Thousands take par t in London rally against Donald Trump’s Gaza plan
TheprotestcomesafterHamashandedoverthreemale Israelicaptivesaspartoftheceasefireagreement
20-year project life shortened as...
2 and in less than 5 years - Min. Persaud 275 cases of child abuse recorded in 2025
does not deny paying taxes in Bahamas but tells K/News to focus on how the oil
missing days Gov t . aggressively
…says more childcare and protection officers needed to address demand in services pursuing digitizing of health sector
is - Pres. Ali ‘Broomsie’ arrested for allegedly shooting ‘Duck’ over old grievance
y discovered after woman
The 20-year lifespan of the Liza One, Liza Two and Payara projects, all currently producing oil above the daily
a v e r a g e o u t l i n e d i n respective project plans have been reduced to less than five years. Field Development Plans (FDP), which provide intricate details of a planned project were submitted by
(GoG) for each of the three oil producing projects.
c u m e
, w h i c h G o G refused to make public, the Liza One project, which commenced oil production in December 2019, has a
barrels of oil (MBO).
The Liza Two project, according to the FDP has a reserve of about 570 MBO.
d
p r o d u c t i o n i n F e b r u a r y
2 0 2 2 M e a n w h i l e , t h e
P a y a r a p r o j e c t , w h i c h commemorated first oil in
N o v e m b e r 2 0 2 3 , i s estimated to hold some 600
m i l l i o n b a r r e l s o f o i l
r e s o u r c e s T h i s w e e k ,
ExxonMobil revealed it has already produced 100 MBO at the third developmentPayara. This means that the project now has 500 MBO remaining. At the current rate of production of about 2 5 0 , 0 0 0 b a r r e l s p e r d a y (bpd), the oil in Payara will be drained in 5.4 years.
At the Liza One project, approximately 211,960,000 barrels were produced as at the end of January 2025. As such, 240,040,000 barrels w e r e r e m a i n i n g b u t considering Exxon’s average rate of production- 130,000 bpd – the resources could be depleted in five years.
Likewise, ExxonMobil has already produced about 223MBO at the Liza Two development. The remaining resources, at the current production capacity of about 250,000 bpd, can be depleted in 3.8 years. It can therefore be deduced that the resources in the three projects, which each have a lifespan of 20 years, can be drained in under five years.
Ramped up oil production
To date, all three of the projects in operation have
been pushed to produce more than the design rates of the r e s p e c t i v e F l o a t i n g P r o d u c t i o n S t o r a g
Offloading vessels (FPSOs), a
Assessments (EIAs).
F o r i n s t a n c e , t h e
Prosperity vessel, according to the EIA was designed to pump 220,000 bpd but is p
,000 bpd. Meanwhile, the Liza D e s t i n y
designed to safely produce at peaks of 120,000 bpd but is now producing as much as 165,000 bpd. Liza Unity, which produces oil from the L
s designed to produce 220,000 bpd is now producing an average 250,000 bpd. B
production at the vessels, E
regulatory approvals from
Table showing the oil produced to date and remaining reserves at the Liza One, Liza Two and Payara projects
Presently, the oil giant is
Agency (EPA).
Prosperity and Unity FPSOs which will result in higher daily production.
Printed and Published by National Media & Publishing Company Ltd. 24 Saffon Street, Charlestown, Georgetown, Guyana.
Publisher: DR . GLENN LALL - TEL : 624-6456
Editor-In- Chief: NIGEL WILLIAMS
Tel: 225-8465, 225-8491. Fax: 225-8473, 226-8210
Bharrat Jagdeo, Guyana’s chief oil minister is
like a clock on the issue of a Petroleum Commission. His pendulum swings to one side, then travels to the opposite end. It is a national disaster for Guyanese, when their most senior oil leader becomes a yo-yo relative to a Petroleum Commission. First, it was coming, now it is not needed. A pendulum, or a yo-yo, (or treachery in action), Guyanese get to make the call.
In the early days of the PPPC Government, Jagdeo’s position was that a Petroleum Commission would be in existence within “six months.” In early 2021, citizens got the good news from Jagdeo. The attorney general’s chambers, the office of the chief parliamentary counsel, and the Ministry of Natural Resources, were all busy putting the final touches on the Petroleum Commission that left Guyanese expecting its early unveiling. Both country and people are still waiting four years later It is Jagdeo at his super best, with a carrot dangled in one hand, while he holds a cutlass in the other The carrot is to make Guyanese think positively (a Petroleum Commission is imminent), while the cutlass is to broadside those citizens who get out of line and ask where is the oil oversight group? The nation’s most seasoned political leader has somehow convinced himself that he is Guyana’s first and only oil authority He has played these games so long and has been allowed to have his way with them, that he believes this time with oil will follow the same, old pattern. Not if we at this publication have anything to say about it, meaning, over our dead bodies.
It is becoming more and more obvious that managing the nation’s oil wealth, in the slick manner that he has, has taken a toll on Jagdeo. The more noise he makes, the more lacking in sense he appears. The vitality of life has been sucked out of him, leaving him to come up with the pathetic. “So, and the Petroleum Commission is, I dealt with that 100 times before, the Petroleum Commission, I dealt with it 100 times before I don’t even need to deal with it again.” Study that sentence, and note how his words are garbled, (“So and the Petroleum Commission, is…), and his position suffers from a key missing ingredient. It is accuracy, because Jagdeo has not addressed the need for a Petroleum Commission presence even 10 times, much less the “100 times” that he made up to mislead Guyanese. Why was he all for such an oversight entity before, but see no wisdom in having one now?
His new posture is that “there is no magic with a Petroleum Commission. There is no magic, we have given our agencies the tools to manage the sector.” Which agencies, and what tools, are the questions we put before Jagdeo. His new brain wave first revealed to the public in August 2024 is not pitiful, it is perverse. At different times, Jagdeo himself has said, and President Ali has said, that Guyana is terribly lacking in capacity, and it is an uphill challenge to resolve in the short term.
The question that belongs in this context is where did he get the human resource tools, the technology tools, and a core of proven oil industry tools so swiftly that agencies have been beefed up in multiple areas of deficiency? Did Jagdeo’s mystery tools, probably imaginary ones, spring into life, like a thief in the night (just as was the case with his glaringly deficient Natural Resource Fund law)? With a leader as cunning as Jagdeo, one never knows, which his own record proves.
Whether there are oil agencies with a full complement of needed tools, there is still a hole in Guyana’s slippery oilman’s posture. The agencies and the tools and the people using them still report to a minister, who report to the Cabinet. Those agencies and their people owe their existence to the government, and can be swiftly muzzled, terminated. A Petroleum Commission that is independent, credible, and with experts who know themselves would not be under the total control of Jagdeo. Hence, his new resistance to it, because his music would stop playing.
Is ExxonMobil depriving the US Treasury of Tax Revenues?
The U.S. Foreign Tax Credit (FTC) is designed to prevent double taxation by a
s and corporations to offset taxes paid to foreign governments a g a i
obligations. However, there is compelling evidence that E
x certificates issued by the Guyana Revenue Authority (
y paying taxes in Guyana. The Oil and Gas Governance Network Guyana (OGGN) s
certificates may be used to
U.S. Treasury of billions of dollars in tax revenues. G
A
ExxonMobil U
Petroleum Agreement (PA) between the Government of G
Guyana Limited (EMGL), a
subsidiary of ExxonMobil, Hess Corporation, and China
N
Company (CNOOC), the government agreed to pay the oil companies’ taxes from Guyana’s share of oil revenue. Specifically:
• Article 15.4 of the PA
s t a t e s t h a t t h e M i n i s t e r responsible for Petroleum will pay taxes on behalf of the Contractor (ExxonMobil and affiliates) and that this sum will be considered the Contractor ’s income.
• Article 15.5 specifies that the Minister will ensure that the GRA issues tax
r e c e i p t s a n d c e r t i f i c a t e s confirming these payments.
As a result, rather than paying corporate income taxes directly, ExxonMobil and its affiliates, benefit f r o m G u y a n a ’ s t a x payments, amounting to Tax Certificates issued to the value of approximately USD 2.8 billion from 2020 to 2023 (Table 1; adapted from Ref. 3, 1 USD = 208.5 GYD).
This practice means that
78% of Guyana’s total oil revenues (USD 3.6 billion) were earmarked to cover taxes on behalf of foreign corporations This leaves
Guyana’s net share of total oil sales in real terms at a meager USD 0 8 billion (3.2% of Total Oil Revenue).
Table 1: Guyana’s Net Share of Total Oil Sales, 2020 to 2023
USD (billion) % of Total Revenue
T o t a l S a l e s ( T S ) 25 100.0
Guyana’s Share of Total Sales (GSTS) 3 6 14.5 Tax Certificates issued by the GRA (TC) 2 . 8 11.2
G u y a n a ’s N e t S h a r e (GNS; GSTS minus TC) 0.8 3.2
L e g a l a n d F i n a n c i a l
Concerns
T h e c e n t r a l i s s u e i s whether ExxonMobil and its a f f i l i a t e s u s e t h e s e t a x certificates to claim U.S.
• IRS regulations on economic substance (26 U.S. C o d e § 7 0 1 ( o ) ) –Tr a n s a c t i o n s m u s t h a v e economic substance beyond tax benefits.
Given that ExxonMobil and its affiliates do not in effect remit taxes to the Guyanese government, their ability to claim FTCs under t h e s e s t a t u t e s i s h i g h l y questionable.
It could be argued that the tax arrangement is legal under Guyana’s 2016 PA and that it is standard practice in the oil and gas industry However, the IRS has strict guidelines requiring that tax
there are
records
F T C s w i t h o u t a c t u a l l y paying foreign taxes. If so, this practice could violate U.S. tax laws, particularly: • 26 U.S. Code §901: Credit for taxes paid to foreign countries – This p r o v i s i o n r e q u i r e s t h a t foreign taxes be “actually paid or accrued” to qualify for U.S. tax credits.
h e Government of Guyana has remitted these tax payments to the GRA, making the tax
misleading.
C
recommendations
The tax arrangement for E
affiliates as outlined in the 2016 PA is an outlier; other companies in Guyana do not
Given these facts, OGGN,
profit organization in New York, United States, urges the US authorities to:
1
ExxonMobil’s
Guyana’s 2016 PA.
of
2. Request IRS review of
FTCs comply with U.S. tax laws.
3
depriving the U.S. Treasury of revenue in the future. The potential loss to U.S. taxpayers over the 40-year duration of the PA could amount to tens of billions of (Continued on page 48)
DEAR EDITOR,
It was some years ago that Guyana was given the option by the U.S. to accept deportees or lose the ability to obtain visas.
This was a decision that would change the level of law and order in the country for years to come. Crime surged and the level of safety o f o u r c i t i z e n s f e l l drastically Guyana is still struggling with the impact of that unfortunate decision Many criminals continue to arrive upon our shores and the Guyana Police Force still does not have a good process
b y w h i c h t o t r a c k a n d monitor deportees. It was my
position at the time that Guyana should not accept criminals from the U.S. The government also held this position in 2001 and as a result the U.S. banned the
Government officials and their families. The ban was lifted when Guyana agreed to accept 100 deportees in 2004. (Reference: UNHCR February 2004).
Today we are faced with a similar decision that could decimate the law and order within our beautiful country
It is CRG’s position that we
within our borders. Guyana does not have the facilities, technology and capabilities to effectively manage the arrival of deportees from the U.S. with no roots or links to Guyana.
The government is also c
managing illegal immigrants f
Ve
deportees will only further exacerbate the problem.
T
U S
understand that we are
very
Although we may be willing to help, we cannot sign up for something which we are not c
DEAR EDITOR,
The headline ‘Guyana put on Donald Trump’s list to accept African and Asian
d e p o r t e e s ’ w i t h t h e President saying ‘there is
n o t h i n g s p e c i f i c a t t h i s moment’ (KN February 15),
a r e b o t h t r o u b l i n g a n d concerning statements.
recognize this fact and act accordingly. I
manage the problem they are
resulting presence of crime, then obviously Guyana will
not be able to do so. The U.S. has a more capable law e
ours. We should avoid taking on problems that stronger nations cannot handle.
O
officials and their families can visit Europe instead. I am sure our citizens will prefer safety and will thank
the government for making
increase crime within our borders and disenfranchise our people.
With utmost concern, Mr Jamil Changlee Chairman
T h e C
Republicans of Guyana
reported some countries in t h i s H e m
p
e h a v
already agreed to accept third party deportees (KN February 15).
One statement seems conclusive (an edict), while the other leaves the door open, it is perceived, for further engagement. The t h r e a t o f s a n c t i o n s , particularly aid cuts, if we
The reason proferred why back yard countries are being approached is the long d i s t a n c e s i n v o l v e d i n deportations to the Eastern H e m
consideration.
cautious.
Does a country have the right to dictate and burden another country with its policies, in this case to accept third party deportees?
This matter requires a national conversation and consultation.
Shamshun Mohamed
Dr. Hinds’ apology is warranted and should be genuine
DEAR EDITOR,
I wish to urge Dr David H i n d s t o d o t h e m o s t conscionable thing and offer a s i n c e
Descent amid his recent derogatory statements at a press conference held by the Working People’s Alliance (WPA).
D r H i n d s i s understandably passionate and concerned about our nation’s geopolitical issues, which are becoming worse every day Still, he must e
ethnocentric issues since our country is in its election year
Since Dr Hinds is a political figure and wants to collaborate or join forces with the People’s National Congress Reform for the
elections in 2025, everyone,
electorate, will be watching
period.
A
has already been done, I do expect Dr Hinds to atone for his remarks by rescinding them and offering a heartfelt apology, even though they cannot be brought up or rehashed in this letter
As political leaders, your
should never resort to the
c group or groups because of your strong opinions on a given issue.
Antonio Dey
DEAR EDITOR,
“ T h e r e c y c l i n g o f politicians has long been a concern. But this practice is also rampant in business associations. Often, a select g r o u p o f e x e c u t i v e s constantly rotate among top positions, leaving little room for fresh talent and new perspectives.““It is time for change. Recycling the same individuals limits exposure and reinforces stagnation.
H o w w i l l p e r s o n s g a i n experience if they are not given the opportunities ? Our business associations must open more doors for new faces, especially women and y o u n g p r o f e s s i o n a l s Experience has its place, but p r o g r e s s d e m a n d s f r e s h i d e a s a n d d y n a m i c leadership.““Let’s break the cycle of recycling.
“Sincerely, Rupnauth Hardyal
In case you haven’t heard, please be informed that as part of our continued effort to channel positive changes in our country, our publisher, Mr. Glenn Lall, has dedicated our Page Seven to be “BLUNT” about on-going indecencies in our land that should matter, not only to us at this publication, but the entire nation.
SUNDAY – FEBRUARY 09, 2025
Only the corrupt can condone corruption
“He [Greaves] has assured us, and so far from what he has said to us, I consider it credible that he has legitimately acquired the properties and so we will have to examine that but right now, we are not going to witchhunt people on the basis of conjecture.”
Those are the words of none other than former President, now Vice President Bharrat Jagdeo on the issue of a land scandal involving the former Chief Executive Officer
of the Central Housing and Planning Authority, Sherwin Greaves.
Jagdeo’s comments, as usual, raise more questions than it lays concerns aside. For one, could the Vice President explain how on a public servant salary, could he afford such a luxurious purchase in the United States?
Secondly, can the Integrity Commission
state whether Greaves ever made this declaration as a public officer? Do his earnings match his assets and finally, if this government considers the explanation by Greaves “credible” why did it accept his
r e s i g n a t i o n ? W h y w a s n ’t h e s e n t o n administrative leave, pending an independent investigation?
I T I S C L E A R T H A T T H I S GOVERNMENT FEARS INDEPENDENT
I N V E S T I G AT I O N S : a s i t r e f u s e d t o investigate allegations of corruption against Jagdeo, just as it is hoping to sweep this matter under the proverbial rug.
MONDAY – FEBRUARY 10, 2025
The Jagdeo doctrine Vice President whenever cornered on the question of Guyana’s rising debts always comes up with an excuse.
In recent times he keeps talking about this country’s debt to GDP ratio and how the country has the capacity to eat up more loans now that the economy has expanded. His doctrine is an absurd, reckless, and
m
c fallacy It rests on the tenuous premise that borrowing is a means towards growing wealth. This is the deranged gospel being
required rebasing to create a mirage of GDP growth.
Now, as if history does not exist, he claims that Guyana’s economy, being larger than in 1992, has greater capacity to absorb debt. This assertion is not only flawed but terminally so.
A high GDP may suggest a robust economy but it does not necessarily reflect real economic activity or the government’s fiscal health. In an oil-dependent economy, a substantial portion of GDP may be attributed to oil revenues, which are dictated by volatile global markets.
If oil prices plummet, the illusion of prosperity remains momentarily intact until the government faces the stark reality of
appear large on paper, yet the state coffers will tell a different, more brutal story
WEDNESDAY – FEBRUARY 12, 2025
Silly, dirty season
government has shown its hands in using the state apparatus to go after its opponents.
And when they are not using the state institutions, they are using their proxies like the privately-owned state media entities.
- says attempts to identify accused in racial abuse case unsuccessful
T h e E t h n i c R e l a t i o n s C o m m i s s i o n ( E R C ) o n Friday announced that it has concluded its investigation into racial abuse meted out to r e n o w n e d G u y a n e s e sculptor and Administrator at the E.R. Burrowes School of Art, Mr Ian Ivor Thom last September by a member of the public.
The ERC in a press release said it has taken diligent and relentless steps to address the matter, yet, unfortunately, all attempts to identify the accused have proven unsuccessful.
“ F o l l o w i n g t h e n e w s article on September 21, 2 0 2 4 , r e g a r d i n g t h e resignation of a Burrowes School of Art administrator over racist remarks, the ERC
i n i t i a t e d
detailing an encounter with an individual who allegedly m
remarks, was received on September 30, 2024,” the Commission related. According to the ERC, upon receiving this report, multiple efforts were made including canvassing the area, obtaining additional e y e w i t n e s s s t a t e m e n t s , efforts in securing video f o o t a g e , w h i c
a s unsuccessful, and seeking assistance from the Ministry
Already we have seen the vicious attacks on some businessmen and other activists.
The Guyana Police Force (GPF) has been used by different governments to intimidate outspoken citizens into silence.
Honest governments do not fear honest citizens, and the leaders of such governments usually welcome criticisms,
When citizens break no law, and are guilty of one thing only, i.e., using their freedom to think and freedom to speak to disagree with actions of the government they must not be victimized
The PPPC Government knows that it is not in a good place with oil, with corruption, a
accountability
It should also know that there are some Guyanese, albeit a scant few only, who will speak frankly and publicly, because they do not fear the government.
THURSDAY – FEBRUARY 13, 2025
Grievance and growling
Thursday is upon us again. For those of us
who value our mental health- we cringe when the
knowing that our reporters have to be subjected to another day of a tired old man quarreling,
Week after week, it is a replay of the same script. And one has to ask why does the press continue to grace these weekly theatrics called press conference with its presence? Bharrat Jagdeo’s press conferences have devolved into a bizarre fusion where the lines between government and party are not just blurred but obliterated
What we’re witnessing is nothing short of
paramountcy And yet, the media dutifully attends, as if hoping against hope that this week’s performance might yield something substantive. Jagdeo, in his crusade against criticism, has unwittingly done more to validate his detractors than they could have hoped for. The man has become a caricature of the very flaws he seeks to deny. His weekly diatribes are less about governance and more about grievance.
of Culture, Youth, and Sports and the Protected Areas Commission for information on the matter
“ D
identify the accused to move forward with the case,” the statement said.
T
Thom on January 3, 2025, via telephone, to provide him
investigative efforts. According to the agency, during that conversation, Mr Thom exp
he considered the matter closed on his end and no further action was desired. Upon learning of his decision, the Commission said they then proceeded to seek a written confirmation of his position regarding the closure of the Continued on page 45
Ih a v e a n u n c l e ,
Morty Finkelstein, who has the peculiar habit of remembering things with great clarity but only w h e n i t i s m o s t inconvenient. He can tell y o u p r e c i s e l y w h a t t h e President said in his victory speech, the way his tie was knotted, the exact timbre of his voice when he promised that prosperity was right around the corner (just a few more corners down), but ask Uncle Morty about Election Day and he turns into a
h u m a n E t c h A S k e t c h Nothing. A great cosmic eraser has wiped the slate clean.
‘Broomsie’
“I must’ve been busy that day,” he says, chewing on his lower lip, deep in thought. “Was it a Tuesday? I always get very busy on Tuesdays.”
“But Morty,” I insist, “ y o u w e r e w
n g around town, telling people how historic the moment was. You were practically evangelical about it.”
He stares at me as though
I ’ m a c c u s i n g h i m o f smuggling dolphins out of the country
“I do not recall,” he says, adjusting his glasses with exaggerated delicacy. “But I d i s t i n c
would unify the country by f o c u s i n
n o m i c growth. Also, he had a bit of m a y o n n a i s e o n h i s lapel—very distracting.”
Morty, a man who once f o r g o t h i s w e d d i n g anniversary but can recite entire presidential speeches verbatim, has appa
amnesia.
The ballots? A blur The long lines? A mystery The rigging Can’t remember Does Morty know about that one! Gone, vanished into the abyss. But give him a microphone, and he will reenac
n promises with such precision
A4 1 - y e a r - o l d
r e s i d e n t o f
C o r e n t y n e ,
Berbice Hubert Byass also called ‘Broomsie’ was on
S a t u r d a y a r r e s t e d f o r allegedly shooting 29 -year-
old Daniel Jones called ‘Duck’ in his leg.
Police in a statement said that the incident occurred at a p p r o x i m a t e l y 0 3 : 2 1 h However, the accused and the victim have history
“The victim stated that in m i d - 2 0 2 4 ( e x a c t d a t e
unknown), he had been drinking with friends in the C o r r i v e r t o n a r e a n e a r
M u n c h i e s B a r w h e n a misunderstanding led to a fight between him and the suspect. The suspect fled the scene that night, and the victim never saw him again.
H e d i d n o t r e p o r t t h e altercation to the police,”
Police reported.
However, on Saturday at around 03:00h, Jones went to Staymond’s Food Shop in D u k e s t o w n , w i t h t h r e e friends after hanging out in C o r r i v e r t o n A s h e w a s standing outside the shop, he observed the suspect, Byass, approaching with a handgun in his hand. The suspect pointed the firearm at Jones and ordered him to get on the ground.
“The victim refused and told the suspect to do as he pleased. The suspect then fired a single shot, striking the victim in his left upper leg. The victim immediately f l e d t o w a r d s t h e p u b l i c road,” the police stated.
Police said that as Jones was running to avoid further injury, Byass discharged the w e a p o n t w i c e i n h i s direction failing to hit him.
Jones managed to enter a motorcar that he and his friends had travelled in. He was taken to the Skeldon P u b l i c H o s p i t a l f o r treatment.
He was examined by a d o c t o r o n d u t y a n d subsequently admitted for o b s e r v a t i o n H e s u b s e q u e n t l y t o o k s e l fdischarge.
you’d think he moonlights as the President’s ventriloquist. “ H e w a s v e r y convincing,” Morty says, nodding sagely “When he said, ‘We will move forward as one nation,’ I felt like he was speaking directly to me.
A n d w h e n h e a d d e d , ‘Despite what the naysayers predicted, we won by an h o n e s t a n d r e s p e c t a b l e margin,’ I almost cried.”
“But Morty,” I press, “wasn’t there some sort of dispute? Didn’t they say there were issues with the v e r i f i c a t i o n o f t h e v o t e count?”
“Can’t recall,” he says, shaking his head. “But what I do remember is the President saying, ‘The will of the people has spoken.’ And you have to respect the will of the people. Unless, of course, they say something you don’t like, in which case, ignore them completely.”
Morty, I should mention, is not a partisan man. He is,
r a t h e r , a n e n t h u s i a s t i c
f o l l o w e r o f w h o m e v e r happens to be in charge. He believes in democracy, but only in the way one believes i n a n o l d u n c l e w h o
o c c a s i o n a l l y g i v e s o u t
t w e n t y - d o l l a r
b i l l s c h a r m i n g , b u t n o t
e n t i r e l y r e l i a b l e H i s
p h i l o s o p h y i s s i m p l e : whoever wins was always meant to win, and whoever l o s e s s h o u l d p r o b a b l y
were heard. However, no
, B
a s s reported to the Springlands Police Station, where he was arrested So far, he has denied having knowledge of the shooting.
T
ongoing.
Dem boys seh Guyana gat one serious case of “copycat-itis,” and it spreading faster than a flu. If yuh neighbor buy a new car, yuh gotta buy one too—even if yuh pocket bawling for mercy If somebody start wearing a particular style of shoe, next thing yuh know, half a Georgetown marching ‘round like they in a fashion parade for clones. Dem boys seh Guyanese love fuh copy so much, we mek plagiarism look like an Olympic sport. Take business, fuh example. Dem boys seh if yuh open a ship selling phone cards and it doing good, don’t blink—because by tomorrow, three more gon pop up right next door, selling the same thing, with the same sign, and probably the same flies. It’s like we all share one brain when it comes to
unicorn—everybody hear ‘bout it, but nobody ever see it.
But the real kicker is how we copy bad habits. Dem boys seh if somebody start dumping garbage in the street, next thing yuh know, the whole community turn the place into a landfill. If one person start blasting music at 3 a.m., soon the entire village competing fuh the “Who Can Mek the Most Noise” trophy. Dem boys seh we don’t just copy the good—we copy the ugly, the lazy, and the downright foolish. In the end, dem boys seh Guyana is a nation of innovators… at copying. We might not be the inventors, but we sure know how to perfect the art of imitation. So, if yuh ever feel like yuh original, just remember—somebody probably already copy yuh. Talk half. Leff half
c o n s i d e r a l t e r n a t i v e employment.
“What about the then opposition’s claims?” I ask.
“Didn’t they say there were some irregularities?”
“ N o t h i n g i r r e g u l a r a t all,” Morty says with a reassuring smile.
“ ‘ T h e s e c l a i m s a r e baseless and harmful to our democracy until proven.’ I mean, if there is insufficient i n f o r m a t i o n , y o u c a n n o t indict?”
“ B u t w e r e n ’ t t h e r e missing ballots?”
“Maybe they went on v a c a t i o n , ” h e s a y s ,
s h r u g g i n g . “ E v e r y b o d y needs a break.”
I stare at him. “You have a journal?”
“Yes,” he says proudly “ A r e c o r d o f a l l t h e important things our leaders
s a y I t ’ s i m p o r t a n t t o d o c u m e n t h i s t o r y Otherwise, how will future generations know what to think?”
At this point, I realize that I am engaged in a battle of wits with a man who remembers only convenient conclusions of events, never their beginnings. He is like a m o v i e g o e r w h o o n l y w a t c h e s t h e f i n a l f i v e m i n u t e s a n d c l a i m s t o understand the entire plot.
“ S o l e t m e g e t t h i s
s t r a i g h t , ” I s a y “ Yo u remember the speeches, the celebrations, the promises,
but you don’t recall the actual voting process?” “ E x a c t l y, ” h e s a y s , b e a m i n g “ B u t I d o remember the President’s last words at his speech: ‘The people have chosen, and now we move forward.’
T h a t p a r t w a s r e a l l y moving.”
As I prepare to press him further, the news blares from the television: ‘An official inquiry has been launched into the election process amid growing concerns over alleged irregularities.’
Morty perks up. “Oh, I remember something about that!”
I lean in. “Yes? What do you recall?”
He pauses, then grins. “The President said it. Case closed.”
“Morty,” I say, rubbing my temples, “did you even vote?”
He looks at me, stricken. Then, after a long pause, he finally speaks: “Well, that d e p e n d s W h a t d i d t h e President say about it?”
(The views expressed in this article are those of the a u t h o r a n d d o n o
opinions of this newspaper.)
Guyanese are watching a man destroy himself in slow motion. Dr Bharrat Jagdeo
i s h i s n a m e , a n d s e l fdestruction is his game. He thinks it is his claim to fame. Being who I am, it is painful to watch a man overreach so many times, fall overboard so often. I cannot stand idly by, face my peers, stand before my Maker, and say that I did my best to redeem him. To save him from himself, his worst instincts. Hence, I must try again. Every now and again, I am given a clip (a clip only) o f o n e o f D r J a g d e o ’s Thursday afternoon riotous bacchanals. He calls them press conferences. All I see and hear is a man who has
boobytrapped himself with h i g h o c t a n e v e r b a l explosives. He unloads, he implodes, he explodes. I
f i n d m y s e l f d o u b t i n g , actually despairing, that this man who is a former head of state, could have an elevated conversation again On T h u r s d a y s , h e m e a n d e r s around the potholed roads of Guyana, and it is all to no a v a i l H e s u c c e e d s i n creating a bigger tomb for himself. I observe a man, a leader, a political figure, who may travel every road that there is, but still is unable to discover the frontiers of his soul. Indeed, its logo is so immaterial, so elusive, if I may be permitted to delve into the Jungian. Where
there is no logo, there is no Tao. And, in its highest formulation and expression, no Tao means no truth. What I’ve seen on display is the p a t h o s o f a m a n n o w confined to the loopy, the droopy, and the weepy It is said that some people die with their music in them. I say that Jagdeo lives with no music in him. He is too desperate, and it oozes out of his pores. Tell the Guyanese people a clear and straight story about the management and the truths of their oil patrimony There wouldn’t be need for all the defensive antics, that not e v e n t h e w o r s t aggressiveness, do anything t o l e s s e n w h e r
gone wrong, proven suspect. R
highlight the tattered state in which Guyana’s chief oil master now finds himself. When he dives into the world
o f t h e f a n t a s i s t , i t w a s inevitable that oil facts and oil circumstances would be severely devalued. He wanted to be on top of the oil, and like Midas with his daughter, this black gold out from under the seabed has b
u s o l e u m Today, Mr Jagdeo’s weekly press whimpers reduce him to the level of a mental midget. No amount of oil is worth paying such a huge price No lusting after
power, panting to hold on to it, can compensate for the damage to standing, to the respect due, but now forever vanquished by a man who is past caring.
W h e n p r e s s entanglements (they have l o s t t h e l u s t e r o f p r e s s brawls, so comedic they are) deteriorate to an opportunity to sock it to the PNC, and other perceived opponents, political or otherwise, then something more is beheld, cannot be denied. When Jagdeo, the once and future political genius, gallops out of his press box to batter the PNC, what I detect is a cheap political schemer One slyly appealing to still cheaper tribalism as his answer to
national nature. When my brother Bharrat becomes a dragline dredging up the detritus of decades ago, and the recent ones of a halfdecade just past, then all he d o e s i s p
a y t o r a w prejudices. He’s leverage those for his own benefit a
surrenders the key to the present, all but gives up on the future that is the kind of
y citizen of this Republic. (The views expressed in this article are those of the
opinions of this newspaper.)
The People’s National Congress Reform (PNCR) is calling for a thorough review
pect
he Engineers Bill by a Special S e l e c t C o m m i t t e e established by the National Assembly
In a statement to the media on Saturday the party said that it fully supports the need for an Engineers Act as
c u r r e n t B i l l c o n t a i n s provisions that they doubt GAPE and other engineering p r o f e s s i o n a l s w o u l d endorse.
“For instance, in the First Schedule, the Minister of Public Works is granted the authority to appoint the C h a i r m a n a n d D e p u t y Chairman of the Engineering Registration Board. Such a p r o v i s i o n r a i s e s s e r i o u s c o n c e r n s a b o u t potential political nterference in what should be a n i n d e p e n d e n t r e g u l a t o r y
n a t i o n a l development.
However, the party said that the Bill in its current form sports several weaknesses a n d p o i n t e d t o s e v e r a l troubling aspects it believes s h o u l d b e i m m e d i a t e l y addressed. Further, it said that meaningful input should b e p r o v i d e d b y k e y stakeholders which should include the University of G u y a n a ’ s F a c u l t y o f E n g i n e e r i n g a n d Te c h n o l o g y, t h e G u y a n a Association of Professional Engineers (GAPE) and all other interested persons in the field.
The party stressed that while it acknowledges that there were some discussions held with GAPE in the past years, they are dated, and the
under the supervision of, an architect,” PNCR said.
The PNCR feels that, that
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Sunday
“Oil-rich Guyana is worse off from the very start”- Glenn Lall …says oil-producing nations with higher royalties, ring-fencing and taxes now turning to Banks for help after depleting resources
W h i l e o i l - p r o d u c i n g
n a t i o n s , w i t h d e p l e t e d resources are now turning to financial institutions for help to manage their countries, Guyana that has only now
j o i n e d t h e l e a g u e i s continuously increasing its debt as government refuses to implement key measures to rake in more revenue from t h e s e c t o r t o s u p p o r t t h e nation.
T h i s i s t h e v i e w o f K a i e t e u r N e w s P u b l i s h e r, Glenn Lall who during his weekly radio programme on F r i d a y e v e n i n g , a i r e d o n 99.1/ 99.5 FM, shared his v i e w s o n t h e c u r r e n t e c o n o m i c s t a t u s o f t h e country
Lall, a stern advocate for
t r a n s p a r e n c y a n d g o o d governance, particularly in the oil and gas sector zeroed i n t o t h e h i s t o r y o f neighbouring Trinidad and Tobago during its early days of oil production.
Describing its glory days as an exciting time in history, not only for the nation, but f o r t h o s e v i s i t i n g f o r business and other purposes, Lall pointed out that the buzz
and “wild rush” has now died.
He said, “What the oil
giveth, the oil can taketh away when a country doesn’t manage it right. And if you don’t believe me, just look at
T r i n i d a d t o d a y T r i n i s applying for a US visa back in those days, wasn’t granted a 3-month, one-year or twoyear visa, the Embassy use to
g i v e t h e m I n d e f i n i t e
M u l t i p l e E n t r y v i s a s !
M e a n i n g , u n t i l t h a t individual dead, they could travel to the US with that type of visa. It wasn’t just the business people and flight attendants with pilots who were granted those type of vis as , no uncle, even the
Tr i n i s w h o w e r e c u t t i n g cane, weeding the roadside
and picking garbage were granted that visa, without a fuss…today everything near done, and is a different story
a t t h e e m b a s s y, b e c a u s e
Tr i n i s h a v e b e c o m e l i k e Guyanese, dying to get a visa
to run out Trinidad in search of a better life.”
Lall was keen to note that his reason for highlighting this was not to embarrass the twin island, but merely to make the point of what can happen to a country with such resources.
In fact, the Publisher told listeners that Trinidad was one of the better managed third world countries that got t o e n j o y t h e f r u i t s o f i t s petroleum sector.
“Can I say that about anyone of the African and Asian countries with these t y p e s o f r e s o u r c e s ? Absolutely no,” Lall said as he went on to explain that in 2019- the same year, Guyana commenced oil productionG h a n a w a s d u b b e d t h e fastest growing economy in the world.
He added, “Five years isn’t finished, today Ghana’s n e w p r e s i d e n t n o t o n l y driving out the foreign gold thieves in that country, but lining up at the World Bank for loans to feed its people.”
Locally, Lall pointed out that Guyana has discovered massive resources that oil
companies describe as an u n p r e c e d e n t e d d i s c o v e r y Instead of building a solid future for the country, the b u s i n e s s m a n a r g u e d t h a t p o l i t i c i a n s h a v e f a i l e d t o make the right decisions to ensure its people prosper
“ T h e h a r s h t r u t h m y friends, is that we are not just heading in the same direction a s T r i n i d a d a n d m a n y African and Asian countries that have been stripped of their wealth—we are already worse off than them at this very moment. And mind you, w e h a v e o n l y j u s t b e g u n extracting oil,” the advocate stressed.
H e n o t e d t h a t t h o s e nations did all they could to ensure the country benefits fully from their oil wealth
transparency in the way the resources are being spent by the Government of Guyana (GoG).
I n a n i n t e r v i e w w i t h Kaieteur News, Campbell s a i d , “ I w i l l c o n t i n u e
r e m a i n a m e m b e r u n t i l I think either time, or other obligations no longer permit me to function effectively as a m e m b e r o f t h a t committee.”
It would be recalled that last year in a letter to the E d i t o r, h e p o i n t e d t o t h e glaring lack of transparency i n t h e u s e o f o i l m o n e y, despite legal requirements in the NRF Act.
I n a D e c e m b e r 2 0 2 4
and still failed.
“They installed their own meters at the oil pumps to m e a s u r e e v e r y d r o p e x t r a c t e d , a n d t h e y s t i l l failed. They set up Petroleum Commissions filled with oil experts to help manage their oil sectors, and they still failed. They collected their full taxes—every cent they were owed—and still failed. They scrutinized every cost down to the last bolt, nut, pin, a n d c o n t r a c t s , a n d s t i l l failed,” Lall reasoned.
I n T & T ’ s c a s e , h e recalled that some 18,000 persons were employed to help manage its petroleum
i n d u s t r y T o d a y , t h e businessman said that the economy is struggling to stay afloat with its growing debt.
“ E v e r y s i n g l e o n e o f t h o s e n a t i o n s c o l l e c t e d h i g h e r r o y a l t i e s t h a n Guyana some as high as 15% to 20% and yet, failure still came knocking at their d o o r s N o w, l e t ’s l o o k a t Guyana. We have done none
o f t h o s e t h i n g s T h e s e (politicians) have not ringfenced the oil projects, (are) bluntly refusing to install our own meters at the oil pumps; we don’t have a Petroleum Commission in place and we are not collecting any taxes from ExxonMobil and their partners,” Lall pointed out.
Terrence Campbell to remain member of oil money Investment Committee despite transparency concerns in use of revenues …says lawsuit likely to be filed soon
B u s i n e s s m a n D r
Terrence Campbell has said he will not walk away from the Natural Resource Fund ( N R F ) I n v e s t m e n t Committee, despite his deep c o n c e r n s f o r t h e l a c k o f
called on the members of the Investment Committee and the PAOC to do likewise.
T h e b u s i n e s s m a n t o l d Kaieteur News that while on m a n y d a y s , h e c o n s i d e r s tendering his resignation, it is his view that there should be diversity on such Boards.
H e e x p l a i n e d , “ T h e problem with the NRF Board and all of its committee, with t h e e x c e p t i o n o f t h e
changes in the United States and its influence on major economies.
During Sunday’s episode of the E
rgy P
Podcast, President Ali said while Guyana is among the fastest growing economies, it is still interrelated with regional and global markets t
economy can be impacted
l e t t e r , t h e b u s i n e s s m a n shared, “A little over a month a g o , I b e g a n p r e s s i n g internally for the Board of t h e F u n d t o d e m a n d a justification for withdrawals from the Fund in accordance
w i t h S e c t i o n 1 6 ( 2 )
s u b s e c t i o n s ( a ) a n d ( b ) .
These subsections specify that withdrawals must be for n a t i o n a l d e v e l o p m e n t
p r i o r i t i e s a n d / o r e s s e n t i a l
projects to ameliorate the effects of a natural disaster.”
C a m p b e l l h o w e v e r n o t e d that his request was met with stout resistance even in the face of my threat to initiate litigation.
T o t h i s e n d , h e concluded, “In essence, the Board signs a blank cheque with each withdrawal. This e f f e c t i v e l y r e d u c e s t h e Board to a rubber stamp and t h e P u b l i c A c c o u n t a b i l i t y
and Oversight Committee (PAOC), which is supposed to provide oversight, to a white elephant.”
Campbell described the m a t t e r o f t h e N R F, i t s procedures for withdrawal and the rate of depletion as r e q u i r i n g u rg e n t n a t i o n a l attention. Further, he vowed t o d o n a t e a l l o f h i s remuneration to charity and
Investment Committee, is that there is no one – I think, a n d i n m y p e r s o n a l judgment- who will actually stand up and question any d i r e c t i v e f r o m t h e government because there is a n A c c o u n t a b i l i t y a n d Oversig
C
mittee and they cannot properly do their work if they do not know how NRF funds are being spent.” Campbell therefore questioned the use of that b o d y, a s h e o u t l i n e d h i s
member.
“I’ve stayed on the inside to continue paying attention t o w h a t ’s h a p p e n i n g a n d externally, to avoid the back a n d f o r t h w i t h t h e Vi c e President and the Minister of Finance over interpretation of Section 16 of the Act,” he said.
The businessman hinted that this matter is likely to be taken to Court very soon.
Monday
Trump’s ramped-up oil production policy will impact Guyana’ —Pres. Ali touts diversification, prudent management of resources to ride out shocks
President Dr Mohamed Irfaan Ali has underscored the significance of Guyana’s a m b i t i o u s e c o n o m i c diversification strategy even as global economic shocks are anticipated due to policy
Opposition representative on the NRF Investment Committee, Dr. Terrence Campbell
exploration. P
ensuring long-term stability beyond oil and gas. “That is
Guyanese people from day one. That is, we have to be responsible in the way we manage the resources from oil and gas. And that is why it is so critical for us to pursue
and build out other segments and sectors of our economy,” he stated.
I n h i s i n a u
i o n speech US President Donald Trump told attendees: “We have something that no other
w
e v e
h a v e t h e l a r g e s t amount of oil and gas of any country on earth, and we are going to use it. “We will be a rich nation again and it is that liquid gold under our feet t
e n e rg y
r t s have said that oil and gas companies say those changes won’t push them to engage in the frenzy of new drilling that Mr Trump wants.
A N e w Y o r k T i m e s article recently said that the oil industry is thrilled by Mr Trump’s executiv
which are designed to make
and
critical question of whether his policies will lead to more oil and gas production — one of Mr Trump’s central goals — industry executives say not unless prices rise a lot, something the president says
“Trump’s aim is to support oil and gas by loosening the rules that govern extracting, transporting and exporting fuels while kneecapping the competition, including wind
not enough for companies to “drill, baby, drill,” the article
Continued on page 17
From page 16 stated. “What you are seeing
i s a h u g e a m o u n t o f positivity,” said Ron Gusek, president of Liberty Energy, an oil field services company whose chief executive was picked by Mr Trump to lead
t h e E n e r g y D e p a r t m e n t “But it’s too early to say that that’s going to translate into a
c
N o r t h America.”
As a matter of fact, the g o v e r n m e n t h a s b e e n i n j e c t i n g o i l r e v e n
g and other social services, and
i m p o r t a n t l y, t o p o s i t i o n Guyana as a major hub for food production President
A l i h i g h l i g h t e d c o n c e r n s over rising food prices which
c o u l d r e s u l t f r o m l a b o u r
s h o r t a g e s i n t h e U n i t e d States due to immigration policies and severe weather patterns.
Meanwhile, in response
t o t h i s p r e d i c t e d i s s u e , President Ali outlined that
his government has made
h e a v y i n v e s t m e n t s i n s u s t a i n a b l e a g r i c u l t u r e , agro-processing and modern farming technologies such as hydroponics. “And all of this is not only to create local opportunities, but it is to respond to global challenges. So, when we are building the economy here – it is not built in isolation of the realities globally,” the head of state said.
He noted that the 2025
n a t i o n a l b u d g e t d i r e c t l y mitigates these challenges,
a s t h e g o v e r n m e n t h a s m a i n t a i n e d p r e - C O V I D
f r e i g h t r a t e s f o r i m p o r t d u t i e s T h e p r e s i d e n t e m p h a s i s e d t h a t t h e s e m e a s u r e s w i l l e ff e c t i v e l y remove the economic burden
f r o m c o n s u m e r s T h e g o v e r n m e n t h a s a l l o c a t e d provisions to address bottle-
n e c k c h a l l e n g e s i n t h e
Demerara River, allowing large ships to commute on Guyana’s shores.
“We are working now
with the private sector to have a model that would have a long-term solution to this issue of dredging and the issue of having a draft that is consistently at low tide and high tide…so that large ships can come in,” he disclosed.
T h e h e a d o f s t a t e a l s o reiterated the importance of r e g i o n a l c o l l a b o r a t i o n f o r e c o n o m i c g r o w t h , highlighting the investment in constructing the Linden to Mabura Hill roadway that will connect Guyana with
Northern Brazil.
T h i s s u b s t a n t i a l i n v e s t m e n t , P r e s i d e n t A l i noted, will create additional a v e n u e s f o r c o l l a b o r a t i o n a n d e n h a n c e t r a d e o p p o r t u n i t i e s , t h e r e b y
i n t e g r a t i n g G u y a n a ’ s
e c o n o m y w i t h r e g i o n a l s u p p l y c h a i n s A n d w i t h e n e r g y p r i c e s s e t t o significantly decrease, due to the transformative gas-toenergy project at Wales in Region Three, the president said it is time to articulate a plan on the type of transport
and logistics development needed. “We have to look at, not only the large industries, but look at all the micro and m e d i u m - s i z e d e n t e r p r i s e s that can be developed out of t h i s g r e a t p o t e n t i a l , ”
President Ali asserted He
h i g h l i g h t e d Tr i n i d a d a n d
Tobago as an example which utilised revenues from its oil for cheap energy costs that d e v e l o p e d a s t r o n g
m a n u f a c t u r i n g a n d a g r op r o c e s s i n g s e c t o r s
A c c o r d i n g t o h i m , b y enhancing food production and the manufacturing and agro-processing industry, the government aims to create wealth, jobs, and resilience
a g a i n s t e c o n o m i c s h o c k s (DPI)
Govt warns foreigners against using backtrack routes - urged them to follow mandatory immigration procedures or face deportation
The Ministry of Home Affairs on Sunday, issued a stern reminder to all foreign nationals entering or leaving
G u y a n a r e g a r d i n g
m a n d a t o r y i m m i g r a t i o n s procedures in keeping with the laws of Guyana.
I n a s t a t e m e n t , t h e
m i n i s t r y u rg e d f o r e i g n e r s that upon entering or leaving
Guyana, foreign nationals must present themselves to an Immigration Officer at the designated Ports of Entry and Exit. Persons failing to
December 2024, five Cubans w e r e d e p o r t e d f o r overstaying their permitted t i m e i n G u y a n a T h e y appeared at the Georgetown Magistrates’ Court after the Guyana Police Force (GPF) issued an order for them to be deported from Guyana for o v e r s t a y i n g t h e i r t i m e w i t h o u t s e e k i n g a n extension. Furthermore, in September 2024, a 36-yearo l d Ve n e z u e l a n n a t i o n a l , who has been residing in
adhere to the requirements w i l l f a c e s t r i c t c o n s e q u e
entry, or disbarment. “Any individual found in Guyana without a valid entry stamp o r a P e r m i t ( i m m i g r a t i o n form) indicating their entry
d a t e c a n b e s u b j e c t t o deportation. Any foreign national who departs Guyana without properly presenting t
official Port of Exit can be refused re-entry or disbarred upon attempting to return,” the ministry stated. Venezuelans that are set
entry
The ministry urges all travellers to comply with the Ministry of Home Affairs immigration requirements to avoid lega
consequences, noting that these measures a r e i n p l a c e t o u p h o l d n a t i o n a l s e c u r i t y a n d m a i n t a i n o r d e r l y t r a v e l p r o c e d u r e s F u r t h e r, t h
ministry outlined designated P
a ) , Region 2 (Charity), Region 3 ( P a r i k a ) , R e g i o n 4
( G e o r g e t o w n , E u g e n e F
C o r r e i a I n t e r n a t i
, Region 6 (Moleson Creek, N e w A m s t
d a m , S p r i n g l a n d s ) , R e g i o n 7 (Bartica, Eteringbang), and Region 9 (Lethem).
Recently, several persons were deported or detained as a result of not adhering to these requirements Within three days, 102 Venezuelans were detained for illegally e
metal boats. Police in Region
G u y a n a i l l e g a l l y f o r t w o months, was ordered to be deported when she appeared a t t h e G e o r g e t o w n Magistrates’ Court, leaving h e r G u y a n e s e t o d d l e r behind.
Only recently, Shadow F o r e i g n A ff a i r s M i n i s t e r, A m a n z a W a l t o n - D e s i r c r i t i c i s e d t h e g o v e r n m e n t over what she described as i t s l a x a p p r o a c h i n
f o r m u l a t i n g a n d i m p l e m e n t i n g a n a t i o n a l
foreign policy which will
c a t e r t o i s s u e s s u c h a s migration. “It is crucial that we address the challenges posed by our porous borders which continue to expose us to significant risks that could u n d e r m i n e o u r n a t i o n a l security, territorial integrity, and social cohesion, ” she insisted.
A l l u d i n g t o a r e c e n t Stabroek News article which q u o t e d t h e M i n i s t e r w i t h
r e s p o n s i b i l i t y f o r immigration Robeson Benn
saying that it is anticipated that the migrant population will increase in the coming months,” Walton –Desir told the National Assembly in the j u s t c o n c l u d e d b u d g e t d e b a t e s t h a t t o d a t e , t h e g o v e r n m e n t i s u n a b l e t o provide a realistic estimate of the number of Venezuelan migrants in the country “The r e a s o n i s c l e a r T h e y simply do not know It is o b v i o u s t h a t t h e P P P government has lost control over the migrant situation resulting in grave risk to our c o u n t r y ’ s s e c u r i t y a n d sovereignty ” Walton-Desir stressed “to mitigate these risks and protect the integrity
o f o u r n a t i o n , w e m u s t
i m m e d i a t e l y e s t a b l i s h a
m a n d a t o r y m i g r a n t registration system.”
Further, she suggested
t h a t t h e r e f u g e e s a n d m i g r a n t s m u s t o n l y b e
g r a n t e d t e m p o r a r y s t a t u s , until they can return to their homelands, with a clear and explicit prohibition against v o t i n g r i g h t s “ G u y a n e s e
citizenship must remain a privilege, not a pathway to manipulation or long-term
i n s t a b i l i t y Yo u t r a v e l t h e length and breadth of this country and the people of Guyana will tell you their deep concern at the abysmal handling of the migrant crisis
h e r e a n d t h e l a c k o f
g o v e r n m e n t p o l i c y t o address this burning issue
b u t t h i s i s t h e P P P / C
–Postponing Practical Policy
Continuously and Placi
Desir
Further emphasising on
policy, the MP said that such
deported.
Venezuelans that are set to be deported for illegal entry
emphasising the justness of our cause and the rightness of our claim,” she explained. Wa
that the Opposition side of the house had called for the
Foreign Relations Council. “
, including for the convening of regular meetings of the Foreign Relations Sectoral Committee of this National Assembly, continue to fall on
said.
Tuesday
ExxonMobil paying taxes in Bahamas but not a cent to Guyana …Terrence Campbell says Gov’t should negotiate with company for changes
As ExxonMobil Guyana Limited (EMGL), continues to make massive profits from the resources in the Stabroek Block, the company enjoys a
o l i d a y, meaning it does not pay a cent in corporate tax to the G
(GoG).
E M G L , f o r
E s s o Exploration and Protection Guyana Limited (EEPL) is a company registered in the Bahamas with ExxonMobil Global Holding Investment B.V being the 100 percent owner of that company W i t h n e w t a x arrangements put in place by t h
required to pay a corporate tax of 15% to the country, as
interview on the People’s Continued on page 17
From page 17
National Congress Reform’s (PNC/R’s) Nation Watch. He
t o l d v i e w e r s o f t h e
b r o a d c a s t , “ I p e r s o n a l l y believe that there is a way to renegotiate the contract that would be revenue neutraleven to Exxon- and it’s from the tax angle.”
The businessman went on to explain, “Globally, a lot of countries signed on to a minimum tax of 15%, so e v e n s o m e o f t h o s e havens…the last I remember is that they run a company out of the Netherlands that is then owned by a company out of the Bahamas. Even the Bahamas has signed on, the last I checked to this global
minimum tax of 15%.”
The Bahamas enacted the Domestic Minimum Top-Up Tax Act, 2024 (the Act) on 28 N
Organisation for Economic C
’s ( O E C D ) Pillar Two Framework. The
OECD’s framework are to implement a global minimum tax at an effective rate of 15% on the i n c o m
n g f r o m multinational entities in each
y operate.
Consequently, Campbell questioned the logic behind
y Exxon Guyana to Bahamas. He said, “Why should The Bahamas be getting taxes off of Guyanese oil and we (are) n o t g e t t i n g a n y t h i n g ourselves here? I believe that there is a way for those who a r e s o p h i s t i c a t e d e n o u g h financially to sit down with Exxon quietly in a room and extract benefits from Exxon that is really revenue neutral to them, but would be a loss in some other jurisdiction.”
PSA and taxation
The Production Sharing Agreement (PSA) between the GoG and ExxonMobil
d o e s n o t r e q u i r e t h e c o m p a n y t o p a y a n y corporate taxes. Further, it
states at Article 32.3 that if any changes are made that has an adverse effect on the economic benefits of the oil company, then the country would be required to take “ a n y a n d a l l a f f i r m a t i v e actions to restore the lost or impaired economic benefits
t o C o n t r a c t o r , s o t h a t
Contractor receives the same economic benefit under the Agreement…”
As such, Dr Campbell
m a d e t h e p o i n t t h a t government should seek to enter discussions with the company to allow taxes to be p a i d h e r e , i n s t e a d o f Bahamas. “There must be a way to finesse some things where Exxon doesn’t lose
a n y m o n e y. S o m e o t h e r jurisdiction will perhaps end u p g e t t i n g t a x e s o f f o f Guyana’s oil and bring that money home. There are ways to go about renegotiation and that’s only one possibility,” he said.
Jagdeo lacks sophistication
T h e b u s i n e s s m a n believes that there may be a p l e t h o r a o f o t h e r opportunities available to the country to enjoy a greater share of its wealth generated offshore. He however noted that this will require research and “sophistication” which the chief policymaker for the sector, Bharrat Jagdeo lacks. “Mr Jagdeo has the ability to speak with passion on both sides of the coin…he was all for renegotiating the contract and he raised issues like no t a x e s , z e r o r o y a l t y, r i n gfencing and so on. None of that has changed, he didn’t consider ring-fencing for the last five years,” Campbell said. As a businessman for a b o u t 3 7 y e a r s n o w, h e pointed out that contracts are renegotiated on a daily basis. In a subsequent interview
w i t h K a i e t e u r N e w s , D r
Campbell made the point that Guyanese should not be s u r p r i s e d i f E x x o n approaches government for a m o d i f i c a t i o n o f c o n t r a c t
t e r m s , s h o u l d o i l p r i c e s decline. In the same manner, he said the nation should not be fearful in requesting the same. “If the price of oil falls to a point that kind of makes
i t d i f f i c u l t f o r E x x o n t o operate, it’s not beyond them
t o c o m e t o t h e G u y a n a government and say times are tough and can we modify
t h e c o n t r a c t a n d s o i t shouldn’t be beyond us to go
t o t h e m a n d s a y h e y w e would like to benefit a little more from this oil contract. These discussions take place all the time and they are not usually controversial, ” the businessman said.
Double taxation
M e a n w h i l e , h e a l s o addressed the issue of double t a x a t i o n i n E x x o n M o b i l Guyana’s business with the Bahamas. Since EMGL is presented with a certificate by the GoG indicating that taxes have been paid locally, t h e c o m p a n y c o u l d b e eligible for a waiver in the Bahamas. If there is a double t a x p o l i c y a g r e e m e n t between the two countries and the rates are the same, then taxes paid locally would b e t r e a t e d a s t a x e s p a i d elsewhere.
O n t h e o t h e r h a n d ,
C a m p b e l l e x p l a i n e d , “ I f Guyana and the Bahamas do not have a double taxation treaty, then Exxon will report its profits in the Bahamas and it would also show its taxes. It would then be taxed at whatever rate the Bahamas i s a p p l y i n g t a x a t i o n , t h a t would be deducted and then the taxation is applied.”
Canadian company completes airstrip, roads to kick off 5.4M ounce gold project in Guyana
C a n a d i a n m i n i n g
Corporation, has completed
camp, airstrip, and site roads, for its estimated 5.4-millionounce Toroparu Gold Project i
Cuyuni-Mazaruni, Guyana. T
known as the Upper Puruni Concessions, consist of two gold deposits: the Toroparu deposit and the Sona Hill deposit, which lie about five kilometers southeast of the
project is
resources. A
To
exploration
ns th
project entirely through its subsidiary, ETK Inc.
On March 14, 2023, Aris M i n i n
Toroparu Project, effective as of February 10, 2023. N e i l Wo o d y
, C h i e f Executive Officer (CEO) of Aris Mining, noted the reevaluation process initiated af
September 2022, which led t o a r e v i
We are progressing additional Continued on page 36
BY RENNIE PARRIS
Welcome back to Talking Dollars & Making Sense. Today, we’re diving deeper into the first pillar of our p r o p o s e d C o m p r e h e n s i v e National Development Plan for Guyana - one that centers
o n o u r m o s t v a l u a b l e resource: our human capital. Historically, we’ve watched many of our brightest minds
b u i l d s u c c e s s f u l c a r e e r s abroad, benefiting foreign countries more than their
h o m e l a n d M e a n w h i l e ,
G u y a n a ’ s r e l i a n c e o n remittances, about US$550
m i l l i o n i n 2 0 2 3 , b a r e l y scratches the surface of what our global community can truly offer Imagine if we
h a r n e s s e d t h e d i a s p o r a ’s
e x p e r t i s e , n e t w o r k s , a n d
c a p i t a l i n a s t r u c t u r e d , strategic way That’s exactly what this proposal aims to accomplish.
Why the Diaspora Matters
A t i t s c o r e , n a t i o n a l
d e v e l o p m e n t i s a b o u t uplifting people, ensuring that every citizen can shape
a n d b e n e f i t f r o m t h e
c o u n t r y ’s p r o g r e s s Ye t , according to the Migration
Policy Institute, 90% of
G u y a n e s e w i t h t e r t i a r y education and 40% with secondary education live abroad. This isn’t just an idle statistic; it’s a call to action.
O u r d i a s p o r a i s a
wellspring of talent and resources. By bringing home even a fraction of these skilled professionals, we can revolutionize sectors like
e d u c a t i o n , h e a l t h c a r e , technology, infrastructure, and legal and regulatory reform. This is no mere aspiration: it’s a practical, achievable objective when backed by focused planning and strong political will.
I d e n t i f y i n g S k i l l e d
Professionals
1. Reaching Out to Affinity Groups
The journey begins with the Ministry of Foreign
By Rennie Parris
A f f a i r s & I n t e r n a t i o n a l
Cooperation forging direct t i e s w i t h G u y a n e s e associations and networks w o r l d w i d e T a r g e t e d advertising campaigns can invite diaspora members to s u b m i t r é s u m é s a n d references. Then have an annual diaspora conference in the United States, Canada and the United Kingdom.
C o l l a b o r a t i n g w i t h a r e p u t a b l e e m p l o y m e n t hiring and background check firm will ensure that only the most qualified candidates move forward.
2. Expanding the Pool: Recent Retirees and Entrepreneurs
W h i l e m i d - c a r e e r professionals are often the first thought, we should also tap into recent retirees who bring decades of experience and a desire to contribute meaningfully Established entrepreneurs can introduce new ideas, spur innovation, and help build a thriving
l o c a l e n t r e p r e n e u r i a l
e c o s y s t e m E v e n philanthropists looking to i n v e s t t h e i r t i m e a n d resources can be valuable
contributors to Guyana’s development.
3. Sabbaticals and Contract Work For professionals who
r e m a i n a c t i v e i n t h e workforce, the Guyanese government can collaborate with their employers to offer one-year sabbaticals. These s k i l l e d G u y a n e s e w o u l d return home to work on
n a t i o n a l p r o j e c t s u n d e r
c o m p e t i t i v e l y p a i d
c o n t r a c t s E x t e n d e d o r
m u l t i p l e - y e a r c o n t r a c t s should also be available for those willing to spend more time on the ground.
4. A Centralized Diaspora Database
To sustain momentum, a dedicated digital platform or diaspora register should be e s t a b l i s h e d T h i s w o u l d track skilled Guyanese, list
c u r r e n t a n d u p c o m i n g
projects, and facilitate direct c o m m u n i c a t
government agencies and diaspora professionals. Over time, this database becomes
matching Guyana’s needs
expertise.
Building a Diaspora Community
Adapting to life back in G u y a
cultural, professional, and
Constructing a residential hub, complete with reliable security, modern amenities, and efficient transportation, p r o v i d
e landing spot for those that do not have a home in Guyana. This community fosters c
while offering a sense of familiarity, making it easier for them to focus on the essential work of nationb
t h a n logistical hurdles. Cultural Integration & Knowledge Transfer
A s h o r t , i n t e n s i v e
Guyanese cultural training
p r o g r a m c a n m i n i m i z e friction between diaspora returnees and local teams.
B y h
realities of on-the-ground p
oject management, the training ensures that both g r o u p s c o l l a b o r a t e smoothly
Moreover, every contract should mandate knowledge t r a n s f e r . W h e t h
protocols, integrating new software platforms in public administration, or upgrading a
t h o d s , returning professionals must impart their expertise to local teams. This not only e n r i c h e s o u r i m m e d i a t e capacity but also builds a p i p e l i n e o f h o m e g r o w n
talent for the future. Virtual Pre-Planning Efficient deployment is key Before diaspora teams
e v e n a r r i v e , t h e y c a n collaborate virtually with local counterparts through project management tools
l i k e A s a n a , T r e l l o , o r
M o n d a y c o m e t c B y organizing tasks, timelines, and objectives online, both local and diaspora teams can hit the ground running. The result? Less time spent on preliminary planning and more energy directed toward e x e c u t i o n , t r a i n i n g , a n d capacity building.
From Remittances to Real Impact
No one discounts the importance of remittances, which have long served as a f i n a n c i a l l i f e l i n e f o r f a m i l i e s B u t t h e r e a l transformative power lies in leveraging the diaspora’s
ce
engineers, and a tech sector b o o s t e d b y G
global hubs.
This isn’t a pipe dream; it’s an achievable plan with the right mix of political will and strat
strategy stands to catalyze
Guyana.
Conclusion
Guyana is no stranger to opportunity, but opportunity
demands that we mobilize every available asset—chief
among them, our diaspora. Through robust recruitment, s t r u c t u r e d e m p
n t , well-planned housing, and a steadfast comm
tment to knowledge transfer, we can u s h e r i n a n e r a o f t r a n s f o
anything we’ve seen before. This isn’t just another policy recommendation; it’s a moral imperative and a clarion call for Guyanese w
y deserves the very best, and we already have it, all we need is to reach out and welcome them back home. H a v e
r questions on how to make this vision a reality? I’d love
Let’s shape Guyana’s
visionary at a time.
B Y S I R R O N A L D
Two Executive Orders issued by U.S. President Donald Trump have sparked
c o n c e r n a c r o s s t h e Caribbean, much as they have in Central America and beyond. One mandates the removal of illegal migrants from the U.S., while the
o t h e r s h u t t e r s t h e U S
Agency for International Development (USAID), an institution that has long been
a s y m b o l o f A m e r i c a n foreign assistance.
The alarm within the 14 i n d e p e n d e n t C a r i b b e a n
C o m m u n i t y ( C A R I C O M ) nations arises from the belief that they will suddenly face
a n i n f l u x o f d e p o r t e d
nationals from the U S , many perceived as hardened criminals.
T h i s p r o s p e c t r a i s e s c o n c e r n s a m o n g governments and citizens alike about their capacity to
a b s o r b t h e s e r e t u r n e e s .
H o w e v e r , a s t h i s
c o m m e n t a r y w i l l l a t e r illustrate, this problem may be more imagined than real.
A n o t h e r s o u r c e o f
a n x i e t y s t e m s f r o m t h e recent actions of the U.S. Department of Government Efficiency (DOGE), led by E l o n M u s k , w h i c h h a s closed down USAID—an agency established in 1961
b y P r e s i d e n t J o h n F Kennedy to provide aid and development assistance to foreign nations. In reality,
a p a r t f r o m J a m a i c a , USAID’s role in CARICOM has not been significant for many years, as will be d e t a i l e d l a t e r i n t h i s commentary
Dealing first with the removal or deportation of
n o n - d e t a i n e d C A R I C O M nationals in the U.S. These CARICOM nationals are not hardened criminals. If they w e r e , t h e y w o u l d b e d e t a i n e d , n o t “ n o n detained”. All of them would b e c l a s s i f i e d a s h a v i n g broken U.S. law and, in that sense, to have committed crimes.
A m o n g t h e s e c r i m e s would be remaining in the U.S. beyond the time that their visas allowed, or for offences committed while t h e y w e r e i n t h e U S i l l e g a l l y A m o n g t h e s e o f f e n c e s w o u l d b e
p o s s e s s i o n o f p r o h i b i t e d drugs or being arrested for driving under the influence of alcohol. The deportation of such
individuals is not a recent development; it has been an ongoing practice since the
O b a m a a d m i n i s t r a t i o n
G o v e r n m e n t s h a v e b e e n compelled to accept their deported nationals or face the prospect of tighter visa issuance restrictions for all
t h e i r c i t i z e n s , i n c l u d i n g
b u s i n e s s p e r s o n s a n d government officials.
T h i s p o l i c y d i d n o t commence with President
Trump’s tenure; it has been in place for over a decade
The U S Immigration
and Customs Enforcement (ICE) faces a significant c h a l l e n g e : w h i l e t h e y possess lists of individuals residing illegally in the
U S , c o m p i l e d f r o m immigration records and l a w e n f o r c e m e n t
encounters, they often lack p r e c i s e i n f o r m a t i o n o n t h e s e i n d i v i d u a l s ’ whereabouts. M o r e o v e r, e v e n i f
apprehended, ICE does not have sufficient facilities to detain all of them. This l o g i s t i c a l r e a l i t y m e a n s that mass deportations are
n o t f e a s i b l e , a n d a n y
removal process will be
gradual
Among the nearly 1.5 m i l l i o n i n d i v i d u a l s identified for deportation,
C A R I C O M n a t i o n a l s account for 42,289 cases, w i t h H a i t i c o m p r i s i n g 32,363 and Jamaica 5,120. The remaining 4,856 are distributed among the other 12 CARICOM countries
I m p o r t a n t l y , t h e s e i n d i v i d u a l s c a n n o t b e deported all at once; each m u s t b e l o c a t e d , a p p r e h e n d e d , b r o u g h t before a court, and detained until repatriation.
M o r e o v e r , I C E ’ s p r i o r i t i e s l i e e l s e w h e r e
C o u n t r i e s l i k e H o n d u r a s ( 2 6 1 , 6 5 1 n o n - d e t a i n e d i n d i v i d u a l s ) , G u a t e m a l a ( 2 5 3 , 4 1 3 ) , M e x i c o (252,044), and El Salvador (203,822) have far higher numbers of undocumented nationals in the U.S. Since President Trump’s secondt e r m i n a u g u r a t i o n o n J a n u a r y 2 0 , m a s s deportations have targeted t h e s e n a t i o n s : M e x i c o (4,094), Colombia (306), G u a t e m a l a ( 2 6 5 ) , a n d Ecuador (80). Notably, these 4 , 8 5 6 i n d i v i d u a l s w e r e
a l r e a d y i n d e t e n t i o n awaiting removal.
C A R I C O M c o u n t r i e s
return of their nationals Governments should initiate these plans now to prevent
CARICOM countries were not significant recipients of USAID funds.
SIR RONALD SANDERS
specifically allocated for combating drug trafficking, primarily targeting narcotics destined for the U.S. market.
T h e r e f o r e , w h i l e
U S A I D ’s a s s i s t a n c e h a
immigrants—an action they
nations must insist that this
lawfully, with respect for human dignity and without discrimination.
Regarding the closure of USAID and its impact on CARICOM countries: In the 2023 fiscal year, USAID
worldwide. Ukraine was the top recipient, receiving over $16 billion. Israel received more than $2.2 billion, while Ethiopia and Jordan each received over $1 billion. Other major beneficiaries i n c l u d e d S o m
otal aid pr
of
h
ramme of th
U S government Haiti was the primary
e n e f i c i a r y , r e c e i v i n g
$ 3 9 3 8 m i l l i o n J a m a i c a followed with $26 million, a n d B e l i z e w i t h $ 1 9 8 million.
B e y o n d t h e s e , U S a s s i s t a n c e c o n t r i b u t i o n s sharply declined: Dominica received $86,000; Suriname, $371,000; St. Vincent and the Grenadines, $474,000; and Antigua and Barbuda, $558,000. Notably, the aid to Antigua and Barbuda was
h e p r i v a t e s e c tor, and the labour movement should now adjust their strategies to address the closure of the USAID agency, and any meaningful assistance it may have provided T h e s h u t t e r i n g o f
USAID as an agency does not mean aid from the U S will end However, with t h e r e s o u r c e s a n d f u n c t i o n i n g o f U S A I D being transferred to the U.S. State Department, the disbursement of aid will become more political than in the past.
But it should be noted
t h a t i n 2 0 2 3 , t h e U . S . b e n e f i t e d f r o m a t r a d e
received in U.S. aid through their substantial purchases of U.S.
(The writer is Antigua and Barbuda’s Ambassador to the US and the OAS. The views expressed are entirely his own. Responses and previous commentaries: www.sirronaldsanders.com)
Of any two countries in
t h e w o r l d , G u y a n a a n d Suriname are the closest, not merely geographically but in their culture and psyche.
T h e y s h a r e a c o m m o n
History of each being British
a n d D u t c h c o l o n i e s a t various periods and their
L a w s a n d g o v e r n m e n t a l systems being essentially the same. Indeed, until 1917 Guyana used Roman-Dutch
L a w, t h e s a m e L a w a s Suriname, and Surinamese
lawyers practiced at the Guyana Bar Though Dutch is the official language,
S r a n a m e T o n g o , o n c e known as “Talkie-talkie” is
t h e u n
l a n g u a g e i n S u r i n a m e Sraname Tongo is an English
C r e o l e a n d a s s u c h , Guyanese would be able to learn it in two to three m o n t h s T h e B h o j p u r i
dialect of Hindi is also w i d e
n community, as it is in rural Guyana. For the last two centuries, Guyanese have been emigrating to Suriname and Surinamese to Guyana and all immigrants became fully integrated without n o t i c e i n t o t h e h o s t community During the 1 9 7 0 ’s a n d 1 9 8 0 ’s , f o r instance, when Guyana was experiencing a period of intense economic, political a n d s o c i a l d i s t r e s s , Surinamese smuggled to G u y a n a m u c h n e e d e d foodstuffs against the wishes of their bureaucracy who feared this would result in shortages in Suriname and they accepted over 60,000 Guyanese fleeing from the h u n g e r , h a r d s h i p s a n d hopelessness then pervading Guyana. The bridging of the
Corentyne River is therefore a very popular project since it would link both countries and in effect, physically tie them together P l a n
Corentyne River Bridge are in a very advanced stage: The bridge would be 3.1 kilometres in length and would stretch from Moleson Creek on the Guyana side to South Drain in Suriname and would have a landing on Long Island in the river where a commercial hub and tourist destination would be established. That duty-free zone is expected to see major infrastructural development such as hotels, recreational parks, malls, entertainment spots, farmers’ markets and other tourist attractions. The b r i d g e i s e x p e c t e d t o intensify regional trade, ease transportation and create a
c o r r i d o r f o r s i g n i f i c a n t economic development. It w o u l d n o t o n l y l i n k Suriname and Guyana but w o u l d o p e n u p g r e a t e r e c o n o m i c o p p o r t u n i t i e s beyond into French Guiana a n d t h r o u g h t h e r o a d network being developed, to Brazil. The bridge will be a c o n d u i t f o r G u y a n a ’ s exports and will quicken Suriname’s industrialization a n d g e n e r a l e c o n o m i c development.
S i x i n t e r n a t i o n a l contracting companies - five Chinese and one Dutchsubmitted bids. Initially, the bridge was to have been constructed on the model of
t h e c o n t r a c t o r b e i n g responsible for the design, c o n s t r u c t i n g , f i n a n c i n g , operation and maintenance with also a public-private partnership. Two of the b i d d i n g c o m p a n i e s h a v e since indicated that they were unable to meet the pref i n a n c i n g r e q u i r e m e n t s
The financial outlay for the bridge will be borne by both Suriname and Guyana and Guyana has indicated that it is ready with its share. T h e b r
t s construction has provided an entry to both countries for strengthening bilateral and economic ties. These will be
where Guyana’s proactive Minister of Agriculture has b e g u n
a b l e Agricultural Revolution in all segments of AgricultureFishing; L
stock and poultry production; Sugar c u l t i v
o n ; R i c e production; spices; and new crops such as soya and corn. Guyana has been working towards satisfying the CARICOM food imports
o f o v e
U S $ 6 b i l l i o n Focus will also be on Oil where Suriname is geared to b
h Agriculture and Oil, Guyana could accord valuable help
(Continued on page 48)
Guyanese Radio/TV personality, Jhalini Harpal has created an online programme broadcast live at 7PM ( 1 9 : 0 0 H r s ) e v e r y M o n d a y o n Facebook featuring Caribbean and G u y a n e s e b u s i n e s s e s a n d p r o f e s s i o n a l s , s u c h a s s i n g e r s , entertainers, lawyers, etc.
The online programme is called “Showcase with Angel” and as the name suggests, serves to showcase these professionals, their craft, talent and the service their businesses offer
I t i s b r o a d c a s t o n H a r p a l ’s Facebook page, “Dee Angel”
Her online platform has reach in Guyana, the Caribbean of course North America.
“Showcase with Angel” is a mix of entertainment, serious conversations on important topics and interactive sessions with her online audience. Guests’ (the professionals) are invited virtually to chat not only about their career but to educate viewers on their specialty
professional businesses.
They are asked to give professional advice aligned with their profession be it legal advice, market advice or just an explanation of what they do or the service they offer
Her viewers are also encouraged to ask l i v e q u e s t i o n s w h i c h m a k e t h e s h o w interactive and more interesting.
Harpal is open to inviting more locals to be featured on her show
“Whether you are in Canada, New York, Guyana, Trinidad or the Caribbean and would like to be a guest on SHOWCASE you are free to send me a message on my Facebook page “Dee Angel”, she wrote in an email to The Waterfalls.
Harpal said that she has always had a passion to help people from all walks of life in
During her years in Guyana, she wore many hats. She was a school teacher at the Friendship Community High and Eccles Nursery schools both on the East Bank of Demerara (EBD).
Harpal was also a hairstylist, model and
broadcasting.
In her model career she placed 1st Runner-up in the 1996 Pete’s Promotion Miss Diwali Sari Pageant.
From there she went on to become an MC and judge for similar pageants and also launched her television career with a live musical programme on CNS TV 6 called “Bollywood Explosion”.
In the late 90’s she moved to Brampton Canada and has been living there for the past 25 years but she did change her career
She ventured into radio and continued to
MC and host West Indian shows in Canada under the alias Deejay Angel and quickly became a household name in the country
Being a great multitasker she was also
able to work as an online radio host with Radio Guyana International while expanding her entertainment career abroad which spans some 15 years.
Tilo finally travelling to
BY: CHRISTAL YONG
By age 21, most people are still trying to figure out what they want to do with their life, what school or
discovery while he across mountains, oceans, cities and continents.
week, we had to partly wash our dishes with salt water
The starting off when Tilo finished school and decided to kick off his journey
Pilgrim Tilo’s journey through the jungle in Venezuela
there. I their bought of food f, I just you need said. with the helped supplies, money he journey aterfalls, “ think it 600 US like so enough so I basic
medical kit and you know a bunch of food and we bought a chicken and you know we celebrated a little bit, I put my money with that as well and there was a kid who had fever and he ask if I can give him some fever medicine and you know one woman had like yeast infection and asked if I can give her some medicine that was kind of nice.”
Tilo’s time in Venezuela was also a stark reminder of t h e s t r u g g l e s m a n y indigenous communities
(Continued on page 35)
The lifestyle of the Waroa people, ilo found the simplicity in life
Th e G u y a n a
National Bureau
o f S t a n d a r d s ( G N B S ) i s s e t t o b e impactful at the Guyana E n e r g y C o n f e r e n c e a n d
Supply Chain Expo; where it will continue to highlight its crucial role in supporting Guyana’s expanding energy
A
rapid industrial growth, the GNBS remains committed to ensuring quality, accuracy, and conformance across key industries.
A t t h i s y e a r ’ s c o n f
n c e , s l a t e
February 18 - 21, the GNBS team will actively promote
its Calibration and Testing, T
Assistance, and Standards D
excellence and supporting
standards.
One of the GNBS’ core
instruments used by local companies, testing facilities,
businesses in the oil and gas
sector, where accuracy can directly impact operational s
o n services, the GNBS helps c
compliance with regulatory requirements and enhances c
products and services.
Additionally, the GNBS
promote its Training and
services, which are designed t
understand and implement quality standards effectively Whether in manufacturing, energy, or healthcare, the G
From page 33 face. Despite the joy he found in their simplicity, he was deeply moved by their resilience.
T h e j o u r n e y h a s n ’ t always been easy for Tilo. From climbing mountains in Grenada to walking across Trinidad, he faced constant physical challenges. He also struggled emotionally with the isolation that came with being alone for months at a time.
He revealed, “Constantly you have loneliness, I mean right now it is alright but for the first part of my journey is
b a s i c a l l y j u s t m e ,
h i t c h h i k i n g a l o n e , b e i n g alone in gas stations.”
H e a d d e d , “ I w a s
sleeping in a cave in the mountains in the Canary Islands, literally walking, climbing up the mountains e v e r y d a y l i k e a h e r m i t , sometimes I miss my family, that’s a little bit difficult at times.”
His advice for anyone hoping to undertake a similar j o u r n e y i s , “ T h e m o s t important thing is you need to be open and talk to people and connect with people and not be afraid of rejection.”
As Tilo continues his journey, he reflects on how his perspective has shifted. The young adventurous man realizes that what matters is h u m a n c o n n e c t i o n , t h e kindness of strangers, the love of a community and the simplicity of life.
Tilo’s journey is far from
over With each new chapter, he continues to challenge the limits of what’s possible, p r o v i n g t h a t w i t h persistence, a strong belief in yourself, and the willingness to embrace the unknown, anything is possible.
His journey is not just one of survival—it’s one of transformation, a testament to the power of simplicity, the generosity of humanity, and the beauty of a life lived fully
A c c o r d i n g t o t h e voyager, the story is more than an adventure; it’s a reminder that sometimes, the greatest journeys are the ones that take us off the b e a t e n p a t h , i n t o t h e unknown, and into the hearts of people we meet along the way
operational efficiency and regulatory adherence.
Standards Development will also be a key focus at the conference. T
G N B S w o r k s c l o s e l y w i t h i n d u s t r y stakeholders to develop and a d o p t i n t e r n a t i o n a l a n d national standards, ensuring t h a t G
practices. Stakeholders can engage the GNBS on critical standards for development/ a d o p t i o n f o r implementation.
businesses and professionals to engage with the GNBS and explore how its services c a n e n h a n c e t h
operations Attendees are
GNBS booth to learn more a
contributions to the nation’s industrial development and its ongoing efforts to foster
precision. T
steadfast in its mission to
Quality Infrastructure and related services to improve
Bureau’s participation in this prestigious event reaffirms its commitment to ensuring
highest level of efficiency and reliability
Ensure that you visit the GNBS booth at the Energy Expo this week and have that c
G N B S offerings with any member of our team.
For further information, please contact the GNBS on
9
0064 – 66 or WhatsApp: 6924627 or visit the GNBS website: www.gnbsgy.org
From page 18
s t u d i e s t o u p d a t e , f u l l y
d e f i n e , a n d o p t i m i z e t h e
d e v e l o p m e n t p l a n , ” Woodyer had disclosed.
A c c o r d i n g t o t h e
c o m p a n y , t h e To r o p a r u project is in the optimization phase as the company refines
i t s d e v e l o p m e n t s t r a t e g y
T h e c o m p l e t i o n o f infrastructure such as the exploration camp, airstrip,
a n d s i t e r o a d s , m a r k s a milestone in the project’s progress.
Aris Mining said it is
c u r r e n t l y e v a l u a t i n g r o a d access routes and other site i n f r a s t r u c t u r e t o s u p p o r t future operations.
The MRE report states
t h a t t h e To r o p a r u P r o j e c t began with alluvial mining by Alfro Alphonso in 1997, t r a n s i t i o n i n g i n t o d e e p e r
s a p r o l i t e m i n i n g b y 1 9 9 9 before ending in 2001. ETK started exploring the site in
1999 and, through a joint ven
ownership of the project in 2020 by exercising an option in the joint venture, paying $ 2 0 m i l l i o
rights on specific lands and the use of certain roads and the airstrip.
A consulting agreement w i t h A l p h
&
2 million annually once ETK
flow
A d d i t i o n a l l y, a 2 0 1 1 mineral agreement with the G o v e r n m e n t o
G
e s t a b l i s h e d a t i e r e d g o l d royalty of 5% for prices up to $1,000/oz and 8% above that, plus a 1 5% royalty on other m i n e r a l s E T K h a s a l s o n e g o t i a t e d a n i n v e s t m e n t agreement with GO-Invest for tax exemptions on projectrelated imports
Wednesday
In 5 years, Guyana gave up US$10B in taxes to Exxon and partners…collected US$6B in same period in profits and royalties
Guyana has so far given
requirements to avoid the burden of double taxation.
Though the fiscal terms of the contract have been c o n d e m n e d b y G u y a n e s e
politicians, the incumbent administration has blatantly r e f u s e d t o e n g a g e t h e company for changes to the contract.
P r e s i d e n t I r f a a n A l i
during his end of year press conference on December 31, 2024 made it clear that he has no interest in writing U.S. oil
m a j o r , E x x o n M o b i l t o
e n g a g e t h e c o m p a n y t o renegotiate the oil deal.
up over US$10B in taxes since it began producing oil in December 2019. During the same five-year period (2019-2024), the country’s N a t u r a l R e s o u r
US$6B.
A c c o r d i n g t o t h e December 2024 NRF report, a total of US$6,049,759,409 was paid into the NRF since 2 0 1 9 , i n c l u d i n g US$786,190,162 in royalty
This therefore means that Guyana and Exxon shared approximately US$10.5B in profits during the period.
It can further be deduced
a w h o p p i n g U S $ 4 2 B i n
r e v e n u e w a s g e n e r a t e d between December 2019 and December 2024, since 75% o f t h e t o t a l r e v e n u e w a s deducted by ExxonMobil for cost recovery
As such, at a 25% tax
r a t e , i t w o u l d m e a n t h a t Guyana lost over US$10B in taxes to the Stabroek Block partners alone in five years.
The Production Sharing Agreement (PSA) between the GoG and ExxonMobil
d o e s n o t r e q u i r e t h e c o m p a n y t o p a y a n y corporate taxes.
T h e c o n t r a c t s t a t e s i n
A r t i c l e 1 5 1 t h a t t h e
C o n t r a c t o r ( E x x o n M o b i l Guyana Limited) as well as i t s a ff i l i a t e s s h a l l n o t b e subjected to tax, value-added
tax, excise tax, duty, fee, charge, or impost in respect o f i n c o m e d e r i v e d f r o m
p e t r o l e u m o p e r a t i o n s , property held or transactions except as specified under the agreement.
F u r t h e r , A r t i c l e 1 5 4 states that the sum equivalent to the taxes owed by the company will be paid by the M i n i s t e r r e s p o n s i b l e f o r
P e t r o l e u m t o t h e
Commissioner General of the GRA. It should be noted that the contract also allows for the issuing of a receipt to ExxonMobil, indicating that i t h a s m e t t h e l o c a l t a x
determined that the JV still holds a valid licence, the letter serves as a formal 30d a y n
o cancel it.
“The Government argues t h a t t h e L i c e n c e h a s t e r m i n
Joint Venture on or before F e
y 2 2 n d , 2 0
He explained, “What we committed to was to respect the sanctity of contracts and that the international law, that has implications for us as a country. Other investors are looking on but what we said was that future PSAs would not have these fatal flaws and future PSAs would not have the type of lopsided a r r a n g e m e n t s t h a t E x x o n had, and we have made those adjustments to future PSAs.”
B u t e v e n a s G u y a n a continues to refuse to engage the company, the country is losing more revenue than it is gaining from the production of oil, as pointed out earlier in this article.
In fact, while the country gives away revenue in taxes, it is increasing its national debt. By the end of 2024, the debt increased to US$6B and is expected to climb further by the end of this year to US$7.5B.
Govt. issues 30-day notice to terminate CGX, Frontera Corentyne Block licence
T h e G o v e r n m e n t o f Guyana has issued a 30-day n o t i c e o f i t s i n t e n t i o n t o cancel CGX Energy Inc. and F r o n t e r a E n e r g y C o r p o r a t i o n ’s P e t r o l e u m Prospecting Licence for the Corentyne Block off shore Guyana The joint venture (JV) partners revealed this in a s t a t e m e n t i s s u e d o n
Tuesday A c c o r d i n g t o t h e statement, the government has taken the position that t h e l i c e n c e a n d t h e Petroleum Agreement with t h e j o i n t v e n t u r e h a v e already been terminated. It was further noted that in the government’s view, there are n o r e a s o n a b l e g r o u n d s t o grant an extension to CGX a n d F r o n t e r a f o r t h e i r
e x p l o r a t i o n a n d a p p r a i s a l obligations.
T h e s t a t e m e n t a l s o o u t l i n e d t h a t i f i t i s
,
o submit any representations [the Joint Venture] wish[es] [ t h e G o v
final decision,” it was stated. It was outlined that any
effective on March 10, 2025, unless representations made by CGX and Frontera are “ f a v o r a b
Additionally, the statement
government is open to good faith negotiations within the specified timeframe. M
government’s position, CGX and Frontera maintain that
valid. “ T h e J
n t Ve n t u r e remains firmly of the view that its interests in, and the Licence for, the Corentyne block remain in place and in good standing,” the JV said in their statement. Notably, the companies further stated t h a t t h e y a r e c u r r e n t l y evaluating legal options and intend to formally respond to the government.
C G X a n d F r o n t e r a u n d e r s c o r e d t h e i r commitment to resolving the i s s u e a n d c o n t i n u i n g i t s multi-year investment in the Corentyne Block. “The Joint Ve n t u r e l o o k s f o r w a r d t o expeditiously resolving this m a t t e r a n d c o n t i n u
n g
t s m u l t i - y e a r e f f o r t s a n d investments to realize value for the people of Guyana and i t s s h a r e h o l d e r s , ” i t w a s stated.
Last month, the Minister o f N a
u
R
u
c
s , Vickram Bharrat said that the G o v e r n m e n t o f G u y a n a cannot legally extend CGX and Frontera’s exp
oration licence for the Corentyne Block, and as a result can do nothing to assist the joint venture, Minister of Natural Resources.
M i n i s t e r B h a r r a t h a d stated that the joint venture’s l i c e n c e , a l o n g w i t h a n e x t e n s i o n p r e v i o u s l y granted, had come to an end. Consequently, the Corentyne Block now reverts to State control.
He said, “With regards to Continued on page 37
From page 36 CGX, the position remains the same. There’s no change to position, with regards to how we dealing or handling the CGX matter…”
Minister Bharrat stated
t h a t t h e g o v e r n m e n t h a s applied the same system to
a l l c o m p a n i e s i n s i m i l a r situations.
Despite not paying taxes, Exxon boss says profit sharing and royalty is same as giving Guyana tax
By Davina Bagot
Although Guyana has so
f a r l o s t o v e r U S $ 1 0 B i n corporate taxes as a result of
the lopsided terms of the
2 0 1 6 P r o d u c t i o n S h a r i n g Agreement (PSA), President
o f E x x o n M o b i l G u y a n a
L i m i t e d ( E M G L ) , A l i s t a i r Routledge said the country is
ultimately receiving taxes t h r o u g h t h e p r o f i t s h a r e arrangement and 2% royalty
requirements imbedded in the deal.
H e p r o v i d e d t h i s explanation on Wednesday at Exxon’s first quarter (Q1) press conference for 2025,
h o s t e d a t t h e c o m p a n y ’s
D u k e S t r e e t , K i n g s t o n , G e o r g e t o w n o f f i c e I n response to a question from
this newspaper, Routledge s a i d h e b e l i e v e s t h e r e i s confusion around the use of the word ‘tax’.
H e t h e n w e n t o n t o explain, “There are different forms of agreements that are
u s e d i n t h e o i l a n d g a s i n d u s t r y T h e o n e t h a t i s
b e i n g i m p l e m e n t e d i n
G u y a n a i s t h e P e t r o l e u m
Sharing Agreement so it’s literally a sharing agreement where the investors invest, the government doesn’t have to make any investment up front but it shares in the p r o f i t a n d r e c e i v e s a royalty.”
As such, he continued, “In effect, that profit-sharing r o y a l t y i s t a x I n o t h e r systems like whether you are r u n n i n g a d i ff e r e n t l o c a l business, you pay corporate tax – in effect it is the same. It is giving a tax, a revenue to t h e s t a t e I t i s r e m i t t i n g revenue to the state…while it i s n o t c a l l e d t a x i n t h e
P e t r o l e u m S h a r i n g Agreement in effect that’s what it is. It is payments to the state in lieu of there being a tax agreement.”
R o u t l e
t h a t G u y a n a h a s i m p l e m e n t e d a 2 5 % corporate tax requirement
Exxon’s eight project is named after the longtail fish
O n t h e o t h e r h a n d , h e h i g h l i g h t e d t h a t G u y a n a receives 52% in profit and r o y a l t y. To t h i s e n d , h e r e a s o n e d , “ S o w o u l d y o u prefer to have 25% income tax or 52% plus of revenues effective tax to the state from the PSA?”
Notably, Kaieteur News told the President of EMGL that in other jurisdictions, the company is required to pay t a x e s , d e s p i t e m a k i n g r o y a l t y a n d p r o f i t o i l payments.
While he admitted that the company does not pay corporate taxes to the state, he noted that Exxon is still subject to pay other taxes
u n d e r t h e P e t r o l e u m
A g r e e m e n t , s u c h a s w i t h h o l d i n g t a x e s
According to the Guyana Revenue Authority (GRA), withholding tax is income
t a x w i t h h e l d f r o m employees’ wages and paid directly to the Government, by the employer To this end,
E x x o n b o a s t e d t h a t s o m e G Y D $ 4 9 5 B o r approximately US$247 5M
in taxes were paid to the GRA in 2023 alone.
Importantly, this skewed
r e p r e s e n t a t i o n o f t h e r e v e n u e s r e c e i v e d b y Guyana under the 2016 PSA has already been rebutted by s t a k e h o l d e r s , i n c l u d i n g Chief Policymaker for the oil
a n d g a s s e c t o r , B h a r r a t
J a g d e o P r e v i o u s l y, w h e n
E x x o n e r e c t e d b i l l b o a r d s across the country claiming that Guyana receives 52% of all profits, he said: “One t h i n g I c a n a g r e e w i t h Vincent Adams on, is that these billboards that Exxon (is) putting up all around the place, is misleading in many ways… Exxon’s billboards are misleading. So, they said Guyana receives 52% of all profits from Stabroek Block, 50% profit share plus 2%, they don’t speak about the 7 5 % h e r e g o i n g t o c o s t recovery.”
VP Jagdeo pointed out that presently, 75% of the
e a r n i n g s a r e d e d u c t e d t o c o v e r c o s t , w i t h t h e
year The Exxon boss said he hopes that the Hammerhead project would receive the blessings of the GoG by mid2025.
The Stabroek measures 26,800 square kilometers or 6.6 million acres. To date, six p r o j e c t s h a v e b e e n sanctioned for development.
T h e s e i n c l u d e , L i z a O n e , L i z a T w o , P a y a r a ,
Y e l l o w t a i l
remaining 25% shared with G u y a n a . T h i s m e a n s t h a t
G u y a n a a c t u a l l y r e c e i v e s
12.5% profit, in addition to its 2% royalty.
ExxonMobil makes application for 8th oil project …as environmental study submitted for 7th
E x x o n M o b i l G u y a n a L i m i t e d ( E M G L ) h a
submitted an application to
seeking authorisation for an e i g h
Stabroek Block.
The eight project seeks to develop the gas resources at the Longtail site. During a p r e s s c o n f e r e n c e o n We d n e s d a y, P r e s i d e n t
a
e d , “ We h a v e j u s t submitted the environmental authorisation application for an eight project, the Longtail project which will start us i n t o d e v e l o p i n g w h a t a r e known as the non-associated gas resources.”
He was keen to note that t h e p r o j e c t a l s o c a r r i e s
s u b s t a n t i a l l i q u i d s a n d c o n d e n s a t e , a i m i n g t o p r o d u c e a b o u t 2 5 0 , 0 0 0 barrels of oil per day (bpd). The Field Development Plan (FDP) for the project is likely for completion by next year
R o u t l e d g e h o w e v e r explained, “This is more of a g a s d e v e l o p m e n t W e anticipate could be in excess of one billion cubic feet per d a y o f g a s h a n d l i n g capacity.” Meanwhile, the E I A f o r t h e 7 t h p r o j e c tHammerhead- indicates that a daily production of 1301 8 0 , 0 0 0 b p d i s b e i n g t a r g e t e d , a s o u t l i n e d b y Exxon’s President. Routledge said that the c o m p a n y i s w o r k i n g t o finalize the plan for daily production capacity at the upcoming development, as such, the final target will be outlined in the FDP which he anticipates will be handed over to the government of Guyana (GoG) by March this
S t o r a g e a n d O f f l o a d i n g vessel (FPSO) for Yellowtail – One Guyana – is almost complete and will set sail for G u y a n a s h o r t l y f r o m Singapore. The vessel was designed to produce 250,000 bpd. M e a n w
construction in Singapore, is
2
t i o n , p r o d
g
n average 650,000 bpd, which i s l i k e l y t o b e i n c r e a s e d before the end of this year with the startup of the fourth development, Yellowtail.
The Floating Production
Th
project will add 250,000 bpd of production. A third FPSO in Singapore to operate the Whiptail development is also
A c c o r d i n g
o R o u t l e d g e , ExxonMobil is preparing for its busiest year yet for SURF installation. SURF refers to the Subsea Umbilicals Risers and Flowlines used in the production of oil and gas. E
barrels of oil by 2027.
Friday
ExxonMobil aiming for discovery of more oil at Hamlet-1 site
E x x o n
operator of the oil-rich
Continued on page 38
From page 37
S t a b r o e k B l o c k , w i l l b e targeting at least one more
d i s c o v e r y t h i s y e a r t o
a u g m e n t t h e 1 1 b i l l i o n barrels of resources already discovered there.
T h i s w a s r e v e a l e d b y
E M G L P r e s i d e n t , A l i s t a i r
R o u t l e d g e d u r i n g a p r e s s conference on Wednesday
A c c o r d i n g t o h i m , t h e company is still finalizing its exploration options for the y e a r H e e x p l a i n e d , “ We
d r i l l e d s o m e l a r g e exploration wells last year, we are digesting the results of those. In the meantime we
h a v e i d e n t i f i e d o n e exploration well that we are progressing the approvals for with the government and the E P A ( E n v i r o n m e n t a l Protection Agency).”
“That well will be called
H a m l e t - t h e H a m l e t O n e well. That’s actually looking
f o r a n o i l p l a y i n t h e s o u t h e a s t p o r t i o n o f t h e Stabroek Block,” Routledge added.
To date, ExxonMobil has made 46 discoveries in the 6.6 million acres block, as p o i n t e d o u t b y F i n a n c e Minister, Dr Ashni Singh in h i s 2 0 2 5 B u d g e t presentation. In 2024, some five new discoveries were a n n o u n c e d b y t h e o i l company
E x x o n s a i d i t w i l l c o n t i n u e i t s e x p l o r a t i o n
p r o g r a m m e t h i s y e a r , t a r g e t i n g w e l l s w i t h
a t t r a c t i v e p r o s p e c t s Routledge noted, “We still have an active programme. I don’t know what the final number of exploration (and) appraisal wells will be this year because it depends also on the results of the wells that we drilled late last year and we are going through a n d a s s e s s i n g w h a t t h e targets are that we’d like to pursue and also the licensing process that we go through with the ministry and the EPA.”
O f t h e 4 6 d i s c o v e r i e s announced so far, Exxon has r e c e i v e d r e g u l a t o r y a p p r o v a l s t o d e v e l o p s i x projects. These include, Liza O n e , L i z a Tw o , P a y a r a , Y e l l o w t a i l , U a r u a n d W h i p t a i l T h e f i r s t t h r e e p r o j e c t s a r e a l r e a d y i n o p e r a t i o n , p r o d u c i n g a n average 650,000 bpd, which i s l i k e l y t o b e i n c r e a s e d before the end of this year with the startup of the fourth development, Yellowtail.
I n t h e m e a n t i m e , t h e company is in the process of s e e k i n g a n e n v i r o n m e n t a l permit for a seventh project,
H a m m e r h e a d A n
E n v i r o n m e n t a l I m p a c t Assessment (EIA) for the d e v e l o p m e n t h a s b e e n
h a n d e d o v e r t o t h e E PA
More recently, Exxon made
a n a p p l i c a t i o n t o t h e regulator for an eight project, to develop the resources at the Longtail site The oil giant is aiming to increase
G u y a n a ’ s d a i l y r a t e o f
p r o d u c t i o n t o 1 2 m i l l i o n barrels of oil by 2027.
‘ExxonM, Govt. busy with other priorities’ …as relinquishment of 20% of Stabroek Block still not finalised 4 months after deadline – Routledge says
Four months past the s t i p u l a t e d d e a d l i n e , t h e relinquishment of 20% of the
S t a b r o e k B l o c k b y
E x x o n M o b i l G u y a n a
L i m i t e d ( E M G L ) r e m a i n s incomplete. The finalisation of the process, according to E x x o n M o b i l ’s P r e s i d e n t
A l i s t a i r R o u t l e d g e , i s a t t r i b u t e d t o o n g o i n g a d m i n i s t r a t i v e f o r m a l i t i e s and competing priorities for both the company and the Government of Guyana.
S p e a k i n g a t a p r e s s conference on Wednesday, R o u t l e d g e a s s u r e d t h a t
E x x o n h a d m e t a l l r e q u i r e m e n t s a n d w a s awaiting final approvals. He said, “We complied with all t h e d e a d l i n e s , a l l t h e s u b m i s s i o n s h a v e b e e n made, we are really just in t h e f i n a l i s a t i o n o f paperwork.”
Under the terms of the 2 0 1 6 P r o d u c t i o n S h a r i n g Agreement (PSA), Exxon is required to return acreage w h e r e n o c o m m e r c i a l discoveries have been made,
remained constructive.
“No, no, I think we have had a very transparent, open discussion, making sure that we are all working to the r e q u i r e m e n t s o f t h e
a g r e e m e n t S o , n o
d i s a g r e e m e n t , j u s t a n ongoing discussion as to how w e l o o k a t e x p l o r a t i o n discovery areas, what are the polygrams to go with that, but this is a very constructive process,” he said.
R o u t l e d g e a d d e d , “ S o I’m sure the government will announce when all of that has been completed, but all o f t h e w o r k t o m a k e t h e
c a l c u l a t i o n t o a c c e s s t h e areas has been done.”
G u y a n a ’s M i n i s t e r o f
in production, appraised or areas where there is potential commercial interest. Exxon w a s r e q u i r e d t o r e t u r n a p o r t i o n o f t h e B l o c k t o Guyana since October 2023; however, former President David Granger had granted the company an extension in 2 0 2 0 t o c o n d u c t f u r t h e r exploration activities This e x t e n d e d t h e d e a d l i n e t o October 2024.
N o t a b l y, w h e n a s k e d about the specific section of the Stabroek Block being
handed back to the state,
Routledge deferred to the government. “Well, what I’d prefer to do is wait for the government to communicate that, because I don’t think it
i s a p p r o p r i a t e f o r u s t o p r e e m p t t h e i r communication when they are ready to officially release new maps,” he explained.
W h e n p r e s s e d f u r t h e r, Routledge suggested that the b a c k l o g o f o t h e r c r i t i c a l matters may be affecting the timeline. He told reporters, “I can’t give you a date, you know work in progress I expect it shouldn’t be long.
W h a t I d o a p p r e c i a t e i s everybody is busy, our teams a r e i n c r e d i b l y b u s y, t h e government, of course, is very busy The Ministry of Natural Resources, GGMC, they have a lot going on you know, trying to finaliase the terms for new blocks to be awarded or relinquished, the transfer of the operatorship for the Kaieteur Block. There is a lot of work in process, so I t h i n k t h e y ’ r e t r y i n g t o j u g g l e t h a t a n d m a n a g e priority.”
D e s p i t e t h e d e l a y t o finalise the relinquishment, Routledge underscored that, discussions between Exxon
and the government have
Natural Resources Vickram
B h a r r a t s t a t e d b a c k i n January that the process was in its final stages and that an agreement had been reached i n p r i n c i p l e b e t w e e n t h e government and Exxon. At his ministry’s press conference, Bharrat claimed that the relinquishment of a p r o d u c i n g b l o c k i n
h commercial potential.
M i n
finalising the relinquishment process.
H
simple as it may seem, is
producing because you have Liza 1 there, Liza 2 there, Payara you have the other developments, then you have d i s
appraisal areas so we now have to decide where we are t
from…”
H
assured that the process is in its final stages.
“Once we finalise that we w i l l g
h a t s h o u l d b e finalised very soon…we will give you a full report on it with the exact acreage but I can tell you yes, the process
Continued on page 39
From page 38
h a s b e e n a d v a n c e d s i g n i f i c a n t l y a l m o s t t o completion,” he said.
Saturday
Exxon given more time to respond to first two audits – Routledge
E x x o n M o b i l G u y a n a Limited (EMGL) has been granted additional time to respond to the first two audits of its Stabroek Block expenses. This was revealed by the company’s President Alistair Routledge.
He made the disclosure during a press conference on W e d n e s d a y , w h e r e h e confirmed that the oil giant is currently addressing queries
by the Guyana Revenue Authority (GRA) and the M i n i s t r y o f N a t u r a l Resources.
“For the first two audits, there’s really nothing new to report. The work is ongoing. We’re working to respond to the GRA [Guyana Revenue Authority]. They gave us a little bit of an extension because they asked us for a s u b s t a n t i a l a m o u n t o f additional information. We are working to gather that, and all of this is in the spirit
t h a t w e w a n t t o b e
transparent We want to a n s w e r q u e s t i o n s , ” Routledge said.
The first audit, examined US$1.7 billion in expense incurred by the oil company from 1999 to 2017. That a u d i t i d e n t i f i e d U S $ 2 1 4 million as costs that the G o v e r n m e n t o f G u y a n a should not allow Exxon to charge to the country’s cost bank.
U n d e r t h e 2 0 1 6
P r o d u c t i o n S h a r i n g Agreement (PSA) governing the Stabroek Block, Exxon and its partners Hess and C N O C a r e a l l o w e d t o recover 75% to cover cost, while the remaining 25% is considered profit oil and this is shared between Guyana and the oil companies. As s u c h , t h e a u d i t o f t h e expenses recoverable by oil
c o m p a n i e s i s c r u c i a l t o
a s c e r t a i n i f a c t u a l recoverable cost is being
billed to the cost bank.
British firm IHS Markit conducted the first audit and presented its findings since 2021, recommending that the government disallows Exxon and its partners from r e c o v e r i n g t h e f l a g g e d US$214 million. However, since then the process has been ongoing.
G u y a n a ’ s N a t u r a l
Resources Minister Vickram
B h a r r a t h a d p r e v i o u s l y stated that based on advice, the government had written to Exxon stating that the final r e p o r t d i s p u t e s U S $ 2 1 4 million in expenses that the oil companies submitted as cost. In August 2024, the minister had disclosed that Exxon is yet to respond to the final report on the first audit.
When asked what more is there to discuss on the first a u d i t g i v e n t h a t t h e government has repeatedly s t a t e d t h a t t h e U S $ 2 1 4 m i l l i o n f i g u r e i s f i n a l , Routledge explained that when the final report was first submitted to Exxon, the q u e r i e s r a i s e d w e r e n o t specific.
“So, it was hard to give a d e t a i l e d r e s p o n s e , m o r e specific queries have been now raised so that we are able to provide additional documentation. So that’s the process that we’re in on both the audits we are responding within the time that’s been requested, or we asked for an extension. So currently, we are very much complying with all the deadlines and we will continue to do so,”
E M G L’s p r e s i d e n t t o l d reporters.The second audit, covering Exxon’s expenses for 2018 to 2020 and totaling U S $ 7 3 b i l l i o n , w a s c o n d u c t e d b y t h e l o c a l c o n s o r t i u m V H E C o n s u l t i n g , w i t h international support from S G S a n d M a r t i n d a l e Consultants.
That final report was s u b m i t t e d t o E x x o n i n November 2024, and the company had 60 days to r e s p o n d P e r m a n e n t Secretary of the Ministry of Natural Resources, Joslyn M c K e n z i e , a t a p r e s s c o n f e r e n c e i n J a n u a r y d i s c l o s e d t h a t t h e
government had provided a d d i t i o n a l i n f o r m a t i o n requested by Exxon, and that the review process remains ongoing.
R o u t l e d g e m a i n t a i n e d that Exxon has adheres to i n t e r n a t i o n a l f i n a n c i a l standards in its cost recovery accounting. He stated, “We believe we’ve accounted for things absolutely per the rules that are established, international standard rules. Should we, as we reach conclusion, determine that t h e r e i s s o m e t h i n g n o t
a l i g n e d , t h e n w e w o u l d accept that. But at this point, w e ’ r e s t i l l i n t h a t i n f o r m a t i o n - g a t h e r i n g , understanding the questions, and providing answers and responses.”
When pressed on the t i m e l i n e f o r E x x o n ’ s
e s p o n s e t o t h e a u d i t s , Routledge was unable to provide a specific date. In fact, Routledge said, “I can’t remember what the dates are exactly It was a matter of several weeks, but I can’t remember exactly what the
However, he assured that Exxon remains committed to meeting its obligations. “We are very conscious of what
d
make sure that we comply with those and keeps an open door and updates the GRA and the Ministry of Natural Resources on progress.”
K
reported that an analysis of t h e s e c o n d a u d i t r e p o r t revealed missing details on key expenditures that were
version was published on April 12, 2024 and is 135 pages long.
S i n c e l a
a r, t h e government had stated that the finalised second audit will be made public – this is still to be done.
It was Valentine's Day, and the kids in Mrs. Carter's class were excited. Everyone was mak
f
iends and getting ready for the big Valentine's Day party Danny, Emily, and their best friend Mia were decorating their cards with glitter, stickers, and lots of red and pink hearts. As they were cleaning up after art class, Danny noticed something unusual. Tucked under one of the desks was a crumpled piece of paper shaped like a heart. “Hey, look at this!” Danny said, holding up the paper Emily unfolded it carefully Inside was a message written in curly handwriting:
“Follow the clues, one by one, Find the treasure when you're done!” At the bottom of the heart was the first clue:
“Start where the books are stacked up high, Look for the clue that's easy to spy.”
“This sounds like a scavenger hunt!” Mia said excitedly “Let's do it!”
The three friends dashed to the school library, where rows of books stretched to the ceiling They looked high and low until Mia spotted another heart-shaped paper stuck between two books about outer space. She pulled it out and read the next clue:
“To find the next, be quick and clever, Look where it's always warm forever.”
“Where is it always warm?” Danny wondered.
“ T h e c a f
Emily guessed.
where the smell of cookies filled
Danny found the next clue taped to a big jar of candy hearts.
“Good job so far, you're almost there!
Now head to the place with fresh, cool
playground!”
Out they went, racing to the swings and slides The cold February breeze tickled their noses as th
structures Finally, Emily found a heart-shaped paper taped to the bottom of a swing It said:
“The final clue is near and sweet, Go where we gather to eat!”
“That's back to the cafeteria!” Danny exclaimed.
They hurried back inside, laughing as they raced down the hall. When they got to the cafeteria, they noticed something new On one of the tables was a shiny red box tied w i t h a b i g p i n k r i b b o n A h e a r t - s h a p e d c a r d o n t o p said, “You did it!”
by Uncle Roy
There are many things I need to do
To help me in my learning, But the one I love most of all Is making a habit of reading.
Reading makes me learn new things, As well as to speak and write; I find lessons at school so much easier, As I get more of my work right.
Story books can be so much fun, As well as teach new things; Newspapers also make me happy With all the information they bring.
So make the time to read each day, And you will feel so much better; You will become more confident of yourself, As your work at school becomes a pleasure.
pretzel recipe is fun to do with kids! Top some of the pretzels with chopped peanuts for a treat. Store in an airtight container
Prep Time: 30 mins
Cook Time:5 mins
Additional Time:15 mins
Total Time:50 mins
Servings:16
Ingredients
6 (1 ounce) squares white chocolate
1 ( 1
pretzels
¼ cup red and green candy sprinkles (Optional)
Wax paper
Directions
frequently, scraping down the sides with a
melted, about 5 minutes.
1. Place white chocolate into the top of a double boiler over simmering water S
Emily untied the ribbon, and the three friends lifted the lid together Inside the b o x w a s a p i l e o f s m a l l treasures: stickers, tiny toys, and a pack of Valentine's Day cookies for each of them.
“This is amazing!” Mia said, grabbing a cookie.
“ A n d s o m u c h f u n ! ” Danny added.
Just then, Mrs Carter w a l k e d i n t o t h e c a f e t e r i a w i t h a s
found the Valentine's Day treasure,” she said.
“ D i d y o u m a
s c a v e n g e r h u n t ? ” E m i l y asked. Mrs. Carter winked. “I thought it would be a fun way to celebrate Valentine's Day. But the best part isn't the treasure, is it?”
Danny, Emily, and Mia all shook their heads. They
adventure with their friends. F
Valentine's Day wasn't just about cards and candy—it
laughter, and kindness with the people you care about.
The End!
2. Dip pretzels into melted chocolate to completely cover half of each one. Roll in candy sprinkles, then place onto waxed paper Refrigerate for 15 minutes to harden.
T
indulge in that keep us off the track towards the goals that w
obstacles facing any young person who is trying to make it in the modern world.
There are so many things that can keep your attention away from the things that you really need to do that you can waste a lot of energy, time and resources in getting involved in these and move in the wrong direction.
The unfortunate things is that we find many people who are otherwise keen on working towards attaining their goals getting distracted, sometimes just to please others, believing that they themselves need this time to idle and enjoy the pleasure that these bring, or even thinking that they have enough time and resources at their disposal to spend on useless activities.
this time with what is needed to achieve progress towards the goals that we have determined to make the best of our lives.
It is true that each of us needs to spend some time in enjoying life and the pleasures that can keep us in a good mood, but we have to carefully balance
There is a great philosophical theory that says: Whatever you place your undivided attention to grows. This means that, as long as we are serious about attending to the really necessary things in our lives, then we can be
assured that we will see progress in these.
Keep telling yourself not to let the TV, cell-phone, idle friends, and useless activities get in the way of your ambitions, both short and long term.
Once you do this earnestly, then you can be assured that your intuition will always guide you to do the right thing every time.
by Uncle Roy
Sometimes I find, when doing something, That I try to do another, Like when I am at homework, I want to play with my brother
I even know when I am at school, Doing some work for my teacher, I stop to chat with some friend, And then cannot finish ever
So I now see that whatever I am doing, I must put my whole mind to it; This is the only way I can do my best, And so make the most of any effort.
This is also true of everything else, That I have to do each day, Whether eating, bathing, or any work at home, It is one thing at a time always.
Always remember the Guyanese proverb: You can't eat and blow whistle at the same time.
Solutions to last week’s
Cryptogram. Each digit has been substituted with a letter
To solve the puzzle, you must figure out what digit each letter stands for, and then solve it like a regular Kakuro puzzle.
Each "word" in the crossword contains only the digits 1 through 9, and the same digit will never repeat within a word.
The sum of the digits of each word are shown on the left and right sides of "across" words, and at the tops and bottoms of "down" words.
Pieces designed by Meleesa’s brand, Omorfia designs
By Davina Bagot
Former Miss Guyana Universe, Meleesa Payne- Pearson, crowned in 2007 as the famous Queen of the Catwalk. Born in Guyana and raised by a single mom in the capital city,
discriminatory voices to box in her many talents.
Dancing since five-years old at the National School of Dance, Meleesa’s skills and dance lessons led her secondary school to victory twice in National Mashramani competitions. Her passion and confidence led her to not only dance, but sprout into a professional designer, model, certified beautician and entertainment consultant today
Growing up, the young woman recalls being called names and even laughed at in school for the melanin in her skin tone. This never bothered her and even as she ventured into the local entertainment sector, the remarks were continuously thrown at her “Oh you pretty for a darkie”or”she’s too black and ugly” were some of the hurtful words she heard as she embarked on her journey here.
She told The Waterfalls, “Yes. It’s always been hard as a darker skinned girly in the industry, especially in Guyana. What people in the USA and Europe saw as exotic some Guyanese promoters saw as too dark and to some ugly…it’s really those people though that lit a fire under me I won’t be who I am today if it wasn’t for my mother and aunts who made sure my mind was clear and free of the negativity I receive from some Guyanese promoters.”
Meleesa has been a professional designer since she was 21. She recalls starting her professional journey in dance at the age of 15. “My career stems from my experiences in the beauty industry, where I have worked as both a professional beautician and a model. Currently, I am studying the business of entertainment at NYU,” she said. While her love for the Continued on page 49
Meleesa in her element, entertaining a live crowd with one of her many talents
Ex x o n M o b i l Guyana Limited ( E M G L ) , t h e operator of the resource-rich
S t a b r o e k B l o c k h a s n o t denied that the company pays taxes in the Bahamas.
Kaieteur News reported on February 11 that EMGL, formerly Esso Exploration
a n d P r o t e c t i o n G u y a n a
L i m i t e d ( E E P L )
s a company registered in the Bahamas with ExxonMobil Global Holding Investment
B.V being the 100 percent owner of that company
W i t h n e w t a x arrangements put in place by t h e B a h a m a s , E x x o n i s required to pay a corporate tax of 15% to the country while it does not pay a cent to the government of Guyana (GoG) where the resources
h e r e h a v e b e e n d r i v i n g m
revenue for shareholders.
When asked to clarify
t h i s s t a t e o f a ff a i r s o n
We d n e s d a y a t a p r e s s
c o n f e r e n c e , P r e s i d e n t o f EMGL, Alistair Routledge attempted to skirt around the issue
confusion” in the use of the word taxes, since Guyana is essentially receiving taxes through royalty and profit
payments to the Natural Resource Fund (NRF).
H e s a i d , “ T h e r e a r e d i f f e r e n t f o r m s o f agreements that are used in the oil and gas industry. The o n e t h a t i s b e i n g implemented in Guyana is t h e P e t r o l e u m S h a r i n g Agreement so it’s literally a sharing agreement where the i n v e s t o r s i n v e s t , t h e government doesn’t have to make any investment up front but it shares in the p r o f i t a n d r e c e i v e s a royalty.”
As such, he continued, “In effect, that profit-sharing royalty is tax…while it is not called tax in the Petroleum Sharing Agreement in effect t h a t ’s w h a t i t i s I t i s payments to the state in lieu o f t h e r e b e i n g a t a x agreement.”
F o l l o w i n g a l e n g t h y explanation, this publication then pointed out that there
was still no clarity as to w h e t h e r E x x o n M o b i l Guyana was paying taxes in the Bahamas.
Consequently, Routledge n o t
d , “ I t s n o
m a l f o r international companies to h
y structures across the world that feed up into the master corporate structure, which is Exxon Mobil Corporation and I’m not gonna get into
y
n a affiliate but it works both w
y
I t ’s a w a y
a t revenues go back to the corporation but it’s also how t h e c o r p
n f e e d s investment dollars into the country and so it serves both purposes.”
While the Exxon boss did not deny paying taxes in the Bahamas, he suggested that Guyana should be focused on how the contract delivers revenue for the state.
A c c o r d i n g t o h i m , “What’s important though ultimately for the investment decisions for the country and
From page 8 case, to which they said he has not responded (in writing) to date.
“In light of these developments, the Commission has decided to bring the investigation to a close. The ERC finds it unfortunate that, despite diligent efforts, the case has reached a dead end due to the inability to identify the individual involved. The Commission takes this opportunity to remind the public that for investigations to be
c a r r i e d o u t e ff e c t i v e l y, s u ff i c i e n t a n d v e r i f i a b l e i n f o r m a t i o n p a r t i c u l a r l y regarding the accused—is essential,” the ERC stated in its release.
Kaieteur News had reported that Thom had resigned from the school in September 2024 following an incident at the school’s parking lot where a member of the public used racial slurs towards him Mr Thom’s resignation from the school was highlighted in a letter addressed to this publication by students who expressed deep concern about the unfortunate incident that led to his departure.
Mr Thom told Kaieteur News that on the day in question, he was in the parking lot near his car when he observed a red SUV reversing into a parking space next to where he was that was reserved for staff and students of the Art School. Upon seeing this, Mr Thom said he signalled to the driver to get his attention. The driver came out of the vehicle to speak with him.
“The person came out of the vehicle and asked what the matter is. I said, that is a no parking, you can’t park there. It is a passageway and apart from that, this area is reserved for the Burrowes School of Art
for the partnership is, how do the contract deliver money for the country, it’s what the PSA is all about and do we comply with all the local taxes which we do.”
S i n c e o i l p r o d u c t i o n commenced in December 2 0 1 9 , G u y a n a l o s t o v e r US$10B in taxes to the Stabroek Block partners, E x x o n M o b i l , H e s s a n d
CNOOC.
PSA and taxes
T h e 2 0 1 6 P r o d u c t i o n Sharing Agreement (PSA) states in Article 15.1 that the Contractor (EMGL) as well as its affiliates shall not be subjected to tax, value-added tax, excise tax, duty, fee, charge, or impost in respect of income derived from p e t r o l e u m o p e r a t i o n s , property held or transactions except as specified under the agreement.
F u r t h e r, A r t i c l e 1 5 4 states that the sum equivalent to the taxes owed by the company will be paid by the M i n i s t e r r e s p o n s i b l e f o r
P e t r o l e u m t o t h e Commissioner General of the GRA.
It should be noted that the contract also allows for the i s s u i n g o f a r e c e i p t t o ExxonMobil, indicating that it has met the local tax requirements to avoid the burden of double taxation.
students and staff. He (the driver) said but there is no school. I said but you are also blocking the passageway and even if it’s not school, only our students park there,” Mr Thom explained. He related that after informing the driver he could not park there, the man insisted that he could park there. “He continued insisting that he can park there. I told him if I come to your place of work or place of residence, and I park where I am not supposed to park would you be abusive the way you are trying to abuse me. He (the driver) said, “oh it’s stupid **[word withheld] people like you make this country where it is and that is why all kind of foreigners gotta come in because of stupid people like you,” Mr Thom recalled. Shortly after that incident, he was asked to meet with the Minister of Culture, Youth and S p o r t , C h a r l e s R a m s o n a t h i s o ff i c e concerning what happened. There, Mr Thom said he told the minister what transpired in detail and even committed to getting the names
ses However, the minister did not seem inclined to investigate.
It was after the entire ordeal Mr Thom sent in his resignation. After the news of his resignation circulated on social media, Mr Thom was contacted by Vice President, Bharrat Jagdeo who asked him to withdraw his resignation and return to work. At a press conference during that month, the VP disclosed that after learning what transpired he spoke with Minister Ramson expressing disappointment with his handling of the matter involving Thom.
T h o m r e s u m e d h i s d u t i e s a s Administrator on September 23.
P r e s i d e n t I r f a a n A l i during his end of year press conference on December 31, 2024 made it clear that he has no interest in writing U.S. oil m a j o r , E x x o n M o b i l t o e n g a g e t h e c o m p a n y t o renegotiate the oil deal. He explained, “What we committed to was to respect the sanctity of contracts and that the international law, that has implications for us as a country Other investors are looking on but what we said was that future PSAs would not have these fatal f l a w s a n d f u t u r e P S A s would not have the type of lopsided arrangements that Exxon had, and we have made those adjustments to future PSAs.”
B u t e v e n a s G u y a n a continues to refuse to engage the company, the country is losing more revenue than it is gaining from the production of oil, as pointed out earlier in this article.
Though the fiscal terms of the contract have been condemned by Guyanese politicians, the incumbent administration has blatantly r e f u s e d t o e n g a g e t h e company for changes to the contract.
From page 10
Opposition is urging that in the interest of good governance, transparency, and national development, the Bill be referred to a Special Select C
scrutiny by key stakeholders.
“We call on the Government to act responsibly and in the national interest by allowing this bill to undergo proper scrutiny The passage of an Engineers Bill must not be rushed or politically dictated. It must be a professionally-driven, consensus document that is well structured and commands the support of both the engineering community and the wider public — so that together we can craft a law that is necessary and sound in substance. Should the government fail to respect these basic requests, then, we, as the next government, will consult and make the necessary amendments ourselves,” the PNC said.
On June 3, 2024, Kaieteur News reported that the Department of Public Information published an article which stated that as part of the government’s drive to ensure engineers executing public works are held accountable, the Engineer ’s Bill will soon be tabled in the National Assembly
Minister of Public Works, Juan Edghill, made the disclosure during a workshop at the Marriott Hotel in Kingston, Georgetown.
“Very soon, I’ll be tabling in the National Assembly, the Engineers Bill. And that will bring a new level of accountability for engineers. And part of that bill will be with how we licence and remove from being licensed engineers who compromise us,” Minister Edghill said.
The proposed piece of legislation aims to regulate and professionalise the engineering f i e l d b y s e t t i n g c l e a r s t a n d a r d s a n d guidelines. Proper implementation would ensure high-quality practices, leading to safer and more reliable infrastructural projects.
As large-scale projects ramp up across G u y
p r i
i n g
c i e n t a n
o n - b u d g e t execution. Minister Edghill emphasised strict accountability, emphasising that there would be no tolerance for contractors or engineers who fail to fulfil their obligations.
“None of us must be found in a place where we are making excuses for contractors. Let the contractors make their own excuses. We are enforcing what the government wants,” he underscored.
G u y a n a ’s h e a l t h c a r e
s y s t e m w i l l b e d i g i t a l l y i n c o r p o r a t e d w i t h i n t e r n a t i o n a l s p e c i a l t y services from the United States of America (U.S.) and India, President Irfaan Ali has announced.
The President made this disclosure during the sodturning ceremony of the new $11.4 billion West Demerara Hospital in Region Three on Friday
The Head-of-State was at the time speaking of his vision to provide a worldclass healthcare system for all Guyanese. “There are
s o m e v e r y i m p o r t a n t concepts in healthcare that w e m u s t u n d e r s t a n d i n building this world-class healthcare system,” he said.
Speaking of this new development, the President s h a r e d t h a t c u r r e n t l y i n Region Three there are 38 health facilities (centres and p o s t s ) o u
“…that is what we are t a rg e t i n g , b u i l d i n g t h e s e facilities so that there is an equitable bases line access of healthcare access across the board,” he said.
The head-of-state said that building these better facilities like that at De Kinderen and, the new West Demerara Hospital, Region T h r e e w i l l b e w e l l integrated.
“An integrat
m a n a g
management system through d i g i t a l h e a l t h a n d digitization,” President Ali said is his government’s intention. He explained that, for example, at the new West
Demerara Hospital, there will be a control room that i n t e g r a t e s a l l t h e h e a l t h
n s i l o s “ T h e r e i s n o connectivity,” he declared. He noted that due to the lack of connectivity there is n o d i a g n o s t i c a n d l a b capability and capacity to support the treatment of patients. The president said that his government, through the ministry of health is working to ensure that every patient has equal access to health care.
s
centres and health posts and the hospital on a common platform. All the doctors will be available on the said platform.
“But more importantly that platform will be linked into the national platform in Georgetown and all the other regions and then we have already negotiated for this platform to be integrated into the Northwell (Northwell H e a l t h i n N e w Yo r k )
p l a t f o r m , M o u n t S i n a i platform and now some of the best providers in India,” the president elaborated.
He said too that the digital integration will also allow for specialty medical
pand
d across the country.
“We will be integrated into the global healthcare system, and we will be able to pool all our medical talent
sector because the platform must be national and all the services must be on that
platform because we are investing to give people these specialty services and t h
available 24/7, imagine what that will do for healthcare,” the president added.
M e a n w h i l e , P r e s i d e n t Ali said that the government is in talks with international p a r t n e r s t o h a v e rehabilitative care provided. He said, “many times beds are occupied in hospitals; space is occupied whereby t h e p a t i e n t d o e s n o t
reported in 2022 that Hess provided US$32 million that went toward a multi-year
collaboration with the New Yo
Health System.
The initiative was aimed at improving the quality of, and access to healthcare for the people of Guyana. It was reported that the government would be working with the Mount Sinai team who will
necessarily need to be in that
Ve
y soon in April a team is coming down from Mount Sinai to discuss with us a modular manner in which we c a n b u i l d o u t o u r rehabilitative care centres in our country.”
On Friday, President Ali also announced that “Hess Corporation has agreed to c o n t i n u e f i n a n c i n g t h e Mount Sinai partnership for another three years.”
Georgetown Public Hospital Corporation. T
collaboration, the Head-ofState said that Mount Sinai will be helping Guyana build a modern Oncology Centre to treat cancer
construction of that facility will begin during this year
Four months have passed
a l r e a d y , a n d 4 6 - y e a r - o l d
Subrina
October 15, 2024”, the day she disappeare
without a trace after leaving her Goed Fortuin, West Bank Demerara (WBD) home.
D e s p i t e o f f e r i n g c a s h rewards for information on her whereabouts, relatives have received no leads as to where she might be or where she has gone.
A l l o f h e r b e l o n g i n g s remain exactly the way she left them the day she disappeared. As time passes, relatives are fearful that something terrible has happened to Baldeo.
Baldeo lived alone in the bottom flat of her mother ’s home and was last seen leaving home on October 15, 2024. She was reportedly wearing a pair o f b l u e J e a n s a n d a w h i t e blouse. She did not say where she was going and according to relatives it is unlike her not to n o t i f y t h e m o f h e r whereabouts.
Initial investigations had revealed that her last known whereabout was at Vreed-enHoop, West Coast Demerara (WCD).
A ‘short drop car ’ had dropped h e r t o t h a t l o c a t i o n b u t s h e disappeared into the crowd and was never seen again since.
Speaking with Kaieteur News
i n a r e c e n t i n t e r v i e w, B a l d e o ’s sister said, “We don’t believe she would leave and go away just like that… She has a house that she was collecting rent for… she would not
business unattended just like that”. Meanwhile, police have been actively investigating the case and have since questioned a “toxic ex”
t w i c e a f t e r B a l d e o ’s g o l d a n d diamond jewellery engraved with K
trademark signature went missing. So far, they have not found any evidence linking the ex-boyfriend
to Baldeo’s disappearance Police have also questioned a n o t h e r m
f r i e n d o f Baldeo but did not obtain any credible information linking him to her disappearance.
H o w e v e r , r e l a t i v e s believe that the investigation done so far is pointing to the woman’s ex-lover
He and Baldeo shared a relationship for 19 years and were living together for some t i m e , b
h e a t i n g o n h e r w i t h a younger woman and parted ways.
The man allegedly did not take the break-up well. He refused to return Baldeo’s apartment key and continued to visit the woman’s house to reki
espite living with the other woman at La Parfaite Harmonie, WBD.
Relatives say that he would harass Baldeo frequently and t h i s f o r c e d h e r t o g e t a r e s t
n g o r d e r T h
o r d e r reportedly did not deter him ( t h e m a n ) f r o m v i s i t i n g t h e woman’s home.
Baldeo, also did not enforce
t h e r e s t r a i n i n g o r d e r , f o r relatives unknown to her loved ones.
R e l a t i v e s c l a i m e d t h a t t h e man’s harassment intensified when he learnt that Baldeo was speaking with other males.
It reportedly escalated to threats and verbal abuse.
“One time he de even threaten to kill her,” one relative recalled.
On the night before she went
missing, relatives said she was
receiving lots of phone calls, and they believe that it could have been her ex-boyfriend who called her frequently
They claimed too that after she d i s a p p e a r e d , h e s t a r t e d a c t i n g strangely
“He was the first to raise the a l a r m t h a t s h e w a s m i s s i n g , ” relatives claimed.
“He does keep telling us we hiding her from him and we know way she deh,” Kaieteur News was told.
Relatives said they asked him how he knew that she was not around and he reportedly claimed that he wanted a document from her apartment for a court matter and w a s c a l l i n g t h e d a y s h e w e n t missing but she did not answer
The man allegedly used the key he refused to return and entered Baldeo’s apartment to retrieve the d o c u m e n t s h i m s e l f H e i s reportedly the last person who enter
the building after the woman disappeared.
As a result, relatives believe that he possibly took Baldeo’s jewellery
P o l i c e
L
f a i t e Harmonie home but nothing of evidential value was found. W i t h n e w i n f o r m a t i o
claiming that they now believe that Baldeo’s ex – lover may have led police to the wrong l o c
relatives said that at the time of
living with his new lover
Further, relatives said that Baldeo confided in her work
faced in her relationship.
“She de tell them if anything eva happen to she dem must know is **”, Relatives claimed. Meanwhile, police assured that they are still pursuing all leads to find Baldeo.
Kaieteur News understands that there is no information or evidence
d over to Georgetown after arriving at Vreed-en-Hoop. Her trail ended on the West Coast of Demerara.
offering a cash reward to anyone
whereabouts.
Persons with any information that can help locate Baldeo are asked to call telephone numbers, 6
…says more childcare and protection officer s needed to address
There is need for more childcare and protection officers as the country grapples an increased demand for services, the Ministry of Human Services and Social Security disclosed on Saturday So far for 2025, 275 cases of child abuse have been recorded.
Subject Minister Dr Vindhya Persaud told reporters at a press conference held at the National Communications Network’s (NCN) Studio, Homestretch Avenue, Georgetown that last year, 4,038 cases of child abuse were
recorded ranging from physical, emotional, sexual, verbal as well as neglect.
y, through the Childcare and Protection Agency which has oversight and responsibility for children across the country, will continue to work on keeping every child safe.
“To have this happen the way we want it
information, and requires capacity building within the Childcare and protection agency and also requires us to interface with stake
holders, parents and caregivers of children,” Dr Persaud said.
She noted that over time, the ministry delivered several porgrammes and “a few of those programmes involve our parenting programme. This was a new initiative that was developed, a trainer of trainers was developed a workbook for parents and this program is in the early stages, where we work with parents on parenting techniques and skills when it comes to raising children in dealing with the various dimensions of
childcare.”
Meanwhile, the Childcare and Protection Agency (CCPA) recorded 1,203 child sexual cases in 2024, with Region Four recording the highest number of cases, Assistant Director of the CCPA Sherry Franswa said on Saturday
Franswa told reporters that in Region Four, 466 cases were reported last year She said that in Region One 52 cases were reported while 181 in Region Two, 145 in Continued on page 50
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From page 25 and cooperation to getting Suriname to the next level. Surinamese companies have already begun establishing in Guyana and the Head of the Guyana Office for Investment, Dr. Ramsaroop estimated there are 50 so far. Likewise, Guyanese companies have been establishing in Suriname.
The bridge and its various spinoffs have been in the area of economics; the exciting field of Cultural and Educa-
tional development will come with economic cooperation and development but should always be in the sights. With all these areas and levels of cooperation, Guyana and Suriname could in effect blossom into a de facto Confederation and the New River Triangle dispute will fade away. Guyana should never forget that Suriname supports Guyana in the VenezuelaGuyana border controversy despite the New River Triangle dispute.
From page 04 dollars. Ensuring tax fairness is critical to upholding transparency and corporate accountability.
Andre Brandli
Kenrick Hunte
Alfred Bhulai
Janette Bulkan
Darshand Khusial for the Oil & Gas Governance Network Guyana (OGGN; www.oggn.org)
References 1. Foreign Tax Credit: A
Comprehensive Guide (https://www.hco.com/insights/foreign-tax-credit-acomprehensive-guide)
2. Petroleum Agreement between the Government of Guyana and ExxonMobil and Affiliates (https://www.oggn.org/ wp-content/uploads/2017/ 12/Oct2016-PetroleumAgreement.pdf)
3. Oil companies have earned five times more from oil than Guyana, Stabroek News, June 28, 2024 (https:// www.stabroeknews.com/ 2024/06/28/features/theroad-to-first-oil/oil-companies-have-earned-five-timesmore-from-oil-than-guyana/)
From page 15 Front of Family, Says Sister She shouted things like “Wait!” and “Baby, what are you doing?!” before dropping to the ground with her mouth agape as Franklin got down on one knee, pulled out a custom engagement ring designed by Carlotta Sarenas, and asked her to marry him.
“I’m still in awe of how it all happened! It was such a beautiful surprise, and I can’t even put into words how happy I am!” Castillo tells PEOPLE.
“To know I’ll be spending the rest of my life with this incredible man is a dream come true.
Here’s to forever with the love of my life!” Never miss a story — sign up for PEOPLE’s free daily newsletter to stay up-to-date on the best of what PEOPLE has to offer, from celebrity news to compelling human interest stories.
After Franklin slid a sparkling diamond ring on her finger, Castillo began excitedly jumping up and down before kissing her fiancé and telling him, “You’re a beautiful human.”
Franklin replied, “We’re beautiful together.” The proposal was planned by Riley Canty of The Yes Girls.
The couple met about a year ago when Castillo’s thenbusiness partner, trainer Mike Trusdale, introduced them to one another.
Because Trusdale, who was also a friend of Franklin’s, thought the two would be a great match, he arranged a brunch for them last spring. Since meeting, they’ve been inseparable.
The pair made their red carpet debut at The Pink Awards in Georgia on Oct. 12, 2024.
They stepped out together again the following month at the Merge Awards Gala, which honors individuals who successfully combine their faith with their work in entertainment.
From page 43 performing arts has always been constant, this evolved into a passion for producing and creating. Meleesa said, “This journey has led me beyond the stage, allowing me to pursue qualifications
b o t h i n G u y a n a a n d internationally I hold credits
i n t h e a t e r a r t s a n d t h e business of entertainment.”
Not only has she been featured in the New York City Fashion Week but also
t h e C a r i b b e a n F a s h i o n Week, Dance shows with the National School of Dance,
t h e C l a s s i q u e D a n c e Company the Free Souls Dance Company and the Laramade Musical Theater, she has also been featured in a few movies and numerous places internationally and locally The entertainer played
one of the lead female characters in a dance movie-
P a i n t i n g t h e P i c t u r e , directed by Kelton Jennings
and also appeared as a feature dancer during the
half-time show of America’s Got Talent in 2020. She appeared alongside Kijana Lewis and Fiano Spencer where the trio was the first to represent Guyana on such an occasion.
According to the star, she has alw
“People began to refer to me by my full name and openly expressed their admiration of my talents in dance and modeling In 2007, I was c r o w n e d M i s s G u y a n a Universe and went on to win four international titles. I received numerous dance awards and was celebrated across the country and the Caribbean as the Queen of the Catwalk those are their words, not mine I was signed w i t h P u l s e M o d e l Management in Jamaica and l a t e r w i t h E l i t e M o d e l Management My fame grew beyond just recognition; I became a symbol of fashion and design,” she shared
The young woman said s h e o w e s m u c h o f h e r
creative instincts to her mom w h o i s a s e a m s t r e s s Meleesa’s mom encouraged h e r t o p a r t i c i p a t e i n extracurricular activities like dance, which gave her a platform to express herself and build confidence.
“Eventually, I discovered my passion for designing m a k e u p , f
o n , a n d production I launched my own company and have since expanded my reach here in the USA My entry into m o d e l i n g c a m e a b o u t through a bet, but I have no regrets, as it allowed me to capture beautiful moments and travel the globe,” the entertainer said.
It was Meleesa’s brother who made a bet with her that if she could do girly things, as a teenager, then he would give her $5,000 The then ‘tom-boyish’ teen said she then entered the Miss Guyana Talented Teen Pageant where she was crowned first runnerup and never stopped
newfound platform, I could
Hope,” where we support children three times a year I
needing medical assistance, built houses with Habitat for Humanity, and participated
2020, Meleesa, through the S
n donated masks to areas that were in need. “I believe this is how I’ve used my platform to make a positive impact on the lives of others. Moving forward, I aspire to do even m o r e , p a r t i c u l a r l y b y helping dancers who cannot afford the necessary tools for
Today, Meleesa uses the attention she gained from fame to help change the lives of others. She said, “My
Magazine.
The protest comes after Hamas handed over
Aljazeera - Thousands
o f p r o - P a l e s t i n e demonstrators have marched through central London to p r o t e s t D o n a l d Tr u m p ’s proposal for the US to “take over” the Gaza Strip.
Waving Palestinian flags
and brandishing placards saying “hands off Gaza”,
s e v e r a l t h o u s a n d p e o p l e walked from Whitehall, in
We s t m i n s t e r, t o t h e U S embassy in Nine Elms, in s o u t h w e s t L o n d o n o n
Saturday
P r o t e s t e r s a l s o h e l d banners that read “Stand up to Trump” and “Mr Trump, Canada is not your 51st state. Gaza is not your 52nd”.
A P r o - P a l e s t i n i a n
d e m o n s t r a t o r c a r r i e s placards during a march in opposition to U.S President
Donald Trump’s plan to displace Palestinians from Gaza and ‘take over ’ the territory, in London, Britain February 15, 2025. [File: Chris J. Ratcliffe/Reuters]
E a r l i e r t h i s m o n t h , Trump’s suggestion that the US could redevelop the embattled enclave and turn it into the “Riviera of the M i d d l e E a s t ” a t t r a c t e d global condemnation. His proposal aims to r e s e t t l e P a l e s t i n i a n s elsewhere, with no plan for them to return. “I think it’s completely immoral, illegal, impractical and absurd, ” 87-year-old Holocaust survivor Stephen Kapos told the AFP news agency “ Yo u s i m p l y c a n n o t deport two million people, e s p e c i
wouldn’t take them, not out of the goodness of their heart
b u t b e c a u s e i t w o u l d destabilise those countries. So, it’s not going to happen but it does a lot of damage simply stating that as an endgame.
The march, organised by t h e P a l e s t i n e S o l i d a r i t y Campaign (PSC), was the 24th major pro-Palestinian p
ce October 7, 2023.
A heavy police presence was deployed as officers kept protesters away from a counter-march called “Stop t h e H a t e ” , w h e r e participants waved Israeli flags.
Hamas’s attack resulted
in the death of at least 1,100 p e o p l e I n a d d i t i o n , a p p r o x i m a t e l
taken captive. I
y campaign has killed more than 48,239 people while 111,676 people have been wounded. The Government Media Office has updated its death toll to at least 61,709 p
missing under the rubble are now presumed dead.
S
d a y, Hamas released captives in exchange for hundreds of P a
Israeli prisons, completing the latest swap of a fragile Gaza ceasefire deal. H a m a
statement after the release saying it was “a renewed message” to Israel.
“The release of the sixth batch of enemy prisoners confirms there is no way to free them except through negotiations and by adhering to the requirements of the ceasefire agreement,” the group said.
275 cases of child abuse recorded in 2025...
From page 47 Region Three and 83 in Region Five were reported.
In Regions Six and Ten, 148 and 48 cases were reported respectively In contrast, the lowest numbers were recorded in Regions Seven, Eight, and Nine. Region Seven reported 10 cases, Region Eight 21, and Region Nine 50 cases.
M e a n w h i l e , M i n i s t e r Persaud disclosed that there is an urgent need for more c h i l d c a r e a n d p r o t e c t i o n officers to meet the growing demand for child protection services in the country
T h e m i n i s t e r t o l d reporters that there are only 4 8 o f f i c e r s c u r r e n t l y
d e p l o y e d a c r o s s v a r i o u s regions and that the current workforce is insufficient.
“There has been a lot of work…we are challenged by the lack of human resources, (and) we would love to have m o r e c h i l d c a r e a n d p r o t e c t i o n o f f i c e r s o n board,” Persaud said.
S h e a d d e d , “ We a r e continuously advertising for officers, social workers, and this has been a constant d i s c u s s i o n w i t h t h e
U n i v e r s i t y o f G u y a n a because that’s the institution that will normally have the t r a i n i n g d o n e f o r s o c i a l workers, we have pretty much once persons apply, we definitely employ them.”
Dr Persaud disclosed that her ministry is exploring t h e c r e a t i o n o f a r a p i d r e s p o n s e t e a m t h a t w i l l operate at nights to address cases being reported after official working hours.
She said the creation of t h a t t e a m w i l l m a r k a significant shift from the t r a d i t i o n a l a p p r o a c h t o childcare and protection. However, this new initiative is also challenged by the lack of personnel.
“It is a process and it’s something that I hope that more persons out there will recognize the need to be in an arena of social work that focuses on children. We can only encourage.”
SportsMax - Young Soca
Warriors head coach Shawn Cooper is hopeful that his team can secure Trinidad and Tobago’s third FIFA Under-17 World Cup berth by overcoming Costa Rica in their decisive final group
f i x t u r e a t t h e C o n c a c a f Under-17 Men’s qualifiers. With both teams level on seven points, Costa Rica currently holds the top spot due to their superior goal
difference, making today’s c l a s h a t t h e E s t a d i o Alejandro Morera Soto a m u s t - w i n e
Trinidad and Tobago. A victory would send the Tw
D e s p i t e h i s t e a m ’ s emphatic 9-0 win over Sint Maarten in their penultimate g r o u p B
b
significantly improve to stand a chance against the wellorganized Costa Rican side
“As I said, any number of goals (against Sint Maarten) would not have mattered; it’s
o another Under-17 World Cup following feats in 2001 and 2007, while a draw could see Costa Rica advance on goal difference or open the door for Guyana ( f i v e p o i n t s ) t o snatch the qualification spot if they defeat the British Virgin Islands by a wide margin.
Trinidad and Tobago’s must beat Costa Rica in their decisive final group fixture at the Concacaf Under-17 Men’s qualifiers.
ARIES (Mar. 21–Apr. 19)
S o m e t h i n g i s c u
y compelling you to be more of a world citizen than usual, Aries. You may find this somewhat disturbing.
TAURUS (Apr. 20–May 20)
Yo u r s u r r o u n d i n g s a r e currently changing, Taurus. Perhaps your circle of friends h a s a l r e a d y u n d e rg o n e a major change. The fact is that you no longer have so many prejudices about the people you meet.
GEMINI (May 21–June 20)
Gemini, you're demystifying the concept of talent. You used to look enviously at other people and think, "I wish I had a natural ability like that."
CANCER (June 21–July 22)
Are you thinking of going into business for yourself, Cancer? Being self-employed doesn't automatically mean you will h a v e m o r e f r e e d o m O f course, you will be your own boss.
LEO (July 23–Aug. 22)
Within the next few days, you're likely to gain access to dimensions of perception you never suspected, Leo. Perhaps you will become aware of certain energy phenomena, peak experiences.
VIRGO (Aug. 23–Sept. 22)
Often fiery temperaments like yours are drawn to fight for great causes despite the b e t t e r j u d g m e n t o f m o r e down-to-Earth people. As a r e s u l t , y o u h a v e g r e a t leadership potential that may emerge today
LIBRA (Sept. 23–Oct. 22)
Your optimism is likely to receive a little boost today, Libra. A memorable emotional encounter may be the source of some extra zeal. Or you may derive great satisfaction from being part of a group.
SCORPIO (Oct. 23–Nov 21)
Perhaps you should suspend your inhibitions for the day, Scorpio, and let your dreams guide you. For instance, you might imagine that the need to m a k e a n y c h o i c e s h a s vanished.
SAGIT (Nov 22–Dec. 21)
This is the type of day you enjoy The climate is positive, and the energy is flowing. It's as though you have a magic wand. You give it a wave andpresto - the day's tasks and cho
evening.
CAPRI (Dec. 22–Jan. 19)
If the world collapsed today, you wouldn't bat an eyelash. Yo
sailing along on cloud nine! The source of your bliss could be that new person in your life.
AQUARIUS (Jan. 20–Feb. 18) You may have had some e
lately, but today will restore your faith in love. All you need to do is act. Your amazing lucidity and realism keep you f
h e impossible.
PISCES (Feb. 19–Mar. 20)
Put on your traveling shoes, Pisces. Fear of the unknown may have prompted you to postpone certain trips. You claimed you were too busy, but no one really believed this.
the performance of the team that matters At the end of the day, we have to play Costa Rica, and it’s a do-or-die
s i t u a t i o n , ” C o o p e r emphasized Costa Rica, who were held to a 2-2 draw by Guyana in their last match, have a goal difference of +17 compared to T&T’s +11, meaning a draw will not be enough for the young Soca W a r r i o r s C o o p e r acknowledged the challenge ahead but remains optimistic “ ( C o s t a R i c a ) a r e v e r y dynamic, and they’re a very well-oiled team. They look very experienced and wellprepared. It’s going to be a tough game, but we’re up for it, ” he added A l t h o u g h Trinidad and Tobago ran riot a g a i n s t S i n t M a a r t e n , scoring five goals in a frantic 12-minute spell to end the match, their sluggish start
a n d m i s p l a c e d p a s s e s concerned Cooper Josiah Kallicharan netted a hattrick in that game.
“I thought we took too long to settle down, and then we didn’t exploit the high line they were playing We just t r i e d t o o v e r p l a y a n d complicate the game,” he admitted “Our general game has to improve. We can’t play like this and go up against Costa Rica in the final game. We’ll do what we have to do and see how it plays out,” Cooper noted.
W i t h t h e p r e s s u r e mounting, Cooper hopes his p l a y e r s c a n r i s e t o t h e occasion, implement their l e a r n i n g s f r o m t h e tournament, and deliver a performance worthy of World Cup qualification
“All in all, I think we have a good grouping and we’re now starting to gel, and I hope we can cross the final hurdle,” he concluded.
SportsMax - Young Soca
Warriors head coach Shawn Cooper is hopeful that his team can secure Trinidad and Tobago’s third FIFA Under-17 World Cup berth by overcoming Costa Rica in their decisive final group
f i x t u r e a t t h e C o n c a c a f Under-17 Men’s qualifiers. With both teams level on seven points, Costa Rica currently holds the top spot due to their superior goal
difference, making today’s c l a s h a t t h e E s t a d i o Alejandro Morera Soto a m u s t - w i n e
Trinidad and Tobago. A victory would send the Tw
D e s p i t e h i s t e a m ’ s emphatic 9-0 win over Sint Maarten in their penultimate g r o u p B
b
significantly improve to stand a chance against the wellorganized Costa Rican side
“As I said, any number of goals (against Sint Maarten) would not have mattered; it’s
o another Under-17 World Cup following feats in 2001 and 2007, while a draw could see Costa Rica advance on goal difference or open the door for Guyana ( f i v e p o i n t s ) t o snatch the qualification spot if they defeat the British Virgin Islands by a wide margin.
Trinidad and Tobago must beat Costa Rica in their decisive final group fixture at the Concacaf Under-17 Men’s qualifiers.
ARIES (Mar. 21–Apr. 19)
S o m e t h i n g i s c u
y compelling you to be more of a world citizen than usual, Aries. You may find this somewhat disturbing.
TAURUS (Apr. 20–May 20)
Yo u r s u r r o u n d i n g s a r e currently changing, Taurus. Perhaps your circle of friends h a s a l r e a d y u n d e rg o n e a major change. The fact is that you no longer have so many prejudices about the people you meet.
GEMINI (May 21–June 20)
Gemini, you're demystifying the concept of talent. You used to look enviously at other people and think, "I wish I had a natural ability like that."
CANCER (June 21–July 22)
Are you thinking of going into business for yourself, Cancer? Being self-employed doesn't automatically mean you will h a v e m o r e f r e e d o m O f course, you will be your own boss.
LEO (July 23–Aug. 22)
Within the next few days, you're likely to gain access to dimensions of perception you never suspected, Leo. Perhaps you will become aware of certain energy phenomena, peak experiences.
VIRGO (Aug. 23–Sept. 22)
Often fiery temperaments like yours are drawn to fight for great causes despite the b e t t e r j u d g m e n t o f m o r e down-to-Earth people. As a r e s u l t , y o u h a v e g r e a t leadership potential that may emerge today
LIBRA (Sept. 23–Oct. 22)
Your optimism is likely to receive a little boost today, Libra. A memorable emotional encounter may be the source of some extra zeal. Or you may derive great satisfaction from being part of a group.
SCORPIO (Oct. 23–Nov 21)
Perhaps you should suspend your inhibitions for the day, Scorpio, and let your dreams guide you. For instance, you might imagine that the need to m a k e a n y c h o i c e s h a s vanished.
SAGIT (Nov 22–Dec. 21)
This is the type of day you enjoy The climate is positive, and the energy is flowing. It's as though you have a magic wand. You give it a wave andpresto - the day's tasks and cho
evening.
CAPRI (Dec. 22–Jan. 19)
If the world collapsed today, you wouldn't bat an eyelash. Yo
sailing along on cloud nine! The source of your bliss could be that new person in your life.
AQUARIUS (Jan. 20–Feb. 18) You may have had some e
lately, but today will restore your faith in love. All you need to do is act. Your amazing lucidity and realism keep you f
impossible.
PISCES (Feb. 19–Mar. 20)
Put on your traveling shoes, Pisces. Fear of the unknown may have prompted you to postpone certain trips. You claimed you were too busy, but no one really believed this.
the performance of the team that matters At the end of the day, we have to play Costa Rica, and it’s a do-or-die
s i t u a t i o n , ” C o o p e r emphasized Costa Rica, who were held to a 2-2 draw by Guyana in their last match, have a goal difference of +17 compared to T&T’s +11, meaning a draw will not be enough for the young Soca W a r r i o r s C o o p e r acknowledged the challenge ahead but remains optimistic “ ( C o s t a R i c a ) a r e v e r y dynamic, and they’re a very well-oiled team. They look very experienced and wellprepared. It’s going to be a tough game, but we’re up for it, ” he added A l t h o u g h Trinidad and Tobago ran riot a g a i n s t S i n t M a a r t e n , scoring five goals in a frantic 12-minute spell to end the match, their sluggish start
a n d m i s p l a c e d p a s s e s concerned Cooper Josiah Kallicharan netted a hattrick in that game.
“I thought we took too long to settle down, and then we didn’t exploit the high line they were playing We just t r i e d t o o v e r p l a y a n d complicate the game,” he admitted “Our general game has to improve. We can’t play like this and go up against Costa Rica in the final game. We’ll do what we have to do and see how it plays out,” Cooper noted.
W i t h t h e p r e s s u r e mounting, Cooper hopes his p l a y e r s c a n r i s e t o t h e occasion, implement their l e a r n i n g s f r o m t h e tournament, and deliver a performance worthy of World Cup qualification
“All in all, I think we have a good grouping and we’re now starting to gel, and I hope we can cross the final hurdle,” he concluded.
From page 57 finishing on 44-4, led by Kevin Sinclair (24).
Johaan Layne grabbed two wickets with support from Jediah Blades (1-9),
adding to his first innings four wickets.
From page 58
have the best facilities among the horseracing tracks in Guyana and the organisers are putting everything in place to make sure it remains that way
Already Ramesh Sunich of Trophy Stall has agreed to sponsorship for the day
The outstanding jockeys, trainers and stable will all receive trophies and other
accolades compliments of Businessman Ramesh Sunich of the Trophy Stall Guyana fame. With the absence of a functioning Guyana Horse Racing Authority (GHRA). The event will be held using the rules of the KMTC, which according to the organisers, will be rigidly be enforced during the meet. Bugle time is 12:00hrs. (Samuel Whyte)
Kennard Memorial Turf Club to stage traditional Phagwah race meet - Preparations underway
Basking from their
s u c c e s s o f t h e
B o x i n g D a y
H o r s e r a c e m e e t , t h e
K e n n a r d M e m o r i a l T u r f
C l u b ( K M T C ) h a s b e g u n preparations for their annual
Phagwah horse race meet which is slated for Sunday 16th March.
T h e c l u b , w h i c h i s located at Bush Lot Farm, Corentyne Berbice, is one of the top horse racing entities in the country.
There are six races slated for the day with incentives totaling over $5.2M in cash, trophies and other prizes up for grabs. The day’s meet is e x p e c t e d t o b e a k e e n l y contested affair
The feature event will be for horses classified C1 and lower over one mile and a s u m p t u o u s $ 1 2 M a n d
t r o p h y a v a i l a b l e f o r t h e winner
The other events listed are the I1 and Lower six furlongs race for a winning
t a k e o f $ 5 0 0 , 0 0 0 a n d a trophy Horses classified J a n d l o w e r w i l l a l s o b e competing over six furlongs as is the distance for all the other events The winning haul in that race is $300,000 and a trophy
T h e T h r e e y e a r s o l d Guyana Bred animals will a l s o b e c o m p e t i n g f o r a w
nners take
$300,000 and trophy.
There is a race for L class open horses which will see t h e w i n n e r t a k i n g h o m e $200,000 and a trophy
The winner of the L nonwinners’ race will also gallop away with $200,000 and a trophy
The KMTC continues to (Continued on page 56)
A g r o u p o f f i v e passionate Guyanese, born i n t o t
thoroughbred horse racing, are setting out on a journey to put Guyana on the map in the
racing
With a clear vision and an
One Guyana Racing Stable is ready to take the industry by
United States, the Caribbean, and South America
B
Their first major stop?
2 5
Sandy Lane Gold Cup, where they aim to make a statement
L e d b y o n e o f
h e m o s t respected trainers in North America, Saffie A Joseph Jr a Barbados-born, Gulfstream Park standout. One Guyana R a c
supreme confidence.
The Road to DominanceThis is just the beginning. After Barbados, the stable has mapped out an ambitious international campaign: August – The Guyana Cup (their home turf, and soon to be backed by gamec h a n
m b e
Jamaica, where they’ll test t h e i r m e t t l e a g a i n s t t h e region’s best 2026 – Brazil & Uruguay, taking on South
A m e r i c a ’s e l i t e i n t h e i r marquee races
A Mission Bigger Than
Racing- But One Guyana Racing Stable isn’t just about w i n n i n g i t ’ s a b o u t revolutionizing the sport for Guyana. With horse racing legislation on the horizon, the industry is poised for explosive growth, bringing j o b s , i n v e s t m e n t , a n d i n t e r n a t i o n a l
potential.
Meet the Horse That Started
It All- The stable already has a
States God’s Timing, who recently won his second race from just 4 starts at Gulfstream Park under Saffie A Joseph Jr This is just a taste of what’s to come, as One Guyana Racing g
victories
The 2025 Sandy Lane Gold Cup – A Battle for Glory The field for the Sandy Lane Gold Cup is stacked with top-tier competition, featuring horses from the USA, Trinidad & Tobago, Barbados, and beyond Among them is One Guyana Racing’s entry, Harrow, owned in partnership with Averill Racing. Harrow, a powerful contender, is
names like Jerry the Nipper, Renaissance Frolic, Smokin’
Gu y an a’s J u n io r
Golden Jaguars
d e l i v e r e d a
r e m a r k a b l e p e r f o r m a n c e
Friday evening, securing a 2-2 draw against Costa Rica at the Costa Rica National Stadium
The result is a significant
a c h i e v e m e n t , a s
Guyana ranked 21st among
U 1 7 F I FA Wo r l d C u p contenders went toe-to-toe with the sixth-ranked Costa Rican side on their home turf.
The Junior Jaguars found
t h e m s e l v e s t r a i l i n g j u s t moments after kick-off when an unfortunate own goal in the first minute gave Costa Rica an early lead However, the team showed resilience and determination, responding in the 34th minute through a w
o m Joshua Morris to bring the sc re level Shaquan David then equalized what was a 1-2 score in the 54th minute with
a decisive strike, capping off a strong attacking display Guyana remained composed to see out the draw and extend their unbeaten streak in the CONCACAF U17 qualifiers.
With this result, Guyana continues to push forward in its bid for a spot in the 2025 FIFA U17 World Cup in Qatar
Their next challenge will be against British Virgin Islands
today, Sunday, February 16 as they look to build on this momentum and deliver a s t r o n g f i n i s h i n
tournament
Speaking on last evening’s game, Head Coach, Marco Bonofiglio noted, “The team performed as we all wanted under extreme pressure and against the home top ranked Concacaf side Guyana should be proud as a country who can
compete against top teams at the top level Thank you all for your continued support!”
Meanwhile, President of
F, Wa
remarked, “Last night was a proud and historic moment for Guyana and the GFF, as our boys showcased the strength, resilience, and unwavering spirit of our entire nation. With
determination, they overcame an early setback to deliver one
performances in our football history ”
He added, “I proudly join
inspirational young heroes for making believers out of
pursuit of excellence keeps the dream of FIFA U-17 World Cup.”
2025 CWI Regional 4-Day Championships Round 3…GHE vs. WIA Day 4 Harpy Eagles, WIA tussle end in draw
Guyana Harpy Eagles survived mother nature and a
Academy (WIA) side to
record at Providence, as the
d came to an end last night in a draw
Rain aside, Guyana did well to reach 253 batting f i r s t i n
D a y / N i
battle at home, enduring a tough start before being
s Ronaldo Alimohamed who struck his 2nd first class halfcentury with a robust 66 (5x4 4x6)
West Indies Test spinner
Gudakesh Motie flexed his skills with the willow, as he scored an eye-catching 74ball 52 (5x4 1x6)
O t h e r c o n t r i b u t i o n s came from Kemol Savory (39), Kevin Sinclair (29), Raymond Perez (29) and 22
added to the champs first innings total.
WIA bowling saw the
Blades returning 4-37 while spinner Zishan Motara (337), accounted for the lion’s s h
Attempting to save the match against mother nature, the Academy XI were bowled out for 249 on the final day, thanks to Permaul reminding the field of his class
innings, the Eagles batting got off to a horrid start batting a second time, being reduced to 7-3 after three overs before eventually
(Continued on page 56)
Ro s i g n o l
S e c o n d a r y emerged as the dominant force in the Region 5 edition of the CNOOC Petroleum Guyana Limited,
G u y a n a T a b l e T e n n i s A s s o c i a t i o n ( G T T A ) , M i n i
S
C h a m p i o n s h i p s , h e l d o n
Wednesday, February 13. Hosted in the auditorium of Bygeval Secondary School in Mahaica, the event provided
a n e x h i l a r a t i n g d a y o f competition that showcased the raw talent and potential of young players in the region, igniting the passion for table tennis, furthering interest in the sport across the schools.
The championship saw
s p i r i t ed participation from students of Rosignol Secondary, Bygeval Secondary, Bush Lot
S e c o n d a r y , B e l l a d r u m Secondary, and Mahaicony Secondary
With the support of the
R e g i o n a l D e p a r t m e n t o f Education, led by Regional Education Officer Celeste La Rose, along with key contributors such as Mahendra Salik, Kevon of Rosignol Secondary, and Regional Chair Sadiek Ishmael, the event was a resounding
s u c c e s s C o m p e t i t i o n
categories included Boys’ Singles (18 and 15 years and under), Girls’ Singles (18 years and under), and the Open Team Event. T h e t o u r n a m e n t boasted over 50 entries in both singles and team competitions, with ITTF Level Coach and Umpire Candacy McKenzie serving as the tournament director In the end, Rosignol Secondary triumphed, securing victories across multiple categories
Results Summary: Boys’ 18 Years and Under Finals: ·Nathan Karachand def. Lakeraj Hemraj (11-7, 116 ) C h a m p i o n : N a t h a n Karachand Girls’ 18 Years and Under (Round Robin Finals):
1st Place – Divyanna Narine
2nd Place – Kiara Hamilton
3rd Place – Lilyana Haroon, Oscehia Harry Boys’ 15 Years and Under Finals: Akeem Barnes def. Joel Gordon (911, 11-7, 11-8) Champion: Akeem Barnes Team Events Finals: Rosignol Secondary
d e f B y g e v a l S e c o n d a r y
L a k e r a j H e m r a j d e f Zackney Fuvainte (11-5, 115)Nathan Karachand def Vuai Kalpu (11-6, 11-7)
N K a r a c h a n d & L
Hemraj def. V Kalpu & Z. Fuvainte (11-8, 11-7)
According to a release
tournament is part of the
S c h o o l s T a b
T e n n i s Championships, which aims
to foster regional identity, independence, and prestige. I n d e p e n d e n t r e g i o n a l competitions are being held
in Regions 2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 10, and Georgetown, culminating in a national showcase of champion teams from across Guyana. A key aspect of the initiative, the GTTA said, is its focus on development, with
the project procuring table t e n n i s e q u
p m e n t f o r hinterland regions (#1, 7, 8, and 9).
