Kaieteur News

ExxonMobil billed Guyana US$120M for exploration in 2024

In 2024, Guyana received a hefty bill of US$120M for exploration

costs racked up by ExxonMobil and its Co-

Venturers, Hess and CNOOC.

This was revealed in the 2024 Annual Report for

Americanoilcompany,Hess Corporation. According to financial information contained in the document, exploration expenses, includingdryholesandlease impairment for Guyana, amounted to US$36M in 2024.

H

Corporation, holds a 30% interest in the Stabroek

B

Limited (EMGL), the operatoroftheblock,holdsa

45% interest and CNOOC a 25%interest.

It could therefore be deduced that with its 25% share, CNOOC contributed US$30M to the exploration bill and EMGL another US$54Mwithits45%share. As such, Guyana received a

bill of US$120M for exploration costs in 2024 from the Stabroek Block partners.

Last year, ExxonMobil drilledeightexplorationand appraisal wells successfully, which encountered hydrocarbons.

In addition to the successfulwells,Hess,inits Annual Report, said the operator encountered “ one unsuccessful exploration wellforwhichthewellcosts wereexpensed.”

In 2024, ExxonMobil was required to relinquish a 20% portion of the block, following a one-year extensionthatwasapproved bytheformerDavidGranger administrationin2020.

K a i e t e u r N e w s understands that the process isyettobecompleted.

EMGL was granted a one-year extension to continue exploring the StabroekBlockin2020after it complained that its exploration programme was affected by the COVID-19 Pandemic.

Financial statements for the company and CoVenturers, however, revealed that the company rackedupanexplorationbill of$20BorUS$100Mduring thatsameperiod.

Vice President Bharrat Jagdeo was therefore asked to explain why the country receivedsuchahugebillfor exploration when Exxon claimed it could not work duetothepandemic.

In granting the one-year extension to ExxonMobil, the former Head of State o r d e r e d t h a t t h e licensee/operator shall present updated work plans detailing mitigation efforts, revised schedules, planned milestones and other information as requested by government.

The new government latersaiditwassatisfiedthat the conditions were met to justify the extension. The PPP, however, refused to share reports detailing how the operator was affected duringthepandemic.

COSTSJUSTIFIED

Jagdeo explained, “President Granger in, I think August 2020, just before he left, he gave an extension. That document said that they would get the extension, but submit documents to us So it happened before we assumed office. We then

asked them to submit the originalexplorationplanand howitwasaffected,andthey proved to the satisfaction of theMinistrythattherewasa departure from the original explorationplan.”

The Vice President therefore reasoned that this explains why exploration costs were recorded on the Stabroek Block partners’ financialstatements.

Accordingtohim,“They did do some exploration but it was a more aggressive exploration plan. There was a departure and that is why theextensionwasgiven,but itwasgivenbefore(wetook office), but we concurred with it, that’s why we didn’t makeanissue.”

ESSENTIALSERVICE

TheAllianceForChange (AFC) previously presented documents indicating that Exxon’s operations was gazetted as an essential serviceduringthepandemic, therefore permitting oil and gas operations to continue unhindered.

The government, however, maintains that it does not need to provide evidence to justify the extension it endorsed, allowing the company to continue exploring the oilrichblock.

Vice President, Bharrat Jagdeo

CEO of Hess Corporation, John Hess

Hess’ lifting cost per barrel in Guyana only US$7

Hess Corporation’s average production (lifting) costs per barrel of oil equivalent produced

Thecosttoproduceeach barrel of oil in Guyana’s Stabroek Block continues to standoutasoneofthelowest in American oil major Hess Corporation’s global portfolio, with the 2024 average lifting cost per barrel about four times

cheaper than similar operations in the United States.

According to Hess Corporation’s recently published 2024 Annual Report, Guyana’s average production(lifting)costsper barrelofoilequivalent(boe) stoodatUS$6.73.

In comparison, the company’s operations in North Dakota and offshore US fetched significantly highercostsatUS$26.72and US$25 88 per boe respectively The total US average was US$27.11 per barrel, which is four times higherthanGuyana’srate.

The data also shows a consistent year-over-year decrease in Guyana’s lifting costs. In 2023, the cost per barrel in Guyana was US$9.60, while in 2022 it wasUS$11.23.

Hess explained that production (lifting) costs include the expenses incurredtopre-development costs from the operator for f u t u r e p h a s e s o f development and Hess’ internalcosts.

Guyana’s continued dominance in Hess’ global oil portfolio reflects the exceptional productivity of the Stabroek Block, where the company holds a 30 per cent stake. That block is operated by American oil giant, ExxonMobil Guyana Limited,which holds a 45% interest and a third partner, CNOOC, which holds 25% interest.

Globally,Hessreporteda 2024 average lifting cost of

Chief Executive Officer of Hess Corporation, John Hess

US$17.08 per boe across all its operations, which further underscores the Stabroek Block’s position as the company’s most costeffectiveproducingproject.

Notably, Hess is still in

the midst of an acquisition byUSenergygiantChevron, in a US$53 billion deal approved by Hess shareholders, but will be facing arbitration in court thisMay

ExxonMobil and CNOOCfiledforarbitration attheInternationalChamber of Commerce in Paris, arguingthattheyhavearight of first refusal over Hess’ stake. Despite this, Hess expressed confidence that themergerwouldproceedas planned.

FromtheAnnualReport, thispublicationreportedthat Guyana’scrudecontinuesto take the spotlight in Hess’ portfolio. Guyana’s crude is Hess’ top-selling crude for 2024, fetching the highest average price among all its

…4 times cheaperthan its US projects - Report

global operations. Crude oil from Guyana averaged US$80 04 per barrel, maintaining the lead in the

company’s portfolio despite a marg

nal dip from US$80 72 in 2023 and US$89.72 in 2022. When

excluding hedging, a strategy used to stabilise prices,Guyana’soilstill Continuedonpage9

The Stabroek Block

KaieteurNews

24SaffonStreet, Charlestown,Georgetown,Guyana.

Publisher:GLENNLALL-Tel:624-6456

Editor-in-Chief:NigelWilliams

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

EDITORIAL

FromExxonMobil'sownmouth

ExxonMobil pretty much does as it pleases 120 miles fromGuyana'scoastline. GivenafreehandbythePPPC Government, the American oil company makes its own rules and does its best to maximize its profits. Profits beforepeople,profitsbeforeapartnershipthatisaninsult to the word, are what comes first in ExxonMobil's calculations.

Increasedratesofproductionleadstomoreprofits,and when oil prices fall, then the daily production taps in Guyanaareopenedwidertoaccommodateanyshortfallin revenues. Theconcernaboutincreasingdailyproduction ratesinGuyanawasraisedatarecentpublicconsultationin Diamond, East Bank Demerara, and the answer delivered byaseniorcompanyrepresentativewasnothinglessthan mindboggling.

“Whentheprojectsaredesigned,weusethebestdesign basisthatwehaveatthattime.ForthepurposeoftheEIA, weuseaveryconservativeproductionratetobesurethat wecanestimatetheworstpossibleenvironmentalimpact. So,theproductionratesthatwesupplytotheconsultants, such as ERM, they're generally more conservative than whatweintendtooperateat.”

“Very conservative production rate” implies some seriousness with safety Once that production rate is observed consistently, the risks of an oil spill causing endless trouble for Guyanese could be said to be under reasonable control. But of what relevance is that “very conservative production rate” provided for in the Environmental Impact Assessment calculations, if it is onlyfortheshowofit?

ExxonMobil's Projects Environmental and Regulatory Manager, Mariya Skocik, as much as confirmed this from her own words during the Diamond PrimarySchoolconsultation. It'sworthrepeatingwhatshe said, as was quoted above. “They're generally more conservative than what we intend to operate at.” What couldbeinterpretedfromthatstatement,andjustifiablyso?

WeatthispublicationthinkthatExxonMobilisputting one thing on paper, then putting what suits its objectives into practice. “Very conservative production rate” is thrownoverboard,forthebenefitofExxonMobil.

Where is the so-called premium placed on safe operationsatitsoffshorewellsandshipsbyExxonMobil, assoldbyitsexecutivesandmanagers? TheGovernment ofGuyanaiscontenttofunctionasalameduck,whilethe riskstoGuyanamultiply,andthewelfareofitscitizensis jeopardized. Amid the incredible from ExxonMobil, the unthinkablewaspresent.

AgentsofGuyana'sEnvironmentalProtectionAgency were present at the recent Diamond Primary School consultation, but they might as well have been deaf and dumb,forthereactionthatcameoutofthem. ExxonMobil is operating as though it is a country by itself and a government that cannot be challenged, so complete is its power Yet, the best that the leaders in the PPPC Governmentcandoissitlikesilencedschoolboysreduced tomentalbankruptcy

InviewofwhatMs.Skociksaid,afewotherquestions have their place and must be asked. If this is what ExxonMobil itself has confessed to be doing with production rates that it describes as “very conservative”, onlytobreachthem,thenhowcanitbetrustedwithother things?

WhatelseisExxonMobilputtingonpaper,reporting toGuyana,asfactandstandard,whentherealityofwhatit isdoingisfarfromsuch?

Are Guyanese, using Ms. Skocik's revelation as a guide,notjustifiedtoharbourdoubtsabouttheaccuracyof billions in expenses claimed? Do Guyanese not have groundstothinkcriticallyofwhatExxonMobildeliversas itsdailyproductionnumbers? ConsideringthatGuyana's auditorswerepreventedfromgoingneartoExxonMobil's offshoreproductionspaceandmeters,whatbuttheworstis lefttothinkofsuchconcealments.

Thiscountryhasapartnerinitsbiggestbusinessthatis

The recent deaths of teens

DearEditor,

The two recent deaths of children in their early teensone who was reportedly beingsexuallyabusedinher home and committed suicide, and the other who was shot dead as he attempted to rob a business place-aretroubling.Bothof these children fall under the ambit of the Childcare & ProtectionAgency (CPA) & Probation & Social Service (P&SS).

Inthefirstcase,thatchild should have been taken into protective care based on the referral from the teachers and in keeping with the Protection of Children Act. This Act makes provisions for the Director of CPA to determine when a child needs protection and to remove that child immediately into safe

custody and subsequently move to the Court for a ProtectionOrder

In the second case, this child's family is admitting that he was out of control, followingbadcompany This child, too, could have come to the attention of the services of CPA and/or Probation&SocialServices. The Probation & Social Services Officers have statutory functions and nonstatutory functions in keeping with the Probation of OffendersAct, and one is toworkwithsuchyouthsfor behaviour change that will keepthemfromcontactwith the law and build satisfying lives.Therearemanygrown men today who have had such encounters with Probation Officers and have had remarkable changes in theirlives.

e recommendations that the functions of the probation officers should be exclusive fromtheothersocialservices of the Ministry of Human S e r v i c e s f o r t h e improvement of the service in keeping with t

Probation of Offenders Act, both the statutory and non-

However, this is yet to be done,andforoverfouryears there has not been an appointment of a Chief ProbationOfficer,whichisa must according to the Probation of Offenders Act. The Act is clear that there must be a Chief Probation Officer to train all staff; supervise the fieldwork and all case records of all probation officers This means the Chief Probation

Officer must be a career officer with the appropriate knowledge, skills and experience working as a probationofficer More can be done and must be done for the protection of our children and youth, and to keep them onthestraightandnarrowby addressing the issues that have led to the choices of waywardness, to help them turnawayfromthatlifestyle. This includes working with thefamily,andtheremustbe ongoingpublicawarenessof theprogrammes/servicesfor children & families being offered by the Ministry of HumanServices.

Yourstruly, Ann

Greene Retired Chief Probation Officer& Former Director of Childcare &

Protection

doingitsownthing

offshore. Simultaneously,thiscountry hasagovernmentthatistheheightofunconcernandproud ofit. Guyanesehaveagovernmentthatismorefocusedon theactionsofcitizenswhochallengeit. ButthesamePPPC

Government is sloppy to the point of criminal irresponsibility when ExxonMobil could be potentially endangering the environment and economy ExxonMobil hasenslavedGuyanaviacontract. Itcouldbeendangering

Minimum wage is too low in Guyana

DearEditor,

Many Guyanese will agree that the minimum wage in Guyana is too low, given that Guyana is an oil producingnation.

Yet, to raise minimum wageswillpushuppricesas theincreasedcostbusinesses will incur needs to be paid for Therefore,anincreasein minimum wages will increase the cost of living in Guyana.

So,whatcanbedone?

The minimum wage can be increased with price controlsinplace. Another thing that needs to be examined is to reduce taxation on citizens, leading to more disposable income forworkers.

There are other alternativeslikejobcreation on a humongous scale. This may mean using monies from the NRF to build new viablecompanies. The banking sector needs such a national companyasthereneedstobe bank branches in every major town and villages as well as The City Then, privatise these new companiesintime. Thejobcreationstrategy is to enable more people in the family to be working, leading to less financial stress for families. In time, productivity per person will increase, leading to better

wages as more job opportunities will be abound.

Guyana can also look intocreatingabetterwelfare state whereby citizens who are of working age and are unemployed can have an income. This is not a longterm solution to poverty, as some citizens will end up having money but no skill, leading to a dependency syndrome.

The real problem affectingGuyanaisthebrain drain, leading to less skilled workers being employed who, when trained, move ontogreenerpastures.

Sincerely, SeanOri

The Black Sage of Buxton

DearEditor,

I salute Eusi Kwayana, for not only reaching a remarkable100yearsbutfor retaining the formidable mind and intellect with which he has confronted the challenges posed to our society during that time. So much has already been written about him that I will merely recap some personal recollections of, and engagement with, him

Raised by my village Uitvlugt through lingering on the periphery of the “big men” gaffing on the “line top” every evening after work and reading newspapers at the weekend barber-tents, I was offered a lensintothewiderworld.

Then called Sydney King, he first came to my noticewhenhewasexpelled from the PNC for rejecting Burnham's support for independenceunderJagan,if the PPP won the 1961 elections His African Society for Racial Equality (ASRE), founded the same year, then proposed that the country be partitioned into three ethnic enclaves if the major parties couldn't agree to govern together. He earnedgreatnotorietyasthe “partitionman”. Iremember the heightened political tensions surrounding the 1961 elections with confrontations between PPP and PNC supporters. Eusi

believes that launched political violence in Guyana becauseheinsiststhemurder ofanAfricanmaninBerbice was political. I consider the arson and murders of Black Friday, Feb 16, 1962, in Georgetown to be that watershed. Starting in my native West Coast in 1964, we descended into countrywide ethnic violence when the PPP desperately attempted to stave off their ouster from office. Coastal villages, including mine, were ethnically cleansed, and King was tagged as the dreaded figure from Buxton behind the East Coast violence I have a recollectionofhimfastingin front of some official GT building in protest from a newspaperaccount. He launched theAfrican Society for Cultural Relations with Independent Africa (ASCRIA) in 1964, and adopted the name Eusi Kwayana - “Black Man of Guyana”. I remember his cultural transformation raising eyebrows in my mixed village He accompanied Burnham on a tourofAfricaandwasgiven several positions, centered onfulfillingoneofthegoals of ASCRIA, to empower African Guyanese. My next encounter,eventhoughIstill didn'tactuallymeethim,was inearlyMay1970,whenasa studentwritingGCEAlevel

in GT, I attended a talk by Black Power exponent Kwame Ture (formerly StokleyCarmichael).

Stokley's explication of “Black Power” in 1966, just after we received independence, combined MLK's social and economic demands of US blacks with Malcolm X's more militant strategyandAfricancultural p r i d e R o d n e y ' s “groundings” on Black Power in the Jamaican gullies precipitated his 1968 banningandsubsequentriots there. Protests here brought the term even into our high schools. The Region was all agog after an attempted army/Black Power coup against Eric Williams and Turewasdeniedentryinhis TThomeland.

He was invited by RATOON and ASCRIA in earlyMay1970toaseminar onPanAfricanistsandBlack RevolutionaryNationalist

(Continueonpage6)

Why now, President Ali?

DearEditor, I listened keenly to the latest announcements made by President Irfaan Ali, and one question continues to boggle my mind: Why now? ThePPP/Chasbeeninoffice for the past four years, and now, with elections approaching, they are suddenlypushingabasketof goodies, clearly seeking to buy votes from citizens disappointedbytheirpolicies and the manner in which the country has been governed Cowboyactions,indeed

Let me state from the outset that I have no issue with the government implementing measures to benefititspeople However,I believesuchinitiativesmust be executed in a structured andstrategicmanner,andnot inanadhocfashion.The$10 billion announced for injectionintotheNIStopay pensionerswhodidnotmeet the threshold of 750 contributions, offering them aone-offcashgrantbasedon categories outlined by the government, is, in my view, questionable Myconcernis t h a t , d u e t o t h e government's deliberate avoidanceofholdingregular parliamentary sittings, it becomesdifficulttoconduct a detailed analysis of the figuresprovided.Wearetold 25,000 persons will benefit fromthe$10billiontransfer But how accurate is that figure? No data was shared during the announcement. Who are these 25,000 individuals?Whatweretheir former occupations? How many contributions did they make to the NIS?And what amounts, if any, have they received as grants in past years?

Anotherannouncementis

thatthegovernmentwillnow pay for eight subjects for students in both public and private schools sitting the C S E C a n d C A P E examinations I recall that when I attended high school, government subsidies were already in place to assist parentswiththecostofCXC exams (as they were known then),andthesesubsidiesstill existtoday

My concern here is: why was this initiative not proposed before 2025, especially considering that CXC requires all exam fees to be paid by November 2024?The2025Budgetwas approvedinFebruary,yetthe payment deadline was months earlier Am I to conclude that the government will seek supplementary funding? If so, when, especially as, according to government spokesperson Mr Bharrat Jagdeo,thenationisheading intoelectionslaterthisyear?

Editor, it is one thing for the government to make rushed announcements, but there are those of us, like myself, who are critically analyzing and questioning these decisions. It appears the government is not thinking rationally or transparently

These are the two key issues I've noted from the recentpronouncementsmade by President Ali and Mr Jagdeo PresidentAlistatedit would cost the government some $600 million to cover theCSECandCAPEexams But how was this figure calculated?

Were provisional numbers provided for the studentsexpectedtositthese exams in 2026? Has CXC in Barbados provided subject-

specificcosting?Athispress conferencelastThursday,Mr Jagdeostated,“Thismeasure was a promise made ” Editor, I did my homework, conducting a Google search and reviewing the 2020 manifesto of the PPP/C and to my surprise, I found no suchpromise.

It is important to remind Guyanese that our first Executive President, the late Linden Forbes Sampson Burnham,whoalsoservedas thecountry'sfirstMinisterof Education, made education free from nursery to university, without any oil wealth to rely on He had a deep passion for education andunderstooditsvitalrolein Guyana'sdevelopment

To emphasize to your readers:Iamanadvocatefor greater benefits for our citizens

However, I once again call on the government to be accountable and responsible, using the parliamentary system to discuss these measures, where consensus, accountability, and transparency should prevail. Ialsotakethisopportunityto caution my fellow Guyanese: do not become complacent with political platitudes aimed at winning yourfavour Stayvigilant!

Yourstruly,

AnnetteFerguson

Reflecting on the most remarkable period of British Guiana

DearEditor,

The period of 1950 to 1970 must have been the most remarkable years of BritishGuiana,nowGuyana, with Georgetown being known as one of the most beautiful cities in the West Indies.

First of all, in British Guiana, you'd hardly see a vendor on the street. The roads might have been old, but they were well kept, and thecityhadthebestdrainage system anywhere in the world.

I can name four of the most beautiful buildings in the West Indies that were in Georgetown.

The St Barnabas Church, at the corner of Orange Walk and Regent Street, was one of them. Sadly,duetoalackofvision, it is now a parking lot. City Hall was very impressive with its architectural designs. I'm seeing now that they are trying to replace it. Hats off to City Hall! Then t h e r e ' s B r i c k d a m

Cathedral— fantastic to this day and well-kept by the Catholics.

Finally, there's the St. George's Cathedral, with majestic beauty and entwined to this day I once heard someone say it is among the tallest wooden buildingsintheworld.

Editor, let me conclude bytellingyouastory

I learned it from a respectable gentleman who wasfromTrinidad&Tobago and attended the prestigious Royal Queen's College of Trinidad, that there were threescholars fromTrinidad a t t e n d i n g O x f o r d University- and as you can recall, Oxford and Cambridge Universities werethebestintheworldat thattime.

At the end of the dinner, the professor called them aside. A student who was present told this story: The professor spelled out to them, "Congratulations on your achievement and your journeytoOxford.Butwhen youreachtoOxford,lookout for the boys from B.G. [BritishGuiana]"

Guyana was known in those days. The students laughed and replied, "We ain't frightened of no one fromB.Gortheworld!"

But when they arrived at Oxford, within one month, the boys realized that they were bright Trinidadians— but the boys from B G (British Guiana) were brighter The period of 1950 to 1970 must have been the most remarkable years of BritishGuianaandGuyana.

Theprofessorinvitedthe students, along with their parents and a friend, to a dinnerinrecognitionoftheir achievements When the boysarrived,theywerevery brave and boastful of what they would achieve when they returned to Trinidad. The professor silently watchedthemastheywalked around, boasting about how intelligenttheywere.

Sincerely, FrankDebreu

The Black Sage of...

Frompage5 where Burnham astutely moved to preempt similar Black Power uprisings here by supporting the visit. A group of us walked out of

Ture's talk at Queens College, when he extolled the use of violence and insisted that Indian Guyanese should organize separately RATOON and the Movement against Oppression (MAO), in which Drs. Clive Thomas and Josh Ramsammy from UG were involved, publicly disagreed with Ture, but not ASCRIA, Kwayana and Burnham.

A small group of Indian Sixth Formers started an “Organization for the Protection of Indian Culture” (OPIC), and I contacted Moses Bhagwan on its behalf. He told me, h o w e v e r , t h a t notwithstanding its name, I n d i a n P o l i t i c a l Revolutionary Associates (IPRA), his new activism outside the PPP was not culturally“Indiancentric”.

Our group fizzled as we got caught up with survival after high school. I was

teaching at Central High School in October 1971 when an attempted assassination of Josh Ramsammy created widespread denunciation of thePNCgovernment,which was presumed to be behind it I remember Kwayana carefully parsed ASCRIA's reaction against “political leaders on both sides who directed or permitted gun terror…”

By the time Kwayana broke with Burnham in 1973, he said the latter had allowed the Indian and Portuguese bourgeoisie to take over the party, and moved towards multiracial politics by joining up with IPRA.Ihadleftforstudiesin the US in 1972. On the multiculturalfront,hewould latertellmehewishedJagan were“moreIndian”andthat Burnham “wanted to be White”.Quovadis?

Sincerely,

RaviDev

BLUNT BLUNT BLUNT BLUNT

The PPP and its political gimmicks

A one-off pension payout to Guyanese who failed to meet the required contributions to the National Insurance Scheme (NIS) must be called what it is, nothing more than a political gimmick, as the time draws near to this year's National Elections.

With the meager resources being earned from oil, and no explanation on what the revenue is being spent on, it is easy to conclude that Guyana's oil money is being spent to hopefully buy votes for a party that is desperate to remain in office.

The truth is, Guyanese do not forget the turmoil thousands of teachers faced demanding fair salaries from a government who even went to Court to fight them for exercising their legal right to protest.

We do not forget that this government failed to keep a major promise to renegotiate the current oil deal with Exxon that continues to bleed this country. Guyanese deserve better, we deserve a government that cares!

BLUNTNESS ON INDECENCIES!

In case you haven’t heard, please be informed that as part of our continued effort to channel positive changes in our country, our publisher, Dr. Glenn Lall, has dedicated our Page Seven to be “BLUNT” about on-going indecencies in our land that should matter, not only to us at this publication, but the entire nation.

Monday – April 7, 2025

Secret society and the PPP/C Secret societies are characterized by webs of deception, webs that seek to deflect accountability, webs that try very hard to camouflage reality. If anything, the record of the PPP/CGovernmenthasbeen a compilation of all three webs. There was the web

surrounding the mystery of theinitialUS$214Minaudit findings of the British firm, IHSMarket,thatdroppedall the way to US$3M. From that timebomb, the usually commanding political presences in Guyana rushed todistancethemselves.

A willing scapegoat tethered deep inside the Min

Resourceswasfoundtotake

what we believe was a bum rap.

He was all patriotic smiles, maybe fooling himself that he did his duty tohiscountry. Wasitreally fierce duty on behalf of country?”

Or, more like dubious dutytoagovernmentledbya political party that is now seen for what it is, a secret society?

Tuesday – April 8, 2025

One man rule Guyana Citizensareincreasingly questioningwhetherGuyana isademocracy Andtheyare correct. It is not even a benevolentautocracy.

It is a theatre of obedience— a place where civil service is reduced to servility, and governance becomes guesswork Institutions do not function. Theydefer Theystall. Theywaitforsignals,for whispers, for the nod of one man. And so, a country slows, not abruptly, but imperceptibly at first. Files

pileup,ideasdieunborn,and innovation is stifled by fear of contradiction. Everything that needs more than one mind to flourish—science, education, justice — begins to shrink. The nation, like a body denied circulation, becomesanaemic.

Friday – April 10, 2025

Police killings

“Lethal encounters with agents of the Guyana Police Force (GPF) in murky circumstances have cast a pall of distrust and leave muchdishonouronmembers of the GPF, including the professional and disciplined

ones One lethal development in Linden involving a man allegedly unarmed is the last situation that the management of the GPF would wish for, which is what is dragged under the microscope, and sends them rushingforanswers.

TheGPF'sfatalshooting within24hoursofaprotester over that first killing is too muchtoabsorb,toomuchto tolerate.

Two separate police killingsinlessthan24hours, how does anyone justify these actions?” –GHK Lall April9,2025

The mirage of citizen investment

The latest song and dance from the corridors of political power in Guyana comes wrapped in the seductive language of inclusivity and opportunity

The Vice President, not knownforidlechatterunless it serves a purpose, let slip

the idea at a press conference: citizens may be allowed to invest in government-created financial instruments, promising a guaranteed rate of return higher than traditionalbankdeposits.

Thiswaslaterechoedby the President himself, who painted it as a revolutionary turninwealthgeneration—a plan to let the people coinvestinthenation'sgasand fertilizer projects Like manna from heaven, they offer you a stake in the future. But I say today and I forewarn: beware when the government comes bearing gifts, it's rarely for your benefit.

Fortheattentivecitizen,I believe there is something rotteninthepromise.Weeks before this noble-sounding proposal, an advertisement quietly appeared in the newspapersforasecondgasto-energy project, stating plainly that this would be a privatesectorundertaking.

Thatnotice,likesomany things in Guyana's politics, slipped under the radar—certainlybeneaththe scrutiny of an Opposition apparently too distracted or too docile to raise the obvious question: If these gas projects are the golden goose, able to pay for themselves and rain down riches, why is the State retreating to make room for

the private sector? Why surrender something lucrative if not to curry favour or make room at the table for friends with fat walletsandpoliticalIOUs?

The answer lies buried not in policy documents or declarations but in the habitual cunning of governments drunk on power and impunity This talk of “citizen investment” is not, in all likelihood, a bold democratization of capital, but the construction of a democratic mirage

Behind the billboard of citizen empowerment, there waits the familiar beast of oligarchy,nowdressedinthe Sunday best of public participation.

The question that must be asked—without apology or hesitation is where exactly the small man is expected to find the money to invest in these grandiose undertakings Shall he mortgage his modest home, pawn his future cash grants, or perhaps liquidate the dreamofsendinghischildto university just so he may own a sliver of a gas project run by men in airconditioned boardrooms? Or is he being asked to forego future cash grants in order to help finance these projects?

And are we to believe thatafinancialmodelwillbe constructed which truly levels the playing field, insteadofsimplyraisingthe gates for a new class of economicpatricians?

This is not public investment It is public illusion What will be offered,Ibelieve,ifanything at all, will likely be the

Dem Boys Seh...

DemboyssehFacebooknowisdenew Parliament. And de latest MP is a young ladywhojumpponalivevideofuhdefend deMohammeds.

She seh people must leff dem alone, because de Vice President always “thinging and thinging.” Yes, yuh hear right — not thinking, not doing, but thinging.

Dem boys seh dem been trying whole weektofigureoutwahisthis“thinging.”Is itadancemove?Isitagovernmentpolicy? Isitanewapp?

One man seh “thinging” is when yuh pretending. Another seh is when yuh bluffing. Yetanothermansehiswhenyuh go in office, call a press conference, talk nuff long-winded story, then go home — that'sclassicthinging.

Jagdeo is a master of it. He don't talk, he“thing.”Hedon'tanswer,he“thing.”He don'texplainnothingstraight—justloop de loop, zig-zag, duck, and “thinging” all deway Dem boys seh de only real “thing”

crumbs the five or ten percent of shares dressed up as empowerment, while the lion'sshareisparceledoutto the rich and powerful. The nation's wealth is at stake, andwemustguardagainstit being hawked under the bannerofopportunity

The more principled question is this: If the projects are indeed so profitable, why is the State notleadingthechargeasthe principal investor, holding the assets in trust for its citizens, and distributing returns as direct public benefits? Why invite coinvestmentatall,unlessitis togivethepublictheillusion ofparticipationwhilequietly securingcontrolforthefew? What's the endgame? A handful of politicallyconnected investors reaping massive profits while the ordinary citizen gets the illusionofownershipandthe realityofrisk?

There is a reason, after all, that so many of the world's truly public goods electricity, roads, water—are managed by the State Not because governmentsareparagonsof efficiency, but because such public goods are not usually profitable and thus the State must carry the loss. This is why we must object to attempts to privatize profit while socializing the risk –the oldest grift in capitalism'slongcon.

We are being sold a future of opportunity- even for Granny's two-cents' pension But we have memories, and memory is a stubborn thing We remember the insurance debacle that was CLICO,

Jagdeo doin' is thinging up a storm of confusion.Oneminutehedefending.Next minute he vex people asking question. Then de next minute he smiling. That's advanced“thinging”—PhDlevel.

De girl seh de man always 'thinging and thinging.” Well yes! We agree. He thinging so much, he probably don't even knowwahhewassupposedtobedoingin defirstplace.

Dem boys seh if “thinging” was an Olympic sport, Jagdeo woulda done collectgold,silver,andbronze. Meanwhile, de country suffering — cost-of-living high, and people studying how dem gan afford dem meal if Trumo reimposedemtariffs.Butnevermindthat —deVicePresident“thinging.”

Demboyssehitgottimefuhthinking, it got time fuh doing. But this non-stop “thinging”gotpeopledizzyanddecountry spinning in circles. All week is just “thinging and thinging”.And not a damn thingdoing.

Talkhalf,leffhalf.

where the country lost millions.

We r e c a l l t h e controversial financial modelofBerbiceBridgethat effectivelyhandedcontrolto a select few And then there wastheMarriottHotel,with its still secret syndicated investors who had the first lienonfundsshouldthehotel gobelly-up.

Now, with the nation's gas fields poised to be the next big thing, we are told thatcitizeninvestmentisthe

wayforward.Butwhowrites theprospectus?Whodecides the share structure? Who manages the risks? And, more importantly, who benefits when the returns begintoflow?

Letusnotbepacifiedby the soothing language of wealthgeneration.

Let us not be lulled into silencebythepromiseofcoownershipinprojectswhose very structure may have alreadylockedusout.Letus, instead, demand clarity

Demand transparency Demand that the State remaintheprincipalsteward ofthenation'swealth.

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

Hess' lifting cost per barrel...

From page 3 stoodoutwithanaverageofUS$80.04, outperformingbarrelsfromtheUnited StatesandMalaysia.

TheStabroekBlock,locatedabout120 milesoffshoreGuyana,spans6.6million acresandisestimatedtohold11.6billion

barrelsofoil.Productionbeganin December2019,followingadiscoveryin 2015.

Currently,threeFloatingProduction, StorageandOffloading(FPSO)vessels, theLizaDestiny,LizaUnity,and Prosperity,areinproduction,withanother

The Great American Experiment

Govt. will defend against claims made by Gas-toEnergy contractor even if it delays project - Jagdeo

...sayspowershipswillsupplycountrywithelectricityinthemeantime

Vice President Bharrat Jagdeo made it clear on Thursday that the Government of Guyana (GoG) is prepared to defend against the claims made by the Gas-to-Energy (GTE) contractor- CH4/ Lindsayca- even if it results in the delayedcompletionoftheproject.

During his weekly engagement with the press at Freedom House, Georgetown, the former Head of State, told reporters that he could not reveal details surrounding the arbitrationprocess,asitisboundby aconfidentialityclause.

Hesaid,“Itoldyoualreadywith thepressreleasethatcameoutfrom the Ministry with the (Dispute Avoidance and Adjudication Board) DAAB process that we are boundtoholditconfidentialonthe arbitration,butIcanassureyouasI said then that we are not, because we want this project to be completed in time before the elections, or we wanted it to be completed, that we are going to

compromise the interest of the peopleofthiscountry.”

To this end, the VP indicated that the government will be defending its position in the arbitrationprocess,evenifitresults in the delayed completion of the project.

“That’swhywearefullygoing togotoarbitrationandmakeallof our cases, even if it delays the project a bit; we are protecting national interest first we just contractedthepowerbargesfortwo years so we will have power in the system,”heassured.

In February, a statement from the Office of the President explained, “On 31 January 2025, theDAABissuedtheirrulingonthe matters referred to it. In relation to thisruling,thepartiestothedispute resolution process are bound by certainrulesofconfidentiality.”

Thegovernmentdidnotspecify thedetailsofthedecisionmadeby the DAAB, following a complaint

filedonSeptember19,2024.Itonly revealed that the Parties have 28 days to determine if they wish to refer the decisions, or any part thereof, to Arbitration, which would be the next stage in the disputeresolutionprocess.

Arbitrationclaims

So far, the GTE contractor, Lindsayca/CH4,hassubmittedtwo claims to the DAAB. The first claim amounts to US$50M, reportedlyrelatedtocostoverruns. Vice President Bharrat Jagdeo had blamed ExxonMobil Guyana Limited (EMGL) for the

construction delays in the Wales gas plants Jagdeo said that ExxonMobil was responsible for the site preparation, the road, the Materials Offloading Facility (MOF),andthelay-downyard.

“We were supposed to hand over the site to the contractor by June,wedidnothandoverthesite, thatis,Exxondidnothandoverthe siteuntilSeptember,anditwasstill

incomplete so a three-month delay,”hesaid.GuyanaShoreBase Inc. (GYSBI) was contracted by ExxonMobiltocompletethesite. Jagdeo further stated that the government decided to give the contractors an extension of three months (from the end of 2024), “thatiswhywearearguingthatthe plantmustbecompletedbyAprilof 2025, instead of end December 2024.”

The former Head of State said the GoG is at odds with the contractoroverthedelayperiod.

He explained, “That is where the three months we are arguing, the three months delay on the project came. They want a longer period because the liquidating damages for not completing the projectontimeforthecontractor,if they don’t complete the project on time, it’s over US$11M per month they have to pay in liquidating damagesfordelayontheproject,so they are arguing they need more

time beyond the three months. We are saying three months is adequate.”

Meanwhile,itwasreportedthat the second claim made by the contractor relates to issues relating tothesoil.Jagdeosaid,“Therehave been some additional claims by CH4andLindsayca,particularlyas theyrelatetothesoilconditionsand thosewouldhavetogothroughthe technical process to see whether theyarejustifiedornot.”

VicePresidentBharratJagdeo

Govt. admits spill could hit shores before capping stack deployment but says other measures would reduce potential of oiling

The Government of Guyana (GoG), through the Ministry of Natural Resources (MNR), admitted on Saturday that an oil spill could hit the country’s seashorebeforethecappingstackis deployed, but said other measures willbetakentoavoidthepotential ofoiling.

InanarticledatedApril6,2025, undertheheadline‘Oilspillwillhit Guyana’s shores before capping stackarrivestoplugleak,’Kaieteur NewsreportedthatanExxonMobil team confirmed that the 93,000poundpieceofequipmentwilltake “several days” to arrive at its destination This, while an Environmental ImpactAssessment (EIA) conducted by Exxon’s consultant, Environmental Resources Management (ERM), foundthatanoilspillcouldhitparts ofGuyanainaslittleasoneday.

The Ministry, in its statement, admitted, “According to the EIA, stochastic models predicted oiling of the Guyana shoreline for the

Most Credible and Maximum Worst Case Discharge (WCD)

scenarios For the June to November season, the Most CredibleWCDscenarioshowsthat thereisa5to10percentchanceof oilreachingtheRegion1shoreline within5to15days.”

Additionally, “For the

Maximum WCD scenario, during the December to May season, the model predicted there is a 5 to 70 percent chance of oil reaching the coastofRegionOnewithin1to10 days.”MNR,however,pointedout that the study also indicates that other measures would be taken to avoid the potential of seashore oiling within those periods outlined According to the EIA, “Thisstochasticmodelingdoesnot account for any oil spill response (e.g., aerial, vessel, or subsea dispersant application; offshore containment and recovery; or source control operations), so any preventive measures taken to keep oilfromreachingthecoastduringa

response would reduce the potential of shoreline oiling in Guyana below the percentages citedabove.”

36-hourdeployment

Meanwhile, the Ministry reiterated that the capping stack is only used when all other well containment methods, such as the preinstalled blowout preventer, fail,andcanbedeployedtosuchan incident within 36 hours. Further, with the equipment now stored at the Guyana Shore Base Inc (GYSBI), government said deployment can be shorter but is dependent on the tide and the time ofoccurrence.

Notably, the Ministry referenced the Oil Spill Response Plan for Guyana Operations (OSRP), which it said is further complemented by other embedded controls, mitigation measures and plans that support emergency responsepreparedness “Withinthis OSRP are the plans to implement variousoilspillresponseequipment

to reduce the potential of shoreline oiling,”theMinistrystated It is important to note that Kaieteur News, in its article, not only highlighted the time it would take for an oil spill to hit the country’s shoreline, but also prudentlyreportedonthemeasures the company said it would take to avoidsuchanevent.

Seeasectionof thatarticlebelow:

EMGL Projects Manager, Rebecca Cvikota, assured that in addition to mobilizing the capping stack, ExxonMobil would activate its emergency response team immediately and start working towards addressing the situation throughvariousmethods,including theuseofdispersants.

Cvikota added, “Many countries have to wait for the capping stack to arrive from a different destination, which can take time for it to get here in country;oursisherealready,soit’s a matter of accessing it (and)

Minister of Natural Resources, Vickram Bharrat

assemblingitbecausethereissome assembly required. We preserve it properly,butweneedtoassembleit tosenditoffshore.”

The In-Country Projects Managerwasalsokeentonotethat there are instances where the capping stack may not be required to stop a spill. She explained that the tool is only used in specific situations.“Insomeofourprevious presentations, we talked about subseatreesandthosesitontopof thewell-head…andthattreehasall kindsofwellsattachedtoitthatwe would close immediately in the eventwewouldhaveanykindofoil leak. However, if the tree wasn’t working or if there was something wrong with that tree, that’s when the capping stack would be deployed,”Cvikotastated.

GRA vows to appeal court ruling barring them from seizing luxury vehicles

The Guyana Revenue Authority (GRA) has announced its intention to appeal Friday’s decision by High Court Judge Justice Gino Persaud to uphold an injunction he had granted, barring GRA from seizing luxury vehicles owned by Azruddin Mohamed and his family, until the substantive caseisheard.

The Revenue Authority is going after the luxury vehicles, claiming that the Mohamedsfailedtopayover $1 2 billion for those vehicles Arguments on whether the interim order should remain in place until the conclusion of the substantive matter began Friday morning. Attorneyat-law Siand Dhurjon, representing Azruddin and Hannah Mohamed, explained that arguments beforeJusticePersaudlasted for over two hours. He was

accompaniedbyattorney-atlaw Damien DaSilva, while Sanjeev Datadin, Robin Stoby, Jason Moore, and others appeared for the GRA.

delivered a detailed ruling, concluding that the balance of justice required the preservation of the status quo, while the court hears further submissions and determines the substantive issues, including alleged tax breaches and violations of remigrant conditions. This means no vehicle seizures should occur until the substantive issue is fully heard and determined. The casecomesuponMay15.

In a statement issued on Friday night, GRA said it will be challenging Justice Persaud’s ruling to extend therestrainingorder

Azruddin Mohamed, for hispart,hasclaimedthatthe People’s Progressive Party governmentisbehindGRA’s move to seize his vehicles. He has alleged that it is politically motivated, stemming from PPP fears that he may contest the upcomi

ions H

w

r, GRA has maintained that it possesses “irrefutable evidence” of breaches, including the understatement of the value ofcertainvehicles.

GRA cited the lack of a bond, which is typically required to ensure the preservationofassetsduring legal proceedings, as the reasontomoveforwardwith an appeal. “The GRA will lodge an appeal against the ruling,sincethepreservation of assets is not assured, and nobondhasbeenlodgedasis usualinthesecircumstances. The case has drawn

significant public attention, as it involves high-end vehiclesreportedlyimported under duty-free concessions

meant for returning Guyanese citizens,” the Authoritysaid.

Details revealed by GRA are as follows:

• One 2020 Ferrari PAD 5000 in the name of Hana Mohamed, with additional taxes of $479,743, 489 for breach of the re-migrant requirements,

• One 2023 Land Rover Range Rover PAC 9000 in the name of Leslie Khan, with additional taxes of $61,485,982 for breach of there-migrantrequirements,

• One 2023 Rolls Royce PAE 5000 in the name of B

$320,064,246 for breach of there-migrantrequirements,

•One2020Lamborghini

a

axes of $371,775,168 for false declarationofvalue.

• One 2021 Toyota Land Cruiser PAB 4000 titled to Azruddin Mohamed, with add

onal taxes of $24,641,272 for false declarationofvalue.

• One 2021 Toyota Land Cruiser PAB 3000 titled to Azruddin Mohamed, with addi

nal taxes of $24,641,272 for false declarationofvalue.

Roadster PZZ 4000 titled to Azruddin Mohamed, with

Commissioner General of GRA, Godfrey Statia Justice Gino Persaud

Guyanesebusinessman, AzruddinMohamed

U.S. Southern Command's LAMAT 2025 concludes successful regional medical mission in Guyana

The US Lesser Antilles Medical Assistance Team (LAMAT) 2025 mission, in collaboration with Guyana's Ministry of Health,

concluded a two-week medical engagement in GuyanaonFriday The regional medical missionthattookplacefrom

February 24 to April 11 across 21 clinical sites throughout Guyana, Saint Lucia,SaintVincentandthe Grenadines, and Saint Kitts

and Nevis, treated over 6,539patients.

In Guyana, a team of 60 US Army and Air Force doctors, nurses, and technicians collaborated with Guyanese medical professionals to deliver high-quality medical, surgical, cardiovascular, ophthalmological, and dental care to over 1,721 patients at five medical facilities in Georgetown, Port Mourant, New Amsterdam, and West Demerara.

Accordingtoastatement from the United States EmbassyinGuyana,through c r u c i a l m e d i c a l engagements across South America and the Caribbean, initiatives like LAMAT underscore the US'

commitmenttothepeopleof Guyana and the region by strengthening partnerships, supporting medical facilities,andenhancingour ability to tackle complex global health challenges together

Whileprovidingremarks duringtheclosingceremony, President Irfaan Ali stated, “The defense partnership between Guyana and the United States is a strong, evolving one We have enjoyed a long-standing relationship founded on sharedvaluesofdemocracy, peace, and security Over the years, this relationship has grown in depth and scope, adapting to new global realities and national priorities. It is within this broader framework of defense cooperation that we see the visit of LAMAT, not merely as a medical outreach, but as part of our wider thrust to deepen ties, share knowledge, and e n h a n c e m u t u a l understanding.”

In closing remarks, U.S. Embassy Deputy Chief of Mission Adrienne Galanek noted, “We are proud to support Guyana's growth a n d d e v e l o p m e n t , recognizing health security as a cornerstone of national security and regional stability By working together to enhance medical capabilities and disaster preparedness, we improve our collective ability to address complex global challenges and build a more securefutureforall.”

th th President IrfaanAli (seated 5 from right) with participants of the LAMAT 2025 mission. Minister of Health Dr. FrankAnthony (seated 5 left), U.S. Embassy rd Deputy Chief of MissionAdrienne Galanek (seated 3 right) and Chief of Defence Staff, Brigadier Omar Khan (seated 4th right) are also photographed. (U.S. Embassy photo)

RSSteambeginsinvestigationintoshootingdeathofLindenmen

Members of the Regional SecuritySystem(RSS),onSaturday, met with the families of the two young men from Linden who were killed by members of the Guyana Police Force (GPF) on Monday and Tuesday,respectively

The Police Force, in a statement to the media on Saturday, said that “ranksofGuyanaPoliceForceOffice ofProfessionalResponsibility(OPR) and a team of investigators from the Regional Security System (RSS) visitedtheminingtownofLindento continue investigations into the fatal shootingofRonaldoPetersandKeon Fogenay

The OPR ranks and RSS investigators,alongwiththefamilies, visitedthecrimescenes

The meeting among the RSS team,OPRranksandthetwofamilies was confirmed by Linden Mayor SharmaSolomon.

“There was a meeting with the RSSandthefamilies,wearegoingto returntomorrow.Theyhaveoutlined a couple things to us. I will return shortlytogiveabetterupdate,butthe meeting,justconcluded,wellthefirst meeting in fact They’re going to return tomorrow to have a further update with the family, to take some statements,” Solomon said in a live Facebookpost

ThemayorexplainedthattheRSS team comprises three officers from two Caribbean states- Barbados and Saint Lucia- who are in Guyana to conduct the independent

investigations the government promised Thetrioreportedlyvisited thecrimescenesonSaturdayaspart oftheirinvestigation

Thefamiliesofthedeceasedand theothermembersoftheMayorand TownCouncilrequestedacopyofthe terms of reference for the investigation

“As we said before, we will remainveryengagedwiththismatter, for the family to know that the community is here to support them, andforthecommunitytobeupdated onthetypeofjusticethatthefamilies get toensurethatthesetwoyoung men who were gunned down the by theGuyanaPoliceForce members of the Guyana Police Force that they get that sort of justice,” the mayorstressed

Solomon disclosed that postmortem examinations were done on the remains of both men, and it was concludedthattheywerebothshotby live rounds. A round was recovered fromFogenay,andSolomonisurging preservationoftheevidencesothatit canbeofuseintheinvestigations

Further, Solomon said he is pleased that the RSS members referenced the Henry boys’ murder and the fact that justice is yet to be servedinthatcase

Meanwhile, Opposition Member ofParliament(MP)AmanzaWaltonDesir, who was also in Linden, said, “Youcan’tignorethesethings Ithink veryoftenpeopleoperateasifyou’re

Continued on page 56

The joint RSS, OPR team in Linden on Saturday

OnedeadafterspeedingtrucktopplesonLinden-MaburaRoad

The truck involved in the accident (Credible Sources)

An accident along the Linden-Mabura RoadonFridayhasleftonepersondead,the GuyanaPoliceForce(GPF)reported.

Reportsarethatthetruckinvolvedinthe accident was traveling at a fast rate when it toppledonthewetroad.

The accident occurred about 15:00hrs and involved a truck bearing registration number GYY 815 and owned by Rohit Persaud of Area B Industry, East Coast Demerara. At the time of the accident, the vehicle was driven by 25-year-old Mervin Williamswhodied.

The other occupant of the truck, Deon Wilson of Kuru Kururu, Linden-Soesdyke Highwayreceivedminorinjuries.

“Inquiriesdisclosedthatthemotorlorry wasproceedingsouthalongtheeasterndrive laneoftheMaburaRoadatanallegedlyfast rateofspeed.Theroadismadeupofasphalt,

which is smooth and was wet due to rainfall,”policesaid.

Allegedlywhileapproachingaleftbent, the truck began to slide and as a result, Williamslostcontrol,causingthevehicleto toppleendinguponitsleftsideandpinning himthereforsometime.

Another truck arrived on the scene and assistedtopullthetoppledvehicleoffofits side. Wilson was picked up by publicspirited citizens and taken to the Linden HospitalComplexinaconsciousstatewhere hewastreatedandsentaway H

Wi

unconscious, was transported by police to the said hospital where he was pronounced deadonarrival.Hisbodywassubsequently taken to the Pensioner’s Mortuary, where it awaitsapost-mortemexamination.

Investigationsareongoing.

Dead: Mervin Williams

Proprietor, Andrew MacDonald

Vandron Worrell and Satti Thomas

Julia Dhana Williams

Meetthesassy JuliaDhanaWilliams

Thismulti-talentedbeautyisMiss IndiaGuyana1stRunnerUp2023.Bringing enthusiasm,sassandlaughterwherevershe goes,Juliadescribesherselfasamodel,content creatorandaspiringactress.Thisweek’sbeautyis alsoaloverofart,cosplay,hiphopragemusic,sports, standupcomedy,andfantasymovies. Herwordstolive byare“bebrave,bebold,you’rechangingtheentire trajectoryofnotjustyourlifebutgenerationstofollow.”

Photo credit - Delano Williams

Collaborative Government–Private Sector Action

Imperative for a Resilient Trade Future

BySirRonaldSanders

SirRonaldSanders

Everywhere you turn in Guyana these days, the talk is about oil wealth and the many opportunities it promises But while the excitement builds over oil dollarsandbigdevelopment projects, there's something evenmoreimportantquietly waiting for our attention. If weignoreit,weriskmissing the real chance to transform our beautiful country for generationstocome.

That something is literacy Yes, simple, basic literacy Every child, in every village, in every region of Guyana must be abletoread,understand,and express themselves clearly Without this, our dreams of building a successful technology-driven future, powered by artificial intelligence, will slip out of reach.

I see this every day through our programmes at STEMGuyana We've invested in advanced AIpoweredplatforms,andthey are incredible tools But here'sthetruth,whenachild struggles to read or understand instructions, eventhesmartestAIwon'tbe abletohelpthem,unlesswe firstrecogniseliteracyasthe

Advancing Education, Technology & Innovation in Guyana…

LiteracyMustComeFirst—WhyLiteracyistheFoundation ofInnovationandtheKeytoGuyana'sDigitalFuture

barrier and build solutions that address it directly If a child doesn't understand the question, they certainly won'tunderstandtheanswer, no matter how sophisticated thetechnology

Sadly, this is the reality fortoomanyofourchildren. National assessment reports show that about 50 per cent of students on the coast and inthehinterlandfailtomeet basic reading benchmarks by grade two and the problemcontinuesingrades four and even grade six Thesestatisticsrepresentour future doctors, engineers, nurses, farmers, and entrepreneurs. If we do not equip them with foundation skills like literacy and numeracy, their chances of finishing school, earning a decent income, and participating in Guyana's technology future will be severelylimited.

This literacy crisis is a national emergency It's not something the Ministry of Education should be expected to fix alone. The literacy problem often begins very early in our homes Therefore, every singleoneofuswhohasthe time should volunteer even

two hours a week to help teach a child in our

community to read We would be fooling ourselves to believe that AI or any technology or government plan alone can fix this problem.

In fact, even the newest AI tools like ChatGPT depend heavily on human input to generate high quality results Clear instructions,propersentence structure, and well-framed questions are essential for gettinggoodresults.

For example, askingAI to"buildawebsite"isfartoo general But if you say, "Build a mobile-friendly website for a small ecotourismbusinessthatiseasy for elderly customers to use,"you'llgetamuchbetter outcome.Forourchildrento achieve this level of precision, they must think clearly, read well, and expressthemselvesproperly

T h a t ' s w h y a t

STEMGuyana,weexpanded ourworkbeyondtechnology alone We now offer core academic courses, because we understand that if our studentsdonotbuildastrong foundation in literacy and numeracy, they will not be

abletothriveinthenew21st century AI-powered world. OuronlineacademyusesAI, yes, but we have also integratedhumanfacilitators who will soon guide students, help them frame better questions, and encourage them to not just look for answers, but to understandhowtogettothe answer

I remember one student strugglingwithfractions.He turned to theAI chatbot and asked, “How do I divide mixed numbers with reallife examples?” That's the kind of progress we want to see, a child learning not just how to solve a problem, but how to ask the right question.

We also use tools like text-to-speech so that children who are still developing their reading skills are not left behind Every child deserves a fair chance, whether they are in Georgetown or in the far reaches of the hinterland For many hinterland

students, who face fewer resources, the Learning Pod programme and our online academyaregamechangers. These programmes bring high-quality academic support directly to them,

along with trained facilitators who help bridge the gap between technology andunderstanding.

Somepeoplebelievethat withAI,readingandwriting won'tmatterasmuch.

But they are wrong

Without literacy, AI will only widen the gap between t h o s e w h o h a v e opportunitiesandthosewho do not AI will work beautifully for children who already have good reading and comprehension skills, butitwillleavebehindthose whostruggle.Ifwewantour farmers to use soil analysis apps, if we want our nurses toreadAIdiagnostics,ifwe w

solutions, they must first be able to read and understand

theinformation.

This is why I am convincedthatliteracymust be the starting point for all our STEM education. It is not a side subject. It is the foundation.

Policymakersneedtosee this clearly Literacy is the language through which our children will unlock the p o w e r o f s c i e n c e , technology, engineering, andmathematics.

When I look at the children in our Learning Pods, I see more than just kidsdoingmathandscience exercises I see future leaders learning to shape theirfuture.

Iseechildrenlearningto communicate with tomorrow's technologies I see children learning to dreambigger

As a nation, we must be very clear, in this age ofAI, literacyisnotold-fashioned. It is our passport to the future.AndforGuyana,that passportisfarmorevaluable thanoil.

WEEK-IN-REVIEW

Sunday

HighCourtbars

GRAfromseizingTeam Mohamed’sluxuryvehicles

…AzruddinMohamed claimsPPPgoingafterhis vehiclesoverfearofhim entering2025electionsrace

HighCourtjudgeGinoPersaud on Saturday afternoon granted an interim injunction barring the GuyanaRevenueAuthority(GRA) from seizing several luxury vehicles belonging to businessman AzruddinMohamed.

Justice Persaud granted the injunction pending the outcome of the legal challenge relating to Mohamed’s alleged failure to pay additionaltaxestotheGRAforthe high-endvehicles.

TheGRAispursuingover$900 millionintaxesfora2020Ferrari,a 2023 Land Rover Range Rover, a 2023 Rolls Royce, a 2020 Lamborghini Roadster, and two 2021Toyota Land Cruisers, nearly fiveyearsafterthevehiclesarrived inGuyana.

The GRAin a statement to the media following the court hearing said that Justice Persaud issued an order temporarily restraining the Authority and their servants or agents from detaining and seizing Toyota Landcruiser PAB 3000, Toyota Landcruiser PAB 4000, LamborghiniAventador PZZ 4000 andFerrari488PAD5000.

“At a further hearing at 3:30 pm, the learned Judge further extended the Order until Thursday April10th,2025,withinwhichtime theGRAmustfileresponsestoMr Mohamed’s Application for a Judicial review, and a full Injunction,”GRAsaid.

“Accordingly, the Revenue Authority will continue to act in accordance with the Order of the Honourable Court and the laws administered Officers of the Authority were instructed to discontinue its operations aimed at the possession of the said vehicles for the taxes owed and breaches to the remigrant agreement(s) pendingthedecisionofthelearned Judge,”thestatementsaid.

Further, the RevenueAuthority saidthattheseizureandpossession ofvehiclesfortaxesandbreachesto remigrant and duty-free agreementsarenothingnew

“Matter of fact, hundreds (100’s)ofsuchcasesarecarriedout yearly when there are breaches by re-migrants, public servants, breachestoInvestmentAgreements and even when Tax Exempt Agencies and Diplomats do not abide by the agreements by which such vehicles are entered free of cost, or subject to reduced duty This particular activity results in hundreds of millions of dollars in taxcollectionsonanannualbasis.”

TheGRAsaiditadministersthe laws in “a fair and consistent manner, regardless of who the taxpayermaybe”.

“In the cases in question, the Authority by letters and email on three occasions over one month invited the Mohameds to make arrangements to satisfy its debts to theAuthority TheAuthorityfurther intimatedtothemofthealternative actions for such breaches, should the taxes due not be settled or satisfactory arrangements be made todoso. Theyfailedtoinitiateany discourse hence the action carried outbytheAuthority

The Authority has irrefutable evidence of the breaches for the action taken, and the understated value(s) of the other vehicles, and will vigorously defend the said cases presently before the Court,” thestatementconcluded.

Meanwhile, on Saturday morningplansbytheGRAandthe GuyanaPoliceForce(GPF)toseize the businessman’s vehicles were halted after supporters of Team Mohameds surrounded his premisesinprotest.

Theauthorities’attempttoseize the vehicles sparked public outcry, with protestors voicing deep frustrations over perceived injustices against the Mohamed family, who moved to the court to challengetheGRA.

“Stopfightingthemandown… why y’all fighting he down, he looking out for poor people, y’all lowhe,”onesupportershouted.

Another protester said, “Sugar

raising, rice raising, oil raising… when rice gon drop, sometimes some children don’t even eat nothing and go to school and get blackout.”

Some directed their anger at multinationalcorporations,stating, “ExxonMobil they have to go and harass…theytakingallthemoney, they ain’t doing nothing ExxonMobil,theyhavetogoto.”

Others shouted, “We want a change.Weneedachange;wewant a better system, for Guyana… A bettersystem,abettertomorrowfor the ghetto youths; right now, we punishingdawg,wepunishing.”

For his part,Azruddin said that the entire matter is politically driven,tiedtofearsthathemayrun for office at the upcoming elections.

“They said they come to seize thevehicles,soIdon’tknowallofa sudden you come to seize the vehicles. They should have seized the first day they arrived in the country,”Mohamedsaid.

He disclosed that he will be making public statements in the nearfuturetoshowthatofficialsof the People’s Progressive Party (PPP) government were aware of the vehicles even before they were imported.

“VerysoonIhavealotofthings thatIwillputinthepubliconwho instructed the release of these vehiclesitcamefromhighupwhen the vehicles arrived in this country,”hesaid.

Mohamedadded,“ButbeforeI releasedthepostonFacebookwhat

afternoon, GRA said that its officers were blocked by an angry mob while attempting to seize the luxury vehicles belonging to the Mohamedsfamily

AccordingtotheGRA,officers had made three prior requests for Mohamed and his family to settle outstanding taxes or surrender the vehicles in question With no compliance forthcoming, officers wearing body cameras visited Mohamed’s residence in Houston toenforcethedemandnotices.

Bharrat is talking about… that’s a lie.ThereasonIreleasedthatpostis because a month prior to that Jagdeo and Nandlall told me that they are coming to seize the vehicles if I don’t release a statement that I’m not running for office,sothisispolitical.”

According to Mohamed, “We already moved to the court that’s whyIwannaknowhowGRAarrive here this morning cause the matter is being addressed very shortly through the legal system We already sent all the emails to GRA showingthemthatwehavemoved tothecourtsoIdon’tknowifthey want to bully me now for the vehicles.”

Heinsistedthathehasevidence proving the vehicles were legally approved.“Wearenotgivingupthe vehicles because the vehicles were approved,everythingwentthrough the legal process at GRA so why seize the vehicles now 4 years after?”

Moreover, his father, Nazar ‘Shell’Mohamed,said,“Iknowit’s theirjobbutyoucannottakeillegal instructions,youcannottakeillegal instructions… come with the legal documentsandwewillgiveyouthe vehicles.GotothecourtorderandI will release the vehicle, I will ensurethe vehiclesarereleasedin yourcustody.”

He continued, “These vehicles passedthroughthesystem,thisman didn’t thief them off the wharf… wentthroughallthesystem,youare theoneswhosupposedtotakeusto court.” Shell also criticized GRA’s handling of legal correspondence stating that they had written to the Authoritybutreceivednoresponse in relation to their concerns raised only to receive a letter that they must surrender the vehicles within sevendays.

InJune2024,theUnitedStates the U S Treasury’s Office of Foreign Assets Control (OFAC) sanctioned the Mohameds over allegations of tax evasion, corruption, and gold smuggling, while Permanent Secretary of the MinistryofLabour,MaeThomasis accusedofmisusingherpositionto grant government contracts and otherbenefitstothebusinessmen.

GRAResponds In a statement on Saturday

However, the GRA said its officers were denied entry and facedthreatsfromagrowingcrowd summoned by Mohamed himself. The Revenue Authority said Mohamedthencalledacrowdfrom his yard and nearby areas, which “started to get violent and angry, threatening the officials in the executionoftheirduties.”

The confrontation forced the GRA officers to abandon the operation and seek police support, citingfearsfortheirsafety

It was stated that the vehicles arelinkedtobreachesofre-migrant tax concessions and false declarationsofvalue,amountingto more than $800 million in additionaltaxes.

Theagencyfurtherstated,“Itis clear based on the preparedness of Mr Mohamed that he was so informedandhisintentionwasnot tocomply,butrathertoobstructthe officersintheperformanceoftheir duties.”

Moreover, GRA said that despite assertions made by legal counselfortheMohameds,thereis no court order preventing the enforcementofitstaxclaims.“The mere filing of an action is not law until the Court so determines and instructs theAuthority otherwise,” theGRAnoted.

TheRevenueAuthoritysaiditis working with police to proceed with the operation and reaffirmed itscommitmenttoactingwithinthe law

OilspillwillhitGuyana’s shoresbeforecapping stackarrivestoplugleak

An oil spill that occurs in the Stabroek Block could hit parts of Guyana’s shorelines before the cappingstackarrivesattheblownoutwelltoplugtheleak.

According to information publicly available and recently confirmedbyanExxonMobilteam, the 93,000-pound piece of equipmentwilltake“severaldays” to arrive at its destination. Permits issuedtodatebytheEnvironmental Protection Agency (EPA) indicate that Exxon has up to nine days to ensure the capping stack is deployed.

The renewed Liza One Permit states at Section 9.13, “The Permit Holder shall maintain access to at leastone(1)subscriptionservice,in Continued on page 25

GRAand police officer retreating

Guyanese businessman,Azruddin Mohamed

Frompage24

a location outside of Guyana, to allow mobilization of a Capping Stack to the Liza Phase 1 Project location within nine (9) calendar daysorlessofanuncontrolledwell event.”

Asimilar provision is included in the five other projects approved todatebytheregulator

Environmental Impact Assessments (EIAs) conducted by Exxon’s consultant indicate, however, that an oil spill could hit theshoresofthiscountrybeforethe capping stack arrives at a blownout well. Notably, this heavy piece of equipment is used to stop or redirect the flow of hydrocarbons, allowing engineers to permanently sealthewell.

Oilspillmodeling,accordingto Exxon’s most recent EIA conducted for its seventh project, the Hammerhead development, states that an oil spill could hit Region One in as little as a day, depending on the time of the year theeventoccurs.

The study said modeling predicted that surface oil would generally travel toward the northwest in all scenarios during both modeled seasons -June through November, and December throughMay

It stated, “For the Maximum WCD (Worst Case Discharge) scenario, the model predicted a 510% probability of oil contacting the Region One coast during the June to November season. The minimum time to reach the shoreline predicted by the model was5to15days.”

Meanwhile, with regard to the December to May season, it was explained, “The model predicted probabilities of 5- 20% and 5-70% of oil reaching the coast of Region TwoandRegionOne,respectively Themodeledminimumtimeforoil to reach the shoreline for this scenariois5to15daysforRegion Two and 1 to 10 days for Region One.”

Seemoreinformationontheoil s p i l l m o d e l s h e r e : https://wwwkaieteurnewsonline c om/2025/02/26/oil-spill-from-7thproject-has-70-chance-of-hittingregion-one-shorelines-eia/ Cappingstackdeployment

During a public disclosure meeting for the Hammerhead project at Diamond on Friday, Kaieteur News asked ExxonMobil tosaywhethertherewasastandard timeforthecappingstacktobe

E x x o n ’ s P r o j e c t s Environmental and Regulatory Manager, Mariya Skocik explained, “It requires some logisticslikewehavetoputitonthe ship,takeitoffshoretothelocation, lower it down to the sea bottom generally speaking several days to be able to deport our production license says nine days so it would definitely be within that timeframe.”

Meanwhile, EMGL Projects Manager, Rebecca Cvikota, assured that in addition to mobilizing the capping stack, ExxonMobil would activate its emergency response team immediately and start working towards addressing the situation throughvariousmethods,including theuseofdispersants.

Cvikota added, “Many countries have to wait for the capping stack to arrive from a different destination, which can take time for it to get here in country;oursisherealready,soit’s a matter of accessing it (and) assemblingitbecausethereissome assembly required. We preserve it properly,butweneedtoassembleit tosenditoffshore.”

The In-Country Projects Managerwasalsokeentonotethat there are instances where the capping stack may not be required to stop a spill. She explained that the tool is only used in specific situations.

“In some of our previous presentations, we talked about subseatreesandthosesitontopof thewell-head…andthattreehasall kindsofwellsattachedtoitthatwe would close immediately in the eventwewouldhaveanykindofoil leak. However, if the tree wasn’t working or if there was something wrong with that tree, that’s when the capping stack would be deployed,”Cvikotastated.

Monday

GRAattemptedtobypass HighCourtprocess withmovetoseizeluxury vehiclesfromtheMohameds

When officers attached to the GuyanaRevenueAuthority(GRA) movedtoseize vehiclesownedby prominent businessman Azruddin Mohamed and his sister, Hana on Saturday last, their actions were seenasnothingbutabrazenattempt to circumvent or bypass the legal proceedings of a matter already filed before High Court, legal sourceshavesaid.

The GRA had written to the Mohameds claiming that it has “irrefutable evidence” of tax breaches and the family’s evasion ofpaymentsofnearly$900million worthindutieson luxuryvehicles; a 2020 Ferrari, a 2023 Land Rover RangeRover,a2023RollsRoyce,a 2020 Lamborghini Roadster, and two 2021 Toyota Land Cruisers, some nearly five years after they arrivedinGuyana.

The GRA is claiming that for the 2020 Ferrari PAD 5000 in the name of Hana Mohamed, there are additional taxes of $479,743, 489 for breach of the re-migrant requirements,for2023LandRover RangeRoverPAC9000inthename ofLeslieKhan,thereareadditional taxes of $61,485,982 for breach of

the re-migrant requirements; the 2023RollsRoycePAE5000inthe nameofBibiMohamed,additional taxesof$320,064,246areowed for breach of the re-migrant requirements; for the 2020 Lamborghini Roadster PZZ 4000 titled to Azruddin Mohamed, additional taxes of $371,775,168 for falsedeclarationof value;for a 2021 Toyota Land Cruiser PAB 4000 titled toAzruddin Mohamed, additionaltaxesof$24,641,272are owedforfalsedeclarationofvalue andfora2021ToyotaLandCruiser PAB 3000 titled to Azruddin Mohamed, additional taxes of $24,641,272 are owed for false declarationofvalue.

Officials of the revenue authority and law enforcement officers who moved to seize the high-end vehicles on Saturday engaged in an intense stand-off withsupportersofthebusinessman and were later served with an injunctionfromtheHighCourtthat blockedthemfromseizingthecars.

According to documents seen byKaieteurNews,priortothis,the applications were filed in the High Court seeking injunctions and a number orders to prevent GRA frommovingagainstthefamily

Asaresult,officialsoftheGRA given it is a public decision maker inkeepingwiththeJudicialReview

injunctions were also sought preventing any seizure of the vehicles.According to emails seen bythispublication,lettersweresent notifyingthechainofcommandof GRA that the legal proceedings werefiled.

The letter essentially notified the revenue authority that the lawyerswerenowwaitingondates for the matter to be heard and therefore,theyshouldnotmoveon any seizure and or forfeiture of vehiclesgiventheproceedings.

In an email response, a lawyer from the GRA noted that an application for an injunction is not an injunction and therefore the Mohamedshaduntiltheendoflast Friday afternoon to bring in the cars, failing which, the authority will commence the process of seizure/forfeitureofthevehicles.

KaieteurNewsunderstandsthat while the Mohameds had not yet securedtheinjunction,theGRA,as apublicdecisionmaker,stillisduty boundtopreservethestatusquoof thelegalmatteruntiltheHighCourt makesadecisionandthatanymove toseizethevehicleswouldprevent anymeaningfulinterventiononthe courts.

AsaresultoftheGRA’sactions, this triggered and expedited the hearing for an injunction. High Court Justice Gino Persaud via a virtual hearing on Saturday afternoon granted a temporary injunction against the revenue authority and ordered that the agency preserve the status quo of thematteruntilthefullhearingand determinationoftheproceedings.

Actwere‘dutybound,’topreserve the status quo of the legal process filedbeforetheHighCourtuntilthe hearing and determination of the matter, a top legal officer told this newspaper

Added to this, Kaieteur News understands that from the time the GRA notified the Mohameds of their alleged infractions, their lawyer, Siand Dhurjon responded in writing to the authority asking their legal department to provide justification or reasons for their action.

The document pointed out that givenitsstatusasapublicauthority, theGRAis‘dutybound’toreplyor give reasons or the evidence for their action in keeping with the stipulations of the Judicial Review Act.

However, the GRA failed to providethejustification/reasonsfor theiraction.

As a result, applications were filedintheHighCourttoquashthe decision of the GRAto take action against the Mohameds for the allegedunpaidduties.

The applications filed onApril 2, 2025 seek to quash both GRA’s assessment for the taxes, the revocation of Hana’s exemption as aremigrantandanyattempttoseize the cars.

At the time of the filing,

According to documents seen by this publication, the order restrains the GRAfrom taking any steps to seize the vehicles. The Judgealsoorderedthemtorespond theapplicationforinjunctiononor before Tuesday The GRA is required justify their actions to seizethevehicle.

Additionally, all parties are set to return to court on Friday at 09:30hrs for arguments and considerationsofthematter Highdrama

It was high drama on Saturday morning when agents of GRAand the Guyana Police Force (GPF) shows up at the Mohameds propertytoseizethevehicles.They were halted after supporters of Team Mohameds surrounded his premisesinprotest.

Theauthorities’attempttoseize the vehicles sparked public outcry, with protestors voicing deep frustrations over perceived injustices against the Mohamed family, who moved to the court to challengetheGRA.

“Stopfightingthemandown… why y’all fighting he down, he looking out for poor people, y’all lowhe,”onesupportershouted.

Another protester said, “Sugar raising, rice raising, oil raising… whenricegondrop,sometimes Continued on page 26

The capping stack that is in-country

Frompage25

some children don’t even eat nothing and go to school and get blackout.”

Some directed their anger at multinationalcorporations,stating, “ExxonMobil, they have to go and harass…theytakingallthemoney, they ain’t doing nothing ExxonMobil,theyhavetogoto.”

Others shouted, “We want a change.Weneedachange;wewant a better system, for Guyana… A bettersystem,abettertomorrowfor the ghetto youths, right now we punishingdawg,wepunishing.”

For his part,Azruddin said that the entire matter is politically driven,tiedtofearsthathemayrun for office at the upcoming elections.

“They said they come to seize thevehicles,soIdon’tknowallofa sudden you come to seize the vehicles. They should have seized the first day, they arrived in the country,”Mohamedsaid.

He disclosed that he will be making public statements in the nearfuturetoshowthatofficialsof the People’s Progressive Party (PPP) government were aware of the vehiclesevenbeforetheywere imported.

“Very soon, I have a lot of thingsthatIwillputinthepublicon who instructed the release of these vehiclesitcamefromhighupwhen the vehicles arrived in this country,”hesaid.

Fishingcompanyowner fearschemicalsusedin Exxon’soperationsaffecting catches - urges EPAto conduct independent studies on water quality

ByDavinaBagot

PritipaulSingh

InvestmentsInc

(PSI) has become a household name throughout Guyana for its vast investment in the fishing industry and hundreds of employment opportunities created by the company; but with the advent of oil and gas activities

offshore, General Manager, Pritipaul Singh has become increasingly worried for what the futureholds.

In an interview with this newspaper last week, the businessman highlighted the significant decline in exports recorded by his company between theperiod2019and2023-from20 containersmonthlytomerelytwo.

With Environmental Impact Assessments (EIAs) conducted by ExxonMobil repeatedly highlighting impacts to water quality from planned discharges, including chemicals, Singh is calling on the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) to conduct an independent investigation of how these discharges are affecting the ecosystemofmarinelife.

He explained, “My biggest concern is that we have seen since 2015to2020adeclineinourcatch and this is because of the seismic exploration which could drive the seafoodspeciesaway.”

Singh has invested in 107 fishing boats to date, with a processing facility that cost him aboutUS$50M.

Withoutstandingcommitments to the bank, the businessman said he has decided to highlight his concerns in the media, with the intent of attracting the assistance of government and related agencies to help keep his organizationafloat.

PSI exports over 90% of its catches;thecompanyisthereforea key player in this country’s economy when it comes to propping up Gross Domestic Product (GDP) figures for the industry Asthecompanycontinues to see declines in profits, it is callingforurgentintervention.

“I could also say that the fingerlingsoftheseabob,wewould see huge volumes of fingerlings and we expect that the fingerlings would grow bigger but it don’t. That’sthegeneraltrendinourearly years.Let’ssay2010to2015,those

were the general trend, the small shrimpwouldgetbigbutthereisno moresmallshrimpwhenyouseea lot of fingerlings, there is no germination, it dies,” the General Managershared.

He believes the changes observedcouldbeasaresultofthe chemicals being used in the petroleum sector “It could be the chemicals they are using. I don’t know and there is nobody in the laboratory that would test or support. They have a Fisheries’ Department but nobody does anythingtohelpandtosaythatthe watersamplesareokay,thisisokay or anything. We are left with it,” Singhtoldthispublication.

The businessman was keen to notethatthisconcernisnotunique to PSI as various fishermen could confirm this fear and the changes observedinthequalityofcatches.

Consequently, he said, “We haveourartisanalboatsandthereis no fish. We need to have people from the EPA who would go out because they are the only competent one who can give us reports but there is nothing from them.Weneedtoknowthesalinity of the water around different depths, the acidity of the water at certain depths All these are contributing factors to fish health. Nowtheshrimpthatwehavewould feedonalgae.Ifthechemicalsthey areusingisdumpedintothewater, and there are certain acidity or alkalinity is not met then there would be destruction of the ecosystem.”

Independentstudy

Guyanese have often questionedthelogicofgovernment for accepting the assurances of ExxonMobil, as highlighted in EIAs, that impacts to the fishing sectorwouldbenegligible.

Back in 2022, the Food and Agriculture Organization (FAO) issued a fish study which caused environmentalists to question its findings.

The body, in response to one activist had admitted to using

available data, rather than conducting its own assessment of the situation. Not only that but it also revealed that the “rapid assessment” concluded that the noticeabledeclineinfishcatchwas not as a result of the offshore oil operations.

FAO Assistant DirectorGeneral and Regional Representative for Latin America and the Caribbean, Mr Julio Berdegue, in his response seen by Kaieteur News told Simone Mangal-Joly that “The technical analysis in question was requested by Guyana to contribute to its understanding of these complex catch issues and support decisionmaking. It is a rapid assessment of reported issues related to fisheries catchbetween2020and2021andis basedonavailabledata.”

To qualify the conclusion, Berdegue added that “as a specialized agency of the United Nations, FAO adheres to strong scientific principles, and employs the highest professional standards in analyzing and disseminating available data. We are globally respected for practising impartiality, transparency and accountabilityinourwork,andwe promote neutral fora for national dialogue and evidence-based decision-making.”

Meanwhile, in another letter to theFAO,Mangal-Jolystated,“You haveclarifiedherethatyourcharge from the Government of Guyana was to conduct an assessment relatedtofishcatchbetween20202021. This narrow focus and time period,andthefactthatyoureferto itasa“rapidassessment”,suggests tomethatthestudycouldnothave beenseekingtoassesstheimpactof oilandgasactivitiesonfishstocks and the fisheries sector in Guyana. Thisclarifiesmatters.”

R e a d m o r e h e r e : https://wwwkaieteurnewsonline c om/2022/05/25/fao-says-rapidstudy-available-data-determinedlow-fish-catch-not-as-a-result-ofoil-production/

Tuesday

Lindeneruptsafter youthshotdeadbycop …policeclaimsgun accidentallywentoff …large crowd gathers in protest outside Wismar Police Station

Lindeners are outraged after a policemanallegedlyshotandkilled a young man Monday afternoon at One Mile, Wismar The shooting occurred in the vicinity of the One MilePrimarySchool.

Dead is 23-year-old Ronaldo Peters.KaieteurNewswastoldthat Peters who was working as a labourer on a road construction projectinthetownwasontheroad atOneMilewhenaminibuspulled upalongsidehim.

A policeman, known to some residentscameoutthevehicle,shot Peters and then dumped his body into the minibus. The young man was taken to the hospital where he was pronounced dead. Up to late last night a crowd had gathered outside a police station where the policeman was being held Residents were overheard urging eyewitnesses to give statements to thepolice.

LeadersinLindenareoutraged over the killing of the young man with some of them already calling for a thorough investigation Regional Vice Chairman Mark Goring wrote on his Facebook page:”

The police shot and killed 23 yearsRonaldoPetersthisafternoon inthevicinityofOneMilePrimary school.Wedemandathoroughand independent investigation into this incident.”

But in a statement last night police gave a completely different account of the incident.According to the police, at about 17: 30 hrs a Police Sergeant from Wismar Police Station reported that he received information that Peters whowaswantedforquestioningin relationtoareportofanalleged Continued on page 40

Dead:RonaldoPeters

New sports bar ‘The Embassy’ promises to bring American-Style experience to Georgetown

Georgetown’s nightlife is getting a stylish and unexpected new

addition with ‘The Embassy,’ an Americanstylesportspubandbilliards lounge located on the third floor of Movietowne, Liliendaal.

Butthisisn’tjustanother

bar opening, it’s the realization of a vision that blends premium service, pool culture, and local identity,allunderoneroof.

O w n e r A n d r e w MacDonald, an American now living in Guyana, says TheEmbassywasbornfrom a simple observation, that Guyanese people love pool,

but quality venues to enjoy the game are hard to come by

“Ijustwalkedaroundon foot with my pool stick looking for pool tables for aboutsixmonths.

What I noticed is that Guyaneselovetoshootpool, but the tables aren’t always kept in the best condition,” MacDonaldsaid.

The Embassy offers five tournament-sized pool tables in an air-conditioned space, with tables cleaned, brushed, and covered nightly

ButMacDonaldstresses that this isn’t a “gaming lounge.”

“Tome,agaminglounge means slot machines and stufflikethat.Thisisasports bar and billiards lounge, no gambling, just good vibes and quality service,” he clarified.

Proprietor, Andrew MacDonald

strategically placed TVs broadcasting a wide variety ofsports,astageforkaraoke and trivia nights, and a VIP areaforbottleservice.

“When you step in, the thing you’re going to notice is that it’s comfortable,” MacDonaldsaid.

His idea is to ensure, “You can bring a date and actuallyhaveaconversation. You can bring your family, sit, eat, and talk. It’s an alternative to the louder, high-energyspots.”

TheEmbassyhasopened its doors, though MacDonald admits the journeytothispointhashad itschallenges.

He shared, “Opening a business anywhere is hard In Guyana, things happen at a different pace especially in the supply chain

Despite those delays, MacDonald has made it a point to support local

source locally, I did from the furniture to the handsewnaprons.

T h e d e s i g n e r s , contractors, craftspeople areallGuyanese

This is not a U S company It’s a Guyanese company with one Americanguyworkingfor it ”

Beyond the pool tables and sports bar setup, MacDonald says The Embassy, is also a step toward redefining the service industry in Guyana

Inside, patrons can expect a relaxed yet modern atmosphere, plush couches,

Shipping from out of country has taken two to three months longer than usual.”

“To me, this is the government’s realization of the service industry as a respectable, wellpaying profession I’m offering higher wages than anyone plus profit

sharing If I create an environment people are happy to work in, they’ll pass that on to the customer,”heshared.

The menu will feature classic bar fare like burgers, fish and chips, chicken tenders, salads, andpizzas

Events like karaoke

T h u r s d a y s , t r i v i a Tuesdays, and even themed nights for different groups will round out the weeklyentertainment.

While bars are nothing new to Georgetown, MacDonald believes The E m b a s s y b r i n g s something fresh, a fusion of American-style hospitality with Guyanese warmthandenergy

“It’s a bar, yes. But it’s morethanthat.

It’saplaceyou’llwantto return to not just for drinks, but for the people, the vibe, and the experience,” he noted.

Baba Eusi Kwayana: INSPIRATIONAL STORY TELLING S

In an effort to pass on his wisdom and lived history to the younger generation and wider audience,BabaEusiKwayanaon Wednesdaydeliveredanuplifting and powerful session filled with storytellingandavideoscreening of some of his most impactful worksinGuyana.

Forthosepresent,theevening wasn’t just educational—it was transformational. The kind of encounterthatstayswithyou.The

kind that sends you home

t h i n k i n g a b o u t y o u r grandmother’s hands, your grandfather’s strength, your own purpose.

The event was held at the University of Guyana’s EducationLectureTheatre(ELT), where supporters dressed proudly in traditional African attire,gatheredtohearthestoryof Baba Eusi. Among the audience werecuriousstudents,elders,and

long-time admirers, all eager to witness a moment that was more than just a presentation, it was a celebrationoflegacy

For Baba Eusi, it was not a lectureintheusualsense,itwasa revival, an ode to the spiritual groundingofstorytelling.

The event—rich with ritual and reflection was beyond words.Itwasacalltoaction,and collaboration amongst people to betterdevelopthenation.Hisson

RasKofijoinedhim.

He said, “We are a humanity madeupofmanypeoples,”Baba Eusi began, his voice strong but calm, “and among them are scientists, sociologists, and seekers of truth—all called to returntotheirroot.”

That root, he reminded the gathering,liesnotjustinDNAor documents, but in the deep spiritual and cultural legacy of Africa. But Africa, to Kwayana, isn’t just a continent it’s a fountain of ancient wisdom, invention, and resilience. It is, in hiswords,“thelandofthefirsts.”

“We honour the first blacksmiths, the first midwives, the first fishers, the first weavers,” “We honour the first storytellers,thefirstscientists,the first astronomers those who charted the stars without telescopes. We honour the builders of the first civilizations alongtherivers.”

Baba Eusi spoke of empires forgotten by mainstream textbooks—like that of Queen Makeda,whoseruleoncereached as far as what we now know as India.HetoldofearlyAfricanand Indigenousseafarerswhocrossed oceans long before Columbus, foundingcivilizationsacrossthe Continued on page 35

Baba Eusi telling his story and sharing inspiration to audiences

Ras Kofi during his presentation

Students and supporters engaging in the impactful storytelling

BabaEusiKwayana:Inspirationalstorytelling...

Frompage31

Caribbean,CentralandSouth America, and even parts of Australia

“They came as free people,”hesaid

“And their energy still reigns on the lands they touched ”

But Kwayana didn’t leave the hard truths behind He confronted colonialismhead-on how

it divided, distorted, and demonized

“Therewasatimewhen our people met each other for the first time African andIndian andinsteadof unity, they were met with unnatural division,” he said

“They were taught evil things about each other” Yet, through that darkness, Baba Eusi called for light

H

remembernotjustthewellknown figures, but the everyday ancestors who laboured, suffered, and loved so that we could standwherewearetoday

“We honour them for thei

esilience We honour them for the dignity they held on to, even when they were madetofeelashamed ”

Still, Kwayana paid

merged scholarship with activism:

Dr Walter Rodney –“The conscience of our dying nation, Martin Carter – “A voice of thunder, a mind of lightning and Dr Cheddi Jagan–“Amanwhotookhis

knowledge to the streets, lightingthewayforothers”

In a particularly touching close, Baba Eusi along with Ras Kofi turned his gaze to thefuture tothechildren yettobeborn

“We honour them,” he said softly, “not just for surviving but for flourishing For the day when they will stand in a circle, and call our names ”

Theeventalsofeatured video screenings of Kwayana’slifeandworks, showing rare footage of village life, oral histories, and his reflections on Guyana’s journey through the eyes of an activist, a teacher, and a spiritual guide

LOCAL TESTING LABS CAN IMPROVE CONFORMANCE AND CUSTOMER CONFIDENCE

Testing and calibration laboratories in Guyana can implement the requirements of the ISO/IEC 17025:2017

Standard “General

requirements for the competence of testing and calibration laboratories” to improve performance and provide confidence in the results provided to their users. Accreditation to this standard allows laboratory results to be accepted anywhereintheworld.

b

The standard was issued

O r g a n i s a t

S t a n d a r d i s a t i o n / International ElectroTechnical Commission and was adopted by the Guyana

National Bureau of Standards (GNBS) for use by laboratories locally GNBS, with the support of theGovernment,hastakenit furthertohaveitscalibration laboratories accredited to this globally recognised standard.

According to the International Laboratory Accreditation Cooperation (ILAC), in 2024, over 114,000 laboratories were accredited worldwide to the standard, an increase from justover93,000in2023. The standard specifies the general requirements for competence, impartiality and consistency of operations in laboratories. The requirements are a p p l i c a b l e t o a l l organisations performing laboratory activities, regardless of the number of personnel.

U n d e r g e n e r a l requirements, the standard addresses impartiality and confidentiality in laboratory activities.Activitieswithina lab must be undertaken impartially, not yielding to commercial, financial or other pressures to compromise impartiality

Further, risk to impartiality must be eliminated or minimized Meanwhile, information emanating from a laboratory conforming to this standard must be carefully managed to maintainconfidentiality.

The standard also provides

requirements. These require the laboratory to be a legal entity;labmusthavedefined rangeofactivities,andthere must be conformance of lab activitiestotherequirements of this standard. There must be a defined organisation s

d responsibility, authority and

personnel Documented procedures to ensure consistent application of lab activities and validity of results must exist within the l

requirements, the standard requireslaboratoriestohave

WITH ISO STANDARD

facilities, equipment, systemsandsupportservices necessary to manage and perform their laboratory activities. All personnel, internal or external, that couldinfluencetheactivities o

the lab must act impartially, be competent andworkinaccordancewith the laboratory management system Other critical aspects considered by the standard include facilities and environmental conditions, equipment and metrologicaltraceabilityand externallyprovidedproducts and services. Only suitable externallyprovidedproducts and services that affect laboratory activities should be used in specified

instances.

Process requirements including those related to method validation, sampling, the handling of test or calibration items and the validation and reporting of results are outlined in the standard.

Laboratories meeting the requirements of this standard must respond to the concerns of their clients becausetheyarerequiredto establish a documented process to receive, evaluate and make decisions on complaints.

Finally, provisions are made in the standard for labs to select opportunities for improvement, conduct inte

correctiveactionswhennonconformities occur, and conduct management reviewsatplannedintervals. Laboratories desirous of conforming to the requirements of the ISO 17025 standard are encouragedtoacquireacopy from the GNBS or directly from the ISO web store. GNBS, through its Business Development Department, can provide Training and Technical Assistance on the standard to interested Laboratories For further information, please contact GNBS on telephone numbers: 219-0062, 2190065, and 219-0066 or visit the GNBS website: www.gnbsgy.org

Frompage26 rape of child under 16 yrs which occurred sometime between 1st December 2024 and 31st January 2025wasseenatShabbabarinOne mile,Wismar,Linden.

As a result, the Sergeant and a partyofrankswenttothatlocation.

The Sergeant was armed with a 9mm service pistol, and another rank was armed with a .38 service revolver These ranks were fully dressedinuniform,policesaid.

According to the police on arrivalatOneMileWismarLinden, PeterswasseenatShabashop.

Uponseeingtheranks,Peters,it is alleged began to run and attempted to jump a nearby fence, policereported.Itisfurtheralleged bytheSergeantthathemanagedto pulloffPetersfromthefenceandin the process of subduing him, his service pistol, which was in his righthand,wentoffandPeterswas hit.

Hewasimmediatelyescortedto the Mackenzie Public Hospital. However, he succumbed while receivingtreatment.

Peters’bodywasexamined,and onecircularwoundwasseenonhis lowerrightabdomen.Thebodywas taken to the Pensioners Mortuary a w a i t i n g p o s t m o r t e m Investigationsareongoing.

TheSergeantispresentlyunder closearrestandhasbeenescortedto TSU, while the police Office for Professional Responsibility has commencedaninvestigation.

ExxonMCEOboastsofrecord earningsdespiteloweroilprices

Darren Woods, Chairman and Chief Executive Officer (CEO) of American oil giant, ExxonMobil recently boasted of the company’s record performance in 2024, despitethedeclineinoilprices.

In a SEC filing on Monday, Woods told shareholders of the Fortune500Companythatin2024, ExxonMobil outperformed other integrated oil companies (IOCs) across the board with US$33.7 billionofearnings,$55.0billionof cash flow from operations, and $12.1 billion of structural cost savings,ascomparedto2019.

AccordingtoWoods,“Thepast year provided the best look yet at the power of our transformed Company…our earnings were the third highest in the past decade, even as oil prices softened and chemical margins remained at bottom-of-cycleconditions.”

Healsohighlightedthatgrowth in cash flow from the company’s operations were 8 percentage points above Exxon’s nearest competitor, underscoring the improvements over the past five years.Furthermore,overUS$125B was distributed to shareholders duringtheperiod.

Brentcrudeoilpricesaveraged justoverUS$82perbarrelin2023. It fell to around US$80 in 2024

accordingtoStatista.

While the company boasted of itsincreasedcashflowoverthepast fiveyears,itwouldbeimportantto note that Guyana commenced production activities in 2019, five yearsago.

Some analysts believe that the turnaround of the company’s finances is linked to the startup of petroleum activities in the South Americannation,especiallydueto the favourable terms extended to the oil giant in the sweetheart deal withGuyana.

As at the end of March 2025, Guyana received a total of US$6,655,222,302inrevenuefrom the offshore petroleum operations. Guyanesehavelongarguedthatthe country should receive a greater shareoftherevenuegeneratedfrom itsresources.

According to the 2016 Production Sharing Agreement (PSA) Guyana receives 2% of oil produced sold in the Stabroek Block.Italsoreceivesaprofitshare equivalent to 12 5% after ExxonMobildeducts75%monthly towardsexpensesandtakesanother 12.5%asitsprofit.

In 2025, although Guyana’s daily production is expected to climb, the country will see a decrease in earnings from the sector, as a result of a projected 10.9%declineinoilprice.Thiswas explained by Finance Minister, Dr Ashni Singh during the presentationofthisyear’sBudget.

He said, “Oil prices contracted by 2.3 percent to average US$80.7 perbarrelin2024,primarilydueto slowing global demand, particularlyinChina.”

The Minister was keen to note that this trend is expected to continue this year as “crude oil pricesareforecastedtodeclinebya further10.9percenttoUS$71.9per barrel,withglobalsupplyexpected toexceeddemand.”

With oil prices likely to dip furthersoon,largelydrivenbynew measures announced by U S President, Donald Trump, Guyanese continue to worry and express frustration over government’srefusaltoengagethe company for a more balanced agreement.

Residentsshutdown Lindenafterpolice shoot,killtwoyouths …protestors,police injuredduringstand-off

ByShervinBelgrave

The mining town of Linden, Region10descendedintochaoson Tuesday morning, hours after 23year-old Ronaldo Peters was shot dead by a member of the Guyana PoliceForce(GPF).

The residents of Linden have dubbedtheshootingdeathamurder even as the police officer responsibleforPeters’deathclaims that his gun accidentally went off.

Chairman and Chief Executive Officer (CEO),

Thepolice’sclaimwasdisputedby surveillance footage, which showed him running behind Peters withagun.Shortlyafter,thepolice officer was seen fetching the injuredmanbyhisclothes.

Asthevideofootagecirculated, residents of the mining town and morespecificallythecommunityof Peters were angered. The situation quickly sparked protests, which descended into chaos, resulting in the death of another youth identified as 32-year-old Keon Fogenay, also known as “Dan”, a father of four, the youngest being around3yearsold.

Roads were blocked bringing motor vehicular traffic in the town to a standstill. Several protestors and police officers were injured in violent clashes. The protest began at Half Mile Wismar, Linden, where Peters was killed, but stretched across the Wismar Bridge. Rubber pellets were fired along with tear gas as Lindeners blocked the Bridge with burning tyres. Some protestors say live rounds were also fired into the crowd – one of them killing Fogenay.

One protester alleged that the rankwhokilledFogenayduringthe protest was firing tear gas at the angry crowd, but reportedly stopped what he was doing and pulled out his service weapon and shot the young man who was a neighbour and close friend of the Peters Protestors reportedly recovered the spent shells as evidence Meanwhile, speaking with Kaieteur News, Fogenay’s brother, “Ronel” (only name given),saidthatFogenaywaskilled 15 minutes after arriving from Georgetown. “He was not even at the protest, he did just passing through,” Ronel claimed while recounting that he was operating a taxi when he heard that someone wasshotattheprotests.Atthetime, he did not know it was his brother, but only later found out when he decided to “go and see who is the victim.”

Fogenay, according to his relatives, was shot in the head. A cellphone recorded video of personsrushinghimtothehospital

showedhimbleedingfromawound around the left eye. News of his death triggered violence, with protestorsattackingpoliceofficers, forcingthemintoretreat.

Police officers were caught on video running from protestors as theyhurledbottles,bricksandother missiles at them. When Kaieteur Newsarrived,therewassomecalm but burning debris, spent shells fromtherubberpellets,brokengas bottles, and cannisters of tear gas litteredtheroadways.

Therewasnoflowoftrafficup topresstime.

Protestors stood nearby- some of them injured but remained dedicated to keeping the road blocked. They told Kaieteur News that they do not trust the justice system and the police’s word. “We wanttoseetheminhandcuffs…We ain’t want hear deh pon close arrest.”Speakingwiththemediaat the scene, Linden Mayor Sharma Solomon said, “There is no way a second young man should have beenshotwithliverounds”.

“Itismostunfortunatethatthis is the de-escalating ability of the GuyanaPolice…tofurtherescalate the matter,” Solomon said. Solomon condemned the killing of both men, describing the killing of Peters as murder “We using language ‘cause we not being reckless, we saw what we saw and what we saw was a crime. An unarmedmanwasrunningandwas murdered,”hetoldthemedia.

He alleged that two officers involved in the killings are returningofficerstoLinden.“Who wasKendell(theofficeraccusedof killing Peters)? He left because of those behaviour and attitude. Why did he return?” Solomon rhetorically asked while adding, “Mr Pilgrim, who shot the second young man… now we know their names, was here in 2012 and did thissamebridgework.Hewashere in 2012, and he was part of that crew.”

Meanwhile,thePoliceForce,in a statement issued earlierTuesday, stated that “Police discharged rounds at the crowd in an effort to mitigate the situation where they were burning tires and destroying

government infrastructure.” The Force continued, “Additionally, as the police engaged to protesters, they were greeted with missiles” beforeaddingthatoneoftherounds dischargedinretaliationcausedthe demise of a protester “The ranks were placed under arrest and the Office of Professional Responsibility has commenced investigations,”policesaid.

Further, the Police Force disclosed that members of the Regional Security System (RSS) will lead an independent investigation into the killings PresidentIrfaanAlialsoconfirmed that the RSS will be assisting the investigationandpromisedtomeet family members “Do not be instigated to destroy public or privatepropertyandinfrastructure. Suchactionsarebothunhelpfuland unlawful,” he later stated as he urged, “Let good sense prevail. Allow the investigation to run its course and bring clarity to the situation.”

On Tuesday evening, the Presidentvisitedtherelativesofthe deceased at the West Watooka Guest House Businessmen, Azruddin Mohamed, Glenn Lall andmembersoftheoppositionalso visitedLindenandcalledforpeace.

Twobanditsshotdeadduring attackonChinesesupermarket onHadfieldStreet

Twobanditswereshotdeadand another escaped Tuesday night during a robbery attempt at a Chinese supermarket on Hadfield Street,Georgetown.

Dead are: Orwin Garraway, 22 of East Ruimveldt Housing Scheme, Georgetown and Tyrese Adams of Pineapple Street, East Ruimveldt,Georgetown.

The bandits stormed the establishment and held up two of the cashiers. However, they faced stiff resistance from the Chinese staffbeforethesecurityguardofthe supermarket confronted them. He shotoneofthemasheattemptedto escape through the door and fired several shots on another just as he wasreleasedbyoneofthecashiers whohadheldontohim.Duringthis time, the third bandit bolted out of the supermarket. Police said that theyareinvestigatingthematter In recent times, bandits have targeted Chinese supermarkets across the country and have for mostescaped.Reportsissuedbythe Guyana Police Force (GPF) and reported by Kaieteur News revealed that between October 2024andMarch2025,sevenarmed robberies took place at Chineseowned businesses across Guyana, resultinginthetheftofmillions.

These incidents, which have primarily occurred in Georgetown and East Bank Demerara (EBD), indicate a rising trend of violent crimetargetingtheChinese Continued on page 41

ExxonMobil, Darren Woods

Dead: Keon Fogenay

Frompage40 businesses, although most of thesupermarketsareoutfittedwith CCTVcamerasandarmedsecurity guards. Therobberieshavemostly been concentrated in areas like South Ruimveldt, Cummings Lodge, Soesdyke, and Great Diamond.

The first major robbery in this series took place on October 21, 2024, at Chao Hui Supermarket in Providence, EBD where a Chinese businesswoman was robbed of $200,000 Two masked men, arriving on a motorcycle, held a security guard at gunpoint before demanding the cash from the businesswoman They escaped fromthescene.

OnOctober25,2024,AnSheng Supermarket on the SoesdykeLinden Highway was targeted by armedrobberswhostole$500,000, $150,000inphonecards,andthree bottles of Hennessy One suspect, Jason Howard, was arrested, but twoaccomplicesremainatlarge.

In South Ruimveldt, a robbery occurred on December 1, 2024, at Kang Chinese Supermarket. Two gunmen disarmed the security guard and stole an undisclosed amountofcash.

They fled the scene on a motorcycle,andtheinvestigationis ongoing. Soesdyke, another area that has seen repeated robberies, was the site of an armed heist on December 18, 2024, at C&H Supermarket Two gunmen threatened staff and customers, stealing cash and valuables OrlandoScott,oneofthesuspects, confessed after his arrest, but the secondaccompliceisstillatlarge.

On December 31, 2024, a Chinese-owned restaurant in Sophia was targeted, resulting in a 21-year-oldbanditbeingshotdead by a security guard One accomplice was captured, and a thirdsuspectescaped.

The trend continued into the new year, with a robbery on February 10, 2025, at Titan Supermarket in Cummings Lodge, where two armed robbers stole $30,000 in cash, during which Robert Massiah, a security guard, wasshot.

The most recent robbery occurred on March 29, 2025, at Great Diamond, EBD, where two armed robbers targeted Qing Yi Cue and Xian Cheng Xie, Chinese nationals running a supermarket. The suspects made off with over $1.1million,including$200,000in phone cards and an iPhone 12 Pro Max The robbers forced the securityguardtothegroundbefore stealing the valuables and fleeing on foot. Investigations into this incident are ongoing, and CCTV footageisbeingreviewed.

Thursday

GRAmustexplaininitial lowtaxassessmentfor vehiclesimportedby Mohameds - AG Nandlall

Mohameds. Nandlall stated that any meetingshehadwiththeMohamed family after the sanctions were imposed were official in nature, conducted in the presence of their legalcounselandaimedatensuring their disengagement from Staterelated business “They were accorded all the due processes to which they are entitled.They were treated lawfully and all the protectivesafeguardsguaranteedto them by law were extended to them,”hesaid.

“Some people have been coming to us saying that the subvention…everyyearweusedto spend about $260 million to assist peopletopayforCSECandCAPE if they couldn’t afford it but we were not pleased with the way it’s being applied because sometimes people don’t know they can apply for this and often it doesn’t get to the intended beneficiaries because it is determined through a capricious process by teachers and others,”heexplained.

Noting that this initiative will cost around $600 million, the VP relatedthatthiswillremoveahuge burden from parents moving forward.

Attorney General and Minister ofLegalAffairsAnilNandlallsays the Guyana Revenue Authority (GRA) will have to explain how it initially assessed the import taxes paid by Azruddin Mohamed on several luxury vehicles that the authorityisnowgoingaftertoseize overunpaidtaxes.

Speaking on his weekly programme,‘IssuesintheNews’on Tuesday night, Nandlall said that while the agency will have to provide an explanation on its previous assessment, he clarified that GRA has long held the legal authority to conduct post-audit reviews of import duty assessments.

Notably,GRAisgoingafterthe vehicles over breaches of remigrant and duty-free agreements, claimingMohamedowesover$1.2 billionintaxes.Detailsrevealedby GRAareasfollows:

One 2020 Ferrari PAD 5000 in the name of Hana Mohamed, with additional taxes of $479,743, 489 for breach of the re-migrant requirements,

One 2023 Land Rover Range Rover PAC 9000 in the name of Leslie Khan, with additional taxes of$61,485,982forbreachoftheremigrantrequirements,

One 2023 Rolls Royce PAE 5000inthenameofBibiMohamed, with additional taxes of $320,064,246 for breach of the remigrantrequirements,

One 2020 Lamborghini Roadster PZZ 4000 titled to Azruddin Mohamed, with additional taxes of $371,775,168 forfalsedeclarationofvalue.

One 2021Toyota Land Cruiser PAB 4000 titled to Azruddin Mohamed,withadditionaltaxesof $24,641,272forfalsedeclarationof value.

The total amount stolen across the seven incidents exceeds $2 million, and while some suspects have been arrested, investigations arestillongoinginallcases.Police are working to identify and apprehendtheremainingsuspects.

One 2021Toyota Land Cruiser PAB 3000 titled to Azruddin Mohamed,withadditionaltaxesof $24,641,272forfalsedeclarationof value.

Forhispart,Nandlallstatedthat GRAwill have to explain who did the initial assessment and why it was done in the way that it was done, resulting in millions in unpaid taxes. However, he explained, “The GRA always has and always had a power to review the assessment of duties and taxes. It is called a post-audit power It is in the law, and any businessman who has had any relationship with the Guyana Revenue Authority wouldknowofthatpower.”

He outlined that such reviews are standard practice, particularly in cases involving duty-free concessions such as the re-migrant scheme or other governmentfacilitated tax relief programs “TheGRAgoingaftervehiclesthat were brought into the country on different concessions is also not a newphenomenon,”hesaid.

His comments come amid claims by Mohameds that the recent efforts to seize his luxury vehiclesover$1.2billioninunpaid taxes are politically motivated. Mohamed had alleged that both Vice President Bharrat Jagdeo and Nandlall warned him to abandon any political ambitions or face repercussions, including the seizureofhisvehicles.

But the Attorney General has refutedthoseallegations,stating,“I haveneverspokentoMr Azruddin Mohamed in the presence of Mr Jagdeo…since the sanction was imposed, I have never spoken to Mr Mohamed in person or on the phonebyhimself.”

Azruddin and his father, Nazar “Shell” Mohamed, and their businessesweresanctionedinJune 2024 by the U.S Treasury’s Office of ForeignAssets Control (OFAC) over allegations of corruption, tax evasion, and gold smuggling. The sanctions were also imposed on former Ministry of Labour PermanentSecretaryMaeThomas, who is accused of granting State contracts and benefits to the

LastSaturday,theGRAandthe Guyana Police Force attempted to seize the vehicles, but were met with resistance from Team Mohamed supporters who blocked the operation A temporary injunctionfromtheHighCourthas since barred the agency from seizingthevehiclespendingafinal ruling.

Mohamed has maintained that the vehicles were legally imported and approved through the proper GRA channels years ago, questioning the timing of the renewed interest in the matter.

“We’re not giving up the vehicles because the vehicles were approved… so why seize them now, four years after?” he previouslysaid.

Govt.topaysubject feesforCAPEstudents

Following his public announcement that government will pay the exam fees for up to eight Caribbean Secondary Education Certificate (CSEC) subjects for every student across the country, President Irfaan Ali said on Thursday that the same offer is extended to students at the Caribbean Advanced Proficiency Examination(CAPE)level.

ThePresidentsaidthisduringa livebroadcastairedatStateHouse, Georgetown.

Noting that throughout this term of office his government will be implementing a wide array of similar measures and projects aimedatimprovinglivelihoods,the Head-of-State related yesterday “I will ensure that no child is compelled to limit the number of CXCsubjectstheywriteonaccount of the financial circumstances of theirparentsandthisinitiativegoes beyond CSEC, it will also include the CAPE students and they too willbenefitfromthisinitiative.”

This publication had reported that this initiative will benefit students at both public and private schools Elaborating on the President’s announcement during his weekly press conference on Thursday, Vice President (VP) Bharrat Jagdeo said the decision was made after they received reports that the subvention that the government was providing for exam fees was not reaching the rightfulbeneficiaries.

“In the next term in office, you willseemuchmoreofthis,notjust the increase of the $50,000 per childperyeargrantbuttheprocess of removing the burden from parents to fund education for their children at every level. So, this would help to ensure that people can keep more of the income that they have and use it for other purposes because the government will ensure that we progressively fundeducationandtheeducational needs of our people from the treasurydirectly,”headded. It was also reported that the payment of the exam fees will commencefromthisyear

Friday

RamslamsGovt’spitiful payouttoNISpensioners …saysinitiativeanattempt tobamboozlevoters

Chartered Accountant, Christopher Ram has criticised government’s handout of grants to pensioners who they said have not met the required number of contributions to the National Insurance Scheme (NIS), saying that some of the people have contributed more than what is on the record. He also knocked the timing of the announcement of the handout,whichhesaidcanonlybe interpreted as an “undisguised attempttobamboozlevoters,using pensioners’rightfulentitlementsas politicalcurrencyfortheupcoming elections.”

President Irfaan Ali said on Thursday that the payout could begin today after some $10 billion was transferred to the NIS According to Presidentkaieteurf news

Ali, senior citizens who have made between 500 to 749 contributions will receive as follows: 500 to 549 NIS Contributions – One-Off Payment of $260,000; 550 to 599 NIS Contributions – One-Off Payment of $390,000; 600 to 699 NIS Contributions – One-Off Payment of $520,000 and 700 to 749 NIS Contributions – One-Off Payment of$650,000.PresidentAlisaidthat Continued on page 42

Attorney General and Minister of Legal AffairsAnil Nandlall

US sanctioned Guyanese businessman Azruddin Mohamed

Frompage41 some 25,000 pensioners nationwidewillbenefitfrom thegrant.

However, in a letter to thisnewspaperanalysingthe payout, Ram said that for workers who have between 500-549 contributions

r e c o r d e d b y N I S

(representing approximately 10-11 years of labour at 50 contributions per year), the

government offers $260,000 “This sounds substantial until one realises itamountstojust$84.80per day when spread across the average 8 4-year pension term (from age 60 to the average pensioner’s age of 68.4years).”

He noted too: “Those with 550-599 contributions receive $390,000 ($127.20 daily for the rest of their expected lives)- those with 600-699 contributions receive $520,000 ($169.60 daily for the rest of their expected lives) those with 700-749 contributions receive $650,000 ($212.00 daily for the rest of their expectedlives).”

Pittance for years of service

Ram said the pensioners who will benefit from the grantswouldhavededicated over a decade to formal employment, dutifully

m a k i n g t h e i r N I S contributions,andnowbeing “awarded what can only be described as a pittance in return.” He noted that many ofthemhavecontributedfar more than what appears in their official records, “victims of an inefficient system that has repeatedly failed to document workers’ contributionsproperly.”

Ram, who is also an attorney-at-law, said this administrative failure represents “28 years of abysmaloversight–24years under PPP administrations and 4 years under the Coalition Government.” He added, “For nearly three decades, successive governments have allowed the NIS to deteriorate, ignoring actuarial

r e c o m m e n d a t i o n s , n e g l e c t i n g t h e i r responsibility to ensure proper record-keeping of workers’contributionswhile expecting these workers to fundthesystem.” He said what makes this situation particularly galling is its presentation and timing. “The government’s announcement features the President’s image more prominently than the actual

CharteredAccountant

Christopher Ram (right) handing over hisAugust 17, 2024 contributions to Julia Clarke and Shariff Zainul inApril.

awards,suggestingthatthese meagre sums should be received as generous gifts rather than the rightful entitlements they represent. Although these payments were announced several months ago, the timing of their implementation now, with such prominent political imagery, can only be interpreted as an undisguised attempt to bamboozle voters, using pensioners’ rightful entitlements as political currency for the upcoming elections.”

Adding further insult to injury, Ram said the paltry payments are financed from a$10billionallocationinthe 2025 Budget “This substantial sum represents about 40% of the total amountpaidtoall40,327full pensioners by the NIS in 2022. Rather than using these funds to improve the lives of all pensioners

meaningfully, the government has chosen to distribute them as politically-timed handouts, creating the illusion of g e n e r o s i t y w h i l e shortchanging those who have contributed to our nation’sdevelopment.”Ram said, “Rather than taking responsibility for successive governments’ collective failure to provide proper oversight and implement necessary reforms, the current administration now presents these derisory payments as some gift when theyrepresentatinyfraction

of what workers are rightfully owed after decades of governmental incompetence.”

Last year August, Ram decided to give two pensioners who have been deniedoldagepensionfrom the NIS a monthly pension. The recipients, 68-year-old JuliaClarkeand73-year-old Shariff Zainul, have been r e c e i v i n g R a m ’ s contributions, which are equivalenttoanNISoldage pension,onamonthlybasis. “WhatIhavedecidedtodois that I will give both of them an NIS pension indefinitely until the NIS starts paying them, if NIS don’t start paying them, then I will continue to pay them,” Ram saidatasimplehandingover ceremony held at his office on Waterloo Street, Georgetown back in April lastyear

Eightsuccessfulwells drilledbyExxonin2024 …asGuyana’sreserves remainstagnant - Hess says in Annual Report

In 2024, ExxonMobil Guyana Limited (EMGL), theoperatorofGuyana’soilrich Stabroek Block drilled eight exploration and appraisal wells successfully, which encountered hydrocarbons.

This was revealed by HessCorporationinits2024 Annual Report, recently published.

An exploration well referstoadeeptestholethat is drilled by petroleum companiestolocatereserves of recoverable oil and gas. On the other hand, an appraisal well is a well drilled to gather additional information about a

with 46 discoveries announced to date. During the presentation of this year’s Budget, Finance Minister, Dr Ashni Singh informed that five new discoveries were made in 2024.

D e s p i t e t h e announcement of new discoveries and ongoing appraisal activity by ExxonMobilintheStabroek Block, government maintains that the country’s reserves have not significantly grown since 2022.

makingthepointthatExxon was not keeping the figures away

M e a n w h i l e , i n explaining the variation between Exxon’s figures compared to the reserves announced by government, Routledge noted that the state conducts independent studies, although it is supplied with data by the company

hydrocarbon discovery or reservoir

To this end, the Report states,“In2024,theoperator drilled a total of eight successful exploration and appraisal wells that e n c o u n t e r e d hydrocarbons…”

In addition to the successful wells, theAnnual Report said the operator e n c o u n t e r e d “ o n e unsuccessful exploration wellforwhichthewellcosts wereexpensed.”

Meanwhile, Hess indicated that in 2025, ExxonMobil plans to utilize five drillships to continue to perform exploration, appraisal, and development activities.

H e s s G u y a n a ExplorationLtd.asubsidiary ofHessCorporationholds30 percent interest in the Stabroek Block, while CNOOC Petroleum Guyana Limited holds 25 percent interest and Exxon 45 percent.

The 6.6 million acres blockisoperatedbyEMGL,

Following the last resource update in April 2022,theMinistryofNatural Resources in August 2024 said the country’s reserves grew by a mere 600 million barrels,from11Bbarrels. It was the subject Minister, Vickram Bharrat who told reporters at a press conference,“Ithinkwehave moved to 11.6B now, 11.6B barrels equivalent offshore in the Stabroek Block now and that by itself is a significantfind.”

Meanwhile, in a

s u b s e q u e n t p r e s s engagement, President of EMGL, Alistair Routledge said the company’s estimate was lower than the 11.6B f i g u r e s h a r e d b y government.

This newspaper had asked him to share the number of new discoveries that were appraised for the companytoarriveatthenew resource estimate of 11.6 billionbarrels.

Tothisend,heexplained, “The government released a number of 11 6B oil

equivalent barrels, ExxonMobil’s estimate is lowerthanthatnumber…our numberremainsalittleunder 11 billion oil equivalent barrels ” Furthermore, he noted that the company is obligated to make such reports to the US Securities and Exchange Commission,

“ T h e y a l s o d o independent studies (and) verifications with other consultantsandtheworkthat they do themselves and the GGMC and Ministry of Natural Resources so it’s quite normal to have a slightlydifferentviewofthe number,”hereasoned.

Hidingreserves

Notably, former Head of the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA), Dr VincentAdams had said ExxonMobil, could be hiding Guyana’s true oil reserves, as this would reducethesumthatcouldbe deductedbythecompanyfor decommissioningactivities. Decommissioning refers to the cleanup and restoration of the environment following the end of the life of an oil project. It involves the safe plugging of wells and removal of equipment used during the operations, including the Floating Production Storage and Offloading(FPSO)vessel.

Dr Adams, a Petroleum andEnvironmentalEngineer hintedthatthecompanymay be deliberately keeping the nation in the dark on its real oil reserves as this would affect the monies it can deduct and hold in its a c c o u n t f o r decommissioning.

He explained, “If you read the contract and this might be tied to something else because remember the issue that was raised about the money being withdrawn for decommissioning that goes into Exxon’s Bank Account?Theamountthatis being withdrawn is calculated and here is how that amount is being calculated: it’s being calculated by dividing the (decommissioning) budget you divide that number by the reserves and then you multiply it by the amount that has been produced.”

Consequently,theformer head of the EPA noted, “Right now, they are dividingby11Bbarrels,if Continued on page 43

Frompage42 youdivideitbylet’ssay18B barrels…you are reducing it by almost half as to what they can withdraw for decommissioningsoisthere asuspicionthatistiedtoit?”

Government has however denied hiding the reserves, explaining that higher reserves would be good for the company and couldincreasestocksforthe Americanoilmajor

Saturday

Guyana’soilcontinuesto shineasHess’topseller

G u y a n a ’s c r u d e continues to take the spotlight in American oil major Hess Corporation’s portfolio.

According to the company’s 2024 Annual Report, Guyana’s crude is Hess’ top-selling crude for 2024, fetching the highest average price among all its globaloperations.

Crude oil from Guyana averaged US$80 04 per barrel, maintaining the lead in the company’s portfolio despite a marginal dip from US$80 72 in 2023 and US$89.72 in 2022. When excluding hedging, a strategy used to stabilise prices, Guyana’s oil still stoodoutwithanaverageof US$80 04, outperforming barrels from the United StatesandMalaysia.

This performance aligns with Hess’s third-quarter estimates released late last year, which identified Guyana as the company’s most valuable crude source during the first nine months of2024,sellingatUS$82.18 per barrel That report showed Guyana ahead of Hess’s US production in North Dakota (US$72.11) and offshore (US$75.07), as well as Malaysian output (US$77.76).

Guyana’s continued dominance in Hess’s global oil portfolio reflects the exceptional productivity of the Stabroek Block, where the company holds a 30 per centstake.

Guyanatravelpackages

Thatblockisoperatedby

American oil giant

ExxonMobil Guyana Limited, which holds a 45% interest and a third partner, CNOOC, which holds 25% interest.

The Stabroek Block, located about 120 miles offshore Guyana, spans 6.6

m

and is estimatedtohold11.6billion

barrels of oil. Production began in December 2019, following a discovery in 2015 Currently, three FloatingProduction,Storage and Offloading (FPSO) vessels, the Liza Destiny, Liza Unity, and Prosperity, are in production, with another FPSO expected to come onstream later this year

The three active FPSOs collectively produce around 650,000barrelsofoilperday (bpd).

Meanwhile, Hess is still inthemidstofanacquisition byUSenergygiantChevron, in a US$53 billion deal

approved by Hess shareholders, but is facing arbitration in court to come upinMay

ExxonMobil and CNOOCfiledforarbitration attheInternationalChamber of Commerce in Paris, arguingthattheyhavearight of first refusal over Hess’ stake.

Despite this, Hess expressed confidence that themergerwouldproceedas planned.

Govt.intalkswith GuySuCotorevive privatecanefarming inRegion3 - Pres. Ali

Talks are currently ongoingbetweentheGuyana Sugar Corporation (GuySuCo)andtheMinistry of Agriculture to revive privatefarmingofsugarcane inRegionThree.

During a recent outreach to Canal Number One, West Bank Demerara, President IrfaanAli told residents that he has asked GuySuco to present him with a plan that could be implemented to assist farmers to prepare their lands for private

scrutiny from the

APNU+AFC parliamentary opposition, Agriculture Minister Zulfikar Mustapha told the National Assembly that because of the neglect the three operating estates were subjected critical capital works had become necessary

In January of 2022 the Kaieteur News reported that in Budget 2022, the PPP government set aside a whopping $6 billion for GuySuCo to be used to enhancefieldoperationsand packaging capabilities, with the hope of reviving the sector, which continues to record yearly decreasing productionrates.

farming.

“The economy that we are building. You know, in this community, issues that you are faced with is that when the estates, when the sugar industry, took a hit, you had no capital investment to go back in your private cane farming. AmInotright?”

Heexplainedthathewas aware that the investments made in preparation of the land to supply cane from these private farms to the mill were lost, but now the government has to find a formulaandthatiswherethe Agriculture Ministry and GuySucocomein.

“In getting back to private cane farming, we havetoensure that we build a sector in which they are paid a fair price for their cane so that they can be successful That is what we are working on when we talk about building out opportunity at the communitylevel.”

The government has been pumping billions of dollars into what economists say is a dying sugarindustry

In December 2020, just three months after the sugar corporation was allocated some $3 billion, the government returned to the National Assembly requesting an additional $4 billion.

While the previous $3 billionwastorecapitalisethe three estates closed by the former APNU+AFC Government at Rose Hall, Skeldon,andEnmore,the$4 billion was requested to support the recapitalisation ofthethreeoperatingestates at Blairmont, Albion and Uitvlugt. Up against intense

InDecemberofthesame year the Ministry of Agriculture secured an additional $3 billion to provide resources for operational expenses at the Guyana Sugar Corporation (GuySuCo)andtheNational Drainage and Irrigation Authority(NDIA).

In the 2025 budget GuySuco received a whopping $ 13.3 billion for what the finance minister said was for the “continued revitalisation of the sugar industry.”

The minister told the National Assembly that, “in 2025, an additional 3,068 hectares of land will be converted to support mechanisation Key investments will be made to acquire additional field equipment, rehabilitate field infrastructure, and construct over 17 kilometres of allweather roads across the industry.”

Of the sum approved, a total of $1 billion was injected into advancing works at GuySuCo, while the remaining $2 billion went towards advancing NDIA’s operations Mustapha had explained that the money would be spent on rehabilitating critical areas in the factories, while enhancing andexpandingcultivationin thecanefields.

President IrfaanAli

Emily and Daniel were excited for the new school

year They had their backpacks filled with fresh notebooks, colorful pencils, andlunchboxespackedwith their favorite snacks. But as they walked into their classroom, they noticed something that made their excitement fade a boy named Jake was standing near the cubbies, pushing another student's backpack ontothefloor

The School Bully The Earth Day Handprint Craft

“Hey, stop that!” Emily said bravely, stepping forward.

Jake turned to look at her He was taller than most kids in their grade and always had a mean look on his face “What are you gonna do about it?” he sneered.

Daniel quickly helped the other student pick up their backpack. “We should tell the teacher,” he whisperedtoEmily

But before they could, Jake laughed and walked away The boy whose bag had been pushed, Oliver, lookeddownathisfeet.“He always does that,” Oliver mumbled “He takes my lunchsometimes,too.”

Emily and Daniel felt terrible. They didn't like seeing their classmates afraid, but they didn't know whattodo.

That afternoon, during recess, Jake was up to his usualtricks.Hewalkedover to a group of kids playing soccerandsnatchedtheball. “Youwantit?Comeandget it!”heteased,holdingithigh abovehishead.

Daniel frowned “Why doeshedothis?”

Emily thought for a moment “Maybe he just likesbeingmean.”

But their teacher, Mrs. Carter, had overheard. She walked over and calmly

said,“Sometimespeopleact mean because they have their own problems It doesn't make it right, but it means there might be a reason ”Emily and Daniel thoughtaboutwhatshesaid. Thatnightathome,theytold their parents about Jake “Should we tell the principal?”Emilyasked. Theirmomnodded.“It's important to speak up when someone is hurting others. But maybe you can also try tounderstandhim.”

Thenextday,Emilyand Daniel noticed that Jake alwayssataloneatlunch.He never had much food, just a small sandwich with no snacksordrink.

Emily gathered her courageandsatdownacross from him. “Hey, Jake,” she said.

Jake looked up, surprised “What do you want?”“I just wanted to say that if you ever need anything, you can ask,” she saidkindly.Jakefrowned.“I don't need anything from you ” He grabbed his sandwichandleft.

Later that day, during r e a d i n g time, their classhadto

WhatIsNeeded:

*WhiteCardStock

*Glue

*BlackPaint

*Scissors

*PaintBrush

*WatercolorPaints

*RedCardStock

*Scissors

*GlueStick

*Pencil

*SkinToneColoredCard

Stock

HowTo MakeThe Earth

DayHandprintCraft:

To begin making this Earth Day craft, trace the outlineoftheEarthwiththe black glue. After the glue driescompletely,cutoutthe Earth.

Next, use watercolours to paint the Earth blue and green.

After the paint dries completely, cut out a small heart from a piece of red card stock and glue it onto

Art is So Cool

(byUncleRoy)

Drawingandpaintingaresocool, Andtheymakemefeelsogreat, ToknowthatIcanmakeapicture, Thatothersadmireandappreciate.

SometimesIdrawthethingsIsee, AtothertimeswhatIimagine, WhateverIdoitmakesmesohappy ToknowIcreatedsomething.

ThegoodthingisthatIcandoart AnytimeandanywhereIbe, AllIneedispencilandpaper, paper AndIsoonhaveapicturetosee.

Sojoinmeinthisnicehobby, hobby Thatyou'llbesuretoenjoy, Andrealiseforyourselfthatart Ismorefunthanplayingwithatoy

write a short story about themselves When Mrs Carter collected the stories, shelookedsad.

“Class,” she said gently, “one of our students wrote aboutfeelinglonelyandnot having many friends. They feel angry all the time becauseofit.Canwealltry to be a little kinder to everyone?”

Emily and Daniel exchanged a glance. They knew exactly who wrote that.After school, they saw Jake walking home alone. EmilyandDanielhurriedto catchup.

“Hey,Jake,”Danielsaid. “Wanttowalkwithus?”

Jake shrugged “I guess.”

As they walked, Emily asked, “Do you want to come over sometime? We have a soccer ball, and we couldplay.”

Jakehesitated.“Whyare youbeingnicetome?”

“Because everyone needsafriend,”Danielsaid.

For the first time, Jake smiled a little “Okay, maybe.”

Fromthatdayon,things slowly changed Jake still hadmomentswhereheacted tough, but he wasn't as mean He even started passing the soccer ball instead of stealing it. And one day, when another kid dropped their books, Jake helpedpickthemup.

Emily and Daniel

learned something important sometimes bullies act out because they feelalone.Whileit'salways okay to stand up to a bully, kindness can be a powerful waytomakethingsbetter

TheEnd!

Follow-UpQuestions:

· Why do you think Jake was being mean to the otherkids?

· What did Emily and Daniel do to help changeJake'sbehavior?

· How can you help someone who seems lonely orangry?

the Earth. You can also use pre-cut, red foam hearts that haveanadhesiveback.

Finally, trace your hands on skin tone coloured card stockandcutthemout.

Next glue the Earth onto thehands.

(Hint:Tomakeasimpler version of this craft, just colour the Earth instead of using the black glue and watercolourspaints.)

Be aware of all the qualities with which you have been endowed

Apart from the human assets which we have mentioned before, which will enable us to succeed in achieving your goals, we havetounderstandandmake full use all of our positive qualities to succeed at whatever we set your mind to. When you realise your true nature, that you are a uniquehumanbeingwithso many natural talents and endowments, then you will

find it easy and just as natural to develop confidence in yourself, and use these to your best advantage.

Allhumanbeingshave come into this world with fourinborngiftswhichmake us superior to the other creatures of the earth, and capable of performing tasks which are truly wondrous. Thesegiftsare:-

Self-awareness the

ability to look at ourselves objectively, affording us the power to see when we need to effect positive changes towards developing ourselves to our maximum potential; Imagination, the power to create in our minds a better way, and the likely result of whatever choice we want to make, which would enable us to accomplish what is most effective to achieve our g o a l s ;

Will-power, the faculty

that enables us to consciously determine the best course to follow and move forward confidently and with conviction to implementthis; Conscience, giving us the capacity to judge right from wrong, so that we can chooseourlifegoalsthatare truly aligned with the intentions of our souls, and utilisemethodsthatareright

INKIES

We

and in accord with our principles and values to achievethese. Thefact is that you can only develop these 4 human endowments by practice. There is a saying: “Use it or lose it”. Thisistrueofthesegifts,just as it is true of any other qualityandeverypartofour physical being. A fifth humangiftthatcanhelpusto see the good in everything, which many ignore, is a Sense of Humour.And, last but certainly not least, is another quality that unfortunately mankind does notmakeenoughuseof-the powertoLove.

Take some time to meditate on these qualities, trying to understand how theywork,andhowyoucan make full use of them, and youwillbecertaintobenefit in your endeavours towards the life goals you have set yourself.

Use the coming week to meditate on your unique human qualities, and you will be more equipped to move forward towards your goals.

Fillintheblanksquaressothateachrowandeachcolumncontainallofthedigits1 thru6.

Theheavylinesindicateareas(calledcages)thatcontaingroupsofnumbersthatcan be combined (in any order) to produce the result shown in the cage, with the indicated mathoperation.Forexample,12×meansyoucanmultiplythevaluestogethertoproduce 12.Numbersincagesmayrepeat,aslongastheyarenotinthesameroworcolumn.

(byCarmenMashier)

Wemakeourownworld,whoeverweare, Ourhappinessisofourownmaking; Wemakeourownworld,whereverweare, Oursuccessisthereforthetaking.

Ourworldgoeswithusaswewalkandtalkeachday, Ourworldcanbeaheavenorhell,ourattitudewillsay, Wemakeourownworld,whateverweare, Let'smakeourownworld,whereverweare.

Keepthinkinghappy,andwe'llmakeanewworld, Makefulluseofyourqualitiestosucceed; Bealwaysconfidentthatyouhavewhatittakes, Andyouwillsurelywininallyouneed.

Solutions to last week’s

Easter bonnets: How to make an Easter bonnet in 3 simple steps

Source:Countryliving

With Easter fast

approaching (taking placeonSunday20th April 2025 this year), you might have already spotted – or indulged in–somechocolateeggs.Butthere arelotsofotherlovelywaystomark thespecialoccasion.

From putting together a spring wreathorplanningafunquiz,there are plenty of great Easter activities to get the whole family involved with.And one of our favourites, of recent years, has to be making an Easterbonnet.

Originating from the European traditions of wearing flowers on a hat to celebrate spring, an Easter bonnet can be a lovely way to get yourcreativityflowingandisafun waytogetlittleonesexcitedforthe festival.

While bonnets are worn during the famous Easter Parade in New York City, many schools in the UK

alsoparticipateinthetraditiontoo.

Whetheryouchoosetogodown the spring flowers route or adorn yours with artificial eggs, chicks andbunnyrabbits,youcanreallygo allout.

Howtomake anEasterbonnet

If you’ve been wondering how tomakeanEasterbonnet,we’veput together a list of everything you mightneed,aswellasafewideasto getyoustarted.Whynottakesome timeoutthisweekendtogetcreative and make your children (or yourself) some fun Easter bonnets towearovertheholiday Takealook atwhatyoucandobelow

Youwillneed:

-Astrawhat

-Tissuepaper

-Paint -Paintbrush

-Colourfulcardboard

- Accessories (artificial Easter eggs,flowers,chicks,rabbits)

-Glue(0ragluegun)

-Scissors Ribbon

1.Firstly,youwillneedtocreate thebaseofyourbonnettodecorate. Start by covering your straw hat with colourful tissue paper (you’ll need glue for this) or paint it in bright colours as a base for your decorations. Alternatively, if you don’t have a straw hat, you can make your own out of colourful cardboard.

2. Now it’s time to decide how you want to decorate your Easter bonnet.Layallyouraccessoriesout on a table and choose which you wanttoplaceonyourhatfirst.

3. Let the decorating begin! Takingyouraccessories,stickthem ontoyourhatsotheyfirmlystayin place We recommend yellow chicks, Easter eggs, sprigs of flowers, and feathers for a final finishing touch. Leave to dry for a few hours and then add a ribbon around the front. You’ll have a wonderfulhatinnotime!

ByChristalYong

The smell of vanilla and warm sponge cake now

fl o a t s t h r o u g h supermarket aisles, attached to labels that read Rayanna’s Little Bakery Butnotlongago,thatscent came from a small rented kitchen, where a mother balanced mixing bowls on countertops while a child

unemployedwithachildtocarefor and only $15,000 in savings, they faced a crossroads. The odds were heavy, and the questions were constant: How do we move forward? How do we provide? Wheredowebegin?

“Well,beinginapositionwhere both my wife and I were jobless, with our child to care for, was undeniably one of the most

grounded in the belief that with hard work and determination, they couldbuildabrighterfuture.

They said it wasn’t easy, especiallywhileraisingachild,but thevisionofabetterlifekeptthem focused. Their dream of starting a bakery was more than just a business venture; it became a way tobuildalastinglegacyandshapea futuretheycouldbeproudof.

“My advice is to start with what you have and believe in the power of your passion… Don’t wait for the perfect conditions; create them. Focus on what you can control, and use every challenge as an opportunity to learn and grow. The journey won’t always be easy, but with perseverance and a relentless belief in your vision, you’ll be amazed at what you can achieve.”

playednearby,andwhereahusband and wife dreamed not just of baking,butofbuildingalife.

While success now brims, before the bakery, before the branding, before the orders, the deliveries and the sweet recognition,therewasastruggle.A struggle the couple overcame, during the journey of starting their businessonOctober27,2023.

‘We were jobless but we had a dream’

WhenVandonWorrellandSatti

T

s

challenging moments in our lives at that time, we were renting as well,”WorrelltoldTheWaterfalls

“The weight of responsibility was heavy, and it often felt overwhelming. However, we realised that this hardship could either define us, or push us to take controlofourcircumstances”

Instead of succumbing to fear, the couple saw their challenging situationasanopportunitytocreate something meaningful for their family They embraced a mindset of resilience and optimism,

“My husband and I always believedthatfoodhasaspecialway of bringing people together, and baking had been a passion of mine foralongtime.Westartedsmall,just making things for family and friends,andthehappinessitbrought them inspired us to turn it into something bigger We wanted to sharethatlovewithourcommunity and create a bakery that feels like home,”Thomassaid.

But the beginning was far from glamorous Therewasnostorefront No delivery van Not even a car

Supplies were limited Time was tight Andeverycakewasalessonin hustleandhope Thomasrecalls,“honestly,itwas

itmadememoredetermined.”

reminding myself why I started, and I leaned a lot on prayer, my

toughintheearlydays Nothavinga vehicle and working with limited resourcesmeanteverystepfeltlikea challenge ThereweretimeswhenI felt overwhelmed, especially trying to balance family life, baking and making deliveries without reliable transportationbutatthesametime,

Those struggles taught me to be creativeandgratefulforeverylittle progress.”

Continued

husband,myamazingfriendCandy from Candy’s Delight for their support, and believed that small beginningscanleadtogreatthings.

The family snaps photo baking a cake

‘RadiantRosesbyRomina’

ByChristalYong

What began as a simple handmade giftforabelovedteacherhasblossomed into something much more meaningful for10-year-oldDeepikaLatchman With aheartfullofcreativityandhandseager to create, Latchman is now the entrepreneur behind Radiant Roses by Romina, a growing small business offeringdelicate,handcraftedbouquets.

It all started in early 2024, when Deepikathenjustnineyearsoldwantedto bring something special to school for Teacher’sDay

“Itwasteacherdayandshewantedto make a gift to take to school, so I was watchingherandobservingthatshewas makingarose,Iseeithowshemakeitand howit came out, and I randomly took a picture of it,” her mother, Roshanie RuperttoldTheWaterfalls

Though Latchman ended up not takingthatfirstrosetoschool,thinkingit wasn’tgoodenough,itwasthebeginning ofsomethingunexpectedlybeautiful Her mothersnapped a photo of the rose and casually shared it on WhatsApp. The nextday,ateachermessagedherasking ifshemadebouquetsforsale.

The mother said, “A teacher, she messaged me and she asked me if I am

doing bouquet because she liked it and I explained to her that it’s my daughter’s work…Itfeltinspiringthat...Ipushed her(Deepika)tomakeanddoitmore.”

Deepika’s inspiration came from a video she saw online of another person craftingbouquets. Theyoungchildtold thispublication,“Iwatchedvideoonline, andIsawa girl making a bouquet and I gotinspiredformakingbouquet.”

She named her business Radiant RosesbyRomina,abrandthatreflectsthe eleganceandbrightnessofhercreations

From simple ribbon roses to full Valentine’s Day arrangements, Deepika’sworkisalreadyturningheads inhercommunity

Behindthescenes,hersupportsystem has been just as important as her artistic

talent “My family, friends, and teachers have all helped me,” she says “They’ve supported my business, helped with marketing,packaging,andevenposting onsocialmedia.”

Still,likeanyentrepreneur,nomatter theage,Latchmanhasfacedherfairshare of challenges “Getting orders has been hard sometimes,” she admits “And mixingthecoloursisthehardestpart.”

Butthesmallbusinesshasn’tstopped growing, and neither has Latchman’s determination With every bouquet, she sees progress “I’ve seen improvements in my work,” she says. “I want my businesstobebiggerandbetter.”

And while her roses may be blooming, Latchman has dreams that stretch far beyond the bouquet table. Whenshegrowsup,shewantstobecome a doctor, a goal she’s just as passionate about.Hermomseesthisjourneyasmuch morethanabusiness;it’saboutwatching her daughter grow in confidence, skill, and self-belief “It’s been so inspiring,” saysMs Rupert.

Latchman may only be 10 years old, but with her ambition, creativity, and a wholelotofheart,she’salreadybuilding somethingbeautiful,oneradiantroseata time Orders can be made to her through729-4210.

Ten-year-old Deepika Latchman holds a handcrafted bouquet from her business, Radiant Roses by Romina

ByAllyiahAllicock

Takingaleapoffaithcan

sometimes be risky but havingfaithandtrust,it can also lead to positive outcomes andbountifulblessings.

This is something 20-year-old Aryanna Hassan did back in 2024 when an unfortunate incident occurredinherlifewhichledtoher losing her job as a payroll clerk. Not knowing what the outcome might be, Hassan made a bold decisiononSeptember23,2024in launching her own beauty and make-up business called ‘Blink BeautybyAry’.

Asked where it all began, Hassan in an exclusive interview with this publication recalled that the idea of starting her business was following an accident involving her mother and then losingherjob.

ALWAYS TREATING YOU TO A GLAMOROUS LOOK

“Young entrepreneurs are role models for the next generation, inspiring others to pursue their entrepreneurial ambitions. By showcasing their achievements and sharing their journeys, they instill a sense of encouraging others to take risks and pursue their dreams.”

Always wanting to be her own boss, the young woman said, “I decided how can I assist her at home and work at the same time, the only thing that came to my mind was being a lash technician. As someone who loves getting theireyelashextensionsdone,and with so many compliments, I said whynotstartfromthere.”

Being a self-taught lash technician, Hassan shared that she decidedtoputherskillstotestfrom thecomfortoftheirhome.Proudof making this decision, Hassan recollected that just after an entire month of providing services, the business pretty much kicked off from there with the tremendous supportshehasbeenreceiving.

For those wondering, ‘Blink Beauty by Ary’ provides not only lash extension services but also

Hassan specializes in hair care treatments, pedicure, facial, waxing and is a certified makeup artist.

Having been attending to clients and providing services for almost a year now, the young beauticiansaidthatthesupportand feedbackhasledtoheropeningher own little lash studio which is located at Hope, East Coast Demerara.

Describing her business journey thus far, Hassan shared that part of growing her business there will also be some challenges along the way In her case, she recalled that some days she would not have clients and she would be so worried if it’s going to be like thisallthetime.

The young woman said she later proceeded to create social

mediaplatformsforherbusinessin a bid of reaching to the wider public.Shesaidthishastrulybeen beneficial since her clientele have beengrowing.

Looking to continue providing these services in the long-run, Hassan said she intends to add morebeautyservicestothelist.

Inspiringmanyinherownway, our featured entrepreneur is of the viewthat“Youngentrepreneursare role models for the next generation, inspiring others to pursue their entrepreneurial ambitions. By showcasing their achievements and sharing their journeys, they instill a sense of encouraging others to take risks andpursuetheirdreams.”

When asked what she thinks can be done to help small businessesgrowinoursociety,she

suggested for owners to continue networkingandspreadingtheword abouttheirbusiness.

“Well how I boosted my small business, I created a social media platform on all socials, I did continuouspromotion,Icreatehigh quality content for my platforms, I offer discounts with more than one serviceandIusuallyre-contactmy clientswithcheckuponmyservices provided I think these tips can be done to boost small businesses locally,”shesuggested

Ready to look glamorous for thatspecialoccasionorjustpartof your self-care journey, feel free to contact Aryanna Hassan directly or on WhatsApp on telephone number (+592) 664-1374 or 6359481 You can also reach out to BlinkBeautybyAryviaInstagram, FacebookorTikTok

Some of the stunning work Hassan did on past clients.

Young Entrepreneur, Aryanna Hassan

19 vacancies to be filled at new No. 75 Village Regional Hospital

T h e R e g i o n a l Democratic Council (RDC) of Region Six is currently seeking individuals to fill several positions at the new No 75 Village Regional Hospital,Corentynewhichis scheduled to be operational inafewmonths.

T h e R e g i o n a l Administrationinanoticeis inviting applications from

suitably qualified individuals to fill some 19 positionsatthenewhospital. Amongthevacanciesare

Transport Officer, Receptionist, Accounts Clerk II, Accountant, Confidential Secretary, ClerkIIGeneral,DataEntry Clerk, Office Assistant

Emergency Medical Services Driver, Vehicle

Driver, Handyman, Storekeeper II, Store Clerk, Statistical Clerk, Patient Advocate, Electrician,

Incinerator Operator, Plumber, and a Medical RecordsClerk.

The notice states that interested persons can submitallapplicationsalong with a detailed curriculum

v i t a e t o : reo.rdc6@gmail.com or to the Regional Office at New Amsterdam. The deadline for the submission of the applicationsisMay9,2025.

The No. 75 Regional HospitalinRegionSixisone of 12 new hospitals that the government is building acrossthecountry

Further, the No 75 Regional Hospital is one of six new regional hospitals that is being constructed by contractors China CAMC Engineering Co , Ltd (CAMCE

(SINOMACH).

Thehospitalswhichcost $6.6 billion each are located at Lima Sands in Region Two,DeKindereninRegion Three, Diamond on the East Bank Demerara, Enmore on the East Coast of Demerara in Region Four, Bath Settlement in Region Five, and at No. 75 Village in RegionSix.

Regarding the No. 75 Hospital, the ministry had reported that this state-of-

The No. 75 Regional Hospital in Region Six while under construction in December 2024. (Photo courtesy, Ministry of Health)

the-art facility will feature 75 in-patient beds, three large operating theatres, one minor operating theatre, a neonatal unit, a modern lab and other modern amenities andservices.

This modern hospital

whencompletedwillreplace thecurrentSkeldonHospital and provide a wide range of healthcareservices.

Meanwhile, Kaieteur News reported recently that VicePresident(VP),Bharrat Jagdeo said the government

will recruit professionals fromanypartoftheworldto staffthe12newhospitals.

“The president has said clearly to MinisterAnthony, recruit from any part of the world. We want when these hospitals come into

operation, that our people can walk in and get the best service it would have…this isnotPPPorAPNUorAFC. We don't do a litmus test, w h o g o e s t o o u r hospitals…Wewantthemto get the best quality,” the VP said during his press conferencelastweek.

Jagdeomadeitclearthat iftherearenotenoughnurses or technicians then Guyana will import them to bridge the skills gap He said despite the human resource challenges, the government must continue to pursue paths that will benefit the citizens.

Public Works Ministry signs

$1.7 billion in road works contracts for Reg. 3

The Ministry of Public Works on Saturday signed approximately $1.7 billion in contracts for several road works scheduled for across Region Three This is according to information provided on the Minister within the Ministry of Public Works, Deodat Indar's Facebook page.The minister statedthattheseprojectsarein keepingwiththecommitment made by President Irfaan Ali tothepeopleofRegionThree.

The$1.7billionprojectsawa total of 116 road contracts signed.Minister Indar, at a simple signing ceremony, urged the contractors to execute their projects according to the high

standardssetbytheministry “The minister also emphasized the need for the timelycompletionoftheroad projects and to adopt a work ethic that minimizes inconvenience to residents,” thepoststated.

This publication understands that the Public Works Ministry has been r

n d constructing roads across the country to enhance not only their conditions but also improve the accessibility of residents living in those communities. To support its various road programmes for this year, the ministry was allocated over $50 billion fromthenationalbudget.

One of the contracts for road works in Region Three being signed on Saturday. (Photo courtesy, Ho. Deodat Indar, Minister and MP/ Facebook)

Serialfraudsterwhoobtained$30M byfalsepretensejailedforthreeyears

Serial fraudster Dave Rajeshwar Persaud also known as 'Dave Persaud' wasjailedonFridayforthreeyearsfor obtaining $30M by false pretense, when he appeared at the Friendship Magistrates'Court.

Persaud was found guilty by MagistrateWandaFortune.

The Guyana Police Force via its Facebook Page said that “The charge wasinstitutedbytheSpecialOrganised Crime Unit (SOCU) after several reports of financial crimes and money launderingweremadetoSOCU.”

The charge read that between September 4th and 8th 2023, Persaud with the intent to defraud, obtained fromthecomplainant“thesumofthirty millionGuyanaDollars($30,000,000) by falsely pretending that he would invest the said sum into his business 'Dave Persaud Investment Company' andprovidethecomplainantwithfifty percent (50%) profit, that is, fifteen million dollars within two (2) weeks period.”

According to the statement, the circumstancesthatledtohisconviction revealed that he visited the complainant's East Bank Demerara premisestorentthesaidpropertyatthe beginningofAugust2023.

He related that he was a businessman,whoimportsgroceriesto sell to supermarkets or shops and that he was also the owner of an auto dealership Subsequently, he

Jailed: Dave Rajeshwar Persaud also known as ‘Dave Persaud’

convinced the complainant to encourage other members of the community to invest in his business called 'Dave Persaud Investment', where they will benefit from 50-80% profits. However, none of his claims weretrue.

“In September 2023, the complainantobtainedthesumofthirty millionGuyanaDollars($30,000,000) from her deceased husband's life insurance policy and Persaud induced herintoinvestingthesaidsumofthirty million Guyana Dollars ($30,000,000.00) into his fictitious

businessinreturnfora50%profit,that is, $15,000,000 (fifteen million Guyana dollars) profit within two (2) weeks,”thepolicesaid.

Once the timeframe provided had expired, she questioned Persaud about herreturnsonherinvestment,however she was unable to recover the money investedintheponzischeme.

Head of the Special Organised Crime Unit (SOCU) Deputy CommissionerFazilKarimbaksh,said thatduringbetweenSeptember2023to April2024,therewereeffortsmadeby SOCUtolocateandapprehendPersaud also known as 'Raj Persaud or Dave Persaud' on charges associated with money laundering and other serious financial offences committed within Guyana.

“Mr Persaud,however,duringthis period, had fled the jurisdiction to neighbouring Brazil and a 'wanted bulletin' was issued for his arrest by SOCU and he was later apprehended andcharged,”thestatementsaid.

InJuneoflastyear,hewascharged withtheoffenceofObtainingbyFalse Pretenseandwasremandedtoprison.

Magistrate Fortune found that all the elements for the offence were properly established, and Persaud was guilty

The matter was prosecuted by Prosecutor(s) Aaron Daniels and Neville Jeffers of the Special OrganisedCrimeUnit.

Melanie playground under rehabilitation

Melanie Damishana, a small village built on the strength of its people

Melanie Damishana, though small in size and unpopular to many citizens is a village rich in history and built upon the strength andbackbonesofitspeople. From its unique origins by the name itself, this East Coast Demerara community, often underrated is a charmingruralspace.

The name Melanie Damishana was given by former President LindenForbesSampsonBurnham, who chose to honour his daughter Melanie through the name. The word Damishana, on the other hand,stemsfromSwahili,meaning simply“village.”

While the name came from High Office, the physical foundationofMelaniewasbuiltby the hardworking hands of its own people.

Initsearliestdays,theresidents worked together to construct each other's homes, an early display of unity and self-reliance that still definesthevillagetoday

Melanie Damishana holds a specialplaceintheregion'shistory for being one of the few villages that offered affordable materials and opportunities for families to constructtheirownhomes.

This cooperative spirit dates backtotheearly1970s.

Elders in the community recall that the roots of Melanie Damishana's development were planted in 1971 with the registration of the Vigalla Astra CooperativeHousingSociety.This markedthebeginningofaself-help

housing initiative designed to provide affordable homes for lowincomefamilies.

Construction officially began in 1972, and by the mid-1980s, around 400 houses had been built throughthiseffort.

The initiative was driven by a spirit of shared responsibility — a model centered on collective ownership, hands-on community involvement, and self-governance that became the backbone of the village'searlyexpansion.

Thevillageexpandedovertime, startingwiththesouthernside.

Asmorefamiliesmovedin,the need for additional housing, hence the northern side accumulated homes. In the early days, most persons that accommodate these homeswerepublicservantssuchas firemen, police women, teachers and so much important educated people.

One of the original residents, who havelivedinthevillagesince 1977,sharedhispersonaljourney:

“I had bought a house lot in LBI. But in order to build a house, building used to cost around $20,000inthe'90s.

Mywifetoldmesheheardthata self-help housing scheme started and that we should go in that direction,sowemovedhere.

Melanie Damishana was more convenient because all you had to do was turn up and work on your housewithotherpeople.”

“The government provided materials and supervision to build thehouse.

WhenBurnhamwasPresident, he wanted to provide people with reasonablehousing.

Asaresult,publicservantssuch as policemen, firemen, soldiers, and teachers joined the self-help scheme, so most of our original

members are public servants Public servants used to be given half-days from work to come into Melanie to continue to build their houses—itwasveryniceforus.”

Back then, Melanie boasted its own cinema, shopping plaza, post office, National Insurance Scheme (NIS) building and co-op bank. Though many of these have since been replaced or redeveloped, the community has seen continuous investment in infrastructure for a better,morecomfortablequalityof life.

Soon after the village's establishment,schools,churches,a health centre, and recreational spaces, including a playground, wereintroducedtothearea.

Recently in 2021, the inauguration of a fully operational firestationandambulanceservice, costing $51.4 million and $12.5 millionrespectively.

Thesefacilitieshavedrastically reducedemergencyresponsetimes on the East Coast, complementing neighbouring services in Campbellville and Mahaica. In 2023, the completion of $27.6 million in road works, improving 476 meters of asphaltic concrete roadwithinthevillage.

The upgrades addressed longstanding concerns about accessibility, drainage, and the condition of the roads particularly in North Melanie, wheretheoriginalbrickroads(laid by villagers during Burnham's era) had deteriorated over time Currently, construction is ongoing for an $8 million water treatment plant at Bachelors Adventure,

whichwillsoonbenefitresidentsin Melanie and surrounding communities by providing clean, safe,andiron-freedrinkingwater

Recently, in 2025, President IrfaanAliannouncedcollaboration with Melanie Damishana's residents to develop several acres of land for an agricultural innovationprogramme.

This initiative is designed to boost productivity, create new livelihoods, and empower local democratic councils to deliver essentialservices.

In recognition for youths and having functional recreational areas, the rehabilitation of the village's first recreational ground began, aimed at creating a modern spacecapableofhostingeventsthat will further highlight the village's charm and encourage community togetherness.

Additionally, Melanie is also known for the famous hang out spots and bar located on the southern side in the market area. Person would come from far place to enjoy the country scenery and cultureofitspeople.

ECHOESOFTHEPAST

Beyond its modern growth, Melanie Damishana holds a deeprooted and, at times, haunting history Elders of the community recall stories passed down from their parents about the village's darkerpast.

One elder recounted: “My fatherwasbornin1910,andhetold methatduringslavedaystheyused to hang people. Before this place was named Melanie Damishana, it was originally named Elizabeth Hall.Myfathertoldmebackinthe days of slavery, they used to hang misbehavingslaves.”

Elizabeth Hall, as it was once known, was a stretch of green pastures where livestock grazed. This is reminder of the area's transformation from colonial farmlandstoathrivingcommunity

Today, Melanie Damishana stands as a great example of a community that holds resilience, andwhatsharedvisioncanachieve. From its self-help housing beginnings to modern infrastructure and deep historical roots, it is more than just another East Coast village, it is a place of heritage and hope, tranquility and peace.

Fire station

The May 26 Nursery school at Melanie Damishana

WANTED VACANCY

Press man to operate offset printing machine in Campbellville. Call: 621-5140. Employment on cruise Boat! Jobs for manager, receptionist, clerk, restaurant helpers, housekeeper, cook & assistants. Call: 757-8231.

Wanted! Workers for packaging pasta and chowmein.

$4,600 /day: $5,400/ night. Workers paid weekly. Call: 611-7839 (GTT)/ 637-0983 (digi).

Cook & Cleaner, must know to cook English & Indian dishes, preferably from Land Of Cannan. Contact: 624-1473 / 223-9888.

Farm workers wanted for Highway location preferable from Interior. Contact : 655-0471 / 673- 7652. Excavator Operator & Cook to work in the interior. Call : 695-6401.

Wanted Experienced Carpenters and Mason with tools at RJD Construction GY. Call: 614-7669

VEHICLES FOR SALE

One Unregistered Nissan X-Trail 2016 model, Mode Premiere. Call : 649-0956.

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

Leyland DAF truck for sale. Contact: 676-6165 / 693-9843

Overnight boat cruise to Bartica Regatta. All inclusive of room & food on board. Call to book: 7578231.

bedroom apartment at C Field Sophia. Couples only,

per month. Call: 6403861.

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

Kitchen assistant needed. For more info Call: 676-5534 / 618-3696.

Female cleaner for office in Eccles. Call: 645-8443.

Males & Females to work at a wash bay in Campbellville, 8am-5pm. Shift available 10am-7pm. Call: 604-1980/ 669-4676.

Vacancy at Dyna's Embroidery & Screenprints: We are hring Sales Representatives. Tel# 226-2621.

Vacancy at Dyna's Embroidery & Screenprints: We are hring Factory Workers. Tel# 226-2621.

Vacancy at Dyna's Embroidery & Screenprints: We are hring Jr. Accountant. Tel# 226-2621.

Vacancy exists for bodywork men & Arc welder. Call: 7169989.

One skilled Driver to make purchases in G/Town. Contact: 701-4000.

Desk staff, Receptionist, Supervisor, Room Attendant @ 233 South Road Lacytown. Call: 225-0198.

Vacancy for Sewing machine operator, 1 Surger & 1 cleaner for garment factory. Call : 672-5175.

Vacancy for a domestic maid and a handy man. Call: 6534537.

Cashier, $33,000 weekly, 6 days per week. Contact : 617-2822. Located in Vreen en hoop(Supermarket).

Pastry Maker, Roti Cook & Cashies, send applications to Roti Hut, 18 North Road Bourda. Call 227-4949 ext 1137 / 656-7686.

LAND FOR SALE

Roadside Heroes Highway Land for Sale, Garden of Eden 3.8 or 6 acres. Contact : 621-1139 / 712-4020

LET Space for business/ Bond 7000,488 SQ , 4 unit apartment @ US 2300. Contact : 722-8237

One dead, two injured in Nappi motorcycle collision

A motorcycle collision on Thursday along the Nappi trail, Region Nine has left one man dead and two injured.

According to the police, the incident occurred around 18:15hrs and it involved motorcycle # CG 6196, owned and driven by Deon McDonald, with pillion rider Evangelist Gabriel, and another motorcycle (number unknown) owned and driven by Hamlette Henrico, all of Nappi Village, Central Rupununi.

“Initial investigations revealed that the driver of motorcycle (# unknown) was proceeding south along the left side of Nappi (trail) road at an alleged fast rate while the driver of motorcycle # CG 6196 was on the said (trail) road proceeding west ap-

proaching an intersection,” police said. According to reports, as McDonald approached the said intersection, he did not stop but made a right turn into the path of Henrico, causing him to take evasive action to avoid a collision. However, his actions proved futile and both riders as well as the pillion rider were flung off of their motorcycles, sustaining injuries.

A doctor who was in the vicinity rendered assistance, upon examination, he pronounced Henrico dead on the scene. McDonald and Gabriel were picked up by members of the public and taken to the Nappi Health Centre, and were subsequently transferred to the Lethem Regional Hospital via an ambulance.

They were both admitted to the hospital. Henrico’s body was taken to the Lethem

where

How Rayanna’s Little Bakery rose from $15K and no car to supermarket shelves

From page 47

With no formal business background, Worrell and Thomas learned through trial and error. There were late nights of perfecting recipes, early mornings of missed ingredients, and moments when orders were slow and motivation even slower.

She said, “The most challenging part was definitely balancing everything with very limited resources, while trying to build a name for myself. I was learning as I went, and there were a lot of trial-and-error moments. Some days, things didn’t turn out right- recipes failed, supplies ran out, or sales were slow. It was discouraging at times,

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or

especially when I put in so much effort and it felt like I wasn’t seeing progress. But I kept reminding myself that every business has its tough start, and I kept pushing forward.”

Encouragement came from many places, especially from Thomas’s mother.

Thomas said, “My mother’s support has meant everything to me. From the very beginning, she believed in me even when I doubted myself. She always reminded me of my potential and encouraged me to use my talent to bless others. Seeing her dedication to our family inspired me to push through the hard times.”

The first order

Then came the first big test. Late one night, an order came in at 22:00hrs. The customer needed it by 08:00h the following day, said Thomas.

She said, “I was so excited, but at the same time, I felt a bit nervous because of the design they requested, it was something I hadn’t done before but even with the pressure, I was just grateful that someone trusted me to create something special for them. When I finally finished it, I felt such a sense of accomplishment. That order really marked the beginning of everything.”

And from that one cake, word spread.

The couple’s reputation grew one baked good at a time. Soon, Rayanna’s Little Bakery was supplying local supermarkets with their signature strawberry shortcake, sponge cakes, and pastries.

“To see our products on shelves now… it honestly feels like a dream,” Thomas

says. “One night, we were in the supermarket, and we saw a little girl holding our strawberry shortcake. The look in her eyes almost brought tears to mine. That’s when it really hit me; we’re part of people’s lives now.”

For Worrell, it’s about more than business. It’s about meaning. He told The Waterfalls, “The most rewarding part of running Rayanna’s Little Bakery is witnessing the joy our creations bring to others. Every order we fulfill is more than just a product—it’s a part of someone’s special moment, whether it’s a birthday, anniversary, or simply a gesture of love. To be trusted with those moments is both humbling and deeply fulfilling.” Looking ahead, the couple has big plans for Rayanna’s Little Bakery. They dream of a storefront where people can walk in, smell the fresh pastries, and feel at home. They want to expand across the country, bringing their nostalgic treats to even more communities.

“I want to recreate the treats that bring back childhood memories, the ones that made us smile as kids and that we can now pass on to the next generation. Things like soft coconut buns fresh out the oven, fluffy sponge cake, and those simple but delicious pastries our parents and grandparents used to enjoy.” Thomas says. The bakery’s rise wouldn’t have been possible without the community.

Thomas said, “Our community is the reason we’re here today. From the start, they’ve lifted us up with their love and support. Whether it was someone placing order, leaving a kind comment, or

simply encouraging us to keep going, it all made a difference.”

She added, “I remember moments when I felt overwhelmed, and then I’d receive a message saying how much they enjoyed our cakes and just like that, my spirit would be renewed. They’ve walked this journey with us, step by step. Our success truly belongs to them as well. We are so thankful and our hope is to continue serving and making them proud with every treat we create.”

A Message to Dreamers

To anyone who’s struggling but holding onto a dream, the couple has a simple but powerful message.

Thomas related, “My message is simple: never give up on your dream, no matter how hard it feels. There were so many times I could have given up when things were slow, when I doubted myself, but I held on to faith and kept working, step by step. Pray over your journey, trust the process, and don’t be afraid to start small.”

Worrell said. “What truly matters is your commitment and determination. It’s easy to be intimidated by the idea of starting something from scratch, but the key is to take that first step no matter how small and trust in your ability to figure things out along the way.” From joblessness to success, from a rented kitchen to supermarket shelves Rayanna’s Little Bakery is more than a business. It’s a story of faith, family, and flour. Rayanna’s Little Bakery can be ordered directly through their WhatsApp, or call on(+592) 694-5794 or 6771955.

$65,000

The aftermath of the collision. (Photo: Rupununi News Online)

Mortuary

it awaits a post mortem examination. Investigations are in progress.

Security guard shoots two brothers who stabbed him during row at supermarket

Two brothers were shot onFridaybyasecurityguard aftertheystabbedhimwhile he attempted to settle a disagreement.

The brothers have been identified as Randy and Ryan Narine of La Bonne Intention, East Coast Demerara(ECD).

Police said that the incident occurred at around 20:40hrs.

Reports are that the 25year-oldsecurityofficerwho is employed with CMC SecurityServicewasonduty at the O_GUO Supermarket at the Enterprise Railway Embankment East Coast Demerara at the time of the incident.

The Narine brothers reportedly stabbed the security guard, and this resulted in them being shot intherightfoot.

The police said that, “Inquiries revealed that on thedateandtimementioned, the 25-year-old security guard was on duty at the supermarket, armed with a shotgun and live cartridges. Itisallegedthatthebrothers, RyanandRandy,enteredthe supermarket to purchase beersandchocolate.

While at the counter, Ryan had a disagreement with the cashier over the price of the items, and the securityguardintervened.”

A s a r e s u l t , a confrontation ensued with the security guard, Randy who was at the time armed with a knife, his brother Ryanandanotherindividual knownas“Boy.”

It was during the confrontation that Randy inflicted the stab wound to the left side abdomen of the security guard, who subsequentlydischargedtwo rounds from the shotgun which he was carrying, injuringbothbrothers.

The Emergency Medical Technicians from the Melanie Fire Station were summoned, and Randy and Ryanweretransportedtothe GeorgetownPublicHospital Corporation (GPHC) via ambulance. The security guard was also taken to GPHC by public-spirited citizens.

The three individuals were admitted and are currentlyinstablecondition. Investigationsareongoing.

a Bonne Intention, East CoastDemerara(ECD).

Over 1,560 killed since Israel broke Gaza truce

Aljazeera - The number of people killed in Israeli attacks on Gaza since Israel broke a ceasefire with the Palestinian armed group Hamas last month has now exceeded 1,560, according tohealthofficials.

In a new statement on Saturday, the Health MinistryinGazasaidIsraeli attacks had killed at least 21 people in the latest 24-hour

reporting period, bringing the overall number of fatalities since Israel resumeditsbombardmentof Gaza on March 18 to 1,563.

Hundreds of them were children, according to rescuers.

Atotal of 50,933 people havebeenkilledand116,045 wounded since the start of thewarinOctober2023,the ministry added in its latest

dailyupdate.

On Saturday, two

Palestinians were killed in al-Atatra district of Beit Lahiya, in the northern part of Gaza, with another killed in an Israeli drone attack on the Qizan an-Najjar area, southofKhanYounis.

Several casualties were also reported following Israeli air raids on the tent sheltersofciviliansintheal-

Mawasi area, west of Khan Younis, which Israel had designated a so-called “safe zone”.

Reporting from outside al-Ahli Hospital in Deir elBalah, central Gaza, Al Jazeera's Hind Khoudary saidanewbornnamedSham had succumbed to her woundsafterherfamilywas hitinanattack.

“She was in very critical conditionwhereherarmwas amputated and she died a couple of hours later, because her injury was very critical and doctors were unabletohelphersituation,” she said. Khoudary reported thattheambulancesarriving daily to the hospital have mostly been carrying childrenandwomen.

“Due to the lack of medical supplies, most of these Palestinian children andwomenarewitnessinga verydeterioratingsituation,” sheadded.'Post-apocalyptic'

On Friday, Ravina Shamdasani, spokeswoman f o r t h e U N H i g h Commissioner for Human

Rights, reported that 36 of the 224 documented Israeli strikes in Gaza, between March 18 and April 9, involved killings of women andchildren.

In a statement, the Palestinian rights group AlHaq said the findings by the UN further confirmed a pattern it previously identified.

“Suchacalculatedeffort toexterminatewomen,boys, girls & even infants, has not been witnessed in any other modern conflict,” Al-Haq said in a post on social media.

In an interview with Al Jazeera's Upfront, UN agency for Palestinian refugees (UNRWA) chief PhilippeLazzarinidescribed the situation in Gaza as a “post-apocalyptic” killing zone.

In a separate post on X on Saturday, UNRWA D i r e c t o r o f Communications Juliette Toumawarnedthatallbasic supplies “are running out” in Gaza “It means babies, children are going to bed hungry” Israel has pledged to press on with its military offensive, with officials in recent days outlining plans to seize new swaths of territory in southern Gaza andissuingaseriesofforced displacementorders.

“Palestinians do not know where to go, ” Khoudary said, after the latest Israeli orders on Saturday for Shujayea and KhanYounis.

According to UNRWA, some 400,000 Palestinians have been forcibly displacedacrossGazasince the fragile ceasefire that took effect in January collapsed almost a month ago

Speaking at the Antalya Diplomacy Forum in TurkiyeonFriday,Lazzarini alsoreiteratedthatIsraelhas been preventing the entry of food, fuel, medicine and other vital humanitarian supplies into Gaza since early March, contravening internationallaw

RSS team begins investigation...

Frompage15 supposed to just forget that this has happened. They're obviouslyconcerned.

They're obviously concerned... I myself share that concern. I think it is for government to commit to transparency and to accountability Justice continues to evade us. I will not want to say more to p r e j u d i c e t h e investigations.”

K a i e t e u r N e w s understands that the RSS three-member team arrived inGuyanaonFriday

Last week, the mining town descended into chaos after 23-year-old Ronaldo Peters was shot dead by a member of the Guyana PoliceForce(GPF).

The residents of Linden have dubbed the shooting death a murder even as the policeofficerresponsiblefor Peters' death claims that his gunaccidentallywentoff.

The police's claim was disputed by surveillance footage, which showed him runningbehindPeterswitha gun.Shortlyafter,thepolice officerwasseenfetchingthe injuredmanbyhisclothes.

As the video footage circulated, residents of the mining town, especially from Peters' community, wereangered.

The situation quickly sparked protests, which descended into chaos, resulting in the death of

another youth identified as 32-year-old Keon Fogenay, alsoknownas'Dan',afather of four, the youngest being around3yearsold.

Roads were blocked, bringing motor vehicular traffic in the town to a standstill. Several protestors and police officers were injured in violent clashes.

The protest began at Half Mile, Wismar, Linden, where Peters was killed, but stretched across the Wismar Bridge. Rubber pellets were fired along with tear gas as Lindeners blocked the Bridge with burning tyres.

Some protestors say live rounds were also fired into the crowd – one of them killingFogenay.

One protester alleged that the rank who killed Fogenay during the protest was firing tear gas at the angry crowd, but reportedly stopped what he was doing and pulled out his service weapon and shot the young man who was a neighbour and close friend of the Peters. Protestors reportedly recoveredthespentshellsas evidence.

Meanwhile, speaking with Kaieteur News, Fogenay's brother, Ronel (only name given), said that Fogenay was killed 15 minutes after arriving from Georgetown.

“He was not even at the protest, he did just passing through,” Ronel claimed

whilerecountingthathewas operating a taxi when he heardthatsomeonewasshot attheprotests.

At the time, he did not know it was his brother, but onlylaterfoundoutwhenhe decidedto“goandseewhois thevictim.”

Fogenay, according to his relatives, was shot in the head. A cellphone recorded videoofpersonsrushinghim to the hospital showed him bleeding from a wound aroundthelefteye.

News of his death triggered violence, with protestors attacking police officers, forcing them into retreat.

Police officers were caught on video running from protestors as they hurled bottles, bricks and othermissilesatthem.

When Kaieteur News arrived,therewassomecalm but burning debris, spent shells from the rubber pellets, broken gas bottles, and cannisters of tear gas litteredtheroadways.

Protestors stood nearby, some of them injured but remained dedicated to keepingtheroadblocked.

They told Kaieteur News that they do not trust the justice system and the police'sword.

“We want to see them in handcuffs…

We ain't want hear deh ponclosearrest,”aprotester said.

Sport Ministry injects $3M into EDFA League

The Ministry of Culture, Youth a n d S p o r t , through the National Sports Commission (NSC), has committed $3 million in sponsorship to the East Demerara Football Association (EDFA) for its upcoming senior league, set tokickoffonMay1.

The announcement was made during a brief but impactful presentation at the Ministry’s boardroom on MainStreet

Competing teams include Haslington, BV/Triumph, Plaisance, Golden Stars, Buxton Stars, Melanie, Victoria Kings, Airy Hall Stars, Buxton United, Mahaica Determinators, and MahaiconyWesternLions.

The winning team will take home $500,000, with second,third,andfourth-place finishers earning $300,000, $200,000, and $100,000 respectively

Individual accolades include$50,000andatrophy

each for the Most Valuable Player, Highest Goal Scorer, andBestGoalkeeperTheBest Coach will receive $40,000 andatrophy

Director of Sport Steve Ninvalle presented the sponsorship cheque to EDFA President Rickford Profitt and members of the executivecommittee.

Ninvallehighlightedthat theNSCisproudtosupport a league hosted at several recentlyupgradedvenueson the East Coast, part of the

Commission’s Ground EnhancementProgramme.

“Webelieveit’sourduty to support initiatives like this, in line with His Excellency President Irfaan Ali’s ‘One Guyana’vision,” Ninvallesaid.“Thissupport isn’tlimitedtoEDFA;we’ve e x t e n d e d s i m i l a r partnerships to other regional associations, including the Georgetown Football Association. The Ministryremainscommitted to working with all football stakeholdersnationwide.”

He highlighted that the NSC’s ongoing dedication to sports development in Guyana, calling the investment in the EDFA

Sunday April 13, 2024

ARIES(Mar.21–Apr.19)

Today you will have all the energy you need to deal with long-term family problems. Indeed, you'll probably clash with some of your relatives. But this situation won't cause anyseriousissues.

TAURUS(Apr.20–May20)

You enjoy caring for others andyouinterveneregularlyin their lives to guide them. Ironically, today you're the one who needs advice. You'll probably need to get away from it all in order to get a clearviewofyourownlife.

GEMINI(May21–June20)

We all have to make compromises in order to live in contemporary society.You may have strong beliefs, but it's difficult to combine your idealsandasociallife.

CANCER(June21–July22)

You'vealwaysfelttheneedto free yourself from society You need to feel independent at any cost. You may need to face certain relationship problemsatthistime.

LEO(July23–Aug.22)

You may feel annoyed about the attitude of some of your groupoffriends.Unlikethese people, you're very openmindedandyoucandealwith situations as they arise Indeed, you have a natural ability to adapt to every situation.

VIRGO(Aug.23–Sept.22)

Today, Virgo, you'll be submerged under a lot of emotions. In a way, you'll be revisiting your childhood

Youmaybeveryedgy Thisis agooddispositioninwhichto analyzeyourlife.

LIBRA(Sept.23–Oct.22)

You really know how to seduce,Libra.Thereisaspark inside of you that spreads naturally to those around you. You have a big reservoir of sensitivity and emotion that couldgrowtoday

SCORPIO(Oct.23–Nov 21)

You're a very active person, Scorpio, but today you'll probably be disappointed. If you ask those around you to help with your activities, they most likely won't understand yourneeds.

SAGIT(Nov 22–Dec.21)

Nothing much is happening today, yet you seem worried and tense. You'll have to use this day to your advantage. Think about your life. You'll also think about the needs of yourrelativesintheyears.

CAPRI(Dec.22–Jan.19)

You often need to thrive on personal emotions.Today will benoexceptiontotherule.For instance, you could try to captivate the attention of peopleyouadmire.

AQUARIUS (Jan. 20–Feb. 18) You shouldn't try to fight the feelings that run through you today Don't even try to rationalize them These feelingsareprobablyrelatedto emotions dating back to your childhood You shouldn't avoidoranalyzethem.

PISCES(Feb.19–Mar.20)

You'll be lost in your thoughts today, analyzing your life and relationships.You'll be asking yourself if your existence is meeting your standards. You will ponder what to expect from the future and from the peoplearoundyou.

GuyanaHarpyEaglestrio finedforbreaching...

Frompage62 cent of his match fee for a similar offence on the third day, during the second innings of the Trinidad & Tobago Red Force Anderson accepted the sanction proposed by the match referee, and as such, there was no need for a formalhearing.

In each instance the ball was changed, with the battingteamgiventheoption tochoose.

M e a n w h i l e ,

Paragraph3.6oftheCodeof Conduct – “Throw the ball (or any other item of cricket equipment such as a water bottle) at or near player or official in an inappropriate and/ordangerousmanner.”

Alimohamed initially denied the charge, which carriedafineof60percent, butfollowingahearingwith match referee Ragoonath at the end of the opening day, was found guilty and subsequently received a 65 percentfineofhismatchfee.

L e a g u e a c l e a r demonstration of that commitment. Ninvalle also commendedtheAssociation for organizing the tournament, which will run throughtheendofJuly

In response, Profitt expressed heartfelt gratitude to the Ministry and the NSC, calling the support a significant boost for football on the East Coast “We’re thankful not only for the support but for the full sponsorship of the league,” Profitt said. “It’s a proud moment, and I’m honoured tobepartofthisinitiativeto uplift football within the EDFA.” He added that the Ministry’s enthusiastic response to their proposal

reflects its strong commitment to football development Profitt also acknowledged the Ministry’songoingeffortsto rehabilitatefootballgrounds across the East Coast and shared that further upgrades are expected, as assured by MinisterRamson.

“We’re not yet where we wanttobe,butwiththislevel ofsupport,especiallyfromthe Ministry, we’re confident we’re on the right path,” he said “This sponsorship will go a long way in helping us raisethestandardoffootballin EastDemerara.”

The EDFA League will featureclubsfromacrossthe East Coast, with matches played at upgraded venues now meeting improved standards thanks to the Ministry’sinterventions.

Profitt noted the competition will also serve as a platform to scout new talent and strengthen club football along the East Coast, aligning with the national goal of elevating the sport throughout Guyana.

Alimohamed was fined 65 percentofhismatchfeealso for a Level 2 breach of the CricketWest Indies Code of Conduct.Themediumpacer breached Article 2 1–2 5;

All Level 2 breaches carry a minimum penalty of afineofbetween50–100per cent of the applicable match fee and/or a ban of one match.

GuyanaHarpyEaglestriofinedforbreachingCricketWestIndies codeofconductduringfinalroundoftheWestIndiesChampionship

ST JOHN’S, Antigua –Guyana Harpy Eagles

players Veerasammy

o

h

We

h against Trinidad & Tobago Red Force at Queen’s Park Oval.

Permaul, Kevlon Anderson, and Ronaldo Alimohamed have been found guilty of breaching the Cricket West Indies Code of Conduct in the seventh and final round

Permaulwasfined75per cent of his match fee for a Level2breachoftheCricket West Indies Code of Conduct on day one of the con

t The sp

breached Article 2 1–2 5;

Paragraph 3.8 of the CWI CodeofConductforPlayers

and Player Support Personnel, which relates to “changing the condition of the ball in breach of Law 42 3 of the Laws of Cricket.” The charge was laid by on-field umpires

Christopher Taylor and KashifSandyaftertheendof the first day Permaul admitted to the offence and accepted the sanction proposed by match referee Michael Ragoonath, and as such,therewasnoneedfora formalhearing.

Additionally, Kevlon Andersonwasfined90per (Continuedonpage 61)

Luka scores 39 points, Lakers wrap up Pacific title and No. 3 seed with win over resting Rockets

LosAngeles Lakers forward LeBron James, left, dunks as Houston Rockets center Jock Landale defends during the first half of an NBAbasketball game Friday,April 11, 2025, in LosAngeles. (APPhoto/Mark J.Terrill)

LOS ANGELES (AP)

— Luka Doncic had 39 points, eight rebounds and seven assists and the Los Angeles Lakers clinched the No 3 seed

i n t h e W e s t e r n Conference playoffs with a 140-109 victory over the Houston Rockets on Friday night

Austin Reaves scored 23 points for the Lakers, who also clinched the Pacific Division title for only the second time in the last 13 seasons and won 50 games for just the second

timein14years.

LeBron James scored 14 points before sitting out the final 19 minutes of Los Angeles’sixth win in eight games

Doncicplayedonlythe firstthreequarters.

Ta k i n g c a r e o f business against Houston likely means James and Doncic will get at least a full week off between this game and the start of the playoffs

AlperenSengun,Dillon Brooks, Fred VanVleet, Amen Thompson, Jabari

Smith Jr, Tari Eason and Jae’SeanTateallsatoutfor the Rockets, leaving Houston without six of its topsevenscorers.

CamWhitmorescoreda career-high 34 points for Houston, which clinched the No 2 seed in the West on Tuesday when the Lakers lost at Oklahoma City

Four starters then sat out Wednesday while the RocketslosttotheClippers.

BronnyJamesplayedthe final4:23.Takeaways

Rockets: “The argument

Week3ofEastBankFABoys’...

Frompage63

Police FC with a confident 4-0 victory, led by the unstoppable Nyron Barrow, who netted a brilliant hattrick in the 19th, 29th, and 50th minutes Barrow’s clinical finishing and movement off the ball reaffirmed his status as the tournament’s leading goal scorer and a rising star to watch. Police FC, playing their first match of the season, showed moments of promiseandareexpectedto rebound strongly in the comingweeks.

The final match of the daywasastatementofintent

from second-placed HerstellingRaidersFC,who deliveredacommanding4-0 win over Agricola FC. The game’s standout moment came from 12-year-old

Wayshawn Forde, who wowed the crowd with a sensational left-footed free kick from well outside the box, curling it majestically into the top left corner, leaving the Agricola goalkeeper frozen in awe. Forde’s hat-trick (12th, 43rd,and58thminutes)was a masterclass in timing, precision,andflair. Samuel Gaspar opened thescoringinthe4thminute, setting the tone for the

isrestversusrust,Iguess— getting them what they need with the layoff that’s coming,” Houston coach ImeUdokasaid.

“Butwewanttobesmart about it. What I told the group was, you’ve earned the right to choose the path

youwanttotake.”

Lakers: Dorian FinneySmith had another strong perimeter game, hitting six 3-pointers.

Keymoment

When Udoka decided to restfourstartersandtwokey reserves.

Keystat

The Lakers have won 25 Pacific Division titles since the NBA began divisional playin1970. Upnext

TheLakersvisitPortland today, Sunday, and the RocketshostDenver

Raiders’ dominant performance The day concluded with a chorus of applausefromtheenergized crowd, who were treated to anafternoonbrimmingwith passion, talent, and the promiseofabrightfuturefor Guyanesefootball.

TheEastBankFABoys’ U14 League continues to provide a vibrant platform for young footballers to shine, inspiring dreams and ignitingcommunities.

Wayshawn Forde

Nyron Barrow

GCBPresidentmeetsU15teamaheadofRegionalshowdown

President of the Guyana Cricket Board (GCB), BissoondyalSingh,metwith the national Under-15 team during their encampment this past week, offering words of encouragement as theyoungcricketersprepare to represent Guyana at the Cricket West Indies (CWI) Rising Stars Under-15 Tournament.

The team will depart

Guyanatoday,April13,with the tournament bowling off onApril15.Singhurgedthe playerstoupholddiscipline, demonstrate sportsmanship, and carry the national pride as they compete against the region’sbest.

As part of his visit, Mr Singh also made a donation of cricket gear to several membersoftheteam,further demonstrating the GCB’s commitment to supporting youth development and ensuring the players are properly equipped for the regionalchallenge.

The squad features Richard Ramdeholl as captain and Brandon Henry as vice-captain The full

team includes: Justin Dowlin, Lamar Seecharran, Luke Amsterdam, Shahid Ramzam, Arif Bacchas, Richard Ramdeholl, Nathnil Ramsammy, Jathniel Nurse, Usain Fredericks, Brandon Henry, Rayad Latif, Patrice Fraser, Rafeal McKenzie, ProsperJacobus.

The reserves are: Khush Seegobin, Joshua Thomas, Bomesh Lall, Nathan

Terry Newton will serve astheteam’smanager,while Yeurab Khemraj takes on dutiesascoach.

The CWI Rising Stars tournament plays a critical role in the development of the region’s young cricketingtalentandoffersa vital platform for players to showcase their skills. Team Guyana will be looking to makeastrongimpactonthe regionalstage.

McPherson.

GCB President Bissoondyal Singh (seated left) with members of the national Under-15 team at their recent meeting.

2025CWIRegional4-DayChampionshipsRound7…GHEvs.TTRF

Runsfest ends in draw, as arch rivals play hearts out

Guyana Harpy Eagles played to a draw against long-time rivals, Trinidad and Tobago Red Force yesterday at the Queen’s Park Oval which brought curtains down on this year’s 4-DayChampionships.

The Red Force posted 240 in the first innings, before racking up 370

n

Mohamed dazzled with a top-score of 125 with 10 fours, while captain Joshua DaSilva raced to 77 off 79 (7x4 3x6), as they put their teaminagoodposition.

Amir Jangoo stroked a classy 50 with 10 fours for the Red Force, as left-arm spinner Veerasammy Permaul bagged 3-138 despite the Eagles being led by spinner Ashmead Nedd

whohad4-105.

Guyana did well to post 463alloutinthefirstinnings after a string of scores from Keemo Paul (93), Raymond Perez (82), KevlonAnderson (51) and a vital 52 from Permaul Red Force spinner KharyPierrebagged4wickets to lead the bowling for his team’s first innings with two scalpsapiecefromJydGoolie, who had contributed with a

crucialhalf-centuryinthefirst inningsandJoshuaJames.

Chasing a target of under 150runs,thechampsendedon 33-0 with Matthew Nandu (7*)andPerez(26*)seeingthe matchtotheend

Earlier, the dismissals of the overnight pair in Bryan Charles(38),whoplayedwell on the final day along with Cephas Cooper (28) on the finalday,puttheRedForceon

the backfoot Mohamed oozed class throughout his innings, finding a partner in DaSilva who was equal to thetaskasthepairhelpedcut the deficit down before buildingalead.

After reaching his halfcentury,Mohameduppedthe ante as he continued to toy with the bowling, before reachinghishundredonlyto fallatthehandsofNedd.

The Red Force skipper played an aggressive hand duringhisrushtoafiftyand waslookinglikeabigscore before being out-foxed by Permaul, who alongside Neddtowrapupthetail.

Guyana with this draw should likely retain their tit

dominance this season while finishing the season astable-leaders

Pooran continues red-hot form with 61 to lead Super Giants to third win in a row

SportsMax - West Indian lefthander Nicholas Pooran continued hissizzlinghotstarttothisseason’s TATAIndianPremierLeague(IPL) with another half-century to lead hisLucknowSuperGiantstoasixwicket win over the GujaratTitans inLucknowonSaturday

TheTitans,afterbeingputinto bat by Lucknow skipper Rishabh

Pant, made a respectable 180-6 fromtheir20overs.

CaptainShubmanGillmadean elegant 60 off 38 balls while opening partner Sai Sudharsan made his third fifty in a row and fifthoverallthisseasonwith56off 37balls.

West Indian Sherfane Rutherfordalsochippedinwith22

off19balls.

Shardul Thakur picked up 234 from his fouroversofmedium pace while leg spinner Ravi Bishnoi picked up 2-36 from his fourovers.

The Super Giants then got to 186-4 with three balls to spare, getting their third straight win and ending the Titans’ four-game win

streakintheprocess. Pooran was the star of the show once againwitha34-ball61 includingonefourandsevensixes, histhirdfiftyinarowandfifththis season.

The 29-year-old Trinidadian now has 349 runs in six innings this season at an average of 69.80 andaninsanestrikerateof215.43.

Aiden Markram, who was named man of the match, supportedwellwith58off31balls includingninefoursandasixatthe topoftheorder

Impact substitute Ayush Badonifinished28*off20balls. Pacer Prasidh Krishna took 2-26 in his four overs for the Titans.

Jumbo Jet Thoroughbred Racing Committee, Guyana Cup 2025, set for August 17 at Rising Sun

The Jumbo Jet Thoroughbred

R a c i n g Committee will stage the highly anticipated 17th running of the Guyana Cup 2025 on August 17th at the RisingSunTurfClub.

This most prestigious horseracingeventinGuyana promises a number of elite horses and jockeys on show as the sport continues to growanddevelopment.

A release from the organisers noted, “Just recently, our victory at the Sandy Lane Barbados Gold Cup is constituting history Our presence at the events’ 42nd edition saw Guyana’s first entry into the competition and competing againstthebestintheworld, in which we delivered nothing short of a golden performance and secured a first-place Barbados Sandy LaneGoldCupwin.

In so doing, and cementing our firm love for horse racing, we have organised a team to help make this year’s Guyana Cupourbiggesteventever.”

“Our cash prizes for this year’s 17th running is over $40 million- making it the

largest purse ever in the Caribbean.Atotalof11races will be a part of this year’s programme,” the release informed.

The Committee further stated, “In contrast to the years prior, we will conduct an open nomination for horses to be entered in the featured ‘Guyana Cup’race. Thisisduetothefactthatfor the past two years there has been a large influx of imported horses into the country and new horse owners- all who have developed an interest in being participants of the competitivesport.”Olympic

Kremlin, the 2024 Guyana Cup winning horse from Slingerz Stable, will race by automaticentry

This year, patrons can expect an exclusive VVIP experience by the team’s decision to implement a VVIP Village. The village will feature a lounge setting with multiple private cabanasandonegrandstage thatallowsafull360-degree viewofthering.

The grand VVIP stage will also be ideal for those desirous of enjoying the after-show, as it offers a direct view from the upper deck of the stage to the

Week 3 of East Bank FA Boys’ U14 League shines with talent and passion

performancestage.

The after-show event is one that we promise to be exciting and energetic and a l i v e s h o w c a s e o f Chutney/Soca genres of music. Patrons can expect performances from an amazing line-up of local artistes and a popular internationalartistewhowill soon be announced. For additionalentertainment,we

willalsobehostingacultural parade around our ring that will illustrate the rich cultural diversity of our peopleandcountry

Our exclusive kiddies Zone remains to make this a family-orientedevent.

Most importantly, we have recognised the growth and development of small and medium sized enterprises(SMEs)andtheir grea

developingeconomies.

Hence, this year we will be supporting SMEs by creating a space that allows them to display their productsatminimalcost.

Further,theweekleading uptoraceday,wewillhosta special event- ‘Brunch with the Stars ’ This event concept will be a mixer that will allow attendees to meet and greet their favourite jockeys and stakeholders of the sport, take photos and witness the live drawing of the races. It is our intent to revolutionise horseracing to give it the prestige and recognition it deserves. Our team commits to work diligently to offer the best horse racing experience comeraceday

We therefore take this opportunity to wish all owners,trainersandjockeys and their horses, the very best, the organisers disclosed.

Swan FC Joel Gilkes, Kevan Charles and Ryan Bostan were on target.

The third week of the East Bank Football Association’s Boys Under14 League delivered a spectacular showcase of y o u t h f u l s k i l l , determination, and pure football excitement on Saturday, April 12, 2025.

Fans, parents, and supporters gathered in high spirits as the day unfolded with three exhilarating matches that lit up the pitch and solidified the league’s reputation as a breeding groundforfuturestars. The day’s action kicked

offwithafieryperformance fromSwanFC,whoasserted their dominance with a 6-0 rout of Kuru Kuru FC. The tone was set early by Joel Gilkes, who dazzled the crowd with a sensational hat-trick, finding the net in the 8th, 18th, and 40th minutes.Hiscombinationof composureandfinishingleft defenders scrambling and the crowd roaring. Kevan Charlesjoinedthepartywith goals in the 37th and 52nd minutes, showcasing his speed and awareness, while Ryan Bostan added a slick

finish in the 48th minute to sealtheemphaticwin. Despite the scoreline, Kuru Kuru FC displayed admirable courage and perseverance, fighting until thefinalwhistleandearning the respect of all in attendance with their determination and sportsmanship. Inthesecondclashofthe day, league leaders Timehri United once again underlined why they sit proudly at the top of the table.Theysweptaside (Continuedonpage59)

Olympic Kremlin won the 16th running of the Guyana Cup in fine style.

draw, as arch rivals play hearts out

enjoy the champions spot as they

the first prize after winning the Regional 4-day title.

Sport Ministry injects $3M into EDFA League

Director of Sport, Steve Ninvalle, presents a $3M sponsorship cheque to EDFA President Rickford Profitt for theAssociation’s senior league, kicking off May 1.

Guyana Harpy Eagles

collect

(CWI)