Surinamese invest US$516
Mayor, Sharma Solomon
Errol John Barron
Yosmel Peres Cisnero
Staatsolie,Annand Jagesar
ExxonMimpactstudyforHammerheadproject
silentonlikelyexplosionfromnewpipeline
The Environmental Impact Assessment (EIA) conducted by ExxonMobil GuyanaLimited(EMGL)for its seventh deepwater project- Hammerhead- is silent on how a pipeline explosion that may stem from a gas leak could affect theenvironment.
A s p a r t o f t h e Hammerhead development, ExxonMobil plans to construct a 13-kilometer gas export pipeline from the Floating Production Storage and Offloading vessel (FPSO) to a tie-in on the existing Gas to Energy (GTE)Pipeline.
This was revealed in the 4232-page EIA that was r e l e a s e d b y t h e Environmental Protection Agency(EPA).
While the gas pipeline will play an integral role in developing the resources associated with the project, t h e c o n s u l t a n t , Environmental Resources Management (ERM) failed toassesssuchanimpact.
A review of the documentbyKaieteurNews foundthattheword'pipeline' is mentioned at least 182 timesinthestudy;bethatas itmay,thedocumentfailsto properly assess impacts associated with that element oftheplannedproject.
Of the 182 times the Consultant used the word 'pipeline' this newspaper only noted associated impacts explained twice According to a table of the 'modeled discharges and
considered constituents for production, operations, and SURF hydrotesting' ERM noted that commissioning fluids such as methanol and mono-ethyleneglycolcanbe released from the gas export pipeline That table also explains this may cause toxicity impacts on marine species.
Another table discussing t
Assessment(CIA)statesthat marine mammals may be impacted by discharges and u n d e r w
o u n d disturbance during offshore pipelineconstruction.
In its EIA previously conducted for the GTE pipeline, ERM detailed the possibility of an explosion occurringalongthepipeline. Italsooutlinedmeasuresthat will be put in place to mitigate and respond to any such event, given the likelihood of gas leaking fromthestructure.
In the absence of this crucial information in the Hammerhead EIA, citizens arethencluelessastohowan explosion of the new pipelinecanaffecttheFPSO andcrewmembersaswellas other receptors such as marine species among others.
It also presents an incomplete assessment of impacts for the EPA to review in considering the application for the development.
ExplosionatGTE pipeline
In the EIA for the GTE pipeline, the consultant explained that a loss of integrity of the offshore pipeline, resulting in a natural gas release can be caused due to corrosion, objects striking the pipeline, andabuildupofstressinthe pipewall,causingbuckling.
The study goes on to say that if an unplanned release ofgasfromdamagedsubsea pipelinesoccurs,thereleased gaswillgenerateagasplume thatrisesfromtheseafloorto the sea surface. Therefore, “Fire or explosion accidents can occur when the released gas disperses into the atmosphere and encounters ignition sources, which could have an adverse impact on human life and environment in the immediate vicinity of the f i r e ” ERM added th
consequences of a release would likely be less severe offshore as it “is extremely unlikelythattherewillbean ignition source to cause a fire, and the gas will passively disperse without affecting any resources” rather than an onshore occurrence.
However, a release close to the Floating, Production, Sharing and Offloading (FPSO)vesselcouldresultin a fire onboard the FPSO. Exxonsaidthattoreducethe likelihood of a gas release, the offshore pipeline design and installation will vary depending on the pipeline depth.
Audited financial reports for Lottery Commission, Bureau of Statistics and NICIL still to be laid in National Assembly – PAC hears
Several audited reports for the Guyana Lottery Commission, Bureau of Statistics and National Industrial and Commercial Investment Limited (NICIL) are yet to be laid in the National Assembly. The issue was highlighted when the Public Accounts Committee(PAC)metonMonday to review the 2019 Auditor General's Report Opposition Member of Parliament and PAC member, Ganesh Mahipaul posed several questions to a panel of officers from Ministry of Finance ontothestatusofthereports.
In Guyana, the Fiscal Management and Accountability Act(FMAA)of2003andtheAudit Act of 2004 require public agencies'financialstatementstobe audited and laid before the National Assembly, with the AuditorGeneralsubmittingreports to the Speaker within specific
timelines.
On Monday, Mahipaul said he noticed while perusing the documentsthattherewasahyphen ordashnexttotheGuyanaLottery Commissionbutnoinformationas to the status of the reports that are supposedtobelaidintheHouse.
“As it relates the Guyana Lottery Commission…We didn't seethatareporthasbeenlaidinthe NationalAssemblybecausethere's a dash there, apparently like none was ever laid. What does the dash mean? I'm hoping that it don't mean that it was never laid?” Mahipaulenquired.
In response, Finance Secretary attachedtotheMinistryofFinance, Sukrishnalall Pasha explained that he could not say for sure if any of thereportswereeverlaid.
“Letmedotheresearchandget backtoyouonthat…”Pashasaid.
In response to a similar line of questioning in relation to the
Finance Secretary Sukrishnalall Pasha and Deputy Accountant General, Jennifer Chapman were part of team that appeared before the PAC on Monday.
audited reports for the Bureau of Statistics, the Finance Secretary revealed there is a backlog of reportsforyears2012to2017.
He said however that his team isactivelyaddressingtheissue.
“Wewanttobesurethatallthe information and not only the financialstatementareputtogether
before we submit to the National Assembly,”Pashasaid.
As it relates to the reports that are yet to be submitted for years 2012 to 2017, the Finance Secretaryexplainedthatthismight beduetoalackofcapacity
“To be honest, when I once I started engaging the Bureau of
Statistics, I recognized that they had a capacity issue. Immediately wemadechangestotheaccounting department we also facilitated the use of IFMAS [Integrated Financial Management and Accounting System] and we were ablebasedonthosechangestoget the Bureau of Statistics to bring some of their financial statements uptodate,”Pasharevealed.
However, Mahipaul pointed thatonlytwoofthefivemodulesof the IFMAS system were implemented. Referencing the 2019auditreport,thePACmember enquired whether the other modules were ever introduced to thesystem.
“I noticed in 2019, IFMAS were configured and enhanced to include new and additional functionsandreports.Sevenofthe modules were partially implemented while five were not (Continuedonpage16)
Map showing the location of the Hammerhead project, offshore Guyana
Kaieteur News
PrintedandPublishedbyNationalMedia& PublishingCompanyLtd 24SaffonStreet, Charlestown,Georgetown,Guyana.
Publisher:GLENNLALL-Tel:624-6456
Editor-in-Chief:NigelWilliams
Tel: 225-8465, 225-8491. Fax: 225-8473, 226-8210
EDITORIAL
Yes we can end TB
YesterdaywasWorldTBDay,observedunderthe theme: Yes! We Can End TB: Commit, Invest, Deliver
According to the World Health Organization (WHO) WorldTBDayobservedannuallyonMarch24,amplifiesthe urgency of ending tuberculosis the world's deadliest infectious disease According to the WHO TB continues to devastate millions globally, inflicting severe health, social, andeconomicconsequences
However, despite long dreaded as a killer disease, we wanttoemphasisethatTBiscurable–andhasbeensincethe 1940s–butthatitremainsascourgeprimarilyduetoalackof discipline in those who are infected to maintain the prescribedregimenoftreatment
WorldTBDayisobservedeachyearonMarch24alsoto commemorate the date in 1882 when Dr Robert Koch announced the discovery of Mycobacterium tuberculosis (MT),thebacteriumthatcausestuberculosis(TB)
Spread from breathing-in air contaminated by bacteria exhaledbypatients,theinfectionrateisextremelyhigh
With the WHO estimating that each day, close to 3425 peoplelosetheirlivestoTBandcloseto30,000peoplefallill with this preventable and curable disease However, the organisationsaidthatglobaleffortstocombatTBhavesaved anestimated79millionlivessincetheyear2000
In its latest Global Tuberculosis Report, WHO highlighted that more than 8 2 million people with TB received access to diagnosis and treatment in 2023 up from 7 5millionin2022andfarabovethelevelsof5 8millionin 2020and6 4millionin2021
There is still a large global gap between the estimated number of people who fell ill with TB and the number of peoplenewlydiagnosed
In the early days after Koch's discovery, isolation of patients in “Sanatoriums” became the standard treatment until1943whentheantibioticstreptomycinwasdiscovered Today, the drugs used in the fight against TB are Isoniazid (INH), Rifampin (RMP), Pyrazinamide (PZA), Ethambutol (EMP),andtheoldstandbyStreptomycin(STREP) During treatment, a patient will take a combination of these drugs because the TB bacteria may be resistant to one or more of the drugs It is only through the use of multiple kinds of antibioticsthatyoucanbesuretokilleverybacterialcell
These short-course anti-tuberculosis drugs are normally prescribedforaperiodbetweensixandeightmonths
It is critical to take the prescribed amount of each at the prescribedintervals,andfortheprescribedlengthoftime If apatienttakesthedrugsforthefulllengthoftimeprescribed bythedoctor,he/shewillbecured
But herein lays the problem: most patients give up after two to three months The MT, as a living creature, adapts to itsenvironmentbymutatingandtheresultantstrainsbecome immunetothedrugs
The disease is said to be Multi-Drug Resistant TB (MDR-TB)whenitisresistanttoatleasttwoofthefirstline drugsused:RifampicinandIsoniazid
The Directly Observed Therapy Short-Course (DOTS) strategywasintroducedworldwideinthe1990stoovercome the problem of patients not taking their medicine as prescribed In this simple but tedious process, the ingestion ofeverydoseofmedicationisdirectlyobserved
AndthisiswhereifeveryoneconnectedwithTBpatients supports the health workers in charge of DOTS to ensure patient compliance, the disease would be drastically reduced. So, in this season when we shine the spotlight on TB, we have been reassured by the Ministry of Health that Guyana has made significant progress in reducing the numberoftuberculosiscasesinrecentyearsandiswellonits waytoeradicatingTBasapublichealthconcernby2030
The ministry has also acknowledged that collaboration andcoordinationamongallstakeholders,includingpatients, community leaders, DOTS workers, and healthcare professionals, are essential to ensure that all efforts are aligned Like this year's theme, it must be the collective
The police must have a written use of force policy
Dear Editor, In Guyana, "The use of force by members of the Guyana Police Force," are excellent words to utter to start a conversation with, or even better to initiate an argument. The social media is awashed with images of policemen in uniform beating up civilians in the public and at police stations. There are numerous videos of civilians abusing and assaulting policemen in uniform. Both the Minister of Home Affairs and the Commissioner of Police descended on the topic during the just concluded Annual Inspectors and SergeantsConference. Editor, please permit me to again posit my 'three bits' intheconfabulation.
The International Association of Chiefs of Police (IACP) defines force as," that amount of effort required by the police to compel compliance from an unwilling subject " This includes physical, chemical, impact, electronic and firearm force The IACP defines excessive use of force thus, “The application of an amount and/or frequency of force greater than that required to compel compliancefromawillingor unwillingsubject."
TheCodeofEthicsofthe
IACP states that a police officer will never employ unnecessary force or violence and will only use suchforceinthedischargeof duty as is reasonable in all circumstances. In addition, force should be used only with the greatest restraint and only after discussion, negotiation and persuasion have been found to be inappropriate or ineffective. While the use of force is occasionally unavoidable, every police officer will refrain from applying the unnecessary infliction of pain or suffering and will never engage in cruel, degrading or inhuman treatmentofanyperson.
U s e o f f o r c e i s sometimes a necessary part ofthejobofapoliceman,but determining what is reasonable is highly subjective.
In the United States of America, the landmark case is Graham v Connor (1989) in which the Court held: " T h e c a l c u l u s o f reasonableness must embody allowance for the fact that police officers are often forced to make splitsecond judgements in circumstances that are tense, uncertain and rapidly evolvingabouttheamountof force that is necessary in a particular situation The
standard according to the decision is the "reasonably objectiveofficer".
Many types of a force optionscontinuumexist.The one used by the Federal Law Enforcement Training Center (FLETC) is very instructive. It has five levels.
Level One is the Compliant Level where no use of force is usually reasonable. Level Two is the Restrictive (Passive) Level where the subject does not follow the officer's command Force options here include guiding or directing the subject t h r o u g h h a n d s - o n techniques. Level Three is the Resistive (Active) Level which occurs when a subject actively resists arrest. Level three force options include joint manipulation or restraints, leverage techniques, pressure points or even OC (pepper) spray, with a warning given first under proper circumstances.
Level Four is the Assaultive (bodily harm) Level, a direct attackonanofficerorothers.
Appropriate force options at this level include strikes with hands, fists, elbows or knees, kicks, batons and forceful directing the subject to the ground.
Level Five is the Assaultive (serious bodily harm or death) Level where the appropriate response would
bedeadlyforce. Itisknownthatthepolice use of force is a reactive process. They react to the suspect's action So, the police must have a written UseofForcePolicePolicy It must have built - in contingencies. It must be tactically sound and administratively feasible However, merely having a written policy is not enough. The policy must be disseminated at all levels, trainingsessionsonapplying the policy need to be held and the policy need to provide methods for reportingincidents.
Accordingtouseofforce expert Nowicki (2002), " There are three rules relating to the use of force by an officer Rule number one is that you go home the same way as when you went to work: ALIVE. Rule number two is you don't go to prison. Rulenumberthreeisthatyou keep your job. If your use of force is reasonable, you protect yourself, your agency, the community and even the assailant. But when in doubt, remember rule numberone."
May God help the GuyanaPoliceForce.
Yours faithfully Clinton Conway Assistant Commissioner of Police
Bisram's hubristic narratives and intellectual acrobatics
Dear Editor, If Bisram thinks that a response to a bad letter requires more than what is required he is terribly mistaken.
The self-styled pollster obviously framed his response to mine to suit his beliefs, which he knows I do notshare.Itisforthatreason I keep asking myself why would Bisram bring in the dubious to buttress the obvious?
It appears that the intent of his missive is to impress the MAGA locals in his community, to beef up his sagging credibility and to spruce up his tarnished public image principally in 'Little Guyana' in the QUEENS, New York area at a time when ICE is cracking down on persons with or without green cards on the ground that they are considered to be; 'material impediments to the
successful realization of US foreignpolicy.'
Bisram should not fool himself into believing that becausehisresponsetomine waspublishedinK/Nthatits publication has provided readers with prima facie evidence of his claims or anything of evidential value. On the contrary, his views lack credibility and as a consequence, his writing should not be given any particular weight or importance.
We can discern from Bisram's response that, rather than owning up to his paranoia of left-wing politics, he prefers to hold fast to his esoteric beliefs in the face of more solid, scientific and fact-based arguments by American scholars and academics who placehisviewsbelowpar
In case he hasn't noticed it, with every letter he publishes, his credibility
becomes more and more questionable in academic circles in the country where helives
As a matter of fact, as an advocate of a particular ideological strain, his beliefs and utterances have come under severe scrutiny by university professors whose bootswon'teverfithim.
Bisram'sjumptorespond to mine, closely resembles the individual who jumps on a soapbox in a corner at Queens' Park in Port-of Spain or Central Park in NYC having assigned himself an air of selfimportance and selfassumedcredibility
Bisram's response to mine came across as cynical, if not fraudulent and as a shadowy reflection of his beliefs that serve to comfort him only, since he refuses to accept objectivity to guide and help him to distinguish rightfromwrong.
In his missive, Bisram sought to impress readers with his vast collection of hubristic narratives devoted to attracting the gullible to his questionable and mystical notions of Guyanese politics designed t o j u s t i f y h i s pronouncements.
Moreover, Bisram invoked his intellectual acrobaticstojustifyhiseffort to ensnare the unsuspecting in his insoluble and idle political prattling in order to insulate himself from his r e p u g n a n t s e l frighteousness.
Much of what Bisram wrote is either irrelevant or toxic at worst I have therefore concluded that in the final analysis, it is better to ignore or better yet, avoid engaging Bisram in futile letter writing and his highminded contempt for those whoholddifferentopinions, (Continue on page 6)
Like the Phoenix, CLC will rise from the ashes
Dear Editor,
On the morning of Saturday, March 22, a devastating fire tore through Critchlow Labour College (CLC), leaving a significant portion of the building in
ruins This loss is heartbreaking, not just in the destruction of the physical structure, but in the impact it has on what the college represents to the workers of Guyana past, present, and future.
For over five decades, CLChasstoodasabeaconof hope, empowerment, and a vehicle for both personal and national development It is not just a building; it embodies the blood, sweat, and tears of generations of workerswhohavefoundboth education and opportunity withinitswalls
Established in 1967 by the Guyana Trades Union Congress (GTUC) and
named after Hubert
Nathaniel Critchlow, Guyana's second National Hero and Father of Trade Unionism in the British Empire, CLC has been a vital pillar of workers' trainingandeducationfor58 years.
CLC has touched the lives of tens of thousands, enabling them to pursue distinguished careers and contribute to various sectors of society More than an academic institution, it has b e e n a p l a c e o f transformation a sanctuary where people from all walks of life could pursue their educational dreams, especially those otherwise excluded from conventional highereducationsystems.
For many, CLC was a second chance a stepping stone to higher education and personal growth The college's programmes have served as gateways to universities and colleges like theUniversityofGuyanaand the Cyril Potter College of Education, as well as technical institutions and collegesabroad
A t a t i m e w h e n educational opportunities were scarce, CLC opened
doors for countless individuals, empowering them with knowledge and skills that allowed them to climbtheladderofsuccess.
As society's needs evolved, CLC adapted It responded to the growing demand for secondary education by offering programmes for school-aged children and preparing them
to sit the Caribbean Examination Council (CXC) exams with great success
The college also expanded to support other institutions in offering specialised programmes in nursing, shipping, and other professional fields, further cementing its role in supporting personal and professionaldevelopment.
CLC's journey has not been without its struggles Since its inception, the college has relied on government subventions to supportitsworkinadvancing thenationalgoalofeducation forall
This partnership was aboutmorethanjustfinancial assistance; it was about creating an educated nation that could engage in selfempowermentandcontribute to national development. However, in 2003, under the B h a r r a t J a g d e o administration, the government withdrew its yearlysubvention.
Faced with this financial setback, CLC could have shut its doors. Instead, the college continued its mission, refusing to turn away those who needed the opportunities for growth and education.
I n 2 0 2 1 , t h e A Partnership for National Unity and Alliance for Change (APNU+AFC) restored the subvention, although at a significantly reduced amount However, u n d e r t h e c u r r e n t administration of President IrfaanAli,thesubventionhas once again been removed Despite these financial challenges, CLC has remained resilient, steadfast
in its commitment to p r o v i d i n g w o r k e r s ' education.
The fire on March 22 is yet another blow to the institution, but it is not the end Like the Phoenix, CLC will rise from the ashes The resilience of the college, its staff,students,andsupporters isundeniable
While the fire may have destroyedpartofthebuilding, it cannot destroy the spirit of CLC the unyielding will to continue pushing forward and offering opportunities to thosewhoneedthemmost.
It is in moments like this that the strength of a community is tested. We express our deep gratitude to the many individuals and organisations who have e x t e n d e d t h e i r support whether through financial contributions, words of encouragement, or simply keeping CLC in their thoughts
The outpouring of support is a powerful reminder of the lasting impact this institution has hadonthelivesofsomany
While the destruction of CLC's physical structure is painful, it is important to remember that the college itself is not defined by walls and ceilings. It is defined by theeducation,empowerment, and opportunities it has provided to generations of workers The fire may have temporarily dimmed its light, but it will never extinguish the flame of Critchlow LabourCollege.
This is not the end; it is merely another setback in a long history of overcoming adversity CLC will rebuild and, in doing so, it will emerge stronger, more r
determined to continue its vital work of advancing workers' rights and education To the students, a l u m n i , a n d supporters thank you We willriseagain,together
Regards Lincoln Lewis
Gross underpayment of govt. medical officers
Dear Editor,
I write to highlight the gross underpayment of government medical officers in the public healthcare system General medical doctors are expected to work grueling 12-24 and even 36hour on-call shifts, often under extreme conditions, yet are compensated a mere $4,000 GYD per call/shift —asumthatisbothinsulting andunsustainable.
This pittance does not reflect the responsibility,
expertise, and sacrifices d e m a n d e d o f t h e s e professionals.
While doctors battle exhaustion to keep the healthcare system afloat, their remuneration fails to acknowledge their worth How can we expect to retain and motivate medical professionals under these conditions?
When will the esteemed PPP/C government make a change to this gross injustice? Will it be an
upcoming campaign promise? Is that how they will secure the votes of medical professionals? Will it be another tactic that falls under the guise of their "One Guyana"mantra? It appears as though only "one section of Guyana" is thriving while others are barelyscrapingby If we truly value healthcare and those who provideit,thismustchange.
Regards
Concerned Citizen
Commissioner Khafra's Response to the Group of ERC Commissioners
Dear Editor,
As I respond to the most recent missive of ERC commissioners titled “Commissioner Ras Khafra attempted to spread several pieces of misinformation about the ERC”, dated March 21, 2025, I'm emotionally conflicted. On the one hand, I'm saddened thatthecommissionersofthe ERC have chosen the route of confrontation rather than conciliation in responding to a matter of profound displeasurethatwaspublicly expressed by the main representative organizations of the African Guyanese community
On the other hand, I'm h a p p y t h a t t h o s e commissioners who have chosen this war path against the concerns of the African Guyanese community have finally found the courage to emerge from the shadows and have revealed their identities for all Guyanese to see.
Guyanese are smart and
can draw their own
conclusions vis-a-vis motive, from the names that are attached to that letter I also, at this point, want to state categorically and unequivocally that the assertions made in that letter are at the least disingenuous and at the most utter lies. I will therefore just address the two main points of their
missive and leave the other triflesforasubsequentletter
Their missive states that the initial press release that wassentoutwasendorsedby seven commissioners. This can only be true if it were done at some unofficial clandestine meeting of this s p e c i a l g r o u p o f commissioners or in some other unofficial WhatsApp chat group that I'm not a part of. There are only two ways that commissioners give approvals, either at official statutory or sub-committee meetings or in our official WhatsApp chat group
Outside of those any d e c i s i o n w o u l d b e considered unofficial I therefore, throw out a challenge to all of them, that if they can produce to the public any evidence that approval was given through any of those two officially established channels, then I'm prepared to resign as a commissioner of the ERC. If they cannot, then I suggest
that the head of this clandestine group, the Chairman, if he's a man of honour and integrity, do the honourable thing and fall on his own sword by resigning asChairmanoftheERC.
On the issue of the use of phrases such as “unanimous decision” and “no dissenting voices” the group is being disingenuous. Whether there were objections from inside t h e c o m m i s s i o n t o commissioner Subhan being chosen as one of the representatives to the forum is moot. I maintain that there were. The more important point, however, is that there were objections being expressed externally by representatives of the A f r i c a n G u y a n e s e community and the commission was fully aware ofthatandshouldhavetaken that into consideration. That was the reason why I nominated commissioner NorrisWittertoaccompany (Continue on page 6)
The PPP's embrace of Trump's agenda
Dear Editor, Political parties and the government of Guyana
should not be using taxpayers' money to hire a lobbying firm to mobilise
against the political opposition and advance its domestic political agenda.
This in fact is just what the PPPhasdonetwicenow,first in 2020 after the party was declaredwinner
It is clear that the PPP Government - President Ali and Vice President Jagdeo arefansoftheTrumpagenda of challenging democratic institutions and norms, sowing seeds of discontent, self-enrichment, privileging a select wealthy few and absolute domination of the m a j o r g o v e r n i n g
institutions.
Imagine if all the governments in the Caribbeanwerepermittedby their laws to engage in lobbying firms to advance their political agenda and consolidation of power by securing favorable actions a n d r h e t o r i c f r o m Washington. Does this look and sound likeademocraticsocietythat values the will of the people andfreespeech?
No,itlookslikeasociety in which the government wants to remain in power, despite the will of the people and will do so at any cost, once they can get away with it.
Now,thegovernmenthas invited Marco Rubio, a U.S.
S e n a t o r k n o w n f o r
overseeing deportations under Donald Trump's administration and for defying lawful court orders. Rubio'sdisregardforjudicial rulings reflects contempt for the rule of law, raising serious concerns about the PPP's motives. Inviting a figure with this record
s u g g e s t s t h e P P P ' s willingness to manipulate Guyana's electoral process, underminingdemocracy Engaging figures like Rubioandrelyingonforeign political influence, the PPP is signaling its intention to manipulate the democratic process and suppress opposition.
Regards N. Promlall
Commissioner Khafra's Response to the Group of...
From page 5 metoGenevain2024.Itwas t h e C h a i r m a n w h o subsequently nominated commissioner Subhan with the support of this same group that has now revealed itself.
Also, to use a picture of commissioner Subhan and I attheforuminGenevatosay
t h a t i t p r o v e s m y endorsement of the actions of the ERC is similar to me saying the picture that the government delegation took w i t h I D PA D A - G ' s delegation at the said forum, which can be found on my Facebook page, was an endorsement of IDPADA-G by the government, is idiotic
and by itself is enough to discredit and disqualify any other contention that was expressed by this group of commissioners.
I want to close by saying that this is in no way an attempt to demean the character of all of those commissioners nor diminish the work of the commission. Most of them are good people held to ransom by a few bad persons and forced againsttheirwilltodothings that violate their conscience.
I'd like to single out commissioner Subhan for special mention since his name has been placed in the center of this exchange Commissioner Subhan,
coming from the previous commission, has been a rock upon which the commission has relied heavily upon for guidance From the inceptionhehaddeclaredhis political affiliation and sharedhisstorywithallofus on the board, however, he h a s a l w a y s b e e n professional, objective and tactful in handling matters, even politically sensitive matters, that the commission has had to deal with, and I respect him for that. The chairman would do well to learnfromhim.
Yours Truly
Ras Khafra Commissioner ERC
World Tuberculosis Day 2025: A Call to Action
Dear Editor, Guyana stands with the global community in
o b s e r v i n g W o r l d Tuberculosis (TB) Day, marking 143 years since Dr R o b e r t K o c h ' s groundbreakingdiscoveryof theTBbacillus. His work paved the way for diagnosing, treating, and curingTB.Yet,despitebeing preventable and curable, TB remains a major global healththreat.
According to the 2024 WHO Global Tuberculosis Report, an estimated 10.8 million people worldwide developed TB last year, and 1.25 million lives were lost, including 161,000 among those living with HIV Every day, nearly 3,500 people die, and 30,000 fall ill from a diseasethatwehavethetools todefeat.
This year's theme “Yes! We Can End TB: C o m m i t , I n v e s t , Deliver”—is a rallying cry for Guyana to strengthen its fight against drug-resistant TB. The Ministry of Health, civil society, and all stakeholders must intensify efforts to implement and monitor critical control measures,namely:
* Administrative interventions to ensure early detectionandtreatment,
* E n v i r o n m e n t a l controls to limit TB transmission,and Access to protective equipment for healthcare workers.
With $143 2 billion allocated to the health sector in 2025, we must expand universal access to TB care, strengthen prevention, treatment, and research, and a d d r e s s t h e s o c i a l determinants of health that fuelTB'sspread.
Ending TB requires a) R e d u c i n g p o v e r t y, o v e r c
w d i n g , a n d malnutrition; b) Strengthening housing, healthcare, and nutrition programs, and c) Tackling tobacco, alcohol use, diabetes, and HIV, w h i c h i n c r e a s e T B vulnerability
T h e N a t i o n a l Tuberculosis Programme (NTP) must also expand its D i r e c t l y O b s e r v e d Treatment(DOT)servicesto all ten regions, with a strong focus on Regions 4 and 3, wheremostcasesoccur The Hinterland areas need greater coordination and
Bisram's hubristic narratives and...
Frompage4 ideologicalorotherwise.
H e s h o u l d k e e p repeating to himself the mantra;'Tothineownselfbe true' since it may motivate him to behave better in the future.
One last piece of advice toMrBisram; Learn from the past without laying claim to moralauthority
Yours faithfully, Clement J. Rohee
ownership from all stakeholders to improve TB control.
TB is an airborne infectious disease caused by M y c o b a c t e r i u m tuberculosis. It spreads when an infected person coughs, sneezes, speaks, or sings, releasing bacteria into the air Symptoms include persistent cough (over two weeks), chest pain, fever, night sweats, weight loss, andfatigue.
Anyone experiencing these symptoms or exposed toTBshouldseekcareatone of 18 Chest Clinics across Guyana or call the National Tuberculosis Programme at 225-7290/227-0592/2318270. The good news: TB t r e a t m e n t i s n o w shorter—just 4 to 6 months, fully oral, and highly effective.
On World Tuberculosis Day, let us renew our commitment to ending TB. Thisiseverybody'sbusiness. Together, we can make it happen!
Sincerely
Dr. Karen FrancisCummings Shadow Minister of Health
Surinamese citizens invest US$516M
into country’s first oil project
The state-owned oil company of Suriname, Staatsolie on Monday announcedthatthecompany hasraisedUS$515.8million through a new bond that allowed citizens there to invest in the country's first offshore oil project, GranMorgu.
Staatsolie in thanking participants highlighted that the amount raised was US$ 211.7 million more than the US$ 304.1 million that was targeted. “This proves that there is confidence in Staatsolie, the GranMorgu project in Block 58 and a brighter future for Suriname,” the company said.
Proceeds from the bond issue will be used by Staatsolie to co-fund its participationofupto20%in the development of the GranMorgu offshore oil field in Block 58. The total investmentforthisprojectis estimated at US$ 12 2 billion,ofwhichStaatsolie's contribution is US$ 2 4 billion. Staatsolie has also
set aside its own cash reserves for the investment intheGranMorguproject.
Additionally, it was explained that part of the proceedswillalsobeusedto refinance the Staatsolie Bond 2020-2025 and 20202027 of US$195 million.
“Holdersofthisbondhadthe opportunity of redeeming their bonds to participate in the new issue. More than seventy percent of the Staatsolie Bond 2020-2025 and 2020-2027 has been exchanged Some of the bondholders, accounting for US$55 million, decided to continue with their existing bonds,” the company stated.
Theofficiallaunchofthe bond issuance took place on 31January2025.
The Staatsolie Bond 2025-2033, which was available in both US dollars andEuros,tookeffecton23 March 2025, and has an eight-yearterm.Theinterest rate is set at 7.75% for the US$bondand7.25%forthe EURbond.
Local investors had an opportunity to participate from as little as US$100 or EUR100.Staatsoliesaidfor larger investors residing in Suriname, Curaçao, or Sint Maarten, a denomination of US$30,000wasavailable.
In its production-sharing contract with TotalEnergies, the operator of Block 58, it was agreed that Staatsolie willtakeuptoa20%stakein the first-ever offshore oil field in Suriname, the GranMorgu.
The Suriname oil company explained, “The proceeds from this bond issuance will help Staatsolie finance its portion, reducing theneedforbankloans.The company has also set aside cash reserves for the GranMorgu investment
Anotherkeyobjectiveofthis bondissuanceistorefinance the Staatsolie Bonds 20202025 and 2020-2027, which previously raised US$ 195 million to support the 20202 0 2 7 i n v e s t m e n t programme.”
The GranMorgu project
will develop the Sapakara a n d K r a b d a g u o i l discoveries, on which a successful exploration and appraisal campaign was completedin2023.
The fields are located 150 kmoffthecoastofSuriname and hold recoverable reserves estimated at over 750 million barrels. First oil at the project is expected by 2028 TotalEnergies said in its Final Investment Decision(FID).
The project includes 220,000barrelsofoilperday Floating Production Storage andOffloading(FPSO)unit.
TotalEnergies is the operator of Block 58 with a 50%interest,alongsideAPA Corporation(50%).
Locally, the Chief Policymaker for the oil and gas sector, Vice President Bharrat Jagdeo lauded the approach by Suriname that allows its citizens to invest. During a press conference last month, Kaieteur News asked the VP whether this initiative could be introducedinGuyana.
GPL
to
Tothisend,heexplained, “I think while it's a laudable thing,theyhavetoraisealot of money, let's see if it's going to be subscribed to in Suriname but you also have totellpeopleaboutthatrisk, that when you put your money, an ordinary person, you're dependent on what happenswiththeoilandgas sectorinthefuture,youmay notgetbackanyreturnifthe project doesn't do well versusinvestinginabond.”
Jagdeoalsooutlinedhow thisinitiativemaybeusedin other projects in Guyana, particularly in sectors like fertilizer plants or offshore servicevessels.Accordingto
him, “If we build a fertilizer plant in Guyana, maybe we could have people take equityintheprojectorinvest t h r o u g h b o n d s [Additionally], the vessels supplying offshore so if we structure some of those in a way that provides multiple opportunities for Guyanese. If you invest in a bond, you knowthebondwillstatethe rate you'll get 10% for the year, you might get higher thantheinterestrateyouare getting in the bank, but you know you getting that definitely because that is paid in the first order, it's abovetheline,it'spartofthe costoftheproject.”
and MoE sign MoU for 50 women
receive solar photovoltaic training
The Guyana Power and Light (GPL) and the Ministry of Education (MoE) on Monday signed a M e m o r a n d u m o f Understanding (MoU) to support the Photovoltaic (PV) training of 50 women
through the Solar
A p p r e n t i c e s h i p Programme.
GPLinapressreleaseon Monday said that the collaboration with the MoE will focus on providing opportunities for women in Regions2,5,6,and10,with the training set to commenceinApril2025.
"The MoU will also s
stakeholderstoensurelongterm sustainability of solar education,"GPLadded.
The agreement was signed by the Head of Executive Management at GPL, Kesh Nandlall, and Permanent Secretary of the Ministry of Education, ShannielleHooseinOutar
In February, GPL announced plans to train 50 w o m e n i n S o l a r P
of
programme Additionally,
Permanent Secretary of the Ministry of Education Shannielle Hoosein Outar and Head of Executive Management at GPL, Kesh Nandlall holding the MoU
GPL will train 20 more womeninrenewableenergy management. This programme is aimed at strengthening Technical and Vocational Education and Training (TVET) in Guyana by providing opportunities for women to upskill in fields traditionally dominated by men. It forms part of the World Bank's Caribbean Efficient and Green-Energy Buildings Project, which is designed to transform the region's energy sector through sustainable energy solutions.
The project seeks to reduceenergyconsumption, expand renewable energy use in public buildings, and enhance the regulatory framework for energy efficiency and renewable energy investments across Caribbeannations.
A s p a r t o f t h e programme, twenty women will begin a two-year apprenticeship in electrical installations and basic solar photovoltaic technology, with the training having startedonMarch3,2025.
Suriname's first oil project, GranMorgu is expected to commence production by 2028
Desecration, Disrespectful, and Disgraceful
The solemnity of Babu Jaan, a site meant to commemorate the life and legacy of Dr. Cheddi Jagan, was desecrated last Sunday by an event that bore little resemblance to the ideals of the man it purported to honour The annual pilgrimage to Jagan's final resting place has long since ceased to be a moment of reflection It has instead devolved into a spectacle of partisanship, vanity, and political theatrics What
s
extravagantexercise,onethat wouldhavebeenrepugnantto themaninwhosenameitwas held
Dr Cheddi Jagan, for all his political militancy, was notamangiventothekindof vitriolic attacks that have becomesynonymouswiththe People's Progressive Party's m
y poli
l rhetoric He was known for engaginginrigorouspolitical and ideological debates, preferring to take an analytical approach to national issues rather than engaging in attacks against his rivals And yet, what we witnessedatBabuJohnwasa continuation of the crude political posturing that has become the hallmark of the PPP's weekly press conferences hosted by its GeneralSecretary While the General Secretary exercised more restraint in his public invectivethistimearound,his tenor still betrayed a combative disposition that was at odds with the more analytical approach of Jagan The fundamental difference betweenthetwomenisclear:
where Jagan sought to persuade through argument, the present leadership seeks todominatethroughbluster.
The second form of desecration and one of the most unsettling moments of the rally was the tribute paid by a particular organization, which, instead of honoring CheddiJaganinaneutraland dignified manner, used the occasion to heap partisan praise on both the late leader and the ruling PPP This blatant alignment with the party, was a troubling display ofpoliticalfawning
Jagan's politics were never about grand spectacles or indulgent public displays; he was a man of the people, and his gatherings were built onthesweatanddedicationof those who truly believed in his cause To see his name invoked by such an extravagant rally was not a tribute itwasabetrayal
Adding to the dishonour of the occasion was the breach of protocol by the President himself No sitting head of state should allow himself to be relegated to a supportingrolebehindaparty functionary That President Irfaan Ali allowed himself to be slotted as the penultimate speaker giving way to the party's General Secretary, who also serves as Vice President only lends credence to the growing perception about true power residing elsewhere The optics of this moment were disastrous It suggested that the party hierarchy holds more sway than the office of thePresidentitself
The event was further marred by the sight of senior government officials, bedecked in party colours,
Dem Boys Seh...
attendingwhatwasanovertly partisan political gathering. Regardless of whether they are political appointees, senior public officials should notbeseenateventsthatblur the lines between state and party. Their attendance compromises the neutrality and integrity of their positions, making a mockery of the very bureaucracy they aremeanttoserve
The precedent for such b e h a v i o u r i s n o t new during the days of the PNC government, Cheddi Jagan himself vociferously condemned the practice of state officials appearing at party congresses and meetingsofthePNCGeneral Council That the PPP now engagesintheverybehaviour Jagan abhorred is the height ofhypocrisy
Perhaps the most disgraceful aspect of the event was the presence of school children, in their uniforms, at a partisan political rally The use of children as political props is unconscionable Itwasastark reminder of the growing politicization of education in Guyana, a trend that should alarm every right-thinking citizen
This is not an isolated incident;itcomesontheheels of party propaganda being insertedintoaGrade3school textbook, another troubling indication that political indoctrination is creeping into our educational institutions The deliberate exposure of children to partisan politics is an act of moralcorruption,anditisone that Cheddi Jagan, were he a l i v e , w o u l d h a v e categoricallycondemned
If the purpose of last
Rally is not cash grant line
Dem boys seh one man tun up at de Pee
Pee Pee Cee rally and ask if is de line fuh collect cash grant. De man seh he hear people talking 'bout a big gathering, so he assume money deh sharing out. When dem tellheisapoliticalrally,heseh,“Well,same difference, nah? Last election time I get a lil something,soIjustchecking.”
Buthewasn'tdeonlyonewhocomewid heownagenda.Demhadasetofpeoplewho is professional selfie collectors. Is like dem wukking fuh Facebook and Instagram. As soon as de big ones arrive, dem rushing fuh tek picture, posing up like dem is campaign managers.
One man tell he friend, “Look, see me here wid deVee Pee? Next week, when dem sharingoutsomething,Igonusethisasproof Idehpundeinside!”
Then you got de contractors-in-waiting. Dem boys seh some of dem never build a fowl pen in dem life, but suddenly dem is big-time engineers. Dem watching de big
Sunday'seventwastohonour Cheddi Jagan, then it failed spectacularly. The man who stood for analytical discourse was instead posthumously used as a sequel of the new General Secretary's press conference
The man who rejected bourgeois excess was commemorated with an extravagant spectacle The
man who believed in the independence of government institutions had his memory tarnished by the blatant politicization of public officials. Andmostegregiously,the man who fought for the betterment of young people sawhislegacytrampledupon with the disgraceful use of school children for partisan ends (Theviewsexpressedin this article are those of the a u t h o r a n d d o n o t necessarily reflect the opinionsofthisnewspaper )
oneshard,hopingfuhmakeeyecontact,just so dem could slide in a lil whisper: “Boss man, I could handle de next billion-dollar project,yuhknow.”
Butindemiddleofalldemopportunists, dem still had many genuine supporters. Peoplewhocomebecausedembelieveinde party,whowavingflagandchantingslogans from dem heart, not from dem pocket. Dem only hoping dat de people who come fuh hustle does go 'bout dem business and lef politicsfuhdepeoplewhoreallycare.
Dem boys seh rally is not cash grant center, is not photo studio, and is not job application fair But tell dat to some of dem who show up, and dem gon tell you, “If you ain'tgettingnothingoutofit,whatyoureally doinghere?”
Andthatiswhyderealonesdoesalways end up shaking dem head and whispering to demself, “Same story every election season—differentfaces,samemotives.”
Talk half, leff half!
H@RD TRUTHS
Radical left-wing lunatic
All things are possible. It is a saying from sacred scripture. For here I am agreeing with the newest
American Superhero, President Donald Trump, a fire-breathing, enemy devouring CaptainAmerica. The latest jewel emerging from his profound being is “radical left-wing lunatic” hurled at a fellowAmerican. In sidestepping that blow, themysteryishowPresident
Ali and Vice President Jagdeo didn't get there first. In flinching, it got me thinking about what's happeninghere.
To say that Exxon is a rapaciouscorporatepredator is to be deemed a traitor Lower than low, beyond rehabilitation; one unworthy ofacceptancebackintoloyal society To me, that sounds eerily like 'radical left-wing lunatic.' Don't look at me.
With hand over heart, I repeat my oath to America, capitalism, and the AmericanWay Theoldone. But Exxon is America, that projection of American power and its subtle imperialist visions. Trouble looms. Instant qualification for that verbal sledge from the New Yorker now excitedly ensconced in Washington Given the temper of the times, he
belongs. But “radical leftwing lunatic” for someone asking a question, scoping out a situation is venturing intostorm-tossedwaters. Storm-tossed waters are what Guyanese live with here. Totestthis,Imustfind out if I still qualify for a Guyana passport, and the lettering it presents to me. Because 'One Guyana' means that all must rally around the commercial that
Exxon is as one with G u y a n a a n d i t s interests. Based on its voracious 2016 document creativity, I assert loudly, clearly: Exxon is antiGuyana. I'm sure that Mr AlistairRoutledgeheardme, and I have something more for him. Shred that 2016 document, reboot the conversation,andthatisproGuyana Rather than ruthless capitalism, there is its right-minded, even righteous, version I recognize that this is dangerous country For to say that Exxon is antiGuyana brings instant qualification for that searing brand: 'Anti-American ' Anti-American is the sweeter rendition of 'radical left-wing lunatic.' And to think that I penned annual writings titled, 'The local lunaticfringe.' Itisaterrible developmenttoendupinthe asylum that is owned and inhabited by men like, aw shucks, let me be generous today It is that kind of countryhere.
Yeah To tell Mr. Routledge to tell Mr Woods that2%isapatentedrobbery is to be anti-American, thanks to the political and ideological conversion of Daktah Irfaan Ali and Daktah Bharrat “Exxon” Jagdeo It is common knowledge that those who experience overnight religious conversions can be real fanatics, loose cannons, bona fide fundamentalists. But they can't hold a candle to the Guyanese now baskingintheirnewpolitical light “America! Oh Americaaah… Godshedhis grace on thee….” No! that's not Ray Charles. Nor of me standing to attention, saluting the Stars and Stripes, and the goose bumps out of control. It is Irfaan Ali and Bharrat Jagdeo, Aubrey Norton and Nigel Hughes all striving to outshout each other. Outshout fits, because they could sing a line to save this country from Maduro. Or Exxon. Or those fine fellas in DC. What chance the Guyanesepeople?
When I think of 75% of the rich oil cream snatched for expenses, some not quite legit, I see more than a crippling mortgage I behold a goddamn loan shark operating out of some back alley in Brooklyn Alistair Routledge, he of MIT math vintage and the
Wharton School of Business, takes out 75% fromthetopandstillendsup with 52% gifted to Guyana. It reinforces my unmoving belief that this nobleman is more than a CXC candidate. He is a CXC victim, and a Guyanatragedy
Now, the local defenders of the faith will say that I have crossed the line from anti-Guyana and anti-Exxon to anti-American. If this was a country, I could take it seriously This is not a country It is a catastrophe. One man who is a living, walking version of the uber local power master came up with the pathetic taken to its ultimate. He can't tell this m a t h e m a t i c a l l yhandicapped American superstar to tear down his blastedbillboard. I have heard about getting on the right side of powerful people. But there is the greatest distaste to observe leaders lying on their backs and waiting for their bellies to be rubbed for their docility and pretended stupidity All of this offends my tender sensibilities From billboards, to the Routledge lite math to national leaders cooing in contentedsubmission. They can surrender themselves. But no Guyanese with any cojones should avert their gaze whey national leaders agree to the subjugation of the citizens of this Republic to foreign corporate entities. Or any entity, power. Work together, for sure. But yielding the knee, nevah mahluv!
Now, disturbed PPP Government operators are adept at rearranging things to suit their nefarious programs (before AI, there was the PPP, a lurking crime wave). Afield day beckons. Lunatics on the loose. Leftwingers running amok. The only left-wingers left are NorthKoreans;evenPutinis lukewarm. He is more into money via the American capitalist route. But say Exxon, this cannot be thine way, and daggers are drawn. Guyana is going to hell in a calabash, and citizens shrug. I contend that it's already there. (The views expressed in this article are those of the author and do not necessarily reflect the opinions of this newspaper.)
Contractor remanded for armed robbery Bandit in underwear steals scale from Hope, ECD family
Screen grabs from the Closed Circuit Television (CCTV) footage, showing the bandit in his underwear, holding the stolen item in his hand.
ClosedCircuitTelevision (CCTV)footageonSaturday caught a known bandit, clad only in his underwear, jumping into a yard at Lot 5 Hope, East Coast Demerara (ECD) and stealing a digital scalevalued$20,000.
The incident reportedly occurred around 02:00h while the family of five was asleepintheirhome.
A member of the family, identified only as Mia, told Kaieteur News that on the day in question, it was observed that the bandit jumped into the neighbour's yard since their fence was lower before proceeding to heryard.
The 32-year-old woman sharedthatthesaidbandithas a habit of breaking into
A 22-year-old contractor was on Monday remanded to prison when he appeared at the Georgetown Magistrates' Court to answer robbery under arms charge.
William Goodasaul of Lot 493 'C' Field Sophia, Georgetown appeared before Senior Magistrate Fabayo Azore. Goodasaul allegedly used a gun to rob Afen Berkshire of one 12-gauge shotgun valued $250,000 and four 12-inch gauge cartridges valued $100,000, property of SheriffSecurityService.
HealsoallegedlyrobbedYangJianof $800,000cashandUS$195equivalentto G$39,000totalvalueof$839,000.
BothincidentsoccurredonMarch13, 2025 at Lot 12 BPP Lamaha Park, Georgetown.
The prosecution objected to bail on thegroundsthatifthedefendantisgranted bail, he will continue to commit offenses ofasimilarnature,sinceheisnostranger tothelaw
Goodasaul is scheduled to return to courtonApril28,2025.
William Goodasaul at the Georgetown Magistrates' Court
residents' homes in his underwearstealingvaluables insight.
“Persons called and said thismandidthesamethingto them,” Mia told Kaieteur News
According to CCTV footage seen by this publication, the suspect was seen tip toeing around the victim's compound in search of valuables. While doing so he saw the digital scale and pickeditup.
Thesuspectwasthenseen tiptoeingwiththestolenitem before jumping over the fence into the neighbor's yard, where he initially entered, and then made good hisescape.
The matter was reported tothepolice.
Linden Town Council displeased over Govt's removal of Wismar McKenzie Bridge toll
I
government's recent decision to remove the toll on all bridges, the Linden MayorandTownCouncilon Monday, voiced strong
disapproval over the removal of the Wismar McKenzie Bridge toll, warning that the move will create significant financial challengesfortheCouncil.
Thetoll,whichgenerates approximately $6 million permonth,hasbeenacritical
source of revenue for the town, contributing to its annualbudget.
President Irfaan Ali on Sunday announced that tolls to cross all three major bridges–Demerara,Berbice and Wismar - will be tollfreefromAugust1,2025.
However, Ali, last year August, had first announced thatthetollswillberemoved from crossing the bridges when the new ones are completed. Government is
currently building a new Demerara River Bridge, as well as one in Wismar, Lindenandanewbridgefor Berbice.
President Ali said that thismovebythegovernment will bring ease in travel while eliminating financial burdens on thousands of commuters.
However, City Mayor Sharma Solomon in a statement, raised concerns over the Council not being
informedbythegovernment before the announcement was made He also questioned the potential alternatives the government might offer to compensate for the loss of toll revenue, which is essential for funding the Council's operations, particularly salarypayments.
“(Demerara River (Mackenzie) Bridge Act), has historically contributed approximately $6 million
per month to the Council's budget, which totals more than $70 million annually
To date, the government has not engaged the Council in discussionsnorprovidedany alternativefundingsolutions to address the substantial budget shortfall that will result from this toll removal,”Solomon stated. Heexplainedthatduring a special meeting on February 6, 2025, the Council unanimously approved a 26% salary increase for workers, retroactive to cover the period from 2019 to 2022. However, with the removal ofthetollrevenue,Solomon emphasizedthattheCouncil may be forced to reconsider both the approved salary increase and the planned salaryadjustmentsfor20222024,whichweresettotake effect in the first quarter of 2025.
“ T h e s e s a l a r y adjustments are dependent on the toll revenue, and without it, our ability to proceed is uncertain,” he said.
The mayor also
expressed concerns regarding the new Wismar McKenzie Bridge, which is expected to be completed withinthenexttwoyears.He
noted that the Council has notyetbeenconsultedbythe government about its responsibilities for the bridge's maintenance and management once it is operational.
Assuchthemayorurges thegovernmenttomeetwith the Linden Town Council regarding these pressing issues.
Hestated,“Itisessential to explore viable alternative fundingsourcesormeasures to mitigate the potential negative impact on both the Council's financial health and the well-being of the town.”
In regards to the c o n s t r u c t i o n a n d maintenance of the New Bridge,hesaid,“Werequest clarity on the Council's role and responsibilities in the b r i d g e ' s o n g o i n g management, as well as the allocation of adequate funding for its future m a i n t e n a n c e a n d operations.”
“We remain committed toworkingwithgovernment toresolvethesechallengesin thebestinterestsofthetown. The Council's priority is to ensurethatessentialservices are maintained despite these financial hurdles,” the statementconcluded.
Linden Mayor, Sharma Solomon
PensionergoesmissingduringcreekoutingatKwakwani
A68-year-old man went missing on Friday at a 'bush pool' in the vicinity of Kwakwani, Region 10 duringafamilyouting.
The missing man has beenidentifiedasErrolJohn Barron.
Barron's niece, 43-yearold Elisabeth Edhardt, said thathesuffersfrommemory loss following an accident that occurred several years ago. Edhardt said too that Barron and other relatives told her they wanted to visit
Cuban national jailed for entering Guyana illegally
A 39-year-old Cuban national was on Monday sentencedtothreemonthsin prison for illegally entering Guyanabysea.YosmelPeres Cisnero appeared before Magistrate Fabayo Azore at the Georgetown Magistrates Court where he plead guilty toarrivinginGuyanabysea, disembarking without the consent of an immigration officer charge. Cisnero, who spokethroughaninterpreter, said that he entered the country on March 14, 2025 andwasdetainedonthesame day He said that he traveled alonefromCubaandhaveno familyorfriendshere.
“When I come, they told me I had to go to the office, that same day they detained me and it was a holiday,” Cisnero said via the interpreter. Cisnero was fined$30,000buthetoldthe court that he was unable to paythefinewhichresultedin him being jailed for three months.
and spend time at a creek in Kwakwani.
“They say they want to go at a creek and cool off lil bitandcomehomeandcatch afive.Wecarrythemintothe bush pool and they were bathing but he wasn't bathing,hewassittingdown at the bottom of a shed,” EdhardttoldKaieteurNews Subsequently, Barron wasseenfillingabottlewith water to wash the car He then picked up more bottles that were in the vicinity of the 'bush pool'. However, after some time, the family noticed he was no longer around.
an alarm and searched nearbyforhimtonoavail.
Family members raised
Edhardt told Kaieteur NewsthatBarron'sfamilyis distressed.Theysearched everywhere but the man isyettobefoundinthesmall
community The missing man's niece shared that the familyisstressedanddeeply worriedabouthiswellbeing. Police was notified and an investigation has been launched.
Errol John Barron
Yosmel Peres Cisnero
Barber remanded for discharging firearm
A22-year-oldbarberwas onMondaychargedwithtwo counts of discharging a loaded firearm in Charlestown,Georgetown.
Thedefendant,Shakeem David of Albouystown, Georgetown appeared at the Georgetown Magistrates' Court before Senior
MagistrateFabayoAzore. David was charged for discharging a firearm at MatthewLayneandDeandre LintononMarch20,2025at Alleyne and Sussex Streets Charlestown,Georgetown. Hepleadednotguilty
The prosecution told the courtthatthedefendantisno stranger to the law noting thathehasapendingrobbery under arm matter before the courtforwhichheisonbail. The prosecution made it clear that David allegedly committed the crime while onbailforanotheroffence. H
attorneyassuredthecourtof her client's innocence while statingthatatthetimeofthe incident her client was not there. She submitted that Davidwasintheareabefore
After
untilMarch31,2025.
Man wanted for forgery and conspiracy to commit a felony
Police have issued a wanted bulletin for Shamiah Ryancalled'Banker'. Ryan is wanted for questioninginrelationtohis involvement in forgery and conspiracy to commit a felony against GuyAmerica ConstructionInc. Police, in the bulletin issued on Monday said that Ryan allegedly committed the offences on March 11, 2025atLinden. Personswithinformation about Ryan's whereabouts are asked to contact the nearestpolicestation.
Wanted: Shamiah Ryan called 'Banker'
theshootingoccurred.
Further,theattorneytold the court that persons in the community heard a firearm beingdischargedbutnobody sawherclientdoingso.
listening to the attorneys, Magistrate Azore remanded David to prison
Shakeem David
BLUNT BLUNT BLUNT BLUNT
Much noise about nothing
On Sunday, the PPP held its annual commemoration at Babu Jaan to reflect on the life and legacy of the late former President, Dr. Cheddi Jagan.
Nothing about Cheddi's life and work was on display. It was the usual political cuss down we have become familiar with. Then there were the 'grand' announcements. Toll-free crossings on the three main bridges.
Must we say, two of the bridges: Demerara and the Mackenzie/Wismar the tolls are negligible and will have no real impact on the poor and powerless.
The toll on the Berbice bridge is a creature of the same PPP who through all manner of machinations used NIS funds to bankroll that project.
And then we heard of more cash grants- a PPP poverty alleviation strategy fraught with corruption, that selectively allocates one sets of people grants in the millions and another in the thousands.
WANTED VACANCY
Nanny/Housekeeper needed, must be 30 -45 years old 8 am-4:30 pm at Republic Park E.B.D. Contact: 715-4717.
Domestic needed to work in Campbellville, $6000. Call: 624-7436.
Selling your house or unfinished building, give us a call :216-0671 / 692-8464 or Whatsapp 622-0267.
Hiring - Cook / Baker , Assistant cook and Housekeeper / Galleyhand. Apply via email to : Admin@titanenergyguyana.com.
Need a grocery shopper, ship chandler or visa application preparer: USA, Canada, UK ETA. 626-7040.
Electrical Repairs- transformer, powertools, vaccum, water pump, air cooler, etc at Friendship, EBD. WhatsApp: 659-5664, Call: 627-7835.
We repair & install fridge, freezer, washer & dryer, AC units, stove, etc. Whatsapp/ Call Omar: 654-9711/ 6838734.
Elevate your brand with our professional Graphic design services. Call: 619-0007, 6295526.
House plan drawing, Estimates, Grubbing of land and Sand filling K.Lakeram Building Contractor. Call 216-0671 / 692-8464 or Whatsapp 622-0267.
Family fun Aracari Resort! crystal clear pool, safe kids & adult sections, music & food. W.B.D. Call: 264-29469
TOURS
Suriname Tours- Easter weekend tour to Suriname. WhatsApp/ Call: 639-2663 / 673-2348 for more info.
5 Miles Bartica & Garnett Street, Campbellville . Call : 679-9996
Maid for East Bank area. Call: 615-9132.
Driver must be able to assist in workshop at Eccles, age 23-50, Car/ Van licence. Call: 615-9132 or 645-8443.
Male cleaner for Eccles. Call: 615-9132 or 645-8443.
Male cleaner for yard in East Bank area, two (2) days a week, Call: 615-9132.
Enthusiastic, customer- focused sales rep for Georgetown, able-bodied sales driven. $90k monthly & benefits. Whatsapp: 6886868.
General Domestic ,Apply at Keyfood Mc Doom village next to the post office. 4 day work.
One (1) painter needed. Call: 615-9132 or 645-8443.
One clerk for TSI Eccles office English 1, Maths 2. Call: 615-9132 or email application to techserigy@yahoo.com
Supervisor and Receptionist needed, 25-45 years at 233 South Road, Lacytown. Call: 225-0198.
Kitchen assistant needed. For more info Call: 676-5534 / 6183696.
Vacancy exists for Carpenter, Mason, Truck driver. Contact: 656-0603 / 624-1230 / 624-9504.
CCJ names Nigerian as new judge to replace Barbadian jurist
The Regional Judicial and Legal Services Commission (RJLSC), has appointed Dr. Chile Eboe-Osuji of Nigeria and Canada as a judge of the Trinidad-based Caribbean Court of Justice (CCJ).
The RJLSC, independent body responsible for recruiting staff and judges for the CCJ, said that Eboe-Osuj will fill the vacancy created by the retirement of Justice Andrew Burgess on April 11, this year.
It said that Justice EboeOsuji is an international jurist, who served as a judge of the Hague-based International Criminal Court (ICC), from March 2012 to March 2018 and as ICC president from March 2018 to March 2021.
Prior to joining the ICC, Dr. Eboe-Osuji was the legal advisor to the United Nations High Commissioner for Human Rights and in that capacity, he led the writing of amicus curiae submissions to the European Court of Human Rights and the United States Supreme Court. He has held several posts at the International Criminal Tribunal for Rwanda, including head of Chambers and lead prosecution Trial Counsel. He practised law as a barrister before trial courts in Nigeria and Canada and conducted appeals before the Court of Appeal for Ontario (Canada) and the Supreme Court of Canada.
Dr. Eboe-Osuji also taught international criminal law as an adjunct professor at the Faculty of Law of the University of Ottawa, Canada, and has an extensive record of legal scholarship and publications, including the books
titled International Law and Sexual Violence in Armed Conflicts, and Protecting Humanity.
He is the editor-in-chief of the Nigerian Yearbook of International Law. He served as the legal expert to Nigeria’s delegation to the ICC-ASP Special Working Group on the Definition of the Crime of Aggression. He was called to the Bar in Nigeria (1986), Ontario, Canada (1992), and British Columbia, Canada (1992).
“The RJLSC prides itself on a recruitment process that is both meritocratic and fiercely independent. Each appointment reflects our unwavering commitment to selecting individuals of the highest calibre based solely on their expertise, integrity, and dedication to justice,” said CCJ president and RJLSC chairman, Justice Adrian Saunders.
He said during the recruitment process, 26 applications were received from the United States, Canada, Nigeria, Barbados, Jamaica, Guyana, Sri Lanka, St. Lucia, Fiji, Cameroon, Kenya, Pakistan, Australia, and Trinidad and Tobago. “Of the applications
received, five candidates, three males and two females, were shortlisted for further consideration and subsequently interviewed. This process ensures that our
Court continues to be a beacon of fairness and excellence, characterised by the utmost professionalism and impartiality,” Justice Saunders added. (CMC)
Audited financial reports for Lottery Commission...
From page 3 implemented at the time of reporting.”
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He continued: “I noticed the Ministry of Finance said that it continues to increasingly explore methods and systems to modernize and improve public financial management in a phased manner. Efforts have been directed towards strengthening systems including re-engineering of business processes the restructuring the government’s accounts that would be more aligned with the reforms that are considered pre-requisites towards
the adoption of the international public sector accounting standards. Can you give us an update on the IFMAS system?”
In response, Deputy Accountant General, Jennifer Chapman explained that no progress has been made towards implementing the modules as the government is still exploring other methods of upgrading its financial system.
“It’s still a work in progress.
There hasn’t been any progress though from 2019 to now in terms of implementa-
tion. We’re still at the same stage where we’re still considering to get the most suitable system,” Chapman told the PAC.
In relation to NICIL, the Finance Secretary said that the financial statements were submitted up to 2024 to the Auditor General and the last time a NICIL report was laid in the National Assembly was in 2013.
“We are doing work to bring the reports up to date but I can say for sure that the last report was laid in the National Assembly in terms of NICIL is 2013.”
Dr. Chile Eboe-Osuji (Photo courtesy ICC)
Bids opened to complete Juvenile Holding Centre
Du r i n g t h e reading of bids at the National Procurement and Tender
Administration Board (NPTAB) office it was revealed that the Ministry of Home Affairs is
Below are the companies and their bids: MinistryofHealth Supply&DeliveryofITEquipment.
MinistryofHomeAffairs CompletionofJuvenileHoldingCentre.
H
1
million more to complete the works on the Juvenile
a
Sophia,Georgetown According to the information provided by
ReconstructionofChiefFireOfficerLivingQuarters.
NPTAB, a total of 21 c
undertake the works The
reconstruction of the Holding Centre began last year to the tune of $243 1 million
ConstructionofVirtualCourtRoomat LusignanPrison,EastCoastDemerara.
'A shocking breach': Trump officials leak military attacks to The Atlantic
The Atlantic editor Jeffrey Goldberg says he was included in a private chat about the bombing of Houthi rebels in Yemen.
A l j a z e e r a - T h e administration of United States President Donald Trump has confirmed that a journalist from The Atlantic magazine was included in a private social media chat about upcoming attacks on the Houthi armed group in Yemen.
OnMonday,TheAtlantic published an article from editor-in-chief Jeffrey Goldberg, in which he described the stunning realisation that he had been added to a group chat where high-level government officials were discussing militaryactions.
“The world found out shortly before 2 p.m. eastern time [18:00 GMT] on March 15thattheUnitedStateswas bombing Houthi targets across Yemen,” Goldberg wrote in the opening lines of hisarticle.
“I, however, knew two hours before the first bombs exploded that the attack mightbecoming.Thereason I knew this is that Pete Hegseth, the secretary of defense, had texted me the war plan at 11:44 a.m [15:44 GMT].”
Goldberg explained that he received a message request from a user named “Michael Waltz” on the encrypted messaging app Signal. At first, he doubted that this Waltz could be the real Michael Waltz, Trump's nationalsecurityadviser
But soon, he found himself in the midst of a conversation with 18 government officials, some of whom appeared to be Secretary of State Marco Rubio, Vice President JD VanceandHegseth.
“I have never seen a breach quite like this,”
Goldberg wrote. He ultimatelynotifiedtheWhite House about the security breach and removed himself fromthechat.
T h e T r u m p a d m i n i s t r a t i o n h a s confirmed the incident in a statement from the National Security Council that was sharedwiththemedia.
“At this time, the message thread that was reported appears to be authentic, and we are r e v i e w i n g h o w a n inadvertent number was added to the chain,” council spokesperson Brian Hughes saidinthestatement.
“
At a news conference later on Monday, State Department spokesperson Tammy Bruce declined to comment,referringreporters to the White House for comment.
Trump was himself pressed on the scandal during a White House event to unveil a steel mill for the automaker Hyundai in Louisiana.
“I don't know anything about it,” Trump began, before taking a swipe at the magazineitself.
“I'm not a big fan of The Atlantic To me, it's a magazine that's going out of business. I think it's not much of a magazine, but I knownothingaboutit.”
He proceeded to ask reporters to give him details aboutthesecuritybreach.
“What were they talking about?” Trump asked. He then appeared to confuse the breach with an intentional attempt to subvert the US militaryoperationinYemen.
“It couldn't have been very effective because the attack was very effective. I can tell you that,” Trump said. “I don't know anything about it. You're telling me aboutitforthefirsttime.”
But critics are already calling for an investigation into what occurred. Senator Chris Coons, a Democrat from Delaware, was among those who said Congress should hold an oversight hearing and demand accountability “Jeffrey Goldberg's
reporting in The Atlantic calls for a prompt and thorough investigation,” Coons wrote on social media.
“If senior advisors to PresidentTrump in fact used n o n - s e c u r e , n o ngovernment systems to discuss and convey detailed war plans, it's a shocking breach of the standards for s h a r i n g c l a s s i f i e d information that could have p u t A m e r i c a n servicemembersatrisk.”
Whathappened?
The latest wave of US attacks against the Houthis came on March 15, after Trump announced on social mediathathehadorderedthe military “to launch decisive and powerful” actions againsttheYemenigroup.
B u t G o l d b e r g ' s interactions with the private Signalchatofferaglimpseat how that decision came about.
The Houthis have long been the subject of US military action, including under Trump's predecessor, DemocratJoeBiden.
Since October 2023, the HouthishaveattackedIsraeli vessels and commercial ships in the Red Sea and surrounding waterways, as a means of protesting against Israel'swarinGaza.
Approximately 100 merchant ships have come under Houthi fire from that point onwards, and two have been sunk. However, the Houthiattackscametoahalt in January, when a shortlived ceasefire took hold in Gaza.
Still, Trump announced early in his second term that he would designate the
editor in chief of The Atlantic in such discussions with senior U.S. officials, up to and including the vice president.”
The access, however, granted Goldberg a frontrowseattosomeofthebackroom haggling unfolding in the Trump administration –and some of the policy schisms those discussions reveal.
A participant in the chat who appeared to be Vice President Vance expressed concern that attacking the Houthis would ultimately benefit European trade more thanUSshippinginterests.
Houthis a “foreign terrorist organisation”, an action that was fulfilled earlier this month.
Then, on March 2, Israel began to block humanitarian aid from reaching Gaza, which lacks adequate food and medical supplies In response, the Houthis warned they would attack if the blockade was not ended. The ceasefire in Gaza has since disintegrated, leading to further death and destructioninthePalestinian territory
It was March 11 when Goldberg said he received hisinvitationfromWaltz,the national security adviser, on Signal.
“It immediately crossed mymindthatsomeonecould be masquerading as Waltz in order to somehow entrap me,” Goldberg wrote in The Atlantic.
“ I a c c e p t e d t h e connection request, hoping that this was the actual national security adviser, and that he wanted to chat about Ukraine, or Iran, or some other important matter.”
Twodayslater,Goldberg instead found himself part of a private chat entitled, “Houthi PC small group”. There, some of the most senior officials in the US government appeared to be discussing an imminent attackonHouthistrongholds in Yemen, including the capitalSanaa.
“Ihadverystrongdoubts thatthistextgroupwasreal,” Goldberg explained. “I also could not believe that the national security adviser to the president would be so reckless as to include the
Europe what we expect in return,”SMwrote.
“If the US successfully restores freedom of navigation at great cost there needs to be some further economic gain extracted in return.”
Goldberg declined to provide the operational details of the military strike that unfolded afterwards But he did explain that the actions outlined in the group chat matched the bombs rainingdowninYemen.
He proposed delaying the bombing campaign, in order to better gauge public opinion and the economic ramifications.
“I am willing to support the consensus of the team and keep these concerns to myself,” Vance said. “But thereisastrongargumentfor delaying this a month, doing the messaging work on why this matters, seeing where theeconomyis,etc.”
A person identified as Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth responded that a d e l a y w o u l d “ n o t fundamentally change the calculus”. Nevertheless, he warned against the US draggingitsfeet.
“Immediate risks on waiting:1)thisleaks,andwe look indecisive; 2) Israel takesanactionfirst–orGaza ceasefirefallsapart–andwe don't get to start this on our ownterms,”Hegsethwrote.
Va n c e a p p e a r e d resigned, his concerns most focused on the benefits any strikes might have for Europe.
“If you think we should do it let's go. I just hate bailing Europe out again,” Vancereplied.
Hegsethagainchimedin, “VP: I fully share your loathing of European freeloading. It's PATHETIC. But Mike is correct, we are the only ones on the planet (on our side of the ledger) who candothis.”
Another official, identifiedasSM,appearedto chime in on behalf of the president. Goldberg said he assumed this to be Stephen Miller, Trump's homeland securityadviser
“Thepresidentwasclear: green light, but we soon make clear to Egypt and
He also shared the jubilation that followed the military strikes: officials sharing emojis of the US flag, a flame and a flexing bicep.
“TheSignalchatgroup,I concluded, was almost certainly real. Having come to this realization, one that seemed nearly impossible onlyhoursbefore,Iremoved myself from the Signal group,”Goldbergwrote.
He questioned the legality of US officials discussing such sensitive military action on a social mediaplatform.
“It is not uncommon for national-security officials to communicateonSignal.
But the app is used primarily for meeting planning and other logistical matters — not for detailed and highly confidential discussions of a pending military action,” Goldberg explained.
“Had they lost their phones, or had they been stolen, the potential risk to nationalsecuritywouldhave beensevere.”
T h e e d i t o r a l s o questioned whether the officials on the chat were violating public records law. The messages in the chat were set to automatically delete after a certain period oftime.
“Text messages about official acts are considered records that should be preserved,”Goldbergwrote.
Waltzhimselfcouldbein legal jeopardy for reportedly including Goldberg in the first place – thereby leaking n a t i o n a l s e c u r i t y information into the public sphere.
“ T h e g r o u p w a s transmitting information to someone not authorized to receive it,” Goldberg said. “Thatistheclassicdefinition ofaleak.”
The thread is a demonstration of the deep and thoughtful policy coordination between senior officials.”
The White House national security adviser, Mike Waltz, speaks with Lara Trump, a Fox News host and President Donald Trump's daughter-in- T law, on March 19 [Ben Curtis/AP Photo]
Ann's Grove man of unsound mind stabs villager
An Ann's Grove, East Coast Demerara (ECD) man was on Saturday evening stabbed in the face by another villager deemed to bementallyill.
The mentally ill man, identified only as 'Leo' was behaving erratically and reportedly kept chanting his intention to kill someone. The victim was identified
onlyas'Manni',ayoungman inhis20s.
After stabling 'Manni', a fight ensued between them.
Leo's actions angered residents who assaulted him (Leo), who then sought refuge in a trench for nearly fourhours.
Manni was able to contact the police who arrived shortly thereafter
Upon arrival, the law enforcement officials saw Leostandinginthemiddleof atrench,armedwithapairof scissorsandaknife.
Leo cautioned the residents to keep their distance, as he shivered in the cold trench water Attempts to coax him out were made, but he remained unresponsive.
Govt. to use portion of CDB
US$76M loan to drill water wells in Regions 2, 3, 5 & 6
The government through the Guyana Water Inc (GWI), an agency under the Ministry of Housing and Water, is preparing to utilize a US$76 million loan from the Caribbean Development Bank (CDB) to drill potable water wells in Regions Two, Three,FiveandSix.
This is according to an advertisement issued by the agency seeking contractors toundertaketheworks.
The document states that the Guyana Government has applied for financing from the CDB in an amount
e q u i v a l e n t t o US$76,249,000 towards the cost of the 'Water Supply Improvement Project' and intends to apply a portion of the loan to the project which isdividedintotwolots.
Lot 1 of the project entails the construction of potable water wells at Maria's Delight in Region Two, and Leguan in Region Three. Lot 2 entails the construction of water wells
atBathinRegionFiveandat AdventureinRegionSix.
“The works include but not limited to the following: The construction of six potablewaterwellsalongthe coast - three with an average depthof183metersforLot1 and three wells with an average depth of 366 meters for Lot 2,” the document informed.It should be noted thattheGWIistheexecuting agency for the project and the ministry is responsible f o r t h e o v e r a l l implementation of the project The loan was approvedin2023.
TheCDBatthattimeina statement said that the initiative is one of the first to be carried out under CDB's G u y a n a C o u n t r y EngagementStrategy(20232025) The project will support the Government of Guyana's efforts to increase the percentage of persons having access to treated water to 90% by 2025. At present, although 96% of the
population has access to potable water only 53% of the supply meets the aesthetic standard of the World Health Organisation due to the high iron content, theCDBdisclosed.
Additionally, the Bank said that the loan will serve fivecoastalcommunities.
The Bank stated that the infrastructure development initiative involves the construction of five water treatment plants, complete with storage tanks, and the installation of transmission mains and water meters to vastly improve the quality and reliability of the water supply to the communities. Nearly15,000householdsin these communities will b e n e f i t f r o m t h e interventions,CDBadded.
Kaieteur News had reported that under this loan, theministrysignedcontracts for the construction of water treatment plants for the communities identified for thewaterwellsproject.
Afterapproximatelyfour hours, Leo finally emerged from the trench, assuming that the police had left However, officers who were still at the location quickly subduedhim.
Commander of Regional Division 4 C, Assistant
Commissioner of Police Khali Pareshram told Kaieteur News that 'Leo' is currently a patient at the Georgetown Public Hospital Corporation(GPHC).
The Assistant Police Commissioner noted that 'Leo' has not been arrested nor is he under police guard. He is being treated for the injuries he sustained during the altercation with the residents.
Meanwhile, Manni, the young man who was stabbed by Leo is listed as stable at GPHC.
Virtual Meeting of Caribbean Boxing Promoters
held, Guyana among six countries with interest
Boxing promoters from around the C a r i b b e a n region met virtually on February 1 and 2 where the interest of forming a boxing bodywaspresented.
Based on a “Joint Venture” concept, Guyana’s Brooklyn-based boxing
official Seon Bristol disclosed that his Bris-0
Promotions body’s involvement, like his regionalcounterparts,wasto promote Pro/Am boxing events around the Caribbean.
Initially,theirplansareto put together a template for the promotion of boxing in general, and countries with promoters on board from that first meeting were from Bahamas, Barbados, Guyana, Jamaica, St Maarten and Trinidad and Tobago In a statement
Bristol, with over two decadesinpromotingbothat theamateurandprofessional levels, noted, “It’s great to see promoters from the Caribbean coming together to collaborate on Professional and Amateur Boxing events. Forming a body to handle these promotions can help standardize events, increase visibility, and create a stronger boxing scene in the region.”
Tuesday March 25, 2025
ARIES(Mar.21–Apr.19)
Difficult predicaments could arise today if you try to exert your will over others without having the most honorable intentions, Aries. It could be that you're using someone else's fear of you to control himorher
TAURUS(Apr.20–May20)
The fire within you is raging today,Taurus,andyoushould becarefulhowyouwieldthis power Be proud and triumphant. Walk with your shouldersbackandheadhigh. Freedomisimportant.
GEMINI(May21–June20)
There may be a great deal of fuss over something that seems quite insignificant to you, Gemini. Try to see the beauty and importance of everythingaroundyou.
CANCER(June21–July22)
Thingsarecomingtoacritical point for you today, Cancer, and you may find that other people openly object to your actions. It's OK to be a bit selfish if the situation is appropriate.
LEO(July23–Aug.22)
Feelfreetospeakmoreloudly today, Leo. You'll find that things fall into place more easily if you speak your thoughts outwardly and directly in the presence of others. Bring your internal powerunderyourcontrol.
VIRGO(Aug.23–Sept.22)
Youshouldbaskinaglorious splendortoday,Virgo.There's a great deal of power at your disposal.You'll find your ego ishealthy,charged,andready forthebattlefield.
LIBRA(Sept.23–Oct.22)
Add more sunshine to your day, Libra. It may be time to stir up your inner passion and let it speak with greater confidencethanyouhavebeen lately Make sure you heal yourself by letting the people aroundyouhearyourtruth.
SCORPIO(Oct.23–Nov 21)
You'llfindthatyoursparkcan easily turn potential energy into kinetic energy, Scorpio. Don'tunderestimatethepower of your words. Realize the profound impact they have on othersandtakeresponsibility
SAGIT(Nov 22–Dec.21)
Don't dwell on your fluctuating moods today, Sagittarius. Look at the larger trends and how positive elements are coming together inyourfavor
CAPRI(Dec.22–Jan.19)
Thisisyourdaytoshineinall your glory, Capricorn. There's noneedtoholdanythingback. You'll find that you have a great deal of love to share. Your heart is likely to go to extremes today in order to proveitslove.
AQUARIUS (Jan. 20–Feb. 18)Trynottolosesightofyour own projects or desires, Aquarius. There's a great deal of power and manipulative energy in the air today that could throw you off course if youaren'tcareful.
PISCES(Feb.19–Mar.20)
Recharge today by getting outside and stretching your arms to the sky, Pisces. Be proud and courageous. You have the power to turn an unhealthy situation into a positiveone,
wideraudience
2 **Sponsorship
Opportunities**: Pooling resourcestoattractsponsors, which could benefit all members.
3 * * E v e n t
Scheduling**: Coordinating schedules to avoid overlaps andmaximizeattendance.
4 * * T a l e n t
Development**: Sharing resources for training and development of fighters withintheregion.
5 **Regulatory
Among the many topics of discussion include, but not limited to: 1. **Joint Marketing Strategies**: How they can collectively promote events to reach a
Raúl Jiménez Leads Mexico to Historic...
Frompage24 madness, handled the ball inside the area Jiménez convertedfromthespotwith a confident finish, sending PanamagoalkeeperOrlando Mosquerathewrongway
The goal sparked wild celebrations among the 68,000-plus fans packed into SoFi Stadium, many waving Mexican flags and cheering on their team. The final moments weren’t without controversy — the match was briefly halted in the 80th minute due to discriminatory chants from the crowd, prompting an anti-discrimination protocol and warnings over the PA system.
Still, the night belonged to Mexico.After previously lifting the Gold Cup at the same venue in 2023, El Tri once again made Los Angeles feel like home, reinforcing their dominance in North America with anotherpieceofsilverware.
Mexico’s unity, depth, and belief carried them through the tournament From their quarterfinal win over Honduras to the final whistle against Panama, they consistently showed qualityandcohesion.
For Panama, it was a valiant effort in a historic tournament run, but they leavewithsilvermedalsand abittertasteaftercomingso close Mexico’s triumph ends the U.S. stranglehold ontheNationsLeague,with El Tri becoming the first
Americans to lift the trophy initsyounghistory
Standards**: Establishing guidelines to ensure safety and professionalism in all events.
He said, “As we move forward, organizing workshops or webinars to educate about boxing promotions, marketing, and management could also be beneficial.”
He indicated that soon there will be an in-person meeting with the various stakeholders of boxing from withintheCaribbeanregion.
Seon Bristol
Raúl Jiménez Leads Mexico to Historic Nations League Title with 2-1 Win Over Panama
SportsMax - Mexico are kings of Concacaf once again Powered by the resurgenceofveteranstriker Raúl Jiménez, El Tri captured their first-ever Concacaf Nations League title on Sunday night with a dramatic 2-1 win over Panama in front of a boisterous, pro-Mexico
crowdatSoFiStadium. Jiménez,the33-year-old Fulham striker, was the star of the tournament, scoring all four of Mexico’s goals across the final four He delivered once again on the biggest stage, opening the scoring in the 8th minute before calmly converting a pressure-packed penalty in
the second minute of stoppage time to seal the title.
The win was another chapter in Jiménez’s remarkable comeback story After suffering a lifethreatening skull fracture in 2020 while playing for Wolves, he returned to football just nine months
later Thistournamentwasa resounding reminder of his resilienceandtalent.
Mexico manager Javier Aguirre opted for an aggressive lineup, pairing JiménezwithSantiGiménez up front. The move paid immediate dividends A brilliant cross from Roberto Alvarado found Jiménez in the box, and the veteran
striker nodded home to give Mexicoanearlyadvantage. Panama, who had stunned the United States in the semifinals, refused to fold. They controlled large stretchesofthefirsthalfand were rewarded just before halftime. A video review ruled that Mexico’s Johan Vásquez had committed a foul in the box, and
Adalberto Carrasquilla stepped up to slot home the equalizerfromthespot.
The second half was a tense, physical battle with chances at both ends. But just when it seemed extra timewasinevitable,Mexico were handed a lifeline Panama defender José Córdoba,inamomentof
(Continuedonpage23)
2025 Republic Bank Caribbean Premier League Fixtures confirmed
- Warriors/TKR battle set to kick off action in Guyana leg from September 6
The schedule for t h e h i g h l y anticipated 2025 Republic Bank Caribbean Premier League (CPL) has beenofficiallyconfirmed.
This year’s tournament will take place from Thursday 14 August to Sunday 21 September, bringing top-tier T20 cricket action to six host nations:Antigua&Barbuda, Barbados, Guyana, St Kitts & Nevis, Saint Lucia and Trinidad&Tobago.
A total of 34 matches will be played, with each
Providence, promising an electrifying conclusion to thecompetition
All six teams will host home matches, ensuring fans across the region
Operations Director for the Republic Bank CPL, expressed his
“We are thrilled to once again deliver
Caribbeanandbeyond” Hecontinued,“The2024
expectations, and we are confident that the 2025 tournamentwill
onthat
ng unforgettable moments for players and spectators alike,”saidHall.
Groups, schedule announced for One Guyana 3x3 Quest
With just 11 days to go
b e f o r e Guyana welcomes 16 nations for the largest 3x3 basketballeventeverhosted in the English-speaking Caribbean, excitement is building The Guyana Basketball Federation (GBF) has officially announced the tournament pools for the 20-team competition, which will determine the next qualifier fortheprestigiousFIBA3x3 World Tour in Edmonton, Canada.
The 20 teams have been divided into four groups of five, with the top two from each group advancing to the knockout stage. Leading Group A is Puerto Rico’s TeamCarolina,aforcetobe reckoned with and the top teamintheCaribbean.They will go head-to-head with Ball So Hard, a formidable
team representing Puebla City,Mexico.
St.KittsandNevis’SKN Sugar Boyz, the British Virgin Islands (BVI) Elites from Tortola, and Guyana’s very own Untouchables round off the group. The Untouchables will feature national captain Stanton Rose Jr and US-based Guyanese standout, Daylon Bovell Switzerland’s Lausanne is the highestranked team in the tournament,currentlyholding FIBA’s world No 11 spot Theyaretheclearfavouritesin Group B but will face stiff c o m p e t i t i o n f r o m Renegades, a Guyanese team representing North Ruimveldt. The Renegades, comprising Travis Belgrave, HaroldAdams,NikkoliSmith, and Dominic Vincente, recently represented Guyana atthe3x3AmeriCupinPuerto Rico Joining them are St.
Lucia’s Elite Blazers, Bermuda’s Hamilton, and Quarters United from San Fernando, Trinidad & Tobago. The Dominican Republic’s Distrito Nacional, based in Santo Domingo, leads Group C.
CanadaStunUSA2-1toclaimthird placeinConcacafNationsLeague
SportsMax - Canada handed the United States Men’s National Team a rare Nations League defeat on Sunday,earninga2-1winat SoFiStadiumtosecurethird place in the 2024-25 ConcacafNationsLeague.
Goals from Tani Oluwaseyi and star forward Jonathan David sealed the victoryfortheCanadians,who outshot and outplayed the Americans despite conceding more possession. For the USA, it marked a disappointing end to a campaigninwhichtheywere aiming for a fourth straight title. The match, played in front of a lively crowd in Inglewood, saw both sides fieldrotatedlineupsfollowing semifinal losses just days prior USheadcoachMauricio Pochettinomadefivechanges from the team that fell 1-0 to Panama, including giving Charlotte FC’s Patrick Agyemang his first start in tournamentplay Canadadrewfirstbloodin the 27th minute Alow cross from Ali Ahmed wasn’t properlydealtwithintheUS box, and Minnesota United’s Oluwaseyi pounced on the looseballtofirehomehisfirst international goal from close range Agyemang responded eightminuteslater,finishing aslickmovethatstartedwith Tim Weah’s darting run. Diego Luna, in just his
They will take on Georgetown,Guyana’sthird team, featuring overseasbased Guyanese talent. Cayman Islands’ Cayman Storm,PSNfromGuatemala City, and Team Paramaribo of Suriname complete the group.
Maloney Pacers of Trinidad & Tobago, representing the D’Abadie community,enterasthetop-
ranked team in Group D. New York Soundview from the Bronx, joins them alongside St. Maarten’s Team Phillipsburg, Ecuador’s Fit Storm, and Grenada’sSpiceBoyz. The tournament will tip off at 10:00 a.m. on the opening day, immediately following a brief opening ceremony Daytwowillstart at11:20a.m.
VicePresidentoftheGBF and Coordinator of the One Guyana 3x3 Quest, Rawle Toney, expressed eagerness about the tournament’s impact,statingthattheGBFis fully prepared to host players and officials from around the world “This event has received overwhelming support from across the region, and we are ready to showcase Caribbean basketballonagrandstageat the Cliff Anderson Sports Hall,”Toneystated. Healsoacknowledgedthe unwavering support of the Ministry of Culture,Youth & Sport, assuring fans that the venuewillbetransformedinto a world-class 3x3 basketball arena. “We want to leave a lasting impression on our visitors,manyofwhomwillbe in Guyana for the first time,” headded.
With the One Guyana 3x3 Quest being the first of its kind in the Englishspeaking Caribbean, Toney said the GBF is pulling out all the stops to make the eventasuccess.
Canada handed the United States Men’s National Team a rare Nations League defeat.
second cap, teed up the strikerwithadeftpassinthe box, and Agyemang made no mistake, leveling the score at 1-1 However, Canada regained the lead in the59thminute.Afterapoor clearance by Weah, Ahmed onceagainwasattheheartof theaction,slippingapassto David,whobeatMattTurner with a superb curling strike into the far corner It was David’s 32nd international goal–furthercementinghis place as Canada’s all-time leadingscorer Despitelatepressureand afewclosecalls—including adangerousheaderbyMark McKenzie and a near miss by Max Arfsten—the USA couldn’t find a way back. Canada’s Dayne St. Clair came up with a couple of timely saves to preserve the lead.
The loss drops the USA to fourth place, their worst finishintheNationsLeague since the competition’s inception. The Americans had won the previous three editions in 2021, 2023, and 2024. Canada, under the leadership of Jesse Marsch, whowassentoffinthe54th minute for dissent, walked away with a well-earned bronze medal and momentum heading into the summer The USMNT will regroup in June for highprofile friendlies against Turkey and Switzerland beforekickingofftheirGold Cup campaign on June 14. As for Canada, this win offers a morale boost and a reminder that the gap at the top of Concacaf is narrowing.
GBA AirBadminton Tournament spikes off with historic showing at St. Cuthbert’s Mission -ShuttleStrikerscrownedinauguralwinners
Badminton Pan Am and the Guyana Badminton
Association (GBA) launched their inaugural AirBadminton Tournament on March 22, at St Cuthbert’s Mission with Shuttle Strikers being
crowned first ever champions.
The location was chosen as part of GBA’s ongoing
development efforts, following the programme’s launch back in 2022 which s a w a n u m b e r o f communities, schools and institutionsbeingintroduced to the exciting format of the sport while being recipients ofequipmentandgear.
The format allows players to do battle on hard, grass and sandy surfaces,
whileplacessuchasgardens, streets, playgrounds and beaches, further mark conducivespotsforplaying.
GBA initiative aligns with the global vision to expand the sport, with AirBadminton now making badminton accessible to people of all ages and abilities.
The GBAlaudedToshao Mr Alvaro Simon, along with the St Cuthbert’s Mission Council and the entire community for welcoming and supporting thishistoriceventlaunch.
Played under the triples format (one girl, two boys) withnoagerestrictions,each team was led by a girl with teammates being selected through a random draw by
skipper’s.
In the end, the Shuttle Strikers emerged victorious with Awesome Arapaimas coming in second alongside semi-finalists’, Shuttle Champions and Racket Rebels.
Among the teams who played a part in making the event monumental were; Best Hitters- Holly Daniels (St Cuthbert’s Mission), Mia Simon (St. Cuthbert’s Mission),JoelRambiriche ShuttleWarriors-Mishka Beharry, Nickel Dundas (St. Cuthbert’s Mission), Caleb Tan
Jaguars- Valerie Dundas (St. Cuthbert’s Mission), P e r c i v a l C h e s t e r, ChristopherJordan
Ashutosh Sharma’s Blazing 66 Stuns
LSG as Delhi Capitals Snatch
Last-Gasp
Win Despite Pooran’s Heroics
SportsMax - In a pulsatingIPL2025clashthat swung like a pendulum, Ashutosh Sharma produced a sensational, matchwinningknockof66notout off 31 balls to guide the Delhi Capitals to a nailbiting one-wicket victory over the Lucknow Super Giants, chasing down 210 withjustthreeballstospare. The triumph, however, came despite an electrifying innings from Nicholas Pooran,whosejaw-dropping 7 5 o f f j u s t 3 0 balls—including 28 runs off a single over—lit up the nightandlookeddestinedto be the defining act of the match.
Batting first at the Dr YS Rajasekhara Reddy ACA-VDCA Stadium, Lucknow lost Aiden Markramearly,butMitchell Marsh and Pooran launched an all-out assault. Marsh’s 36-ball72includedsixsixes, whilePooranraisedtheroof with a boundary-laden blitz that featured six fours and sevensixes.
Thepairtookthescoreto 161 by the 14th over, with P o o r a n l o o k i n g unstoppable especially during an over from Tristan Stubbs that went for 28. But Delhi fought back in the
Ashutosh Sharma produced a sensational, match-winning knock of 66 not out off 31 balls. (AP)
death overs, with Mitchell
S t a r c c l a i m i n g 3 wickets—including Pooran and the dangerous Shahbaz Ahmed and Kuldeep Yadav chipping in with two keystrikestorestrictLSGto 209-8 when a score well above220hadlookedlikely
Delhi’s chase began disastrously Within just 1.4 overs,theywerereelingat73,withJakeFraser-McGurk, Abishek Porel, and Sameer Rizvi all dismissed cheaply Faf du Plessis counterattackedbrieflywith29,and captain Axar Patel struck a quickfire 22, but wickets continuedtofall.
WhenTristanStubbs(34
off 22) and du Plessis both fell, Delhi was still a long way off at 113-6 in the 13th over The required run rate was climbing, the pressure mounting—and that’s when AshutoshSharmatookover Brought in as an Impact Player, the right-hander stunned LSG with a fearless display of power-hitting, combiningcleantimingwith controlled aggression. He was brilliantly supported by ViprajNigam,whocrackeda 15-ball39inacrucial55-run partnership for the seventh wicket.
Just when Delhi seemed in control, Nigam fell, followed quickly by Starc
and KuldeepYadav, and the equation was reduced to 18 needed off nine balls with justonewicketremaining.
Cometh the moment, cometh Ashutosh. Unfazed by the mounting tension, he took charge with a six and a four off Shahbaz Ahmed, bringing Delhi within strikingdistance.Fittingly,it was Sharma who struck the winning runs in the final over,sealingoneofthemost dramatic finishes of the season and finishing unbeaten on 66 from 31 balls, laced with five fours andfivesixes.
“Itwasaboutstayingcalm and backing myself. The message was clear take it deep and finish it,” said a jubilant Ashutosh after being named Player of the Match “FullcredittoLSG,especially Pooran, but I’m glad I could getmyteamovertheline” This match had everything Pooran’s hurricane innings, a fiery powerplay collapse, a brave middle-order revival, and a finishing masterclass by an uncapped hero. For Delhi Capitals, it was a statement win. For Lucknow, it was a cruel heartbreak, after watching a 210-run effort slipawaybythenarrowestof margins.
GBA hosted a fruitful AirBadminton Tournament at St. Cuthbert’s Mission recently.
RacketRebels-Gabrielle Felix, Chenyuan Chen, Eusin Dundas (St Cuthbert’sMission)
Shuttle StrikersAnjaneysa Godette, Ronit Gulchand,OmkarPersaud
S m a s h S q u a d -
D a n i e l l a N a r i n e , Joanathan Debidin, Shane Birkett
ADK Champions- Keri Andrew (St Cuthbert’s Mission), Dan Tan, AvinashRamnarine
Shuttle Champions-
Janaya Dundas (St Cuthbert’s Mission), Pierre Andrews, Ruel
Rambiriche Awesome
Arapaimas- Paige John, Neo Hope (St Cuthbert’s Mission), Marcellos Bhagwandin
Team AssassinsSudarshini Sooknarine, Gabriel Felix, Tejnarine PersaudTeam592-Asiyah Eastman, Alisha Kahar (St Cuthbert’s Mission), RussellShuman Badminton BaddiesPriyanna Ramdhani, Vishal Gopaul, David Rockcliffe (St Cuthbert’s Mission) Super StrikersShabanna Simon (St Cuthbert’s Mission), Yonneil Benjamin, JonathanRobinson
Sabalenka, Osaka & Gauff reach last 16 in Miami
BBC - World number
oneArynaSabalenkamoved into the Miami Open last 16 after opponent ElenaGabriela Ruse retired injured, while there were wins for Naomi Osaka and CocoGauff.
Sabalenka had taken the firstset6-1beforeRomanian Ruse retired with a thigh problem in the first game of thesecond.
Japan’sOsakasurviveda scare to eventually overcome American wild card Hailey Baptiste in a match lasting nearly three hours World number 98 Baptiste was a break up and servingat4-3inthedecisive third set, but Osaka came backwell.
The four-time Grand Slam champion held serve
before breaking Baptiste again to take the match 7-6 (8-6)3-66-4intwohours,59 minutesand57seconds-the longest women’s match of thetournamentsofar
There were no such problems for third seed Gauff, who continued her fine tournament with a comfortable straight-set win over Greece’s Maria Sakkari.
The 21-year-old world number three, who needed just47minutestobeatSofia Kenin 6-0 6-0 in the previousround,won6-26-4 toreachthelast16inMiami for the third time in her career. Italian sixth seed Jasmine Paolini also went through after Tunisian opponentOnsJabeurretired injured when trailing 4-3 in
Cheddi Jagan Memorial Cycle Road Race 2025
Briton John sets sights on another sweep with second leg win
Briton John of UnitedWeStand Cycle Club has
once again emerged victorious in the Cheddi Jagan Memorial Cycling Road Race second leg, crossing the finish line at Babu Jaan on Sunday in a remarkable time of 2 hours, 32 minutes, and 37 seconds (2:32:37).
The race kicked off outside Freedom House in New Amsterdam, sending cyclists up the Corentyne before looping back at Number 63 Village and concluding at Babu Jaan, PortMourant
The early miles saw a breakaway group surge ahead, while John remained with the main pack,bidinghistime
However, as the riders
descended the Canje Bridge, he seized his
opportunity; using the downward slope to propel himself forward and join theleadingtrio
Despite challenging winds and blistering heat, John remained unfazed as the race built toward an intense sprint finish Riding alongside him were the tactical Jamal John and Christopher Griffith, both strongcontenders
One of the race’s standout moments came in the final stretch, where Phillip Clark showcased sheer determination
Spotting an opening, Clark launched a daring breakaway, momentarily pulling ahead In what became a thrilling game of cat-and-mouse, pairs, trios, and mini-groups battled the elementsinpursuit.
With tires humming and adrenaline surging, it
all came down to a final sprint between Clark and BritonJohn
In the end, John found an extra gear, surging ahead to claim a hardfoughtvictory,withClark settling for second place Jamal John secured third, followedbyGriffith,Sequan Sandy, and Alexander Leung, finishing in that order
The other divisions saw intense competition, in the Juniors’ category, Alexander Leung took the top spot, finishing ahead of Alex Newton, while SidwellSandyclaimedthird.
The Veterans (Open) division saw Phillip Clark clinching the title, with Husband and Robin Persaud securing second andthird,respectively.
The recently concluded Second leg of the Cheddi Jagan Memorial Road Race culminated with mass celebration at Babu Jaan. Divisional winners along with participants shared photo-op with Ministers Zulfikar Mustapha and Joseph Hamilton (Labour).
Junior Niles dominated the Veteran Under-50 category, with Talim Shaw and Ian Jackson rounding outthepodium.
Meanwhile, Chris Hectoremergedvictorious intheJuveniles’division A Race of Legacy and Endurance
The event was hailed asaresoundingsuccessby t h e c o o r d i n a t i n g committee
Morethanjustatestof endurance, the Cheddi Jagan Memorial Cycling Road Race serves as a tribute to Dr Cheddi Jagan, a leader revered for his contributions to democracy and social justice
