Kaieteur News

ExxonMobil aiming for discovery of more oil at Hamlet-1 site

ExxonMobil Guyana Limited (EMGL), the operator of the oil-rich Stabroek Block, will be targeting at least one more discovery this year to augment the 11 billion barrels of resources already discoveredthere.

This was revealed by EMGL President, Alistair Routledge during a press conference on Wednesday According to him, the companyisstillfinalizingits exploration options for the year He explained, “We

drilled some large exploration wells last year, we are digesting the results ofthose.Inthemeantimewe have identified one exploration well that we are progressing the approvals forwiththegovernmentand the EPA (Environmental ProtectionAgency).”

“That well will be called Hamlet- the Hamlet One well.That’sactuallylooking for an oil play in the southeast portion of the Stabroek Block,” Routledge added.Todate,ExxonMobil has made 46 discoveries in the 6.6 million acres block, as pointed out by Finance Minister, Dr Ashni Singh in h i s 2 0 2 5 B u d g e t presentation. In 2024, some five new discoveries were announced by the oil company

Exxon said it will continue its exploration programme this year,

Routledge noted, “We still haveanactiveprogramme.I don’t know what the final number of exploration (and) appraisal wells will be this year because it depends also on the results of the wells that we drilled late last year and we are going through and assessing what the targets are that we’d like to pursueandalsothelicensing process that we go through with the ministry and the EPA.”

Of the 46 discoveries announcedsofar,Exxonhas received regulatory approvals to develop six projects.Theseinclude,Liza One, Liza Two, Payara, Yellowtail, Uaru and Whiptail The first three

President, EMGL, Alistair Routledge

projects are already in operation, producing an average 650,000 bpd, which is likely to be increased before the end of this year withthestartupofthefourth development,Yellowtail. In the meantime, the companyisintheprocessof seeking an environmental permit for a seventh project, H a m m e r h e a d A n Environmental Impact Assessment (EIA) for the development has been handed over to the EPA. More recently, Exxon made an application to the regulatorforaneightproject, to develop the resources at the Longtail site. The oil giant is aiming to increase Guyana’s daily rate of production to 1.2 million barrelsofoilby2027.

LeaderofthePeople’sNationalCongress Reform (PNCR), Aubrey Norton on Thursday said that the “great party” is wellpositioned to win the next elections in collaborationwithotherpoliticalgroups.

Norton was at the time addressing supporters of the party at Congress Place, Sophia, Georgetown where scores gathered foraflagraisingceremonytocommemorate th theparty’s70 Anniversary

In his address, following the flag raising ceremony,Nortonreceivedloudapplausesas he said, “You are members of a great party Let me say to you that I do believe that this party, in collaboration with others, are well placed to win the general and regional electionsandwemustallcommittoworking assiduouslytoensurethatvictory.”

Whileadateforthisyear’selectionshave not been officially announced yet, the Guyana Elections Commission (GECOM) are preparing for what may be the most crucialelectionsyet.

Norton in his anniversary address reminded comrades of the party’s history, which found its genesis in 1955 He emphasized that the party’s origin should be traced back to the split of the People’s Progressive Party (PPP) into the PPPBurnhamite and the PPP-Jaganite that occurred at the PPP Congress on 13th February 1955. Norton explained to the audience that the PPP-Burnhamite was ideologically different from the PPPJaganite.

Leader of the PNCR, Aubrey Norton addressing members of the th party during the 70 anniversary

The leader noted that while some may argue that the party’s history cannot start there,itdidinfactcommenceatthatpoint.“It should be made very clear, that the origin of thePeople’sNationalCongressisinthesplit of the PPP into two, and the Burnham-led faction emerged as a political party,” he stated.

From 1955, the two groups operated as separatepoliticalentitiesandevencontested the August 1957 national elections as such. Nortonsaidthatwhileitistruethattheformal adoption of People’s National Congress as the party’s official name occurred at a congresson5thOctober1957,itsexistenceas a separate and distinct political organization beganwiththesplitofthePPPin1955.Tothis end, the party will celebrate both historic datesassuch.

KaieteurNews

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EDITORIAL

Corrupt elites

Transparency International (TI) said it, Guyanese alreadyknewit. Guyanaiscaptivetocorruptbusinessand political elites. Citizens are held to ransom by a cabal of corruptersinthebusinessandpoliticalsectors. Citizensthat have eyes see it, so overwhelming corruption is under the PPPC Government. Those who have ears and a mind are abletoobservealmosteffortlesslythecultureofcorruption thathasseizedcontrolofthiscountry

From command of its rich resources to unlimited political influence, the elites have sabotaged the promise that belongs to all Guyanese. With the help of a colluding elite in the PPPC Government, the business elite control how Guyana’s riches are parceled out, and with scant interest about where the commonfolk are left. There is extraordinary prosperity for the corrupt elites, there is grindingpovertyforthepoor Inacountrynowamongthe richest, almost half of the people know hunger daily The politicaleliteinthePPPCGovernmentcollaboratewiththe business elite to rape and rob this country, with a common ingredient surging through both elite groups: unbelievable levelsofcorruption.

Thepoliticalandbusinesselitesowncorruptionandhaveit underlockandkey Thepoliticalelitehasthepowerofcontrol overthepeople’spurseandthedecisionsrelatedtoitsuses The business elite has the money and reach to influence how the politicaldecisionsaremadeandwhobenefits,whichmeansits members ThedecisionsthatfeedGuyana’scorruptioncover fromhigh-pricepublicworksprojects,toregulationsreducedor eliminated or selectively enforced to sweetheart deals and bargains(specialconcessions) Whentenderingandprocuring are a maze of contradictions and violations, with covering following,thatiscorruption Whenthespecificsofoilmoney withdrawalscannotbedisclosed,andcitizensaretargetedand vilified because they press for transparency that is corruption involvingbillionsofUSdollars WhentheUS$2BWalesgasto-energy project is blanketed in secrecy, then that is an indication that corruption is at work, especially now that the originalcostoftheprojecthasmorethandoubled Whenthereis a huge land scandal that involves close friends of the PPPC governmentthatisthekindofcorruptionthatwoulddropany country in the rankings, and dump it around midpoint of corruptionsmeasurements

Guyanaisacountrywithagovernmentthatsaysitisclean, yetithidestrovesofvitalinformationfromcitizens ThePPPC Governmentinsiststhatitisaccountable,butwhencitizensask for details on huge economic projects (Wales gas-to-energy, ExxonMobilexpenses,oversightoftheoilconsortiumoffshore operations,andmore),theyareslammedandmockedforbeing against progress TI identified what Guyanese note from government postures and speeches how dissenting citizens, activists,andjournalistshavebeenabusedanddegraded Onlya corrupt government that has much to hide operates in that manner TheTIreportrecordedthatGuyananowranksat92ina population of 180 countries in its much-followed Corruption Index,havingslippedbyonepoint,from40to39,inTI’slatest score ThismeansthatGuyanaisveryclosetothebottomhalfof countrieswherecorruptionisconcerned DespitePresidentAli andVice President Jagdeo furiously attacking Guyanese who raisethecorruptionissue,nowatcancerouslevels,citizenssee and know the massive corruptions going on right under their noses. Theoutsideworld,liketheTIgroup,alsorecognizesthe corruption beass that devours this country in its every undertaking. Corruption is too much to ignore, or to sweep underthecarpet. Itisofsuchanenormousmagnitudethatit cannot be made to disappear because the PPPC government, wishesforittobeso Themorethatgovernmentleadersrage, protest, and deny, the more they expose the extent of the corruptionthathasnowinfusedalmosteveryareaoflocallife

The political and business elites are those who have accumulatedmassiveamountsofwealthonthebacksofthe have nots. Ministers and senior public servants cannot account for, and seek refuge in silence over, their unexplained wealth. Corruption is a kingdom by itself in Guyana,andpoliticalandbusinesselitesarethekings.

ANUG condemns divisive and degrading remarks by Dr. David Hinds

DEAREDITOR,

Dr. David Hinds, coleader of the Working People’s Alliance (WPA), recently made reckless and inflammatoryremarksonhis February 11, 2025 ‘Politics 101’ program, referring to certain Afro-Guyanese individuals as “lick bottoms,” “house slaves,” and “sell outs” for not aligning with his political views. He criticized those supporting President Irfaan Ali’s leadership, labeling them derogatorily and suggesting they were betrayingtheirrace.

A New and United Guyana (ANUG) is deeply disappointed by the recent comments made by Dr David Hinds where he referred to Afro-Guyanese individualswhodonotalign with his political views as “lick bottoms,” “house slaves,” and “sell-outs ” Such language (and this being the sanitized version) isnotonlyoffensivetoAfroGuyanese but all rightthinking Guyanese, and is dangerously divisive at a time when Guyana needs unitymorethanever

The genesis of ANUG’s formation was as a result of continued division in Guyanese politics and we seeourselvesasthestandard bearersforaunifiedGuyana, with a central objective of our party being the call for Inclusive Governance involvingGuyanesefromall walks of life, ethnicities, religious persuasions, politicalaffiliation,etc.

ANUG firmly believes that every citizen’s egalitarianism affords them the opportunity to think and act independently in choosing political affiliation- without being subjected to such iniquitous labels or undergo public ridicule True leadership encouragescriticalthinking, respectful discourse and collaborative relationships, rather than resorting to

insults focused on shaming individually or collectively (in this case our AfroGuyanese brothers) for their personal convictions and preferences Dr Hind’s recent emotional outburst clearly reflects the thinking of an unhinged individual who has control issues and possiblyanindictmentofthe political organization he leads. Thisinsultingdiatribe is unmeritorious and organizations or individuals that have or continue to be associated with Dr Hinds will be irretrievably tainted by such inflammatory comments.

They can exculpate themselves by publicly decrying this travesty and possibly disassociate themselves from Dr Hinds andhiscomments. ANUGis implicitly stating determination to hold Dr Hinds in abeyance until and unless he issues a public apology to all Guyanese especially our AfroGuyanese brethren

Additionally, ANUG recommends that Dr Hinds commence remedial therapy to reorient his thought and possibly, his personal health since no right-thinking individual or leader would displaysuchproclivities.

Thestruggleforequality and justice is not furthered by fostering division among our own people It is strengthened when we embracediversityofthought and engage in meaningful dialogue.WeurgeDr.Hinds and all political voices to reject inflammatory rhetoric and focus in contributing to the constructive, inclusive national conversation that Guyana deserves and which ANUGhasmadeasourgold standard.

A N U G r e m a i n s committed to a Guyana whereeverycitizenisvalued for their contributions, not judged based on their political affiliation. We call o n a l l l e a d e r s ,

commentators, and political activists to hold themselves to a higher standard of respect and decency in publicdiscourse. ANUG will be formally approaching the Ethnic Relations Committee (ERC) to seek redress with the expectationthattherewillbe a discontinuance of such action, from the likes of Dr Hinds or anyone in the future.

Weaskforthefollowing fromDr Hinds:

1.APublicApology

Dr Hinds should acknowledge that his words wereinappropriateandissue aformalapologytothosehe offended.Atrueleadermust be willing to reflect on their statements and take responsibility for their impact. We believe that no oneisperfectandweallcan errbutitisourdutytocorrect pastmistakes.

Just recently, a wellk n o w n G u y a n e s e Businessman and Leader made a mistake regarding our international border at a symposium and when faced with condemnation from all patriotic Guyanese did the rightthinginapologizingfor his mistake Dr Hinds shouldtakeapageoutofhis book.

2 E n g a g e i n ConstructiveDialogue

Rather than using divisivelanguage,Dr Hinds should participate in open discussions with not only Afro-Guyanese but Guyanese from diverse political and ethnic backgrounds and let his plans and policies do the talking.ANUG is willing to facilitate a public forum where different perspectives canbesharedrespectfully

3 C o m m i t t o ResponsibleCommentary

As a public figure, Dr Hinds has a platform that influences national discourse. He should pledge to promote discussions that encourage unity, mutual

respect, and critical thought i n s t e a d o f u s i n g inflammatoryrhetoric.

4. Promote Political FreedomandTolerance

Dr Hinds should publicly affirm that every Guyanese has the right to their own political beliefs without fear of insult or discrimination. Democracy thrives on diversity of opinion, and leaders must encourage this rather than suppressit.

5. Support Initiatives for NationalCohesion

Dr Hinds was most recently a part of a government that had an entire Ministry dedicated to Social Cohesion which aimed to participate in efforts aimed at bridging racialandpoliticaldividesin Guyana.

He clearly has forgotten the meaning or declared purposeofthatMinistrywith his actions Instead of creating division, he should be advocating for joint public discussions, community engagement projects, educating our youngsters on why social cohesion is important and support initiatives promoting tolerance and inclusivity

ANUG commits once more to the Guyanese populationthatwewillpush foradifferentkindofpolitics where respect and togetherness in nation building is paramount, everyone is welcome to respectfully promote their ideas and policies and the ruleoflawisadheredto. We may be small in numbers or still considered a new party but we certainly can lead by example.

Guyana and all Guyanesewillbenefitfroma nation where leaders and politicians put Guyana first and inclusiveness, transparency, meritocracy and accountability are hallmarks.

ANUG

Improved safety needed in gold mining

DEAREDITOR,

There is a very high frequency of deaths that occur in the gold mining sector Thecommoncauseis that of the wall collapsing from excessive water being used in the open pit. The current mining process is extremely dangerous and there are a number of publications available for open pit design. The wet conditions in the pit are

usually kept to a minimum andthedesignsallowforwet tropic mines with the appropriate pit dewatering and drainage. This is what the industry experts emphasizeasveryimportant to pit safety Slope collapse can easily occur if dry conditions are not maintained.

It is also encouraged to stop the open pit mining process during heavy rains.

Thereisalsosoftwaretohelp with the design process

Most small-scale miners do not consider these tools and would benefit from such a serviceifprovidedjointlyby the Ministry of Natural Resources and the Ministry of Labour The joint developmentofsafeopenpit designs for each mining claim will help prevent further loss of life due to mining accidents, and will

help the Ministry of Labour review the worksites to ensurethesafetyofworkers. It is CRG’s hope that the Government will pursue such an initiative and work towards saving the lives of our workers in the gold miningindustry Bestregards, Mr JamilChanglee Chairman

The Cooperative RepublicansofGuyana

Biometrics is modern way for GECOM to do business

DEAREDITOR, The issue is whether b i o m e t r i c s g i v e improvements and is a legitimateask,notwhethera hugechunkofourelectorate

i s a s k i n g . T h e

implementation of biometrics in elections has made significant progress aroundtheglobe.

As of now, we have completed the deployment ofbiometricsystemsin29% of the 193 UN member countries.

Question:Why?Answer: Due to efficiency! Indian

voters have EVMsElectronic Voting Machines since 1991, Nigeria used them in 2011, Tanzania in February2015,andBrazilin 2018.

Their post-election reports indicate easiness in voting. Latin America and Africauseit.

The focus is on

e n h a n c i n g v o t e r identification and ensuring the integrity of the electoral process. Key achievements:

(a) Use of technology that used fingerprint scanners and facial recognition

s o f t w a r e , ( b ) Comprehensive training

programs have been conducted for election officials and staff with an emphasis on the importance of biometrics in improving election transparency, and efficiency and reducing instances of voter fraud When there was some resistance to change due to privacy and data security concerns the powers that be finalized data security protocols to protect voters’ information.

In the Guyana context, continued collaboration among stakeholders will be critical to the successful implementation of biometrics in the upcoming elections Several leaders agreewithme.

AformerPPP/CMinister of over 20 years ago (a “has been”): “Ghana displays an identification method that reliesonbiometrics itwas successfulinalleviatinglong line-ups:” The Kaieteur News January 20, 2025,

‘GoodGovernance:themost important issue today;’ A party’s presidential candidatehasvowedthathis party will be getting assistancefrominternational bodies that are fielding observers in Guyana. This personcouldbethepresident of a country (a “now-funow”).

This “now-fu-now” and “wanna-be” president says GECOM has no inkling of the way forward, is disconnectedfromreality,is delusional in its decisionmakingjob,makesincorrect preemptive assumptions at every job it puts its mind to accomplish, offers unacceptable and insipid excuses at every turn, ignores all p

vious recomm

ndations by Observers, has a mindset of using cosmetic approaches, does not mind being picketed, and shuns improvements.

Another former PPP/C Minister, as well as a former GDF personnel on February 13, 2025, wrote letters appearing in The Kaieteur News on pages 5 a n d 6 c a p t i o n e d respectively: ‘Biometrics and election 2025’and ‘In ReplytoMr EddyLayne ’ One recommends it, the otherdoesnot Editor, biometrics is an interesting issue What have the OAS and other Election Observers recommended?

In 2015, Professor Gordon Shirley, the head of the OAS Observer

Mission, lamented GECOM’s shortcomings a n d i m p l o r e d improvements His story started when he met with stakeholders and issued a press release: ‘High hopes

fortheelectionprocess.’

After the election, however,thathopefizzledto a spent statement blasting inefficiency at GECOM, M. SHABEER ZAFAR LAW OFFICES particularly in counting and declaring a winner, and that the seat allocation methodology showed ineptitude and incompetence.

Iurgethereadertolook at his Report In 2015, the CarterCenterfieldedmany Observers countrywide They reported seeing an exclusion of members of civil society serving as election observers from v o t i n g , a l l w e r e disenfranchised

T h e E l e c t o r a l Assistance Bureau in the s

id 2015 El

ons Reports chided the manner GECOMdoesthings

The US Ambassador had meanwhile fully endorsed EAB and OAS so by extension the Embassy would also argue the fact that members of civil society serving as election o b s e r v e r s w e r e disenfranchisedin2015

Editor, ten years before that 2015-time frame, in our sordid electioneering past, that is to say, in 2006, it took 6 days to decide which presidential candidatehadwon

Also, GECOM could not aptly say who had won seats in Region 10: The Electoral Assistance Bureau, March 7, 2007,

Report of the 2006 Elections, p. 34, Heading

Analysis of Results, “discrepancies existed in the Region 10 results and that they had substantiated

A F C ’ s c l a i m s G e o g r a p h i c Constituencyseats ”

It means we need to go back to the drawing board.

Come November 2025, ifweweretousebiometrics, there would be in place a systemthatidentifiesvoters, dispelling “laaang laaang lineups” faced by tens of thousands of voters, including myself

Biometrics heralds modernityandcrushesthose “laaang laaang line-ups ” Time is money! The EAB, OAS, and the Carter Center reported that lengthy lineups in the blazing sun are challenging.

They say the “laaang laaang” line-ups are evidence of inefficiency

Why not enhance the quick flow of voters on e-day this writerasks?

Your customers are pensioners, most are sickly. Whatisthecommonsensical approach GECOM ought to take?

Treat your customers as kings!We all know one seat makes a big difference as to which Party runs Guyana. On a personal front, the ProvinceofOntario,whereI workasalawyer,hasaSnap electiononFebruary27.

know whethertheincumbentorthe

ELECTIONS ONTARIO hired me shortly after the writ was dropped 13 days ago, we are mandated to administerpollsonFebruary 27. We make voting an e

system does not require a voter to display courage, to place oneself in a long line for hours amid the coldest and harshest month of the winter,forhalfaday,justto place an X on a ballot. That wouldbecruel!

M Shabeer Zafar,

AStep Forward in Healthcare: The addition of Mammography Machines

DEAR

EDITOR

, According to the World HealthOrganization,1in12 women worldwide are diagnosed with Breast cancer in their lifetime

Breastcancerremainsoneof the most prevalent, lifethreatening diseases to womenworldwide.

Thisisthemostcommon cancer in women and remains a significant global healthconcern.

Earlydetectioniscrucial if we want to improve

survival rates and I strongly believe that with the advancement in medical technology and making the rightinvestmentplaysavital roleinthisfight.

On Tuesday, the spotlightwasonLindenwith the commissioning of a brand-new mammography machine at the Linden HospitalComplex.

This was a commitment made by the Minister of Health as an intervention to detect early stages in breast

cancertosavelives.

In fact, what you should know is that the quality of the Siemens mammography machines is among the best globally and are considered to be very efficient because of their advanced imaging technology and userfriendly

These machines offer a w i d e - a n g l e 3 D tomosynthesis with a 50degree tube movement- this m e a n s t h a t t h e mammographer/radiologic

technologist will be able to capture the highly detailed images in a greater depth resolution (Superior ImagingQuality),itwillalso provide a faster and much moreaccuratediagnoses.

Intheworldofadvanced technology, the Siemens mammography is AIassisted which will help the radiologist detect any other abnormalities.

With this machine patient comfort and reduced radiation exposure is

guaranteed since the soft Comppaddlesthatadjuststo the breast’s shape, minimizing discomfort during the compression process.

Previously, if women neededamammography,she would have had to travel all the way to GPHC to access these services, which ever part of the country she resided.

Today, apart from Linden, New Amsterdam, Suddie and Lethem will be

getting their own Siemens MammographyMachines. I believe that this is an impactful investment that will save the lives of many womenoutthereduetoearly detection.

This marks another achievement of the Government’s agenda of Decentralizing and providingqualityhealthcare services That is how a caringgovernmentoperates.

Regards,

SachinPersaud

Reason for morning traffic at DHB

DEAREDITOR, This letter is being written to highlight the reasonforthemorningpeak hourtrafficontheWestSide of the Demerara Harbour Bridge. This is solely on the Inspectors stationed to supervise the flow of traffic at the Harbour Bridge Roundabout.

These inspectors allow hundredsofvehiclestodrive on the outside of the lines leadinguptothebridgeand give them priority over the law-abiding citizens who aretherefrommaybe5:30in the morning and struggle sometimes to make it to workfor8.

Thesevehicleswhohave ‘priority’ sometimes reach there for 7:30 which is two hours after some persons reach there and still are allowed to join almost no traffic.

We need to know the reason why are hundreds of vehicles are priority over normallaw-abidingcitizens. Isitbecausetheyarefriends,

familyorbecausetheyknow the ‘right price to pay’to be allowedtodothis?

If this is the case, then the Traffic Act must be changed for priority vehicles, since from what I know only emergency vehicles were allowed this privilege.

A shoutout must be given to the junior ranks who try to control the traffic, however, when they do their job and correctly removing the perpetrators, they drive to the inspectors and are allowedbackin.

This just embarrasses the junior ranks’ efforts andtheyjuststartallowing everybody to force their way into the line I place no blame on the junior ranksforthis

It appears the Inspectors havegottentoocomfortable withtheirjobinthemorning and a suggestion should be made to have these inspectors be replaced from theHarbourBridge. FedupDrivers

Govt. wary of migrant crisis threats

ByAnasaWilliams

Amid growing concerns over the large influx of Venezuelan migrants here, President Irfaan Ali on Thursdayacknowledgedthat the economic implosion of the neigbouring state’s economy has been contributing to a migrant crisis and it has also increasedthevulnerabilityof Guyana’sborders.

Speaking at the opening Ceremony for the Guyana Defence Force’s Annual Officer’s Conference, he said that criminals can take advantage of the migrant

c r i s i s a n d b o r d e r vulnerability which will cause an increase in

s Therefore,heurgedtheGDF to remain vigilant and advance their border management capacity, so that they will be able to intercept any threats. Ali’s admission of the migrant crisis and its potential

President of the Cooperative Republic of Guyana Irfaan Ali.

over what she described as

stakeholders about the government’s handling of thesituation.

Only recently, Shadow Foreign Affairs Minister, Amanza Walton-Desir criticised the government

d implementing a national foreign policy which will cater to issues such as migration. “It is crucial that we address the challenges posedbyourporousborders which continue to expose us

tosignificantrisksthatcould undermine our national security, territorial integrity, and social cohesion,” she insisted.

of our nation, we must immediately establish a mandatory migrant registrationsystem.”

r with

Alluding to a Stabroek News article which quoted the Mi

sponsibility

immigration,RobesonBenn, saying that it is anticipated that the migrant population will increase in the coming months,”Walton–Desirsaid that to date, the government is unable to provide a realistic estimate of the number of Venezuelan migrantsinthecountry “The reason is clear They simply do not know It is obvious that the PPP government has lost control over the migrant situation resultingingraverisktoour country’s security and sovereignty.” Walton-Desir stressed “to mitigate these risksandprotecttheintegrity

President Ali said that, “transnationalthreatssuchas n a r c o t i c s smuggling human trafficking and the illegal movementoffirearmsacross ourborders,posesignificant challenges to Guyana’s security and stability. The economic implosion in Venezuelahascontributedto a migrant crisis that has increased vulnerabilities along our borders. Criminal networks exploit these conditions, engaging in i

undermine our national security, fuel violence and erodetheruleoflaw.”

He highlighted that at thisjunctureofdevelopment of the GDF these challenges must be understood and takenintoconsideration.The

Presidentmentionedthatone of Guyana’s most important strategicpartners,theUnited StatesofAmerica,hasanew focus with an important philosophy of securing and protecting their assets. He said that, “This poses significant opportunity and challenges, because migrant movementwilltakedifferent shape, form and destination. So, this issue must therefore becriticallyexaminedatthis officers’ conference,” Ali toldtheconference.

President Ali told the audience that transnational crime is not confined by bordersandthereforerobust, coordinated responses to dismantle all networks that profitoffofhumansuffering andinstability “TheGuyana Defense Force must thereforeintensifyitsefforts to combat these threats, leveragingintelligence

Continued on page 22

Protest electoral tyranny

Therecomesatime in the life of a

nation when silence is no longer an option, when the failure to speakoutagainstinjusticeis itself an act of complicity Thattimeisnow

Asthe2025Generaland

Regional Elections approach,wearewitnessing a deliberate and sinister

attempt to strangle democracy

This appeal is therefore directed to civil society organizations in the hope that they will speak out against what is taking place inGuyanatoday

Even before the official election campaign season begins, an environment of fear and intimidation is

being cultivated an environment designed to discourage Opposition

c a n d i d a t e s f r o m participating in the political process.

The tactics are as old as authoritarianism itself: threats, public humiliation, character assassination, and the use of state-aligned operativestosilencedissent.

Political thugs, emboldened by the knowledgethattherewillbe no consequences for their

actions, have openly declaredtheirintentto“deal’ with anyone daring to step into the political arena against the ruling party

Othershavesettoworkwith their dirty tricks, launching smear campaigns against thosewhohavebeencritical ofthegovernment.

Thisisnotdemocracy It isacalculatedassaultonthe right of individuals to contest elections freely and fairly It is the kind of political gangsterism that belongs to dictatorships,not democracies.

And yet, despite this brazen assault on fundamental freedoms, the voices that should be speakingout—thoseofcivil society—have been eerily silent.

Religious organizations, professional associations, human rights bodies, trade unions, women and youth organizations and indeed all with a vested interest in ensuring democracy, have a duty to be the moral guardians of the nation Their role is to defend the conditions that make free and fair elections possible. Whenthoseinpowerseekto suppress p

intimidation and fear, civil societymuststepforwardas a bulwark against such tyranny

Religious bodies which claimtostandforjusticeand righteousness, cannot remain indifferent while the very essence of democracy isbeingpoisoned.Religious teachings are replete with admonitions to speak out againstwrongdoing.

Where,then,isthevoice of the religious community in condemning the threats being made against those who wish to participate in theelectoralprocess?

The trade unions, which have fought for decades to protecttherightsofworkers, must recognize that a political system built on intimidation and fear will inevitably lead to further oppression.

If the government succeeds in suppressing political participation today, who will stop it from suppressing workers’ rights tomorrow? It is in the interestofeverytradeunion to ensure that democracy remains strong and that no citizen is threatened for choosingtorunforoffice.

Civic organizations, which claim to uphold

DEM BOYS SEH

Valentine got plenty disappointment!

Today is Valentine Day, and from morning, people gan be walking round in red like dem wukking fuh Santa. But leh me tell y’all, nuff ah dem na gan get no roses, no candy, nor even a lil cheap cologne.

Someahdemgansitdownbydephone wholedaywaitingfuhdespecialValentine call. Every time de phone ring, dem heart skip a beat. But when dem see is de electricity and de hire-purchase company calling fuh remind dem ‘bout dem instalment,demspiritgandrop.

In dem office, de girls gan be keeping one eye pun dem computer and one eye pun de door Every time a delivery man walk in, dem straighten up, adjust dem hair,andputondebestsmile.Butwhende manpassdemstraightanddropdeflowers at somebody else desk, dem face gen get sourlikestalemauby

Bylunchtime,someahdemdonegive up. Dem start convincing demself seh Valentine Day overrated. “Love is every day,” dem mumbling, while secretly hopingalatedeliverygonshowup.Butby

afternoon, reality slap dem hard—ValentineDaydoescomewithnuff disappointments!

Now, dem boys remember a classic Valentine hustle wah happen right in

democratic values, must do more than issue vague statements of concern.They must actively call out the government and its operatives,demandanendto these dirty tricks, and stand in solidarity with those who wish to exercise their democraticrights.

A stolen election does not have to be stolen at the ballot box or afterwards; it can be stolen long before, throughthreatsandcoercion that prevent potential candidates from even contesting in the first place.

If the ruling party succeeds in creating an environment wherecitizensaretooafraid to run, then the election is a l r e a d y compromised regardless of how smooth the voting processappearstobe.

If a government is truly

confidentinitspopularity,it s h o u l d w e l c o m e competition.Instead,wesee the opposite: a desperate attempt to control the narrative, to silence dissent, and to frighten opponents intosubmission.

The silence of civil society in the face of these threats is not neutrality; it is surrender Itisanabdication ofresponsibility

Itisabetrayalofthevery

organizations claim to uphold. History has shown that when oppression is met with silence, it only grows bolder Today, it is threats

Tomorrow, it will be threats against voters. And the day after, the very existence of civilsocietyitselfmaycome underattack.

There is no time to wait.

The leaders of civil society organizations must speak

immediately

Theymustcondemnthe threats and intimidation tactics being used against thosewhoseektoparticipate in the elections. They must demandthatthegovernment act decisively to rein in its operatives and ensure a political environment in which every citizen feels safetocontest.

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

Georgetown. An old, grey-haired man strollintooneofdemfancyjewellerystore last Friday He got a young, beautiful woman holding on to he arm like she holding on to she future. De man tell de jeweller, “I looking fuh something real specialfuhmysweetheartfuhValentine.”

Dejewellersmileandbringoutanice ring—$500,000.

De old man watch it and seh, “Nah man, leh me need something mo expensive.”Dejewellerseh,“Noproblem, boss!” and bring out a next one—$1.4 million.

As soon as de young lady see it, she eyes light up like a Christmas tree. She starttremblinglikeshecatchingcold.

Deoldmanseh,“We’lltakeit.”

Dejewelleraskhowhepaying.Deold mansmileandseh,“Bycheque.Butdon’t worry, you could call de bank Monday morning fuh verify, and I gon collect de ringMondayafternoon”

Dejewellercalldebank,onlyfuhhear de old man account dry like de seawall at lowtide.Dejewellercalldeoldmanright awayonMonday “Sir,there’snomoneyin youraccount!”

De old man laugh and seh, “I know! Butlehmetellyou‘boutmyweekend!”

Talkhalf,leffhalf!

H@RD TRUTHS

Jagdeo,deflector-in-chief

I acknowledge it: Dr Bharrat Jagdeoisanunrealcharacter,areal political angler Some may say politicalhustler

NotI! HowcanI,whyshouldI, lessen the luster of such an illustriouslocaloperator? Onewho is such a major deflector and distractor; one who could also be consideredadefectorfromstraight talk.

Take this development involving prime lands at Ogle and elsewhere,andencirclingoneofhis prized friends, a New York based real estate tycoon with a strange pedigree. The New Yorker was such a force for good that he blew himselfstraightintothecomfortsof t h a t S t a t e ’s p r i n c e l y accommodations.

W h e n t h e s w i r l i n g controversies now dogging those Ogle land awards intensified, it dawnedimmediatelyonDr Jagdeo that he needed the company of his other good friend, Mr Nigel Hughes, Leader of the AFC and politicalcompetitor

Upfront and straight up, this is said: Nigel Hughes must answer frankly, completely, and convincingly about his own 75 acres.

Fromtherepresentationsthathe has made to date, the documents submitted,thedatesembedded,and thepartiesinvolved,IthinkthatMr Hughesgaveagoodaccountingfor himself.

Therewereprivatetransactions (two of such) involving so-called distant jungle land (KN, February 7, 2025) versus prime plots in places with plush potential. My preference would have been for out-of-the-way and out-of-mind and untouched land, and not the indecorous‘jungle’land.

The first transaction with Mr Simon Munroe from 2016 falls on safeground. Ontheotherhand,the onein2019,posttheDecember21, 2018 no-confidence upheavals, needs some additional elaboration. I am on uncertain ground here, becausethereisaninsufficiencyof detail. More is needed, with the exactsequenceinconcrete.

Nevertheless, I do note, however, that the second parcel of landfor25acreswasalsoaprivate transaction, which gives the appearance of standing on its own feet.

As asserted, this is going to require some more fleshing out. Let everything be put on the table,

and on top of the tablecloth Guyanese need to know who is on the right side of law and principle on this one In my early assessment, Mr Hughes seems to hold the higher ground on the 25 acres. I hope he maintains his presencethere.

Incontrast,priortotheHughes’ disclosures, Jagdeo went for the jugular at his Thursday afternoon press workout. Words favored included “duplicitous” for Mr Hughes, who came in for special mention. And,therewere“illegal” and “criminal” to convey the essence of what the APNU Coalition did with prime lands between the successful December 2018no-confidencemotionandthe March02,2020elections. Muchof what Vice President Jagdeo put before the public is found disturbing on how the APNU coalition parceled out land during that uncertain and troubled 20182020interval.

Idon’t likeit. Ihaveproblems with it. From timing to sizing to pricing, every component reeks of thelessthanstraight,whatcouldbe stoodfor,becauseitissound.

Theydonotpersuade. Though besieged, or departing,

governmentshaveahabitofrapidly and thickly buttering the bread of theirownfolks,Idealinwhatpays homagetotheethicalandnotwhat serves the political. More than a few pieces of Jagdeo’s disclosures have the roiling about them, and rings with what is wrong in this country- itspolitics,itsleadership, and its governance. Neither the PPP nor the PNC can claim clean hands.

They have both exhibited, however, great skill in showing a pair of clean heels, in racing away from secret deals, and preferential treatments with their inner circles. Neither can ever be thought of in the same manner as Caesar’s wife. I have repeatedly cautioned both groups and their leaders: transactions involving close companions must pass more than paperandprocesstests. Theymust pass those three most important tests. Smelltests. Tastetests. And thegrandaddyoftests:ethicstests. Frankly, things look and smell rotten in Ogle, in Wales, and in Peter’s Hall, among other now shaded groves of political real estatepoliticalgenius. Thisiswhat isnowcomingtolight,ascouldbe tracedtobothmajorpartieswhenin

government. In the reciprocal exposures and condemnations, Guyanese get a clearer understanding of how they are represented, about what goes on behind the veils of governance. The arrangements, the slicing up and parceling out, and the pricing that seem too cheap to receive a cheer from the public. Wherewas and is the leader, who stood up beforeandthentodayandsaid:like hell!Noneofthisisgoingtohappen undermywatch. Wherewasandis he?

Wherewasthesubjectminister, be such a he or a she? Whether NewGlobalInvestmentCorpnow, or whoever collected prime state lands at cut prices during the post no-confidenceseason.

Boththesubstanceandopticsof these transactions should generate concern in Guyanese They provokegreatdisagreementsinme.

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

Trump outlines reciprocal tariff plan in latest bid to reshape trade on his terms

WA S H I N G TO N , (Reuters) – U.S. President Donald Trump tasked his economics team today with devisingplansforreciprocal tariffs on every country taxingU.S.imports,ramping up prospects for a global trade war with American friendsandfoes.

“Ontrade,Ihavedecided forpurposesoffairness,that I will charge a reciprocal tariff, meaning whatever countries charge the United States of America, we will charge them. No more, no

less,”Trumptoldreportersin theOvalOffice.

Trump signed a memo ordering his team to start calculating duties to match those other countries charge and to counteract non-tariff barriers such as vehicle safetyrulesthatexcludeU.S. autos and value-added taxes thatincreasetheircost.

Thursday’s directive stopped short of imposing fresh tariffs, instead kicking off what could be weeks or months of investigation into the levies imposed on U.S.

Chevron to lay off up to 20% of

global workforce

Reuters-Chevron,willlayoff15%to20%ofitsglobal workforcebytheendof2026,theU.S.oilcompanysaidon Wednesdayasitseekstocutcosts,simplifyitsbusiness,and completeamajoracquisition.TheNo.2U.S.oilproducerhas faced production challenges including cost overruns and delaysinalargeKazakhstanoilfieldproject.

Meanwhile, its US$53-billion deal to acquire oil producer Hess and gain a foothold in Guyana’s lucrative oilfield is in limbo, due to a court battle with larger rival Exxon Mobil, which has outperformed it with production growth, achieving record production in Guyana and the biggest oilfield in the United States. Chevron has said it is targetinguptoUS$3billionincostcutsthrough2026from leveraging technology, asset sales and changing how and whereworkisperformed.

At the end of 2023, Chevron employed 40,212 people across its operations. A layoff of 20% of total employees wouldbeabout8,000people.Thosefiguresexcludeanother roughly5,400employeesofChevronservicestations.

Weak margins in the production of gasoline and diesel also hurt Chevron’s fourth quarter earnings, as its refining business posted a loss for the first time since 2020, raising pressureonCEOMikeWirth.

Shares of Chevron declined 1.3% in afternoon trading. The broader S&P 500 Energy Sector index fell 2.4%. Chevron’ssharesareup5.6%year-to-date.

“Chevronistakingactiontosimplifyourorganizational structure, execute faster and more effectively, and position the company for stronger long-term competitiveness,” said MarkNelson,vicechairmanofChevron,inastatement.“We do not take these actions lightly and will support our employeesthroughthetransition.”

Thecompanytoldemployeesduringaninternaltownhall thattheycanbeginoptingforbuyoutsnowthroughAprilor May,accordingtoasourcefamiliarwiththematter

Chevronwillreorganizeitsbusinessandannounceanew leadershipstructureinthenexttwoweeks,thesourcesaid.

The oil industry has been consolidating in recent years, focusing on mergers and operational efficiency more than drilling new wells. Exxon, the No. 1 U.S. oil company, bought Pioneer Natural Resources last year to become the largest producer in the Permian Basin. Exxon also has the largeststakeinaGuyanaoiljointventurethathasdiscovered more than 11 billion barrels of oil. If Chevron fails to close the Hess acquisition, it would be the second deal to slip throughWirth’sfingers.In2019,Chevronabandoneditsbid tobuyAnadarkoPetroleumCorpafterOccidentalPetroleum raiseditsoffer

Thecompany’soilandgasreserveshavedeclinedtotheir lowest point in at least a decade, further raising concerns aboutChevron’slong-termprospectswithoutHess.

Chevron moved its headquarters from San Ramon, California to Houston last year and replaced several longstandingmanagerstorenewitsleadership.

Lastyear,italsoannouncedanewhubinIndiathatwill beitslargesttechcenteroutsidetheUnitedStates.

goods by other trading partners and then devising a response.

Targets include China, Japan, South Korea and the European Union The Republicanpresident’slatest round of market-rattling tariffs has ratcheted up fears of a widening global trade war and threatened to accelerateU.S.inflation.

WallStreet–anxiousthat tariffs may add to inflation andkeeptheFederalReserve from cutting interest rates further – breathed a sigh of relief, for the moment, with U.S. stocks adding to the day’s gains A gauge of global stocks touched a record high, and yields on U.S.Treasurysecuritiesfell.

H

k, Trump’spickforCommerce

address each affected country one by one and said studiesontheissuewouldbe completedbyApril1.Thatis also the deadline Trump set on his first day in office for Lutnick and other economic adviserstoreporttohimwith plans to reduce the chronic

tradeimbalancesthatTrump sees as a U.S. subsidy to othercountries.

Trump,whocampaigned on a pledge to bring down consumer prices, said prices couldgoupintheshortterm as a result of the moves. “Tariffsaregreat,”hesaid.

A White House official, who spoke to reporters before Trump’s event in the Oval Office, said the administration would study countries with the biggest trade surpluses and highest tariffratesfirst.

Trump’s tariffs would match the higher duties charged by other countries, he said, and would aim to counteract burdensome regulations, value-added taxes, government subsidies and exchange rate policies that can erect barriers to the flow of U.S. products to foreignmarkets.

“They effectively don’t let us do business. So we’re goingtoputanumberonthat that is a fair number We’re able to accurately determine the cost of these nonmonetary trade barriers,” Trumpsaid.

U.S. President Donald Trump holds an executive order about tariffs increase in the Oval Office of the White House in Washington, U.S., February 13, 2025. REUTERS/Kevin Lamarque

T h e b r o a d announcement appeared designed at least in part to trigger talks with other countries. The White House official said Trump would gladly lower tariffs if other countriesloweredtheirs.The new tariffs would avoid a “one size fits all” approach for more customized levies, he said, though he did not ruleoutaflatglobaltariff.

“It’s a relief that the administration isn’t rushing toimposenewtariffs,andwe welcome the president takingamorenuanced,interagency approach,” said TiffanySmith,vicepresident for global trade at the National Foreign Trade

Council “Ideally, this process will result in us working with our trading partnerstolowertheirtariffs andtradebarriersasopposed toincreasingourown.”

Trump, who took office on Jan 20, has already announcedtariffsonallsteel and aluminum imports beginning on March 12, imposed 10% tariffs on goodsfromChina,andputa 30-day hold on planned tariffs on goods from neighboring Canada and Mexico.

Trump said on Monday he was also looking at separate tariffs on cars, semiconductorsand

Continued on page 20

‘ExxonMobil, Govt. busy with other priorities’

...as relinquishment of 20% of Stabroek Block still not finalised 4 months after deadline - Routledge says

Four months past the stipulated deadline, the relinquishmentof20%ofthe Stabroek Block by

ExxonMobil Guyana Limited (EMGL) remains incomplete.

The finalisation of the process, according to ExxonMobil’s President Alistair Routledge, is attributed to ongoing administrative formalities and competing priorities for both the company and the GovernmentofGuyana.

Speaking at a press conference on Wednesday, Routledge assured that Exxon had met all requirements and was awaiting final approvals. He said, “We complied with all the deadlines, all the submissions have been made, we are really just in the finalisation of paperwork.”

Under the terms of the 2016 Production Sharing Agreement (PSA), Exxon is required to return acreage where no commercial discoverieshavebeenmade, in production, appraised or areaswherethereispotential commercialinterest.

Exxon was required to returnaportionoftheBlock to Guyana since October

2023; however, former PresidentDavidGrangerhad granted the company an extensionin2020toconduct further exploration activities. This extended the deadlinetoOctober2024. Notably, when asked about the specific section of the Stabroek Block being handed back to the state, Routledge deferred to the government.“Well,whatI’d prefer to do is wait for the governmenttocommunicate that, because I don’t think it is appropriate for us to p r e e m p t t h e i r communication when they arereadytoofficiallyrelease newmaps,”heexplained. When pressed further, Routledgesuggestedthatthe backlog of other critical mattersmaybeaffectingthe timeline.

Hetoldreporters,“Ican’t give you a date, you know work in progress. I expect it shouldn’tbelong.WhatIdo appreciate is everybody is busy, our teams are incredibly busy, the government, of course, is very busy The Ministry of Natural Resources, GGMC, theyhavealotgoingonyou know, trying to finaliase the terms for new blocks to be awardedorrelinquished,the transfer of the operatorship

fortheKaieteurBlock.There isalotofworkinprocess,so I think they’re trying to juggle that and manage priority.”

Despite the delay to finalise the relinquishment, Routledge underscored that, discussions between Exxon and the government have remainedconstructive.

“No, no, I think we have had a very transparent, open discussion, making sure that we are all working to the req

So, no disagreement, just an ongoingdiscussionastohow we look at exploration discoveryareas,whatarethe polygrams to go with that, butthisisaveryconstructive process,”hesaid.

Routledge added, “So I’msurethegovernmentwill announce when all of that has been completed, but all of the work to make the calculation to access the areashasbeendone.”

Guyana’s Minister of Natural Resources Vickram Bharrat stated back in Januarythattheprocesswas initsfinalstagesandthatan agreement had been reached in principle between the governmentandExxon.

At his ministry’s press conference, Bharrat claimed

that the relinquishment of a producing block involves complex calculations to exclude production, appraisal, and areas with commercialpotential.

Minister Bharrat had explained the technical challenges involved in finalisingtherelinquishment process. Hesaid,“It’snotas simple as it may seem, is

The Stabroek Block

very complex especially with bloc

s that are producingbecauseyou have Liza 1 there, Liza 2 there, Payara you have the other developments,thenyouhave discoveries, you have appraisal areas so we now havetodecidewhereweare taking these acreage from…”

However, the minister

assuredthattheprocessisin itsfinalstages.

“Oncewefinalisethatwe will give you the exact acreage that should be finalisedverysoon…wewill give you a full report on it with the exact acreage but I can tell you yes, the process has been advanced significantly almost to completion,”hesaid.

Pres.AliquestionsGuyana’sdroponglobalcorruptionscale

President IrfaanAli

h

’s

Corruption Perceptions Index (CPI) ranking, q u e s t i o n i n g t h e methodology used to assess Guyana’sstanding.

Speakingonthesidelines of an event held at the Guyana Defence Force’s HeadquartersinGeorgetown on Thursday the head-ofstate suggested that political biasmayhaveinfluencedthe findings, which showed Guyana slipping from 40 pointsin2023to39in2024, ranking 92 out of 180 countries on the global corruptionscale.

The state of Guyana has been captured by the economicandpoliticalelites h e r e , f o s t e r i n g misappropriation of resources, illicit enrichment and environmental crimes, the global coalition against corruption- Transparency International said on Tuesday.

“InGuyana,statecapture by economic and political

e l i t e s f o s t e r s misapprop

ion of resources, illicit enrichment and an environmental crime,” the Transparency Internationalreportsaid. It added: “Although the country has created anticorruption institutions and laws, transparency and law enforcement are very low, and attacks on dissenting voices, activists and journalists increasingly common.”

President Ali dismissed the findings that law enforcement against corruption is weak in

…says Transparency Int’l ‘Politically-biased’

political bias for these we havetobringaccountability to these indicators because whentheycomehere,ifyou are interviewing someone with a bias, if you’re interviewing someone with a political motive or a political agenda, what do you expect to get?” he stated

equitably

T

T

y

International report on Guyana is significant, given widespread complaints of massive corruption in government and accusations that billion-dollar contracts are being handed out to friends and families of government officials

Guyana, asserting, “Well, I don’tknowthatenforcement is low I know we have the best enforcement in the region.”

Further, he pushed back against international body findingsarguingthatthereis no transparency in how the report itself is compiled. He said, “You see, the problem with Transparency International and the perception indicators is that there are a number of problems.One,whoisitthat they interview, they have to goin-depth.”

“There’s a serious

Notably, President Ali insisted that Guyana has made significant progress in t r a n s p a r e n c y a n d accountability, citing praise from reputable international organisations, like the InternationalMonetaryFund (IMF).

With Guyana’s economy expanding rapidly due to its oil boom, governance and corruption concerns remain ahot-buttonissue.Whilethe government continues to tout its anti-corruption efforts, critics argue that more transparency and stricter enforcement are needed to ensure public resources are managed

Several government ministersarealsofingeredin corruption schemes – some a l l e g e d l y o w n i n g construction companies, hotels and other businesses andhaveassignedpersonsto frontthem.

Thereportalsocomeson the heels of a massive scandalofcorruptallocation of state lands, which has forced the resignation of the Chief Executive Officer of the Central Housing and Planning Authority, SherwynGreaves.

In June 2024, disgraced former Permanent Secretary in the Ministry of Labour, Mae Thomas resigned as a

member of the People’s Progressive Party Central Committee after she was sanctioned by the United States Government of allegedly taking bribes to facilitate the award of government contracts, passportsandgunlicencesto theMohameds. Thomas had proceeded on leave pending an investigation. In September 2024,VicePresidentBharrat Jagdeo said that the PS remains on paid leave. This was the last update from the government.

UNCONCERNS

BackinMarch2024,the United Nations Human Rights Committee (UNHRC) had released its findings on Guyana, expressingconcernsoverthe nation’s institutional framework to combat corruption.

T h e r e p o r t acknowledged Guyana’s adoption of laws and regulations to tackle corruption, including the establishmentofaSpecial Continued on page 20

President Irfaan Ali

Govt.stillreviewingpayhikepactforGPLworkers

…union frustrated, says finance minister had sufficient time to do so

InlightoftherecentprotestbyworkersoftheGuyana Power and Light Inc. (GPL), backed by the National Association ofAgricultural, Commercial, and Industrial Employees (NAACIE), GPL management told Kaieteur News on Thursday that Finance Minister Ashni is currently reviewing the agreement on the 7% salary increaseandwillbeimplementedsoon.

However NAACIE has expressed concerns, arguing that the minister had sufficient time to review the agreementandistakingtoolongtoapproveit.According

Continued on page 22

Day 2 protest at the GPL Sophia Training Building

Sod turned to build $1.7B Cotton Field Secondary

Minister of Education, Priya Manickchand on Wednesdayturnedthesodto markthecommencementfor the construction of the $1.7 billion new Cotton Field Secondary School in Region Two.

The state-of-the-art school, which is expected to be completed in August 2026, will be built by Builders Hardware, General Supplies, and Construction, who was awarded the contractthroughtheNational Procurement and Tender Administration Board (NPTAB) office for $1,798,137,760.

Accordingtoinformation providedbytheministry,the project forms part of the government’s efforts to expand and modernise the country’s educational infrastructure. With a 12month defects liability period and a $179,813,776 mobilisationadvancepaidto

the contractor, the construction of the school will include modern classrooms, administrative offices, sports facilities, and other essential amenities to support a well-rounded learningenvironmentforthe students of Cotton Field and surroundingareas.

AttheceremonyMinister of Education, Priya Manickchand, noted the importanceofsuchaproject, stating that when completed therewillbetrainedteachers, laboratories, and spaces that areconducivetolearning.

According to the ministry,theministertoldthe gathering, “You are the stakeholders parents and community members and teachers.Andso,thisisnota school where they don’t reallyevencheckitout.This is a school, I want the bills

posted on the school where they can be observed, and I want you checking to see whether this is coming up to speed, whether this is being doneinthewaythatwewant it done, whether it’s being doneatthequalitywewantit done at, whether you pass it and you see two men on the site, or a full work site with peopleworking.Thisisyour school. This is our school. And I expect your full involvement.”

Kaieteur News reported previously that Regional Chairperson,VilmaDeSilva, related to this publication that one of the reasons they decided to construct a new building is to properly accommodate the increasing numberofstudentsattending the school. She said, “The existing one (school building) is very old it’s not feasible to repair Also the populationisincreasing.”

This newspaper was further informed that at present 650 students attend CottonFieldSecondary The new school building will be constructed at the current location. Due to this, the students are expected to be accommodated at the Anna Regina Multilateral Secondary, which is nearby and will be attending school through a shift system, DeSilva related. “We’re also looking at a modern facility to improve the delivery of better education,” the RegionalChairpersonadded. Meanwhile, the Education Ministry noted that through initiatives like the construction of the school, the government is ensuring that Guyanese children have accesstotop-tiereducational facilities that support their personal, academic, and professionalgrowth.

Minister of Education, Priya Manickchand (centre front) alongside regional and educational officials and students turning the sod for the new Cotton Field Secondary School in Region Two. T

Frompage12

Organized Crime Unit (S.O.C.U) within the Guyana Police Force (GPF). However, it highlights lingering concerns regardingtheeffectivenessoftheinstitutionalsetuptoprevent andprosecutecorruption,particularlywithinthepoliceforce and among high-level public officials. Specific concerns outlined in the report include instances where the Commissioner of Information failed to address public requests and the delayed enforcement of the Protected DisclosuresandWitnessProtectionAct.

To address these issues, the Committee urged Guyana to intensify its efforts to promote good governance and combat corruption at all levels of government. This includes addressingtherootcausesofcorruptionasapriority,ensuring impartialinvestigationandprosecutionofallcorruptioncases, enhancingtheindependence,transparency,andaccountability of anti-corruption bodies, guaranteeing effective access to information held by relevant authorities, and expediting the implementation of measures to protect whistleblowers and witnesses.

Additionally, the Committee calls for thorough investigations into allegations of corruption in the management of natural resources, particularly within the oil and gas sector, highlighting the importance of transparency and accountability measures in this critical area. Moreover, the Committee had expressed concern over reports of corruption and lack of transparency in the management of naturalresources,particularlywithintheoilandgassector It callsforthoroughinvestigationsintoallegationsofcorruption inthissectorandemphasisestheimportanceoftransparency andaccountabilitymeasures.

Trump outlines reciprocal...

Frompage11

pharmaceuticals. On Thursday he said car tariffs would be comingsoon.

“This is beyond negotiation. It’s to be taken very seriously,” said Josh Lipsky, director of the Atlantic Council’sGeoEconomicsCenterandaformeradvisertothe InternationalMonetaryFundwhoalsoservedintheObama WhiteHouse.

“Idothinkeverycountryhasbeenputonnotice.Andif youweregoingtoimplementreciprocaltariffsonthescale he’stalkingabout,thisisactuallyhowyouwouldgoabout it,”hesaid.

Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi, who was in WashingtontomeetwithTrump,overseesagovernmentthat imposesthehighesttariffsonU.S.exportsofanymajorU.S. tradingpartner TrumpacknowledgedasmuchonThursday Trade experts say structuring the reciprocal tariffs that Trumpwantsposesbigchallengesforhisteam,whichmay explainwhythelatestdutieswerenotannouncedearlierin theweek.

Experts say Trump could turn to several statutes, includingSection122oftheTradeActof1974,whichwould only allow a flat rate maximum of 15% for six months, or Section 338 of the Tariff Act of 1930, which provides authority to act against trade discrimination that disadvantagesU.S.commerce,buthasneverbeenused.

TrumpalsocouldusethesameInternationalEmergency EconomicPowersActusedtojustifythetariffsimposedon ChinaandpendingforCanadaandMexico.

The White House official said that measure and others couldbeused.

“Absent IEEPA, there would need to be some kind of agency action first before any trade remedy tariffs can be imposed but everything seems to be on the fast track,” said Damon Pike, a trade specialist and principal with the U.S.divisionofaccountingfirmBDOInternational,adding thatnormallytariffswouldbedonebyCongress.

GPHC fires senior doctor after Venezuelan lost

- two others suspended

The maternity unit of the GPHC.

The Georgetown Public Hospital

Corporation (GPHC) on Thursday confirmed that a senior doctor was fired and two others were suspended, as it has concluded its internal investigation into a recent stillbirth case in a full term pregnancy

Theissuewasreportedin t h e m e d i a ” T h e investigationwasconducted thoroughly to ensure a comprehensivereviewofall aspects of care provided during the incident,” GPHC saidinastatement. Itwasdeterminedbythe hospital’s review panel that the managing doctors failed

to adhere to the medical protocol required and made severalrecommendations.

T h e s a i d recommendations which have been accepted and implemented by the hospital’s management included; the firing of the senior doctor who had oversight of the shift and

whose failure to supervise contributed to breaches in protocol.Additionally,itwas recomended that two other doctorswithsenioroversight ofthecasebesuspendedfor a28daysperiod.

“ T h e h o s p i t a l administrationhassincemet with the patient and her relatives to provide a full

updateontheinvestigation’s outcome and the corrective actionstaken.

Thefamilyhasindicated their satisfaction with the measures implemented,” GPHCsaid.

Thehospitalexpressedit regretattheoccurenceofthe incident and acknowledged the impact caused on the

family Theyreaffirmedtheir commitment to continuous i m p r o v e m e n t , accountability, and upholding the highest standards of patient care as they vowed that they will continue to take all necessary steps to prevent similar occurrences in the future.

Referendum bill to allow Jamaicans to participate in constitutional reform – Throne Speech

Jamaica Observer - A referendum bill that will

process by way of a referendumistobetabledin theParliament.

This was stated by the

Thursdayashedeliveredthe 2025ThroneSpeechtomark the start of the new parliamentaryyear

Thependingreferendum bill is despite the governing Jamaica Labour Party (JLP) and the Opposition People’s National Party (PNP) being at loggerheads over the constitutional reform process.

The PNP is presently boycotting the joint select committeeoftheParliament that is reviewing the Constitution Amendment Bill 2024, ostensibly because the JLP is insisting on pressing ahead with replacing the Monarchy and King Charles as Jamaica’s Head-of-State, without committing to making the Caribbean Court of Justice (CCJ) Jamaica’s final appellate court at the same time.

TheJLPhassaidtheCCJ matter will be addressed in phase two of the reform process, however the high

level of distrust between the two parties has the PNP insisting that the two things bedoneatthesametime. F u l l e r s

referendumbillwillprovide

Jamaicans to participate in

he Constitution This is

necessary to remove the entrenchedprovisionsinthe consti

as replacing the British Monarchy

According to Fuller, the government was “making

n transforming the country’s legal and constitutional

landscape, guided by a vision of self-determination andmodernisation”. Hepointedtothetabling of the report of the Constitutional Reform Committee in Parliament as well as the Constitution (Amendment) (Republic) Bill, 2024, which is now

being reviewed by the Joint Select Committee of both housesofParliament.

“This is the most advancedsteptakentowards achieving the national goal of replacing the Monarch as Head of State and establishing Jamaica as a republic. The stage was set

with the prior enactment of t h e C o n s t i t u t i o n (Amendment of Section 61) A c t , 2 0 2 4 , w h i c h modernised the words of enactment by replacing references to the Monarch with references to the Parliamentandthepeopleof Jamaica, where appropriate, as a critical move toward patriating our Constitution,” saidFuller

He said that in the 2025/2026 legislative year, the remaining steps will be taken to pass the Constitution Amendment Bill and then have it approvedbythepeople(via areferendum)

Fuller said the reform work will continue into the next phases, with a sharp focus on Chapters III and VII of the Constitution (the Charter of Fundamental Rights and Freedoms and t h e J u d i c a t u r e , respectively) “The people of Jamaica will also be provided the opportunity to have their say on the matter ofJamaica’sfinalcourt,”he said

Meanwhile, Fuller said work was far advanced to revisetheLawRevisionAct to establish a new framework for revising and publishing the country’s laws in digitised form, amongotherthings.

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Govt. wary of migrant crisis threats...

From page 8 technology and strategic partnership to disrupt and assist in deterring transnational criminal operations,” he said. Such operations the President stressed must never see Guyana as a welcoming home and should be disrupted at every opportunity so that this is understood. “That is important to deal proactively in addressing these challenges, collaboration with our regional friends and allies are essential. Transnational crime is a shared problem that demands a collective solution by working closely with organizations such as CARICOM, the Regional Security System and interna-

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tional partners. The GDF can advance its capacity to monitor borders, intercept illicit shipments and prosecute those involved in criminal activities, and we are investing in the assets to allow us to do this,” he said. Further the strengthening of regional cooperation will not only benefit Guyana but it will also contribute to the prosperity and stability of the Caribbean at large.

Solutions

In offering solutions to the migrant crisis, WaltonDesir had suggested that the refugees and migrants must only be granted temporary status, until they can return to their homelands, with a clear and explicit prohibition against voting rights. “Guyanese citizenship must remain a privilege, not a pathway to manipulation or longterm instability. You travel the length and breadth of this country and the people of Guyana will tell you their deep concern at the abysmal han-

dling of the migrant crisis here and the lack of government policy to address this burning issue but this is the PPP/ C –Postponing Practical Policy Continuously and Placing Politics over People’s Concerns,” added WaltonDesir.

Further emphasising on the need for a migration policy, the MP said that such a policy is essential for protecting local opportunities, preserving cultural identity, and ensuring sustainable growth. “We in the Parliamentary opposition have been unequivocal in our call. We are on record making a number of recommendations to the PPP/C government including the full mobilization of our diplomatic apparatus to secure continued international support, emphasising the justness of our cause and the rightness of our claim,” she explained. Walton-Desir pointed out that the Opposition side of the house had called for the establishment of

a Border Security Commission and the establishment of a Foreign Relations Council.

“Mr. Speaker Our calls, including for the convening of regular meetings of the Foreign Relations Sectoral Committee of this National Assembly, continue to fall on deaf ears…We are reiterating them,” the MP said.

Remain vigilant

Meanwhile, President Ali said the GDF must remain vigilant in protecting “our borders and our people, ensuring that Guyana remains a safe and secure nation in the face of evolving transnational threats.”

The President cautioned that in light of the border controversy which resulted from Venezuela’s territorial claim, the country “remains a serious and persistent threat to our nation’s sovereignty and territorial integrity, despite the matter being rightfully before the International Court of Justice.”

Yet Guyana continues to

be faced with, “acts of provocation and aggressive rhetoric from Venezuela. These actions not only undermine the principles of international law and peaceful coexistence, but also create an atmosphere of uncertainty and tension in the face of such fostering Guyana must remain resolute in defending its sovereignty while continuing to pursue a peaceful resolution through the ICG.” Furthermore, he urged the GDF that vigilance must be maintained so that they can respond to any escalation which is seen as a threat to national security. In this regard Guyana will “continue our strong work in military diplomacy, building partnership, expanding relationship, especially with our allies.

The Guyana Defense Force plays a critical role in safeguarding our borders and s from any potential aggression, and at this point, I want to pause and for us to recognise with our.”

Govt. still reviewing pay hike pact for GPL workers...

From page 13 to General Secretary of the NAACIE Dawchan Naggasar, protests resumed on Thursday due to GPL management’s failure to follow through on its commitment to contact the union by Thursday morning with an update on the salary increase.

Team Leader of the Management Committee, of GPL, Kesh Nandlall, told Kaieteur News on Thursday afternoon that the Finance Minister is currently reviewing the agreement. “We have to get the approval from the Minster of Public Service, the Honourable Minister of Finance and Public Service, and he is in the process of reviewing and then once he approves it we will implement but it is going to be done soon,” Nandlall said.

That’s the problem, its three weeks now and he has this document and he can’t done it yet,” Naggasar said. Further, when asked if a protest will continue despite minister’s current review of the agreement, he responded stating, “If we don’t have a word by tomorrow ( Friday) we will protest.”

a definite answer as yet, so the protest continues today (Thursday),” Naggasar stated.

Later, Naggasar told this publication that he reached out to Deputy Chief Executive Officer Renford Homer for an update. “ I spoke with the management around midday and they told me that they are still waiting on the Finance Minister to give an approval to set a date.”

of 10% for 2024 and 8% for 2025 with additional increases/movements in salary scales which will bring the total average increases on salary to 26% and increases in other benefits.

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However, Naggasar, voiced frustration over the delay, noting that the Finance Minister has had the agreement for three weeks. He told Kaieteur News, “Whenever the minister approves then we have to sign it off and then it could be implemented. So we are asking, when are we signing off the agreement? When is he going to finish checking couple clauses?

The protests began on Wednesday when GPL workers took to the streets after management failed to provide any answers regarding the delay in the approval of the salary increase. The initial protest, led by Naggasar, took place at GPL’s Sophia, Georgetown branch. The protest, which was set to continue to the GPL headquarters on Main Street, Georgetown, was put on hold after GPL management contacted Naggasar, assuring the union they would provide an update on the agreement by Thursday morning.

However, as of Thursday midday, Naggasar informed Kaieteur News that no communication had been made with him or any other union members. As a result, workers resumed their protest despite the rainy weather. “GPL management has not given us

The protests continued at the Sophia Branch and the GPL commercial office in Corriverton, Berbice.

The issue dates back to June 28, 2024, when NAACIE submitted a proposal to GPL for increases in wages and salary and other benefits. The first meeting took place on September 27, 2024. “GPL inform the negotiation team that in terms of across-the-board increases, they will have to wait for the pronouncement of the Stakeholder, and we continued to discuss the other benefits.” NACCIE said in a statement last year.

On December 10, 2024, President Irfaan Ali announced an agreement between the government and the Public Service Union for an across-the-board increase

NAACIE clarified that their agreement with GPL includes three parts: (a) a 3% annual automatic scale increment paid every January, (b) an annual performance incentive (a one-time payment), and (c) an across-the-board increase. However, workers were dismayed by GPL’s initial offer of 7% increase, which they rejected. They argued that the 3% automatic increment is an in-scale increase, and not all employees qualify for it. Additionally, the performance incentive does not add to their salaries, leaving workers dissatisfied with the company’s response. The union demanded the 10% across-the-board increase that was agreed upon by the stakeholders, but GPL refused. However, the union met again with the company in January and agreed to the 7% increase. The workers are now awaiting Minister Singh to see the proposal agreement then give GPL the go ahead to sign.

Guyana’s military strength to be built on technology and AI – Pres. Ali

Commander-in-

Chief President Irfaan Ali on Thursdaysaidthatthefuture of the nation’s military will be driven by innovation and cutting-edge technologies, including Artificial Intelligence(AI)tonavigate the complexities of the globalenvironmentinwhich themilitaryoperates.

Addressing the Guyana Defence Force (GDF) officers’ conference under the theme, ‘Transforming the force to better confront the nation’s present and future challenges by enhancing its awareness, adaptability, and agility capabilities,’ Ali outlined a future-orientedvisionforthe armedforces.

He highlighted that military readiness and responsemustmovebeyond traditional human capital and physical assets to i n c l u d e a d a p t i v e , technological strategies drivenbyAIandinnovation.

“Today in this environment of complexity, military

nimbleness, military diplomacy, innovation and technology are the cornerstone in the response

agenda, and we are investing...,” the President toldtheofficersgathered.

H e a d d e d , “ w e

understandthis,thefutureof military strength and military nimbleness, military awareness, military response will be built on technology and AI, strength willnotonlybeevaluatedon human capital, and human assets and fixed physical assets but is our ability to now transform our strategy to incorporate, where the futureisgoing.”

The Commander-inChief underscored that the integration of AI into the GDF would be crucial in enhancing both operational efficiency and tactical adaptability

I n a d d i t i o n t o t e c h n o l o g i c a l advancements,PresidentAli touched on the shifting

geopolitical landscape, highlighting the renewed focusoftheUnitedStateson securing borders in the WesternHemisphere.

Hestressedthegrowing i

uenc

ant movements, which are in

easingly tied to economicopportunities,and the need to carefully consider the opportunities and challenges these dynamics present for Guyana’snationalsecurity

“This pose significant challenges, because migrants’ movement will take different shape, form anddestinationandasIsaid, migrant moving is linked to economic opportunities and prosperity, and when you examine the headlines

A61-year-old contractor was on Thursday placedon$30,000bailwhen heappearedattheVigilance Magistrates’Courttoanswer an assault and causing bodilyharmcharge.

AleemBakshfromGood Hope, East Cost Demerara (ECD) was charged after assaulting his neighbor Sheik Haniff on February 4, 2025 at the said address. Baksh pleaded guilty with explanation after the charge was read to him by Senior MagistrateSunilScarce. The contractor told the

court that his neighbor is a menace to him, his family and the community as a whole.“Hedoescussmeout every other day and everydaythemdoessitdown andsmokecocaine.”

He said that Haniff allegedly threw a bicycle at his daughter-in-law and in herdefense,afightoccurred withthevictim.

The prosecution stated that around 08:00h Baksh and Haniff had an argument at Good Hope, ECD public road. Later that day, Haniff was on his way to the supermarket when Baksh

approachedhimwithaspade and began hitting him about hisbodyandhead.

He fell into a drain and his family rushed to his rescue and removed him fromthedrain.

A police report was subsequently made, after whichmedicalattentionwas sought.

Magistrate Scarce after hearing the facts, changed Baksh plea to not guilty He was also placed on $30,000 bailaswellasapeacebound. Failure to comply with the peace bond will result in Baksh’simprisonment.

within the region inwhichweresidewhereare those opportunities?” Ali said.

TheHeadofStatefurther related, that members of the GDF,standreadytofulfilits constitutional duty to support civilians’ law enforcement in maintaining peaceandorder

Hesaid,“Electionsarea fundamental pillar of democracy and we must ensure that the process unfoldstheenvironmentfree from intimidation, violence ordisruption.

It did not go without notice, some comments made recently by some political leaders in this regard. While we do not anticipateunrestoranything

contrary to the rule of law, we must remain vigilant against any attempts to unsettleinternalorder.”

Ali noted that the GDF will be on standby to take any necessary action if needed during the elections period to uphold stability andtoprotectthedemocratic process.

“Let me be clear, we (government) are not asking anyone to take a patrician stand, we ask every day for the member of the joint services to take professional and national stand, every member of the force has the right to vote according to the dictates of their conscience and as long I am Commander-in-Chief, the

right will be respected, the professionalism of the military will be always upheld.”

Meanwhile, Chief of Defence Staff Brigadier Omar Khan echoed the President’s remarks, stressing that the lessons learned from 2024’s challenges and successes will inform the GDF’s strategic direction for 2025andbeyond He reassured the President that the GDF remains committed to vigilance and readiness to defendthenationagainstany potentialthreats.

He said, the men and women in uniform of the GuyanaDefenceForcemust remainvigilant.

A23-year-olduniversity student was on Thursday placed on $30,000 bail when she appeared at the Vigilance Magistrates’ Court to answer to assault, causing bodily harm and damageofpropertycharges.

Attia King of Lot 1087 Bachelor’s Adventure, East CoastDemerara(ECD)was chargedwithassaultingand damaging property

belonging to her step father RayonJoseph.

The two offences were committed on January 17, 2025 at Bachelor’s Adventure, ECD. King pleadednotguiltyafterboth charges were read to her by Senior Magistrate Sunil Scarce.

King is accused of maliciously damaging two cartiresworth$36,000. M

placed the student on selfbail for the damage of p

$30,000 bail for the assault and casing actual bodily harm.

Shewasalsoplacedona peace bond to keep the peace between her and Joseph.Kingisscheduledto returntocourtonMarch18, 2025fortrial.

Commander-in-Chief President Irfaan Ali (screenshot from Office of the President page)

Chief of Defence Staff Brigadier Omar Khan (screenshot from Office of the President page) (screenshot page)

Russia rejoices at Trump-Putin call as Zelenskyy rejects talks without Ukraine present

Russian officials and state media took a triumphant tone Thursday after President Donald Trumpjettisonedthreeyears of U S policy and announced he would likely meet soon with Russian President Vladimir Putin to negotiate a peace deal in the almost three-year war in Ukrainewar

Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy, meanwhile, said he would not accept any negotiations about Ukraine that do not include his country in the t a l k s E u r o p e a n governmentsalsodemanded aseatatthetable.

President Donald Trump listens was Robert F Kennedy Jr., speaks after beingsworninasHealthand HumanServicesSecretaryin theOvalOfficeattheWhite House, Thursday, Feb. 13, 2025, in Washington (Photo/AlexBrandon)

President Donald Trump listens was Robert F Kennedy Jr., speaks after beingsworninasHealthand HumanServicesSecretaryin theOvalOfficeattheWhite House, Thursday, Feb. 13, 2025, in Washington (Photo/AlexBrandon)

Russian President Vladimir Putin holds a video conference meeting with Bryansk Region Governor Alexander Bogomaz at the Novo-Ogaryovo state residence outside Moscow Russia, Thursday, Feb. 13, 2025. (Gavriil Grigorov, Sputnik, Kremlin Pool Photo via AP)

Volodymyr Zelenskyy, president of Ukraine speaks to the press during a media briefing on the territory of Khmelnytskyi Nuclear Power Plant, Ukraine, Thursday, Feb. 13, 2025. (AP Photo/Alex Babenko)

wateronhisupbeatoutlook.

“Just as Putin has no intention of stopping hostilities even during potential talks, we must maintain Western unity and increase support to Ukraine, and political and economic pressure on Russia,” Estonian Foreign Minister Margus Tsahkna said.“Ouractionsmustshow that we are not changing course.”

German Chancellor Olaf Scholz said it was right for TrumptospeaktoPutin,and Scholz noted that he had done so himself as recently as November He said “a dictatedpeace”wouldnever winEuropeansupport

Putinhasbeenostracized by the West since Russia’s February 2022 invasion of itsneighbor,andin2023the InternationalCriminalCourt issued an arrest warrant for the Russian leader alleging warcrimes.

Trump’s announcement created a major diplomatic upheaval that could herald a watershed moment for UkraineandEurope. RussiarejoicesatPutin’s spotlightrole Russian officials and state-backed media sounded t r i u m p h a n t a f t e r Wednesday’s call between

Trump’s change of tack seemed to identify Putin as the only player that matters in ending the fighting and looked set to sideline Zelenskyy, as well as European governments, in any peace talks The Ukrainian leader recently described that prospect as “verydangerous.”

Trump and Putin that lasted morethananhour Kremlin spokesman Dmitry Peskov said Thursday that the “position of the current (U S ) administrationismuchmore appealing.”

The deputy chair of Russia’s National Security Council, Dmitry Medvedev, said in an online statement: “The presidents of Russia and the U.S. have talked at last.Thisisveryimportantin andofitself.

Senior lawmaker Alexei Pushkov said the call “will go down in the history of world politics and diplomacy.” “I am sure that in Kyiv, Brussels, Paris and

London they are now reading Trump’s lengthy s t a t e m e n t o n h i s conversationwithPutinwith horror and cannot believe their eyes,” Pushkov wrote onhismessagingapp.

Russian state news agency RIA Novosti said in an opinion column: “The U.S. finally hurt Zelenskyy for real,” adding thatTrump had found “common ground”withPutin.

“This means that the formula ‘nothing about UkrainewithoutUkraine’— a sacred cow for Zelenskyy, the European Union and the previousU.S.administration

no longer exists. Moreover, the opinion of Kyiv and Brussels (the European Union) is of no interest to Trump at all,” it added.

Zelenskyy won’t accept talkswithoutUkraine

In his first comments to journalistssinceTrumpheld individual calls first with Putin and then Zelenskyy, the Ukrainian leader conceded that it was “not very pleasant” that the American president spoke firsttoPutin.Buthesaidthe mainissuewasto“notallow everything to go according toPutin’splan.”

“We cannot accept it, as an independent country, any agreements (made) without us,” Zelenskyy said as he visitedanuclearpowerplant inwesternUkraine.

During the conversation with Trump on Wednesday, Zelenskyy said, the U.S. presidenttoldhimhewanted to speak to both the Russian and Ukrainian leaders at the sametime.

“Henevermentionedina conversation that Putin and Russia was a priority We,

today,trustthesewords.For us it is very important to preserve the support of the United States of America,” Zelenskyysaid.

Alarm bells ring in EuropeandNATO Trump appears ready to make a deal over the heads of Ukraine and Europeangovernments He also effectively dashed Ukraine’s hopes of becoming part of NATO, which the alliance said less than a year ago was an “irreversible” step, or getting back the partsofitsterritorycaptured sofarbytheRussianarmy.

Russia currently occupies close to 20% of the country. The U S a d m i n i s t r a t i o n ’ s approach to a potential settlement is notably close to Moscow’s vision ofhowthewarshouldend.

That has caused alarm and tension within the 32nation NATO alliance and 27-nation European Union

S o m e E u r o p e a n governments that fear their countries could also be in the Kremlin’s crosshairs were alarmed by Washington’s new course, saying they must bepartofnegotiations.

“Ukraine, Europe and the United States should work on this together. TOGETHER,” Poland’s Prime Minister Donald TuskwroteWednesdayon socialmedia

EU foreign affairs chief Kaja Kallas said: “It is clear that any deal behind our backs will not work. You need the Europeans. You needtheUkrainians.”

OthersbalkedatTrump’s overtures and poured cold

“We also will not accept any solution that leads to a decouplingofAmericanand European security,” Scholz said “Only one person would benefit from that: PresidentPutin.”

AsoldierfromUkraine’s 53rd Brigade fighting in the eastern Donetsk region said itwasnormalforTrumpand Putintospeaktoeachother

“Ifdialogueisonewayto influence the situation, then let them talk — but let it be meaningfulenoughforusto feel the results of those talks,” the soldier said, insisting on anonymity due to security risks for her family in occupied Ukrainianterritory

But she was skeptical aboutthenegotiations,given the incompatible demands tabled in the past by Russia andUkraine.

“The conditions are unacceptable for everyone. What we propose doesn’t workforthem,andwhatthey propose is unacceptable for us,”shesaid.

“That’s why I, like probably every soldier here, believe this can only be resolvedbyforce.”

A Ukrainian army officer, who said he’s in touch with more than 40 brigades, said the troops he regularly speaks with don’t want a peace deal at any price even as they are desperate for more Western militaryaid.

“The stock we currently have, in terms of ammunition, is enough to last two or three weeks, maybeamonth,”hetoldThe AssociatedPress,askingthat hisnamenotbeusedbecause he wasn’t authorized to speaktothemedia.

“We definitely cannot deal with it on our own,” he added

DDLtospend$730Mtoexpandrumstorage

Demerara Distillers Limited has announced plans to upgrade its rum storage capacitywiththeconstructionofanew$730 million barrel aging warehouse at its Plantation Diamond, East Bank Demerara facility

DDLinastatementonThursday,saidthat thenewwarehousecalledWarehouseN,will be designed to accommodate 30,000 barrels ofrum,bringingthecompany’stotalcapacity ofrumstorageto130,000barrels.“Designed to accommodate 30,000 barrels, the new warehouse brings DDL’s total aging and storage capacity to 130,000 barrels. This

expansion supports the company’s ability to meet rising international demand for aged Demerara Rums while preserving the signaturequalityandrichflavoursthatdefine DemeraraRums,”thecompanystated.

DDL emphasized that this $730 million for a new warehouse is an investment in the company’s future growth. In a recent meeting with the Board of Directors, Chairman of DDL, Komal Samaroo, highlighted the importance of the new warehouse. “As the demand for premium agedrumscontinuestogrow,thisnewfacility ensures that we can continue to deliver our

award-winning rums while upholding the rich heritage and craft that have made Demerara Rums a household name for rum connoisseurs globally The warehouse representsanothermilestoneinourjourneyto solidify Guyana’s position as a leader in the agedrumindustry,”hesaid.

Thestatementcontinued,“Withincreased storagecapacityandimprovedefficiency,the newfacilitywillsupportthelong-termaging process, ensuring that every bottle of Demerara rum delivers the rich, signature flavoursthatrumenthusiastsworldwidehave cometolove.”

beenapioneerin the aged rum category, having launched El Dorado 15-Year-Old rum in 1992. A critical part of its operation involves aging rums in oak barrelsforperiodsrangingfromoneyeartoas long as 50 years. In addition to El Dorado, DDL is also known for producing the El Dorado Range of rums, Diamond Reserve Rums,andIvanoffVodka.

One Guyana Mashramani Softball Cup set for Sunday February 16th at Bath Sports Club

TDevelopers and R.S. Sports have teamed up with the Bath Settlement Sports Club of West Coast Berbice to stage the inaugural One Guyana MashramaniSoftballCup. The activity will be held on Sunday 16th February

2025attheBathCommunity Centre Ground, beginning from 09:00 hrs The event which is part of Guyana’s 55th Republic Anniversary celebrations is open to both maleandfemaleteams Teamsareexpectedfrom regions 3, 4, 5, and 6 Over $500,000incashtrophiesand other incentives are up for

grabsandanexcitingdayof action is anticipated Outstanding individual playersineachmatchwillbe given a trophy and other incentives.

This includes the player with the best bowling figures in an innings, the batsman with the highest score in an inning, the

player of the final and the most valuable player A number of entities have thrown their support behind the tournament including RevisionOptical,CozyPub, Furniture Pro, G & J

S Chattergoon65SportsStore amongothers.

Severalmaleandfemale teams from regions 3, 4, 5, and 6 have already signaled their participation There willbelotsofsideattractions such as snatch-de-bottle,

Friday February 14, 2025

ARIES(Mar.21–Apr.19)

Overall,theforecastfortoday is fairly good. The aspects seemtofavorfiguringoutthe meaning of all that's transpired over the past several weeks It's an opportunity for you to take a leisurely

TAURUS(Apr.20–May20)

Have you felt somewhat lost forthepastfewdays?Thefog maylifttodayandenableyou to situate yourself at last. You'reprobablyeagertosettle a question that has nagged at you and interfered with your judgment.

GEMINI(May21–June20)

You may have been feeling somewhat disillusioned. Perhapsyoulostsightofyour goals or misplaced your faith in yourself. You'll feel some reliefbeginningtoday

CANCER(June21–July22)

Youmightbetemptedtosettle certain matters by radical means. The visionary part of you means you're painfully aware of the world's wrongs. You see no reason not to take actiontocorrectthem.

LEO(July23–Aug.22)

Today will be fairly calm in terms of outside events, but yourinnerworldislikelytobe in a rush of activity Today you wish you could find the solutiontoyourheartachesas well as your career predicaments.

VIRGO(Aug.23–Sept.22)

You have a lot of thinking to do about your professional goals, Virgo. You'll go over the elements to see if there isn't some way to approach thingsdifferently

LIBRA(Sept.23–Oct.22)

Youjustcan'tdoeverythingat once, Libra. How do you expect to reduce your stress and recuperate while at the same time continue to be a superstar performer in every areaofyourlife.

SCORPIO(Oct.23–Nov 21)

Thisisagoodmomenttoadapt your logic and reason to reality, Scorpio. If you don't, you're going to run into some

Everyone knows that you find newideasplentiful.

SAGIT(Nov 22–Dec.21)

It'sgoingtobealittledifficult t

u

y, Sagittarius. You, who can be easily influenced by others, will be listening to and criticizing everything that peoplesay

CAPRI(Dec.22–Jan.19)

Haveyoubeenreviewingyour

y

tely, Capricorn? Of special interest is your cultural background. What educational, social, and religious environment were you born into? What are its values?Intheend.

AQUARIUS (Jan. 20–Feb. 18) It's time to elevate your senseofself,Aquarius.You're justasgoodasanyoneelse,so why don't you believe it? The problem is that you're very sensitiveabouthavinganego. Even though you know everyonedoes.

PISCES(Feb.19–Mar.20)

Today your intellectual and expressive abilities should receive a boost from the planets.It'sanexcellenttimeto organize your thoughts about presentingaproject.

sack race, 100m sprint, tugO-war,dancingcompetition, and more. A well-stocked drinksandfoodbarincluding bar-b-que will be on sale

Music will be supplied by Crown Vibes International Admission into the venue is free According to the organizers all funds raised at the activity will go towards

the upliftment of the Bath SportsClub

Interestedteamscanstill make contact with members of the Bath Sports Club or the captain on telephone number 626-1869 or 6572022.

Registration is expected tobeclosedtoday (Samuel Whyte)

‘I’m not going anywhere’ - Khelif on legal action

BBC Sport - Olympic boxing champion Imane Khelif says she’s “not going anywhere” after legal action was launched against the International Olympic

Committee (IOC) for allowinghertocompete.

On Monday, the

a

B

x

ng Association(IBA)saidithad filed a complaint with the

Swiss Attorney General citing safety concerns over gendereligibility Khelif,whocompetedat the Tokyo 2020 Olympics and who is also a World

Imane Khelif won Olympic gold in the women’s welterweight category in Paris. (Getty Images)

Championship silver medallist, has always insistedsheiseligibleforthe women’scompetition.

In a rare statement on socialmedia,Khelifsaidthe IBA had “again made baselessaccusationsthatare falseandoffensive”.

“For two years, I have takenthehighroadwhilemy name and image have been used, unauthorised, to furtherpersonalandpolitical agendas through the spreadinganddissemination of baseless lies and misinformation,”sheadded.

“Butsilenceisnolonger anoption.

“I am not going anywhere. I will fight in the ring,Iwillfightinthecourts and I will fight in the public eye until the truth is

undeniable.”

The Algerian, 25, won women’s welterweight gold in Paris at the Paris Olympics,ayearafterbeing disqualified from the World Championships for reportedly failing gender eligibilitytests.

Thetestswereconducted bytheRussian-ledIBA,who were later stripped of their worldgoverningbodystatus bytheIOCoverintegrityand governanceissues.

At the time the IBAsaid Khelif “failed to meet the eligibility criteria for participating in women’s competition”.

The IOC questioned the legitimacyandcredibilityof the IBA’s tests, saying they couldnotbereliedupon.

TheIOCwasresponsible

for running the boxing competition at the Paris Olympics.

Khelif and Taiwan’s Lin Yu-ting, who was also banned by the IBA, were both cleared to compete at theOlympicsbytheIOC.

The pair’s gold medals overshadowed boxing at Paris and attracted scrutiny and criticism from around theworld.

Khelifsaidherteamwas now reviewing the situation and would take legal action toprotectherrights.

TheIOChassaidtheIBA statement was “just another example of the IBA’s campaignagainsttheIOC”. Switzerland’s Attorney General’sofficeconfirmedit had received the IBA’s complaint.

El Salvador defeat St Lucia 2-0 to keep U17...

Frompage31 well-organizeddefence.

ElSalvadordoubledtheirleadinthe52nd minute when Kerin Torres capitalized on a well-placed pass from Steven Espinoza, finishing calmly into the bottom left corner St Lucia responded with increased urgency, but a series of missed attempts from Dervaj EdwardandThierryMorillepreventedthem fromgettingonthescoresheet.

Late in the match, El Salvador saw attempts from Jefferson Perla and Brandon Ramirez miss the target, while St Lucia’s last opportunity came from

Dervaj Edward, whose powerful strike from outside the box soared over the crossbar

The game ended 2-0, solidifying El Salvador’spositioninthegroupstandings.

Despite the loss, St Lucia showed resilience and determination, but it was El Salvador’s clinical finishing and strong defence that secured them the crucial three points.

WiththedecisivematchagainstJamaica approaching, all eyes will be on the top two teamsastheyvieforaspotintheU17World CupinQatar

SportsMaax - A highlevel probe into the missing USD$12 million investment of Jamaican sprint legend

Usain Bolt at Stocks and SecuritiesLimited(SSL)has revealed that a significant portion of his funds never made it into his account at the brokerage firm

According to a report from Nationwide News Network, international forensic investigators,includingUKbasedKrollAssociates,have uncovered that Bolt’s principal investment was stolenbeforeiteverreached hisSSLaccount.

The revelation adds a new layer of complexity to the already grim outlook for Bolt’schancesofrecovering his money According to NNN, sources indicate that Bolt’s management team was deceived with fake invoices and account updates sent by Jean-Ann Panton, the former SSL employee now facing multiple fraud charges

These falsified documents

Probe Reveals Usain Bolt’s Missing Millions Never Reached SSL Account – Report

expected to provide key evidence in assessing whether there is enough proof to prosecute other individuals connected to the massivefraud.

Jean-Ann Panton has already been charged and is before the court, having allegedly confessed to

led Bolt’s team to believe that his investment had not onlybeensecurelyplacedat SSLbutwasalsogrowingin valueovertime.

The NNN report said investigators have determined that the bulk of the money sent by Bolt for investment never actually reached an SSL account, raising serious concerns abouttheextentofthefraud and the potential for restitution.

This finding has cast major doubt over whether the sprint icon will ever see the return of the substantial sum he had been led to believewasaccumulating.

Meanwhile,theOfficeof the Director of Public Prosecutions (ODPP) is still a w a i t i n g f u r t h e r documentation from the Financial Investigations Division (FID) before making determinations on whether additional individuals from SSL will facecriminalcharges.

The documents are

SportsMax - El Salvadorsecuredavital2-0 victory over St Lucia in their Concacaf U17 World Cup qualifying match on WednesdaynightatEstadio La Pedrera in Guatemala. ThewinplacesElSalvador second in Group H, while Jamaica maintains the top spot due to their superior goal difference. With this result, Jamaica will qualify for the U17 World Cup in Qatarwitheitherawinora drawagainstElSalvadoron Saturday

El Salvador started the match with intensity and broke the deadlock in the 16th minute when Luis Tobar struck from outside the box, his right-footed

effort beating the St Lucia goalkeeper and finding the centre of the net The Salvadorans continued pressing, with Jefferson Perla and Andrew Reyes

n g k e y opportunities to extend the leadbeforehalftime. St Lucia struggled to createclear-cutchancesbut had their moments. In the 19

narrowlymissedthetopleft corner, and in the 25th minute, Kai Russell’s leftfootedstrikefrominsidethe box went just wide of the post However, the St Lucianattackwasunableto breakthroughElSalvador’s (Continuedonpage30)

orchestrating fraudulent activities involving multiple client accounts over several years In the wake of the scandal, Bolt revealed that he had dismissed a member of his management team who was responsible for overseeing his investments atSSL.

Speaking on the popular podcast‘TheFix’earlierthis week, Bolt expressed his growing frustration with the s

missing funds He firmly believes that the Jamaican Government can and should do more to facilitate the

return of his investment, emphasizingthatitholdsthe keytoaresolution.

With th

se latest revelations, Bolt’s battle to reclaim his fortune remains uncertain, as investigators continue to piece together the extent of the fraud and potentialavenuesforjustice.

Jamaican sprint legend Usain Bolt.

FA Cup to use semi-automated offsides for first time

BBC Sport - Semi-

automated offside technology will be used in English domestic football for the first time during the fifthroundoftheFACup.

On Thursday the Football Association, external announced that the technology will be used in thesevengamestakingplace atPremierLeaguestadiums.

The FA added that “following successful live operationintheEmiratesFA Cup, the Premier League will look to implement the systemlaterthisseason”.

Premier League clubs unanimously approved its useforthe2024-25seasonin April, with a planned introductiondateofOctober 2024, although that was delayed to allow for further testingofthetechnology

Uefa introduced semi-

automated offside technology in the Champions League at the

start of the 2022-2023 campaign.

The FA said: “Semi-

Automated Offside

Technology will provide more efficient placement of thevirtualoffsideline,based on optical player tracking, andproducevirtualgraphics to ensure an enhanced instadium and broadcast experienceforsupporters.

“The operation of Semi-

Automated Offside Technologydoesnotchange the accuracy of the decision making but enhances the speed and efficiency of the process.”

Video assistant referees [VAR] will also be active acrossalleightFACupfifthround ties, including the matchatChampionshipside Preston, with referees making in-stadium VAR announcements.

The fifth round is scheduled for the weekend ofSaturday,1March.

Semi-automated

technology

ShamarJoseph‘ShockedandHonoured’

byESPNCricinfoAwardsRecognition

SportsMax - Shamar Joseph, the rising fastbowling star from Guyana, tooktoInstagramtoexpress hisgratitudeandexcitement

after winning two prestigious honours at the ESPNCricinfo Awards for 2024. Joseph was awarded for Best Test Bowling Performance and Test Debutant of the Year, following his unforgettable 7 for 68 againstAustralia in BrisbaneinJanuary2024.

“ T h a n k y o u @espnCricinfo it is a shock and an honour,” Joseph wrote.

“LastyearIwasthinking about how to make a life to supportmyfamily

This year I am working to teach my two boys that life’s journey is about always building, creating new ambitions, and never settlingforwhereyouare.”

Joseph, who played a

key role in the West Indies’ famous win over Australia

e a r l y l a s t y e a r , acknowledged the support ofhiscoachesandpastWest Indian legends who have helped him along his journey

He also reflected on h o w s p e c i a l t h e experience in Australia was and his determination to return stronger for futureseries

“That month in Australia was a very specialtimeforoursquad, and my big wish for 2025 is to go back and take plentymorewickets

We have a series vs AustraliaintheCaribbean this July, and my aim is to performtoprovethatIcan come back to Australia

and give the fans entertainment

Aussiesstillmessageme everyday TheBBLisabig

goalfor2025—ifateamwill pickme,Iwilltakewickets.”

Joseph’s incredible performance in Australia won him many admirers, including fans at the Gabba and Adelaide Oval, something that has stayed withhim.

“Iwillalwaysbegrateful for those fans in Adelaide and Gabba who cheered me even (though) I am not Aussie I want to visit Adelaide or Queensland no matterwhat.”

The 24-year-old speedster, who also represents the Lucknow Super Giants in the IPL, relished the opportunity to be listed among some of cricket’s biggest names, including Ellyse Perry, Pat Cummins, and Jasprit Bumrah.

“GODFIRSTIrepresent Guyana, West Indies and Lucknow Super Giants, and

I am blessed to support my family and represent my country on the cricket field. It is amazing to have my namealongsideElysePerry, Bumrah, Cummins, and SophieDevineinthisESPN Awards.

To be included just makes me work harder See youintheIPL.”

Joseph’sremarkablerise from uncertainty about his future to one of the most exciting fast-bowling prospects in the game is an inspiringtale.

With his sights set on future series and tournaments, including a potential stint in the Big Bash League, fans can expect to see much more of his electrifying pace and m a t c h - w i n n i n g performancesintheyearsto come.

The winners

Men’s Test batting:

Ollie Pope 196 not out vs India

Men’s Test bowling: Shamar Joseph 7 for 68 vs Australia

Men’s ODI batting: Travis Head 154 not out vs England

Men’s ODI bowling: Jeffrey Vandersay 6 for 33 vs India

Men’s T20I batting: Rohit Sharma 92 vs Australia

Men’s T20I bowling: Jasprit Bumrah 2 for 18 vs SouthAfrica

Men’s T20 leagues batting: Josh Brown 140 vsAdelaide Strikers

Men’s T20 leagues bowling: Jasprit Bumrah

5 for 21 vs Royal

ChallengersBengaluru

Men’s captain: Pat Cummins

Men’s debutant:

Shamar Joseph W o m e n ’ s O D I

Athapaththu 195 not out vs SouthAfrica

Australia

W

batting: Anneke Bosch 74 not out vsAustralia

W

I bowling: Amelia Kerr 3 for 23 vs SouthAfrica

Women’s T20 league batting: Lizelle Lee 150 not out vs PerthScorchers

Women’s T20 leagues

bowling: Ellyse Perry 6 for 15 vs MumbaiIndians

Wo

Sophie Devine

Women’s debutant: GeorgiaVoll

A

ng: Aaron Jones 94 not out vs Canada Associate bowling: Saurabh Netravalkar 2 for 18 vs Pakistan

offside

has never been used in competitive English football. (Getty Images)

FitnessExpresshelpsto fuelGAPLFNovices/Juniors

ChampionshiponFeb.16

Withanumber ofnewfaces expected to grace the platform with their presence in a competitive setting on Sunday at Saint Stanislaus College Auditorium, longtime partner of powerlifting, Fitness Express has once again comeonboard.

Owner/Manager,Jamie McDonald yesterday presented to Guyana Amateur Powerlifting Federation Executive Member, Ms Kiana Benjamin his entity’s contribution for Sunday’s event which will commenceat09:00hrs.

Fitness Express which has been in existence for a decade and a half now serving the needs of sportsmen and women across all disciplines, have alwaysbeensupportingthe sport and will continue to doso,McDonaldposited.

”We here at Fitness Expresshavewitnessedthe development of this sport and no doubt, we feel vindicated that our partnership with you over these years have made a positive impact on the athletes.

We’ve seen how our athleteshavealsobeenable todominateattheregional andinternationallevelsand make this nation proud, so Fitness Express is proud and will always play our part as a responsible businessestablishment.”

In expressing the gratitude of the Federation to McDonald for their u n w a v e r i n g a n d

foundationalsupporttothe sportovertheyears,Kiana Benjamin said that there is no doubt that Fitness Express has contributed immensely towards the successofpowerliftingand reserves a special place in thesport.

”You have grown with this sport and you are deser

unflinching commitment to the sports continued upliftment.

We are truly grateful toyouMr McDonaldand Fitness Express for this level of confidence displayed in us and we wishyoueverycontinued success ”

B e n j a m i n a l s o assured McDonald that his entity’s investment would have contributed t o F r a n c e b a s e d powerlifter Dominic Tyrre

N

Commission 2023 runner-up Sportsman of the Year accolade, testamenttothecontinued growthofthesport.

She also reminded McDonald that Guyana has medaled at every World Championship it has attended in the past twoyears(fiveintotal)at the sub-junior, junior, seniorandmasterslevels, as well as two South A m e r i c a n Championships

This year will be another hectic year for the athleteswhowillbeaiming to maintain Guyana’s success at regional and internationallevels.

Brackenridge ready to lead Slingerz FC...

Frompage31 makingSlingerzFCthebest itcanbe,andwhenthetime comes, we will take care of the competition,” he stated confidently

Brackenridge is determinedtoleavealasting legacy at Slingerz FC, e m p h a s i z i n g h i s commitment to hard work andsuccess.

“I plan to hand back this jersey in a better place than

2025 CWI Regional 4-Day Championships Round 3… Day 2 abandoned due to rain, as teams pray for sunshine heading into 3rd

Rain for most of the day ensured that there was no play in the match at the Providence

Arain-stricken day two forced abandonment between the Guyana Harpy Eagles and the West Indies Academy(WIA)followinga mixed opening start to Round3atGuyanaNational Stadium,Providence.

Guyana elected to bat

after winning the toss; and werestuckon87-4after25.4 overs with Kevin Sinclair (8*) and vice-captain Kemol Savory (17*) being the two men tasked with resuming the assignment for their team.

WIA pacer Jediah

Blades,whoclaimed3-15by knocking off the likes of Matthew Nandu (1), Tevin Imlach (1) and Raymond Perez (29), will also have somefocusonhimselfwhen actionrestarts.

Although some attempts to salvage the venue looked at one point successful,

mothernatureintheendhad the final say, which reduced Providencetoawaterlogged state, leaving today’s penultimate day an importantoneforbothsides. Day three will also be watchful due to the weather withthefirstballsettobowl offfrom13:00h.

whenIreceivedit.I’llputin thework,dayinanddayout, to ensure that happens,” he added.

Adding to the club’s growing strength, Brackenridge will be joined this season by other highprofile acquisitions, including former Canadian U-20 international defender TeriqueMohammedandexGDF FC talisman Kelsey Benjamin.

Stadium.

‘Wehaveonemore’:

Reggae

Boyz

SportsMax - Though pleased with the young Reggae Boyz performance intheir10-1thrashingofthe Cayman Islands, assistant coach Carlton Simmonds stressed that the mission at the Concacaf Under-17 Men’squalifiersisn’toveras they still have one more game to win to complete theirobjective.

The Boyz, whose win was propelled by braces from Jaquan Brown (11th, 68th), Seymour Reid (40th, 44th), and Jahmarie Nolan (64th, 80th), as well as contributionsfromCadriano Marsh (25th), Zienodene McLean(37th),OwenJump (48th), and Orel Miller (73rd), made it two-fromtwoinGroupH,withonlyEl Salvador now standing in theirwayofanhistoricFIFA Under-17WorldCupberth.

Withthevictory,theysit atop the group with six

Assistant coach Simmonds quietly confident as young

close in on U-17

points, holding a slim goal advantage over El Salvador A draw in Saturday’s decisive clash would be enough to secure Jamaica’s third FIFA Under-17 World Cup appearance, adding to their 1999 and 2011 achievements.

“The first objectives weremet.Wecameintothis gamelookingforawin,and we achieved that. Our aim was also to put pressure on the team playing behind us, and we did by scoring more goals than they did However,concedingagainis a concern we’ll address thatinourdiscussions,butit wasajobverywelldone.

We are now just looking for excellence because only through excellence will we reach the World Cup,” Simmonds said shortly after thewininGuatemala.

With the showdown against El Salvador on

World Cup berth with Cayman Islands thrashing

Young Reggae Boyz beat the Cayman Islands 10-1 in their latest game.

Saturday set to be their

expressed confidence in his squad, and though a point wouldbegoodenoughtoget thejobdone,heinsistedthat they are targeting another win.

“Beforecominghere,we said we had three games to win.We’vewontwoalready, and we have one more. We knowElSalvadoristheteam in the group, and we saw them play on Monday, but I’m very confident with the teamthatwehave.Wemade anumberofchangesforthis (Cayman Islands) game and also managed this game where we had players on

yellow cards and we chose not to play them, which shows the depth we have in our squad,” Simmonds explained.

“So, we feel with us being 100% going into Saturday’sgame,Ifancyour chancesforawin.

So,thethoughtrightnow isgettingeverybodyhealthy We have two days off, one dayofrejuvenation,thenext one to get prepared. Gio [GiovanniTaylor]isfine;the guys who are on yellow cards are better off now becausewe’regoingintoone game and that’s our last game So, our goal is clear—threewinsfromthree games,”headded.

Brackenridge ready to lead Slingerz FC to Elite League title

ByRawleToney

Romaine Brackenridge at his first Slingerz FC training.

securing a spot back in the EliteLeague.

Last season, the team finished as runners-up, narrowlymissingoutonthe title to GDF FC despite an impressive unbeaten run

When asked about his thoughtsonhelpingSlingerz FC surpass their rivals, Brackenridge remained focused on the task at hand.

“My priority is this team. First,Iwanttofocuson

(Continuedonpage33)

Withwinningashisonly objective, Jamaican centrebackRomaineBrackenridge has arrived at Slingerz Football Club, ready to makehismarkintheGuyana Football Federation (GFF) Elite League. The 30-yearold defender is among the club’s key signings for the season as Slingerz FC aims to reclaim the Elite League title, currently held by the Guyana Defence Force (GDF)FC.

two Jamaica Premier League titles, one with Harbour View in 2022 and another with Portmore UnitedFCin2019.

In addition to domestic league glory, Brackenridge wasakeyplayerinPortmore United winning the 2019 CONCACAF Caribbean

Club Championship, solidifying his reputation as a formidable presence in defence.

“It’sablessingtobepart of the Slingerz FC family,” Brackenridge said on the side-linesofhisfirsttraining s e s s i o n w i t h t h e Vergenoegen-based club on Wednesday evening at the GFF National Training CentreinProvidence.

Brackenridge brings a wealthofexperience,having joined Slingerz FC from Harbour View Football Club,wherehespentthelast twoseasons.

During his tenure with the “Stars of the East,” he playedacrucialroleintheir defensive line, helping the team remain competitive in theJamaicaPremierLeague (JPL).

The versatile defender hasalreadytastedsuccessat the highest levels of Caribbeanfootball,winning

“I came here to win, not to participate With my talent, coming to this club, I’m here to win things and maketheclubbetterthanitis right now,” Brackenridge toldreporters.

Slingerz FC has long been regarded as one of Guyana’s premier football clubs. Since its inception in 2013,theclubhaswonevery major domestic tournament ithasentered.

In2016,SlingerzFCwas crowned the inaugural GFF Elite League champions

However, a fallout with the Guyana Football Federation forced the club to cease operations shortly after, temporarily halting its dominanceinlocalfootball.

Following its return to competitive football in 2022, Slingerz FC quickly re-established itself as a

Shamar Joseph took to Instagram to express his gratitude and excitement after winning two prestigious honours at the ESPNCricinfoAwards for 2024.

GAPLF’s Kiana Benjamin receives sponsorship from Fitness Express Manager, Jamie McDonald.

Welcome to the Club! Slingerz FC head coach, Jamaal Shabazz, welcoming Romaine Brackenridge to the club.

Brackenridgeready toleadSlingerzFC to

Welcome to the Club! Slingerz FC head coach, Jamaal Shabazz, welcoming Romaine Brackenridge to the club.