when necessary.The science of politics includes more than drafting good laws and institutions for the city-state;itmustalsocreate a system of moral education foritscitizens. Therelationshipbetween ethics and politics is complex, but both play a critical role in shaping society and its progress
Unfortunately, there is a dearth of political ethics at every level in Guyana Criminal behaviour, conflicts of interests, highly
questionable external and internal undemocratic meanderings, etc , are simply brushed aside as political parties, individuals and their supporters jostle forpower
It is as if the entire population has read and adopted the contrary moral stance expressed in 1513 by Niccolò Machiavelli. He argued in 'The Prince' that morality has no place in politics. He recommended that 'a prince, and especially anewprince,cannotobserve all those things which are considered good in men, beingoftenobliged,inorder to maintain the state, to act againstfaith,againstcharity, against humanity, and againstreligion.'
Recently, Transparency International Guyana Inc (TIGI) called on President Ali and Vice President Bharrat Jagdeo to publicly address the 'disturbing claims' made by Mohamed over the alleged high-level involvement in the tax matter concerning the controversial importation of a Lamborghini. TIGI was
'disturbed' by Mohamed's assertionthatheapproached both Jagdeo and Ali regarding the clearance of the luxury vehicle Mohamedallegesthatitwas Ali who eventually intervened when the GRA initially resisted registering thevehicle. TIGIexpressed concern about the lack of transparency surrounding the entire affair and said it expects 'clear, unambiguous statements' from both the president and the vice president(SN:05/06/2025).
In the said article, Mr Christopher Ram even more scathingly weighed into the issue and provided an important reminder: 'Such a remarkable tolerance for impropriety is inconsistent with the rule of law It is unacceptable in any serious, democraticcountry Weneed to be reminded that the constitutional immunity doesnotcovercorruption.'
I would be surprised if TIGIeverreceivedthe'clear, unambiguous statements' it requested, and Mr Ram. Guyana is designated an autocratic state and
'remarkable tolerance for impropriety and being inconsistent with the rule of law is the hallmark of autocratic regimes. What is surprisingisthatnowherein the article was any consideration given to the possible moral and legal culpabil
particularly important in view of his aspiring to the presidency! Also, I was of theviewthatitisthedutyof lawenforcementagenciesto seizetheopportunitytodeal with a crime whenever it is exposed. If that is so, let me askastupidquestion:where are the law enforcement authoritiesinGuyana?
Asthebasisforapresentday intervention, I recommend the liberal democratic aspirations outlined by the late John Rawleinhis1971'ATheory of Justice'. Rawle, was perhaps the leading Western political philosopher of the second half of the last century He argued for what hecalled'justiceasfairness', which he deduced from a hypothetical but fair initial
choice situation called 'the originalposition'. Deprived of specific knowledge of their own situation, the parties in the 'original position' would be forced to reason impartially, and they would agree to principles of justicethatrequiredanequal scheme of basic rights and liberties, fair equality of oppo
ty, and
egalitarian distribution of wealth and positions of authority These principles he then used to evaluate the wo
k
ngs of social structures.
TheinterventionofTIGI andRamisanotherreminder to Guyanese that the system in which we live is largely unaccountable, and I feel at liberty to expand upon Aristotle's mandate and call on all Guyanese to address the important question of why this is so and what the solutionis. Thiscolumnhas repeatedly argued that to counteract the ethnic political tendency of bicommunal Guyana, the oligarchs who inhabit the PPPareunwillingtoshare
(Continueonpage6)
Frompage4 partiescontesttheupcoming elections,whatisworrisome is the number of proxies opposition parties will requestperpollingstation.
The PNC has a sordid track record when it comes toproxyvoting.
Itistoberecalledthatin electionsheldin1961,under the PNC, 300 proxy votes were cast; in 1964 the number of proxy votes cast reached 6,635; in 1968 the numbers jumped to 19,287; in the 1970 (LGE) the numberwas10,849;in1973 general elections it reached over 29,00. In the 1978 and 1983 elections, this trend continued up to 1985 when, on the eve of the 1990 election, voting by proxy wasseverelyrestricted.
Itisofgraveconcernthat opposition commissioners are exerting pressure on GECOM to accede to this u n r e a s o n a b l e a n d unacceptabledemandforthe e x p a n d e d u s e o f indirect/proxy voting as a device to generate voters supportiveofthem.Itwould
be highly immoral if GECOM were to approve widespread abuse of proxy voting - a clear avenue for voterfraud.
Another demand by oppositioncommissionersis that prisoners be allowed to vote.
This demand is fraught withseriousimplicationsfor national security as well as for public safety and the securityofcitizens.
The opposition claims that denying prisoners the right to vote violates their constitutional right. But this is a one-sided argument, since it does not take into considerationtheruleoflaw whereby the courts of Guyana, following its deliberate judgement, denied the freedom of movement of persons to be incarceratedoronremandin less they endanger the life, limb or property of lawabiding citizens thus disturbing the peace and goodorderinsociety When I asked at the commission whether political parties would be
admitted to all prison locations to campaign amongst prisoners, proffering who they should vote for, to hold meetings, andtodistributetoprisoners election paraphernalia such as caps, jerseys, cups and pens, etc , Mr Vincent Alexandergrumbled,saying he will not return to the subjectagain.
In our country, every Guyanese know that there are persistent reports in mainstream media about various degrees of crimes committedalmostonadaily basis in various parts of our country
The safety and security of citizens is of paramount importance; it is a troubling concern.
My point is that nothing must be done, including acquiescence to this opposition demand, to jeopardise the safety and security of the citizens of Guyana, nor the country's nationalsecurity
Mr Alexander is the longest-serving member of the commission, but it took
him a very long time to become'consciousalongthe way' and to be aware of the 'right of prisoners to vote' a right that was never granted before neither under
Presidents Burnham, Hoyte, Granger nor under any PPP/C administration. Yet Alexander whimsically demands it now under the I r f a a n A l i P P P / C administration Something mustberottenintheranksof thepoliticalopposition
Alexander has gone so farastoclaimthatprisoners, likeallGuyanese,inoroutof prison, should enjoy the samerightsandprivilegesin anelection.
Asfarasheisconcerned, the rule of law is of no consequence. It should be disregarded, and prisoners should be granted an exception on E-Day By whom,hecannotsay
While the probability exists that there may be inmates who may have registeredtovoteatdifferent locations but now find themselves incarcerated, for them to be freed on election
Frompage5 political power and have t h u s c h o s e n autocracy/dictatorship.
At the 2025 United Nations Human Rights Council Working Group Universal Periodic Review of the political situation in Guyana, the Carter Centre, recognising Guyana's structural ethnic difficulties, again urged the political leaderstocommittomoving forward with an inclusive and representative reform process.
day would require their movement from one electoraldistricttoanother
How this is envisaged is anopenquestion.Thosewho advocate in favour must provide the answers to the followingquestions;
Should prisoners be freed on Election Day, will they be on their own to find theirwayontheirowntothe respective electoral district andpollingstations?
Will prisoners have to find their way, say from Georgetown to Upper Mazaruni to vote, or from New Amsterdam to Georgetown?
Or from Timehri to Mahaica?OrfromLusignan toLinden?Willeachinmate have to be escorted individually? If so, by whom? Will they be free to roam till the close of the poll? Will their freedom on E-day be granted by the court,theDirectorofPrisons or the Ministry of Home Affairs? Who will be held responsible if prisoners do notreturntoprison?
pass special legislation to provide for this? Or is GECOM empowered to do so?
Will the release of prisoners to vote not place additional pressure on the Commissioner of Police to eitherdepleteranksassigned tobeatpollingstationsorto find additional ranks to accompany each prisoner to vote? In addition to such an exercise, would this not require additional security measures inside and outside of each prison to avoid a prisonbreak?
And worse yet, were the prisonerstobeaccompanied individually to where they have to vote, would this not resultinadepletionofafull complement of prison officers to effectively man eachprisontoavoidmaking them vulnerable to security breaches?
social cohesion, and increasingcivicengagement inthepoliticalprocess.' Among other things, the Centrealsorepeatedthecall made in its report on Guyana's 2020 elections
'The Carter Centre urges Guyana'spoliticalleadersto commit to reform its longstanding 'winner-takesall'electionsystem.'Itstated that the structure of the G u y a n a E l e c t i o n s Commission (GECOM) replicatedpoliticaldivisions and inhibited the effective a n d t r a n s p a r e n t administration of elections. It noted that the method of appointing GECOM commissioners gave
GECOM a partisan structure, advantaged the major parties and excluded s m a l l e r p a r t i e s
'Aconstitutional reform process that is inclusive, transparent, and durable is critical to improving g o v e r n a n c e a n d accountability, building consensus on key development issues facing thenation—suchasrevenues h a r i n g f r o m o i l production strengthening
Constitutional reform should be an urgent priority, and key reforms should be completed well before the next general election' (Summary of stakeholders' submissionsonGuyana).
As we proceed to elections, the democratic deficit is glaring, and Mr Ram puts it well. 'President Ali's corruption tolerance
spans governments, marshallingdarkmoneyand state resources to maintain power
With no campaign finance laws or party regulation, his ruling party operates as one of the country's most lawless organisations, raising millions from unaccounted sources while blurring the lines between state, party and private funds Organisations like the
Procurement Commission, the Integrity Commission, SOCUandotherarmsofthe state are rendered toothless by his Administration
Silence is rewarded handsomely Votes are bought with state resources, unlawful tax benefits are granted to friends, cushy jobs are offered in Commissions and state agencies for doing nothing' (opcit).
I hope that the international community, Caricom and others who were at the forefront of the 'struggle for democracy' in 2020havenotnowabdicated their position as we proceed to elections without serious reforms, thus making an autocratic outcome inevitable.
Regards, Dr.HenryJeffrey
Or, is it envisaged that polling stations will be established at each of the five prison locations? If so, do extant laws/ regulations allowforthis?
Do the Standing Orders for the Guyana Prison Service make provision for such facilities in a prison? Would theAttorney General have to ask parliament to
The advocacy of this 'wide awake in a dream' proposal by opposition commissioners leaves 'more questions than answers' which they have failed to provide leaving GECOM with only one option; to accept the AG's advice to maintain the status quo insofar as the matter is concerned and to move on inexorably to implement GECOM'Splanofactionfor the realisation of the September1elections.
Yoursfaithfully, ClementJ.Rohee
Be careful what...
Frompage4
a r o u n d U S $ 3 0 0
Shockingly, when the PNC came to office in 1964, the figure was almost the same.
Ourcountrywasstagnant.
The PNC was also very brutal in dealing with opposition protests They murdered Jagan Ramesar
a n d B h o l a n a u g h t Parmanand in 1973; Walter Rodney and Ohine Koame (Neville Jacobs) and others who were opposed to the PNCdictatorship.
Workers and Trade Unionists were tear-gassed, oncewhileinacellatLinden and generally harassed
Public meetings by opposition parties were violentlybrokenupbyPNC thugs.
Itisappositetonotethat the PNC had a glorious opportunity to correct its past mistakes. It did not. Instead, they began to
blatantly enrich themselves. Recall that one of the first actswastogivethemselvesa 50%increaseinsalariesand allowances They were involvedintransactionsthat were outlandish, for example, the renting of a house in Albouystown to serve as a medical bond to the tune of twelve million dollars per month! In every area, we had reversals of progress.
It would be no exaggeration to state that overthelastfiveyears,every aspectofGuyaneseliveshas been enhanced This generation has come a very far way compared to their parents and grandparents. So,Iwouldliketotellthose memoryless critics, some of whom are my friends, to be carefulwhatyouwishfor!
Sincerely, DonaldRamotar
Former President of
TwoprominentGuyanesecitizens,Chartered AccountantChristopherRamandSocial CommentatorGHKLall,havebothcalledfor GuyanesetorejectPresidentIrfaanAliatthe upcomingelections,citinganumberoffailures
Ramevenwentfurther,sayingthatcitizens placedtheirtrustinhimatthelastpolls,but havebeenrepaidwithsecrecy,arrogance, betrayalanddeception.PresidentAli'sown historycomesbackashisworstwitness.He hadpromisedtorenegotiatethecrookedoildeal withExxon,buttodayheandhisvicepresident arethebiggestdefendersofthatcontract.
Hewastheonewhopromisedtransparency, butGuyaneselivewithaworldofsecrets. Accesstoinformation,asprovidedforby law,isavictim.Remarkably,hedefends thatlackofaccess,whichgivesimpetusto apublicservanttogloatthat,ineffect,the presidenthasallbuthandedhimablank checktoerectinformationfirewalls,ashe hasdone.There'sablanketofsecrets,one thatisimpenetrable,growsmoremildewed bythemoment,throughtheinactionthat leadstoatrophy.Further,thepresidentwas theleaderwhopromisedaccountability, andwhatdidthenationgetbutcoverups, whathasmanyelementsofapolitical protectionracket.Maybethecallfor hisrejectioniswellplaced.
- new survey reveals
Caribbean HIV
s e r v i c e organisations are experiencing severe service disruptions and financial instability that threaten to reverse decades of progress in the HIV response due to the funding pause issued by the US Government in January2025.
According to a press release by UNAIDS MultiCountry Office (Caribbean) a rapid assessment, which was conducted by the Joint United Nations Programme on HIV/AIDS (UNAIDS) and the Pan Caribbean PartnershipagainstHIVand AIDS (PANCAP), among some of the main organisations, between March 27 and April 22, 2025, reveals there have beenwidespreaddisruptions toessentialHIVservices.
HIV prevention and testingservices—criticalfor maintaining the region's progress toward ending AIDS have faced univ
l disruption Capacity building for organisations was the most severelyimpacted,with80%
of them reporting suspensions or significant reductions in services Social protection services have seen 75% disruption, while human rights programming, a cornerstone of the Caribbean HIV response, has been affected in67%ofcases.
"We cannot allow the progress we have made in theCaribbeantobereversed. The findings paint a stark picture of a fragile funding ecosystem that has left our m o s t v u l n e r a b l e communitieswithoutcritical support," said Dr. Richard Amenyah, Director of the UNAIDS Multi-Country
Office for the Caribbean.
"Theseorganisationsarenot just service providers—they arethebackboneofourHIV response, reaching populations that formal health systems often cannot access."
The survey also found t h a t o n l y 2 5 % o f organisations can sustain services for two to six months without alternative funding, while 64% are uncertain about their ability to continue operations Already, organisations reported increased health risks,reducedaccesstocare, and heightened mental health challenges, including depression and isolation, among some of the region's mostvulnerablecitizens.
UNAIDS and PANCAP are calling for immediate actiontoaddressthefunding crisis and ensure the continuity of life-saving HIV services across the Caribbean.
Theywillhostaregional dissemination meeting on Wednesday, June 11, 2025, featuring the CARICOM Deputy General Secretary, Dr Armstrong Alexis, and otherregionalexperts,along with Government and civil society representatives, in a dialogue on building sustainableHIVresponsesin timesoffundinguncertainty
"Thismeetingrepresents acriticalopportunityforour region to come together, share experiences, and developcollectivestrategies for resilience," said Dr Wendy Telgt Emanuelson, PANCAPDirector.
"Wemustensurethatthe voicesofthosemostaffected areheardandthatweemerge from this situation stronger, more resilient and sustainable.”
Therearemoments in history when s i l e n c e i s complicity There are periods so drenched in cruelty,sosuffocatinginthe stench of injustice, that to remain passive is to align o n e s e l f w i t h t h e perpetrators. Mr President, this is such a moment. And you,Sir,appeardisturbingly
oblivious or worse, unperturbed—by the coldblooded slaughter of Palestinians unfolding daily inGaza.
Particularly, but not limited to the past three weeks, the world has watched with horror as Israel'sArmedForcesturned Gaza into a graveyard. Not of soldiers, not of armed men, but of children, women,andmenwhoseonly crime was to be born on the wrong side of a wall, into statelessness,intoasiege.
Whateversliverofdoubt may have remained as to Israel's ultimate aim—the obliteration of the Palestinian people was disabusedbythesavageryof thepastthreeweeks.Thereis no longer ambiguity No moral gray What we are witnessingisgenocide,bold andunrepentant.
It is not a war, Mr President It is an extermination.
Food convoys are bombed Hospitals are shelled Families are reduced to bloodied heaps beneath the rubble of their former homes Persons seeking food are being fried in cold-blooded attacks Israel has targeted bakeries, water lines, hospitals, shelters and even schools. Starvation is no longer
collateral damage it is strategy Theattempttoerase anentirepeoplebyhungeris not merely reprehensible. It isacrimeagainsthumanity
A n d y e t , y o u r government remains mute. Noteventhepolitemurmurs of diplomatic discomfort Where is Guyana's moral compass,Mr President?Are we now to calibrate our conscience to the dictates of Washington?Istheslaughter of thousands permissible because the ones pressing the trigger sit at tables of influence? Must our ethics beleasedbyforeignpolicy?
The Islamic community in Guyana is not without strength. It is not without voice.Andnow,itmustfind its roar In every masjid, in every household where a Quran is held dear, the people must rise.They must demand, unequivocally, that youradministrationseverall diplomatic relations with Israel.
This is not an act of petulance, but of principle. We must not stand in polite deference while bombs fall on hospitals and murder childrenandbabies. But we must not stop there.
Knowing,aswedo,how w e a k - k n e e d y o u r government can be in the f a c e o f A m e r i c a n pressure how you genuflecttoforeigninterests with practised ease the people of this country must act with greater resolve. If our government does not speak,thepeoplewill.Letit be known: we will boycott allIsraeli-madegoods.From pharmaceuticals to electronics, let no item touchedbythatnation'shand
passthroughourportsorour purses. This will not end theirassault.Butitwillmark a beginning. It will be the start of a new indignation, a moral movement that says: wemaybesmall,butweare notblind.
There is no neutral ground here, Mr President. To sit in silence is to stand with the oppressor And history, that incorruptible chronicler,willrecordwhere youstood.Thenamesofthe slain will be etched into memory Andsotoowillthe silence of those who could have raised a voice but did not.
What does Guyana gain by its friendship with Israel that is worth more than its soul?
Youhavespokenoftenof human rights, of justice, of standing on the side of history But these must not be slogans trotted out at the UnitedNationsandretiredat home.
They must mean something. And now, when they mean everything, your silenceisabetrayal.
We are a people born of struggle freed from the lash, the yoke, the colonial claw Whatuseisourhistory if we cannot recognise its mirror in the plight of the Palestinians? What honour lies in our independence if we cannot use it to call out barbarity when it struts in daylight?
Mr President, history does not wait. It will judge. Harshly And no amount of trade deals or press releases will launder the stain of inaction.
Youmustact.
Break ties with Israel. Speak for the silenced. Join
Is milk and honey fuh de oil companies, but rubbish bin fuh de poor
Guyana rich bad! Oil deh pumping like howwatercomeoutahbrokenpipe.Exxon anddemoilpadnasgotbalancesheetsofat, if it fall pun yuh foot yuh gun end up in GPHC. Every quarter, dem boys overseas smilinglikelottowinner Ismilkandhoney fuh dem, champagne and shrimp fuh dem shareholders.
But wha we got? More beggars than benches.Morehustlersthanjobs.Moreand more people sleeping on cardboard. Walk roundGTandislikeyuhtuninnaepisodeof Survivor:UrbanJungle Somesleepingpun depavementlikedemrentoutdecornerlot.
Onemanbeggingmefuhhundreddollar yesterday
Whenmesehmeain'tgot,heseh,“Boss man, don't lie—this country rich!” Me nearly drop down laughing. Me seh, “Big man, only de oil company rich… we just livingindebrochure.”
Everytimedemoilboyspostprofit,we
deh celebrating like is we own money But check we reality: beggar per capita higher thancoconuttree.Everytrafficlightgottwo man wid rag and spray bottle, another one wid ah child and storybook tale, and somebody else selling water or simply begging.
But leh we be honest—this nah only governmentfault.Isallahwe.Wequickfuh share de photo of dem sleeping on de pavement, but slow fuh share a plate ah food. We vex when dem beg, but we nah helpdemfindworkorshelter Andsomeah we got extra house sitting empty, while peoplesleepingoutsidelikestraydog.
Guyana can do better Guyana must do better Not just fuh Exxon, not just fuh budgetsurplus—butfuhhumanity Dem boys seh, if oil make some people billionaires and others bin-divers, then de realleaknahindewell—itindesoul. Talkhalf.Leffhalf
the arc of moral resistance, however small our contribution may be. And if youwillnot,thenknowthis: thepeoplewill. We will speak. We will protest.Wewillboycott.And we will not stop until this monstrousslaughterends.
(The views expressed in this article are those of the author and do not necessarily reflect the opinionsofthisnewspaper.)
I like a 'free and fair' process in anything. Free andfairelections,Iamallfor it. Isupportpeople'srightto endorse whoever they wish. Incidentally, this political term- to endorse, I endorsewhat does it mean, for the endorser, the endorsee, and those jilted and abandoned?
Not a political party, but the people. Nowit'sbacktofree and fair The two just can't apply to polling day,
counting day, and announcing day Free and fair, when I think of the two together, must mean something. Just as much, prior to elections, and also what happens afterwards, as in the five years until the next circus and ice-cream cartrollintotown.
Will somebody check developments involving the young fella, and say if that represents what is 'free and
fair'inthisdemocracy? Itis one, isn't it? In a true democracy, one where its ideals are held seriously, there is the highest respect for freedom of movement, freedom of association (political party), freedom of choice, freedom of speech, and freedom to compete in anelection. And,onemore. The freedom to shake any man'shand. Whenthoseare given their rightful place of honour, then a country can speakofunityandharmony, of aiming high and going places. A young Guyanese businessman moves, going from community to community, engaging the people Although his ultimate objectives weren't clear before, they are now
Now that he has announced his candidacy for the presidency, the PPP has taken matters to lower
levels. B e f o r e h i s announcement, he was fea
, subjected to resistance and indignities. Heisentitledto the same rights as citizens. Yet everywhere he goes, he draws a crowd of hopeful listeners and a gang of disruptors that seems to be waitingtogreethim. It'sthe democracy that PPP leaders claim exists, but this is how peacefulcitizensaretreated. Goons. Then a drone, then theGRA. Afterapublictax brawl between the sitting president and the aspirant wishing to unseat him,
handshake The world watches as Guyanese are violated, seemingly at the flick of a finger, in keeping with the will of leaders. With one flick of a switch
inside the Guyana Police Force, a handshaking policemanisbootedfromhis present station to another Perhaps,thehonourableTop Cop, Mr Clifton Hicken, woulddotherightthingand inform Guyanese if that transfer was part of a plannedpolicerotation. Ina genuine democracy, there wouldbeacrowdinfrontof Eve Leary protesting that transferaction.
By way of a quick digression, I recall how Opposition Leader Aubrey Norton was almost torn to pieces for refusing to shake Pres. Ali's hand. Right or wrong,thatwasintherealm of the bitter history of Guyana Now, in an expression that speaks well to basic courtesy, a policeman shakes the hand of a presidential candidate, andheissentfromwherehe is stationed to another location in a split second. Andtheytellsimplefolklike methatthePoliceForceisits own master Maybe it is a COVIDprecaution.
Taking all of these not-
so-petty developments into consideration, the hard question must be asked Is this a democracy in action, or demagoguery rearing its ugly head, showing how deformed it is, and how worse it promises to get?
There was Lima Sands in one county, then Letter Kenny in another, and then after that in a place called Lake Capoey, back in the first county Though the latter is the biggest space, it is no stranger to dispute and to government moves that expose it and imperil its residents,drainitstreasures.
Imagine that! A handshake can cause a man wearing the uniform of the law to be nailed by what is lawless. Thereoughttobea lawforthingssuchasthese. If Guyana's chief lawman, General Nandlall, is awake atthewheel,hemaywantto do something, say something. Thatis,ifhestill hassomegutsleft.
(The views expressed in this article are those of the author and do not necessarily reflect the opinionsofthisnewspaper.)
When Guyanese fear to assemble for the hammers that such action can bring down on their heads, then this country is in trouble. It cannot speak of democracy, butcreepingtyranny When residents in different locations cannot exercise their right to invite and welcome, not a traitor but a fellowcitizen,thenitisclear that this country has travelled a long way on the road of cheap, sleazy dictators. When bands of goons turn up out of thin air to interfere with a peaceful proceeding, then there is more than a hint of premeditated ill-will and malevolence in the environment There is democracy bent to kneel before rank political hypocrisy, pay homage to vulgaritythatmakestheskin crawl.
Officials at the commissioning of the boats
Residents of r i v e r i n e communities in Region One now have improved access to healthcare and essential services, following the commissioningofthreenew boatsandenginesatKumaka onTuesday
T h e s i m p l e commissioning was led by Minister of Housing and Water and Parliamentary Representativeoftheregion,
Hon. Collin Croal, along with Regional Chairman, Mr Brentnol Ashley Other regional officials, including Deputy Regional Executive Officer, Mr Shem Cuffy, werealsoinattendance.
Two of the boats have been assigned to the RegionalHealthDepartment to serve the Mabaruma and Matarkai sub-regions. One vessel,equippedwitha150horsepower engine and valued at $7.4 million, was
procured through the Ministry of Health's 2024
h a 75horsepower engine, was fundedbythe2024budgetof the Regional Democratic Council (RDC) for $5 1 million.
Theseboatsareexpected to enhance emergency medical response, facilitate medical outreaches, and improve the delivery of healthcaresupplies.
“For routine checks, we don't have to have persons waiting to go to the hospital orthehealthcentresfortheir check-ups We can have outreaches, whether dental care or other services,” Minister Croal explained He further stated that it is also“toensurethatdrugsand medical supplies are taken into the respective villages promptly.”
The Minister also highlighted government investments in healthcare
infrastructure, telemedicine, and healthcare professionals to strengthen the region's healthservices.
The third boat, valued at $7.6millionandpoweredby a 200-horsepower engine, was acquired through the RDC's2024budgetandwill be used for administrative duties.
According to Regional ChairmanAshley, the vessel will enhance the ability of regional officers to monitor and support communities
across the region. “I'm very pleasedthatweareablenow to increase the level of services that are being offered by the RDC to the people of the region,” he stated.Thisinitiativereflects yet another government intervention to bridge service delivery gaps in hinterland and riverine communities, ensuring that every citizen—regardless of geography—has access to qualityhealthcareandpublic services.(DPI)
A30-year-oldtaxi
driver was
released on
$700,000bailfortwocounts of conspiring to obtain $29 millionbyfalsepretence.
The accused, Jomo CampbellofLot18Number 5 Village, West Coast Berbice(WCB),appearedat theGeorgetownMagistrates' Court on Tuesday before Senior Magistrate Fabayo Azore.
Campbell pleaded not guilty to the charges which alleged that betweenApril 1 and May 22, 2025 at Croal Street, Georgetown, he conspired with persons who are unknown, to obtain $13 million by pretending he was in a positiontosellaplotofland locatedatLot2404Block3, Planation Providence, East bank Demerara (EBD). It is also alleged that Campbell,
between February 28 and March 19, 2025, at South Road, Georgetown, while being together with another person with intent to defraud,receivedthesumof $16 million from Kevon Bess, by pretending that he wasinapositiontosellaplot of land located at Lot 2353
Block 3, Plan
Providence,EBD.
Theprosecutionobjected to bail due to the serious
natureoftheoffenceandthe accused's conspiracy with
documenttoobtainasumof moneyforland.
They noted that such actions should not be taken lightly
C
represented by attorney Yuborn Allicock, who pleadedhiscase.
Allicock told the court thattheprosecutionfailedto providesolidgroundforwhy bailshouldnotbegranted.
The attorney noted that the prosecution did not state that his client is a flight risk, nor did it
mention that he would intimidate the virtual complainant in the matter A
Campbell has no prior convictions or pending charges and, on that ground, he is requesting reasonable bail.
M
granted bail in the sum of $350,000foreachofthetwo offences,totalling$700,000.
Campbell was also required to lodge his passport and report to the Brickdam Police Station every last Friday, starting June 27, 2025. The matter has been adjournedtoJune16,2025.
Accused, Jomo Campbell, at the Georgetown Magistrates' Court on Tuesday
ID B L
venture capital arm of the Inter-American Development Bank Group (IDBGroup),haslauncheda call for participants in its Women STEMpreneurs
Competition to fund women-led startups in Latin AmericaandtheCaribbean.
InapressreleasetheIDB said the thirteenth edition of theregionalcompetitionwill be held through the
WeXchange platform offering opportunities for women entrepreneurs in
science, technology,
e n g i n e e r i n g , a n d mathematics(STEM).
The call underscores IDB Lab's commitment to
strengtheningtheinnovation ecosystem to maximize the t a l e n t o f w o m e n entrepreneursandaccelerate the development of highimpact solutions in the region's economies and societies.
With support from AVP Ventures, the call aims to identify women leaders of STEM-based startups in the region who are currently raisingcapital.
The goal is to support and connect them with potential investors. The five selectedstartupswillpresent at an IDB Group Innovation forImpacteventtobeheldin ElSalvadorfromNovember 30toDecember2,2025. The application period
runs from June 9 to July 9, 2025andisopenforstartups at the pre-seed to Series B stages of raising capital that have at least one woman founder or leader (at the Csuite level). This woman entrepreneurmustbetheone to enter the call and present thestartup.
The call is open to businesses with a strong technological component or thatareprimarilyfocusedon STEM related activities, including in sectors such as fintech, edtech, agtech, healthtech, biotech, e-
y, logistics, cybersecurity, clean technologies, tourism, or SaaS solutions for small
The Canada Border Services Agency (CBSA) busted a traveler from Guyana with 3.5 kilograms (kg) of cocaine that was hidden in multiple pairs of shoesattheTorontoPearson InternationalAirport.
Thediscoverywasmade on May 26, 2025 The CBSA through a Facebook post on Monday, stated that thecocainehasanestimated v a l u e o f o v e r CND$437,000.
enterprises. Startups must operate in at least one country in Latin America and/or the Caribbean and have a business model that
internationalexpansion. Applications will be
According to the agency, the cocaine was found by contraband detection technology at the airport.
“Some of the detection technology employed by the CBSA includes ion mobility spectrometry, xrays and narcotic identification kits These tools, in combination with the officer's knowledge, experience, and training, enable successful enforcement actions”, the agencysaid The name or nationality
of the traveler has not yet beenreleasedbyCBSAdue to privacy laws in Canada. However,thetraveler,along with the cocaine were handed over to the Royal Canadian Mounted Police inOntario.
Meanwhile, Kaieteur News made contact with head of the Customs Anti Narcotic Unit (CANU) JamesSingh.
Hetoldthispublication that he will provide comments on this issue on Wednesday(Today).
evaluated on a rolling basis, and the results will be announcedbySeptember30. Selected startups will receive support to participate in the in-person event,aswellasnetworking opportunities to connect with investors and key players in the regional ecosystem.
WeXchange activities are made possible through thebysupportoftheWomen Entrepreneurship Finance Initiative(We-Fi).
The government of Guyana, through the Ministry of Education, is in search of a consultant to review the quality and relevance of hospitality and tourism education in the country, a request for expressionsofinterestsaid. The country’s first Hospitality and Tourism Training Institute is being constructedinRegionSix.
According to the document, the Government has received financing from the Caribbean Development Bank (CDB) towards the cost of the Hospitality and Tourism Training Institute Projectandintendstoapplya portion of the proceeds to eligible payments under thxgdhgd
An artist’s impression of the Hospitality and Tourism Training Institute, which is being constructed in Port Mourant, Region Six.
“The Ministry of Education is the Executing Agency of this Project and now wishes to procure consultancy services for Review of the Quality and R e l e v a n c e o f t h e Programming in theArea of Hospitality and Tourism Studies – Guyana,” the tendernoted.
Thedocumentstatesthat the objective of the consultancy is to review the current state of hospitality and tourism education in Guyana, including existing curricula at the Carnegie School of Home Economics (CSHE) and the University of Guyana (UG), but not
limitedtopublicinstitutions.
“To review and incorporate the curriculum developed by the Caribbean Tourism Organisation (CTO), ensuring its relevance to the Guyanese context while maintaining alignment with regional and international standards,” it mentioned.
Further, the consultancy is to develop a curriculum framework that incorporates the latest trends in hospitality and tourism, including digitalisation, sustainability, utilisation of novel technologies, tools a n d e q u i p m e n t , methodologies, praxis and customerserviceexcellence. “To design and develop competency-based teaching andlearningtools,including syllabi, training manuals, and instructional guides, ensuring they are accessible andcompatiblewithadigital platform, (and) to Integrate gender-responsive, socially inclusive, and culturally sensitive approaches to address the needs of marginalizedandvulnerable populations, and to develop competency-based learning and assessment materials, including syllabi, training manuals, and instructional guides,“thedocument (Continueonpage22)
TheAllianceForChange (AFC) has outrightly rejected claims by the A Partnership for National Unity (APNU) that the party’s demand for the presidency in a possible APNU+AFC coalition was thereasonforthedeadlockin negotiations between the two.
AFC leader, Nigel Hughes, addressed the issue on Tuesday, contending that his party has, in fact, been advocating for a consensus candidatetoleadthepolitical partnership.
“Firstandforemost,atno pointhastheAFCdemanded the presidency, nor have we insisted that our nominee mustleadanycoalition.Such claims are wholly false. On the contrary, the AFC has consistently advocated for a consensus candidate one who commands broad
represents a genuine third-
positions,” Hughes relayed inapressrelease.
The two parties signed a M e m o r a n d u m o f Understanding (MoU) in January this year to identify shared principles, a political platform, goals, and terms for collaboration in the interest of achieving the mutual political goal of successfully contesting this year’s general and regional elections set for September 1.However,byApril,despite the best efforts of the two negotiating teams, a mutually agreed-upon positioncouldnotbemet.
In February, Hughes had noted that his party was not holding out for its candidate to be head of any future coalition,butratherbelieved that such a decision should bemadethroughaprocess.
BytheendofMarch,the AFC had outlined its “approved conditions” for a coalition with APNU to contestthepolls.Amongthe conditions was a 60-40 split at all levels of government, with 60 per cent of the positions being held by representativesoftheAPNU.
Other conditions included, “The party from which the presidential candidateisnamed,shallnot be permitted to nominate and/oroccupythepositionof theleaderofthelist”and“in keeping with the earlier unanimous decision of the NEC (National Executive Committee of the AFC) in January of this year, party leaderNigelHughesshallbe the party’s presidential candidate.”
Those proposals were rejected by the PNCR. “We ain’tgoingtoletnobodytake their eyes pass we. I want to make this commitment to you that this party will not allowanybodytorideonour backs. We are prepared to engage and be reasonable, but we are not prepared to bend over backwards,” Norton had told the party’s general council in early April.
APNU’s Norton had maintained that while his partywasopentoacoalition, playersmustunderstandthat his party, the PNCR, has been doing a lot of the work ontheground.
Following its last meetinginmid-April,AFC’s chairman, David Patterson, told a media conference that thepartywouldbeheadingto thepollsonitsown.
“Regrettably, we have, despitethebesteffortsofour negotiation team, been unabletoarriveatamutually beneficial arrangement with A P N U W e ’ v e communicated our decision, regrettably so toAPNU, and we have also indicated to them that we will proceed with our campaign as the Alliance For Change since time is of the essence,” Pattersonhadreported.
At that press conference, Hughes had clarified that he never objected to APNU’s leader, Aubrey Norton, becoming the presidential candidate, but had only insisted that such a decision should be guided by a scientificprocess.
Patterson said that while his party had proposed that scientific data be used to determine the presidential candidate, it was never acknowledgedbytheAPNU.
In his release Tuesday, Hughes said the AFC had proposed multiple independent and qualified Guyanese as potential consensus candidates, includingformerMinisterof Foreign Affairs and Vice President Carl Greenidge, whose credentials and integrity,hesaid,arebeyond reproach.
“Noneoftheseproposals wasacceptedbyAPNU,and itisamatterofpublicrecord thattherewasonlyoneparty that insisted on a specific candidate without c o m p r o m i s e T h a t insistence, not any action by the AFC, has hindered meaningful progress toward unity.”
He said to imply that the AFC has placed personal ambition over national interestisnotonlyinaccurate
Continuedonpage22
Ca n a d i a n
exploration
company G2
Goldfields Inc has announced positive new drilling results from its ongoing exploration program in the Oko-Aremu district,Guyana.
Located within an 83,967-acre property, the OkoProjectconsistsofthree main mineralized zones: the high-grade Oko Main Zone (OMZ)inthenorth,thebulktonnage Ghanie Zone in the south,andthemorerecently identified Oko Northwest Zone.
In a statement on Monday, the company disclosedthatthenewresults forms part of an ongoing program at the newly identified New Oko discovery area, which is its third significant gold discovery The results
revealed promising gold intercepts of high grade The company said that multiple gold targets have been outlined, north of the existing resources. Notably, G2hasfouractivedrillrigs. The company disclosed that the New Oko discovery now stretches 630 metres along strike and remains open in all directions, suggesting the potential for further expansion. Drilling so far in the new zone has totaled 47 holes covering 6,439 metres, with results from 10 recent holes released.G2Goldfieldssays deeper drilling has encountered significant sulphide mineralization, but assaysforthosedeeperholes arestillpending.
G2's Vice President of Exploration Boaz Wade stated “The latest results confirm the continuity of
gold mineralization downdipofthehoststructure,and alongstriketothenortheast. Within the consistent broad intercepts along the shear, coherent zones of highergrade begin to indicate the potential of plunging mineralized shoots that are still open at depth. Extensions of these highergrade zones at depth and shallow strike extensions to the southwest will be the focus of the next phase of drilling, as we continue to Frompage19 expand this new, exciting discovery.”
In addition to ongoing work in the New Oko zone, G2 is preparing to launch maiden drilling at the newly identified RE Zone, located 4 kilometres north of the current site. G2 said it has mobilized equipment and personnel to drill a
significant new gold-in-soil anomaly
The initial eight-hole programinthisnewarea,the 'RE Zone', will commence shortly and assay results from this program can be expectedinmid-July
Patrick Sheridan, ExecutiveChairman,added, “The extraordinary successes of one of the best exploration teams in the businesscontinues.
We are still in the early
stages of exploring this emerging gold district and I am entirely confident in our abilities to meaningfully grow the Company's global goldresources.\
G2 has first mover advantage in this new mining camp, and thus maintains a very dominant land position with multiple highvaluetargetsremaining untestedbydrilling.
The G2 team…will continue to deliver for
shareholders and for the people of Guyana. I am convinced there will ultimatelybemultiplemines inthisdistrict.”
G2 currently holds exploration rights to 83,967 acres in the OKO-AREMU district where it has already established significant gold resources.
Lastmonth,thecompany announced a significant increaseingoldresourcesat (Continueonpage22)
Ambassador of theABC
countries and their counterpart of the European Commission met with Leader of the Opposition, Aubrey Norton and several other executives of the PNCRonTuesday
It is not clear what the diplomats and the PNCR executives discussed. In a brief statement on their facebook page Head of the Delegation of the European
Union in Guyana, Ambassador, Rene van Nes, wouldonlysaythathejoined his ABC colleagues for a meeting with Norton and
Leader of the Opposition, Aubrey Norton along with members of his party and the diplomats
other executive members of the party Yesterday's meetingwithNortonandthe diplomats followed talks he had with the Institute of Democracy and Electoral Assistance (IDEA) on MondayatCongressPlacein
Sophia That meeting focused on IDEA's ongoing voter education programme,
collaborating with the G
Commission. The meeting wasattendedbythePNCR's
GeneralSecretary-Sherwin Benjamin,CEC–Members, Ganesh Mahipaul and MervynWilliams.Inapress r
representing IDEA were: Programme Officer, Junior Paul Chanderpaul, and A
ProgrammeManager
During the meeting, the IDEA team provided a detailed update on the programme's progress, highlighting key initiatives and strategies aimed at enhancingvoter (Continueonpage22)
Two police officers are under close arrest following themurderofRondellClarke of Lot 413 Foulis, East Cost Demerara (ECD), while two securityofficersareinpolice custody Thisisaccordingto the deceased family’s Attorney,DexterTodd.
Clarke’sfamilyformeda protestoutsidetheCoveand John police station on
Tuesday to gather information from the police abouttheincident.
Todd, during an interview with reporters on Tuesday,statedthatthepostmortem examination will be conducted on Wednesday (today) to confirm if Clarke died from a gunshot wound. He said the firearms of the four suspects are being analysed.
The attorney also called on members of the communitytocomeforward and assist by providing
statements to the police, if theysaworheardanythingat thetimeoftheincident,since itwillplayanimportantrole in the investigation. Todd also stated he told Region Four commander Khali Pareshram that the family willbecallingonvillagesto comeforwardandsharetheir statements.
“Now, what was worrying about the brief today is the fact that one of theinvestigatorssaidthathe went back to that area and didn’t find anybody,” Todd said.
He added that “this is a community, and so I think the call has to be the people who have information in relation to what happened, whatevertheysawasaresult of what they heard, and [if] they saw something. They needtoputthatinblackand white.”
The attorney further notedthatthepolicemustbe careful as a thorough investigation needs to be done.
“The haste at which the police are using to get this fileforadviceattheDirector of Public Prosecutions, we havetobecarefulaboutwhat is really going in this one, andwedonotwanttohavea situation where the investigation is not thorough, and then the advice reflects the incompleteness of this investigation,” the attorney said.
Todd continued to stress the importance of persons givingstatements,especially now when they have lost all trust in the force, in delivering creditable information and executing a thoroughinvestigation.
“And now it’s also worryingwhatwe’redealing with. You’re dealing with a force at the time which has lost significant confidence, soyouhavetobecareful,and
peoplehavetobeveryactive inthefightforjustice.While weunderstandthatthepolice force faces a problem in relation to credibility, in relation to their ability to do investigations impartially and fairly We have to be careful as to allowing that... Wehavetogivestatements,” Toddtoldreports.
Citing the lack of justice insimilarincidences,mother of the deceased, Michelle Clarke expressed distrust in theGuyanaPoliceForce.
“I don’t really trust everything that the police is doingbecauseinGuyanawe experience thing from time to time like this and there is no justice, you have to fight for justice. And I trust God thattomorrowafterthepostmortemexamination,wecan hearsomethingthatwilllead us down the right road that willhelpustogetjusticefor mysonRondell.”
Kaieteur News has confirmed with police that “seven individualsweredeportedtoGuyanafromtheUnitedStated ofAmerica(USA)onTuesday
They landed on a special chartered flight at the Cheddi JaganInternationalAirportatTimerhi,EastBankDemerara (EBD). Police did not state the reason for their deportation but Kaieteur News understands that they might be among deportees of the President Donald J Trump’s administration’s sweeping deportation policy targeting undocumentedmigrantsintheUSA.
ThebatchofsevenmightbethefirstsetofGuyaneseto be sent home from the USA since the Trump deportation kickedoff.KaieteurNewslearntthatthecharteredplanehad made several drop-offs before arriving in Guyana. The deportees were processed by the Guyanese police before beingreleased,KaieteurNewswastold. Meanwhilepolice told Kaieteur News that there are some issues surrounding thereleaseoftheiridentities.
Meanwhile, the Associated Press reported on Tuesday thatTrumphasmadenosecretofhiswillingnesstoexerta maximalist approach to enforcing immigration laws and keeping order as he campaigned to return to the White House.Thefulfillmentofthatpledgeisnowonfulldisplay inLosAngeles.ThepresidenthasputhundredsofNational Guard troops on the streets to quell protests over his administration’simmigrationraids,adeploymentthatstate and city officials say has only inflamed tensions. Trump calleduptheCaliforniaNationalGuardovertheobjections of Democratic Gov Gavin Newsom — the first time in 60 yearsapresidenthasdoneso—andisdeployingactive-duty troopstosupporttheguard.
ByoverridingNewsom,Trumpisalreadygoingbeyond what he did to respond to Black Lives Matter protests in 2020, when he warned he could send troops to contain demonstrationsthatturnedviolentifgovernorsinthestates didnotacttodosothemselves.TrumpsaidinSeptemberof that year that he “can’t call in the National Guard unless we’rerequestedbyagovernor”andthat“wehavetogoby thelaws.”
But now, the past and current president is moving swiftly,withlittleinternalrestrainttotesttheboundsofhis executive authority in order to deliver on his promise of mass deportations. What remains to be seen is whether Americans will stand by him once it’s operationalized nationwide,asTrumplookstosecurebillionsfromCongress to dramatically expand the country’s detention and deportationoperations.
According to a police report, Clarke was allegedly shot by a 25-year-old male security officer employed with a private security service,butfamilymembers believe it was a bullet that wasfiredbythepolice.
Duringaninterviewwith Kaieteur News,
deceased’s sister, Sherifa Clarke,sharedconcerns
circumstances of her brother’sdeath.
The woman explained that after being informed of the incident, the family visited multiple police stations along the east coast including Sparendaam, Vigilance, Enmore, and Cove and John, only to be told at each location that no officialreporthadbeenmade regarding the shooting, as a result, the family formed a protestoutsidetheCoveand John police station after whichtheywereassisted.
It was reported that 29year-old Clarke, who was a construction worker, was reportedlyshotdeadduringa police chase on Second Street, Foulis, East Coast Demerara (ECD) Sunday evening.
The 60th Meeting of the Council for Trade and Economic Development (COTED) opened on Tuesdayamidgrowingtrade tensions and newly imposed tariffs that threaten regional economic stability among the CARICOM countries includingGuyana.
The two-day meeting beingheldattheCARICOM (Caribbean Community) Secretariat Turkeyen, Greater Georgetown, brings togetherministersandsenior officials to confront the increasing global trading landscape and assess urgent intra-regionalpolicyactions.
Addressing delegates at the opening ceremony, CARICOM’s SecretaryGeneral Dr Carla Barnett warned of escalating traderelated challenges and emphasized the urgency of regionalcollaboration.
“Youaremeetingagainst the background of many trade-related challenges facing the Region, and in a geo-political environment which is changing very rapidly,”Dr Barnettstated.
“The recent tariff shocks are a stark reminder of the need to diversify our trade andeconomicrelations,”she added.
The Secretary- General emphasized the need for focused attention on trade relations with key partners
and pending agreements, saying,
“Theworktoaddressthe way forward in trade relations with the United States; the bilateral negotiationswithColombia; and the outstanding CertificationoftheBelize-El Salvador Partial Scope Agreement, must be given focusedattention.”
She also called for the removal of “longstanding issues of non-compliance” that hamper regional trade and urged modernization of trade policies to promote entrepreneurship and intraregionalcommerce.
A major highlight of the meeting will be the presentation of a report on the Regional Industrial Policy, which Barnett described as potentially transformative for regional integration.
“ThisPolicycanbecome an important aspect of the deepening of the regional integration strategy going forward,” she said, urging delegates to focus on how it will be finalized and implemented.
Meanwhile, Prime Minister of Jamaica and current Chairman of
CARICOM, Andrew Holness, echoed these concerns in his address, describingthecurrentglobal trade environment as one of “ t u r m o i l ” a n d “ u n p r e c e d e n t e d uncertainties.”
“Twoyearsagowecould never have imagined the turmoil that the global tradingsystemandtheglobal economy is confronted with today,”Holnesssaid.
“ O u r b u s i n e s s community is reeling from cancelled export orders, the
imposition of new and unexpected tariffs, and u n p r e c e d e n t e d uncertainties.”
Prime Minister Holness stressed that trade and economicdevelopmentmust remain at the top of CARICOM’s agenda, especially for a region composed primarily of s m a l l , v u l n e r a b l e economies.
“Whether our exports can enter markets with the least possible barriers and whetherimportsreachusina timely, safe and affordable manner all impact the performance of our economies,” he noted while adding that “These considerations must be uppermost on our minds todayandintotomorrow.”
The two-day session includesapackedagenda
Continued on page 22
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From page 20 understanding and participation. The discussion encompassed various aspects of voter education, including outreach methods, content development, and partnerships with key stakeholders. PNCR representatives expressed their appreciation for IDEA’s commitment to the voter education programme and raised critical concerns.
Meanwhile, during their weekly news conference last weekthePNCRsaidthatnow an election date has been set, theAPNUCoalitionofwhich it is part of is calling on all Guyanese to set aside ethnic and political differences and vote for their happiness and well-being. “Guyanese aspire to live a comfortable life, without the daily hassles of trying to make ends meet andtryingtostretchtheirdollars. They want living wages and a livable income,” the PNCRsaid.
According to the party, after four oil budgets under thePPP(withthelasttwobudgets surpassing a trillion dollars), living conditions have only gotten worse and hope among the people has
dwindled. “We in the APNU Coalitionareofferingpolicies andprogrammesthatwilltake the people of Guyana out of poverty,putresourcesintheir hands,andremovetheunnecessary everyday hassle, including those that have emergedfromalackofaroad infrastructure development plan, which has resulted in a nightmare for the traveling public,” the statement added. “We would not be surprised thatwhenGuyanesegotothe pollingstations,theywillvote against the on-going poverty and economic hardships, the
highcostofliving,thecorruptionthatchannelstheirmoney intothehandsofPPPfriends, families and favorites; and against the reality that the country’s oil wealth is not reachingthem.”
According to the PNCR, the campaign of the APNU Coalition will focus on convincing Guyanese “that we can bring hope, prosperity, and happiness to their lives. We will focus on convincing Guyanese that we will put them first and ensure the country’s oil wealth gets into their hands, purses, wallets,
and bank accounts. We will campaignonguaranteeingall households a livable income, freefromfinancialuncertainties. With our oil wealth, the APNU Coalition believes Guyanacanbecomeoneofthe best countries to live in. The PPP has had its chance with four oil budgets and has failed. Come September 1st, we will ask the voters to vote forus,aswearewellequipped todelivertothemahigh-quality life. We will ask voters to let us show what we mean by putting people first,” the statement concluded.
From page 21
with several high-priority issues including:
1. Requests for suspension of the CommonExternalTariff(CET):COTEDwillreview suspension requests receivedbetween27May and 3 June 2025. These relate to goods such as paints,varnishes,andhydrocarbonpropellants.
2.Reviewofrulesoforigin:Delegateswill consider the outcomes of regional consultations on community rules of origin and the use of specifications in CET suspensions and safeguard certificates.
3. Advancement of the Caribbean Single Market and Economy (CSME): The meeting will push forward initiatives related to free movement of CARICOM nationals, the
From page19 its flagship Oko Project in GuyanasinceitslastMineral Resource Estimate (MRE).
EffectiveMarch1,2025,G2 disclosed that there was a 60% increase in indicated gold resources, bringing its estimated recoverable gold to 1.5 million ounces, and a 49% increase in inferred resources to 1.6 million ounces.
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community’s competition policy, and the assessmentoftheCSME’simpactandbenefits.
4.Externaltraderelations:Delegateswill also evaluate World Trade Organization (WTO) developments, U.S. trade policies affecting the region, and preparations for resumednegotiationswithColombia.
5.Belize-ElSalvadorAgreement:FinalcertificationofBelize’sPartialScopeAgreement with El Salvador is also on the table, pending approval.
Meanwhile, Prime Minister Holness emphasized the need for urgency and strategic execution. “We have a range of matters for discussion and decision... we must advance with urgency,” he declared.
The majority of the indicatedresourcesstemfromthe OMZ, which includes nearsurface, high-grade mineralization with standout zones.
These zones contain 609,000 ounces of gold at an averagegradeof10.25grams per tonne (g/t) gold, extending from just 5 to 370 metres below surface.
The OMZ alone now hosts 808,000 ounces in the
indicated category at a grade of 7.98 g/t, and 513,500 ounces inferred at 4.60 g/t, placing it among the highestgrade gold deposits globally at shallow depth.
TheGhanieZonehasalso seen growth, with indicated resources reaching 663,400 ounces at 2.01 g/t gold, and inferred resources rising to over one million ounces at 2.64g/t.
This zone is considered highlyprospectiveforlargescaleopen-pitdevelopment, given the consistency and scaleofmineralization. Meanwhile, the Oko Northwest Zone, though less advanced, has added 97,200ouncesofinferredresources at a grade of 0.61 g/ t gold, highlighting further upside in the broader district.
From page 14 detailed. The consultant is expectedtoworkforaperiod of four consecutive months. Additionally, bids for the project are expected to be opened on June 24, 2025, at theNationalProcurementand TenderAdministrationBoard (NPTAB)office.
InFebruary2024,thesod was turned for the constructionoftheUS$7,002,126HospitalityandTourismTraining Institute, a being funded by theCDBincollaborationwith the Ministries of Education,
Finance,andTourism.
Kares Engineering Inc. and the architectural engineer,DeenandPartners,were awarded the contract.
Kaieteur News reported that in December 2020, the CDB approved a US$11 million(approximately$2.3billion)loanforthedevelopment of the institute. The project was signed on December 12, 2023 and works on the structure are expected to be completedonJanuary21,2026.
TheHospitalityandTourism Training Institute, when
completed, is geared at training personnel to ensure they are equipped with the skills and knowledge that are necessary to staff and manage thegrowingtourismandhospitality sector in Guyana.
At the sod-turning ceremony, Minister of Tourism, Industry and Commerce, Oneidge Walrond, said this institute is aimed at equipping students with hands-on traininginaworld-classfacility that would enhance their knowledge of the sector, including modern approaches
required to operate at international industry standards. Importantly, the skills acquiredwillnotonlyallowfor access to direct tourism jobs but also indirect jobs and opportunities.
“As we build out the curriculum,itwilldistinguishitself as being particularly tailored to our indigenous services and our indigenous communities and focus on building out an eco-tourism product that is environmentallysoundandfriendly,”the ministersaid.
From page 18 but dismissive of “our consistent calls for principled, policy-based collaboration. Our public posture has always been one of dialogue, mutual respect, and practical unity in the interest of all Guyanese, not blind alignment at any cost.”
He continued, “While we recognise that the AFC, like allpoliticalmovements,must continuouslyworktobroaden
itssupport,itisdisingenuous to suggest that electoral viability hinges solely on historicpolling.TheAFCbrings policydepth,principledleadership, and a track record of governance reform, all of which are essential to any coalition seeking to deliver results for the people of Guyana.”
Hughes said the AFC remains open to continued dialogueandbelievesthatacoa-
litionbasedonmutualrespect and shared values. However, unitymustbebuiltonfairness and consensus, not coercion orunilateralism.“Weurgeall stakeholderstomovebeyond public attacks and toward constructive engagement. The people of Guyana deserve nothing less.”
The two parties first joined ranks on February 14, 2015, with the signing of the Cummingsburg Accord. The
coalition was able to defeat the PPP at the elections held in May that year. Since then, they have stood together but notwithouttheirinternalhiccups. TheAFC,underthestewardship of former leader Khemraj Ramjattan, had decided not to renew the bindingagreementwiththeAPNU in2023uponitsexpiration.At the time, AFC said it would focus on rebuilding.
— raked in $1.29B in rates and taxes last year
The Mayor and City Council
(M&CC) last week presented its annual budget pegged at $4.2 billion and rolled out planstoexpanditsrevenuecollectionin keyareasthisyear
Finance Committee Chairman, Lelon Saul, recently delivered the budget presentation, noting that the biggest chunk of the revenue—$1.29 billion came from collection of rates andtaxes.Hesaidthatthefigurewould bemuchhigheriftheoutstandingrates and taxes are paid Saul also highlighted the income generating measures including plans to boost the collectionofoutstandingratesandtaxes and regulate street vending as key components of the Council’s 2025 agenda.
“In 2025, this year, our projected revenueisestimatedat$3,837,518and theexpenditureis$4,282,490,755. The key objectives of our budget are to maintain in good order approximately 645 miles of drainage networks necessary for effectual drainage in the city,”Saulstated.
According to Saul, the city greatest revenue earning department was the city treasurer department ranking 1.29 billiononratesandTaxes.
He explained that the key revenue earning area outside of rates and taxes was the market fees 308 M which represent 14.68 % of total revenue for theperiod. “TheStabroekMarketwith thehighestearningmarketsat145Mor 47%oftheactualrevenueformarkets,” Sauldisclosed.
According to the Finance
CommitteeChairman,theCouncilwill expand its revenue collection in key areas. Hesaidinadditiontocollecting property taxes, and market fees,
emphasis will be placed on collecting billboardfeesandleasesfees.”
The Councillor noted however that there are challenges hampering the Council’sabilitytoimplementprojects effectively He said: “The municipality’s ability to provide core servicesin2024wasseverelyhampered by financial constraints, insufficient manpower, and a lack of materials in 2024…”
Saul also accused Central GovernmentandtheLocalGovernment MinistryofworkingagainsttheCouncil ineffortstogarnertheoutstandingrates and taxes via the amnesty programme fordelinquentratepayers.This,hesaid has left the Council with limited options.
“Compounding this issue is the Central Government’s persistent disregard for the Mayor and City Council, as key decisions and interventions are routinely made without consultation. Such dismissive conduct not only undermines democraticgovernancebutalsofosters a hostile and unproductive relationship betweenthetwoentities.Inanationlike Guyana, which prides itself on democratic values and civil discourse, mutual respect and cooperation should be the foundation of all interactions,” Saulexplained.
Nevertheless, the Finance
Committee Chairman is hoping for a better collaboration with the government in key areas “Notwithstanding, we would like a greater collaboration with central government as they work to improve the roads, bridges, drains etc. For public safety; enhanced public safety fortheCityPoliceaswellascommunity engagement programmes For
environmental sustainability, the City wants to implement policies and initiatives that promote environmental sustainability,”Saulpointedout.
He noted too that to garner revenues, the City will seek to pursue areas tax reviews and adjustments. “Now,wehavetoreviewandadjusttax policies.Thisissomethingthatengaged thecouncil.Theissueofourdelinquent ratepayers. When they don’t pay on time it attracts an interest rate of 18 percentthatisjustsimpleinterest.”
Tobolsterthebudget,Saulnotedthe Citywillalsoseektotapintomunicipal grant schemes and public private partnershipinitiatives.
AccordingtoSaul,therearenumber of areas that City continues to lose revenue “A key priority will be strengtheningtheTreasuryDepartment to ensure accurate, timely financial reporting and budget preparation Currently,thedepartmentfacescritical staffing shortages and capacity gaps, hindering optimal performance Addressing these challenges will enhance fiscal efficiency and data reliabilityforevidence-baseddecisionmaking,”Saulsaid.
“We want to relook at some of our bylaws and ensure what we are doing is in keeping those guidelines In this year, the Georgetown municipality also plans to reevaluate service fees formanyresidentialservices Wehave already started rolling out some of thesekeyprogrammes,”headded
“We do have challenges and some ofthesethingsaredifficulttoattainbut we will continue to provide the 34,000 plus properties with refuse collection serviceremovingtonsofwastedailyin the city,” the Finance Committee Chairmansaid.
A 33-year-old housewife was on Tuesday released on $950,000 bail for obtainingmoneybyfalsepretense,two counts of forgery, and two counts of utteringforgeddocuments.
Odessa McDonald appeared at the Georgetown Magistrates’Court before SeniorMagistrateFabayoAzore.
It is alleged that McDonald, between April 1 and May 22, 2025 at SouthRoad,Georgetown,withintentto defraud, obtained the sum of $13 million dollars from Kevon Bess and Orlando Prince by falsely pretending that she was in the position to sell a parcel of land located at 2404 Block 3, Plantation Providence East Bank Demerara(EBD).
ItisalsoallegedthatonJune6,2025 at Croal Street, Georgetown, she, with intent to defraud, forged a certain document that is one Guyana national identification card, to be in favor of SharmainAlexisPattersonissuedbythe GuyanaElectionCommission.
Onthesamedayatthesaidaddress, McDonald also forged a certain
documenttoKevonBess,thatistosay one Guyana national identification card, reported to be the name of SharmainAlexisPattersonissuedbythe GuyanaElectionCommission.
On June 6, 2025, at Croal Street, Georgetown, McDonald, with intent to defraud,forgedacertaindocumentthat isoneRepublicofGuyanaPassport,to be in favor of Sharmain Alexis Patterson issued by the Central ImmigrationandPassportOffice.
She also allegedly forged a certain documenttoKevonBess,thatistosay oneRepublicofGuyanaPassport,tobe in favor of Sharmain Alexis Patterson issued by the Central Immigration and Passport Office. McDonald pleaded notguiltytoallthecharges.
The prosecution objected to bail stating that the accused is a flight risk and has misled law enforcement. They notedthattheoffenceisoneofaserious natureandcanleadtohumantrafficking and terrorism. The prosecution said it was concerned with the accused interfering with the investigation and
TheGuyanaSugarCorporation(GuySuCo),witha$13.3 billion budgetary allocation this year, will be spending portionsofitsfundstoexecuteseveralprojectsatthreesugar estates.
During the recent opening of bids at the National ProcurementandTenderAdministrationBoardoffice,itwas revealed that projects are set for Uitvlugt, Albion and BlairmontEstates.
Some of the contracts include the construction of a new staffclubroofatUitvlugtEstateinRegionThree;supplyand delivery of a mill turbine and double reduction gearbox for the Blairmont Estate in Region Five, and the supply and delivery of gears for the mill double reduction gearbox at AlbionEstateinRegionSix.
Belowarethecompaniesandtheirbids: GuyanaSugarCorporation Constructionofnewstaffclubroof atUitvlugtEstate,RegionThree.
Retenderforsupplyanddeliveryofgears formilldoublereductiongearboxatAlbion.
Supplyandinstallationofone80,000lbs/hrmoving gratewatertubesteamboilerforUitvlugtEstate.
intimidating the victim. It also argued that once bail is granted, there is a possibility that the accused may continueforgingdocuments.
Meanwhile, McDonald was represented by attorney Meshonn Persaud.Theattorneytoldthecourtthat her client is willing to lodge her passport and is willing to report to the stationifnecessary
Persaud requested bail on the ground that her client is currently pregnant. She said while in police custody, her client was bleeding profusely Shesaidwhensheraisedthe observation with the police, they reportedlysaid‘McDonaldhasamouth ofherownandshecansayifsomething iswrongwithher.’
Magistrate Azore after hearing the arguments, granted McDonald $150,000 for the obtaining money by falsepretense,$150,000foreachofthe uttering a forged document, and $250,000eachforforgerycharge.
ThematterwasadjourneduntilJuly 16,2025.
Design,build,supplyandinstallationofone reverserotationassemblyforBlairmontEstate.
Supplyanddeliveryofmillturbineand doublereductiongearboxforBlairmontEstate.
(AL-JAZEERA) Israeli forceshavekilledatleast60 Palestinians in Gaza on Monday, including at least 14 people near the USbacked Gaza Humanitarian Foundation’s (GHF) aid centreinsouthernRafah.
A t l e a s t e i g h t Palestinianshavebeenkilled in an Israeli air strike on a home in Deir el-Balah, a medical source at Al-Aqsa Martyrs Hospital says, according to Al Jazeera Arabic An unspecified number of people were also injured in the attack, the sourceadded.
Citing al-Quds Hospital, another report shared that another 20 people were killed and more than 124 injuredwhilewaitingforaid near the so-called Netzarim Corridor,southofGazaCity
The bodies of nine Palestinians have also been recovered after Israeli air attacks on homes in Jabalia al-Balad, according to a source at al-Shifa Hospital citedAlJazeeraArabic.
At least three other Palestinians from the same
familywerealsokilledinan Israeli attack on a tent housing displaced people in the al-Mawasi area near the cityofKhanYounis,asource at Nasser Medical Complex hastoldAlJazeeraArabic.
The displacement camp at al-Mawasi – repeatedly describedasa“safe”areaby Israel – is one of the most overcrowdedplacesinGaza, devastated by 21 months of relentlessbombardment.
Israeli forces had again opened fire at Palestinians seeking aid at a GHF site in central Gaza, killing at least two people and wounding 92, according to a medical source.
The latest attack comes hours after Israeli forces killed 14 Palestinians gathered at the GHF site in southernRafah.
A UN commission says Israeli attacks on schools, religiousandculturalsitesin Gaza amount to war crimes and the crime against humanity of seeking to exterminatePalestinians.
“Israel has obliterated Gaza’seducationsystemand
Palestinians pray over the bodies of Ahmed Abu Hilal and Ibrahim al-Najjar, who were killed while on their way to an aid hub in Gaza, during their funeral at Nasser Hospital in Khan Younis, in the southern Gaza Strip [Abdel Kareem Hana/AP Photo]
destroyed over half of all religiousandculturalsitesin the Gaza Strip, part of a widespread and relentless a
Palestinian people in which Israeli forces have committed war crimes and the crime against humanity of extermination,” the UN
Independent International Commission of Inquiry on the Occupied Palestinian Territorysaidinareport. It paid special attention
to Gaza but also focused on Israeliattacksonciviliansin the occupied Palestinian territory, including East Jerusalem,andinIsrael.
VIENNA, June 10
(Reuters)-U.N.expertssaid in a report on Tuesday that Israel committed the crime
against humanity of “extermination” by killing civilians sheltering in schoolsandreligioussitesin Gaza, part of a “concerted campaign to obliterate Palestinianlife.”
The United Nations Independent International Commission of Inquiry on the Occupied Palestinian Territory, including East Jerusalem, and Israel was due to present the report to the Geneva-based U.N. Human Rights Council on June17.
“Weareseeingmoreand more indications that Israel is carrying out a concerted campaign to obliterate Palestinian life in Gaza,”
former U N High Commissioner for Human Rights Navi Pillay, who chairs the commission, said inastatement.
“Israel’s targeting of the educational, cultural and
religious life of the Palestinianpeoplewillharm the present generations and generations to come, hindering their right to self-
Palestinians inspect the damage at a school sheltering displaced people, following an Israeli strike, in Jabalia refugee camp, in the northern Gaza Strip, May 12, 2025. REUTERS/Mahmoud Issa/File Photo
determination,”sheadded. The commissio
n educational facilities and religiousandculturalsitesto assess whether international lawwasbreached.
Israel disengaged from theHumanRightsCouncilin February, alleging it was biased Its diplomatic
mission said on Thursday that the commission’s latest report was an “attempt to promote its fictitious narrative of the Gaza war”, and proved that its members “care more about bashing Israel than protecting the peopleofGaza.”
In its report, the commission said Israel had
destroyed more than 90% of school and university buildingsandmorethanhalf of all religious and cultural sitesinGaza.
“ I s r a e l i f o r c e s committed war crimes, including directing attacks against civilians and wilful killing, in their attacks on educational facilities In
killingciviliansshelteringin schools and religious sites, Israeli security forces committedthecrimeagainst humanity of extermination,” itsaid.
The war was triggered when Hamas-led militants killed 1,200 people in Israel in a surprise attack in October 2023, and took 251
hostagesbacktotheenclave, accordingtoIsraelitallies.
Israel responded with a military campaign that has killed over 54,000 Palestinians, according to Gaza health authorities HarmdonetothePalestinian education system was not confined to Gaza, the report found, citing increased Israelimilitaryoperationsin the West Bank and East Jerusalem as well as harassment of students and settlerattacksthere.
Inthecountrysidearound Syria’sAleppo, Hiba Ghada is clearing unexploded ordnanceorUXO.
“Israeli authorities have also targeted Israeli and Palestinian educational personnel and students inside Israel who expressed concernorsolidaritywiththe civilian population in Gaza, resultingintheirharassment, dismissal or suspension and in some cases humiliating arrests and detention,” it said.“Israeliauthoritieshave particularly targeted female educators and students, intending to deter women and girls from activism in public places, ” the commissionadded.
SportsMax - The West Indies Academy suffered a 75-run loss to Sri Lanka Emerging Players on day three of their first Four Day encounter at Coolidge on Monday
The Sri Lankans entered Monday’s play 141-5 in 37 oversintheirsecondinnings, leadingthehostsby219runs and ended up being bowled out for 219 in 58.2 overs, meaningtheAcademyhad a targetof297towin.
Left-arm pacer Nathan Edward was the star of the show with the ball for the WestIndianswith6-23from his14.2overswhileleft-arm spinner Joshua Bishop took 3-41 from 17 overs in
support. The West Indians subsequently had only four players score in double figures before being dismissed for 222 in 50.5 overs.
AckeemAugustewasthe onlyWest Indian to pass the half-century mark with a well-compiled 82 off 95 balls including seven fours
and five sixes while Carlon Bowen-Tuckett and Rivaldo Clarke made 43 and 36, respectively Left-arm spinner Dilum Sudeerapickedup4-51from 14 overs while left-arm seamerDulajSamudithaand off-spinner Ashian Daniel picked up three wickets, each.
The second Four Day gamestartsonJune14while the first 50 Over game is on st the21 onJune.
ARIES(Mar.21–Apr.19)
In a philosophical or political conversation,youdon'thesitate to offer your thoughts Your examplesmaybeextreme,but yourprinciplesaresound
TAURUS(Apr.20–May20)
Youshouldbeinagoodmood, although you might have a hard time fully expressing yourself.Perhapsyoufeellike there is someone keeping an eyeonyoureverymove.
GEMINI(May21–June20)
You may get the feeling that despite all the hard work you've accomplished, something is still missing, Gemini. There's still a long road ahead, regardless of the goalsyou'veattainedsofar.
CANCER(June21–July22)
Freedom may be a theme for youtoday You'rebeginningto question what it is you're tryingtofreeyourselffrom.A person? Job? Commitment? These may be the very things youstarttosearchforassoon asyou'refreeofthem.
LEO(July23–Aug.22)
You'retheliquidthattakesthe shape of its container, Leo. Even though this may seem like the most nonconfrontational way to do things, you may find that it's actually a cause of great frustrationforyouandothers
VIRGO(Aug.23–Sept.22)
Youmayfeellikeapuppythat has been let outside for the first time, Virgo. The air is warm and you're full of energy You're ready to run over the fields and hills Unfortunately,you'retiedtoa stake and you can't move beyondaten-footradius.
LIBRA(Sept.23–Oct.22)
Youmayfeelastrangetension. Itseemsthatnothingyousayor do is quite right, Libra. As much as you may try to do the correct thing, you can't make thingsclickthewayyou'dlike.
SCORPIO (Oct. 23–Nov 21)
It may be hard for you to maintain your self-discipline. Your childlike nature wants to go out and play Emotionally, you're anxious to let loose and followyourplayful,instinctual nature.
SAGITTARIUS(Nov22–Dec21)
Ifyou'reunclearaboutthetopic of discussion, say so Asking questionsisanimportantpartof learning You shouldn't be afraid to ask. Communication maytakeonaserioustone,and intellectual discussions are likelytogetheated.
CAPRICORN(Dec22–Jan19)
Youmaybeshywhenitcomes to expressing your emotions today,Capricorn.Thiscouldbe a rare thing for you. Other people may wonder if somethingiswrong.
AQUARIUS(Jan.20–Feb.18)
Youmaynotknowwhichway to turn,Aquarius. You may be emotionally weighed down by sentimental feelings and memories that bind you to the past You may also feel restrictedbyauthorityfigures.
PISCES(Feb.19–Mar.20)
Your mind may be going in manydifferentdirections,with fantastic ideas about how things should be done, Pisces. T h e d i f f i c u l t y i s communicatingtheseideasina way that makes sense. Others mayseeyouasathreattotheir authority
Summarizedscores: Sri Lanka Emerging Players 292 all out in 65.4 overs(SohandeLivera130, Shevon Daniel 47, Kelvin Pitman 7-28) & 219 all out in 58.2 overs (Ravindu Rasantha 65, Shevon Daniel 50, Nathan Edward 6-23, JoshuaBishop3-41) WestIndiesAcademy214 all out in 50.4 overs (RivaldoClarke42,Ackeem
SportsMax - While lamentingthecurrentstateof
West Indies cricket, legendary fast bowler Sir Curtly Ambrose firmly believes the Caribbean side canreclaimitsformerglory, but only if the right structures are put in place and the right people are involved to guide the next generation.
Ambrosepointedoutthat eachserieslossisareminder of the decline of a oncemighty cricketing force
Though West Indies have
twice won the T20 World Cup since, Ambrose argued that they have struggled for the consistency and competitivenessthatdefined theirdominanteraofthelate 20thcentury.
“It’s very, very difficult because coming from the West Indies, we are so accustomed to winning, and everytimeweturnuptoplay, everyone expects us to win.
Sadly, it’s not that anymore, and for me it’s really tough because I am so accustomed to seeing us winning and
ruling the world,” Ambrose toldTheRoyalGazette. Ambrose, who retired in 2000 with 405 Test wickets
reflected on an era when We
commanded global respect. Now, he admits it is painful towitness theteamlanguish outsidetheworld’stopthree.
“Every team in world sport goes through a phase whereyoulosegreatplayers, and then you rebuild and become a dominant force
“Cricket Gear for young and promising
in Guyana”
left:
Tagore Memorial Secondary School, No.63 Village, Upper Corentyne, Berbice, has once againbenefitedfromcricketgear Theschool wastherecipientofonegearbag,threethigh pads, two pairs of batting gloves, two bats, six balls, one pair of batting pads, four bat rubbers, one box and one mallet. The gear wasdonatedbyDrDharRamdehal,inhonor ofhislatefather,IsardatRamdehal.
The late Ramdehal was a teacher at the school. The donation was coordinated by DerekKallicharran,aformerWestIndies‘B’ allrounder and facilitated by this noble initiative done jointly by Anil Beharry of GuyanaandKishanDasoftheUSA.
The gear was presented by long serving cricket administrator, Vemen Walter to
Ramona Dyal, HM (ag) in the presence of Basdeo Seenauth of the Physical Education Department and students. Dyal expressed gratitudeforthegearandindicatedthatitwill surely enhance the already vibrant cricket section with the aim of producing rounded students.
This initiative will continue to strive to improve the lives of youths in every community Wearepleasedtobepartofthe developmentofyoungcricketersinGuyana. Ouraimistokeepthemoffthestreetsandget them actively involved in sports, cricket in particular
Distributionwillcontinue.
Anyone interested to contribute can contactAnilBeharryon6236875orKishan Dason17186640896.
again. But sadly, for about two decades, we have really been struggling and can’t seem to get out of that deep hole,”hesaid.
“It’sreallyfrustratingfor measaformercricketerand hard to watch our beloved West Indies team not in the top three in the world EverywhereIgo,peopleask me the same question, ‘When is the West Indies t
m coming back?’ Ambrosestated.
Even the style of play, Ambrose said, has changed too.
“We played a different kind of cricket back then—exciting—and people loved that. We still have some exciting players now, but sadly we can’t string enough victories together, and that’s frustrating to watch and really sad,” the outspoken personality declared.
AccordingtoAmbrose,a keyfactorbehindthedecline is the rise of lucrative T20 franchise cricket, which is often prioritised by modern players over international representation.
“Lots of players today are gravitating towards T20
cricketbecauseit’slucrative. You can’t really blame the players because one injury canendyourcareer,soIhave no problem with players trying to make themselves financially secure for the future,”hesaid.
“But at the same time, representing your country should be top priority You must try and find a balance.
Most players today just gravitate towards T20 franchises and can’t be bothered with Test cricket, but it’s just the way of the world,”Ambroseadded.
Ambrose takes immense prideintheWestIndies’rich legacy,atraditionheworked hard to uphold during his career
“When Sir Vivian Richards,DesmondHaynes, Gordon Greenidge, Jeff
Dujon, and Malcolm Marshall left, we wanted to
continue that tradition of West Indies cricket for as long as we could. Then I retiredin2000,andmygood friendCourtneyWalshleftin 2001.Sincethenwe’vebeen going downhill We still can’t seem to get out of that deep hole, and I don’t think inmylifetimewe’lleversee those glory years again in West Indies cricket,” Ambroseopined.
Yet Ambrose is not withouthope.
“Having said that, I still believethatifyouputcertain things in place and get certain personnel involved, especiallypastgreatstohelp nurture these young talents, we can get back to our competitive ways and be a force again in world cricket. But some things have to change,”Ambrose, who is a Level 3 certified coach, ended.
Frompage32
attack. Additionally, Johann Layne, a 21year-oldproductoftheWestIndiesAcademy, who claimed 63 first-class wickets in 17 matches, along with Anderson Phillip, who recently captured a 5-wicket haul for West Indies A against South Africa A, have been called up to provide reinforcement. Spin responsibilities will be handled by Captain, Roston Chase and Vice-Captain, Jomel Warrican.
Despite being under consideration, veteran pacer Kemar Roach has not been includedandhasbeendulyinformed.
Sammy, while asking for patience from the fans towards the players, said they can look forward to an exciting style over the series. “I am truly looking forward to this series because we want to start off strongly andmakeourhometurfafortressduringthis cycle,whilehavingourpassionateandproud fans behind us. The matches will be challenging but I believe in this core of players, and they are eager to wear the maroonandmakeourfanshappy.”
WestIndiesTestSquad forSeriesAgainstAustralia:
RostonChase(Captain)
JomelWarrican(ViceCaptain)
KevlonAnderson
KraiggBrathwaite
JohnCampbell
KeacyCarty
JustinGreaves
ShaiHope
TevinImlach
AlzarriJoseph
ShamarJoseph
BrandonKing
JohannLayne
MikyleLouis
AndersonPhillip
JaydenSeales
TeamManagerUnit:
HeadCoach:DarenSammy
AssistantCoach(Batting):FloydReifer
Assistant Coach (Bowling): Ravi Rampaul
Assistant Coach (Fielding): Rayon Griffith
TeamManager:RawlLewis
Physiotherapist:Dr DenisByam
Strength & Conditioning Coach: Ronald Rogers
MassageTherapist:DarcBrowne
TeamAnalyst:AveneshSeetaram
Content&MediaOfficer:JeromeFoster FULLMATCHSCHEDULE
1stTest: 25-29 June 2025 @ Kensington Oval,Barbados
2nd Test: 3-7 July 2025 @ National Stadium,Grenada
3rdTest:12-16July2025@SabinaPark, JamaicaDAY/NIGHT
As anticipation builds for the official kickoff of the sixth annual ExxonMobil Boys’ and Girls’ Under-14 Football Championship this Saturday at the Ministry of Education ground, the Petra Organisation successfully hosted regional qualifiers over the weekend to finalize the list of competing schools. The playoffs, heldacrossRegions1,2,3,4,5,and 6, served as a selection process to determine the final teams for the 52-schoolchampionshiproster
Recognizing the importance of the tournament as a platform for young talent nationwide, the Petra Organisation introduced a more robust qualification system in responsetopastcriticism.Thisnew playoffstructuregavemoreschools a fair shot at making it into the prestigiousU14tournament.
Region 1 saw Waramuri Top Secondarydominatethequalifiers. In the boys’ division, Waramuri crushedKwebannaSecondary11-0 andbattledtoa1-1drawwithSanta Rosa Secondary, with an own goal earning them a point in the final round Kamwatta Secondary, despiteanopening1-0losstoSanta Rosa, rebounded with a 4-1 win overKwebanna.Meanwhileonthe girls’ side, Waramuri’ Secondary secured their qualification with victories over both Kamwatta and KwebannaSecondary Region 4 featured intense competition, with multiple schools
advancing in the boys’ bracket: Bygeval Secondary, Annandale
Secondary, Ann’s Grove Secondary, East Ruimveldt Secondary, St John’s College, Lodge Secondary, North Ruimveldt Multilateral Secondary, and Christ Church Secondary all registered wins. Also in the girls’ segment, Good Hope Secondary narrowly edged past Annandale Secondary, with an own goal decidingthematch.
Region 2 qualifiers continued on Sunday In the girls’ division,
Abram Zuil Secondary and Wakapow Secondary secured their places Abram Zuil edged Kabakaburi Secondary 1-0, while Wakapow overcame Charity Secondary 3-0 on penalties after a goalless draw Across on the boys’ side, Cotton Field and Charity Secondary advanced with wins over Kabakaburi Secondary and AbramZuil,respectively
Over in Region 3, Vreed-enHoopSecondaryGirlsbreezedpast Westminster Secondary 3-0 and were awarded a walkover victory
against Vergenoegen Secondary to confirm their spot The boys’ qualifiers also provided lots of entertainment, Goed Fortuin Primary Top beat Nismes Secondary 2-0, Vreed-en-Hoop overcame Patentia Secondary 3-1, West Demerara Secondary triumphed 3-1 on penalties over Westminster, while L’Aventure Secondary also qualified via a walkover
Swinging across to Region 5, Bush Lot Secondary Girls booked theirplacewithacommanding3-0 win over Rosignol Secondary Meanwhile the boys’playoffs saw Belladrum Secondary squeezing
pastFortWellingtonSecondaryina nail-biting penalty shootout, eventuallywinning3-2.
Region6qualifierswrappedup with Vryman’s Erven Secondary GirlsedgingNewAmsterdam(NA) SecondaryGirls1-0,whiletheNA SecondaryBoysreturnedthefavor withasolid2-0winoverVryman’s ErvenBoystosecuretheirberthin the2025tournament.
With these qualifiers concluded, the stage is now set for the Petra-ExxonMobil U14 Championship to commence this weekend,promisingashowcaseof the country’s next generation of footballstars.
The Ravens Basketball Club’sspiritedrunatthe Kreyol Basketball Festival came to a heartbreaking end on Sunday night, as the Guyanesesidefell87-73toawelldrilled GCB team from Guadeloupe in the Northern Divisionchampionshipgame.
After an impressive start to the tournament, including back-to-
back wins against Dominica’s DTread Blazers and the USR Basketball Club, the Ravens entered the final brimming with confidence. But despite a gutsy performance, they ultimately couldn’t overcome the experience anddisciplineofGCB.
From the opening tip, the Ravenssignaledtheirintenttoplay fast and aggressive basketball,
attackingthepaintrelentlessly.
Coach Marlon Rodrigues emphasized defensive awareness throughout, warning his team of GCB’s constant off-ball movement.
The first quarter was tightly contested, ending 29-26 in favour of GCB. Guard Shamaar Huntley ledtheearlychargewithaflurryof buckets en route to a team-high 23
points,whileNicholaiSmithadded 11.
In the second quarter, the Ravens ramped up their defensive pressure and found a rhythm offensively. Huntley scored nine points in the period, helping the RavensoutscoreGCB20-9.
But the momentum was interrupted when Huntley left the gamewithalowerleginjurylatein the quarter Still, the Ravens took a promising 46-38 lead intohalftime.
The second half, however, saw a dramatic shift GCB returned with renewed energy, executing their offensive sets with p r e c i s i o n a n d punishing the Ravens for every defensive lapse.
With early foul trouble limiting key Ravens players, the French side flipped the script and grabbed a seven-point lead in the third.
Huntley made a courageous return to
the court, sparking a brief Ravens rally that cut the deficit to 64-62 headingintothefinalquarter.Butin the fourth, GCB pulled away for good. Staying composed and clinical, the Guadeloupeans launcheda23-11runthatclosedout thecontestandsecuredtheirspotin the prestigious “King of Kings Tournament” this August in Guadeloupe.
H u n t l e y ’s 2 3 - p o i n t performance came on 8-of-17 shootingfromthefieldand7-of-14 from the line. Smith and Domonic Vincente each added 11 points, whileveteranforwardRyanGullen chipped in with 10, shooting an efficient 4-of-6 from the floor, includingtwothree-pointers.
Despite the loss, Coach Rodrigues lauded his team’s composure and commitment throughout their Dominica campaign.
Ravens also extended gratitude to their sponsors, Onyx EngineeringInc.,TechProGuyana, Republic Bank, President Irfaan Ali, FireSide Grill, Continental Transportation,ShadyCarRentals, and Symmetry Brokerage and Logistics Services Inc, for supportingtheirjourney
WestIndiesshowfightwiththebatbut Englandcomplete3-0seriessweepwith 37-runwininthirdT20IinSouthampton
SportsMax - The West Indiesshowedfightwiththe bat but it ultimately wasn’t enoughasEnglandsecureda 3-0T20ISeriessweepwitha 37-run win in the third T20I at The Rose Bowl in SouthamptononTuesday
The West Indians were put in a tough spot from the getgoafterwinningthetoss and choosing to field as England openers Jamie Smith and Ben Duckett continued their dominance in the powerplay that they showed throughout the series.
The pair pummeled the West Indian bowlers on the way to putting on 83 in the first six overs with Duckett bringing up his third T20I fifty off just 20 balls, the fourth-fastest in the format byanEnglishman. Smithalsobroughtuphis
fifty, his first in the format, off23ballsasthepartnership blossomedto120intheninth overbeforeSmithfinallyfell for 60 off 26 balls including fourfoursandfivesixes.
Jos Buttler then came and went for a brisk 22 off 10 balls before Duckett’s
Jamie Smith clips the ball to leg.
(ECB via Getty Images)
onslaughtcametoanendin the 15th over when he fell for a top score of 84 off 46 ballsincluding10foursand two sixes with the score on 178
JacobBethellandcaptain Harry Brook then made 36* off 16 balls and 35* off 22 balls, respectively, as England piled up a massive 248-3intheir20overs.
The West Indian chase started out poorly as both Evin Lewis (9) and Johnson Charles (9) fell within the firstfiveoversbeforecaptain Shai Hope and Shimron Hetmyer pulled together to formaminirevival.
That ended when Hetmyer,afteraccumulating 26 off just seven balls, fell halfwaythroughtheseventh overwiththescoreon69.
Just one run later, Sherfane Rutherford, hampered by a hamstring injury he picked up in the field,fellforone.
Rovman Powell then joined Hope and the pair added49forthefifthwicket before Hope had to go back
to the dugout for a wellplayed 45 off 27 balls including three fours and threesixes.
Powell went on to top score with 79* off 45 balls includingninefoursandfour sixes but the mammoth total byEnglandprovedtobetoo much for the remainder of theWest Indianbattinglineuptooverhaul.
Jason Holder also tried his best alongside Powell with25off12ballsincluding threesixes.
In the end, the West Indies ended up 211-8 in their20overs.
Left-arm pacer Luke Wood picked up 3-31 from his four overs while Adil Rashid was excellent for his 2-30fromfourovers.
TheWestIndieswillnow turntheirattentiontoathreematch T20I series against Ireland beginning on Thursday
Scores: England 248 for 3(Duckett84,Smith60)beat West Indies 211 for 8 (Powell 79*, Hope 45, Wood 3-31)by37runs.
Ben Duckett started at a remarkable rate. (ECB via Getty Images)
…Guyana ends World Cup campaign
ByRawleToney
Afteranervystarttotheir final CONCACAF World Cup Qualifying campaign, the Golden Jaguars roared backwithacommanding3-0 win over Montserrat last evening at the National Track and Field Centre, bringing the curtains down on their 2026 journey with pride,ifnotpoints.
Losses to Panama (4-1) andNicaragua(1-0),despite a win against Belize (3-1) meant Guyana’s road to the World Cup ended earlier thanhoped,turningtheclash withMontserratintoabattle for redemption and national pride.
Coach Wayne Dover namedwhathethoughtwasa solid XI, with Akel Clarke between the uprights In
defence, Romaine
Brackenridge, Reiss Greenidge, and Jalen Jones formedthebackline.
Captain Nathan MoriahWelsh, who had a stellar performance on the night, anchored the midfield alongside Curtez Kellman and Nathan Ferguson, while the attacking quartet featured Omari Glasgow, Kelsey Benjamin, Enoch George, and Osaze De Rosario.
Montserrat,ledbyCoach
Angus Eve, came out of the blocks quickly and nearly silenced the home crowd in the 8th minute, only to see their close-range effort cannonoffthecrossbar
ButthencametheOmari Glasgowshow
TheChicagoFirewinger tormented defenders down the left flank, dancing past tackles and whipping in dangerous crosses, though his teammates struggled to finish. Jalen Jones missed a goldenopportunityfromone of those deliveries, heading wide from point-blank range.
In the 35th minute, the breakthroughfinallyarrived.
Slingerz FC’s Kelsey Benjamin weaved through defenders before slipping a cleverballtoFerguson,who clinically volleyed home past Montserrat’s Trent Carter-Rogers.
Just three minutes later, Osaze De Rosario, Seattle Sounders MLS Next Pro forward,bulliedhiswaypast two defenders and smashed in his sixth goal in just nine international appearances to doubleGuyana’slead.
Guyana took that 2-0 cushion into the break, and pickedupexactlywherethey left off in the second half.
Glasgow remained unplayable on the wing, but
Frompage33 spiritofcompetitionandfriendship,andwearehonouredto representtheregiononceagain.”
The tour squad includes a blend of former first-class players, national champions, and international veterans, many of whom have represented the West Indies in global Masters tournaments. Player bios will be featured in the official tour program, highlighting the contributions and stories of individuals like ZaminAmin, Emmerson Jordan, Deonarine Deyal, Chanderpaul Singh, Keith Seale, and manymore.
Fixtures:
•June15–vsNorthernLionsatEltonCC
•June16–1stODIvsEnglandatLittleboroughCC
•June18–2ndODIvsEnglandatDunningtonCC
•June20–vsEnglandLionsatMartonCC
•June22–3rdODIvsEnglandatHandsworthCC
•June24–vsKentatCatfordCyphersGround
•June25–vsFinchleyCC
•June27–vsMiddlesexatHarrowTownCC
All matches will be live-streamed and made available through official digital platforms, with professional commentaryandpost-matchanalysis.Theteamextendsits gratitudetoitssupporters,sponsors,andpartnerswhohave helpedmakethistourpossible.
Thefullsquadreads:ZaminAmin,HafeezAli,Anthony Boyke,DeonarineDeyal,DaveDebidin,EmmersonJordan, Keith Lawrence, Hafiz Mohamed, Kris Ramdat, Keith Seale, Balwant Roy Singh, Chanderpaul Singh, Gerald SinghandMauriceSukul.TheteamwillbemanagedbyRaj Singh.
thefinishingcontinuedtolet theteamdown.
George fluffed another point-blank chance off another Glasgow assist, and even the star man himself missedasitterafterbeingset upbeautifullybyDeRosario insidethe18-yardbox.
Captain Moriah-Welsh then rattled the woodwork with a thunderous effort, leaving fans groaning in disbelief.
Second-half substitute LiamButts,ofNewEngland Revolution Next Pro, was played through on goal by Moriah-Welsh but hit his shot tamely at the keeper
Thesmallbutvocalcrowdat the West Demerara venue made their frustration known.
But in the 72nd minute, Moriah-Welsh once again pulled the strings in midfield, finding Benjamin ontheflank.
Guyana’s starting line-up ahead of their clash with Montserrat at the National Track and Field Centre. (GFF)
The Slingerz FC winger delivered an assist to Glasgow, who made no mistake this time. It was a sweet finish, and a sweeter moment for the 21-year-old who extended his record as Guyana’s all-time leading goal scorer with his 21st internationalstrike.
Dover made further changes,bringingonDarron Niles (Slingerz FC) and Nerron Borrow (Guyana
PoliceForce)forGeorgeand DeRosario.
KvistPaul,whoplieshis trade at Waterhouse FC in Jamaica,hadhisfirsttasteof international football, coming on for Greenidge, whileNicholasMcArthurof GPFFCreplacedBenjamin. Nilesalmostaddedgloss to the scoreline with a powerful shot, but CarterRogerswasequaltothetask.
That proved to be the final
act of the night, and the campaign.
The Golden Jaguars signedoffwithacleansheet andaconvincingwin,butthe bigger picture remains another World Cup cycle endsindisappointment.
The Guyana Football Federation now faces a familiar task, back to the drawingboard,asthenation waits for the day the World Cupdreambecomesreality
Cricket West Indies (CWI)hasannouncedits16member squad for the much anticipated three (3)-Match home Test Series against Australia, with Guyanese trioofTevinImlach,Kevlon Anderson and Shamar Joseph among the stars named.
The series begins on Wednesday June 25th at Kensington Oval in BarbadosforthecovetedSir FrankWorrellTrophy
With this series signallingthecriticalstartof the 2025-2027 ICC Test
Championship Cycle, several changes have been made to the squad that last featured in the drawn series against Pakistan earlier this year
CWIDirectorofCricket,
Miles Bascombe expressed that selections were made in line with the team’s commitment to building a bold, execution-driven
identity in Test cricket, with consistencyinbattingoutput and a dynamic bowling attack being key in the overallassessment.
“The start of the Test Championship Cycle is critical to building positive momentum as we strive to work our way up the
rankings. Beginning with a strong showing against a teamlikeAustraliawouldbe idealinourquesttobringthe WestIndiesbacktothehelm of Test Cricket”, said Bascombe.
“It was imperative that we sought to put a squad together that was well equipped,inboththebatting andbowlingdepartments,to manage the ebbs and flows of this format of the game, while possessing the ability to apply pressure in key phases, through disciplined, purposefulplay.”
JohnCampbellreturnsto the squad, bolstering the options at the top of the order After a prolific domesticseasoninclusiveof threecenturies,backingupa strong showing in the 20232024 season, Kevlon Anderson earns a maiden callup;whileonthebackof his recent ODI form, Keacy Carty earns a recall to the squad, with ODI Vicecaptain Brandon King securing a first-time inclusion In conjunction with the return of limited overs captain Shai Hope, theseselectionsareintended to fortify a batting line-up that is expected to sustain pressure on the opposing attack.
Head Coach Daren Sammy praised the work of the selection group to identify the players needed tostartthenewtestcycle.
“We analyzed what the top teams in the world are doingandwhatisneededfor ustobridgethegap.Wehave identified a direction, along withthegroupofplayersand
Jayden Seales, Alzarri Joseph, and Shamar Joseph will headline the fast-bowling attack. (CWI)
Kevlon Anderson
resources to give us the best advantageasweseektotake the team up ladder and challenge the best in the world.”
Sammy added, “I’m excited about the inclusion of young prospect Kevlon Anderson, who comes in after solid seasons in our domestic competitions to help provide stability in the toporder,whilethereturnof Shai Hope is welcomed given his consistency in white ball cricket.” Sammy said “Brandon King’s inclusion fits a role we have identified that needs special focus to take our team to thoseclosertothetopofthe rankings.”
Jayden Seales, Alzarri Joseph, and Shamar Joseph headlinethefast-bowling
Continuedonpage28
Followingapulsatingopeningroundofaction,whichsaw 16teamsbeingeliminated,fromtonight,Wednesdaynight,its where the big boys play as the first round winners will now come up against the top 16 teams from the national futsal championship as the inaugural Kashif and Shanghai June MadnessFutsalChampionship,revson.
Likethefirstround,therewillbenoroomforlapsesasthis is a straight knockout competition. Already with some leg work being put in, the first-round winners will be hoping to bring that momentum into this round as they now challenge thetop16teamsinthelandofManyWaters.
Tonight’sopeningclashwillseeAlbouystown‘B’tackling BentStreet‘B’withthewinnerbeingthefirstteamtoadvance to the round-of-16. Game Changers, who edged Alexander Villageintheiropeningroundclash,3-2,willhavetobemuch moreclinicaliftheyarehopingtodislodgeStabroekBallers.
Spaniards,whocomfortablygotpastUnityBallers5-2in firstroundplay,willtackleStabroekBallerswiththehopeof moving on in the tournament but will find their opponents a tougherunittogetpast.
The fourth match of the night will feature seeded team Espyanol welcoming the challenge that will be presented by Corinthians who had trounced Paradise Invaders 4-0 in their firstroundmatch.
Themainattractionofthenightpitsoneofthebestseeded teams,GoldIsMoneymatchingskillswithYoungStarswho had edged Broad Street in the first match of this inaugural championship. This time around, it will be a tough ask for YoungStars,butyouneverknow
Anotherexcitingnightoffutsalactionisanticipated,and fans are encouraged to come out and rep for their respective teams. Thsis championship is powered by the Ministry of Culture, Youth and Sport andAnsa McAL and organised by theKashifandShanghaiOrganisation.
TheWestIndiesO60sMastersCricketTeamissettotour England from June 14 to June 28, 2025, where they will compete for the prestigious Stonehill Cup in a multi-match ODIandexhibitionseriesacrosskeycountiesintheUK.Most of the players in this squad had taken part in the last O60s WorldCupinChennai,Indiawheretheyplaced5thandwere thePlateCupwinners.Further,WestIndieswastheonlyteam thathadthehonourofhavingdefeatedtheeventualWorldCup winners,Australiaduringtheleaguestage.
This year’s tour features an exciting mix of seasoned veteransandrisingtalent,withfixturesscheduledagainsttopleveloppositionincludingEnglandMasters,NorthernLions, England Lions, Kent, Finchley CC, and Middlesex. The competition kicks off on June 15th with a warmup match against the Northern Lions and culminates in a high-stakes showdown against Middlesex on June 27th “This tour representsmorethanjustcricket;it’saboutlegacy,camaraderie, andshowcasingthestrengthofCaribbeancricketontheglobal stage,” said Roy Singh, team coordinator and top-order batsman.“TheStonehillCupwillbecontestedinthe Continued on page 31
